cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Upper-Extremity Injuries From Steering Wheel Airbag Deployments

In a review of 540 crashes in which the steering wheel airbag deployed, 38% of the drivers sustained some level of upper extremity injury. The majority of these were AIS-1 injuries including abrasions, contusions and small lacerations. In 18 crashes the drivers sustained AIS-2 or-3 level upper extremity injuries, including fractures of the radius and/or ulna, or of the metacarpal bones, all related to airbag deployments. It was determined that six drivers sustained the fracture(s) directly from the deploying airbag or the airbag module cover. The remaining 12 drivers had fractures from the extremity being flung into interior vehicle structures, usually the instrument panel. Most drivers were taller than 170 cm and, of the 18 drivers, 10 were males.
Identification of Essential Glutamates in the Acetate Kinase from Methanosarcina thermophila

Acetate kinase catalyzes the reversible phosphorylation of acetate (CH3COO- + ATP CH3CO2PO3(2-) + ADP). A mechanism which involves a covalent phosphoryl-enzyme intermediate has been proposed, and chemical modification studies of the enzyme from Escherichia coli indicate an unspecified glutamate residue is phosphorylated (J. A. Todhunter and D. L. Purich, Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 60:273-280, 1974). Alignment of the amino acid sequences for the acetate kinases from E. coli (Bacteria domain), Methanosarcina thermophila (Archaea domain), and four other phylogenetically divergent microbes revealed high identity which included five glutamates. These glutamates were replaced in the M. thermophila enzyme to determine if any are essential for catalysis. The histidine-tagged altered enzymes were produced in E. coli and purified to electrophoretic homogeneity by metal affinity chromatography. Replacements of E384 resulted in either undetectable or extremely low kinase activity, suggesting E384 is essential for catalysis which supports the proposed mechanism. Replacement of E385 influenced the Km values for acetate and ATP with only moderate decreases in k(cat), which suggests that this residue is involved in substrate binding but not catalysis. The unaltered acetate kinase was not inactivated by N-ethylmaleimide; however, replacement of E385 with cysteine conferred sensitivity to N-ethylmaleimide which was prevented by preincubation with acetate, acetyl phosphate, ATP, or ADP, suggesting that E385 is located near the active site. Replacement of E97 decreased the Km value for acetate but not ATP, suggesting this residue is involved in binding acetate. Replacement of either E32 or E334 had no significant effects on the kinetic constants, which indicates that neither residue is essential for catalysis or significantly influences the binding of acetate or ATP.
In house expertise

Executive-in-residence programs place world-class business advice within easy reach of aspiring bioentrepreneurs.
Mother–Son Communication About Sex and Routine Human Immunodeficiency Virus Testing Among Younger Men of Color Who Have Sex With Men

Abstract Purpose The purposes of this study were to document the HIV testing behaviors and serostatus of younger men of color who have sex with men (YMSM) and to explore sociodemographic, behavioral, and maternal correlates of HIV testing in the past 6 months. Methods A total of 135 YMSM aged 16–19 years completed a close-ended survey on HIV testing and risk behaviors, mother–son communication, and sociodemographic characteristics. Youth were offered point-of-care HIV testing, with results provided at survey end. Multivariate logistic regression analyzed the sociodemographic, behavioral, and maternal factors associated with routine HIV testing. Results A total of 90.3% of YMSM had previously tested for HIV, and 70.9% had tested in the past 6 months. In total, 11.7% of youth reported being HIV positive, and 3.3% reported unknown serostatus. When offered an HIV test, 97.8% accepted. Of these, 14.7% had a positive oral test result, and 31.58% of HIV-positive YMSM (n = 6) were seropositive unaware. Logistic regression results indicated that maternal communication about sex with males was positively associated with routine testing (odds ratio = 2.36; 95% confidence interval = 1.13–4.94). Conversely, communication about puberty and general human sexuality was negatively associated (odds ratio = .45; 95% confidence interval = .24–.86). Condomless anal intercourse and positive sexually transmitted infection history were negatively associated with routine testing; however, frequency of alcohol use was positively associated. Conclusions Despite high rates of testing, we found high rates of HIV infection, with 31.58% of HIV-positive YMSM being seropositive unaware. Mother–son communication about sex needs to address same-sex behavior as this appears to be more important than other topics. YMSM with known risk factors for HIV are not testing at the recommended time intervals.
Some inverse problems involving conditional expectations

Let (Ω, F, P) be a probability space, let H be a sub-σ-algebra of F, and let Y be positive and H-measurable with E[Y] = 1. We discuss the structure of the convex set CE(Y; H) = {X ∈ pF: Y = E[X|H]} of random variables whose conditional expectation given H is the prescribed Y. Several characterizations of extreme points of CE(Y; H) are obtained. A necessary and sufficient condition is given in order that CE(Y; H) be the closed, convex hull of its extreme points. For the case of finite F we explicitly calculate the extreme points of CE(Y; H), identify pairs of adjacent extreme points, and characterize extreme points of CE(Y; H) ⌢ CE(Z; G), where G is a second sub-σ-algebra of F and Z ∈ pG. When H = σ(Y) and appropriate topological hypotheses hold, extreme points of CE(Y; H) are shown to be in explicit one-to-one correspondence with certain left inverses of Y. Finally, it is shown how the same approach can be applied to the problem of extremal random measures on R+ with a prescribed compensator, to deduce that the number of extreme points is zero or one.
Raman spectrum of protocatechuate dioxygenase from Pseudomonas putida new low frequency bands

