cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A novel measurement device for volume management in lower limb amputees: A technical note

Many amputees suffer from irritation and wounds as a result of poor residual limb volume management. Reasons contributing to failure to maintain volume properly include peripheral neuropathy, cognitive impairment, and social/cultural issues. Amputees commonly use socks of various thicknesses to account for diurnal limb volume loss. However, data relating to sock compliance is lacking due to an absence of a reliable way to collect usage data. A device was fabricated utilizing wireless RFID and socket-limb interface force detection technology to track sock usage and activity of an amputee. Pilot data was collected through both in-lab and out-of-lab protocols. The collected data showed encouraging results tracking interface force data, however accurate sock data collection was difficult. Suggested solutions include designing a more effective antenna and using the interface force data to detect limb presence to start a tag accumulator algorithm. Clinical applications for the Sock Monitor include intervention through alerting the amputee of a need for a sock change before tissue damage occurs and evidence for prosthetics to justify insurance reimbursement for components and socket replacements. The next step is to use a new prototype with better hardware and firmware to collect real-world usage data from a large group of amputees. A predictive model will be made and implemented to determine if intervention in sock usage improves comfort and limb tissue health.
Squid p196, a new member of the myosin-V class of motor proteins, is associated with motile axoplasmic organelles.

Abstract Axoplasmic organelles obtained from the squid giant axon move on actin filaments at an average velocity of 1 μm/s [Nature 356 (1992) 722]. The unconventional myosins, in particular, the myosin-V class of motor proteins, represent the most likely candidates to have a role in this motility. Experiments were performed to determine whether a member of the myosin-V class of unconventional myosins is present in axoplasm and optic lobes. Western blots of axoplasm probed with an affinity purified antibody to chicken brain myosin-V (CBM-V) showed cross-reactivity with a protein of Mr 196 kD (p196) which was subsequently purified from squid optic lobes using a modification of a protocol for the purification of CBM-V [Methods Enzymol. 298 (1998) 3; Cell 75 (1993) 215]. Western blots of CBM-V probed with an α-p196 polyclonal IgG showed cross-reactivity with CBM-V. Purified p196 has been found to be a calmodulin (CaM) binding protein that possesses calcium-stimulated actin-activated ATPase activity. Equilibrium density fractionation of motile axoplasmic organelle preparations has revealed that p196 cosedimented with the peak organelle fraction into Percoll gradients in the presence of cytochalasin B and ATP. Based on this evidence, we conclude that the p196 present in axoplasm and purified from optic lobes is a squid homolog of CBM-V and functions as a motor for fast transport of membranous organelles on actin filaments in neurons.
Gas phase electrochemistry on dispersions of microelectrodes

Abstract It is shown that dilute mixtures of small platinum particles supported in a matrix consisting of alumina particles may be used for electrochemical experiments in the gas phase. The results are compared with measurements using platinum dispersions in conductivity water.
Eating tasty food to cope. Longitudinal association with BMI.

Abstract The goals of this study were to determine if a change in certain motives to eat highly palatable food, as measured by the Palatable Eating Motives Scale (PEMS), could predict a change in body mass index (BMI) over time, to assess the temporal stability of these motive scores, and to test the reliability of previously reported associations between eating tasty foods to cope and BMI. BMI, demographics, and scores on the PEMS and the Binge Eating Scale were obtained from 192 college students. Test–retest analysis was performed on the PEMS motives in groups varying in three gap times between tests. Regression analyses determined what PEMS motives predicted a change in BMI over two years. The results replicated previous findings that eating palatable food for Coping motives (e.g., to forget about problems, reduce negative feelings) is associated with BMI. Test–retest correlations revealed that motive scores, while somewhat stable, can change over time. Importantly, among overweight participants, a change in Coping scores predicted a change in BMI over 2 years, such that a 1-point change in Coping predicted a 1.76 change in BMI (equivalent to a 10.5 lb. change in body weight) independent of age, sex, ethnicity, and initial binge-eating status (Cohen's f 2 effect size = 1.44). The large range in change of Coping scores suggests it is possible to decrease frequency of eating to cope by more than 1 scale point to achieve weight losses greater than 10 lbs. in young overweight adults, a group already at risk for rapid weight gain. Hence, treatments aimed specifically at reducing palatable food intake for coping reasons vs. for social, reward, or conformity reasons, should help achieve a healthier body weight and prevent obesity if this motive-type is identified prior to significant weight gain.
Pulsatile release of bioactive luteinizing hormone in prepubertal girls: discordance with immunoreactive luteinizing hormone pulses.

