cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Influence of Graphic Format on Breast Cancer Risk Communication

Graphic displays can enhance quantitative risk communication. However, empiric data regarding the effect of graphic format on risk perception is lacking. We evaluate the effect of graphic format elements on perceptions of risk magnitude and perceived truth of data. Preferences for format also were assessed. Participants (254 female primary care patients) viewed a series of hypothetical risk communications regarding the lifetime risk of breast cancer. Identical numeric risk information was presented using different graphic formats. Risk was perceived to be of lower magnitude when communicated with a bar graph as compared with a pictorial display (p < 0.0001), or with consecutively versus randomly highlighted symbols in a pictorial display (p = 0.0001). Data were perceived to be more true when presented with random versus consecutive highlights in a pictorial display (p < 0.01). A pictorial display was preferred to a bar graph format for the presentation of breast cancer risk estimates alone (p = 0.001). When considering breast cancer risk in comparison to heart disease, stroke, and osteoporosis, however, bar graphs were preferred pictorial displays (p < 0.001). In conclusion, elements of graphic format used to convey quantitative risk information effects key domains of risk perception. One must be cognizant of these effects when designing risk communication strategies.
The importance of modeling normal mammographic structure in optimizing flat-panel CT breast imaging systems

In recent years, there has been interest in exploring the feasibility of CT breast imaging using flat-panel digital detectors in a truncated cone-beam geometry. Preliminary results are promising and it appears as if 3D tomographic imaging of the breast has great potential for reducing the masking effect of superimposed parenchymal structure typically observed with conventional mammography. In this study, a mathematical framework used for determining optimal design and acquisition parameters for such a CT breast imaging system is described. The ideal observer SNR is used as a figure-of-merit, under the assumptions that the imaging system is linear and shift-invariant. Computation of the ideal observer SNR used a parallel-cascade model to predict signal and noise propagation through the detector, as well as a realistic model of the lesion detection task in breast imaging. For all optimizations discussed here, the total mean glandular dose for a CT breast imaging study is constrained to be approximately equivalent to that of a two-view conventional mammography study. The framework presented is used to explore the affect of the specific task on the optimal exposure technique of flat-panel CT breast imaging. In particular, it is observed that modeling the normal mammographic structure in the projection images can sometimes impact the optimal kVp settings.
Computed tomography of calcification and ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament of the spine

Calcification of the posterior longitudinal ligament occurs in about 3% of adults in Japan, and in about 0.7% of hospitalized adults with spinal symptoms in the United States. The condition may be asymptomatic, however, in patients with a stenotic spinal canal or when the calcification is large, it may cause compression of the spinal cord and myelopathy. The radiographic diagnosis is made when a band of calcification is noted in the spinal canal directly posterior to the vertebral bodies. Lateral tomograms of the spine are helpful for detection and measurement of the exact thickness of the calcification. Computed tomography is particularly helpful because it reveals the thickness and the extent of lateral extension of the calcification, as well as the size of the spinal canal and the extent of its narrowing by the calcification. Seventeen patients evaluated by computed tomography are reported.
Lipid metabolism in perfused human nonatherosclerotic coronary arteries and saphenous veins.

Abstract The experiments dealt with lipid synthesis and cholesterol uptake in human coronary arteries without evidence of atherosclerosis and in human saphenous veins perfused in vitro with pulsatile pressure. The results demonstrate the following: 1.1. Human coronary arteries without evidence of atherosclerosis and atherosclerotic coronary arteries are unable to synthesize cholesterol from acetate. 2.2. Synthesis of cholesterol esters is small in coronary arteries regardless of the presence or absence of atherosclerotic lesions. 3.3. Identical uptakes of cholesterol were found in normal and atherosclerotic coronary arteries. 4.4. Lipid synthesis in human saphenous veins perfused at a pressure of 4535 mm Hg does not differ from that in nonatherosclerotic coronary arteries or saphenous veins perfused at a pressure of 130100 mm Hg. 5.5. Cholesterol uptake in saphenous veins perfused at a pressure of 4535 mm Hg is lower than that in coronary arteries or saphenous veins perfused at arterial pressure (130100 mm Hg.
Hemodynamic and manometric observations in experimental air-block syndrome

Abstract In experimental air block, interstitial emphysema is characterized by early tachypnea, arterial hypertension, and hypoxemia. Pneumomediastinum causes a significant rise in central venous pressure and an initial respiratory and subsequent metabolic acidosis. This is a result of a reduction in venous return, cardiac output, and tissue perfusion. Pneumopericardium and coronary and systemic arterial air emboli were observed when vigorous insufflation pressures were used. Animal deterioration was characterized by severe hypoxia, metabolic and respiratory acidosis, arterial hypotension, and cardiac arrhythmias leading to cardiac arrest. These observations point out the potential dangers of vigorous resuscitation in small infants and suggest that vena caval and esophageal manometrics, arterial blood pressure, pH, and blood gas tension determinations indicate significant changes in pulmonary and mediastinal hemodynamics. Monitoring these factors in addition to pulse, respiration, and the EKG would permit early detection of critical changes and allow for prompt respiratory support and, hopefully, improved survival rates in infants with air-block syndrome.
The electron microscopy of dividing cells.

