cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Quinine blocks a calcium-activated potassium conductance in mammalian enteric neurones

Quinine (100 microM) abolished the slow calcium-dependent afterhyperpolarization which occurs after an action potential in some neurones of the guinea-pig myenteric and submucous plexus. This occurred without any effect on the amplitude or time course of the action potential itself, or on the faster calcium-independent afterhyperpolarization. Tetraethylammonium did not reduce the slow afterhyperpolarization. Quinine also abolished the hyperpolarization which was evoked by intracellular injection of calcium ions.
Antimicrobial prescribing in the United States: good news, bad news.

In this issue, Steinman and colleagues look at the changing patterns of antimicrobial selection during the 1990s. While overall prescribing declined during the 1990s, use of targeted therapy shifte...
Chirurgie parathyroïdienne dirigée : une série de 100 patients consécutifs

Resume Introduction : Le traitement des hyperparathyroidies primaires a longtemps necessite la localisation chirurgicale de toutes les glandes parathyroides. De nouvelles techniques d’imagerie medicale permettent actuellement de localiser les glandes pathologiques en pre-operatoire, leur resection complete etant confirmee en peroperatoire par un dosage du taux de parathormone intacte (PTHi). Materiel et Methodes : Deux cent vingt parathyroidectomies ont ete realisees durant ces trois dernieres annees. Les donnees pre-operatoires, operatoires, ainsi que le suivi de ces patients ont ete recueillis de maniere prospective. Les cents dernieres resections dirigees realisees pour hyperparathyroidie primaire ont ete analysees. Resultats : L’âge moyen des 100 patients etait de 57 ± 15 ans. La duree moyenne d’intervention a ete de 44 ± 25 min. Quatre-vingt-treize adenomes uniques, trois adenomes doubles, trois carcinomes et une hyperplasie parathyroidienne ont ete reseques. Un abord bilateral a ete requis chez deux patients. Il y a eu une complication peroperatoire (pneumothorax) lors de la resection d’un adenome mediastinal. Trois complications sont apparues en postoperatoire : deux hematomes et une paralysie recurrentielle transitoire. La duree mediane d’hospitalisation a ete de 2 ± 7,5 h (1–72 h). Tous les patients ont vu un retour a la normale de leur taux de calcium serique, comme predit par le dosage de PTHi. Conclusion : Ces resultats suggerent que les explorations unilaterales permettent d’obtenir un taux de guerison comparable a celui des approches bilaterales. De plus, cette technique est le plus souvent realisable sous anesthesie locale, avec une duree d’hospitalisation et de convalescence reduite. Le taux de complication est faible mais necessiterait des etudes comparatives pour etre evalue.
Quality of Life and Insulin Therapy in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract Background: A frequently cited barrier to insulin use in type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) is concern about the adverse effects on quality of life. Results of studies in this area have been mixed, with insulin use showing decreased, enhanced, or no impact on quality of life. Objective: The purpose of this paper is to discuss the state of the science regarding the effects of insulin on quality of life and to present strategies providers can implement in their clinical practices to decrease barriers to insulin use among patients with type 2 DM. Methods: An English-language MEDLINE search of the current literature using the terms insulin and quality of life was conducted for this article. Results: Although patient-identified concerns regarding insulin use represent some aspects of quality of life, study results have been mixed. However, 2 large studies examining the use of insulin glargine and its effects on quality of life found that glargine was associated with significantly greater improvements in quality of life when added to oral antidiabetic agents (OADs) than was the use of OADs alone. Another study examined the effects of intensive multi- therapy (monthly visits, self-management diabetes education, and medication adjustments) on quality of life among patients with type 2 DM and found that quality-of-life scores improved among patients who initiated insulin therapy during the trial. The effects of insulin delivery systems on quality of life have also been assessed. In these studies, patients preferred insulin pens over vials and syringes and inhaled over injected insulin. Health care providers can facilitate acceptance of insulin by employing strategies to help patients overcome psychological barriers to insulin therapy. Conclusions: Although patient concerns about the effects of insulin use are legitimate, insulin therapy is often needed to achieve treatment targets. Providers can reduce the impact on quality of life by addressing barriers, helping patients improve metabolic control, and providing ongoing information and support.
The Stacked Amplified Thermomechanical In-Plane Microactuator (StATIM)

A compact large-displacement staged thermal actuator, the Stacked Amplified Thermomechanical In-plane Microactuator (StATIM), is introduced in this paper. The StATIM has a large ratio of output displacement to device area, while still providing significant output force. The device utilizes the multi-layer, planarized nature of Sandia National Laboratories’ SUMMiT V surface micromachining process. The StATIM is derived from the Amplified Thermomechanical In-plane Microactuator, or ATIM, which is described briefly. Two configurations of the StATIM fabricated in the SUMMiT V process are presented. The first device has a footprint of 0.40 mm2 and an output displacement of 39.3 μm, for a displacement density of 97.8 μm/mm2 . The second, with a footprint of 0.26 mm2 , has a 43.9 μm displacement and a displacement density of 169.8 μm/mm2 . The fully compliant nature of the StATIM results in reliable, low-friction performance. The output displacement and force of the StATIM are sufficient for a wide range of applications, and its compact design preserves die space.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Preferential polymerization and adsorption of L-optical isomers of amino acids relative to D-optical isomers on kaolinite templates

