cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fabrication, Rheological, and Compositional Characterization of Thermoresponsive Hydrogel from Cornea.

Fabricating thermoresponsive hydrogels from decellularized tissues is a trending and promising approach to develop novel biomaterials for tissue engineering and therapeutic purposes. There are diff...
Gender differences in nigrostriatal dopaminergic innervation are present at young to middle but not at older age

1275 Objectives Gender differences in Parkinson disease (PD) have been attributed to neuroprotective effects of estrogen on nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons, however the mechanisms are complex and not fully understood. Age-associated nigrostriatal denervation also occurs with normal aging and the presence of gender differences similar to PD would provide further insight into pathobiological mechanisms. Therefore we investigated the relationship between aging and gender differences in community-dwelling subjects. Methods Community-dwelling subjects (n=85, 50F/35M, range 20-85) underwent brain dopamine transporter (DAT) [11C]2-b-carbomethoxy-3b-(4-fluorophenyl) tropane (b-CFT) positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. Subjects with clinical or DAT PET evidence of Parkinson disease (PD) were not eligible for the study. Gender effects for the two age-group effects (younger or older than 60 years) for striatal DAT were compared using analysis of covariance. Results There were 54 subjects (24M/30F; mean age 72.9±7.3) 60 years and older and 31 (11M/20F; mean age 45.0±11.4) subjects younger than 60. Age-adjusted striatal DAT gender effects were present in the young to middle age group (F=10.4, P=0.003) but not in the elderly (F=0.5, ns). Young to middle aged women had on average 8.4% higher striatal DAT binding compared to males. Conclusions Gender differences in nigrostriatal dopaminergic innervation are present with higher levels of DAT in young to middle age women than men. There were no significant gender differences in striatal DAT activity in the elderly. Findings provide support for possible neuroprotective effects of pre-menopausal estrogen levels on age-associated striatal dopaminergic degeneration. Research Support This study was funded by the Department of Veterans Affairs
Narratives of Families, Faith and Nation

A work-in-progress essay that highlights some results of research on families responding to war. Presents the exploration of the culture of families as they face war over several generations as public pastoral theology that identifies and evaluates the multiple (and sometimes contending) core meaning systems about war operating within families and between families and their religious and national environments over time. Identifies how these value systems and contexts mediate practical strategies for healing, sustaining, guiding, and liberating individuals, cultures, and the natural order ravished by war. Suggests ways to modify some core theological commitments and moral assessments about the nature and impact of war as an enterprise in relation to the common good.
Commentary: eye movement research with clinical populations.

Abstract The preceding set of chapters span the disciplines of neurology and psychiatry, and provide a diverse introduction to clinical eye movement research. They illustrate how culomotor paradigms can be used to learn about acute and chronic perturbations in brain function, disturbances in brain development, disturbances in sensorimotor as well as cognitive systems, and the effects of therapeutic and illicit drugs on brain function. This commentary discusses these contributions, provides an overview of broad methodological issues involved in applying eye movement studies to psychiatric populations using the antisaccade task as an exemplar, and considers the potential of collaborations between eye movement and brain imaging researchers to advance understanding of clinical eye movement abnormalities and of what they reveal about the organization of the oculomotor system.
Abstract 17851: Is Positive Psychological Well-being Associated with Physical Functioning in Older Adults? Results From the Chicago Healthy Aging Study (CHAS)

Background: There is mounting evidence linking positive psychological well-being to restorative health processes, i.e., positive health behaviors and biological functioning. However, very little is known about the relationship between positive affect and physical functioning or whether there is a potential mediational effect on this relationship (if any) via traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Methods: We analyzed in-person interview data collected from older adults ages 63-84 that participated in the Chicago Healthy Aging Study [CHAS] in 2007-10. Positive affect was captured using a subscale of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale that considered only positively worded items, with higher scores indicative of greater positive affect (see Table); tertiles were created with the following cutoffs <2 (low), ≥2 to <4 (medium), and ≥4 (high). Physical functioning for the upper and lower extremities considered the Short Physical Performance Battery and 2 levels of hand grip strength. Tradit...
Allocation of Rights and the Organization of Transactions: Elements of a Generative Approach to Organizing

This paper is an attempt to articulate in a systematicfashion how different patterns or forms of organizingare achieved and how one can talk about the variety inand the transformation of these forms. The paperargues that one way to address this fundamentalquestion is to look at how resources and rules can beused in transactions to develop a generative grammarof organizational forms. The theoretical perspectivedeveloped in the paper incorporates the nature ofinterdependencies among social actors in definingtheir relationships and the nature of resources beingtransacted in these relations. As a social system, anyorganizational form that involves regularizedrelations of interdependence between social actors,requires resources in some form or another. Whetherthey are characterized as goods transacted in anexchange situation, human or social capital of actorsin a productive act, or collective control ofproductive skills, they are the necessary componentsof organizing because they give the social actors thecapability to develop their strategic conduct. Inaddition to resources, any organizational form mustalso possess a set of rules that define the nature ofthe transaction among the social agents. The first part of the paper introduces the logic andthe elements of the generative grammar fororganizational forms. The second part applies theseideas to organizational governance structuresespecially the relationship between the owners and themanagers in order to show how different forms ofgovernance structures can be generated based on theallocation of rights among various parties involved. The paper concludes with the suggestion that marketsversus hierarchic governance are very grosscategorization that cannot satisfactorily show thediversity of variations in forms of governance inorganizations.
Disclosure, Credibility, and Speech