Abstract Electron micrographs have been made of thinly sectioned onion root tip treated with various fixatives. These demonstrate the gross damage done to all fine cell structures by acid fixation and illustrate the appearance of some of these structures, including chromosomes, after non-acid fixation.
Effects of ammonia nitrogen on H2 and CH4 production during anaerobic digestion of dairy cattle manure.

A number of researchers have verified the inhibitory effects of elevated H2 concentrations on various anaerobic fermentation processes. The objective of this work was to investigate the potential for using hydrogen gas production to predict upsets in anaerobic digesters operating on dairy cattle manure. In an ammonia nitrogen overload experiment, urea was added to the experimental digesters to obtain increased ammonia concentrations (600, 1,500, or 3,000 mg N/l). An increase in urea concentration resulted in an initial cessation of H2 production followed by an increase in H2 formation. Additions of 600, 1,500, or 3,000 mg N/l initially resulted in the reduction of biogas H2 concentrations. After 24 h, the H2 concentration increased in the 600 and 1,500 mg N/l digesters, but production remained inhibited in the 3,000 mg N/l digesters. Both methane and total biogas production decreased following urea addition. Volatile solids reduction also decreased during these periods. The digester effluent pH and alkalinity increased due to the increased NH4 formed with added urea. Based on these results, changes in H2 concentration could be a useful parameter for monitoring changes due to increased NH3 in dairy cattle manure anaerobic digesters.
Ventricular remodeling: Hype or hope?

An unconventional operation for treating end-stage heart failure may prove beneficial for some patients waiting for heart transplants.
The human tragedy of Spinal Bifida: Spinal myelomeningocele

The sexual questions, concerns, and adjustments of 26 males and 26 females, ranging in age from 12 to 31, with Spinal Bifida were assessed by structured interview. Self image was poor in 4 out of 5. Interpersonal relationships were confused by pressures—implicit and explicit—to date other handicapped individuals or to try and date “normals”. The status of sexual functioning was also reported. The presence of a congenital handicap intensifies the difficulty of psycho-sexual development.
The role of three-dimensional trabecular microstructure in the pathogenesis of vertebral compression fractures.

We compared indices of three-dimensional microstructure of iliac trabecular bone between 26 patients with vertebral compression fractures due to postmenopausal osteoporosis and 24 control subjects without vertebral fracture, who were matched for age, sex, race, menopausal status, and several densitometric and histologic indices of both cortical and trabecular bone mass. The patients with fracture had a significantly lower mean value (1.03±0.15 vs. 1.26±0.26;P<0.005) for indirectly calculated mean trabecular plate density, an index of the number and connectivity of structural elements, and as a necessary corollary, a significantly higher mean value for the mean thickness of structural elements. Plate density was more than one standard deviation below the age-adjusted mean value for normal postmenopausal white females in 19 (73%) of the fracture caes and in only 5 (21%) of the nonfracture cases (P<0.001). We conclude that the biomechanical competence of trabecular bone is dependent not only on the absolute amount of bone present but also on the trabecular microstructure.
A study on pressure drop and heat transfer in open cell metal foams for jet engine applications

Abstract This research investigated the feasibility of placing a ring of open cell metal foam between the combustor and the turbine section of a turbojet engine to homogenize the temperatures leaving the combustor to raise the overall efficiency of such engines. Heat transfer testing on Al foam samples was done using infrared imaging to test the foam’s efficiency of mixing the hot and cool temperatures with very promising results (21% and 37% mixing factor in a 10 cm thick layer of 5 and 10 PPI foam, respectively). Pressure drop testing on Al foam was also done in the compressible region of air to investigate the loss of pressure through the foam. The tests concluded that when temperature effects where accounted for, the pressure drop was less than 34.5 KPa per 2.54 cm of foam.
The Arf invariant of a totally proper link

Abstract Suppose L is an oriented link in S 3 such that each pair of components of L link each other an even number of times. Then the Arf invariant of L is equal to the sum (mod 2) of the Arf invariants of all sublinks of L plus a certain coefficient of the Conway polynomial of L . This result extends the formula recently given by Murasugi in the case when L has two components.
The transition metal binding properties of a 3RD generation bleomycin analogue, tallysomycin