Abstract The Raman spectrum (441.6 nm excitation) of protocatechuate 3,4-dioxygenase (PCD) from Pseudomonas putida shows resonance enhanced bands at 1605, 1504, 1270, 858, and 830 cm−1 which are due to the p-hydroxyphenyl group of tyrosine coordinated to iron. In addition, we observe strong resonance enhanced bands at 592 and 524 cm−1 and weak (presumably iron-ligand) vibrations at 465, 423, and 371 cm−1. Recent publications of the Raman spectrum of PCD from Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Tatsuno et al , J. Am. Chem. Soc. 100, 4614–4615 (1978) and Keyes et al , Biochem. Biophys. Res. Comm. 83, 941–945 (1978) using 488 and 514 nm excitation did not report these bands. Our 441.6 nm excitation Raman spectrum of human serum transferrin, another metalloprotein with an iron-tyrosine linkage, does not show the 592 and 524 cm−1 bands and has only two very weak bands at about 423 and 364 cm−1. We discuss several interpretations of these data.
Coercive-force measurements in plated wire

Coercive force values for plated wire as detetermined on a conventional hysteresis looper are discussed. In particular, the variation of H c with easy-axis drive amplitude as well as the lack of agreement between the looper H c and the easy-axis disturb threshold for a discrete bit written into the plated wire is investigated. It has been confirmed that the H c variation is a rise-time, not a drive amplitude, effect. In addition, the disagreement between the discrete bit digit-disturb threshold and the looper H c occurs because the looper cannot measure any value below the nucleation threshold of the plated wire.
Estimating Energy Expenditure from Heart Rate in Older Adults: A Case for Calibration

Background Accurate measurement of free-living energy expenditure is vital to understanding changes in energy metabolism with aging. The efficacy of heart rate as a surrogate for energy expenditure is rooted in the assumption of a linear function between heart rate and energy expenditure, but its validity and reliability in older adults remains unclear. Objective To assess the validity and reliability of the linear function between heart rate and energy expenditure in older adults using different levels of calibration. Design Heart rate and energy expenditure were assessed across five levels of exertion in 290 adults participating in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging. Correlation and random effects regression analyses assessed the linearity of the relationship between heart rate and energy expenditure and cross-validation models assessed predictive performance. Results Heart rate and energy expenditure were highly correlated (r = 0.98) and linear regardless of age or sex. Intra-person variability was low but inter-person variability was high, with substantial heterogeneity of the random intercept (s.d. = 0.372) despite similar slopes. Cross-validation models indicated individual calibration data substantially improves accuracy predictions of energy expenditure from heart rate, reducing the potential for considerable measurement bias. Although using five calibration measures provided the greatest reduction in the standard deviation of prediction errors (1.08 kcals/min), substantial improvement was also noted with two (0.75 kcals/min). Conclusion These findings indicate standard regression equations may be used to make population-level inferences when estimating energy expenditure from heart rate in older adults but caution should be exercised when making inferences at the individual level without proper calibration.
Pharmacists' familiarity, utilization, and beliefs about Health Information Exchange: a survey of pharmacists in an Indiana pharmacy organization.

Objective To gauge pharmacists' familiarity, utilization, and beliefs about Health Information Exchange (HIE). Methods A survey questionnaire was developed by the authors in Qualtrics (Provo, UT) and administered to 358 Indiana Pharmacists Alliance (IPA) members via e-mail listserv in May and August 2013. The questionnaire consisted of 18 questions on familiarity, utilization, and beliefs about HIE. Results The response rate was 19% (67/358). Pharmacy practice experience of respondents ranged from 0 to 5 years (18%, n=12) to more than 20 years (61%, n=41). More than one-half (70%) of respondents practiced in hospital settings. Many respondents (75%) were familiar with the concept of HIE; 54% currently use some type of HIE technology. Nearly all respondents felt that data in electronic health records (EHRs) should be shared between pharmacists and other health care providers. Respondents identified improved coordination of care as the greatest potential benefit, and difficulty implementing and maintaining technology as the greatest barrier of HIE. Conclusion Many respondents were familiar with HIE and in favor of sharing patient records between providers. Respondents agreed that HIE has the potential to improve coordination of care but were concerned about implementing and maintaining technology. Larger pharmacy samples should be studied to determine how the results of this study compare to pharmacy populations at state and national levels.
Methylxanthines elevate reinforcement threshold for electrical brain stimulation: role of adenosine receptors and phosphodiesterase inhibition.