Experiments on the polymerization of the L- and D-optical isomers of aspartic acid and serine using kaolinite as a catalyst showed that the L-optical isomers were polymerized at a much higher rate than the D-optical isomers; racemic (DL-) mixtures were polymerized at an intermediate rate. The peptides formed from the L-monomers were preferentially adsorbed by the clay. In the absence of kaolinite, no significant or consistent difference in the behavior of the L- and D-optical isomers was observed. In experiments on the adsorption of L- and D-phenylalanine by kaolinite, the L-optical isomer was preferentially adsorbed.
Abstract 4139: Development of a transcription factor decoy for efficient systemic administration in head and neck cancer

Proceedings: AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010‐‐ Apr 17‐21, 2010; Washington, DC This study was aimed to develop a transcription factor decoy for efficient systemic administration in head and neck cancer. Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription-3 (STAT3) is upregulated in numerous human cancers including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Small molecules that target STAT3 are limited by lack of specificity. We developed a transcription factor decoy targeting STAT3 consisting of a 15-mer double-stranded oligonucleotide with three phosphorothioate modifications (PTO) at the 3′ and 5′ end of the double-stranded structure. This decoy exhibits antitumor efficacy in preclinical cancer models and is now being tested in a phase 0 human trial with intratumoral inoculation. To enable systemic administration, the STAT3 decoy formulation has been modified to enhance stability and uptake into tumors. A series of chemically modified STAT3 decoys have been designed to increase resistance to nucleases and enhance stability when administered in vivo. These include tetra-nucleotide single stranded DNA sequences (DN4), 18-atom hexa-ethyleneglycol spacers (DS18), and locked nucleic acid (LNA-1) modifications to enhance stability in serum. The modified STAT3 decoys were tested for serum nuclease degradation, melting temperature, binding to pSTAT3 protein, uptake and biologic activity. LNA-1 showed increased half-life of up to 8 h in serum, whereas DN4 is stable up to 4 h, DS18 up to 3 h compared with the parent STAT3 decoy, which is resistant only up to 2 h. The melting temperature demonstrated increased thermal stability for all the modified decoys compared to the parent STAT3 decoy. The DN4, DS18 and LNA-1 modified decoy bound to recombinant STAT3 protein as well as the parent decoy and inhibited head and neck cancer cell proliferation in vitro at nanomolar concentrations. The modified STAT3 decoys (DN4, DS18 and LNA-1) showed increased uptake into head and neck cancer cells similar compared with the parent STAT3 decoy. These modified decoys will be tested for their effect on STAT3 target gene expression and in vivo antitumor efficacy when administered systemically with anticipation of implementing a phase I clinical trial if tumor growth inhibition is observed upon intravenous injection. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4139.
The effect of specially constructed advance organizers and post‐organizers on mathematics learning

In response to weaknesses identified in past organizer research studies, the purpose of this study was to determine whether the use of specially written cognitive organizers would produce significant effects on immediate and delayed mathematics learning. Another purpose was to examine the learning variables for the possible interactive effect of the organizers with mathematics ability (Scholastic Aptitude Test‐Maths). Each of 60 subjects was randomly assigned to one of the cells of a 2 x 2 factorial design which determined the administration of a written advance organizer (AO), a post‐organizer (PO), and/or a control historical passage (HP) in conjunction with a controlled lecture in statistics. Measures of learning from immediate cued free‐recall as well as immediate content recognition on an objective test and a measure of two‐week delayed free‐recall were taken. Three independent judgements of learning on each free‐recall passage were found to be in concordance statistically. The data analysis revealed...
A computation- and communication-optimal parallel direct 3-body algorithm

Traditional particle simulation methods are used to calculate pair wise potentials, but some problems require 3-body potentials that calculate over triplets of particles. A direct calculation of 3-body interactions involves O(n3) interactions, but has significant redundant computations that occur in a nested loop formulation. In this paper we explore algorithms for 3-body computations that simultaneously optimize three criteria: computation minimization through symmetries, communication optimality, and load balancing. We present a new 3-body algorithm that is both communication and computation optimal. Its optional replication factor, c, saves c3 in latency (number of messages) and c2 in bandwidth (volume), with bounded load imbalance. We also consider the k-body case and discuss an algorithm that is optimal if there is a cut off distance of less than 1/3 of the domain. The 3-body algorithm demonstrates 99% efficiency on tens of thousands of cores, showing strong scaling properties with order of magnitude speedups over the nive algorithm.
Existence and invariance for parabolic functional equations

On obtient des resultats d'existence et d'invariance pour des solutions d'equations fonctionnelles non lineaires de la forme Lu=f(x,t,u,Φu) ou L est uniformement parabolique et Φ est un operateur regulier
Evoked neuronal secretion of false transmitters

