cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of the deep anterior oblique and dorsoradial ligaments on trapeziometacarpal joint stability.

Purpose Osteoarthritis of the trapeziometacarpal (TMC) joint of the thumb affects as many as 25% of postmenopausal women and 5% of middle-aged men. This study investigated the relative contribution of the dorsoradial ligament (DRL) and the deep anterior oblique ligament (dAOL) to the stability of the TMC joint. This knowledge will improve our understanding of the pathomechanics of osteoarthritis at the base of the thumb and may help to design novel reconstructive surgical procedures. Methods Seventeen intact cadaver hands were dissected to reveal the DRL and dAOL. Either the DRL or dAOL was transected randomly, physiologic muscle loads were applied to simulate lateral key pinch or thumb opposition, or a 3-dimensional magnetic tracking system was used to record the position of the thumb metacarpal relative to the trapezium. The differences in the 3-dimensional positions between the control and transected states were determined. Results In lateral pinch, transection of the DRL resulted in a mean increased 3-dimensional translation of 1.3 mm, whereas transection of the dAOL resulted in a mean increased 3-dimensional translation of 0.6 mm. Statistically significant 2-dimensional findings in lateral pinch after transecting the DRL or dAOL included an increased palmar subluxation of 0.3 mm and 0.2 mm, an increased radial (1.0 mm) and ulnar (0.3 mm) translation, and an increased pronation of 4.1° and 2.4°, respectively. In thumb opposition, transection of the DRL resulted in a mean increased 3-dimensional translation of 1.0 mm, whereas transection of the dAOL resulted in a mean increased 3-dimensional translation of 0.5 mm. Conclusions In most degrees of freedom of metacarpal movement relative to the trapezium, the DRL is relatively more important than the dAOL in providing stability to the TMC joint.
Determination of the expansion coefficients of a 1-D multigroup diffusion nodal model

Abstract This paper describes the determination of the unknown polynomial expansion coefficients in a diffusion theory nodal model. The expansion coefficients are determined from a linear system of equations using the source iteration technique. The Gaussian elimination method, consisting of the forward elimination and the backward substitution processes is used to solve the system of equations. Using the method described in this paper, application of the forward elimination process is only necessary at the first iteration, provided that the material properties and/or the geometry of the problem remain constant. As a result, the number of calculations required to determine the unknown polynomial coefficients, using the Gaussian elimination process, can be decreased. This method is especially advantageous in multidimensional nodal models and when high orders of the polynomial expansion are used.
P132 Quality of Guidelines Developed by the World Health Organization: Preliminary Results

Background The World Health Organization (WHO) annually publishes hundreds of guidelines. Its guideline development process, however, is often criticised even after the implementation of a Guideline Review Committee (GRC) that ensure guidelines are developed using the highest methodological quality, transparent and evidence-based processes. Objectives To quality rate a cohort of GRC-approved WHO guidelines using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE) II tool. Methods We searched the WHO website for GRC-approved guidelines published between 2008 and November 2012. Two individuals independently appraised the guidelines using AGREE II. Scores were standardised across six domains and overall quality was determined through consensus. Results Eighty guidelines fulfilled inclusion criteria and were appraised. Twenty-seven guidelines were recommended, 47 were recommended with modifications, and six were not recommended. Two domains of AGREE scored highly across all guidelines: scope and purpose and clarity of presentation. The rigour of development and applicability domains were variable across guidelines. The lowest scoring domains were stakeholder involvement and editorial independence. Discussion WHO guidelines still need improvement in the following areas: stakeholder engagement, use of systematically reviewed evidence, defining the funder’s role, consideration of barriers and resources (including costs) when implementing recommendations, and providing monitoring criteria. Most issues may be resolved through increased transparency and better reporting of the recommendation development process by more closely following the standards set forth in the WHO guideline development handbook. Implications for Guideline Developers/Users Guideline developers need to ensure systematic guideline development processes are followed and adequately reported in each guideline.
Phylogenetic Relationships in the North American Cyprinid Genus Cyprinella (Actinopterygii: Cyprinidae) Based on Sequences of the Mitochondrial ND2 and ND4L Genes