Abstract Caffeine increases reinforcement threshold in a brain stimulation procedure that allows the rat to self-regulate the intensity of electric current delivered via an electrode in the medial forebrain bundle. In order to determine the generality of that finding, we used this same autotitration procedure to assess the behavioral effects of 5 methylxanthines in addition to caffeine. All of the methylxanthines produced significant dose-dependent elevations of reinforcement threshold with the following order of potency: 7-(β-chloroethyl) theophylline > isobutylmethylxanthine 1,7-dimethylxanthine > heophylline > caffeine > 8-chlorotheophylline. This order of potency correlates significantly with the reported order of potency for inhibiting adenosine-stimulated cAMP, an effect mediated by the adenosine A 2 receptor. Some of the behavioral effects of methylxanthines have been attributed to antagonism of adenosine receptor binding and inhibition of phosphodiesterase. The nonxanthine phosphodieterase inhibitors papaverine and Ro 20–1724, had small but significant effects on reinforcement threshold, papaverine increasing it and Ro 20–1724 decreasing it. Thus, as a pharmacologic class, methylxanthines appear to increase reinforcement threshold, an effect which may be mediated via adenosine receptor antagonism but probably not by inhibition of phosphodiesterase.
Strategy and diplomacy, 1870–1945: Eight studies

(1986). Strategy and diplomacy, 1870–1945: Eight studies. History of European Ideas: Vol. 7, No. 1, pp. 109-111.
Modified-BRTO (balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration) for the treatment of portal hypertensive variceal bleeding

Purpose: To assess the efficacy, complications, and reintervention incidence of uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) on patients with large uterine fibroids. Materials and Methods: A retrospective cohort study of 333 women (mean age, 44.2 years; range 26-58 years) who underwent UFE for uterine fibroids between January 2009 – January 2013 was undertaken. They were divided into two groups based on ultrasound or serial MRI findings, those with a dominant fibroid Z10cm on its longest axis and/or a uterine volume Z700cm (group 1, n1⁄4130) and the control group (group 2, n1⁄4203). Dominant fibroid and uterine volume reduction were determined by comparing baseline and follow-up ultrasound and MRI findings. Symptoms improvement and satisfaction with both the procedure and their outcome were assessed using standardized Likert scale questionnaires completed at followup (mean, 6.8 months). Post-procedural complications and reinterventions were recorded. All post-procedural continuous variables were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test, while categorical variables were compared using the chisquared test. Results: o significant differences were observed between the groups in dominant fibroid reduction (median 43% in group 1, 51% in group 2, p 1⁄4 .332), patient reported symptom improvement (bleeding, p 1⁄4 .076; pain, p 1⁄4 .551; pelvic pressure, p 1⁄4 .763; urinary frequency or urgency, p 1⁄4 .486), complications (p 1⁄4 .171), and patient satisfaction of the procedure (p 1⁄4 .915) and outcome (p 1⁄4 .731). However, a significant difference was observed in uterine volume reduction (median 46% in group 1, 34% in group 2, p 1⁄4 .000). Conclusion: Apart from uterine volume reduction, outcomes of UFE on patients with large fibroids are comparable to those with small fibroids. Patients with large fibroids can expect greater uterine volume reduction. Fibroid size and uterine volume are not key factors in determining suitability for UFE and successful outcomes can be obtained in patients with large fibroids.
The youthful forehead: placement of skin incisions in hidden furrows.

Background. Attaining good aesthetic results remains a primary goal in removal of benign cutaneous facial lesions. Objective. Strategic planning of the incision is perhaps the most critical step in excision of such a lesion. Methods. A study of one case of epidermoid cyst excision from a youthful forehead was undertaken. Results. Poor surgical planning of a simple cyst excision from the forehead resulted in placement of the incision inferior to a natural furrow and within the basin defect, producing a noticeable scar. Facial animation accentuates the aesthetically poor placement of the surgical incision. Conclusion. The detection of hidden furrows through facial animation during preoperative planning, especially in the youthful forehead, is imperative for achievement of an optimal aesthetic result. When possible, incisions should be concealed within natural furrows.
The NEXTPITCH Learning Classifier System: Representation, Information Theory and Performance

NEXTPITCH, a learning classifier system (LCS) using genetic algorithms, inductively learns to predict the next note in a musical melody. NEXTPITCH models human music learning by developing the rules that represent actual pitch transitions in the melody. In this article, the author addresses the issues of (1) the impact of the representation of a domain (the encoding of the characteristics of the field of study) on the performance of an LCS and (2) the classification of the input (the melodies to be learned) to an LCS in order to determine the highest percentage of correct next-note predictions.
Sustained Angina Relief 5 Years After Transmyocardial Laser Revascularization With a CO2 Laser

Background Although transmyocardial laser revascularization (TMR) has provided symptomatic relief of angina over the short term, the long-term efficacy of the procedure is unknown. Angina symptoms as assessed independently by angina class and the Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ) were prospectively collected up to 7 years after TMR. Methods Seventy-eight patients with severe angina not amenable to conventional revascularization were treated with a CO2 laser. Their mean age was 61±10 years at the time of treatment. Preoperatively, 66% had unstable angina, 73% had had ≥1 myocardial infarction, 93% had undergone ≥1 CABG, 42% had ≥1 PTCA, 76% were in angina class IV, and 24% were in angina class III. Their average pre-TMR angina class was 3.7±0.4. Results After an average of 5 years (and up to 7 years) of follow-up, the average angina class was significantly improved to 1.6±1 ( P =0.0001). This was unchanged from the 1.5±1 average angina class at 1 year postoperatively ( P =NS). There was a marked redistribution according to angina class, with 81% of the patients in class II or better, and 17% of the patients had no angina 5 years after TMR. A decrease of ≥2 angina classes was considered significant, and by this criterion, 68% of the patients had successful long-term angina relief. The angina class results were further confirmed with the SAQ; 5-year SAQ scores revealed an average improvement of 170% over the baseline results. Conclusions The long-term efficacy of TMR persists for ≥5 years. TMR with CO2 laser as sole therapy for severe disabling angina provides significant long-term angina relief.
Surveying the surveilled: Video, space and subjectivity

