cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A silicone-based stretchable micropost array membrane for monitoring live-cell subcellular cytoskeletal response

External forces are increasingly recognized as major regulators of cellular structure and function, yet the underlying mechanism by which cells sense forces and transduce them into intracellular biochemical signals and behavioral responses (‘mechanotransduction’) is largely undetermined. To aid in the mechanistic study of mechanotransduction, herein we devised a cell stretching device that allowed for quantitative control and real-time measurement of mechanical stimuli and cellular biomechanical responses. Our strategy involved a microfabricated array of silicone elastomeric microposts integrated onto a stretchable elastomeric membrane. Using a computer-controlled vacuum, this micropost array membrane (mPAM) was activated to apply equibiaxial cell stretching forces to adherent cells attached to the microposts. Using the mPAM, we studied the live-cell subcellular dynamic responses of contractile forces in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) to a sustained static equibiaxial cell stretch. Our data showed that in response to a sustained cell stretch, VSMCs regulated their cytoskeletal (CSK) contractility in a biphasic manner: they first acutely enhanced their contraction to resist rapid cell deformation (‘stiffening’) before they allowed slow adaptive inelastic CSK reorganization to release their contractility (‘softening’). The contractile response across entire single VSMCs was spatially inhomogeneous and force-dependent. Our mPAM device and live-cell subcellular contractile measurements will help elucidate the mechanotransductive system in VSMCs and thus contribute to our understanding of pressure-induced vascular disease processes.
Who Cares about Water Pollution? Opinions in a Small‐Town Crisis*

A survey was conducted in a small New England town following the discovery that the town's water supply had become contaminated by industrial chemicals. Principal findings include: (1) respondents from more affluent households were more concerned about the pollution problem; (2) long-term or older residents tended to be less concerned; and (3) women with young children viewed the problem as particularly serious. The first two findings are consistent with previous research on similar “technological catastrophes” and on environmental protection in general. The third finding has not appeared in environmental protection research, but it is consistent with reports from Three Mile Island. Such technological catastrophes transform environmental issues into safety issues, thereby raising parents’anxieties about the safety of their children–perhaps more so for women than for men. These safety concerns may eventually be generalized to broader environmental issues, as toxic waste and other disasters continue to occur.
Elevated plasma levels of the pituitary hormone Cthrc1 in individuals with red hair but not in patients with solid tumors.

Background: An increasing number of studies report that Cthrc1 is expressed in various cancer cells. The present study sought to identify which cells in tumors and remodeling tissues express Cthrc1 and investigate the range of circulating human Cthrc1 levels in health and disease. Methodology/Principle Findings: Highly specific monoclonal antibodies were generated to detect Cthrc1 by ELISA in plasma and in tissues by immunohistochemistry. In human colon, gastric, breast, endometrial, pancreatic, kidney, lung and skin cancer, Cthrc1 was expressed by activated stromal cells and not the cancer cells themselves. Similarly, conditions evoking tissue remodeling, such as wound repair or angiotensin II-mediated hypertension, induced Cthrc1 expression in interstitial and adventitial fibroblasts and perivascular stromal cells. Levels of Cthrc1 in plasma from healthy subjects were near the lower detection limit except for individuals with red hair, who had up to several hundred fold higher levels. Elevated Cthrc1 was also found in patients with diabetes, inflammatory conditions, and infections, but not solid tumors. Transgenic mouse studies suggested that Cthrc1 expression by stromal cells does not contribute to circulating levels. In human pituitaries, Cthrc1 was expressed in the anterior and intermediate lobes with unencapsulated Cthrc1 accumulations typically surrounded by chromophobe cells. Conclusions: We identify Cthrc1 as a marker for activated stromal cells. Cthrc1 is a pituitary hormone with significantly elevated levels in subjects carrying variant alleles of the melanocortin-1 receptor as wells as in patients with inflammatory conditions.
Flow‐induced warpage of injection‐molded TLCP fiber‐reinforced polypropylene composites

The most common belief is that warpage in injection-molded fiber-reinforced thermoplastics is primarily attributed to residual thermal stresses associated with shrinkage and thermal contraction of the parts. Therefore, it is assumed that flow-induced stresses generated during mold filling do not play a significant role. Injection-molded plaques of polypropylene (PP) reinforced with pregenerated thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer (TLCP) microfibrils were generated in order to investigate the role of residual flow-induced stresses relative to that of thermal stresses on the warpage. In an effort to relate the material parameters to warpage, the rheological behavior of these fiber-filled systems was investigated. The shrinkage and the thermal expansion of the TLCP/PP composites, and hence, the thermally induced stresses decreased with an increase in fiber loading while the flow-induced stresses increased. The increase in the flow-induced stresses was attributed to increased relaxation times (this is not the only cause, but is a significant factor) with an increase in fiber loading. Therefore, it was found that in order to accurately predict the warpage of fiber-reinforced thermoplastics, the flow-induced residual stresses must be accounted for. It is expected that the results reported here can be extended to glass-reinforced PP composites as well. POLYM. COMPOS., 27:239–248, 2006. © 2006 Society of Plastics Engineers
Safety and diagnostic accuracy of dipyridamole-thallium imaging in the elderly