ABSTRACT: An assessment of pulsatile secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH), measured by both immunoassay (I-LH) and rat interstitial cell testosterone production bioassay (B-LH), as well as of folicle-stimulating hormone and glycoprotein hormone α-subunit was carried out in seven normal prepubertal and six normal premenarcheal pubertal girls. Samples were obtained at 20-min intervals for a 6-h period. The hormone secretion profiles were analyzed by several computerized methods yielding pulse frequency and amplitude, interpulse basal levels, and percentage increments, with bio/immuno ratios calculated for peak and basal concentrations. In these prepubertal girls, mean B-LH levels were 12% of I-LH, with B/I ratio of 0.13; 30% of samples were below assay sensitivity (0.10 mlU/ml) for B-LH, but all I-LH (1.25 mlU/ml) were detectable. In the pubertal group, B-LH levels were 30% of I-LH, with mean B/I ratio of 0.24 and undetectable BLH in 29% of samples. Pulsatile secretion in prepubertal girls was found in five of seven (1/150 min) for B-LH and six of seven (1/212 min) for I-LH; only two of six pubertal girls had detectable pulses. Discordance of B- and I-LH pulses were frequent, with 56% of B-LH pulses lacking an I-LH pulse and 47% of I-LH pulses not having a B-LH pulse. These data demonstrate that 1) both B- and I-LH are secreted episodically in prepubertal girls; 2) I-LH-like material is present in higher concentrations than B-LH in these girls; and 3) substantial discordance of B- and I-LH pulses exist. Such findings lend further support for molecular heterogeneity of pituitary gonadotropins during the pubertal process and suggest that changes of biopotency may be important functional regulators of the early pubertal process.
Limit distributions of some integral functionals for null-recurrent diffusions☆

Abstract The limit distributions as T →∞ of the functional ∫ 0 T f(X(t)) d t/T are found for one-dimensional null-recurrent Markov processes X ( t ) under different assumptions concerning local characteristics of X ( t ) and f . The conditions for the convergence of the distribution of this functional to each distribution in the class of generalized arc-sine law, studied by Lamperti and Watanabe, are obtained.
A combined NMR and microstructural study of the effect of high-pressure processing on strawberries

A combination of nuclear magnetic resonance water proton relaxometry and optical microscopy is used to investigate the effects of high pressure on parenchyma tissue of fresh strawberries (Elsanta variety). Although a low pressure of just 35 MPa induces no visible tissue damage, there are subtle changes in the water relaxation behavior suggesting subcellular water redistribution. Higher pressures of 100 MPa are shown to rupture membranes and cause major water redistribution. Cell wall damage is apparent at pressures of 300 MPa.
Adolescent opiate addiction: a case study.

1. Opiate addiction among adolescents extends out of a long history of serious difficulties in living. 2. It is often feasible after a few months of a therapeutic investigative relationship: 3. A major difficulty in the treatment of opiate addiction among adolescents, that is, in assisting these youths to live without opiates through lessened needs for heroin and for the associated pattern of living as a drug addict in our culture, is the fact that opiate addiction is so valuable and efficacious for them in their attempts to cope with their difficulties and symptomatology. Despite this, the authors do not believe that psychiatric treatment, including psychotherapy and structured environmental situations, for these youths is fruitless. The writers plan to discuss some of their experiences and hypotheses concerning the treatment of adolescent opiate addicts in a later report. (a) To clarify the types of functional changes in living which positively motivate the adolescent to deepen his involvement with opiate drugs; (b) To formulate cogent and/or plausible hypotheses about the integration of opiate drug use within a particular adolescent addict's personality structure and interpersonal experience.
Fourier Analysis and Synthesis Tomography - a Structured Illumination Approach to Computational Imaging

We present a lensless image-forming technique that probes the object’s fluorescent or coherent spatial spectrum using dynamic interference patterns and a fast nonresolving detector. Fourier transformation and tomographic synthesis is used to compute the image.
Chronic sialodocho-parotitis with recurrent subacute exacerbations

Summary The condition of chronic sialodocho-parotitis with recurrent subacute The condition of chronic sialodocho-parotitis with recurrent subacute exacerbations is defined and described. A typical case, in which the ducts of the involved parotid gland were visualized by means of lipiodol, is reported (Fig. 1). Some improvement was apparently obtained following intramuscular milk injections.
Activation time and material stiffness of sequential removable orthodontic appliances. Part 3: premolar extraction patients.

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to describe the movement of teeth adjacent to premolar extraction spaces during space closure with aligner appliances and then fixed appliances. Methods: The sample included 24 subjects from a larger study investigating an aligner system. All subjects had at least 1 premolar extracted as part of treatment. Dental casts and panoramic radiographs were measured for tooth tipping adjacent to extraction spaces at 3 treatment points: T0, initial; T2, end of aligners; and T3, end of fixed appliances. Chart records were reviewed for information about time in treatment. Results: Treatment with aligners resulted in significant tipping of the teeth adjacent to premolar extraction sites. When followed by fixed appliances, these teeth were significantly uprighted. Aligner treatment followed by treatment with fixed appliances took an average of 40 months. Conclusions: In premolar extraction patients treated with aligners, dental tipping occurs but can be corrected with fixed appliances. This dual modality treatment might require more time than treatment with fixed appliances alone.
Abstract 3796: Inhibition of mitochondrial respiration synergizes with tyrosine kinase inhibitors to eliminate Bcr-Abl+ leukemia