(1992). Surveying the surveilled: Video, space and subjectivity. Quarterly Review of Film and Video: Vol. 14, New Directions in Television Studies: Essays in Honor of Beverle Ann Houston, pp. 61-91.
Reaction in vitro of some mutants of RNase P with wild-type and temperature-sensitive substrates

The reaction of wild-type and two mutant derivatives of RNase P have been examined with wild-type and mutant substrates. We show that a mutant derivative of tRNA(Tyr)Su3, tRNA(Tyr)Su3A15, in which the G15.C48(57) base-pair essential for folding of the tRNA moiety is altered, is a temperature-sensitive suppressor in vivo. The precursor to tRNA(Tyr)Su3A15 is cleaved in a temperature-sensitive manner in vitro by RNase P and with a higher Km compared to the precursor to tRNA(Tyr)Su3. The precursor to tRNA(Tyr)Su3A2, another temperature-sensitive suppressor in vivo in which the G2.C71(80) base-pair in the acceptor stem is changed to A2.C71(80), behaves like the precursor to tRNA(Tyr)Su3 in vitro; that is, it is not cleaved in a temperature-sensitive manner. Therefore, there are at least two ways in which a suppressor tRNA can acquire a temperature-sensitive phenotype in vivo. One of the mutant derivatives of RNase P we have tested, rnpA49, which affects the protein cofactor of the enzyme, has a decreased kcat compared to wild-type, which can explain its phenotype in vivo.
Side effects of decision guidance in decision support systems

Abstract Ideal Decision Support Systems (DSS) provide aid in the attainment of a solution to a particular problem of the user. However, during system interaction, the dialogue design of the DSS has the potential to influence the outcome of the solution. This side effect may or may not be desirable, but system designers must be aware of the potential impact. A laboratory study described in this report examines the significance of the impact. A total of 46 subjects conducted decisions on forecasting methods under two different design structures for DSS interfaces. An increase in guidance provided by the system led to a significant change in the decision model selected. This change in model selected resulted in a number of different solutions to the study's forecasting problem. In application settings, such impacts need to be evaluated prior to implementation to avoid the situations where the software influences the decision process.
Circular dichroism of the non-enzymatic browning products of poly-L-lysine and albumin.

Abstract Poly- l -lysine (PLL) and bovine serum albumin were used as models in the investigation of non-enzymatic glycation and browning reaction by circular dichroism measurements. Different sugars (glucose, glucose-6-P and ribose) induced different extents of reaction and produced different chromophores that absorbed light in the near u.v. region. All glycated samples gave a common spectral feature in absorption and blue fluorescence, but they gave distinctly different near u.v. c.d. features, indicating that the browning products containing yellow chromophores are different for glycated samples and may have rigid moieties. The ribocated PLL (at pH 11.0, α-helix) and albumin were unable to convert completely to β-conformation upon heating, indicating that browning reaction may have changed the tertiary structure.
Determination of heavy hydrocarbon contamination using supercritical fluid extraction with infrared detection

Supercritical fluid extraction (s.f.e.) conditions to extract heavy hydrocarbons quantitatively from soil were developed, using high temperature (150 °C) and an infrared-clear organic solvent. S.f.e. with pure CO2 at 65 °C gave good recovery of light crude oil components ($C25 alkanes) but did not efficiently extract heavier components. An increase in temperature during s.f.e. to 150 °C increased the recovery of the heavier hydrocarbons, but the best recoveries were achieved by extraction at 150 °C after addition of perchloroethylene as a modifier. Under these conditions s.f.e. (15 min static followed by 15 min dynamic extraction) gave recoveries 5–45% higher than did 4 h of Soxhlet extraction for soils contaminated with light to heavy crude oils, motor oil and heavy residual oil. Adsorption of the extracted polar compounds on silica indicated that both polar and non-polar organics were more efficiently extracted by s.f.e., Since the modifier is added directly to the soil sample, the method does not require either dual pumps or premixed fluids.
Focal nodular hyperplasia of the liver. Scintigraphic demonstration with technetium-99m sulfur colloid emission computed tomography.

Emission computed tomographic images of the liver demonstrate extraction of Tc-99m sulfur colloid in focal nodular hyperplasis of the liver.
Performance of multilevel error correction in binary holographic memory

At the Optical Computing Lab in the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) a binary holographic data storage system was designed and tested with methods of recording and retrieving the binary information. Levels of error correction were introduced to the system including pixel averaging, thresholding, and parity checks. Errors were artificially introduced into the binary holographic data storage system and were monitored as a function of the defect area fraction, which showed a strong influence on data integrity. Average area fractions exceeding one quarter of the bit area caused unrecoverable errors. Efficient use of the available data density was discussed. .
Atlantic Tropical Systems of 1972

Abstract The 1972 hurricane season produced 113 “seedlings” of which 24 acquired the closed circulation of a depression. This was the largest number of tropical systems observed since the National Hurricane Center began keeping records in 1968. The reason for this high number was the unusual development of many subtropical cyclones in temperate latitudes.
Identification and characterization of juvenile hormone esterase gene from the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti

Juvenile hormone esterase (JHE) plays an important role in regulating juvenile hormone titers. Recent sequencing and annotation of the Aedes aegypti genome identified ten putative jhe gene sequences. Analysis of these ten putative jhe gene sequences showed that only three of them, EAT43357, EAT43353 and EAT43354 contained GQSAG motif and showed high sequence similarity with the sequences of jhe genes identified from other insect species. To determine which putative jhe gene(s) code for functional JHE, the mRNA profiles of EAT43357, EAT43353 and EAT43354 were measured during the final instar larval and pupal stages by using quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The mRNA for EAT43357 was detected during the late final instar larval stage. In contrast, EAT43354 mRNA was detected only during the pupal stage and EAT43353 mRNA was detected only during the larval stage. The mRNA of EAT43357 was detected in both fat body and midgut tissues. JHE enzyme levels gradually increased during the final instar larval stage reaching a peak at 42 h after ecdysis into the final instar larval stage. The mRNA expression profiles of EAT43357 correlate with the developmental expression profiles of JHE enzyme activity suggesting that this gene may encode for a functional JHE. The EAT43357 and EAT43354 cDNA were expressed in a baculovirus system. Proteins isolated from Sf9 cells infected with recombinant baculovirus expressing EAT43357 but not EAT43354 gene exhibited JHE activity confirming that EAT43357 gene codes for a functional JHE enzyme.
Euthymia, depression, and mania: what do we know about the switch?

The holy grail for research in bipolar disorder (BD) is the mechanism that underlies the switch to acute manic and depressive episodes. Armed with knowledge of the switch, researchers could more effectively prevent and treat episodes of this disorder. However, the switch mechanism has been elusive and the quest continues. The Hulvershorn et al. study in this issue (1), provides an important step forward. It is one of the few published functional neuroimaging investigations of individuals with BD experiencing elevated, depressed and euthymic mood states, who are also medication-free. The study demonstrates abnormalities in brain responses to negative emotional stimuli during euthymia in the BD group that may be trait features of BD and perhaps biomarkers of the vulnerability to mood cycling. Differing regional patterns of dysfunction were also observed in mania/hypomania or depression that may reflect neural mechanisms underlying these mood states.
What should be the goal for ATM

Two key features of asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) statistical multiplexing and continuous bit rate are analyzed. Both are claimed to provide the economic edge for ATM over other transmission and switching paradigms. It is argued that they have little chance to succeed in a high-speed environment, and even if they can be implemented, their benefits are hardly worth the complexity they add to the network. The trade-off of cell-granularity efficiency, in terms of bandwidth allocation, utilization, and billing, versus acceptable implementation complexity is discussed from the point of view of traffic management. A quantified-bandwidth channel and peak rate subscription are suggested as new goals for ATM. >
Heavy-metal mitogenesis: Zn++ and Hg++ induce cellular cytotoxicity and interferon production in murine T lymphocytes.

Abstract Splenic and lymph node lymphocytes from Balb/c mice were activated in vitro by the heavy-metal cations, Zn ++ and Hg ++ , as noted by the several-fold increases in 3 H-thymidine incorporation at 144 h of culture. Optimal mitogenic concentrations of Zn ++ and Hg ++ were 200 µM and 10µM, respectively. Data from experiments using T or B splenic lymphocytes enriched by cell passage over nylon wool columns, through use of athymic Nu/Nu mouse spleen cells, or by cell lysis with monoclonal anti-Thy-1 and antibody plus complement, indicated than Zn ++ and Hg ++ are mitogens for T cells. Removal of macrophages from spleen cells by treatment with carbonyl iron, followed by cell passage through nylon wool, eliminated the lymphocyte responses to Zn ++ and to Hg ++ . Moreover, addition of macrophage-depleted lymphocytes to monolayers of resident peritoneal macrophages restored the lymphocyte responses to these mitogens. Both Zn ++ and Hg ++ activated splenic lymphocytes to display lectin-dependent cytotoxicity and to produce acid-labile interferon.
Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase coordinately activates the MEK/ERK and AKT/NFκB pathways to maintain osteoclast survival

We have examined highly purified osteoclasts that were generated in vitro from murine co-culture of marrow precursors with stromal support cells and have found evidence of activation of the MEK/ERK and AKT/NFkappaB survival pathways. Many mature marrow-derived osteoclasts survived for at least 48 h in culture whether or not they are maintained with stromal cells. Moreover, supplementing purified osteoclasts with RANKL and/or M-CSF had no impact on their survival pattern. In addition, spleen-derived osteoclasts generated with RANKL and M-CSF treatment exhibited a similar survival pattern. Blocking MEK, AKT, or NFkappaB activity resulted in apoptosis of many, but not all, of the osteoclasts in purified marrow-derived osteoclasts, marrow-derived osteoclasts co-cultured with stromal cells, and spleen-derived osteoclasts maintained with RANKL and M-CSF. These data support that both the MEK/ERK and AKT/NFkappaB pathways contribute to osteoclast survival. Since PI3K has been shown to activate either of these pathways, we have examined its role in osteoclast survival. PI3K inhibition caused apoptosis of nearly all osteoclasts in purified and co-cultured marrow-derived osteoclasts and spleen-derived osteoclasts maintained with RANKL and M-CSF. Interestingly, in marrow-derived co-cultures, the apoptotic response was restricted to osteoclasts as there was no evidence of stromal support cell apoptosis. PI3K inhibition also blocked MEK1/2, ERK1/2, and AKT phosphorylation and NFkappaB activation in purified osteoclasts. Simultaneous blockage of both AKT and MEK1/2 caused rapid apoptosis of nearly all osteoclasts, mimicking the response to PI3K inhibition. These data reveal that PI3K coordinately activates two distinct survival pathways that are both important in osteoclast survival.
Observation of a Subsurface Oil-Rich Layer in the Open Ocean