The noninvasive diagnosis of coronary artery disease in the elderly can occasionally be difficult. Intravenous dipyridamole-thallium imaging is a potentially useful diagnostic test to determine presence and severity of coronary disease; however, the safety of the procedure has not been determined in an older population. The side effect profile and frequency of severe ischemic responses after 0.56 mg/kg of intravenous dipyridamole were compared in 101 patients greater than or equal to 70 years old and 236 patients less than 70 years old. There were no side effects in 64% and 62% of patients greater than or equal to 70 and less than 70 years old, respectively (p = NS). Among the 337 patients tested, there were no complications of myocardial infarction or death. The most common cardiac side effect was chest pain, which occurred in 21 (21%) of the 101 patients aged greater than or equal to 70 years and in 64 (27%) of the 236 patients less than 70 years (p = NS). Aminophylline was required to reverse cardiac or noncardiac side effects in 15 (15%) and 36 (15%) of the patients greater than or equal to 70 and less than 70 years old, respectively (p = NS). A severe ischemic response occurred in 2% and 2.5% of patients greater than or equal to 70 and less than 70 years old, respectively (p = NS). The sensitivity of intravenous dipyridamole-thallium imaging for obstructive coronary artery disease was 86% (25 of 29) and 83% (68 of 82) in older and younger patients, respectively (p = NS); the specificity was 75% (6 of 8) and 70% (16 of 23), respectively (p = NS). Thus, intravenous dipyridamole-thallium imaging is a safe noninvasive method for assessment of older patients with obstructive coronary disease; its side effect profile and diagnostic accuracy are similar to those seen in younger patients. The technique is associated with severe ischemic responses in only a small minority of patients.
Attitudes towards non-invasive prenatal testing for aneuploidy among US adults of reproductive age

To determine how adults in the United States view non-invasive prenatal testing using cell-free fetal DNA (cffDNA testing) in order to help estimate uptake. A national sample of 1861 US-based adults was surveyed using a validated online survey instrument. The survey was administered by a commercial survey research company. Respondents were randomized to receive a survey about prenatal testing for trisomy 13 and 18 or trisomy 21. Participants were asked to select among testing modalities, including cffDNA testing, and rank the features of testing that they considered most important to decision making. There was substantive interest in the use of cffDNA testing rather than traditional screening mechanisms, with a minority of respondents reporting that they would support the use of both methods in combination. The lower rates of false-negative and false-positive test results and the ability to use the test earlier in the pregnancy were the most highly rated benefits of cffDNA testing. Participants expressed strong support for diagnostic confirmation via invasive testing after a positive result from either screening or cffDNA testing. However, almost one-third of participants reported that they would not endorse the use of either invasive or non-invasive prenatal testing. There appears to be support for uptake of non-invasive prenatal tests. Clinical guidelines should therefore go forward in providing guidance on how to integrate non-invasive methods into the current standard of care. However, our findings indicate that even when accuracy, which is rated by patients as the most important aspect of prenatal testing, is significantly improved over existing screening methods and testing is offered non-invasively, the number of individuals who reported that they would decline any testing remained the same. Attention should therefore be directed at ensuring that the right of informed refusal of prenatal testing is not impacted by new, non-invasive methods.
Study of seismological evasion. Part III. Evaluation of evasion possibilities using codas of large earthquakes

The seismological aspects of various proposed means of obscuring or hiding the seismic signatures of explosions from a surveillance network are discussed. These so-called evasion schemes are discussed from the points of view of both the evader and the monitor. The analysis will be conducted in terms of the USSR solely because that country is so vast and the geological/geophysical complexities of the country are so great that the complete spectrum of hypothesized evasion schemes requires discussion. Techniques appropriate for use when the seismic noise problem is interference due to codas of P and surface waves from earthquakes are described, and the capabilities of several seismological networks to restrain use of such codas for effective evasion are analyzed.
Prostate volume modifies the association between obesity and prostate cancer or high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia

The relationship between obesity and prostate cancer remains unclear. We investigated the effect of prostate volume on the obesity and prostate cancer association. With a multi-centered, rapid-recruitment protocol, weight and body size measurements were collected prior to diagnosis, and medical charts were reviewed for pathology results (n = 420 controls, 119 high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) cases, and 286 cancer cases (41% Gleason > 6). In multivariable logistic regression models adjusting for age, PSA levels and history, DRE results, and number of cores at biopsy, the association between BMI and cancer was restricted to men with a smaller prostate volume (volume or = 30) = 2.17 (1.09, 4.32), p (trend) = 0.02; volume > or = 40 cm(3): OR(BMI > or = 30) = 0.77 (0.34, 1.77), p (trend) = 0.17; p (interaction) = 0.03). Similarly, the WHR and PIN association was significantly modified by prostate volume (volume or = 40 m(3): OR((WHR: T3 vs. T1)) = 0.63 (0.32, 1.23) (p (trend) = 0.17); p (interaction) < 0.01). In conclusion, prostate volume acts as a modifier, and BMI and WHR are significantly associated with prostate cancer or PIN, respectively, in the absence of biopsy sampling error derived from obesity-related prostate enlargement.
Treatment of Unicameral Bone Cysts of the Calcaneus: A Systematic Review