Abstract Employing a number of physical techniques the transition metal binding site of the bleomycin (BLM) related antibiotic tallysomycin (TLM) has been determined. The new antibiotic was shown to have two metal binding sites. One site is similar to that of bleomycin and involves the pyrimidine-imidazole portion of the molecule. The second binding site, which is thermodynamically less stable than the first site, utilizes the amino group of the L-talose moiety and the amino groups located in the β lysine-spermidine portion of the antibiotic. The presence of two metal binding sites and its implication on the mechanism of action of TLM is also discussed.
Efficacy of It's Your Game-Tech: A Computer-Based Sexual Health Education Program for Middle School Youth

Abstract Purpose Few computer-based HIV, sexually transmitted infection (STI), and pregnancy prevention programs are available, and even fewer target early adolescents. In this study, we tested the efficacy of It's Your Game (IYG)-Tech , a completely computer-based, middle school sexual health education program. The primary hypothesis was that students who received IYG-Tech would significantly delay sexual initiation by ninth grade. Methods We evaluated IYG-Tech using a randomized, two-arm nested design among 19 schools in a large, urban school district in southeast Texas (20 schools were originally randomized). The target population was English-speaking eighth-grade students who were followed into the ninth grade. The final analytic sample included 1,374 students. Multilevel logistic regression models were used to test for differences in sexual initiation between intervention and control students, while adjusting for age, gender, ethnicity, time between measures, and family structure. Results There was no significant difference in the delay of sexual activity or in any other sexual behavior between intervention and control students. However, there were significant positive between-group differences for psychosocial variables related to STI and condom knowledge, attitudes about abstinence, condom use self-efficacy, and perceived norms about sex. Post hoc analyses conducted among intervention students revealed some significant associations: "full exposure" (completion of all 13 lessons) and "mid-exposure" (5–8 lessons) students were less likely than "low exposure" (1–4 lessons) students to initiate sex. Conclusions Collectively, our findings indicate that IYG-Tech impacts some determinants of sexual behavior, and that additional efficacy evaluation with full intervention exposure may be warranted.
Structure of the Pseudorabies Virus Capsid: Comparison with Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 and Differential Binding of Essential Minor Proteins

The structure of pseudorabies virus (PRV) capsids isolated from the nucleus of infected cells and from PRV virions was determined by cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and compared to herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) capsids. PRV capsid structures closely resemble those of HSV-1, including distribution of the capsid vertex specific component (CVSC) of HSV-1, which is a heterodimer of the pUL17 and pUL25 proteins. Occupancy of CVSC on all PRV capsids is near 100%, compared to ~50% reported for HSV-1 C-capsids and 25% or less that we measure for HSV-1 A- and B-capsids. A PRV mutant lacking pUL25 does not produce C-capsids and lacks visible CVSC density in the cryo-EM-based reconstruction. A reconstruction of PRV capsids in which green fluorescent protein was fused within the N-terminus of pUL25 confirmed previous studies with a similar HSV-1 capsid mutant localizing pUL25 to the CVSC density region that is distal to the penton. However, comparison of the CVSC density in a 9-A-resolution PRV C-capsid map with the available crystal structure of HSV-1 pUL25 failed to find a satisfactory fit, suggesting either a different fold for PRV pUL25 or a capsid-bound conformation for pUL25 that does not match the X-ray model determined from protein crystallized in solution. The PRV capsid imaged within virions closely resembles C-capsids with the addition of weak but significant density shrouding the pentons that we attribute to tegument proteins. Our results demonstrate significant structure conservation between the PRV and HSV capsids.
Bayesian Hierarchical Models for Spatially Misaligned Data in R

Investment in long-term monitoring networks and advancement in sensor technologies are creating data-rich environments that provide extraordinary opportunities to understand the complexity of large and spatially indexed ecological data. Building such understanding often requires the analysis of spatially indexed data sets with multiple variables measured at each location. In such settings, it is commonly posited that there is association between the measurements at a given location as well as association among measurements across locations. In ecological analysis, we often seek inference about the association among these multiple variables or wish to predict their values at new locations. For example, consider the analysis of (i) species co-occurrence where species' presence/ absence or abundance is recorded at each location, for example Ovaskainen, Hottola & Siitonen (2010); (ii) soil nutrient impact on local tree growth and competition where soil nutrient measurements coincide with tree inventory locations, for example Baribault, Kobe & Finley (2012); or (iii) relationship between multiple environmental stressors and measures of focal species fitness, for example Swope & Parker (2012). In each case, development of a statistical model typically requires the full set of outcomes, for example species presence/ absence, and covariates, for example soil nutrients or environmental stressors, at a set of locations.
Regulation of mitochondrial functions by SIRT5 and non-canonical post-translational modifications (LB172)