Abstract The ability of differentiated neurons to secrete false transmitters in responseto depolarization was examined by loading exogenous transmitters into the neuronal cytoplasm with a whole-cell recording pipette. We found that within minutes following loading of exogenous glutamate into the cytoplasm of cholinergic Xenopus spinal neurons, depolarization-evoked glutamate secretion could be detected by an acutely dissociated hippocampal pyramidal neuron manipulated into contact with the spinal neuron. Similarly, when ACh was loaded into a glutamatergic hippocampal neuron, evoked ACh secretion could be detected by a myocyte. The evoked secretion of the false transmitter was Ca 2+ dependent and appeared to be vesicular in nature. These results suggest that differentiated neurons are capable of packaging and secreting multiple nonpeptide transmitters, provided that sufficient concentrations of the transmitters are available in the cytoplasm.
The crystal structure of tris(acetylacetonato)(1,10-phenanthroline) europium(III)

Abstract The crystal structure of tris(acetylacetonato)(1,10-phenanthroline) europium(III), Eu(C 6 H 7 O 2 ) 3 (C 12 H 8 N 2 ), has been determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction techniques. A total of 4697 independent reflections were measured by counter methods and 2855 were considered to have an intensity significantly above background. The complex crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2 1 c with four molecules per unit cell. The cell dimensions are a 0 = 9·670(8) A , b 0 = 21·339(5) A , c 0 = 16·497(5) A and β = 116° 11(10)′. The observed and calculated densities were found to be 1·37 g/cm −3 . The structure was refined by least-squares methods and a conventional R factor of 0·0334 was obtained for 1123 reflections. The calculated R for all 2855 observed reflections is 0·065. The molecules are monomeric and the europium ion is coordinated to eight ligand atoms which form a distorted square antiprism. Six EuO bond lengths average 2·397 A and two EuN bond lengths average 2·643 A. The distortion of the antiprism reduces the symmetry sufficiently for all characteristic electronic transitions to become allowed, and the full multiplicities are seen in the emission spectrum.
Combined linkage and linkage disequilibrium analysis of a motor speech phenotype within families ascertained for autism risk loci

Using behavioral and genetic information from the Autism Genetics Resource Exchange (AGRE) data set we developed phenotypes and investigated linkage and association for individuals with and without Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) who exhibit expressive language behaviors consistent with a motor speech disorder. Speech and language variables from Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) were used to develop a motor speech phenotype associated with non-verbal or unintelligible verbal behaviors (NVMSD:ALL) and a related phenotype restricted to individuals without significant comprehension difficulties (NVMSD:C). Using Affymetrix 5.0 data, the PPL framework was employed to assess the strength of evidence for or against trait-marker linkage and linkage disequilibrium (LD) across the genome. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) was then utilized to identify potential genes for further investigation. We identified several linkage peaks based on two related language-speech phenotypes consistent with a potential motor speech disorder: chromosomes 1q24.2, 3q25.31, 4q22.3, 5p12, 5q33.1, 17p12, 17q11.2, and 17q22 for NVMSD:ALL and 4p15.2 and 21q22.2 for NVMSD:C. While no compelling evidence of association was obtained under those peaks, we identified several potential genes of interest using IPA. Conclusion: Several linkage peaks were identified based on two motor speech phenotypes. In the absence of evidence of association under these peaks, we suggest genes for further investigation based on their biological functions. Given that autism spectrum disorders are complex with a wide range of behaviors and a large number of underlying genes, these speech phenotypes may belong to a group of several that should be considered when developing narrow, well-defined, phenotypes in the attempt to reduce genetic heterogeneity.
BEADS, BAGS, BAYES, AND THE FUNDAMENTAL PROBLEM OF SAMPLING THEORY

Motivated by a discussion of an elementary probability puzzle provided by Anderson and Provost [1], we review what may be called the fundamental problem of finite population sampling theory and propose that only super-model or Bayesian approaches to finite population sampling are acceptable.
How Well Are Arabic Websites Archived

It is has long been anecdotally known that web archives and search engines favor Western and English-language sites. In this paper we quantitatively explore how well indexed and archived are Arabic language web sites. We began by sampling 15,092 unique URIs from three different website directories: DMOZ (multi-lingual), Raddadi and Star28 (both primarily Arabic language). Using language identification tools we eliminated pages not in the Arabic language (e.g., English language versions of Al-Jazeera sites) and culled the collection to 7,976 definitely Arabic language web pages. We then used these 7,976 pages and crawled the live web and web archives to produce a collection of 300,646 Arabic language pages. We discovered: 1) 46% are not archived and 31% are not indexed by Google (www.google.com), 2) only 14.84% of the URIs had an Arabic country code top-level domain (e.g., .sa) and only 10.53% had a GeoIP in an Arabic country, 3) having either only an Arabic GeoIP or only an Arabic top-level domain appears to negatively impact archiving, 4) most of the archived pages are near the top level of the site and deeper links into the site are not well-archived, 5) the presence in a directory positively impacts indexing and presence in the DMOZ directory, specifically, positively impacts archiving.
Comparative environmental genomics in non-model species: using heterologous hybridization to DNA-based microarrays