Conventional wisdom, embraced by judges and scholars alike, holds that mandatory disclosure chills political speech. That must be right for some actors. Disclosure imposes costs on speech, and that will lead some speakers on the cost-benefit margin to remain silent. However, the conventional wisdom may be wrong at the aggregate level. If you raise the price of a lottery ticket and increase the odds of winning, you might sell more tickets. By the same logic, if disclosure raises the price of speech and also reveals – or induces – better odds of getting a favorable outcome, speakers might engage in more speech. Disclosure might reveal or induce those better odds by uncovering information about politicians’ credibility. I explain why and consider legal implications.
Absence of major side effects of nifedipine following treatment of Duchenne dystrophy.

Abnormal calcium accumulation in skeletal muscle due to altered sarcolemmal integrity may be important in the pathogenesis of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. To evaluate the potential beneficial effect of a calcium channel-blocking agent on the course of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, 105 patients were randomly selected for a double-blind 18-month study utilizing treatment with nifedipine (n = 54) or placebo (n = 51). Muscle strength, contractures, functional ability, cardiopulmonary changes, and laboratory data were monithred; the detailed results are published elsewhere.
Quantifying Blood Loss at Birth Saves Lives

Poster Presentation Objective To assess the effectiveness of a brief workshop designed to reinforce the clinical skills of labor and delivery staff and increase accurate documentation of quantification of blood loss (QBL) to enable staff to recognize significant hemorrhage and implement timely interventions. Design Postpartum hemorrhage is an obstetric emergency and is estimated to cause 25% of all maternal deaths in the United States. The accepted practice of estimating blood loss (EBL) has been demonstrated to be grossly inaccurate, and QBL has been determined to be the most accurate clinical assessment in the management of postpartum hemorrhage. Incorporating QBL into clinical management ensures that women receive appropriate care and helps prevent maternal mortality. Sample All 120 labor and delivery (L&D) registered nurses (RNs) in a tertiary care center with 6000 births annually. Methods Nurses participated in a 30‐minute clinical skills QBL workshop. Sessions incorporated brief didactic instruction, clinical skill practice, including electronic medical record (EMR) documentation. A retrospective analysis of individual patient records (three before and three after workshop participation) was performed for all participating staff to assess workshop effectiveness. Implementation Strategies Workshops were held on the physical L&D unit during periods of low census. Standardized teaching tools were created and all assistant unit managers were oriented to teaching roles. Theses instructors were responsible for teaching workshops during a 6‐month period. Results Nurses attending the workshops learned that their estimations of blood loss deviated significantly from actual QBL (range −2165 ml to +1597 ml). Efficacy in performing QBL was established (100%) for all learners. Retrospective chart analysis revealed a significant increase in EMR documentation from 77% to 87.6% for workshop participants. Compliance for QBL documentation in L&D as a whole increased from 67% to 88% during the course of the workshops. Conclusion/Implications for Nursing Practice The workshop was effective in teaching clinical skills and EMR documentation of QBL. The workshop allowed for an integrated learning experience that was well received by staff and could be implemented in an extended huddle format. This on‐the‐unit approach may have contributed to the overall increase in QBL documentation even for staff who did not attend the workshops.
Radioactive Microbes: Cancer Therapy Approaches

With the majority of cancer patients succumbing to the metastatic form of the disease, there is an ongoing search for ways to block metastatic spread and render patients free from cancer. Radiovirotherapy involves the use of viruses to deliver radioisotopic treatment into infected cells, and several types of virus (e.g., measles virus, herpes simplex type 1 virus, adenovirus, and vaccinia virus), all of which possess oncolytic properties, have been utilized to deliver transgenes encoding for the human sodium iodide symporter (NIS). As the virus does not carry any radioactivity, radiovirotherapy is always a two-step strategy, with viral gene delivery followed by systemic administration of the radionuclide. The NIS transports 131I, which is used to treat thyroid diseases, and radiovirotherapy has been investigated using this radionuclide in experimental cancers, with encouraging results. In spite of some problems with viral delivery, radiovirotherapy has been consistently more efficient in treating experimental cancers than virotherapy alone. Yet another approach to radioactive microbe cancer therapy, radioactive bacteria (radiolisteria), employs a combinatorial agent capable of selectively infecting tumor cells and delivering a therapeutic radionuclide inside the tumor cells. The tumoricidal effect of such therapy results from the Listeria organisms killing tumor cells via the production of reactive oxygen species and a direct impact of radiation on cancer cells. Whilst the field of radioactive microbes for cancer therapy is still in its infancy, it is hoped that radioactive microbe therapy will be extended to clinical trials in the near future, hopefully with encouraging results. Keywords: radiovirotherapy; sodium iodide symporter (NIS); oncolytic virus/bacterium; 131iodine
PREMATURE AND NEWBORN INFANTS: Report of a Seminar