Proceedings: AACR 102nd Annual Meeting 2011‐‐ Apr 2‐6, 2011; Orlando, FL Bcr-Abl kinase inhibitors are the standard therapy for chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). While effective in controlling disease in chronic phase, these inhibitors often fail to completely eliminate Bcr-Abl+ CML cells and also fail to achieve durable remissions for advanced CML and Bcr-Abl+ acute lymphoblastic leukemias (ALL). Our lab employed a large-scale synthetic lethal shRNA screen to identify genes involved in CML survival upon treatment with the Bcr-Abl kinase inhibitor imatinib (IM) [Cancer Cell. 2010;18(1):74-87]. This screen identified several genes involved in energy utilization including a component of pyruvate dehydrogenase, dihydrolipoyllysine-residue acetyltransferase. This target was identified by two independent shRNAs, each underrepresented over 22 fold in treated cells compared to untreated. CML proliferation depends on Bcr-Abl-driven glycolysis for energy production. Upon IM treatment, I hypothesized that these cells are forced to rely on other sources of energy including the TCA cycle and mitochondrial respiration, and that targeting alternative energy production pathways will enhance IM-mediated elimination of CML cells. Thus, I predicted that inhibition of mitochondrial respiration by knockdown or pharmacologic inhibition would cooperate with tyrosine kinase inhibitors to eliminate Bcr-Abl+ leukemias. My experiments have shown that knocking down pyruvate dehydrogenase in human blast crisis Bcr-Abl+ CML cells (K562) greatly sensitizes cells to IM in vitro. Conversely, supplementing the cell culture media with increasing concentrations of methyl-pyruvate protects K562 cells from IM treatment. Moreover, I find that the mitochondrial ATP-synthase inhibitor Oligomycin A also synergizes with IM to kill CML cells in vitro. In addition, inhibition of mitochondrial respiration with Oligomycin A enhances elimination of Bcr-Abl+ cells by a Bcr-Abl tyrosine kinase inhibitor in vivo and prolongs disease-free survival in a mouse model of Bcr-Abl+ B-ALL. The drug doses of Oligomycin A used are over 100-fold below the LD50, and have no apparent adverse effects on these mice. Targeting mitochondrial metabolism as an adjuvant drug therapy may prevent the survival of residual Bcr-Abl+ CML cells upon tyrosine kinase inhibitor treatment. *This project is supported in part by pre-doctoral fellowship number F31CA157166 from the National Cancer Institute. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3796. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-3796
Imaging and quantification of myocardial perfusion using real-time three-dimensional echocardiography.

Objectives We tested the feasibility of real-time three-dimensional echocardiographic (RT3DE) perfusion imaging and developed and validated an algorithm for volumetric analysis of myocardial contrast inflow. The study included three protocols wherein perfusion was measured: 1) in an ex-vivo model of controlled global coronary flow, 2) in an in-vivo model during regional perfusion variations, and 3) in humans during pharmacologically induced hyperemia. Background The RT3DE technology offers an opportunity for myocardial perfusion imaging without multi-slice reconstruction and repeated contrast maneuvers. Methods Electrocardiographically triggered harmonic RT3DE datasets were acquired (Philips 7500) while infusion of Definity was initiated and reached a steady state. Protocol 1 was performed in nine isolated rabbit hearts and included three coronary flow levels. In protocol 2, changes in regional perfusion caused by partial left anterior descending artery occlusion were measured in five pigs. In protocol 3, adenosine-induced changes in perfusion were measured in eight normal volunteers. Myocardial video-intensity (MVI) was measured over time in three-dimensional (3D) slices to calculate peak contrast inflow rate (PCIR). In pigs, PCIR was measured on a regional basis and validated against microspheres. Results The RT3DE imaging allowed selection of slices for perfusion analysis in rabbit hearts, pigs, and humans. Administration of contrast resulted in clearly visible and quantifiable changes in MVI. In rabbits, The PCIR progressively decreased with coronary flow (p Conclusions Contrast-enhanced RT3DE imaging provides the basis for volumetric imaging and quantification of myocardial perfusion.
Evidence for an ecto-ATPase on the cell wall of Streptococcus sanguis