The calcaneus is the most common tarsal affected by unicameral bone cysts (UBCs); however, the treatment of calcaneal UBCs remains controversial. The purpose of the present systematic review was to evaluate the treatment modalities for calcaneal UBCs. A systematic review was performed using clinical studies of calcaneal UBCs with a minimum of 1 year of follow-up and level I to IV evidence. Ten studies with 171 patients (181 cysts) were selected. Heel pain and radiographic cyst consolidation were the primary outcomes. A series of Z tests were used to compare the outcomes in the nonoperative and operative groups, cannulated screw and bone augmentation groups, and autografting and allografting groups. All patients treated with open curettage and bone augmentation had significant improvements in heel pain (p < .001). Only 1.1% ± 1.0% of the cysts treated conservatively had healed on radiographs compared with 93.0% ± 13.0% of the cysts after surgery (p < .001). A greater percentage of patients treated with bone augmentation had preoperative heel pain and resolution of that pain than did patients treated with cannulated screws (p < .001). Autografting had a significantly greater percentage of radiographic cyst consolidation than did allografting (97.4% ± 11.1% versus 85.1% ± 15.8%, p < .001, Z = 3.5). Objective outcomes data on calcaneal UBCs are relatively sparse. The results of the present review suggest that open curettage with autograft bone augmentation is the most effective procedure. We would encourage future comparative clinical studies to elucidate differences in UBC treatment modalities.
Application of SMA technology to auxiliary functions in appliances

Traditionally smart material actuation has been reserved for high technology industries such as space and aerospace; however, as the field matures more and more instances are found in low-cost, high production areas. This paper describes one such instance - the application of shape memory alloys to auxiliary functions in appliances. This investigation focused on lid locks for washing machines because it is representative of several other applications found in appliances including valves, dispensers, locks, brakes, etc. Several competing concepts for SMA actuated lid locks are discussed including simple analytical design models and experimental characterization of proof-of-concept prototypes. A comparison of these designs based on performance (force, response times), energy (power requirements) and economic metrics is given. From this study, a final concept was developed based upon the best attributes of the different concepts. The resulting proof-of-concept prototype demonstrated improved performance over the current state with a potential for cost reduction.
Total knee arthroplasty for chronic posterior knee dislocation: Report of 2 cases with technical considerations

This article reports our experience in 2 patients with chronic knee dislocations treated with total knee arthroplasty, focusing on the technical difficulties in obtaining a well-balanced, well-aligned knee.
Arrhythmias Detected by Ambulatory Monitoring: Lack of Correlation With Symptoms of Dizziness and Syncope

The correlation of symptoms (SX) with major arrhythmias (ARS) occurring during 24-hour ambulatory monitoring (AM) was investigated in a group of patients referred because of dizziness or syncope. Ninety-eight consecutive patients, ages 25 to 82, who had adequate diaries of activities and SX, were included. The ARS considered to be major were ventricular and supraventricular ectopy grade 2, 3, and 4 (Lown classification), sinus arrest and block, atrioventricular block, and sinus bradycardia ≤ 40/minute. Although all patients were referred because of dizziness and/or syncope, only 41 (42 percent) had their symptoms during the recording period. The ARS were recorded in 63 (64 percent). There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence or in the type of ARS in the group with, and the group without, symptoms (χ 2 = 1.64). Of the 23 subjects with both major ARS and recorded SX, only two had SX and ARS occurring concomitantly. It is concluded that (1) this is a group with a high prevalence of major ARS, (2) there was correlation between major ARS recorded and SX reported in a very small percent of cases (2 percent), (3) treating the ARS in the others could not be expected to abolish the SX, and (4) the high cost of monitoring should be considered in this context
Common and recurrent HPGD mutations in Caucasian individuals with primary hypertrophic osteoarthropathy

Objective. Homozygous recessive germline mutations of the 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase (HPGD) gene, encoding 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase, result in persistent elevation of circulating PGE2 levels, causing the syndrome of primary hypertrophic osteoarthropathy (PHO). Homozygous HPGD mutations have so far been reported in 10 families, all but one displaying parental consanguinity. Only two of these families were of European origin. We wished to determine the role of HPGD in causing PHO in non-consanguineous European families. Methods. Five previously unreported families of Caucasian European origin, with one or more individuals affected with typical PHO, were characterized clinically and by complete sequencing of the HPGD coding exons. Results. Biallelic HPGD mutations were identified in affected individuals in all the five families, confirming a very specific association of this phenotype with HPGD mutations. The previously described c.175_176delCT frameshift mutation was observed in association with two different alleles of an adjacent single nucleotide polymorphism. Conclusions. Biallelic HPGD mutations are found in the majority of patients with typical PHO, and sequencing of the HPGD gene is a highly specific first-line investigation for patients presenting in this way, particularly during childhood. The c.175_176delCT frameshift mutation appears to be recurrent and to be the commonest HPGD mutation in Caucasian families.
Role of FRNK tyrosine phosphorylation in vascular smooth muscle spreading and migration