Protein function is regulated by diverse post-translational modifications. The mitochondrial sirtuin SIRT5 removes malonyl and succinyl moieties from target lysines. The spectrum of protein substrates subject to these modifications is unknown. We recently reported the first systematic profiling of the mammalian succinylome, identifying 2565 succinylation sites on 779 proteins. Our analysis revealed potential impacts of lysine succinylation on amino acid degradation, the TCA cycle, and fatty acid metabolism. Lysine succinylation was also present on cytosolic and nuclear proteins; indeed, we found that a substantial fraction of SIRT5 was extra-mitochondrial. SIRT5 repressed biochemical activity of, and cellular respiration through, two protein complexes identified in our analysis, Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Complex (PDC) and Succinate Dehydrogenase (SDH). We will discuss our recent progress on elucidating further the biology of SIRT5 using enzymatic, respiration, and metabolomic flux assays.Grant Funding Source...
Electrical limitations of advanced LOCOS isolation for deep submicrometer CMOS

Limitations to advanced local oxidation of silicon (LOCOS) based dielectric isolation of the poly buffer type are examined by fabricating CMOS devices with active area widths and spaces to 200 nm. Measured results show that device width scaling to 400 nm is possible using the retrograde-well process. The impact of narrow-channel effects, field oxide thinning, and drain-induced barrier lowering (DIBL) of the field oxide transistors on deep submicrometer CMOS has been quantified. For a retrograde-well process the narrow-channel effect is minimal for active device widths to 0.4 mu m. DIBL is shown to limit the active device spacing to about 0.8 mu m. SUPREM-4 and PISCES-2B simulations are utilized to illustrate the mechanism for the loss of isolation. >
The effects of discovery learning in a lower-division biology course.

This study investigated discovery learning pedagogy and its effects on students’ achievement and attitudes toward instruction in a lower-division biology course, entitled Structure and Function of Organisms. Instruction was primarily lecture-based but included four discovery learning activities. Results indicate that students had greater achievement on content learned through discovery methods than lecture-based instruction. Findings regarding students’ attitudes toward discovery-based instruction suggest that students enjoyed active, discovery-based problems, believed that discovery helped them gain an understanding of the material and helped them to develop skills that could be used in other courses. The study presented here shows that a moderate amount of discovery learning used in combination with traditional methods of instruction may be an effective means for promoting students’ achievement.
A reliable congestion control mechanism for geocasting in mobile wireless networks

In this paper, we present a reliable congestion control mechanism for geocasting in mobile wireless networks. Our protocol can be used as an extension to conventional multicasting protocols in order to overcome the problems associated with terminal mobility and the wireless environment. We present the architecture and implementation of the Multicast ACK Aggregation Method (MAAM). And test the performance of MAAM in various scenarios. Our simulation results show the efficiency and reliability of MAAM in wireless networks with high bit error rates. We further enhance the performance of MAAM by designing MAAM with local recovery (MAAM/LR).
Representing geometric structures ind dimensions: Topology and order

This work investigates data structures for representing and manipulatingd-dimensional geometric objects for arbitraryd ? 1. A class of geometric objects is defined, the "subdividedd-manifolds," which is large enough to encompass many applications. A new representation is given for such objects, the "cell-tuple structure," which provides direct access to topological structure, ordering information among cells, the topological dual, and boundaries. The cell-tuple structure gives a simple, uniform representation of subdivided manifolds which unifies the existing work in the field and provides intuitive clarity in all dimensions. The dual subdivision, and boundaries, are represented consistently. This work has direct applications in solid modeling, computer graphics, and computational geometry.
UWB channel sounding and channel characteristics in rectangular metal cavity

This paper first describes channel sounding for ultra-wideband (UWB) channel in rectangular metal cavity. According to the measurement results, different UWB channel characteristics in such an environment are analyzed and compared with the channel characteristics of other environments such as hallway and office environments. This paper will be helpful in better understanding of UWB channel inside confined metal environment that is related to many commercial and military applications and guide us to design high performance system for wireless communication in such an environment.
Preparing Children for Invasive Procedures and Surgery

Children undergo numerous medical procedures throughout their lifetime, such as routine needle sticks, and more invasive procedures such as surgery. Common reactions include varying levels of fear and anxiety before the medical event and pain during the actual procedures. Both nonmalleable and malleable variables are predictive of children's medical anxiety and pain, as well as their use of coping behaviors. Nonmalleable correlates of children's fear and anxiety include younger age, negative temperament, high level of distress during prior procedures, and an avoidant coping style. These variables may help identify children in need of intervention, but do little to indicate the best way to intervene. In contrast, the potentially malleable variables that predict children's anxiety and pain include children's training in the use of coping skills and the behaviors of parents and medical staff. Some adult behaviors have been shown to increase child anxiety and pain, while other adult behaviors reduce child distress before and during medical treatments. Generally, parent and medical staff behaviors that are helpful direct children's attention away from their own anxious emotions and the threatening and painful aspects of the medical procedure, to something more pleasant and engaging, In contrast, detrimental adult behaviors enhance children's focus on their own negative emotions and the medical procedure, heightening anxiety and pain.
2005 Special Issue: Individualization of pharmacological anemia management using reinforcement learning