Certain strains of viridans streptococci bind platelets, which release ATP from dense granules and then aggregate. By hydrolyzing the released ATP to the platelet agonist, ADP, cell wall-associated ATPase activity of Streptococcus sanguis may amplify the aggregation of platelets. To identify and characterize this ecto-ATPase activity, whole cells were incubated with [14C]-ATP. The cell-free nucleotides were separated by thin-layer chromatography and quantified by liquid scintillation counting. Whole-cell activity showed temperature and pH optima in the physiological range. To isolate a soluble fraction with ATPase activity from the cell wall, whole cells were digested under osmotically stable conditions to produce protoplasts. Protoplasts and cells were separated from soluble cell wall materials by centrifugation. ATPase activity in cell fractions was identified by zymograms of native 8% polyacrylamide gels after electrophoresis. The ecto-ATPase preparation, membrane and cytoplasmic ATPase in lysed protoplasts showed different zymograms and sensitivity to inhibition by DCCD, ouabain vanadate, azide and NEM. In electron micrographs of ultrathin sections of cells of S. sanguis, ATPase activity was localized to the cell wall. Since the pattern of localization to the wall changed with the phase of growth, the ecto-ATPase of S. sanguis may be associated with the development and maintenance of the cell wall.
A quantitative assessment of the impact of intercostal artery reimplantation on paralysis risk in thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair.

Objectives: We previously demonstrated an 80% reduction in paraplegia risk using hypothermia, naloxone, steroids, spinal fluid drainage, intercostal ligation, and optimizing hemodynamic parameters. This report demonstrates that intercostal revascularization for the last 3 years further reduced our paraplegia risk index by 75%. Methods: We evaluated 655 patients who had thoracic or thoracoabdominal aneurysm repair for factors that affected paraplegia risk including aneurysm extent, acuity, cardiac function, blood pressure mean arterial pressure, and spinal fluid drainage with naloxone (SFDN). Eighteen patients died during or shortly after surgery leaving 637 patients for analysis of paralysis. We evaluated the effect of intercostal reimplantation (IRP) using a highly accurate (r 2 > 0.88) paraplegia risk index we developed and published previously. Results: Fifty-eight percent of patients were male with a mean age of 67. Thirty-three percent were acute with rupture, acute dissection, mycotic aortitis, and trauma. Eighty (12%) had dissections. Thirty-five patients had paraplegia or paraparesis (5.4%). Significant factors by univariate analysis (P < 0.05) were Crawford type 2, acuity, SFDN, cardiac index after unclamping, mean arterial pressure during crossclamping, and IRP. In multivariate modeling, aneurysm extent, SFDN, acuity, and IRP remained significant (P < 0.02). The paraplegia risk index declined from 0.20 to 0.05 (P < 0.03). Conclusions: The incidence of paralysis after TAAA repair decreased from 4.83% to 0.88% and paralysis risk index decreased from 0.26 to 0.05 when intercostal artery reimplantation was added to neuroprotective strategies that had already substantially reduced paralysis risk. These findings suggest that factors that affect collateral blood flow and metabolism account for approximately 80% of paraplegia risk and intercostal blood flow accounts for 20% of risk. This suggests a limit to paraplegia risk reduction in thoracoabdominal endograft patients. Early results in this emerging field support this prediction of high paraplegia risk with thoracoabdominal branched endografts with extensive aortic coverage.
Pulsed-field electrophoresis of nucleic acids: ultrafast separations in ultrashort capillaries

Nucleic acid electrophoretic separations in unentangled water-soluble polymers are rapid and applicable over the length range 500 bp to greater than 1.5 Mbp, depending upon the polymer matrix chosen. We have been able to achieve high resolution separations in 3 - 4 minutes, even in the Mbp size range. Pulsed field electrophoresis is necessary for chains longer than about 20 kbp and is beneficial above about 2 - 3 kbp. The separation speed is a consequence of several factors: (1) the low viscosity of an unentangled polymer solution. (2) the high electric fields usable in pulsed field electrophoresis. And (3) the use of short (ca. 10 cm) capillaries. Electrophoretic measurements are guided by video fluorescence microscopy, which is used to study the dynamics of the separation process. Analysis of image sequences demonstrates that the segmental motions of DNA, which generate the size-dependent mobilities, are quite similar to those previously observed in entangled linear polymers and cross-linked gels. We describe our most recent separations and the current state of understanding of DNA dynamics in unentangled polymer matrices.
Keratin expression: a measure of phenotypic modulation of human prostatic epithelial cells by growth inhibitory factors

Expression of certain cytokeratins can be indicative of the state of differentiation of epithelial cells. The basal cells in the normal adult human prostatic epithelium are characterized by the expression of cytokeratins 5 and 14, whereas the secretory luminal cells contain cytokeratins 8 and 18. Cells cultured from the prostatic epithelium expressed cytokeratins 5, 8, and 18, and thus had features of both basal and luminal cells. Certain growth-inhibitory conditions altered keratin expression in conjunction with growth modulation. Deletion of peptide factors and hormones from the culture medium induced the expression of cytokeratins 1 and 10, associated with a squamous phenotype. These same squamous keratins were found in very dense, stratified cultures that were maintained at confluency in standard, complete medium for extended periods. Retinoic acid enhanced the expression of secretory luminal cell-associated cytokeratins 8 and 18 in semi-confluent cultures. Other growth inhibitory factors such as suramin, transforming growth factor-β, and interferon-γ had no effect on keratin expression. These observations indicate that the differentiation of prostatic epithelial cells can be directed toward alternate pathways, either squamous or secretory, by different growth-inhibitory conditions. However, not all growth inhibitory factors altered differentiation, demonstrating that growth inhibition in itself is not a sufficient inducer of differentiation.
Surfactant porphyrins linked to ruthenium oxide microcolloids: Amicroheterogeneous photoreactor