Aims Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and its autonomously expressed, C-terminal inhibitor FAK-related non-kinase (FRNK), are important regulators of vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) spreading and migration. However, the mechanisms of FRNK-mediated inhibition of FAK-dependent signalling are not fully defined. The aim of this study was to determine the potential role of FRNK tyrosine phosphorylation in regulating these processes. Methods and results Rat carotid arteries were balloon-injured and FAK and FRNK expression and phosphorylation were examined by immunocytochemistry, immunoprecipitation, and western blotting with total and phosphospecific antibodies. FAK and FRNK expression increased four- and nine-fold, respectively, in α-smooth muscle actin-positive VSMCs of injured arteries when compared with contralateral control arteries, and the upregulated FRNK was phosphorylated at residues Y168 and Y232. In A7r5 cells (an embryonic rat VSMC line), endogenously expressed FRNK was also phosphorylated at Y168 and Y232 under basal conditions, and Y168/Y232 phosphorylation increased in response to angiotensin II treatment. When overexpressed in A7r5 cells and adult rat aortic smooth muscle cells (RASM), wild-type (wt) GFP-tagged FRNK was also phosphorylated at residues Y168 and Y232, and GFP-wtFRNK inhibited cell spreading and migration. Mutation of GFP-FRNK at Y168 (GFP-Y168F-FRNK) abrogated FRNK-mediated inhibition of cell spreading and migration, but did not affect its localization in VSMC focal adhesions or its ability to inhibit FAK tyrosine phosphorylation. Conclusion Phosphorylation of Y168 on FRNK may represent a novel mechanism by which FRNK inhibits cell spreading and migration in VSMCs.
Pedagogical Strategies to Increase Pre-Service Teachers' Confidence in Computer Learning

Pre-service teachers’ attitudes towards computers significantly influence their future adoption of integrating computer technology into their teaching. What are the pedagogical strategies that a teacher education instructor or an instructional designer can incorporate to enhance a pre-service teacher’s comfort level in using computers? In this exploratory report, the researcher synthesizes related literature, provides a comprehensive list of theory-based instructional strategies, and describes a study of the perceptions of 189 pre-service teachers regarding strategies related to increasing their comfort in using computers.
Marination to Improve Functional Properties and Safety of Poultry Meat

Abstract The most commonly used poultry marinades include salt and sodium tripolyphosphate, which have been shown to increase meat yield and water-holding capacity, as well as improve color and texture. Recently, several poultry further-processing facilities have begun using more acidic (pH ˜4) type marinades such as sodium lactate, sodium citrate, and sodium diacetate (alone or in combination) to combat the growth of Listeria monocytogenes in further-processed meat loaves. Because the acidic marinades currently used in turkey further-processing have a low pH (˜4) compared with the previously used salt and sodium tripolyphosphate (˜pH 9), these marinades may cause meat quality problems. This review paper will discuss aspects of poultry food safety and meat quality and how acidic marinades can be used to improve safety, specifically by controlling L. monocytogenes growth, and how they affect quality of the meat products. Current industry practices will be discussed and reviewed.
Foreign body in right side of chest.

A man presented to the emergency department after being shot in the face. On primary and secondary survey, he had a patent airway, was hemodynamically stable, and had a single entrance wound over the right mandible. No exit wound was visible. The appearance of his oropharynx was unremarkable. The trachea was in midline and breath sounds were clear and equal in all lung fields. The patient had a persistent, dry cough. Radiography of the chest showed a foreign body in the right side of the chest (Figure A). After this initial imaging, the patient was log-rolled onto his left side, and computed tomography (CT) scan of the chest was obtained (Figure B). Figure Figure A. Anteroposterior chest radiograph taken in the trauma bay on arrival. What would you do next? Locally explore the mandibular wound Perform angiography Perform a thoracotomy to remove the foreign body Perform flexible bronchoscopy Diagnosis Bullet Aspiration into the Left Main Bronchus What to do next D. Perform flexible bronchoscopy The key clinical finding in this case was the CT demonstrating the bullet in the vicinity of the left main bronchus. Coupled with the cough, these findings suggest a bullet aspiration that should initially be evaluated with flexible bronchoscopy.
Radiation absorbed dose estimates for [1-carbon-11]-glucose in adults : The effects of hyperinsulinemia