Effective management of anemia due to renal failure poses many challenges to physicians. Individual response to treatment varies across patient populations and, due to the prolonged character of the therapy, changes over time. In this work, a Reinforcement Learning-based approach is proposed as an alternative method for individualization of drug administration in the treatment of renal anemia. Q-learning, an off-policy approximate dynamic programming method, is applied to determine the proper dosing strategy in real time. Simulations compare the proposed methodology with the currently used dosing protocol. Presented results illustrate the ability of the proposed method to achieve the therapeutic goal for individuals with different response characteristics and its potential to become an alternative to currently used techniques.
Hot‐Pressing of Alumina Powders at Low Temperatures

A better insight into the initial stages of densification during the hot-pressing of ceramics can be obtained by performing the experiments at low temperatures. The parameters which have been examined are pressure, temperature, and the particle size of the alumina used. The results obtained preclude plastic flow as the predominant mechanism responsible for the large increases in density observed initially. Particle rearrangement by boundary sliding is suggested as the process responsible for the initial increase in compact density.
A novel mutation in the tyrosine kinase domain of ERBB2 in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Several studies showed that gain-of-function somatic mutations affecting the catalytic domain of EGFR in non-small cell lung carcinomas were associated with response to gefitinib and erlotinib, both EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors. In addition, 4% of non-small cell lung carcinomas were shown to have ERBB2 mutations in the kinase domain. In our study, we sought to determine if similar respective gain-of-function EGFR and ERBB2 mutations were present in hepatoma and/or biliary cancers. We extracted genomic DNA from 40 hepatoma (18) and biliary cancers (22) samples, and 44 adenocarcinomas of the lung, this latter as a positive control for mutation detection. We subjected those samples to PCR-based semi-automated double stranded nucleotide sequencing targeting exons 18–21 of EGFR and ERBB2. All samples were tested against matched normal DNA. We found 11% of hepatoma, but no biliary cancers, harbored a novel ERBB2 H878Y mutation in the activating domain. These newly described mutations may play a role in predicting response to EGFR-targeted therapy in hepatoma and their role should be explored in prospective studies.
Trustworthy Data Collection From Implantable Medical Devices Via High-Speed Security Implementation Based on IEEE 1363

Implantable medical devices (IMDs) have played an important role in many medical fields. Any failure in IMDs operations could cause serious consequences and it is important to protect the IMDs access from unauthenticated access. This study investigates secure IMD data collection within a telehealthcare [mobile health (m-health)] network. We use medical sensors carried by patients to securely access IMD data and perform secure sensor-to-sensor communications between patients to relay the IMD data to a remote doctor's server. To meet the requirements on low computational complexity, we choose N-th degree truncated polynomial ring (NTRU)-based encryption/decryption to secure IMD-sensor and sensor-sensor communications. An extended matryoshkas model is developed to estimate direct/indirect trust relationship among sensors. An NTRU hardware implementation in very large integrated circuit hardware description language is studied based on industry Standard IEEE 1363 to increase the speed of key generation. The performance analysis results demonstrate the security robustness of the proposed IMD data access trust model.
Vital signs records omissions on prehospital patient encounter forms.

Introduction A reported in-field, prospective evaluation of 227 prehospital patient assessments by advanced life support (ALS) emergency medical technicians (EMTs) found a frequent failure to measure vital signs. The objective of this retrospective review was to report the omission frequency of vital signs found in a centralized emergency medical services (EMS) data collection system. Methods The EMS database contained information from 90,480 optically scanned, prehospital patient encounter forms. Each record identified EMT skill levels, response times, dispatch type, vital signs, medical and trauma information, treatment, and patient disposition. Records for 1989 and 1990 were collected from 92 rural EMS providers who responded to emergency medical and trauma events. Results Of 90,480 emergency responses, 14,129 (15.6%) were false alarms, deceased, or canceled without vital patient contact. Valid encounters were documented for 76,351 (84.4%) patient contacts. Systolic blood pressure measurements were not recorded for 13,262 (17.4%) patients. Diastolic blood pressure was not recorded for 14,272 (18.7%) patients. A pulse record was not recorded for 12,125 (15.9%) patients. A ventilatory rate was absent in 12,958 (17.0%) patient records. Conclusion This study found a frequent failure by non-metropolitan basic life support (BLS) and advanced life support (ALS) EMTs to record vital signs on prehospital emergency patient encounter forms. It supports a previous report of direct in-field observations of ALS EMTs failing to measure vital signs during patient assessment. The impact of vital sign omissions upon individual patient care can be assessed only by receiving medical control physicians. In the absence of effective emergency physician networking, the statewide magnitude of the problem among BLS and ALS EMTs has not been recognized as a system issue.
Consequences of over-expression of rat Scavenger Receptor, SR-BI, in an adrenal cell model