Abstract The synthesis of a series of porphyrins linked through bipyridines of RuO2 microcolloids is described. These compounds were designed for use in water-in-oil microemulsions where the porphyrin, a one-electron photocatalyst localized in the organic phase, can transfer charge across the phase boundary to the RuO2, a multi-electron dark catalyst localized in the aqueous phase. The redox behavior of these compounds has been characterized by cyclic voltammetry and their diffusion coefficients were measured by chronocoulometry. Fluorescence and phosphorescence measurements on these compounds are consistent with efficient photoelectron transfer from the excited singlet state of the porphyrin.
Generalized N‐Acetylneuraminic Acid Storage Disease: Quantitation and Identification of the Monosaccharide Accumulating in Brain and Other Tissues

Brain and other tissues from a patient with extensive neonatal ascites and clinical symptoms suggestive of a severe neurovisceral storage disorder were examined following autopsy for the accumulation of oligosaccharides. This carbohydrate analysis revealed the presence of large amounts (3--21) mumol/g fresh weight) of sialic acid in brain, liver, and kidney tissue as the major abnormality. Exhaustive characterization of the accumulating material by gel filtration, gas-liquid chromatography, thin-layer chromatography, and GLC-mass spectrometry positively identified the saccharide as free N-acetylneuraminic acid. Based on the accumulation of only free N-acetylneuraminic acid in the tissue of this patient, and normal activities of lysosomal enzymes involved in the catabolism of cellular glycoproteins, this storage disorder appears to result from a previously unreported defect in glycoconjugate metabolism.
Effects of methylphenidate on food and water consumption at different body weights.

Abstract The effects of intraperitoneally administered methylphenidate at 0, 1.5, 3.0, 6.0, and 12.0 mg/kg were studied in two experiments. Experiment 1 determined the effects of methylphenidate on 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, and 24 hr post injection food and water consumption in rats at ad lib feeding body weights. Experiment 2 determined the post injection effects of methylphenidate on 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 hr food and water and 24 hr water consumption in rats maintained at 80% ad lib feeding body weight due to partial food deprivation. The results of Experiment 1 indicate that when animals are feeding ad lib at normal body weight food and water consumption is decreased for 2 hr following the administration of the lowest 1.5 mg/kg dose of methylphenidate. Methylphenidate in doses as high as 12.0 mg/kg has no effect on 24 hr food and water consumption under these conditions. The results of Experiment 2 indicate that when animals are maintained at reduced body weight due to partial food deprivation, food consumption for 2 hr is significantly decreased by the highest, 12.0 mg/kg, dose of methylphenidate. These effects are observed within the first 30 min post injection when methylphenidate decreases food consumption in a dose dependent manner. Methylphenidate has no effect on water consumption under these conditions. The effects of methylphenidate on ingestive behavior are discussed in terms of previous experiments and the possible differential effects on motor activity at different body weights under different stimulus conditions.
Expression of Patients' Requests in the Initial Interview

The expressions of requests of 120 patients who came to the Walk-In Psychiatric Clinic of a general hospital were examined to determine whether patients verbalized specific requests during the intake interview. As 63% of the patients verbalized a specific request, 37% emitted and 27% elicited ones, we concluded that many patients could have been more specific but felt restrained by their role. To evaluate the effect of the patients' attitudes and interviewers' behavior on the expression of requests, in a two-by-two factorial design, we varied the number of patients taking the Patient Request Form and/or being probed for a request during a standardized pre-intake interview. These two procedures did not affect significantly the number expressing requests: experimental groups 73% versus control group 63%. Completing the form elicited more requests. The interviewer variables of number and wording of probes for requests significantly facilitated expression of requests. In the discussion we attempted to evaluat...
Reading Intervention in Middle and High Schools: Implementation Fidelity, Teacher Efficacy, and Student Achievement.

