cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Differential Regulation of NMDA Receptor-Mediated Transmission by SK Channels Underlies Dorsal-Ventral Differences in Dynamics of Schaffer Collateral Synaptic Function.

Behavioral, physiological, and anatomical evidence indicates that the dorsal and ventral zones of the hippocampus have distinct roles in cognition. How the unique functions of these zones might depend on differences in synaptic and neuronal function arising from the strikingly different gene expression profiles exhibited by dorsal and ventral CA1 pyramidal cells is unclear. To begin to address this question, we investigated the mechanisms underlying differences in synaptic transmission and plasticity at dorsal and ventral Schaffer collateral (SC) synapses in the mouse hippocampus. We find that although basal synaptic transmission is similar, SC synapses in the dorsal and ventral hippocampus exhibit markedly different responses to theta-frequency patterns of stimulation. In contrast to dorsal hippocampus, theta-frequency stimulation fails to elicit postsynaptic complex-spike bursting and does not induce LTP at ventral SC synapses. Moreover, EPSP-spike coupling, a process that strongly influences information transfer at synapses, is weaker in ventral pyramidal cells. Our results indicate that all these differences in postsynaptic function are due to an enhanced activation of SK-type K+ channels that suppresses NMDA receptor (NMDAR)-dependent EPSP amplification at ventral SC synapses. Consistent with this, mRNA levels for the SK3 subunit of SK channels are significantly higher in ventral CA1 pyramidal cells. Together, our findings indicate that a dorsal-ventral difference in SK channel regulation of NMDAR activation has a profound effect on the transmission, processing and storage of information at SC synapses and thus likely contributes to the distinct roles of the dorsal and ventral hippocampus in different behaviors. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Differences in short- and long-term plasticity at Schaffer collateral (SC) synapses in the dorsal and ventral hippocampus likely contribute importantly to the distinct roles of these regions in cognition and behavior. Although dorsal and ventral CA1 pyramidal cells exhibit markedly different gene expression profiles, how these differences influence plasticity at SC synapses is unclear. Here we report that increased mRNA levels for the SK3 subunit of SK-type K+ channels in ventral pyramidal cells is associated with an enhanced activation of SK channels that strongly suppresses NMDAR activation at ventral SC synapses. This leads to striking differences in multiple aspects of synaptic transmission at dorsal and ventral SC synapses and underlies the reduced ability of ventral SC synapses to undergo LTP.
The Psychosocial Functioning of HIV+ and HIV¡ African American Recent Mothers

African American HIV+ and HIV− recent mothers were compared on levels of psychosocial functioning. Participants included 82 HIV+ and 122 HIV− women. HIV risk behaviors, stressors, coping resources, close relationships, coping responses, and psychological distress were examined. There were fewer statistically significant differences than expected, indicating that psychosocial functioning was relatively well preserved for the HIV+ women. There were no statistically significant differences in social support, close relationships or psychological distress. Statistically significant differences indicated that HIV− women perceived greater control over present health and sexual behaviors than HIV+ women, although HIV+ women used more sexual protection than did the HIV− women. HIV+ women also used avoidant as well as support coping more than their HIV− counterparts. These differences were also apparent in a discriminant function analysis, implying that they are independent of each other. Implications of the findings for future efforts to address HIV/AIDS in this community are discussed.
Restoration of pro-death function of BAX MSI mutation for selective chemotherapy in colorectal cancer cells.

e14707 Background: Microsatellite instability (MSI) is a common cause for a frameshift mutation in Bax the exon 3 microsatellite region leading to Bax-negative phenotype. However, we found that a u...
POPULATION OF TRANSFER STATES IN LIQUID SCINTILLATORS VIA A TEMPERATURE STUDY

Publisher Summary This chapter presents experimental results which appear to correlate internal conversion efficiency with a macroscopic parameter representing the intermolecular coupling strength. This has been established by investigating the temperature dependence of the solute fluorescence intensity of degassed organic liquid scintillator solutions from 20°–240°C. The temperature variation found for n e under high energy excitation therefore reflects that of n eo , the internal conversion efficiency. Relative values of n e at room temperature for six solutes in a common solvent (o-xylene) are found in the range 0.36–1.00. The intrinsic solute fluorescence efficiencies have been taken into account in determining these relative n e values. The values are normalized so that n e (20°C) for the o-xylene system is unity. The most efficient scintillator solutes are not only those with high intrinsic fluorescence efficiencies, but are also characterized by a large “trapping” efficiency with respect to the solvent. One is thus led to consider the parameter n e as a product of two factors, n e = n eo K. The parameter K is found to be temperature-invariant for all systems tested. The factor n eo (under UV solvent excitation) is assumed constant since the extinction coefficient, a related parameter, is not known to be temperature dependent. However, the major factor affecting internal conversion efficiency is the intermolecular coupling strength.
Heterogeneous QoS-Driven Resource Allocation over MIMO-OFDMA Based 5G Cognitive Radio Networks