SUMMARY The emerging field of comparative environmental genomics involves the cross-species comparison of broad-scale patterns of gene expression. Often, the goal is to elucidate the evolutionary basis or ecological implications of genomic responses to environmental stimuli. DNA-based microarrays represent powerful means with which to investigate gene expression, and the application of genomic tools to studies on non-model species is becoming increasingly feasible. The use of a microarray generated from one species to probe gene expression in another, a method termed `heterologous hybridization9, eliminates the need to fabricate novel microarray platforms for every new species of interest. In this review, recent advances in heterologous hybridization are reviewed, and the technical caveats of this approach are discussed.
Curcumin analogues exhibit enhanced growth suppressive activity in human pancreatic cancer cells

Curcumin, a yellow pigment and the active component of turmeric, has been shown to protect against carcinogenesis and prevent tumor development in several types of cancer. However, its low bioavailability and potency prevent it from being effective in most chemotherapeutic applications. One potential means of circumventing this problem has been the creation of synthetic curcumin analogues. We tested the efficacy of two such analogues, known as FLLL11 and FLLL12, in human pancreatic cancer cell lines. We compared the impact of curcumin with FLLL11 and FLLL12 on cell viability in five different pancreatic cancer cell lines. Although all three compounds were capable of lowering viability in all cell lines tested, FLLL11 and FLLL12 (IC(50) values between 0.28-3.2 and 0.91-3.43 micromol/l, respectively) were substantially more potent than curcumin (IC(50) values between 8.67 and 20.35 micromol/l). In addition, FLLL11 and FLLL12 inhibited phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 and AKT, two cell signaling pathways frequently found persistently active in many forms of cancer. Furthermore, FLLL11 and FLLL12 were found to be more effective than curcumin in inducing apoptosis as evidenced by increased cleavage of PARP and caspase-3 in pancreatic cancer cell lines. These results indicate that the curcumin analogues, FLLL11 and FLLL12, are more effective than curcumin in inhibiting cell viability and inducing apoptosis, and may have translational potential as chemopreventive or therapeutic agents for pancreatic cancer.
Achieving urinary continence in cloacal exstrophy

Cloacal exstrophy is the most significant urological anomaly compatible with life. The development of urinary continence is compromised significantly by the anatomic and neurological deficits that are a part of this complex anomaly. Most children with cloacal exstrophy can eventually be made continent by the use of current reconstructive techniques. This article summarizes some of the challenges and reconstructive methods to permit eventual continence in children with cloacal exstrophy.
IN VITRO ACTIVITY OF DUVERNOY'S GLAND SECRETIONS FROM THE AFRICAN BOOMSLANG, Dispholidus typus, ON NERVE-MUSCLE PREPARATIONS

In vitro toxicity assays were performed using Duvernoy's gland secretions from the African boomslang, Dispholidus typus, and isolated rat duodenum and frog sciatic nerve-gastrocnemius muscle preparations. The Duvernoy's gland secretions of D. typus had no apparent effect on the frog sciatic nerve-gastrocnemius muscle preparation. The secretions produced an increase in baseline tonus and an increase in the rhythmic contractile force of the rat duodenum, but had no significant effect on the frequency of contractions. Atropine sulfate (10 M) effectively antagonized the excitatory effects of the Duvernoy's gland secretions at concentrations 200 µg/ml. Although the coagulopathic effects of D. typus are well documented, this report provides preliminary data indicating effects of this venom on neuromuscular preparations.
Further Aspects of the Elastic Field for Two Circular Inclusions in Antiplane Elastostatics

The heterogenization technique is applied to the problem of two circular inclusions of arbitrary radii and of different shear moduli and perfectly bonded to a matrix, of infinte extent, subjected to arbitrary loading
Effects of Magnesium Cardioplegia on Regulation of the Porcine Coronary Circulation

We compared the effect of hypermagnesium and hyperkalemic crystalloid cardioplegia on β-adrenoceptor-mediated and endothelium-dependent relaxation and myogenic responses of coronary arterioles. Pigs were placed on cardiopulmonary bypass. Hearts were arrested with cold hypermagnesium (25 mMMg2+, hyper-Mg,n= 12) or hyperkalemic (25 mMK+, hyper-K,n= 12) crystalloid cardioplegia for 1 hr. Hearts of selected pigs (n= 6 in each group) were then reperfused for 1 hr.In vitrorelaxation responses of acetylcholine-precontracted arterioles were studied in a pressurized no-flow state with video-microscopy. Relaxation of precontracted coronary microvessels (70–150 μm) to isoproterenol (β-adrenergic agonist) and forskolin (adenylate cyclase activator) was preserved after cardioplegia using a hyper-Mg solution. In contrast, responses were impaired to isoproterenol [P< 0.01 (two-factor ANOVA) vs. controls,n= 6] and forskolin (P< 0.01) after hyper-K cardioplegia. After 1 hr of reperfusion, relaxation responses to isoproterenol and forskolin were partially recovered. Hyper-Mg cardioplegia and post-cardioplegic reperfusion did not affect receptor-mediated endothelium-dependent relaxation to ADP, non-receptor-mediated endothelium-dependent relaxation to A23187, and endothelium-independent relaxation to nitroprusside. However, responses to ADP (P< 0.01) and A23187 (P< 0.05) were selectively impaired after hyper-K cardioplegia. Myogenic contraction was impaired after either hyper-Mg or hyper-K cardioplegia. Left ventricular systolic pressure, coronary blood flow, and +dP/dtwere similar after hyper-Mg or hyper-K cardioplegia. These results suggest that hyper-Mg cardioplegia is superior to hyper-K cardioplegia in terms of preserving β-adrenoceptor-mediated and endothelium-dependent regulation of the coronary microcirculation, yet it has minimal if any additional beneficial effect on preserving myogenic resposes or myocardial contractile function.
The transmittance of Al/C foils at 1216 Å