Participating in the seminar9s first session were Dr. William R. Richardson, Kings County Hospital, Brooklyn, New York, who served as moderator, Dr. Thomas Santulli, Children9s Surgeon at Columbia-Presbyterian Hospital, New York City, Dr. Marel H. Harmel, Anesthesiologist at Kings County Hospital, and Dr. Lawrence K. Pickett, Chief of Surgery at the State University of New York Medical Center in Syracuse. All speakers emphasized the importance of closely co-operative effort by pediatricians, surgeons, radiologists, anesthesiologists and nursing personnel to facilitate early recognition, diagnosis and effective treatment of neonatal complications requiring surgery. Diagnosis Early recognition of surgical problems usually depends upon the observations of well-trained nurses. Any history of obstetric complications especially breech presentation, a maternal history of hydramnios, any signs of respiratory distress, difficulty in swallowing at the time of the first feeding, emesis of bile-stained fluid, abdominal distention, or failure of the appearance of the first stool within 24 hours after birth should alert all observers to the possibility of complications which will require surgery. As soon as respiratory or gastrointestinal complications are suspected, Dr. Pickett requests radiologic consultation. A roentgenogram of the chest, taken at this time, will delineate not only the infant9s pulmonary status, but also the gas pattern of the intestinal tract. When the clinical picture suggests gastrointestinal obstruction, Dr. Pickett and his colleagues employ a No. 8 to 10 French soft rubber catheter, specially prepared by punching several holes in its terminal 1 cm portion. This tube is inserted under fluoroscopic control and passed cautiously to avoid traumatic puncture of any obstructing tissue which may be encountered When esophageal atresia is recognized the proximal esophageal pouch is carefully aspirated to remove pooled saliva.
NMR Spectroscopic and Kinetic Investigations of the Interaction of Protein Kinase A with Phospholamban and Phospholamban Mutants

The Catalytic-subunit of Protein Kinase A (PKAc) mediates the phosphorylation of a number of proteins in cardiomyocytes which, in turn, governs myocardial contraction and relaxation. Although a wealth of kinetic and atomic-level structural data is available for the interactions of PKAc with standard, largely non-physiologically relevant substrates, these data are nearly absent for the interactions with substrates found in cardiomyocytes. Phospholamban (PLN) is a substrate of PKAc in cardiomyocytes, where it regulates the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2±ATPase. Phosphorylation of PLN allows the relief of its inhibitory affects on Ca2+ transport into the sarcoplasmic reticulum. Here, we investigate the interactions of PKAc with PLN using a variety of biophysical techniques which include NMR spectroscopy, isothermal calorimetry (ITC), and steady-state kinetic assays. Kinetic assays were used to define the steady-state kinetic parameters for the catalytic efficiency of phosphorylating PLN and two mutants of PLN, R9C and R14-delete. The ability of PKAc to bind these proteins was also measured using ITC to investigate any differences in binding affinity. Finally, TROSY-based NMR spectroscopy was used to observe and map the residue specific differences in the amide fingerprint of PKA-C when bound to each of these substrates. These data will be presented to model the effects of PLN mutations on the interactions with PKAc.
Signal source localization with tetrodes: Experimental verification

Multi-sensor electrodes for extracellular recording of neuronal action potentials have significantly increased the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in neurophysiological experiments, ultimately leading to a more accurate interpretation of scientific data. Apart from improving SNR, we hypothesize that these electrodes can be used to estimate the location of underlying neuronal signal sources, and perhaps other parameters such as the size and shape of neurons whose activities are being recorded. This study introduces the multiple signal classification (MUSIC) algorithm to the problem of neuron localization and presents the first experimental demonstration of signal source localization using commercially available 4-sensor electrodes (tetrodes).
How should quality-of-life data be incorporated into a cost analysis of breast reconstruction? A consideration of implant versus free TRAM flap procedures

Background:Although studies have compared the costs of implant and transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous (TRAM) flap reconstruction, none has considered how quality-of-life data would affect such an analysis.Methods:A Markov decision analytic model was used. Medical costs associated with the
Surface components of HeLa cells that inhibit cytadherence of Chlamydia trachomatis

Isolated HeLa plasma membrane (PM) preparations and extracts containing either cell-surface proteins or lipids were examined for inhibition of adherence of radiolabeled Chlamydia trachomatis serovar E elementary bodies to glutaraldehydefixed HeLa monolayers. A dose-dependent adherence-inhibitory activity could be demonstrated with the PM. A urea extract as well as lipids from HeLa cells also inhibited chlamydial cytadherence. The inhibitory activity of the PM was trypsin-sensitive. It was absent when the urea extract was prepared from trypsin-treated HeLa cells. The urea extract was subjected to electrophoresis and protein blotting using a native gel system. Probing with radiolabeled chlamydial cytadhesin showed a single protein present in the urea extract that could represent a HeLa cell protein receptor for the chlamydiae.
Probenecid-inhibitable efflux transport of valproic acid in the brain parenchymal cells of rabbits: a microdialysis study.