As preparation for studies of blood-brain glucose transport in diabetes mellitus, radiation absorbed dose estimates from intravenous administration of [1-{sup 11}C]-glucose for 24 internal organs, lens, blood and total body were calculated for three physiologic conditions: euinsulinemic euglycemia, hyperinsulinemic euglycemia and hyperinsulinemic hyperglycemia. Cumulated activities in blood, insulin-independent and insulin-dependent compartments were calculated from blood time-activity curves in normal human volunteers and macaques. Apportionment of cumulated activity to individual organs in insulin-dependent and insulin-independent compartments was based on previously published data. Absorbed doses were calculated with the computer program MIRDOSE 3 for the 70-kg adult phantom. S for blood was calculated separately. The heart wall, lungs and spleen were the organs receiving the highest dose. The effect of hyperinsulinemia was demonstrated by the increase in adsorbed dose to the muscle, heart and blood with a decrease to other internal organs. This effect was more pronounced during hyperinsulinemic hyperglycemia. Hyperinsulinemia produced a decrease in effective dose due to the decrease in cumulated activity in organs with specified weighting factors greater than 0.05. The effective dose per study for [1-{sup 11}C]-glucose is comparable to that reported for 2-deoxy-[2-{sup 18}F]-glucose. 43 refs., 1 fig., 4 tabs.
LIN-5 Is a Novel Component of the Spindle Apparatus Required for Chromosome Segregation and Cleavage Plane Specification in Caenorhabditis elegans

Successful divisions of eukaryotic cells require accurate and coordinated cycles of DNA replication, spindle formation, chromosome segregation, and cytoplasmic cleavage. The Caenorhabditis elegans gene lin-5 is essential for multiple aspects of cell division. Cells in lin-5 null mutants enter mitosis at the normal time and form bipolar spindles, but fail chromosome alignment at the metaphase plate, sister chromatid separation, and cytokinesis. Despite these defects, cells exit from mitosis without delay and progress through subsequent rounds of DNA replication, centrosome duplication, and abortive mitoses. In addition, early embryos that lack lin-5 function show defects in spindle positioning and cleavage plane specification. The lin-5 gene encodes a novel protein with a central coiled-coil domain. This protein localizes to the spindle apparatus in a cell cycle- and microtubule-dependent manner. The LIN-5 protein is located at the centrosomes throughout mitosis, at the kinetochore microtubules in metaphase cells, and at the spindle during meiosis. Our results show that LIN-5 is a novel component of the spindle apparatus required for chromosome and spindle movements, cytoplasmic cleavage, and correct alternation of the S and M phases of the cell cycle.
Development of nonlignified fibers in leaves of Gnetum gnemon (Gnetales)

Leaves of Gnetum gnemon have an extensive anastomosing network of thick-walled cellulosic fibers that permeate mesophyll tissues. Brochidodromus venation is precise with major veins originating by uniseriate plate meristems. In mesophyll differentiation, laticifers appear before fibers and more or less parallel to major veins. Fiber initials appear later, mostly within the subhypodermal mesophyll cell layers, but otherwise adjacent to the leaf margin or the major veins. Fibers are early binucleate and sometimes become four-nucleate. Fiber initials extend by symplastic but mainly intrusive apical growth, become irregular, little branched and interpenetrate other mesophyll layers. They make frequent contact with other fibers forming the anatomosing system, but remain thin-walled until leaf expansion is complete. Sclereids are little developed, thus fibers become the main mechanical system of the mature leaf. Once expansion is complete, maturation of fibers involves rapid formation of a cellulosic but unlignified secondary wall that is non-lamellate and almost occludes the cell lumen. These fibers are contrasted with the gelatinous (tension) fibers developed eccentrically in stems of Gnetum. Apart from their mechanical function, fibers may also have a hydraulic function in maintaining a highly hydrated internal leaf atmosphere.
Amino acid substitutions resulting from suppression of nonsense mutations. V. Tryptophan insertion by the Su9 gene, a suppressor of the UGA nonsense triplet.

The Su9+ suppressor gene of Escherichia coli enables the UGA nonsense triplet to code for tryptophan. The implications of this finding in light of the predictions of Crick's wobble hypothesis are discussed.
Fractures of the Sacrum After Chemoradiation for Rectal Carcinoma: Incidence, Risk Factors, and Radiographic Evaluation

Purpose Sacral insufficiency fractures after adjuvant radiation for rectal carcinoma can present similarly to recurrent disease. As a complication associated with pelvic radiation, it is important to be aware of the incidence and risk factors associated with sacral fractures in the clinical assessment of these patients. Methods and Materials Between 1998 and 2007, a total of 582 patients with locally advanced rectal carcinoma received adjuvant chemoradiation and surgical excision. Of these, 492 patients had imaging studies available for review. Hospital records and imaging studies from all 492 patients were retrospectively evaluated to identify risk factors associated with developing a sacral insufficiency fracture. Results With a median follow-up time of 3.5 years, the incidence of sacral fractures was 7.1% (35/492). The 4-year sacral fracture free rate was 0.91. Univariate analysis showed that increasing age (≥60 vs. P =.01, P =.004, P =.001, respectively). There was no significant difference in the time to sacral fracture for patients based on stage, radiotherapy dose, or chemotherapy regimen. Multivariate analysis showed increasing age (≥60 vs. P =.01), female sex (HR = 2.64, CI=1.29-5.38, P =.008), and history of osteoporosis (HR = 3.23, CI=1.23-8.50, P =.02) were independent risk factors associated with sacral fracture. Conclusions Sacral insufficiency fractures after pelvic radiation for rectal carcinoma occur more commonly than previously described. Independent risk factors associated with fracture were osteoporosis, female sex, and age greater than 60 years.
Robot kinematics learning computations using polynomial neural networks