A layer of water at a depth of 200 meters containing 3 to 12 milligrams per liter of oil was found during February and March 1978 over a distance of 800 nautical miles in the southwest North Atlantic and the eastern Caribbean. The geochemistry and carbon-14 activity of the oil shows it to be a weathered crude, probably from a submarine seep. Although the dimensions of the oily layer were not determined, conservative estimates indicate that more than I megaton could have been present.
The Use of Respondent-Driven Sampling to Recruit At-Risk Minority Men Who Have Sex with Men in Massachusetts

This study assessed the ability of a modified respondent-driven sampling (RDS) method to recruit racial and ethnic minority men who have sex with men (MSM) at risk for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). We used a modified RDS technique, a relatively new method of chain-referral sampling, to recruit 50 MSM in Greater Boston for a behavioral survey and interview. Traditional recruitment methods used by Fenway Community Health, a community-based health care and research facility, yield samples comprised of 15% to 30% racial/ethnic minority MSM. The present study recruited a sample of 60% racial/ethnic minority MSM, a significant difference from these earlier studies (all p values < .0001). Forty-five percent of the sample reported an annual income of less than $12,000, and 17% did not always have a regular place to live in the past year. Sixty-six percent of respondents were HIV infected; 43% reported a prior STI diagnosis. This study provides evidence that a modified RDS strategy can effe...
Striated urethral sphincter activity does not alter urethral pressure during filling cystometry.

Objective The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between urethral pressure and the neuromuscular activity of the urethral sphincter with the use of quantitative electromyography during bladder filling. Study design Women who underwent multichannel urodynamic testing with concentric needle electromyography of the striated urethral sphincter between December 2000 and February 2002 were studied. Raw electromyography signals were processed by a electromyography instrument that was equipped with automated motor unit analysis software programs. Quantitative electromyography software was used to analyze the electrical activity of the urethral sphincter during filling cystometry. Results One hundred women (mean age, 60 years [range, 22-82 years]; median parity, 3 children [range, 0-8 children]) were studied. Most women (79%) were postmenopausal, and 68% of those women were receiving hormone replacement therapy. Quantitative electromyography values increased significantly at 300 mL and maximum cystometric capacity; however, there was no significant increase in urethral pressure. The median change in urethral pressure at 300 mL and maximum cystometric capacity were 4 cm water (interquartile range, 0-8 cm) and 0 cm water (interquartile range, −4-8 cm), respectively ( P =.229). The median change in quantitative electromyography at 300 mL and maximum cystometric capacity were 9 μV (range, 5-14 μV) and 10 μV (range, 7-19 μV), respectively ( P Conclusion Urethral pressure does not increase during filling cystometry, despite increased activity of the striated urethral sphincter, which suggests that urethral pressure change does not reflect the integrity of the striated urethral sphincter.
Evaluation of Pharmacotherapy Laboratory Revisions Implemented to Reduce Cost

Objectives. To revise a pharmacotherapy-laboratory curriculum to decrease course expenditures while maintaining a quality educational experience. Design. Course mapping identified laboratory activities that achieved the defined learning outcomes. Redundant activities were eliminated, and remaining activities not requiring active in-laboratory participation were converted into prelaboratory assignments and simulations. An online course-management system provided a platform for simulations and automated grading. Assessment. An evaluation of economic data showed a 64% and 43% decrease in total course expenditures for Pharmacotherapy Laboratory III and IV, respectively. Although a comparison of examination and course grades before and after redesign revealed a small decrease in grades for the Pharmacotherapy III and IV course, the reasons for this decrease were unclear and could not be directly attributed to the redesign. Comparison of students’ evaluation scores before and after the redesign showed continued high satisfaction with the course. Conclusions. Revisions made to the curriculum for a pharmacotherapy laboratory decreased course expenditures while maintaining the quality of education. The successful redesign was related to several key components including course mapping and enhanced use of technology. A similar revision process can be considered by other colleges and schools of pharmacy facing budgetary reductions.
Safety and rationale for continuation of propranolol therapy during coronary bypass operation.

Abstract Thirty consecutive patients undergoing coronary bypass were studied. Oral propranolol therapy was maintained up to 4 to 10 hours before operation. Nineteen of the patients had a history of myocardial infarction (MI), 14 had hypoakinetic areas, and 8 had decreased ejection fraction indicating advanced coronary artery disease. Twenty-four-hour urinary epinephrine and norepinephrine obtained the day before operation were markedly increased at 136 ± 12 μg per 24 hours (normal, 39 ± 4 μg, p
THE PHOTOTROPIC EXCITATION OF LIMAX.