Delivery of valproic acid (VPA) to the human brain is relatively inefficient as reflected by a low brain-to-unbound plasma concentration ratio (< or =0.5) at steady state. Previous pharmacokinetic studies suggested that the unfavorable brain-to-plasma gradient is maintained by coupled efflux transport processes at both the brain parenchymal cells and blood-brain barrier (BBB); one or both of the efflux transporters are inhibitable by probenecid. The present study in rabbits utilized microdialysis to measure drug concentration in the brain extracellular fluid (ECF) of the cerebral cortex during steady-state i.v. infusion with VPA alone or with VPA plus probenecid. Probenecid co-infusion elevated VPA concentration in the brain tissue surrounding the tip of the microdialysis probe to a greater extent than in the ECF (230% versus 47%). Brain intracellular compartment (ICC) concentration was estimated. In control rabbits, the ICC concentration was 2.8+/-0.28 times higher than the ECF concentration. Probenecid co-infusion elevated the ICC-to-ECF concentration ratio to 4.2+/-0.44, which confirms the existence of an efflux transport system in brain parenchymal cells. The ECF-to-unbound plasma concentration ratio was well below unity (0.029), indicating an uphill efflux transport of VPA across the BBB. Co-infusion of probenecid did not have a significant effect on VPA efflux at the BBB as evidenced by a minimal change in the ECF-to-unbound plasma concentration ratio. This study suggests the presence of distinctly different organic anion transporters for the efflux of VPA at the parenchymal cells and capillary endothelium in the brain.
Wound Healing in the α2β1 Integrin-Deficient Mouse: Altered Keratinocyte Biology and Dysregulated Matrix Metalloproteinase Expression

The α2β1 integrin, a collagen/laminin receptor, is expressed at high level in the basal cell layer of the epidermis. To define the role of the α2β1 integrin in wound healing, wound repair was extensively evaluated in wild-type and α2-null mice in vivo. In addition, the impact of α2β1 integrin-deficiency on the function of primary murine keratinocytes in vitro was analyzed. Our in vivo findings demonstrate that genetic deletion of the α2β1 integrin does not significantly alter the rate of re-epithelialization, collagen deposition, or tensile strength during wound closure in mice. In marked contrast to the observed similarities in wound healing, deletion of the α2β1 integrin resulted in a dramatic increase in neoangiogenesis in the wound microenvironment. In contrast to in vivo studies, primary keratinocytes from α2-null mice adhered poorly and displayed impaired migration on type I collagen in vitro. We demonstrate that α2β1 integrin-ligation negatively regulates expression of genes including matrix metalloproteinases both in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, the changes in gene expression could potentially account for relatively normal wound healing in the α2-deficient mouse and our recent observation that suggests an antiangiogenic role for the α2β1 integrin in vivo.
The density profile of the elliptical planetary nebula NGC 3242

We present the three-dimensional density structure of the elliptical planetary nebula NGC 3242, deconvolved from its H-alpha image. Using the simplistic assumptions that each mass element preserves its original velocity, which is radial and depends only on latitude, we deduce from this density profile the variation of mass-loss rate from the progenitor of NGC 3242 with latitude and time. The resulting somewhat qualitative mass-loss geometry and history are used to constrain models for the formation of the elliptical structure of NGC 3242. We argue that a triple system, with a very close brown dwarf companion and a more massive distant tertiary star, is compatible with the morphology of NGC 3242. In this model the brown dwarf, of about 0.01 solar mass, shared a common envelope with the progenitor star, and spun up the envelope through deposition of angular momentum. The oblate rotating envelope blew an axisymmetrical wind. We suggest that the presence of a third star, with a mass of about 1 solar mass and an orbital period of about 4000 years, could have caused the large scale deviation from axial symmetry seen in the density structure.
On the biogenesis of flavone O-glycosides and C-glycosides in the lemnaceae

Abstract 14C-Labeled apigenin, luteolin, orientin, isoorientin, and isovitexin were obtained either directly or by hydrolyzing the glycosides obtained from Spirodela and Lemna species which had been cultured on media containing phenylalanine-1-14C. The 14C-labeled flavones were introduced into the growth media for S. polyrhiza, S. oligorhiza and L. minor plants. When the extracts from these plants were chromatographed and the two-dimensional chromatograms examined autoradiographically, radioactivity was detected in O-glycosylated and O-methylated flavones. However, radioactivity was not detected in flavones containing new C-glycosyl linkages. The data suggest that plants in the Lemnaceae O-substitute flavones but do not C-glycosylate them. Moreover, evidence was obtained that flavones containing a 4′-monohydroxy B-ring can be oxidized to flavones with a 3′,4′-dihydroxy B-ring. None of the 14C-flavones was incorporated into any of the anthocyanins known to occur in the Lemnaceae. Isoorientin 3′-methyl ether and an O-β- d -glucoside of chrysoeriol were detected for the first time as constituents of L. minor.
Effect of Impact Load on Articular Cartilage: Cell Metabolism and Viability, and Matrix Water Content