The group method of data handling (GMDH), a data analysis technique for identification of nonlinear complex systems, is a feature-based mapping neural network. It is also an example of a polynomial neural network (PNN). The PNN can be trained to interpolate an unknown function by observing few samples. The PNN, a major type of neural network used in airborne combat applications is used to interpolate robot forward and inverse kinematics computations (FKC and IKC). The FKC and IKC are used, respectively, to find the mapping from the joint space to the Cartesian space and to find the mapping from the Cartesian space to joint space. A PPN simulation software package has been developed for solving both FKC and IKC. The simulation is performed in a two-degree-of-freedom manipulator. The solutions of the FKC and IKC networks are compared with the analytic equations. The PNN learns successfully the indicated path. The simulation results show that the PNN can interpolate the indicated path with better than 99.87% accuracy when the PNN network has been trained on 361 data pairs. The approach can be expanded to six-degree-of-freedom manipulators. Detailed GMDH algorithms for constructing the PNN kinematics models are discussed. >
Cost analysis of cefmetazole versus cefoxitin in the treatment of penetrating abdominal trauma

Cefmetazole is a new cephamycin antibiotic with a microbiologic spectrum very similar to cefoxitin. Because of its longer half-life, cefmetazole can be dosed on an every 8 hour schedule, in contrast to cefoxitin, which is usually dosed every 6 hours. The objective of this study was to determine the cost effectiveness of cefmetazole 2 gm via intravenous piggyback (IVPB) every 8 hours versus cefoxitin 2 gm IVPB every six hours in patients with perforated viscous secondary to abdominal trauma. Sixty-seven patients between 17 and 56 years of age were randomly assigned to receive either cefmetazole 2 gm IVPB every 8 hours or cefoxitin 2 gm IVPB every 6 hours in this prospective trial. The failure rate was not statistically significantly different between the two groups, with 4 of 36 patients in the cefmetazole group and 8 of 31 patients in the cefoxitin group (P = 0.1178) designated as failures. The mean drug acquisition costs for each admission in the cefmetazole and cefoxitin groups were $203.10 and $322.09, respectively, and were significantly higher for the cefoxitin group (P < 0.0005). There were significantly higher costs associated with the cefoxitin group for IVPB supply costs ($21.30), nursing ($22.00), pharmacy technician ($6.28), and pharmacist ($1.10) costs, as opposed to the cefmetazole group ($16.48, $17.02, $4.85, and $0.85, respectively). We found the use of cefmetazole in patients with intra-abdominal infections to be a cost-effective alternative to cefoxitin, resulting in significant savings in labor and material costs.
Correlating Student Knowledge and Confidence Using a Graded Knowledge Survey to Assess Student Learning in a General Microbiology Classroom

Knowledge surveys are a type of confidence survey in which students rate their confidence in their ability to answer questions rather than answering the questions. These surveys have been discussed as a tool to evaluate student in-class or curriculum-wide learning. However, disagreement exists as to whether confidence is actually an accurate measure of knowledge. With the concomitant goals of assessing content-based learning objectives and addressing this disagreement, we present herein a pretest/posttest knowledge survey study that demonstrates a significant difference correctness on graded test questions at different levels of reported confidence in a multi-semester timeframe. Questions were organized into Bloom’s taxonomy, allowing for the data collected to further provide statistical analyses on strengths and deficits in various levels of Bloom’s reasoning with regard to mean correctness. Collectively, students showed increasing confidence and correctness in all levels of thought but struggled with synthesis-level questions. However, when students were only asked to rate confidence and not answer the accompanying test questions, they reported significantly higher confidence than the control group which was asked to do both. This indicates that when students do not attempt to answer questions, they have significantly greater confidence in their ability to answer those questions. Additionally, when students rate only confidence without answering the question, resolution across Bloom’s levels of reasoning is lost. Based upon our findings, knowledge surveys can be an effective tool for assessment of both breadth and depth of knowledge, but may require students to answer questions in addition to rating confidence to provide the most accurate data.
Evaluating Research Mentors Working in the Area of Clinical Translational Science: A Review of the Literature

The goal of this paper is to review the evaluation of mentors with a focus on training new investigators in clinical translational science. These scholars include physicians and Ph.D. scientists who are generally assistant professors in clinical departments. This white paper is one of a series of articles focused on the programmatic elements of effective mentoring practices and the "current state of the art." Evaluating mentor performance and providing formative feedback can lead to stronger mentoring and ultimately lead to increased success of new clinical and translational investigators. While there is general agreement that mentor evaluation can be helpful, the process is difficult. Trainees are reluctant to share negative experiences and to rate their mentors. Mentors are not sure they want to be evaluated. Program leaders are not sure how to effectively use the information. This white paper provides mentees, mentors, and program leaders with new perspectives on mentor evaluation and ideas for future research.
Anti-oxidant inhibition of hyaluronan fragment-induced inflammatory gene expression