This study investigated teachers’ efficacy and implementation in the context of a supplemental intervention for struggling adolescent readers. It examined teachers’ efficacy at the start of their intervention training and investigated relationships among teachers’ efficacy, implementation, and students’ reading progress. The efficacy and implementation of 9 sixth-grade teachers and 11 ninth-grade teachers were compared, and student achievement gains were explored. Sixth-grade teachers had higher levels of efficacy, while ninth-grade teachers had higher levels of implementation. Findings indicated teacher efficacy was positively related to students’ reading comprehension and overall reading achievement. Implementation was positively related to students’ growth in vocabulary.
The Triggering Receptor Expressed on Myeloid Cells 2: “TREM-ming” the Inflammatory Component Associated with Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an age-related neurodegenerative disorder characterized by a progressive loss of memory and cognitive skills. Although much attention has been devoted concerning the contribution of the microscopic lesions, senile plaques, and neurofibrillary tangles to the disease process, inflammation has long been suspected to play a major role in the etiology of AD. Recently, a novel variant in the gene encoding the triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2) has been identified that has refocused the spotlight back onto inflammation as a major contributing factor in AD. Variants in TREM2 triple one's risk of developing late-onset AD. TREM2 is expressed on microglial cells, the resident macrophages in the CNS, and functions to stimulate phagocytosis on one hand and to suppress cytokine production and inflammation on the other hand. The purpose of this paper is to discuss these recent developments including the potential role that TREM2 normally plays and how loss of function may contribute to AD pathogenesis by enhancing oxidative stress and inflammation within the CNS. In this context, an overview of the pathways linking beta-amyloid, neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs), oxidative stress, and inflammation will be discussed.
N-hydroxypyridine-2(1H)-thione derivatives of carboxylic acids as activated esters. Part I. The synthesis of carboxamides

Abstract The reaction between an acyl derivative of N-hydroxypyridine-2(1H)-thione (a Barton PTOC ester) and either an amine (primary or secondary), or the corresponding sulfenamide, led to the formation of a carboxamide in a clean transformation requiring minimal work-up and purification. The reaction with a sulfenamide is particularly useful since the only by-product, an unsymmetrical disulfide, is of both synthetic and biological value. In sterically demanding cases, Barton PTOC esters were more reactive towards benzenesulfenamides than to the corresponding free amines.
Behavioral and morphological aspects of decorating in Oregonia gracilis (Brachyura: Majoidea)

. Decorator crabs (Brachyura: Majoidea) are known for attaching sessile organisms to specialized velcro-like hooked setae. Here we describe behavioral and morphological aspects of decorating for a common northern Pacific majoid, Oregonia gracilis. Members of O. gracilis decorate with a diverse array of sessile organisms. These are attached to hooked setae, and also physically interact with long, pappose setae that occur in the same body regions as hooked setae. We describe these pappose setae and document the occurrence of similar setae in 36 other decorating majoids across seven families. In O. gracilis, the density of pappose and hooked setae independently covary with decoration amount, which is sexually dimorphic—juveniles and adult females decorate heavily, whereas adult males decorate sparsely. Adult males have reduced numbers of hooked and pappose setae, but the ontogenetic patterns for the two setal types are different, suggesting that they are quasi-independent characters. We experimentally ablated pappose setae to ask if they functionally contribute to decorating in O. gracilis. Surprisingly, we found that pappose setae are not necessary for decorating under laboratory conditions. Pappose setae could play an auxiliary mechanical role or a sensory role in decorating, or may have another as-yet-unidentified function distinct from decorating.
The ultrastructure of epidermal maturation in the skin of the boa constrictor (Constrictor constrictor)

The epidermis of the boa constrictor (Constrictor constrictor) has five histologically distinct strata. Ultrastructurally these mature in one of two patterns. The mesos, alpha, lacunar, and clear strata resemble in their ultrastructural maturation, the external root sheath of the hair below where there is keratohyalin. The mature alpha and clear strata resemble mammalian stratum corneum. The lacunar stratum does not mature prior to ecdysis. The mesos stratum is similar to the alpha stratum except for the presence of membrane coating granules, which coat the inner leaflet of the plasma membrane. The ultrastructure and maturation of the beta stratum resembles that of feathers, the characteristic fibrils being approximately 30 A in diameter in contrast to the approximately 70 A diameter of the alpha filaments.
A modified dissection method to preserve neck structures

The neck is not only one of the more challenging anatomical regions to dissect but also has important application to clinical conditions, diseases, and procedures. In this study, we describe two simple modifications for dissection of the neck that (1) aid in the identification and preservation of the cutaneous branches of the cervical plexus and the accessory nerve, and (2) provide wide exposure of the root of the neck. The cutaneous branches of the cervical plexus can be identified with relative ease at the nerve point of the neck, where they are largest. To accomplish this, the skin and platysma are reflected beginning from the anterior border of trapezius and proceeding anteriorly to the midline of the neck, rather than the conventional approach of reflecting the skin from the anterior midline. The accessory nerve is identified by its relationship to the nerve point and its course to the trapezius muscle. To achieve wide exposure of the root of the neck and its contents, the acromioclavicular and sternoclavicular joints are disarticulated, and then the clavicle removed completely, rather than the more common approach of removing only the middle section of the clavicle. These modified procedures can be readily performed by first-year medical students and integrate well with methods described in widely used anatomy dissection manuals.
Iron Opacity and the Pulsar of SN 1987A