The plasma membrane scavenger receptor, SR-BI, mediates the 'selective uptake' process by which cholesteryl esters (CE) from exogenously supplied HDL are taken up by target cells. Recent work suggests that dimer and higher order oligomeric forms of the SR-BI protein are important to this process. SR-BI has been shown to be particularly associated with microvilli and microvillar channels found at the cell surface of steroidogenic cells, and a study with the hormone stimulated adrenal gland has shown impressive changes in the size and complexity of the microvillar compartment as the mass of CE uptake (and accompanying steroidogenesis) fluctuates. In the present study, we examine a cell line in which we overexpress the SR-BI protein to determine if morphological, biochemical and functional events associated with SR-BI in a controlled cell system are similar to those observed in the intact mammalian adrenal which is responsive to systemic factors. Y1-BS1 mouse adrenocortical cells were transiently transfected using rat SR-BI-pcDNA6-V5-His, rat SR-BI-pcDNA6-cMyc-His or control pcDNA6-V5-His vector construct using a CaPO4 precipitation technique. Twenty four hours after transfection, cells were treated with, or without, Bt2cAMP, and SR-BI expression, CE uptake, and steroidogenesis was measured. SR-BI dimerization and cell surface architectural changes were assessed using immunoelectron microscopic techniques. Overexpression of the scavenger receptor protein, SR-BI, in Y1-BS1 cells results in major alterations in cell surface architecture designed to increase uptake of HDL supplied-CEs. Changes include [1] the formation of crater-like erosions of the surface with multiple double membraned channel structures lining the craters, and [2] dimerized formations of SR-BI lining the newly formed craters and associated double membraned channels. These data show that overexpression of the scavenger receptor protein, SR-BI (accompanied by suitable hormone treatment and lipoproteins) in susceptible mammalian cells – is associated with increased cholesterol uptake and SR-BI dimerization within a much enlarged and architecturally complex microvillar compartment. These changes duplicate the structural, biochemical and functional changes related to the uptake of HDL CEs normally signaled by the action of ACTH on intact adrenal tissue.
Commentary on: "Assessing proprioception: A critical review of methods" by Han et al.

Commentary on: “Assessing proprioception: A critical review of methods” by Han et al. Carmen Krewer *, Ann Van de Winckel , Naveen Elangovan , Joshua E. Aman , Jurgen Konczak a a Human Sensorimotor Control Laboratory, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA b Schon Klinik Bad Aibling, Bad Aibling 83043, Germany c Program in Physical Therapy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
Gold and Platinum-Group Element Analysis of Geochemical and Platinum Reference Materials Using Fluoroxidation Decomposition

A novel method is described for the rapid dissolution of various geological, geochemical and related reference samples for the determination of Au and the platinum-group elements. The decomposition procedure is based on reaction with the fluoroxidants, liquid bromine trifluoride or molten potassium tetrafluorobromate. Results by this novel procedure are compared with data obtained by traditional methods of sample decomposition, including fire assay, autoclave techniques and an aqua regia leach. The oxidative fluorination procedure with the subsequent conversion of fluorocomplexes into the chloride form was found to be an effective and rapid method for the quantification of all the precious metals in a range of sample types. On presente une nouvelle methode de dissolution rapide pour la determination de l'or et des PGE dans des materiaux de reference geologiques et geochimiques varies. La procedure de decomposition est basee sur la reaction avec les produits fluoroxydants : le bromure trifluore liquide ou le tetra fluorobromate de potassium fondu. Les resultats fournis par cette nouvelle technique sont compares aux donnees obtenues par les methodes traditionnelles de decomposition telles que l'essai pyrognostique, les techniques avec autoclave et un lessivage par l'eau regale. La procedure d'oxydation et de fluoration avec conversion associee des fluorocomplexes en chlorures saest montree une methode efficace et rapide pour l'analyse quantitative de tous les metaux precieux sur une gamme d'echantillons.
Mathematics Teachers' Instructional Practices in an Era of High-Stakes Testing

This study explored mathematics teachers' instructional practices in the context of high-stakes testing. Data were obtained from a survey instrument given to a stratified sample of Mississippi and Tennessee teachers who teach the same content tested on their state's high school graduation examination. An analysis showed teachers using a balance of standards-based and traditional practices and tools, including textbook-based assignments, calculators, open-response questions, supplementary materials, and multiple-choice questions. Over 90% of teachers from both states felt that an “interest in helping my students attain test scores that will allow them to graduate high school” was a factor influencing their instructional practices. This was followed by an “interest in helping my school improve high school graduation examination scores,” and “belief these are the best instructional practices.”
Analysis of Thermal Cycle Fatigue Damage in Microsocket Solder Joints