Background The balance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and endogenous anti-oxidants is important in maintaining healthy tissues. Excessive ROS states occur in diseases such as ARDS and Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. Redox imbalance breaks down the extracellular matrix component hyaluronan (HA) into fragments that activate innate immune responses and perpetuate tissue injury. HA fragments, via a TLR and NF-κB pathway, induce inflammatory gene expression in macrophages and epithelial cells. NAC and DMSO are potent anti-oxidants which may help balance excess ROS states.
Three-dimensional imaging of ordinary chondrite microporosity at 2.6 μm resolution

Abstract We show that high resolution (2.6 μm/voxel) synchrotron X-ray microtomography (μCT) scans are able to observe the majority of microporosity in ordinary chondrites. This porosity is present in the form of microcracks and voids among and between mineral grains. We examined, in total, seven small (6–12 mm 3 ) chips of the ordinary chondrites Baszkowka (L5, S1), ALH A77258 (H5, S2), Moorleah (L6, S3), and Kyushu (L6, S5). These four samples were chosen because of their variable impact histories. Using μCT and various digital isolation and visualization techniques, we found that the structure of microporosity varies with the degree of compaction and shock loading experienced by the materials. The microporosity in the compacted and more strongly shock samples Moorleah and Kyushu is visible as sheet-like fractures within brittle silicates as well as in discontinuous, distributed voids sometimes associated with chondrule rims and grain boundaries. In samples that have experienced less shock and only mild compaction, we found few, if any, microcracks in the silicate grains of the materials. Microporosity in the Baszkowka and ALH A77258 samples is largely represented by intergranular voids, with occasional intragranular voids being present. Regardless of degree of shock loading, ductile Fe–Ni or FeS grains give no evidence of shock-related internal fractures contributing to porosity.
Association of leukocyte telomere length with circulating biomarkers of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system: The Framingham heart study

Background— Leukocyte telomere length (LTL) chronicles the cumulative burden of oxidative stress and inflammation over a life course. Activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system is associated with increased oxidative stress and inflammation. Therefore, LTL may be related to circulating biomarkers of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. Methods and Results— We evaluated the cross-sectional relations of LTL (dependent variable) to circulating renin and aldosterone concentrations and the renin-to-aldosterone ratio (all logarithmically transformed; independent variables) in 1203 Framingham Study participants (mean age, 59 years; 51% women). We used multivariable linear regression and adjusted for age, blood pressure, hypertension treatment, smoking, diabetes mellitus, body mass index, hormone replacement therapy, serum creatinine, and the urine sodium-to-creatinine ratio. Overall, multivariable-adjusted LTL was inversely related to renin (β coefficient per unit increase, −0.038; P=0.036), dire...
Vibrational Spectroscopic Studies Probing Cardiolipin Containing Liposomes with and without Cytochrome C Bound to its Anionic Surface

Cardiolipin is an important lipid on the inner mitochondrial membrane that interacts with cytochrome c, a protein in the electron transport chain that has been recently implicated to have a role in apoptosis. To properly characterize this interaction, the protonation state of cardiolipin needs to be identified. The literature has offered two opposing views with support for both the fully protonated and the semi-protonated state at physiological pH. Cardiolipin containing liposomes have long been used as model mitochondrial membranes. We measured the FTIR spectra of 1,1′2,2′-tetraoleyl cardiolipin (TOCL), 1,2-dioleyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DOPC), and the more physiologically relevant 20% TOCL / 80% DOPC liposomes between the pH values of 2 and 11 in the region of 1000-1300 cm−1. The spectra of DOPC liposomes were found to have no noticeable pH dependence. On the contrary, several bands of the spectra of TOCL containing liposomes increase or decrease in intensity at pH values below 4. These bands were assigned to normal modes with substantial contributions from PO4− and P=O stretching modes, respectively, and they are diagnostic of the protonation state of the lipid. DFT based normal mode calculations revealed that the investigated spectral region is a superposition of bands assignable to collective CH deformation and PO4 stretching modes. This study suggests that the phosphate groups of the cardiolipin molecule are fully deprotonated at physiological pH. Recently, we performed resonance Raman studies to explore conformations and spin states of ferri- and ferrocytochrome c on 20% TOCL / 80% DOPC liposomes. We found that different binding sites give rise to different ligation states of the protein.
Examining the Ethics of Clinical Use of Unproven Interventions Outside of Clinical Trials During the Ebola Epidemic

The recent Ebola outbreak in West Africa began in the spring of 2014 and has since caused the deaths of over 6,000 people. Since there are no approved treatments or prevention modalities specifically targeted at Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), debate has focused on whether unproven interventions should be offered to Ebola patients outside of clinical trials. Those engaged in the debate have responded rapidly to a complex and evolving crisis, however, and this debate has not provided much opportunity for in-depth analysis. Additionally, the existing literature on access to unproven therapies has focused on contexts like HIV/AIDS and oncology, which are very different than the Ebola epidemic. In this paper, we examine the ethical issues surrounding access to unproven therapies in the context of the recent Ebola outbreak to yield new insights about this controversial and unsettled issue. We argue first that, in this context, the interests of patients in obtaining access to unproven therapies are not fully aligned with the interests of their providers and drug developers. Second, we focus on the resource constraints facing providers, funders, and patients and conclude that they often counsel against the use of unproven interventions against EVD.
Adaptations of plasma membrane glucose transport facilitate cryoprotectant distribution in freeze-tolerant frogs