Significant evidence exists that trauma to a joint produced by a single impact load below that which causes subchondral bone fracture can result in permanent damage to the cartilage matrix, including surface fissures, loss of proteoglycan, and cell death. Limited information exists, however, on the effect of a varying impact stress on chondrocyte biophysiology and matrix integrity. Based on our previous work, we hypothesized that a stress-dependent response exists for both the chondrocyte's metabolic activity and viability and the matrix's hydration. This hypothesis was tested by impacting bovine cartilage explants with nominal stresses ranging from 0.5 to 65 MPa and measuring proteoglycan biosynthesis, cell viability, and water content immediately after impaction and 24 hours later. We found that proteoglycan biosynthesis decreased and water content increased with increasing impact stress. However, there appeared to be a critical threshold stress (15-20 MPa) that caused cell death and apparent rupture of the collagen fiber matrix at the time of impaction. We concluded that the cell death and collagen rupture are responsible for the observed alterations in the tissue's metabolism and water content, respectively, although the exact mechanism causing this damage could not be determined.
I: the Need for a New Classification System

Since it is generally agreed that no single etiology, explanation, or treatment will be found that is universally applicable to all forms of criminal behavior, behavioral scientists are instead delineating smaller, more homogeneous subsets or types of offenders. Criteria by which the adequacy of taxonomic systems may be judged are suggested and used to evaluate existing systems. Approaches based on personality characteristics are judged most nearly satisfactory, but current systems require well-trained personnel and/ or a comprehensive array of specially collected data. It is proposed that the MMPI be used to develop a more economical taxonomic system, and the steps involved in determining such a system's feasibility and validity are outlined. A series of studies carrying out these steps is to be reported in the succeeding series of articles.
The bid method for the steady-state Navier-Stokes equations

Abstract The Biharmonic Driver (BID) method uses direct (non-iterative) linear biharmonic solvers to obtain solutions to the nonlinear two-dimensional steady-state incompressible Navier-Stokes equations. Low Reynolds number recirculating flows are solved in 6–8 non-time-like iterations. Modifications are suggested for flow-through problems, and comparisons are made with other semidirect methods.
A conservative algorithm for parabolic problems in domains with moving boundaries

We describe a novel conservative algorithm for parabolic problems in domains with moving boundaries developed for modeling in cell biology. The spatial discretization is accomplished by applying Voronoi decomposition to a fixed rectangular grid. In the vicinity of the boundary, the procedure generates irregular Voronoi cells that conform to the domain shape and merge seamlessly with regular control volumes in the domain interior. Consequently, our algorithm is free of the CFL stability issue due to moving interfaces and does not involve cell-merging or mass redistribution. Local mass conservation is ensured by finite-volume discretization and natural-neighbor interpolation. Numerical experiments with two-dimensional geometries demonstrate exact mass conservation and indicate an order of convergence in space between one and two. The use of standard meshing techniques makes extension of the method to three dimensions conceptually straightforward.
Emerging viral infections in rheumatic diseases.

Objectives To review the current literature regarding emerging viral pathogens in the context of rheumatic diseases with the intent of increasing awareness among rheumatologists and treating physicians, aiming at early recognition and treatment of these patients. Methods We reviewed case reports, case series, review articles, and original reports from PubMed ( www.pubmed.gov ) regarding various aspects influencing spread of infectious diseases including epidemiology and viral and human factors that are potentially responsible for the emergence of new viral pathogens. By consensus, we generated a list of emerging viral pathogens pertinent regarding presentation with rheumatologic manifestations and then short-listed several with particular clinical relevance including hepatitis B, human immunodeficiency virus, and Chikungunya viruses for discussion in greater detail. Results There has been a change in the epidemiology and clinical rheumatic manifestations of previously known viral pathogens as well as the emergence of new viral pathogens as a consequence of factors such as changes in environmental temperature and its consequences, changes in vector and parasite biology, and human influences such as treatment and immunization. Conclusions Rheumatologists need to be cognizant of the changing landscape of emerging viral pathogens as they may present with myriad clinical features. Recognition of these pathogens is important to guide correct treatment and prognosis. Given the current scenario of global epidemiologic factors that influence viral emergence, we should expect a growing number of future emerging pathogens. Ongoing research directed at understanding pathogenesis and transmission as well as developing better preventive strategies may help counter the threat posed by emerging pathogens.
Effects of chronic marijuana use on human cognition