With the explosive development of the next era for mobile wireless networks, there has been a lot of studies in the promising techniques for multimedia services - the statistical quality-of-service (QoS) technique, which has been proved to be effective in statistically guaranteeing delay-bounded video transmissions over the time-varying wireless channels. On the other hand, as the 5G-promising techniques, multiple input multiple output-orthogonal frequency-division multiple access (MIMO-OFDMA) based cognitive radio schemes are proposed to significantly improve the system capacity while mitigate the interference for future dynamic spectrum access networks. However, due to the heterogeneity caused by different links of simultaneous traffics over the wireless relay, supporting diverse delay-bounded QoS guarantees for MIMO-OFDMA based cognitive radio networks (CRNs) imposes many new challenges not encountered before. To effectively overcome the aforementioned problems, in this paper we propose the heterogeneous QoS- driven resource allocation scheme by applying the MIMO-OFDMA based relaying scheme over CRNs. In particular, under the Nakagami-m fading model, we establish the MIMO-OFDMA based system model. Then, given the heterogeneous statistical QoS constraints, we derive and analyze the effective capacity under our developed optimal power-allocation policies for the MIMO- OFDMA based CRNs. Also conducted is a set of simulations which show that our proposed scheme outperforms the other existing schemes in terms of effective capacity to efficiently implement the heterogeneous statistical QoS over MIMO-OFDMA based CRNs.
TNF, TNF inducers, and TNFR2 agonists: A new path to type 1 diabetes treatment

In the past decade, interest in the century-old tuberculosis vaccine, bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG), has been revived for potential new therapeutic uses in type 1 diabetes and other forms of autoimmunity. Diverse clinical trials are now proving the value of BCG in prevention and treatment of type 1 diabetes, in the treatment of new onset multiple sclerosis and other immune conditions. BCG contains the avirulent tuberculosis strain Mycobacterium bovis, a vaccine originally developed for tuberculosis prevention. BCG induces a host response that is driven in part by tumour necrosis factor (TNF). Induction of TNF through BCG vaccination or through selective agonism of TNF receptor 2 (TNFR2) has 2 desired cellular immune effects: (1) selective death of autoreactive T cells and (2) expansion of beneficial regulatory T cells (Tregs). In human clinical trials in both type 1 diabetes and multiple sclerosis, administration of the BCG vaccine to diseased adults has shown great promise. In a Phase I trial in advanced type 1 diabetes (mean duration of diabetes 15 years), 2 BCG vaccinations spaced 4 weeks apart selectively eliminated autoreactive T cells, induced beneficial Tregs, and allowed for a transient and small restoration of insulin production. The advancing global clinical trials using BCG combined with mechanistic data on BCGs induction of Tregs suggest value in this generic agent and possible immune reversal of the type 1 diabetic autoimmune process.
Atomic force microscopy investigations of fibronectin and α5β1-integrin signaling in neuroplasticity and seizure susceptibility in experimental epilepsy

Extracellular matrix protein-integrin interaction on neurons plays an important role in the development of neuroplasticity in the brain. However, the role of fibronectin-integrin signaling in epilepsy is elusive. Here, we examined the functional role of fibronectin-integrin signaling by utilizing a combination approach involving atomic force microscopy (AFM), immunocytochemistry, and pharmacology in epileptic mouse dentate gyrus granule cells (DGGCs). There was marked increase in the fibronectin receptor α5β1-integrin staining intensity in DGGCs in epileptic mice. In the AFM study, the unbinding force and binding probability between the fibronectin-coated AFM probe and the membrane integrins were significantly reduced; while the cell stiffness was strikingly increased in epileptic DGGCs. Pretreatment with α5β1-integrin monoclonal antibody partially reversed this membrane dysfunction. In patch-clamp recordings, fibronectin significantly inhibited GABA current, while RGD, which is known to disrupt fibronectin-integrin-dependent cell adhesive events, strikingly enhanced GABA tonic currents in DGGCs in hippocampal slices. The α5β1-integrin antibody significantly reduced 4-aminopyridine-induced epileptiform discharges in brain slices. In systemic behavioral studies, susceptibility to hippocampus kindling epileptogenesis was significantly attenuated in mice treated with RGD or β1-integrin antibody. These pilot studies provide new insights on the functional role of integrin receptor signaling in epileptogenesis and may help identify novel targets for the prevention and treatment of epilepsy.
High Rate of Return to Yoga for Athletes After Hip Arthroscopy for Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome.