Abstract With the goal of using a single composite foil as both a signal generator and photon attenuator for an ENA imaging application, we have measured the transmittance of Al/C foils of various thickness at 1216 A. We have found that a transmittance of μg cm 2 which would transmit a 5.5 keV proton with an exit energy of > 1 keV. We have inferred a value of the extinction coefficient k for aluminum of 1.0 ± 0.1 from our result, which compares reasonably well with values determined in other measurements. Overall we have established that, of the foils measured, Si/C has the greatest potential since it has the lowest proton energy threshold for a given transmittance.
In vitro-to-in vivo predictions of drug-drug interactions involving multiple reversible inhibitors.

Introduction: Predictions of drug–drug interactions (DDIs) are commonly performed for single inhibitors, but interactions involving multiple inhibitors also frequently occur. Predictions of such interactions involving stereoisomer pairs, parent/metabolite combinations and simultaneously administered multiple inhibitors are increasing in importance. This review provides the framework for predicting inhibitory DDIs of multiple inhibitors with any combination of reversible inhibition mechanism. Areas covered: The review provides an overview of the reliability of the in vitro determined reversible inhibition mechanism. Furthermore, the article provides a method to predict DDIs for multiple reversible inhibitors that allows substituting the inhibition constant (K i) with an inhibitor affinity (IC50) value determined at S << KM. Expert opinion: A better understanding and the prediction methods of DDIs, resulting from multiple inhibitors, are important. The inhibition mechanism of a reversible inhibitor is often...
Two chemotactic factors, C5a and MIP-1α, dramatically alter the mortality from zymosan-induced multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS): C5a contributes to MODS while MIP-1α has a protective role

Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in surgical intensive care units. It is characterized by progressive failure of two or more organs remote from the origin of injury. Since MODS results from a severe generalized inflammatory response, both chemokines and complement have had a proposed role in its pathophysiology. The availability of macrophage inflammatory protein 1 alpha (MIP-1alpha) knockout mice and congenic C5-deficient and C5-sufficient mice allowed us to investigate the individual contribution of these immune modulators in MODS. It has been demonstrated in this assay that MIP-1alpha has a protective role against MODS mortality, while C5a contributes to MODS mortality. Using a zymosan-induced MODS murine model, the absence of MIP-1alpha increased mortality four-fold, whereas the absence of C5 decreased mortality four-fold. Therefore, MIP-1alpha-dependent mediators are essential in the prevention of MODS related deaths, while C5-dependent mediators of inflammation can be considered to be contributing to the development of MODS related deaths.
Leveling Effect of Coaction on Judgment or Retest Effect

Summary To test the reliability of Allport's 1924 finding of a leveling effect of co-action on judgment against the alternative of a retest effect, 80 Ss made two sets of 55 judgments of a series of angles (30 to 60 degrees) using the method of single stimuli. Four conditions were used: Alone-Alone, Together-Alone, Alone-Together, and Together-Together with each set of judgments being made either alone or in the presence of a coacting confederate. A significant retest effect was observed, as Ss used the end categories less in the second set of judgments. The leveling effect was not significant.
The management of arrhythmias in acute myocardial infarction.

Summary The arrhythmias associated with a myocardial infarction require careful appraisal. If in view of the already damaged myocardium, the arrhythmia jeopardizes life, then prompt and specific therapy is needed. These arrhythmias and their therapy are discussed in this paper. Five tables outlining programs of therapy are included.
Coupling Molecular Motions of Prestin to Cellular Motility: Effects of Voltage, Chloride and Cytoskeleton