Impairments of human cognition and learning following chronic marijuana use are of serious concern, but have not been clearly demonstrated. To determine whether such impairments occurred, this study compared performance of adult marijuana users and non-users (N = 144 and N = 72, respectively) matched on intellectual functioning before the onset of drug use, i.e., on scores from standardized tests administered during the fourth grade of grammar school (Iowa Tests of Basic Skills). Subjects were given the twelfth grade versions of these tests (Iowa Tests of Educational Development) and other, computerized cognitive tests in successive test sessions. "Heavy" marijuana use (defined by use seven or more times weekly) was associated with deficits in mathematical skills and verbal expression in the Iowa Tests of Educational Development and selective impairments in memory retrieval processes in Buschke's Test. The retrieval impairments were restricted to words that were easy to visualize. Impairments depended on the frequency of chronic marijuana use, i.e., "light" and "intermediate" marijuana use (defined by use one to four and five to six times weekly, respectively) were not associated with deficits. Intermediate use was associated with superior performance in one condition ("fuzzy" concepts) of a Concept Formation test.
Effect of Molecular Interactions at Polymer-Mineral Interfaces on Mechanical Response

Nanocomposites of polymer and hydroxyapatite are widely used as bone replacement materials. The mechanical responses of these nanocomposites are known to be influenced by molecular interactions at mineral polymer interface. Molecular modeling of these interactions is an area of current interest but force field parameters of such dissimilar molecules are not available for a common force field. Also, parameters for several commonly used force fields are not available in the literature for hydroxyapatite. Recently a unique force field was described in literature that represents the structure of hydroxyapatite reasonably well. Yet the applicability of this force field for studying the interaction between dissimilar materials (such as mineral and polymer) is limited as there is no accurate representation of polymer. CVFF is a commonly used force field for which parameters of many material systems are available. We have obtained the parameters of CVFF for monoclinic hydroxyapatite from the known potential energy function of apatites and from experimentally obtained infrared spectra. Validation of simulations is done by comparison of computationally obtained unit cell parameters, vibrational spectra and different atomic distances with experiments. This study represents molecular modeling of polymer-mineral interfaces with the known parameters of hydroxyapatite.
Piagetian implications for reading models

Abstract This article examines the developmental theory of Jean Piaget in light of what it has to offer to reading theorists and model builders. Discussed herein are characteristics and functions of models in general, and several implications for reading models which may be drawn from Piagetian theory. Specifically, what does Piagetian theory have to say about the organizational framework of the reader, the linkage of development and reading, the interrelatedness of language processes, and the twin influences of maturation and experience? The article also cites two obstacles inherent in Piagetian theory which model builders will have to overcome.
Shedding LIGHT on severe asthma

Moderate to severe asthma is difficult to treat because recurring bouts of inflammation in the lungs induce fibrosis, which reduces lung elasticity, gas exchange and responses to conventional therapy. A recent study identifies the tumor necrosis factor family member LIGHT as an essential mediator of airway fibrosis in a mouse model of chronic asthma (pages 596–603).
The role of surface functionalization in the solar light-induced production of reactive oxygen species by single-walled carbon nanotubes in water

Abstract Risk assessment of engineered nanomaterials necessitates the need for information on reactivity and persistence of these materials in the environment. To this end, we report on reactivity of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) that: (i) have been functionalized by acid oxidation to contain carboxylic acid groups, (ii) have been further functionalized by esterification with polyethylene oxide groups, or (iii) were unmodified (i.e., unfunctionalized), with all materials used as received from the manufacturer. Aqueous colloidal dispersions of both types of functionalized SWCNTs generated reactive oxygen species (ROS) including singlet oxygen (1O2), superoxide anion ( O 2 - ) , and hydroxyl radicals ( OH) in light within the solar spectrum (λ = 300–410 nm) under oxic conditions. Under similar experimental conditions (i.e., several days under light near solar intensity) but with a surfactant added as a dispersing agent, aqueous dispersions of unfunctionalized SWCNTs exhibited no measurable ROS production. Defects in the surface caused by functionalization, as well as differences in amorphous carbon and metal impurity content within different SWCNT preparations, may facilitate some ROS production. Adding β-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide to dispersions of carboxylated SWCNTs resulted in O 2 - generation in the absence of light, suggesting dark reaction electron transfer as a potential mechanism of toxicity.
The Proneural Molecular Signature Is Enriched in Oligodendrogliomas and Predicts Improved Survival among Diffuse Gliomas