The photic orientation of Limax creeping geotropically upon a vertical plate is such that the phototropic vector determining the angular deflection s from the vertical path is proportional to log I . This is proved by the fact that with horizontal illumination tan s is directly proportional to log I; with non-horizontal light rays from a small source the ratio See PDF for Equation is directly proportional to log I (where A = the angle between light rays and the path of orientation), the vector diagram of the field of excitation being in this case not a right-angled triangle.
Sub-Microwatt Analog VLSI Trainable Pattern Classifier

The design and implementation of an analog system-on-chip template-based pattern classifier for biometric signature verification at sub-microwatt power is presented. A programmable array of floating-gate subthreshold MOS translinear circuits matches input features with stored templates and combines the scores into category outputs. Subtractive normalization of the outputs by current-mode feedback produces confidence scores which are integrated for category selection. The classifier implements a support vector machine to select programming values from training samples. A two-step calibration procedure during programming alleviates offset and gain errors in the analog array. A 24-class, 14-input, 720-template classifier trained for speaker identification and fabricated on a 3 mmtimes3 mm chip in 0.5 mum CMOS delivers real-time recognition accuracy on par with floating-point emulation in software. At 40 classifications per second and 840 nW power, the processor attains a computational efficiency of 1.3times1012 multiply-accumulates per second per Watt of power
A COPD-like model of viral exacerbation: synergistic effects with smoke and poly I:C

Viral exacerbations in patients with COPD can accentuate disease severity by increasing lung inflammation and decreasing lung function. Using a synthetic analog of double stranded RNA (Poly I:C ) in combination with cigarette smoke, we have found synergistic increases in total lung inflammation as well as other tissue biomarkers compared to Poly I:C alone. Female C57 BL/6 mice were exposed to room air or the smoke of 3R4F Kentucky Reference cigarettes twice daily for two weeks. On days 0, 3 and 7 animals were dosed with intranasal PBS or 50 ug of Poly I:C. On day 11 we observed significant increases in total inflammation, absolute macrophages and absolute neutrophils in animals receiving smoke+Poly I:C compared to Poly I:C alone. There was also a trend showing increased absolute lymphocyte counts with increases observed in both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in animals receiving Poly I:C alone or in combination with smoke. Gene expression from whole lungs showed synergistic increases in the TH17 cytokines, IL-21, IL-22 compared to Poly I:C alone. In addition, increases in the expression of elastin in lung tissue may indicate the beginning of tissue damage which could potentially lead to increased alveolar space with longer exposure to smoke. This model of viral exacerbation has robust, reproducible inflammation, with an inflammatory cell influx that resembles inflammation in human COPD and has the potential to identify novel protein and gene expression biomarkers.
Acoustic Parameters Critical for an Appropriate Vibrato

Summary Background A plethora of investigations have studied the acoustic characteristics of vibrato such as the rate, extent, onset (time from initiation of phonation until the first peak of vibrato), and periodicity. Despite extensive research, the degree to which various parameters of vibrato contribute to its acceptability remain unclear. Purpose The present study sought to determine the psychoacoustical relationship of mean fundamental frequency ( f 0 ), modulation frequency ( f f0m ), modulation depth ( d f0m ), and intensity to the appropriateness or inappropriateness of vibrato. Method Phonation samples of eight voice majors singing at low, middle, and high pitches were obtained. A high fidelity vocoder (STRAIGHT; Kawahara, 1997) was used to resynthesize these vowels with systematic manipulations of f f0m and d f0m of the f 0 contours resulting in a total of 600 stimuli (8 singers×3 pitches×5 f f0m levels×5 d f0m levels). Nine listeners (four experts and five students) evaluated these stimuli for appropriateness of vibrato at two different presentation levels (70 and 90dB sound pressure level). Results Statistical analyses of the perceptual data suggest that appropriateness of vibrato tends to increase with mean f 0 and decrease with d f0m. Appropriateness of vibrato is greatest for f f0m value of 6Hz, but decreases both above and below this frequency. Conclusion perceived appropriateness of vibrato results from an interaction of mean f 0 , f f0m , and d f0m of the vowel waveform.
Nonlinear standing waves in Couette-Taylor flow.

A nonlinear stability analysis by Demay and Iooss of flow between concentric rotating cylinders (the Couette-Taylor system) predicted a transition from the basic flow to a state with ribbons, which are traveling waves in the azimuthal direction but standing waves in the axial direction. We have observed the transition to ribbons in laboratory experiments and numerical simulations, and the measured wave speeds are in accord with those obtained numerically.
Site of pheromone biosynthesis and isolation of HMG-CoA reductase cDNA in the cotton boll weevil, Anthonomus grandis

Isolated gut tissue from male cotton boll weevil, Anthonomus grandis (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), incorporated radiolabeled acetate into components that co-eluted with monoterpenoid pheromone components on HPLC. This demonstrates that pheromone components of male A. grandis are produced de novo and strongly suggests that pheromone biosynthesis occurs in gut tissue. A central enzyme in isoprenoid biosynthesis is 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMG-R), and a full-length HMG-R cDNA was isolated from A. grandis. The predicted translation product was 54 and 45% identical to HMG-R from Ips paraconfusus and Drosophila melanogaster, respectively. HMG-R gene expression gradually increased with age in male A. grandis, which correlates with pheromone production. However, topical application of JH III did not significantly increase HMG-R mRNA levels.
Comparison of self-esteem of prison and non-prison groups.