Natural freeze tolerance in several anuran species involves the accumulation of high concentrations of glucose as a cryoprotectant in body fluids and tissues. The present study identifies an important new molecular mechanism supporting freeze tolerance, an adaptive increase in the capacity for facilitated transport of cryoprotectant across plasma membranes by increasing the numbers and/or activity of plasma membrane glucose transporters. Glucose transport by membranes isolated from liver and skeletal muscle was analyzed in two species, the freeze-tolerant wood frog Rana sylvatica and the freeze-intolerant leopard frog Rana pipiens. Membranes from both liver and muscle of R. sylvatica displayed much higher rates of carrier-mediated glucose transport, measured by a rapid filtration technique, compared with corresponding rates for R. pipiens membranes. For the liver Vmax values for glucose transport by membrane vesicles were 69 +/- 18 and 8.4 +/- 2.3 nmol.mg protein-1.s-1 at 10 degrees C for R. sylvatica and R. pipiens, respectively. This difference was due primarily to a greater number of glucose transporters in R. sylvatica liver membranes; the total number of transporter sites, determined by cytochalasin B binding, was 4.7-fold higher in the freeze-tolerant species. For muscle membranes, the Vmax for glucose transport was 4.9 +/- 1 and 0.6 +/- 0.16 nmol.mg-1 x s-1 at 22 degrees C for R. sylvatica and R. pipiens, respectively. However, in muscle there were no differences in the number of membrane transporters between species.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
DNA-Catalyzed Amide Hydrolysis

DNA catalysts (deoxyribozymes) for a variety of reactions have been identified by in vitro selection. However, for certain reactions this identification has not been achieved. One important example is DNA-catalyzed amide hydrolysis, for which a previous selection experiment instead led to DNA-catalyzed DNA phosphodiester hydrolysis. Subsequent efforts in which the selection strategy deliberately avoided phosphodiester hydrolysis led to DNA-catalyzed ester and aromatic amide hydrolysis, but aliphatic amide hydrolysis has been elusive. In the present study, we show that including modified nucleotides that bear protein-like functional groups (any one of primary amino, carboxyl, or primary hydroxyl) enables identification of amide-hydrolyzing deoxyribozymes. In one case, the same deoxyribozyme sequence without the modifications still retains substantial catalytic activity. Overall, these findings establish the utility of introducing protein-like functional groups into deoxyribozymes for identifying new catalytic function. The results also suggest the longer-term feasibility of deoxyribozymes as artificial proteases.
Prospects for Control of Antibiotic Usage

Antibiotic usage is excessive because of the many constraints placed on the physician in caring for patients. These include high expectation by the patient for rapid cure of often minor nonbacterial infection; the difficulty in making an accurate diagnosis in ambulatory practice; the need to treat seriously ill patients prior to availability of definitive bacteriologic informations and delays and costs of obtaining laboratory information. The physician’s desire to help his patient and “fear of failure” overrides considerations of cost and potential toxicity. The situation is aggravated, but not caused by aggressive promotion by the pharmaceutical industry. Control must be directed toward correcting the multiple causes of the problem. Measures should include: 1) education of the public on the value and limitations of antimicrobials, 2) improved medical education in practical clinical microbiology and clinical pharmacology, 3) development and use of rapid and simplified bacteriologic and antimicrobial susceptibility tests particularly for office practice, 4) training of more infectious disease consultants, 5) post-graduate education of physicians based on audit and peer review, 6) development of acceptable guidelines for prophylaxis particularly in surgery, and 7) limitation of excessive and unwarranted promotion of antimicrobials.
How well can we measure supermassive black hole spin

Being one of only two fundamental properties black holes possess, the spin of supermassive black holes (SMBHs) is of great interest for understanding accretion processes and galaxy evolution. However, in these early days of spin measurements, consistency and reproducibility of spin constraints have been a challenge. Here we focus on X-ray spectral modelling of active galactic nuclei (AGN), examining how well we can truly return known reflection parameters such as spin under standard conditions. We have created and fit over 4000 simulated Seyfert 1 spectra each with 375$\pm$1k counts. We assess the fits with reflection fraction of $R$ = 1 as well as reflection-dominated AGN with $R$ = 5. We also examine the consequence of permitting fits to search for retrograde spin. In general, we discover that most parameters are over-estimated when spectroscopy is restricted to the 2.5 - 10.0 keV regime and that models are insensitive to inner emissivity index and ionization. When the bandpass is extended out to 70keV, parameters are more accurately estimated. Repeating the process for $R$ = 5 reduces our ability to measure photon index ($\sim$3 to 8 per cent error and overestimated), but increases precision in all other parameters -- most notably ionization, which becomes better constrained ($\pm$45 erg cm $\rm{s^{-1}}$) for low ionization parameters ($\xi$$ $ 0.8 to about $\pm$0.10) and that inner emissivity index is never well constrained. Allowing our model to search for retrograde spin did not improve the results.