The Cancer Genome Atlas Project (TCGA) has produced an extensive collection of ‘-omic’ data on glioblastoma (GBM), resulting in several key insights on expression signatures. Despite the richness of TCGA GBM data, the absence of lower grade gliomas in this data set prevents analysis genes related to progression and the uncovering of predictive signatures. A complementary dataset exists in the form of the NCI Repository for Molecular Brain Neoplasia Data (Rembrandt), which contains molecular and clinical data for diffuse gliomas across the full spectrum of histologic class and grade. Here we present an investigation of the significance of the TCGA consortium’s expression classification when applied to Rembrandt gliomas. We demonstrate that the proneural signature predicts improved clinical outcome among 176 Rembrandt gliomas that includes all histologies and grades, including GBMs (log rank test p=1.16e-6), but also among 75 grade II and grade III samples (p=2.65e-4). This gene expression signature was enriched in tumors with oligodendroglioma histology and also predicted improved survival in this tumor type (n=43, p=1.25e-4). Thus, expression signatures identified in the TCGA analysis of GBMs also have intrinsic prognostic value for lower grade oligodendrogliomas, and likely represent important differences in tumor biology with implications for treatment and therapy. Integrated DNA and RNA analysis of low-grade and high-grade proneural gliomas identified increased expression and gene amplification of several genes including GLIS3, TGFB2, TNC, AURKA, and VEGFA in proneural GBMs, with corresponding loss of DLL3 and HEY2. Pathway analysis highlights the importance of the Notch and Hedgehog pathways in the proneural subtype. This demonstrates that the expression signatures identified in the TCGA analysis of GBMs also have intrinsic prognostic value for low-grade oligodendrogliomas, and likely represent important differences in tumor biology with implications for treatment and therapy.
Assessing the spatial resolution of cellular rigidity sensing using a micropatterned hydrogel–photoresist composite

The biophysical machinery that permits a cell to sense substrate rigidity is poorly understood. Rigidity sensing of adherent cells likely involves traction forces applied through focal adhesions and measurement of resulting deformation. However, it is unclear if this measurement takes place underneath single focal adhesions, over local clusters of focal adhesions, or across the length of the entire cell. To address this question, we developed a composite, chip-based material containing many arrays of 6.5 μm × 6.5 μm rigid adhesive islands, with an edge–edge distance of 8 μm, grafted onto the surface of a non-adhesive polyacrylamide hydrogel. This material is thus rigid within single islands while long-range rigidity is determined by the hydrogel. On soft gels, most NIH 3T3 cells spread only across two islands in a given dimension forming small stress fibers and focal adhesions. On stiff gels, cell spreading, stress fibers, and focal adhesions were indistinguishable from those on regular culture surfaces. We conclude that rigidity sensing is dictated by material compliance across the cell length and that responses to rigidity may be inhibited at any point when large substrate strain is encountered during spreading. Our finding may serve as a guideline for the design of biomaterials for tissue engineering.
Parity violation in electron-deuteron scattering. II. Break-up channels☆

Abstract Parity violation in electron-deuteron inelastic scattering is decribed. An impulse approximation, modified to incorporate gauge invariance, is employed. Additional meson-exchange currents are included. Normal-parity and abnormal-parity wave function components are generated numerically with a Reid soft-core potential for the former and a general parity-violating weak potential with adjustable coupling constants for the latter. Numerical results for parity-conserving differential cross sections are in good agreement with existing data. For low n−p excitation energies and medium-energy electrons, we find that parity-violating asymmetries are dominated by contributions from neutral weak currents so that the Weinberg-Salam theory can be tested. For low-energy electrons, 5 MeV ≲ Ee ≲ 50 MeV, our results indicate that the asymmetry caused by nuclear parity violation is roughly as important as that due to neutral weak currents. The pion-nucleon parity-violating coupling, fπ, as well as the rho- and omega-nucleon parity-violating couplings, may be determinable from such experiments. Further, it is possible to check the experiment of Lobashov et al., which detects circular polarization in the thermal-neutron capture reaction.
Management of obstructive sleep apnea in patients with congenital heart disease and Fontan procedures.

A 31-year-old woman presented to the sleep center with snoring, fatigue, and sleepiness with an Epworth Sleepiness Scale score of 13. Her polysomnogram revealed an apnea-hypopnea index of 33 with a pulse oximetry nadir of 83% (Fig. 1). She had desaturations of P 3% 12 times per hour and spent 17% of the study with a pulse oximetry <90%. She was referred for a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) titration. She has a history of complex congenital heart disease with tricuspid atresia, right ventricular hypoplasia, and a ventricular septal defect necessitating an atriopulmonary Fontan procedure at age 11. This procedure directs venous blood directly from her right atrium to her pulmonary artery, thereby separating her systemic and pulmonary circulation and alleviating cyanosis (Fig. 2) [1,2]. The resulting single ventricle cardiac physiology causes both ventricles to eject blood into the aorta. Her subsequent cardiac history has been complicated. She developed diabetes, hypertension, and volume over-
KLF2 Transcription-Factor Deficiency in T Cells Results in Unrestrained Cytokine Production and Upregulation of Bystander Chemokine Receptors