Abstract Shiners of the cyprinid genus Cyprinella are abundant and broadly distributed in eastern and central North America. Thirty species are currently placed in the genus: these include six species restricted to Mexico and three barbeled forms formerly placed in different cyprinid genera (primarily Hybopsis). We conducted a molecular phylogenetic analysis of all species of Cyprinella found in the United States, using complete nucleotide sequences of the mitochondrial, protein-coding genes ND2 and ND4L. Maximum-parsimony analysis recovered a single most-parsimonious tree for Cyprinella. Among historically recognized, nonbarbeled Cyprinella, the mitochondrial (mt) DNA tree indicated that basal lineages in Cyprinella are comprised largely of species with linear breeding tubercles and that are endemic to Atlantic and/or Gulf slope drainages, whereas derived lineages are comprised of species broadly distributed in the Mississippi basin and the American Southwest. The Alabama Shiner, C. callistia, was basal ...
LENS-SPECIFIC EXPRESSION OF PDGF-A ALTERS LENS GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT

Abstract The vertebrate lens provides anin vivomodel to study the molecular mechanisms by which growth factors influence development decisions. In this study, we have investigated the expression patterns of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and PDGF receptors during murine eye development byin situhybridization. Postnatally, PDGF-A is highly expressed in the iris and ciliary body, the ocular tissues closest to the germinative zone of the lens, a region where most proliferation of lens epithelial cells occurs. PDGF-A is also present in the corneal endothelium anterior to the lens epithelium in embryonic and early postnatal eyes. PDGF-B is expressed in the iris and ciliary body as well as in the vascular cells which surround the lens during early eye development. In the lens, expression of PDGF-α receptor (PDGF-αR), a receptor that can bind both PDGF-A and PDGF-B, is restricted to the lens epithelium throughout life. The expression of PDGF-αR in the lens epithelial cells and PDGF (A- and B-chains) in the ocular tissues adjacent to the lens suggests that PDGF signaling may play a key role in regulating lens development. To further examine how PDGF affects lens developmentin vivo,we generated transgenic mice that express human PDGF-A in the lens under the control of the αA-crystallin promoter. The transgenic mice exhibit lenticular defects that result in cataracts. The percentage of surface epithelial cells in S-phase is increased in transgenic lenses compared to their nontransgenic littermates. Higher than normal levels of cyclin A and cyclin D2 expression were also detected in transgenic lens epithelium. These results together suggest that PDGF-A can induce a proliferative response in lens epithelial cells. The lens epithelial cells in the transgenic mice also exhibit characteristics of differentiating fiber cells. For example, the transgenic lens epithelial cells are slightly elongated, contain larger and less condensed nuclei, and express fiber-cell-specific β-crystallins. Our results suggest that PDGF-A normally acts as a proliferative factor for the lens epithelial cellsin vivo.Elevated levels of PDGF-A enhance proliferation, but also appear to induce some aspects of the fiber cell differentiation pathway.
Predicting the failure of ultrasonic spot welds by pull-out from sheet metal

Abstract A methodology for determining the cohesive fracture parameters associated with pull-out of spot welds is presented. Since failure of a spot weld by pull-out occurs by mixed-mode fracture of the base metal, the cohesive parameters for ductile fracture of an aluminum alloy were determined and then used to predict the failure of two very different spot-welded geometries. The fracture parameters (characteristic strength and toughness) associated with the shear and normal modes of ductile fracture in thin aluminum alloy coupons were determined by comparing experimental observations to numerical simulations in which a cohesive-fracture zone was embedded within a continuum representation of the sheet metal. These parameters were then used to predict the load–displacement curves for ultrasonically spot-welded joints in T-peel and lap-shear configurations. The predictions were in excellent agreement with the experimental data. The results of the present work indicate that cohesive-zone models may be very useful for design purposes, since both the strength and the energy absorbed by plastic deformation during weld pull-out can be predicted quite accurately.
Ontogeny of ionotropic glutamate receptor subunit expression in the rat hippocampus.