A technique was developed to study thermal cycle (TC) fatigue damage in microsocket solder joints, known as "C-4" (controlled-collapse chip connection). The procedure consists of cutting both a chip and a substrate to within 125 µm of the outside edge, followed by a joining operation. The result is a completed module with C-4 joints exposed along the outside. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is used to successively photograph the joints at intervals in the stress cycle, thereby showing the gradual buildup of thermal cycle damage that degrades the C-4 joint. This technique is used to determine damage mechanisms in representative C-4's that have been subjected to accelerated test conditions. In particular we will show that predominant deformation mechanisms and damage location sites are altered as the C-4 volume, and thus height, is changed. For small volumes, damage is uniform throughout the C-4 and consists of the nucleation of multiple cracks that eventually link up to cause major cracks. For higher volumes the middle section of the C-4 is relatively damage-free, with the majority of the damage occurring near the chip. Stresses generated by solder-Si mismatch are shown to play a significant role in conditioning the region near the chip to develop subsequent damage.
Fenofibrate Reduces Systemic Inflammation Markers Independent of Its Effects on Lipid and Glucose Metabolism in Patients with the Metabolic Syndrome

Context: Fenofibrate is a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α agonist widely used in clinical practice, but its mechanism of action is incompletely understood. Objective: The aim of the study was to assess whether improvement in subclinical inflammation or glucose metabolism contributes to its antiatherogenic effects in insulin-resistant subjects with the metabolic syndrome (MetS). Design and Setting: We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in the research unit at an academic center. Patients: We studied 25 nondiabetic insulin-resistant MetS subjects. Intervention(s): We administered fenofibrate (200 mg/d) and placebo for 12 wk. Main Outcome Measures: Before and after treatment, we measured plasma lipids/apolipoproteins, inflammatory markers (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, IL-6, intercellular adhesion molecule/vascular cell adhesion molecule), adipocytokines (adiponectin, TNFα, leptin), and insulin secretion (oral glucose tolerance test). We also assessed adipose tissue, hepatic and peripheral (muscle) insulin resistance fasting and during a euglycemic insulin clamp with 3H glucose and 14C palmitate infusion combined with indirect calorimetry. Results: Subjects displayed severe insulin resistance and systemic inflammation. Fenofibrate significantly reduced plasma triglyceride, apolipoprotein (apo) CII, apo CIII, and apo E (all P < 0.01), with a modest increase in high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (+12%; P = 0.06). Fenofibrate markedly decreased plasma high-sensitivity C-reactive protein by 49.5 ± 8% (P = 0.005) and IL-6 by 29.8 ± 7% (P = 0.03) vs. placebo. However, neither insulin secretion nor adipose tissue, hepatic or muscle insulin sensitivity or glucose/lipid oxidation improved with treatment. Adiponectin and TNF-α levels were also unchanged. Improvement in plasma markers of vascular/systemic inflammation was dissociated from changes in triglyceride/high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, apo CII/CIII, or free fatty acid concentrations or insulin secretion/insulin sensitivity. Conclusions: In subjects with the MetS, fenofibrate reduces systemic inflammation independent of improvements in lipoprotein metabolism and without changing insulin sensitivity. This suggests a direct peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α-mediated effect of fenofibrate on inflammatory pathways, which may be important for the prevention of CVD in high-risk patients.
Mass Spectrometric Analysis of Protein Mixtures at Low Levels Using Cleavable 13C-Isotope-coded Affinity Tag and Multidimensional Chromatography

In order to identify and compare the protein content of very low quantity samples of high complexity, a protocol has been established that combines the differential profiling strength of a new cleavable 13C isotope-coded affinity tag (cICAT) reagent with the high sequence coverage provided by multidimensional liquid chromatography and two modes of tandem mass spectrometry. Major objectives during protocol optimization were to minimize sample losses and establish a robust procedure that employs volatile buffer systems that are highly compatible with mass spectrometry. Cleavable ICAT-labeled tryptic peptides were separated from nonlabeled peptides by avidin affinity chromatography. Subsequently, peptide samples were analyzed by nanoflow liquid chromatography electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization tandem mass spectrometry. The use of two ionization/instrumental configurations led to complementary peptide identifications that increased the confidence of protein assignments. Examples that illustrate the power of this strategy are taken from two different projects: i) immunoaffinity purified complexes containing the prion protein from the murine brain, and ii) human tracheal epithelium gland secretions. In these studies, a large number of novel proteins were identified using stringent match criteria, in addition to many that had been identified in previous experiments. In the latter case, the ICAT method produced significant new information on changes that occur in protein expression levels in a patient suffering from cystic fibrosis.
γ-irradiation of Aqueous Solutions of Polynucleotides