2 prison groups made up of newly arrived prisoners and maxinum security prisoners, and 2 non-prison groups made up of psychology students from the University of Montana and rural church members were given a self-concept inventory. Self-esteem was defined in terms of the discrepancy between scores on the actual-self and ideal-self measures. The greater the discrepancy, the lower the self-esteem. The maximum security prisoners had the lowest self-esteem, the rural church group had the highest self-esteem, and the other groups fell in between. A positive correlation was found between self-esteem and time in prison. The greater the time in prison, the lower self-esteem scores.
Digital Data Curation Essentials for Data Scientists and Data Curators and Librarians

This paper describes a detailed description of a full-day data digital curation tutorial held at JCDL'15.
Antimetaboliten des Coenzyms Q. Möglichkeiten ihrer Anwendung als Antimalaria-Mittel

Die Malaria wird auf den Menschen durch den Stich der Anopheles-Mucke ubertragen; der Mensch fungiert als Zwischenwirt und die Mucke als Endwirt fur die Plasmodien. Gegen einige Chemotherapeutica sind die Plasmodien resistent geworden. Ein neues Konzept der Malaria-Therapie geht davon aus, das der Elektronentransport im Stoffwechsel der Plasmodien durch Antimetaboliten des Coenzyms Q gehemmt wird, das am Elektronentransport masgeblich beteiligt ist. Als Coenzym Q bezeichnet man 2.3-Dimethoxy-5-methyl-1,4-benzochinone mit isoprenoiden Ketten wechselnder Lange an C-6. In diesem Fortschrittsbericht wird eine Reihe synthetischer Antimetaboliten vorgestellt und ihre Wirkung in vorlaufigen pharmakologischen Tests diskutiert.
Differential redox potential profiles during adipogenesis and osteogenesis

Development is an orderly process that requires the timely activation and/or deactivation of specific regulatory elements that control cellular proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. While many studies have defined factors that control developmental signaling, the role of intracellular reduction/oxidation (redox) status as a means to control differentiation has not been fully studied. Redox states of intracellular couples may play a very important role in regulating redox-sensitive elements that are involved in differentiation signaling into specific phenotypes. In human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs), which are capable of differentiating into many different types of phenotypes, including osteoblasts and adipocytes, glutathione (GSH), cysteine (Cys) and thioredoxin-1 (Trx1) redox potentials were measured during adipogenesis and osteogenesis. GSH redox potentials (Eh) during both osteogenesis and adipogenesis became increasingly oxidized as differentiation ensued, but the rate at which this oxidation occurred was unique for each process. During adipogenesis, Cys Eh became oxidized as adipogenesis progressed but during osteogenesis, it became reduced. Interestingly, intracellular Trx1 concentrations appeared to increase in both adipogenesis and osteogenesis, but the Eh was unchanged when compared to undifferentiated hMSCs. These data show that hMSC differentiation into either adipocytes of osteoblasts corresponds to a unique redox state profile, suggesting that differentiation into specific phenotypes are likely regulated by redox states that are permissive to a specific developmental process.
A critical analysis of recent work on empowerment: implications for gender

A flurry of publications on empowerment by institutions such as the World Bank that emerged from about 2000–2005 was followed by critiques and then a seeming lull in the popularity of and work on empowerment. However, the concept has reappeared recently in what I take to be an important new development that highlights the relational feature of empowerment. In this paper, I begin with the capabilities approach as delineated by Amartya Sen and, specifically, his application of it to gender. This shapes the background against which I highlight how recent work on empowerment by Jay Drydyk, the World Development Report 2012, Gender Equality and Development, and Patti Petesch utilizes but also departs from Sen. I then argue that insights from this recent research can be developed further through a feminist relational framework. With its focus on relationships, relational theory can better capture possibilities for empowering women in and through an analysis of the relationships they are in.
Defining the clinical characteristics of Peyronie's disease in young men.

ABSTRACT Introduction Peyronie’s disease (PD) is usually seen in men in their fifth decade of life. Aim In this study, we investigated the characteristics of the disease in young men. Main Outcome Measures The demographics, clinical features, and associated comorbidities of the patients with PD were retrospectively reviewed. Methods The findings were compared between men with the disease who were under 40 years of age with those over 40 years. Statistical analyses were conducted to define differentiating features between these two groups. Results Of the 296 patients, 32 were under the age of 40 years and 264 over 40 years. The mean duration of the disease was 2 ± 4 and 6 ± 8 months in the respective age groups. Fifty-six percent of the patients under the age of 40 years and 75% of the patients over this age presented with curvature ( P P P = 0.03). Trauma history was found in 18% under 40 years and in 5% over this age ( P P P P P = 0.015), presentation within 6 months ( P = 0.004), and having multiple plaques ( P = 0.008). Conclusions Young men with PD are more likely to present at an earlier stage of the disease, to have diabetes, and to have more than one plaque at the time of presentation. Deveci S, Hopps CV, O’Brien K, Parker M, Guhring P, and Mulhall JP. Defining the clinical characteristics of Peyronie’s disease in young men.