Neutron stars formed in Type II supernovae are likely to be initially obscured by late-time fallback. Although much of the late-time fallback is quickly accreted via neutrino cooling, some material remains on the neutron star, forming an atmosphere that slowly accretes through photon emission. In this paper, we derive structure equations of the fallback atmosphere and present results of one-dimensional simulations of that fallback. The atmosphere remaining after neutrino cooling (Lν) becomes unimportant (LνLEdd, e−, the Compton Eddington limit) is only a fraction of the total mass accreted (10-8 Macc=10−9 M☉). Recombined iron dominates the opacity in the outer regions, leading to an opacity 103-104 times higher than that of electron scattering alone. The resultant photon emission of the remnant atmosphere is limited to 10−3LEdd, e−. The late-time evolution of this system leads to the formation of a photon-driven wind from the accretion of the inner portion of the atmosphere, leaving, for most cases, a bare neutron star on timescales shorter than 1 yr. The degenerate remnant of 1987A may not be a black hole. Instead, the fallback material may have already accreted or blown off in the accretion-driven wind. If the neutron star has either a low magnetic field or a low rotational spin frequency, we would not expect to see the neutron star remnant of 1987A.
PR-39, a porcine antimicrobial peptide, inhibits apoptosis: involvement of caspase-3

The porcine antimicrobial peptide, PR-39, has several activities beyond its function of killing bacteria. Here we report that PR-39 alters macrophage viability by inhibiting apoptosis, which was induced by nutrient depletion, LPS stimulation or camptothecin treatment. This antiapoptotic effect was pronounced resulting in significant reductions in annexin-V binding to externalized phosphatidylserine and was associated with a decrease in caspase-3 activity. These findings suggest that PR-39, a porcine neutrophil-derived antimicrobial peptide, might function in the inflammatory milieu not only to kill bacteria, but also to aid in modulating the viability of inflammatory cells by regulating apoptosis.
Remote library access for pharmacy preceptors.

Objective. To institute and evaluate the response to a program providing access to electronic library resources for pharmacy preceptors. Design. The pharmacy experiential office and the library col...
An efficient computational procedure for solving entropy optimization problems with infinitely many linear constraints

A cutting-plane type algorithm for solving entropy optimization problems with a finite number of variables but an infinite number of linear constraints is proposed in this paper. In each iteration, we solve a finite entropy optimization problem and add one more constraint. The iterative process ends when an optimal solution is identified. A convergence proof, under some mild conditions, is given. An efficient implementation based on a dual approach is also included. Our preliminary computational experience confirms the efficiency of the proposed method and shows its potential for solving large-scale problems.
Suppression of Melatonin Secretion in Some Blind Patients by Exposure to Bright Light

Background Complete blindness generally results in the loss of synchronization of circadian rhythms to the 24-hour day and in recurrent insomnia. However, some blind patients maintain circadian entrainment. We undertook this study to determine whether some blind patients' eyes convey sufficient photic information to entrain the hypothalamic circadian pacemaker and suppress melatonin secretion, despite an apparently complete loss of visual function. Methods We evaluated the input of light to the circadian pacemaker by testing the ability of bright light to decrease plasma melatonin concentrations in 11 blind patients with no conscious perception of light and in 6 normal subjects. We also evaluated circadian entrainment over time in the blind patients. Results Plasma melatonin concentrations decreased during exposure to bright light in three sightless patients by an average (±SD) of 69±21 percent and in the normal subjects by an average of 66±15 percent. When two of these blind patients were tested with the...
Phycobilisome structure and function

Phycobilisomes are aggregates of light-harvesting proteins attached to the stroma side of the thylakoid membranes of the cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) and red algae. The water-soluble phycobiliproteins, of which there are three major groups, tetrapyrrole chromophores covalently bound to apoprotein. Several additional protiens are found within the phycobilisome and serve to link the phycobiliproteins to each other in an ordered fashion and also to attach the phycobilisome to the thylakoid membrane. Excitation energy absorbed by phycoerythrin is transferred through phycocyanin to allophycocyanin with an efficiency approximating 100%. This pathway of excitation energy transfer, directly confirmed by time-resolved spectroscopic measurements, has been incorporated into models describing the ultrastructure of the phycobilisome. The model for the most typical type of phycobilisome describes an allophycocyanin-containing core composed of three cylinders arranged so that their longitudinal axes are parallel and their ends form a triangle. Attached to this core are six rod structures which contain phycocyanin proximal to the core and phycoerythrin distal to the core. The axes of these rods are perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the core. This arrangement ensures a very efficient transfer of energy. The association of phycoerythrin and phycocyanin within the rods and the attachment of the rods to the core and the core to the thylakoid require the presence of several ‘linker’ polypeptides. It is recently possible to assemble functionally and structurally intact phycobilisomes in vitro from separated components as well as to reassociate phycobilisomes with stripped thylakoids. Understanding of the biosynthesis and in vivo assembly of phycobilisomes will be greatly aided by the current advances in molecular genetics, as exemplified by recent identification of several genes encoding phycobilisome components.
Federal Funding of SAES Economics Research: Trends and Possible Strategies for Improved Support