SummaryThe radiation-induced degradation of aqueous oxygenated solutions of the polynucleotides of adenine, uracil, cytosine and hypoxanthine has been examined by chemical methods. Adjustment of ph and temperature enabled random coil structures to be compared with double helices. Measurements of the amounts of base destroyed by irradiation showed little difference between random coil structures and mononucleotides. In the double helical structure the base moieties are protected to varying extents, and this protection appears to be related to helix stability. The mixed double helix of poly-U poly-A is exceptional in this respect. Both bases are more sensitive to radiation when involved together in this structure. Measurement of single-chain breaks showed no dependence on macromolecular structure and only slight dependence on the base constituent of the polynucleotide. Hyperchromicity measurements of irradiated solutions showed a marked dependence of the double helix stability on the bases involved in the s...
STUDY OF SELF REACTIVE ANTIBODIES IN KAPPA- LIGHT CHAIN DEFICIENT MICE

The kappa chain deficient mouse strain represents an excellent experimental system for studying the contribution of lambda light chains to the antibody repertoire. Here, we have studied the contribution of λ chains to the genrration of self reactive antibodies including RFs in kappa deficient mice with 129/sv background. These mutant mice produce rheumatoid factors similar to 129/sv mice and these antibodies are primarily encoded by λ2. This may be due to the production of RF by peritoneal B lymphocytes which belong to Ly1 B subset. Peritoneal B cell selectively produce λ2 and λ3 isotypes. Though λ1 positive RF is not detectable in the sera, λ1 positive specific precursor B cells are present in these mice and they can be activated by T-independent antigens. Our studies show that these mice also spontaneously produce anti-dsDNA antibodies bearing λ1 light chain but do not produce self reactive antibodies specific for eight different autoantigens. However, B cell precursors expressing λ chains specific for ...
AMP-Activated Protein Kinase Conducts the Ischemic Stress Response Orchestra

The heart is subjected to physiological stress in normal individuals during exercise and to pathological stress in patients with ischemic disease, ventricular pressure, or volume overload. How the heart responds depends on the type, intensity, and duration of the stress. Just as extrinsic physiological reflexes are activated when cardiac output falls, internal molecular sensors respond to changes in physiological parameters within cardiac cells. These specialized molecules sense perturbations in oxygen tension, cell stretch, pH, membrane potential, oxidative state, and intracellular energy stores, with the latter particularly pertinent to this discussion. The present article will focus on the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a molecular stress response pathway that is activated by increases in the intracellular concentration of AMP. AMP is not to be confused with cAMP, a molecular signal produced during stress by catecholamine-induced β-adrenergic stimulation. The AMPK pathway has received a great deal of attention because of its potential importance in the ischemic heart,1,2 diabetes,3 and cancer.4 Several recent reviews have summarized scientific discoveries related to AMPK and can provide the interested reader with additional insights into the field.2,5–7 The present article will strive to provide a perspective that is accessible to the clinician with an interest in contemporary basic science research. It is hoped that the reader will develop an understanding of how AMPK functions in the heart to orchestrate the cellular response to ischemic stress. Cells have evolved elaborate mechanisms to protect themselves against changes in their environment. In the heart, one of the most important forms of cellular stress is energy depletion from ischemia. ATP is the primary energy source for contractile proteins, ion pumps, and many enzymes. Normally, energy production and utilization are tightly coupled in the heart. When ATP generation from substrate metabolism fails to keep pace with ATP utilization, the …
Personal responsibility, regret, and medical stigma among individuals living with lung cancer

Understanding the degree to which adults with lung cancer perceive personal responsibility for their disease, personal regret for actions that may have contributed to lung cancer, and potential stigmatization from others is important, because these perceptions and experiences may be linked with treatment nonadherence, feelings of isolation, avoidance of healthcare providers, and poor quality of life. The purpose of this study was to evaluate rates and intensity of these types of experiences and to characterize the extent to which they are linked with smoking status and psychological adjustment in those living with lung cancer. Adults with lung cancer (N = 213) were recruited from two major cancer centers to complete a mail survey. Perceived responsibility was frequent in those who had ever smoked (74-80%), whereas regret and feelings of stigmatization were less frequent. When present, however, personal regret and stigmatization were associated with adverse psychological outcomes, particularly for never smokers. These results are consistent with the theory of stereotype threat and have clinical implications for management of people with lung cancer.
Technology and Governance

This chapter provides an overview of the broad topic of technology and governance. The chapter surveys crucial technological issues that require careful governance to manage them well, including information technology, biotechnology, climate change, and nuclear proliferation.