Mammalian outer hair cell (OHC) electro-motility results from voltage-dependent conformational changes of the membrane protein prestin, with the cell's nonlinear capacitance (NLC) being considered a surrogate measure of electromotility. A number of physiological factors shift prestin's voltage dependence, including changes in intracellular Cl and membrane holding potential (pre-pulse effect), each presumably affecting electromotility and NLC equivalently.Here we study the consequences of combined Cl and pre-pulse manipulations on electromotility with simultaneous measurements of NLC and video imaging. We found, as expected from our previous work, that OHCs patched with 140 mM intracellular Cl show robust depolarizing shifts of NLC upon negative pre-pulse, with electromotility displaying a similar shift. However, lower, more physiological levels of intracellular chloride (1 and 10 mM), induce an uncoupling of mechanical responses from NLC. That is, voltage dependence of motility is shifted in the depolarizing direction compared to that of NLC. The uncoupling shows hysteresis, being greater with depolarizing voltage polarity. We have found disparities as large as 50 mV between charge movement and electromotility. Interestingly, we find that diamide can reduce the disparity, suggesting that chloride modulates a cytoskeletal coupling between prestin's conformational state and whole cell mechanics. Finally, the uncoupling we find imposes an additional challenge for the voltage-sensitive protein prestin to drive the cochlear partition during acoustic stimulation, since the whole cell mechanical response is variably uncoupled from voltage depending on phase of receptor potential.(Supported by NIH/NIDCD DC 000273 to JSS)
Generalized Least-Squares CT Reconstruction with Detector Blur and Correlated Noise Models

The success and improved dose utilization of statistical reconstruction methods arises, in part, from their ability to incorporate sophisticated models of the physics of the measurement process and noise. Despite the great promise of statistical methods, typical measurement models ignore blurring effects, and nearly all current approaches make the presumption of independent measurements – disregarding noise correlations and a potential avenue for improved image quality. In some imaging systems, such as flat-panel-based cone-beam CT, such correlations and blurs can be a dominant factor in limiting the maximum achievable spatial resolution and noise performance. In this work, we propose a novel regularized generalized least-squares reconstruction method that includes models for both system blur and correlated noise in the projection data. We demonstrate, in simulation studies, that this approach can break through the traditional spatial resolution limits of methods that do not model these physical effects. Moreover, in comparison to other approaches that attempt deblurring without a correlation model, superior noise-resolution trade-offs can be found with the proposed approach.
Optimal Tracheal Tube Cuff Inflation in Infants: Implications for Mechanical Ventilation and Respiratory Mechanics

Uncuffed tracheal tubes (TT) are used to intubate infants and children to avoid laryngotracheal tissue injury. The geometric mismatch resulting from such intubation limits the efficacy of mechanical ventilation, and reliability of derived respiratory mechanical properties. This study tested the hypotheses that (1) normal stresses applied to the cuff surface by leak flows during ventilation result in intracuff pressure (P cuff) fluctuations proportionate to leak magnitudes, and (2) these fluctuations reach a steady minimum when cuff volume reaches a critical value V crit at which the TT–airway mismatch is removed. Physical model and piglet measurements showed that, during simultaneous cuff inflation and mechanical ventilation, P cuff consisted of a leak-dependent P cuff,1 component that cycles with the ventilator superimposed on a ramp rise due to cuff inflation. The breath-to-breath peak P cuff,1 (max P cuff)decreased as leak flows are reduced, and these were relatively greater for higher ventilator flows and when the load impedance is increased such as by disease. These results describe a reproducible method of TT cuff inflation that removes leaks without increased risk of laryngotracheal tissue injury. Moreover, inflation of the TT cuff more securely improved ventilation efficacy and allowed for accurate respiratory mechanics. © 2001 Biomedical Engineering Society. PAC01: 8719Uv, 8780-y
Chemically Mediated Quantum Criticality in NbFe2

Laves-phase Nb(1+c)Fe(2-c) is a rare itinerant intermetallic compound exhibiting magnetic quantum criticality at c(cr)∼1.5%Nb excess; its origin, and how alloying mediates it, remains an enigma. For NbFe(2), we show that an unconventional band critical point above the Fermi level E(F) explains most observations and that chemical alloying mediates access to this unconventional band critical point by an increase in E(F) with decreasing electrons (increasing %Nb), counter to rigid-band concepts. We calculate that E(F) enters the unconventional band critical point region for c(cr) > 1.5%Nb and by 1.74%Nb there is no Nb site-occupation preference between symmetry-distinct Fe sites, i.e., no electron-hopping disorder, making resistivity near constant as observed. At larger Nb (Fe) excess, the ferromagnetic Stoner criterion is satisfied.
Towards graphical models for text processing

The rapid proliferation of the World Wide Web has increased the importance and prevalence of text as a medium for dissemination of information. A variety of text mining and management algorithms have been developed in recent years such as clustering, classification, indexing, and similarity search. Almost all these applications use the well-known vector-space model for text representation and analysis. While the vector-space model has proven itself to be an effective and efficient representation for mining purposes, it does not preserve information about the ordering of the words in the representation. In this paper, we will introduce the concept of distance graph representations of text data. Such representations preserve information about the relative ordering and distance between the words in the graphs and provide a much richer representation in terms of sentence structure of the underlying data. Recent advances in graph mining and hardware capabilities of modern computers enable us to process more complex representations of text. We will see that such an approach has clear advantages from a qualitative perspective. This approach enables knowledge discovery from text which is not possible with the use of a pure vector-space representation, because it loses much less information about the ordering of the underlying words. Furthermore, this representation does not require the development of new mining and management techniques. This is because the technique can also be converted into a structural version of the vector-space representation, which allows the use of all existing tools for text. In addition, existing techniques for graph and XML data can be directly leveraged with this new representation. Thus, a much wider spectrum of algorithms is available for processing this representation. We will apply this technique to a variety of mining and management applications and show its advantages and richness in exploring the structure of the underlying text documents.
Constructive Organizational Culture and Organizational Citizenship Behaviors: A Configurational View

Although several perspectives on organizational citizenship behaviors (OCBs) (e.g. social exchange) have received ample research attention, we still have a limited idea of the role of organizationa...
An anti-apoptotic peptide improves survival in lethal total body irradiation.