Background:Femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) is most commonly diagnosed in patients who perform activities that require repetitive hip flexion and rotational loading. Yoga is an activity growing in popularity that involves these motions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate patients’ ability to return to yoga after hip arthroscopy for FAIS.Hypothesis:There would be a high rate of return to yoga after hip arthroscopy.Study Design:Retrospective analysis.Level of Evidence:Level 4.Methods:Consecutive patients with FAIS who had identified themselves as participating in yoga and had undergone hip arthroscopy for the treatment of FAIS between 2012 and 2015 were reviewed. Demographic data were collected and assessed for all patients, as well as preoperative physical examination, imaging, and patient-reported outcome (PRO) scores, including the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), Hip Outcome Score Activities of Daily Living (HOS-ADL) and Sports-Specific (HOS-SS) subscales, and visual analog scale (VA...
Examining structural changes in diabetic nephropathy using inter-nuclear distances in glomeruli: a comparison of variously automated methods

In diabetic nephropathy (DN), hyperglycemia drives a progressive thickening of and damage to the glomerular filtration surfaces, as well as mesangial expansion and a constriction of capillary lumens. This leads at first to high blood pressure, increased glomerular filtration and micro-proteinuria, and later (if untreated) to severe proteinuria and end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Though, it is well known that DN is accompanied by marked histopathological changes, the assessment of these structural changes is to a degree subjective and hence varies between pathologists. In this work, we make a first study of glomerular changes in DN from a graph-theoretical and distance-based standpoint, using minimal spanning trees (MSTs) and distance matrices to generate statistical distributions that can potentially provide a “fingerprint” of DN. We apply these tools to detect notable differences between normal and DN glomeruli in both human disease and in a streptozotocin-induced (STZ) mouse model. We also introduce an automated pipeline for rapidly generating MSTs and evaluating their properties with respect to DN, and make a first pass at three-dimensional MST structures. We envision these approaches may provide a better understanding not only of the processes underway in DN progression, but of key differences between actual human disease and current experimental models.
Safety Issues in the MR Environment

Although precise data are difficult to obtain, it is worthwhile to attempt to quantify the safety experience so far obtained with MRI. Using market research data it can be inferred that more than 100 000 000 diagnostic MR studies have been performed worldwide between the introduction of clinical MRI in the early 1980s and the end of 1996. The number of reported serious complications resulting from these studies is relatively small. A brief literature review finds reports of seven deaths attributed to MR scanning — one during examination for cerebral infarction (Gangarosa et al. 1987), one involving a ferromagnetic cerebral aneurysm clip (Klucznik et al. 1993; Kanal and Shellock 1993) and five related to inadvertent scanning of patients with cardiac pacemakers (Gimbel et al. 1996a). Anaphylactoid reactions to intravenous MR contrast agents have been estimated to occur in the range of 1:100 000 to 1:500 000 (Shellock and Kanal 1996).
The Future is Bright for Evolutionary Morphology and Biomechanics in the Era of Big Data

In recent years, the fields of evolutionary biomechanics and morphology have developed into a deeply quantitative and integrative science, resulting in a much richer understanding of how structural relationships shape macroevolutionary patterns. This issue highlights new research at the conceptual and experimental cutting edge, with a special focus on applying big data approaches to classic questions in form-function evolution. As this issue illustrates, new technologies and analytical tools are facilitating the integration of biomechanics, functional morphology, and phylogenetic comparative methods to catalyze a new, more integrative discipline. Although we are at the cusp of the big data generation of organismal biology, the field is nonetheless still data-limited. This data bottleneck is primarily due to the rate-limiting steps of digitizing specimens, recording and tracking organismal movements, and extracting patterns from massive datasets. Automation and machine-learning approaches hold great promise to help data generation keep pace with ideas. As a final and important note, almost all the research presented in this issue relied on specimens-totaling the tens of thousands-provided by museum collections. Without collection, curation, and conservation of museum specimens, the future of the field is much less bright.
Oxoglutarate dehydrogenase and acetyl-CoA acyltransferase 2 selectively associate with H2A.Z-occupied promoters and are required for histone modifications

Histone H2A.Z plays an essential role in regulating transcriptional rates and memory. Interestingly, H2A.Z-bound nucleosomes are located in both transcriptionally active and inactive promotors, with no clear understanding of the mechanisms via which it differentially regulates transcription. We hypothesized that its functions are mediated through recruitment of regulatory proteins to promoters. Using rapid chromatin immunoprecipitation-mass spectrometry, we uncovered the association of H2A.Z-bound chromatin with the metabolic enzymes, oxoglutarate dehydrogenase (OGDH) and acetyl-CoA acyltransferase 2 (ACAA2). Recombinant green florescence fusion proteins, combined with mutations of predicted nuclear localization signals, confirmed their nuclear localization and chromatin binding. Conclusively, chromatin immunoprecipitation-deep sequencing, confirmed the predominant association of OGDH and ACAA2 with H2A.Z-occupied transcription start sites and enhancers, the former of which we confirmed is conserved in both mouse and human tissue. Furthermore, H2A.Z-deficient human HAP1 cells exhibited reduced chromatin-bound metabolic enzymes, accompanied with reduced posttranslational histone modifications, including acetylation and succinylation. Specifically, knockdown of OGDH diminished H4 succinylation. Thus, the data reveal that select metabolic enzymes are assembled at active, H2A.Z-occupied, promoters, for potential site-directed production of metabolic intermediates that are required for histone modifications.
From Defense-Offense-Defense