The transcription factor KLF2 regulates T cell trafficking by promoting expression of the lipid-binding receptor S1P(1) and the selectin CD62L. Recently, it was proposed that KLF2 also represses the expression of chemokine receptors. We confirmed the upregulation of the chemokine receptor CXCR3 on KLF2-deficient T cells. However, we showed that this was a cell-nonautonomous effect, as revealed by CXCR3 upregulation on wild-type bystander cells in mixed bone-marrow chimeras with KLF2-deficient cells. Furthermore, KLF2-deficient T cells overproduced IL-4, leading to the upregulation of CXCR3 through an IL-4-receptor- and eomesodermin-dependent pathway. Consistent with the increased IL-4 production, we found high concentrations of serum IgE in mice with T cell-specific KLF2 deficiency. Our findings support a model where KLF2 regulates T cell trafficking by direct regulation of S1P(1) and CD62L and restrains spontaneous cytokine production in naive T cells.
Resonance Raman Investigation of Equatorial Ligand Donor Effects on the Cu2O22+ Core in End-On and Side-On μ-Peroxo-Dicopper(II) and Bis-μ-oxo-Dicopper(III) Complexes

The effect of endogenous donor strength on Cu2O2 bonds was studied by electronically perturbing [{(R−TMPA)CuII}2(O2)]2+ and [{(R−MePY2)Cu}2(O2)]2+ (R = H, MeO, Me2N), which form the end-on μ-1,2 bo...
Running a campus bulletin board system

The Academic Computing Services Department at the California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) has been operating a Bulletin Board System (BBS or “board”) for approximately two years. In this time, the CSULB BBS has changed and progressed in several ways. Three different BBS software program, four different computers, and two different modems have been used. In addition, has changed hard disk drives, floppy disk drives, printers, video boards and monitors several times. Some of these changes have been by design while others were due to hardware or software incompatibilities or failures. Despite all this, it could be easily argued that the largest department expenditure has been the hundreds of man-hours devoted to setting up and running the BBS. Yet, the CSULB BBS has proven to be an invaluable resource to its users and probably worth the investment made. This paper will attempt to outline some of the considerations that should be made before and after setting up a campus bulletin board system.
VARIATIONS IN THE AMOUNT OF SALINE EXTRACTABLE COLLAGEN IN SKIN DISTANT TO A HEALING WOUND.

Summary The amount of saline extractable collagen in the center of an incised and sutured wound and in strips of skin 7 mm. distant from the wound, from the lateral thoracic wall and from the ventral abdominal wall have been determined during periods immediately following wounding and during maximum collagen production in the center of the wound. Analysis of the data revealed an early sustained increase in saline extractable collagen in skin 7 mm. from the skin edge, a small significant rise in saline extractable collagen in skin from the lateral thoracic wall, and an insignificant elevation of saline extractable collagen in ventral abdominal skin during periods of elevated saline extractable collagen in the center of the wound.
Internalizing Problems: A Potential Pathway From Childhood Maltreatment to Adolescent Smoking

Abstract Purpose This study examines the association between childhood maltreatment and adolescent smoking and the extent to which internalizing behavioral problems mediate this hypothesized link. Methods Data from 522 youth at ages 12, 14, and 16 and from their caregivers were obtained as part of a prospective, longitudinal study of child abuse and neglect (LONGSCAN). Official Child Protective Services (CPS) reports of maltreatment and self-reported abusive experiences of children aged 12 were obtained for this study. Internalizing behavioral problems were reported by caregivers for the adolescents at age 14. Cigarette use was self-reported by adolescents at age 16. Results A significantly higher proportion of maltreated youth (19%) reported having smoked in the last 30 days compared with nonmaltreated youth (7%). A history of childhood maltreatment predicted smoking at the age of 16. Maltreatment history was associated with internalizing problems at the age of 14, and internalizing problems were associated with smoking. Finally, internalizing behaviors partially mediated the link between childhood maltreatment by the age of 12 years and adolescent smoking at 16. Conclusions Internalizing problems are one mediating pathway by which adolescents with a history of childhood maltreatment may initiate smoking behavior during mid-adolescence. Given the elevated rate of smoking among maltreated adolescents, it is important to identify potential pathways to better guide prevention strategies. These finding suggest that youth with a history of maltreatment should be identified as a high-risk group, and that efforts to identify and address internalizing problems in this population may be an important area of intervention to reduce smoking among adolescents.
Load down-regulates TNF-α induced cartilage degradation in part through NF-κB and P38 pathways

Pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF), can induce cartilage degradation after acute injury or in inflammatory diseases [1,2,3,7]. The degradative events are coordinated through the elevation and activation of two classes of enzymes, namely matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and aggrecanases (ADAMTS-4 and −5) [1,6]. Prior studies suggested that pro-inflammatory responses induced by IL-1β can be inhibited by tensile load [2] and more recently by cyclic compression [8]. It is, however, not clear whether load affects other cytokines, such as TNF-α. TNF-α is known to bind its receptor (TNFR1) to cause a cascade that ends with degradation of an inhibitor, IκBα, and release of the transcription factor NF-κB [3]. The actions of TNF-α are also known to be affected by at least three NF-κB independent pathways including the p38, ERK, and JNK pathways [4]. The objective of this study was to determine whether cyclic compression could affect TNF-α induced cartilage degradation and to determine the roles of p38, ERK, and JNK pathways in TNF-induced cartilage degradation. We hypothesized that cyclic loading would inhibit the degradative effects caused by TNF-α.Copyright © 2007 by ASME