Abstract Cell penetrating peptides (CPPs) have been used to deliver the anti-apoptotic Bcl-xL-derived BH4 peptide to prevent injury-induced apoptosis both in vitro and in vivo . Here we demonstrate that the nuclear localization sequence (NLS) from the SV40 large T antigen has favorable properties for BH4 domain delivery to lymphocytes compared to sequences based on the HIV-1 TAT sequence. While both TAT-BH4 and NLS-BH4 protected primary human mononuclear cells from radiation-induced apoptotic cell death, TAT-BH4 caused persistent membrane damage and even cell death at the highest concentrations tested (5–10 μM) and correlated with in vivo toxicity as intravenous administration of TAT-BH4 caused rapid death. The NLS-BH4 peptide has significantly attenuated toxicity compared to TAT-BH4 and we established a dosing regimen of NLS-BH4 that conferred a significant survival advantage in a post-exposure treatment model of LD90 total body irradiation.
A Patient-Centered Approach Using Community-Based Paraprofessionals to Improve Self-Management of Type 2 Diabetes

Background Type 2 diabetes is a serious epidemic in our society, which can be prevented or controlled through proper self-management behaviors. Community-based paraprofessionals can serve an important role in forming alliances between health care professionals and patients to enhance self-management practices and improve health outcomes. Purpose The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of a 10-week lifestyle management program delivered by community-based paraprofessionals in improving clinical markers and dietary behaviors related to diabetes control in an underserved population. Methods Michigan State University Extension county offices partnered with local health clinics to identify and recruit participants with physician-identified type 2 diabetes. A research assistant at each clinic introduced the program, obtained consent, and collected baseline and follow-up clinical data (blood pressure, body mass index [BMI], and HbA1c), demographic information, and an assessment of lifestyle behaviors...
Pyrrolnitrin and phenazine production by Pseudomonas cepacia, strain 5.5B, a biocontrol agent of Rhizoctonia solani

Rhizoctonia stem rot of poinsettia caused by Rhizoctonia solani is controlled by strain 5.5B of Pseudomonas cepacia when poinsettia cuttings are rooted in polyfoam rooting cubes. Experiments were conducted to isolate and characterize secondary metabolites from strain 5.5B that were inhibitory towards R. solani. Inhibitory compounds were detected in fractions processed from liquid cultures of strain 5.5B. The most inhibitory compound isolated was pyrrolnitrin. A purple pigment consistently produced in culture by strain 5.5B was isolated and identified as 4,9-dihydroxyphenazine-1,6-dicarboxylic acid dimethyl ester, a phenazine. In vitro inhibition of R. solani occurred with the phenazine.
Laparoscopic fundoplication takedown with conversion to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass leads to excellent reflux control and quality of life after fundoplication failure.

Background Recent data suggest that reoperative fundoplication is associated with poor long-term control of reflux. For long-term reflux control, laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) may be a better option. This study assessed outcomes and quality-of-life data after fundoplication takedown and conversion to LRYGB for patients with failed fundoplications.
Abstract 2864: Regulation and targeting of Fyn in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma

Over 700,000 cases of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) occur in the United States every year. Despite this high rate of diagnosis no therapies currently exist that target the molecular mechanism of tumorigenesis. Between 20 and 60% of these tumors contain mutated Ras; however targeting Ras with therapeutics has been unsuccessful in clinical trials. Expression of active H-Ras (G12V) in HaCaT cells (immortalized, non-transformed keratinocytes) results in upregulated expression of Fyn, a Src family kinase that is active in many malignancies and is involved in the elevated invasion/migration of Ras-transformed HaCaT cells. The specific objectives of this project include exploring the mechanism through which Ras activation increases Fyn levels and determining how high levels of Fyn promote cancer cell migration and survival. Using RT-qPCR we verified that Fyn expression is selectively elevated in cells with increased Ras activity, but levels of other Src family kinases (eg Src, Lyn, Yes, Blk, Lck) are not altered. To explore the transcriptional regulation of Fyn in Ras-transformed HaCaT cells we subcloned segments (−2 kb to −50 bp) of the human Fyn promoter in front of firefly luciferase and transfected the reporter constructs into HaCaT and HaCaT-Ras cells (transformed by constitutively active H-Ras). We identified a region −100 to −50 base pairs upstream of the transcription start site that is necessary for Fyn upregulation in HaCaT-Ras cells. The −80 to −65 region of the Fyn promoter contains putative GATA-1, GATA-2, GATA-3, CP2 or TATA transcription factor binding sites. We have also targeted Fyn in Ras-transformed cells using the Src family kinase inhibitor Dasatinib. Already used to treat chronic myelogenous leukemia and Philadelphia chromosome positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia, Dasatinib is also in clinical trials to treat solid tumors. Treatment with varying concentrations of Dasatinib did not reveal greater changes in cell viability, cell cycle progression, apoptosis or autophagy in transformed HaCaT-Ras cells as compared to HaCaT cells. However, upon Dasatinib exposure HaCaT-Ras cells change dramatically in morphology, enhancing cell-cell contacts and reverting from a stellate appearance to the rounded morphology of untransformed HaCaT cells. Due to previous work verifying Fyn9s role in promoting the invasion and migration of transformed keratinocytes, we propose that Fyn inhibition in keratinocytes with increased Ras activity will restore cell to cell contacts and provide a potential therapeutic target in the treatment of cSCCs. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2864. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-2864
Emission Spectroscopy with Infra-Red Double-Beam Spectrophotometers