China shocked the world when it launched the first of its five offensive campaigns south of the Yalu in October 1950. Between late November and mid-December, the CPVF’s second offensive pushed UNF to the 38th Parallel and recaptured Pyongyang. By early January 1951, the CPVF’s third offensive crossed the 38th Parallel into South Korea, captured Seoul, and pushed the UNF to the 37th Parallel. By the end of their fourth offensive campaign, nearly 950,000 Chinese troops were in Korea, including forty-two infantry divisions. Nevertheless, Chinese forces lost their fifth offensive campaign in May. Realizing China was incapable of ousting the UNF from the Korean Peninsula, Chinese leadership accepted a settlement without total victory, and truce negotiations began at Kaesong on July 10.
Orally consumed cannabinoids provide long-lasting relief of allodynia in a mouse model of chronic neuropathic pain

Chronic pain affects a significant percentage of the United States population, and available pain medications like opioids have drawbacks that make long-term use untenable. Cannabinoids show promise in the management of pain, but long-term treatment of pain with cannabinoids has been challenging to implement in preclinical models. We developed a voluntary, gelatin oral self-administration paradigm that allowed male and female mice to consume ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabidiol, or morphine ad libitum. Mice stably consumed these gelatins over 3 weeks, with detectable serum levels. Using a real-time gelatin measurement system, we observed that mice consumed gelatin throughout the light and dark cycles, with animals consuming less THC-gelatin than the other gelatin groups. Consumption of all three gelatins reduced measures of allodynia in a chronic, neuropathic sciatic nerve injury model, but tolerance to morphine developed after 1 week while THC or CBD reduced allodynia over three weeks. Hyperalgesia gradually developed after sciatic nerve injury, and by the last day of testing, THC significantly reduced hyperalgesia, with a trend effect of CBD, and no effect of morphine. Mouse vocalizations were recorded throughout the experiment, and mice showed a large increase in ultrasonic, broadband clicks after sciatic nerve injury, which was reversed by THC, CBD, and morphine. This study demonstrates that mice voluntarily consume both cannabinoids and opioids via gelatin, and that cannabinoids provide long-term relief of chronic pain states. In addition, ultrasonic clicks may objectively represent mouse pain status and could be integrated into future pain models.
Subscapularis Myotendinous Junction Tears Presenting with Posterior Shoulder Pain in Overhead Throwing Athletes

Objective . Acute inferior subscapularis myotendinous junction injuries are occasionally seen in overhead throwing athletes, and can present with posterior shoulder pain. Case Reports . Four professional baseball pitchers presented with acute onset of posterior shoulder pain while pitching. After thorough, routine physical examination of the shoulder by the referring orthopaedic surgeon magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed within 7-10 days of the onset of presenting symptoms and interpreted in consensus by 2 fellowshiptrained musculoskeletal radiologists with 9 and 5 years of experience and a musculoskeletal radiology fellow. The patients were then treated conservatively for subscapularis musculotendinous injuries and clinically assessed for symptom resolution before they were allowed to return to play. Conclusion . Inferior subscapularis myotendinous junction injuries should be included in the differential diagnosis of baseball pitchers with posterior shoulder pain.
Fusion Blankets and Fluoride-Salt-Cooled High-Temperature Reactors with Flibe Salt Coolant: Common Challenges, Tritium Control, and Opportunities for Synergistic Development Strategies Between Fission, Fusion, and Solar Salt Technologies

Recent developments in high-magnetic-field fusion systems have created large incentives to develop flibe (Li2BeF4) salt fusion blankets that have four functions: (1) convert the high energy of fusi...
The spatial footprint of hydrothermal scavenging on 230ThXS-derived mass accumulation rates

Abstract Mid-ocean ridges are valuable archives of sedimentary flux records used to investigate atmospheric, oceanographic, and solid Earth responses to climate variability. Constant flux proxies, such as extraterrestrial helium-3 (3HeET) and excess thorium-230 (230ThXS), constrain vertical mass accumulation rates independent of the biases associated with lateral sediment transport and age model resolution. However, thorium scavenging by hydrothermal particles can perturb local 230ThXS deposition and complicate its application as a constant flux proxy in near-ridge environments. We characterize the footprint of hydrothermal scavenging on sedimentary 230ThXS using coupled 3HeET-230ThXS analyses in cores from the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and the Juan de Fuca Ridge. Samples deposited >10 km from the Juan de Fuca Ridge indicate reliable off-axis behavior of both constant flux proxies. In contrast, samples deposited
A Streaming model for Generalized Rayleigh with extension to Minimum Noise Fraction

The Rayleigh quotient optimization is the maximization of a rational function, or a max-min problem, with simultaneous maximization of the numerator function and minimization of the denominator function. Here, we describe a low-rank, streaming solution for Rayleigh quotient optimization applicable for big-data scenarios where the data matrix is too large to be fully loaded into main memory. We apply this for a maximization of the Signal to Noise ratio of big-data, of very large static and dynamic data. Our implementation is shown to achieve faster processing time compared to a standard data read into memory. We demonstrate the trade-offs with synthetic and real data, on different scales to validate the approach in terms of accuracy, speed and storage.
A comparative trial of labetalol and hydralazine in the acute management of severe hypertension complicating pregnancy