Federal funding support for agricultural research in the state agricultural experiment stations (SAES) and the land grant universities originated with passage of the Hatch Act in 1887. Additional federal support has been provided by the various subsequent acts and appropriations over the nearly 100 years that have since elapsed. Federal research funding has had an important role in the development of the SAES. However, in recent years traditional federal funding has declined in relative importance. Federal funding of SAES research tripled from 1970-83, while state funding grew by 3.6 times over that period. In 1970 each dollar of federal funds was matched by $1.70 of state funding, but by 1983 each federal dollar was matched by $1.96 in state funding (Christensen and Robinson). While growth in state funding for SAES research has exceeded federal funding, one should not underestimate the importance of federal funding on the total support of SAES research and the character of research programs conducted. Huffman and Miranowski studied the impact of changes in federal support on state expenditures for agricultural research. Their conclusions indicated that the negative impacts on state funding for agricultural research from declines in federal funding were likely to be more pronounced in less affluent and less agricultural states than in wealthier and more agriculturally oriented states.
Using the experimentally determined components of the overall rotational diffusion tensor to restrain molecular shape and size in NMR structure determination of globular proteins and protein-protein complexes.

This paper describes an approach for making use of the components of the experimentally determined rotational diffusion tensor derived from NMR relaxation measurements in macomolecular structure determination. The parameters of the rotational diffusion tensor describe the shape and size of the macromolecule or macromolecular complex, and are therefore complementary to traditional NMR restraints. The structural information contained in the rotational diffusion tensor is not dissimilar to that present in the small-angle region of solution X-ray scattering profiles. We demonstrate the utility of rotational diffusion tensor restraints for protein structure refinement using the N-terminal domain of enzyme I (EIN) as an example and validate the results by solution small-angle X-ray scattering. We also show how rotational diffusion tensor restraints can be used for docking complexes using the dimeric HIV-1 protease and the EIN-HPr complexes as examples. In the former case, the rotational diffusion tensor restrai...
The association between weight perception and BMI among high school students.

Objective: To assess the association between weight perception and BMI among a large, diverse sample of adolescents. This study used both measured and self-reported height and weight to calculate BMI. Research Methods and Procedures: A convenience sample of students (n = 2032) in grades 9 through 12 completed a questionnaire assessing demographic characteristics, self-reported height and weight, and body weight perception. These students were then weighed and had their height measured using a standard protocol. Results: Using BMI calculated from measured height and weight, 1.5% of students were classified as underweight or at risk for underweight, 51.2% of students were normal weight, and 47.4% were overweight or at risk for overweight. Among this same sample of students, however, 34.8% perceived themselves as underweight, 42.9% perceived themselves as about the right weight, and 22.3% perceived themselves as overweight. Even when using BMI calculated from self-reported height and weight, >20% of students who were overweight or at risk for overweight perceived themselves as underweight. Discussion: Because perception of overweight is a key determinant of adolescent nutritional habits and weight management, many students who are overweight or at risk for overweight but who do not perceive themselves as such are unlikely to engage in weight control practices. Increasing awareness of medical definitions of overweight might improve accuracy of weight perceptions and lead to healthier eating and increased physical activity.
Sage: A New Mathematics Software System

Sage is a free, open source mathematical software system written in Python with impressive capabilities. Python has the advantage that it's a modern, object-oriented language. SAGE Project introduced the software for algebra and geometry software system to considerable fanfare in the scientific computation field. As the name suggests, Sage is aimed at the mathematics user who wants to approach a mathematical task from a computational perspective. Sage is considered as a mathematical software system in the prototype stage of development-the point at which a small community of users distributes, maintains, and extends the system on a voluntary basis.
Guiding CNF-SAT Search by Analyzing Constraint-Variable Dependencies and Clause Lengths

The type of decision strategies employed for CNF-SAT have a profound effect on the efficiency and performance of SAT engines. Over the years, a variety of decision heuristics have been proposed; each has its own achievements and limitations. This paper re-visits the issue of decision heuristics and engineers a new approach that takes an integrated view of the overall problem structure. Our approach qualitatively analyzes clause-variable dependenccies by accounting for variable/literal activity, clause connectivity, distribution of variables among clauses of different lengths, and correlation among variables, to derive an initial static ordering for SAT search. To account for conflict clauses and their resolution, a corresponding dynamic variable order update strategy is also presented. Quantitative metrics are proposed that are used to devise an algorithmic approach to guide overall SAT search. Experimental results demonstrate that our strategy significantly outperforms conventional approaches.