SOME time ago, K. A. Fischer and G. Brandes1 demonstrated that it is possible to obtain useful emission spectroscopic data with an infra-red double-beam spectrophotometer, if the sample placed in the beam path of the spectrophotometer is warmed up with a closed sample beam shutter. Instead of the quotient of the radiation intensity passed by the object and of the unattenuated radiation intensity, the instrument now scans the quotient of the inherent radiation intensity of the object and of the reference beam intensity.
The Rating and Application of SCRs Designed for Power Switching at High Frequencies

Inverter, chopper, and other pulse applications, operating at repetition rates up to 25 000 pps (pulses per second), are very demanding for the silicon controlled rectifier because of the high rates of rise of anode current (di/dt) which are imposed. The di/dt rating of the SCR is important since high di/dt of anode current produces excessive heating in the device and, if this is not controlled, device destruction will result. This necessitates an SCR specifically designed for such applications and, also, a family of performance curves to enable the circuit designer to determine its capability reliably in his particular application. These performance curves consider the combined effect of the important SCR dynamic parameters, di/dt, dv/dt, and turn-off time. As a result, the high-frequency SCR is adaptable to many applications which previously imposed dynamic conditions too severe for SCRs to withstand because of excessive switching losses. The use of these curves is demonstrated through actual circuit application examples. The rating methods used for high-frequency SCRs are discussed and compared to methods normally used for conventional SCRs which do not include the effects of switching losses and high di/dt.
Immunoassay of human chorionic gonadotropin, its free subunits, and metabolites

Multiple hCG-related molecules are present in pregnancy serum and urine samples. These include nonnicked hCG (the hormone), nicked hCG, hyper- and hypoglycosylated hCG, hCG missing the C-terminal extension, free α-subunit, large free α-subunit, free β-subunit, nicked free β-subunit, and β-core fragment. Over 100 immunoassays are sold for quantifying hCG-related molecules in serum or urine. Each measures nonnicked hCG and one of seven combinations of the other hCG-related molecules. This is the source of interassay discordance in hCG determinations. Whereas minor variations are noted in different kit results in normal pregnancy samples (more than twofold variation), much larger variations may be found in two immunoassay results in irregular gestations (spontaneous abortion, aneuploidy, preeclampsia, cancers, and trophoblast disease). Care is needed in choosing an immunoassay. What the assay measures may be more important than its cost or speed. This article reviews the structure of hCG and related molecules. It examines the stability and degradation of hCG, and recognition of hCG-related molecules by different types of immunoassay. Also reviewed are new assays for specifically detecting these other hCG-related molecules.
The Zeeman Effect in the Rhodium Arc Spectrum at High Fields

The Zeeman effect for the arc spectrum of rhodium has been photographed with a large Bitter type magnet at field intensities up to 94,000 gauss. Data are given on the Zeeman patterns of 446 lines, from which g values are calculated for nearly all the known low and middle spectral terms of the rhodium atom. For terms arising from the low even configuration, the g values are found to be given by LS coupling formulas, except for the terms having J=212 or 112, in which case a perturbation between the overlapping d9 and d85s configurations destroys the agreement. The g sum rule is found to be valid when the terms from the two configurations are taken together. For the odd configurations the g values lie between those predicted by LS and Jj coupling formulas. The classification of lines by other investigators has been thoroughly checked, and a new term list is given with 14 additional terms. The old term values have been recalculated on the basis of new wave-length data.
SW-620 cells treated with topoisomerase I inhibitor SN-38: gene expression profiling

Background The goal of this study was to evaluate changes in gene expression in SW-620 cells in response to SN-38 in order to further elucidate the mechanisms by which SN-38 causes apoptosis and cell cycle arrest.
Decentralized variable structure control of interconnected multi-input/ multi-output nonlinear systems

For a broad class of interconnected nonlinear systems, this paper develops a complete design methodology for decentralized variable structure control. Specifically, the paper sets forth design schemes for local switching surfaces and the related local switched feedback gains which together force the original nonlinear interconnected system to behave as a reduced order interconnected equivalent system having a desired response such as stability, tracking, or prespecified eigenvalues. Also developed is a numerical algorithm for constructing the switched local feedback gains. A simple nonlinear example illustrates the control strategy.