Sixty peripartum patients with diastolic blood pressures (BP) 110 mmHg or higher were randomized in a 2:1 ratio to receive repeated intravenous injections of either labetalol (20-80 mg) or hydralazine (5 mg) until the diastolic BP was below 100 mmHg. There were four treatment failures in the labetalol group (N = 40) and none in the hydralazine group (N = 20). Hydralazine lowered mean arterial pressure (MAP) more than did labetalol (33.3 +/- 13.2 versus 25.5 +/- 11.2 mmHg; mean +/- SD), but labetalol had a more rapid effect. There was considerable interpatient variability in the dose of labetalol required to control BP, which could not be predicted by any clinical characteristic before therapy. The duration of action also varied in the labetalol group, with the shortest duration occurring in those patients who required the highest dosage for BP control. No significant fetal or neonatal problems ascribable to drug treatment were noted in the 13 instances in which labetalol was given before delivery. However, fetal distress occurred in two of the six cases involving antenatal hydralazine. We conclude that labetalol appears to be a safe and effective alternative to hydralazine for treating hypertension in the peripartum period, but serious rare side effects have not yet been quantified.
Violent crime, police presence and poor sleep in two low-income urban predominantly Black American neighbourhoods

Objective To examine violent crime in relation to sleep and explore pathways, including psychological distress, safety perceptions and perceived police presence, that may account for associations. Methods In 2018, 515 predominantly Black American (94%) adults (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA) provided survey data: actigraphy-assessed sleep duration and wakefulness after sleep onset (WASO). We estimated pathways from violent crime (2016–2018) to sleep through psychological distress, perceptions of safety and perceived adequacy of police presence. Results WASO was most strongly associated with violent crimes that were within 1/10 mile of the participant’s home and within the month preceding the interview. Violent crimes were associated with lower perceived safety (β=−0.13 (0.03), p Conclusions We demonstrated that more proximal and more recent violent crimes were associated with reduced perceived safety and worse WASO. Differential exposure to violent crime among Black Americans may contribute to health disparities by reducing residents’ perceived safety and sleep health.
Infrared spectroscopy probes ion binding geometries.

Abstract Infrared (IR) spectroscopy is a well-established technique for probing the structure, behavior, and surroundings of molecules in their native environments. Its characteristics—most specifically high structural sensitivity, ready applicability to aqueous samples, and broad availability—make it a valuable enzymological technique, particularly for the interrogation of ion binding sites. While IR spectroscopy of the “garden variety” (steady state at room temperature with wild-type proteins) is versatile and powerful in its own right, the combination of IR spectroscopy with specialized experimental schemes for leveraging ultrafast time resolution, protein labeling, and other enhancements further extends this utility. This book chapter provides the fundamental physical background and literature context essential for harnessing IR spectroscopy in the general context of enzymology with specific focus on interrogation of ion binding. Studies of lanthanide ions binding to calmodulin are highlighted as illustrative examples of this process. Appropriate sample preparation, data collection, and spectral interpretation are discussed from a detail-oriented and practical perspective with the goal of facilitating the reader's rapid progression from reading words in a book to collecting and analyzing their own data in the lab.
Understanding the surgical experience for Black and White patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): The importance of health literacy.

Abstract Background Racial/ethnic disparities in outcomes exist for patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) undergoing surgery. The underlying mechanism(s) remain unclear and patient perspectives are needed. We therefore aimed to characterize the surgical experience for Black and White IBD patients using qualitative methods. Methods Patients with IBD who had undergone surgery were recruited to same-race qualitative interviews. Semi-structured interviews explored barriers and facilitators to a positive or negative surgical experience. Transcripts were analyzed with NVivo 12 software. Results Six focus groups were conducted that included 10 Black and 17 White IBD participants. The mean age was 44.8 years (SD 13.2), 52% were male and 65% had Crohn's disease. Four themes emerged that most defined the surgical experience: the impact of the IBD diagnosis, the quality of provided information, disease management and the surgery itself. Within these themes, barriers to a positive surgical experience included inadequate personal knowledge of IBD, ineffective written and verbal communication, lack of a support system and complications after surgery. Both groups reported that information was provided inconsistently which led to unclear expectations of surgical outcomes. Conclusions Black and White patients with IBD have varied surgical experiences but all stressed the importance of accurate, trustworthy and understandable health information. These findings highlight the value of providing health literacy-sensitive care in surgery.
Occipital condylar avulsion fractures in the acute trauma setting: Stable or unstable injury?

Occipital condylar avulsion fractures are considered potentially unstable, associated with craniocervical dissociation spectrum injuries, and thought to carry a relatively high mortality rate based on the current literature. The purpose of this study was to identify patient with acute, occipital condylar avulsion fractures and evaluate for the incidence of concomitant cervical osteoligamentous trauma and craniocervical dissociation spectrum injury on cervical spine CT and MRI. Patients who suffered an inferomedial occipital condylar avulsion fracture were identified retrospectively using Nuance mPower software. Cervical spine CT and MRI reports performed within 48 h for this patient cohort were then reviewed by two CAQ certified neuroradiologists. Confirmation of an occipital condylar avulsion fracture was recorded along with any concomitant craniocervical junction injury. Relevant clinical history, including management and outcomes, was recorded for each patient. Thirty-four patients were identified with an inferomedial fracture of the occipital condyle. Of the 85% of patients who underwent cervical MRI, all but one patient demonstrated a ‘negative’ MRI without major craniocervical junction ligamentous injury. These patients were treated conservatively with external bracing without persistent neurologic deficits upon 4-month follow-up. Inferomedial fractures of the occipital condyle are currently classified as potentially unstable fractures based on the Anderson classification system. Our data suggest that an isolated occipital condylar avulsion fracture without an additional C1–C2 fracture or widening of the atlanto-occipital joint space is likely a stable injury that can be treated conservatively with excellent clinical outcomes.
Tubular lysosome induction couples animal starvation to healthy aging

Dietary restriction promotes longevity via autophagy activation. However, changes to lysosomes underlying this effect remain unclear. Using the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, we show that induction of autophagic tubular lysosomes, which occurs upon dietary restriction or mTOR inhibition, is a critical event linking reduced food intake to lifespan extension. We find that starvation induces tubular lysosomes not only in affected individuals but also in well-fed descendants, and the presence of gut tubular lysosomes in well-fed progeny is predictive of enhanced lifespan. Furthermore, we demonstrate that expression of Drosophila SVIP, a tubular-lysosome activator in flies, artificially induces tubular lysosomes in well-fed worms and improves C. elegans health in old age. These findings identify tubular lysosomes as a new class of lysosomes that couples starvation to healthy aging.
How Do Liquid Drops Spread on Solids

The coating of a solid with a liquid and the displacement of oil in a porous medium by water are processes that involve the motion of a contact line, the three-phase line common to three materials. In the above illustrations the contact line involves liquid, gas and solid and liquid, liquid and solid, respectively.
The operating behaviour of multistage system-II: The impulse response

Abstract A pulse change of short duration in the feed composition produces composition fluctuations everywhere in a multistage system. These impulse responses are analysed theoretically for perfectly mixed stages to yield four general qualitative principles concerning multistage countercurrent systems. In addition, several formulae and approximations are derived having computational applications. The behaviour of multistage systems is strongly influenced by the ladder-like structure of the flow pattern.
Assessment of Self, Peers, Superiors and Subordinates on Possession of Detailed Expert Audit Attributes

Forty three auditors were asked to assess the degree to which they believed themselves, their peers, superiors, and subordinates possessed each of 25 attributes of expertise in auditing. Analyses of the data render four major findings. First, 16 attributes (e.g., current knowledge, problem solver) are increasingly more important for higher professional ranks and expertise levels. The remaining nine attributes that are generally innate in nature (e.g., intelligence, quick thinker) are not different. Second, perceived possession of expert attributes indicates that professional rank is a reasonable proxy for levels of expertise. Third, in comparison to expert specialists, specialty candidates over assess possession of attributes of their superiors, while competent specialists (i.e., intermediate experts) under assess possession of attributes of their superiors and subordinates. Finally, auditors' self and peer attribute possession assessments indicate a self inflated rating bias for specialty candidates and competent specialists, but not for expert specialist who assess other experts at higher levels of attribute possession than themselves. Implications for accounting practice, education and research are discussed.
Using FROG to measure spatio-temporal distortions in ultrafast laser beams

Frequency-resolved optical gating (FROG) is an effective way to measure the temporal/spectral profile of the intensity and phase of an ultrashort laser pulse. A new variation of FROG, called grating-eliminated no-nonsense observation of ultrafast incident laser-light e-fields (GRENOUILLE), is known for its low cost, compact size, and user-friendliness.
Influences on Creativity in Technical Communication: Invention, Motivation, and Constraints

ABSTRACTInterviews with 14 technical communicators reveal that skills in rhetorical invention help them creatively address communication problems. They define creativity in relation to four interrelated exigencies of invention: thinking like a user, reinvigorating dry content, inventing visual ideas, and alternating between heuristic and algorithmic processes. They recognize intrinsic factors such as curiosity and sympathy as motivations for their creativity, while being conscious of the external factors (people, money, and time) that may restrain creativity.
Determination of Serum Copper by Atomic Absorption, with Use of the Graphite Cuvette

We have established and evaluated a flameless graphite cuvette method for copper in serum. This atomic absorption method provides substantial improvement in sensitivity, adequate accuracy, and acceptable precision, and little sample preparation is required before the analysis. Standard addition studies and measurements of National Bureau of Standards materials indicated that the proposed method is accurate, but that sample pH must be kept between 2 and 3 for high accuracy. Cations and anions that frequently are present in proteincontaining samples do not interfere significantly. Sample cross contamination in the syringe must be carefully avoided. Finally, when results for more than 100 patients' sera by this method were compared to those obtained by flame atomic absorption for the same samples, no substantial bias or inaccuracies could be attributed to this new micro-scale method for serum copper. Hence, this method is ideally suited for use on pediatric patients.
Quantitative Interpretation of Chemical Shifts Enables Mapping Proteins Conformational Landscape

To carry out their function, most proteins need to undergo transitions among different states. Understanding how the equilibrium between different states is altered upon ligand binding or interaction with other biological partners is of critical importance to explain protein function.Nuclear Magnetic Resonance isotropic 1H and 15N chemical shifts are a sensitive probe for both protein structure and conformational dynamics, and thus are an ideal observable to monitor equilibrium shifts. Yet, noise in the peak positions complicates the quantitative correlation of chemical shifts to the equilibrium position. Here we propose a robust methodology that relies on statistical analysis of NMR 1H/15N HSQC data and provides a quantitative measure of the equilibrium shift associated to ligand or substrate binding. In short, linearity in the 1H/15N chemical shifts position across different protein constructs is first identified by principal component analysis. Then, the scores of all residues on their principal components are filtered and combined together, and the shift in equilibrium position for each state is given in terms of confidence intervals. Finally, the degree of collectiveness of the protein response to ligand binding is mapped onto the protein structure by applying an adapted version of the chemical shifts covariance analysis (CHESCA). We illustrate the method in its applications to ligand binding to protein kinase A (PKA) and to a series of mutants of phospholamban. The results show that the method is capable of discerning the multiple states populated upon binding of different ligands to PKA as well as the shift in equilibrium position induced by mutations of phospholamban serine 16. Noticeably, the CHESCA analysis shows that while PKA response is highly collective throughout the whole protein, the PLN response is collective only in the surroundings of the perturbed region (domain 1A).
Tenidap, a structurally novel drug for the treatment of arthritis: antiinflammatory and analgesic properties.

Tenidap is a new anti-rheumatic agent which has clinical properties characteristic of a disease modifying drug combined with acute antiinflammatory and analgesic activity. This paper details tenidap's cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitory activity and the resulting pharmacological properties in experimental animals. Tenidap inhibited calcium ionophore-stimulated prostaglandin D2 synthesis by rat basophilic leukemia cells (COX-1) with an IC50 of 20 nM. In two different in vitro human test systems, tenidap inhibited COX-1 activity more potently than COX-2, although the relative potency ratio (COX-1/COX-2) differed markedly between the two systems. Tenidap inhibited the COX pathway when added to human blood in vitro (IC50, 7.8 μM) and when administered orally to monkeys, rats and dogs (at 5, 2.5 and 10 mg/kg p.o., respectively) and COX activity measured ex vivo in blood collected 2 to 4 hours post dose. After oral administration to rats, tenidap inhibited carrageenan-induced paw edema with an ED50 of 14 mg/kg and inhibited the glucocorticoid-resistant UV erythema in guinea pigs with an ED50 of 1.4 mg/kg. It retained antiinflammatory activity in adrenalectomized rats indicating that this property is independent of adrenal stimulation. Oral administration of tenidap inhibited the development of adjuvant-induced polyarthritis in the rat and exhibited antinociceptive activity in the murine phenylbenzoquinone and rat acetic acid abdominal constriction tests. These data indicate that tenidap is an effective antiinflammatory and analgesic agent in animal models. These cyclooxygenase-dependent pharmacologic activities do not explain tenidap's disease modifying anti-arthritic properties but add a useful symptom modifying component to its clinical profile.
Concomitant scapholunate dissociation and Kienböck's disease.

Six men had concurrent scapholunate dissociation and Kienbock's disease, a finding suggestive of a common cause. Five patients attributed the onset of wrist pain to a single traumatic event. Three had x-ray evidence of scapholunate dissociation before the onset of lunate osteonecrosis. Biomechanical factors that may be of significance are ulnar minus variance, lesser compliance of the triangular fibrocartilage, ulnar translation of the carpus at impact with shear fracture through the lunate, and disruption of the scapholunate interosseous membrane occurring under similar stress. Lunate osteonecrosis may depend on a susceptible vascular pattern or intraosseous injury or both. The development of lunatomalacia complicates an already unstable wrist. Treatment options vary according to the clinical stages of each condition, although contrasting treatments have not established optimal care.
Statins in Primary Biliary Cirrhosis: Are They Safe?

Although cholesterol levels are elevated in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), most PBC patients are not at increased risk of dying from atherosclerotic heart disease. There is, however, a subgroup, approximately 10%, who have additional disorders of lipid metabolism. They might benefit from a cholesterol-lowering agent. However, there is concern about using statins in patients with pre-existing liver disease. We therefore reviewed our experience with statins in a large cohort of PBC patients who were seen at Tufts Medical Center during the past decade. From January 1, 1996, until June 30, 2006, 603 patients with PBC were seen by one of us (M.M.K.). Fifty-eight were on statins and five were on ezetimibe. The mean duration of usage was 41 months (range 3–125 months). Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were measured at 3-month intervals. Statins were well tolerated. No patient complained of muscle pain or weakness. There was no increase in ALT levels. ALT levels were slightly elevated at the time that statins were begun (41.7 ± 25.1 U/l), and were normal at the last time these patients were seen (39.0 ± 21.0 U/l) (P ≤ 0.303). Serum cholesterol levels decreased by 30%, from 262 ± 45 mg/dl to 181 ± 14 mg/dl (P < 0.01). Ezetimibe was also well tolerated. Statins are safe in PBC patients who might benefit from their use.
Dynamic mechanical and thermal characterization of high‐performance polybenzoxazines

Two polybenzoxazines are cured in an autoclave from the polyfunctional benzoxazine monomers, 8,8′-bis(3,4-dihydro-3-phenyl-2H-1,3-benzoxazine) and 6,6′-bis(2,3-dihydro-3-phenyl-4H-1,3-benzoxazinyl) ketone. The density and tensile properties of these polybenzoxazines are measured at room temperature. Dynamic mechanical tests are performed to determine the Tg, crosslink density, and the activation enthalpy of the glass-transition process for these two polybenzoxazines. The effect of postcure temperature on the Tg of the polymers is investigated and discussed in terms of crosslink density. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy is also applied for the molecular characterization of the curing systems. Thermal properties of these polybenzoxazines are studied in terms of isothermal aging and decomposition temperature via thermogravimetric analysis. These two polybenzoxazines show mechanical and thermal properties similar to or better than bismaleimides and some polyimides. They also show very high char yield after being carbonized in a nitrogen atmosphere. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci B: Polym Phys 37: 3257–3268, 1999
Bunched fluxons in coupled Josephson junctions.

The nature of bunched fluxons on coupled long Josephson junctions is investigated theoretically by means of a coupled set of sine-Gordon equations. For cases of inductive and capacitive coupling between the junctions, we analyze the stability of the bunched states for different velocities and perturbation parameters, damping and bias. The internal oscillation frequency is found for the bunched modes and the origin of the stability is discussed for the different types of bound states. Extensive numerical simulations are carried out in order to validate the analytical results against the dynamical behavior of the full system. Excellent agreement between the analysis and the simulations is obtained for all values of coupling parameters and velocities. Finally, we demonstrate numerically that the stability of the bound states can persist even when the two systems are not exactly identical, and we conclude that both inductive and capacitive coupling can give rise to large-locking regimes in synchronization experiments on coupled Josephson junctions.
A structured approximate reasoning‐based approach for gathering “lessons learned” information from system development projects

In this paper, a structured approach for collecting “lessons learned” information obtained from system development projects is discussed. To aid in the analysis of lessons learned, the collection framework incorporates techniques associated with approximate reasoning. The primary goal of collecting lessons learned is to improve organizational and project performance. Therefore, this approach concentrates on focusing the collection of lessons learned on this goal. This approach ties the collection of lessons learned to the process model used by the organization. This model is typically based on capability models such as the Systems Engineering Capability Maturity Model (SE-CMM1) and Software CMM (SW-CMM), as well as process standards such as ISO 9000 and the organization's standard engineering practices. This approach utilizes the organization's process framework to provide a structured, lessons learned program which can be used by projects during and at the completion of their execution. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Syst Eng 2: 242–247, 1999
ENZYME ACTIVITIES DURING THE ASEXUAL CYCLE OF NEUROSPORA CRASSA II. NAD- and NADP-Dependent Glutamic Dehydrogenases and Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotidase

Three enzymes, (a) nicotinamide adenine diphosphate-dependent glutamic dehydrogenase (NAD enzyme), (b) nictoinamide adenine triphosphate-dependent glutamic dehydrogenase (NADP enzyme), and (c) nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotidase (NADase), were measured in separate extracts of Neurospora crassa grown in Vogel's medium N and medium N + glutamate. Specific activities and total units per culture of each enzyme were determined at nine separate intervals phased throughout the asexual cycle. The separate dehydrogenases were lowest in the conidia, increased slowly during germination, and increased rapidly during logarithmic mycelial growth. The amounts of these enzymes present during germination were small when compared with those found later during the production of the conidiophores. The NAD enzyme may be necessary for pregermination synthesis. The NADP-enzyme synthesis was associated with the appearance of the germ tube. Although higher levels of the dehydrogenases in the conidiophores resulted in more enzyme being found in the differentiated conidia, the rate of germination was uneffected. The greatest activity for the NADase enzyme was associated with the conidia, early phases of germination, and later production of new conidia. NADase decreased significantly with the onset of logarithmic growth, remained low during the differentiation of conidiophores, and increased considerably as the conidiophores aged.
Measurement of Arterial Wave Velocity With Ultrasound

Pulse wave velocity (PWV) is widely used for estimating the stiffness of an artery. PWV is measured by the time of travel of the “foot” of the pressure wave over a known distance. This technique has a low time resolution and is an average measurement of artery stiffness between the two measuring positions. In this paper an arterial wave is generated non-invasively in the vessel wall by the radiation force of ultrasound. The wave velocity in the vessel is measured non-invasively by ultrasound with high time resolution over a short distance of a few millimeters.Copyright © 2007 by ASME