Abstract The ionotropic glutamate receptors play key roles in multiple developmental mechanisms, including regulation of neuronal migration and differentiation, and synaptic organization. In this study, we investigated the developmental expression of these glutamate receptors in the postnatal rat hippocampus. We examined the transcripts encoding the subunits composing the N-methyl- d -aspartate (NMDA), α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionate (AMPA), and kainate (KA) subtypes of glutamate receptors by in situ hybridization at multiple time points from postnatal day (PND) 1 to PND 35. In the case of the AMPA receptor, gluR1 expression did not change over this time period, while gluR2, gluR3, and gluR4 did. These three subunits each underwent a transient period of increased expression at either PND 7 or PND 18. All five of the kainate receptor subunits changed during this time, all starting at relatively high levels of expression that declined by PND 35. Similar to most of the AMPA subunits, all of the kainate subunits had transient periods of significantly increased expression. The NMDA receptors all changed during over time as well, and each had a period of increased expression. The periods of transiently increased expression of all of these subunits coincide with known periods of plasticity and other critical times in development. These results suggest the different glutamate receptor subtypes may be critical at specific times during postnatal brain development.
Retention in mental health care of Portuguese-speaking patients

We compared service outcomes of dedicated language and cultural competency services in adequacy of care, ER, and inpatient care among Portuguese-speaking patients in ethnic- and non-ethnic-specific behavioral health clinics. We assessed adequacy of mental health care, and use of inpatient emergency department among Portuguese-speaking patients, comparing individuals receiving care from a culturally and linguistically competent mental health care setting (the Portuguese Mental Health Program [PMHP]) with usual mental health care in a community health care system in the USA. Propensity score matching was used to balance patients in treatment and control groups on gender, marital status, age, diagnosis of mental disorder, and insurance status. We used de-identified, longitudinal, administrative data of 854 Portuguese-speaking patients receiving care from the PMHP and 541 Portuguese-speaking patients receiving usual care from 2005-2008. Adequate treatment was defined as receipt of at least eight outpatient psychotherapy visits, or at least four outpatient visits of which one was a psychopharmacological visit. PMHP patients were more likely to receive adequate care. No differences were found in rates of ER use or inpatient mental health care. The present study suggests increased quality of care for patients that have contact with a clinic that dedicates resources specifically to a minority/immigrant group. Advantages of this setting include greater linguistic and cultural concordance among providers and patients. Further research is warranted to better understand the mechanisms by which culturally appropriate mental health care settings benefit minority/immigrant patients.
Neuroleptic-induced dopamine hyposensitivity

In contrast to dopaminergic hypersensitivity induced by most neuroleptic drugs including fluphenazine, thioridazine induced hyposensitivity to subsequent apomorphine stereotypy in rats. The difference between thioridazine and fluphenazine may relate in part to anticholinergic properties of thioridazine, but appears to involve additional mechanisms. Differences in dopaminergic sensitization may be important to the management and prevention of tardive dyskinesia an iatrogenic disorder associated with chronic exposure to neuroleptics.
Two Nations in Search of a State: Canada's Ambivalent Spatial Identities

W hat forces determine the fate of multinational societies? Why do some countries erode around their cultural fault lines while others submerge internal differences? These questions have assumed renewed significance as regional conflicts among groups identifying themselves as nations replace global conflicts among macro-economic ideologies and as countries once thought of as stable break into hostile fragments or teeter on the edge of disintegration. Within a culturally plural society, harmonious
Identification of patients with left main and three vessel coronary disease with clinical and exercise test variables

Abstract To determine whether clinical and exercise test variables either separately or in combination could reliably detect the presence of left main or three vessel coronary disease, 5 clinical and 11 exercise test variables were compared with the findings of coronary arterlography in 436 patients. Patients with left main coronary artery disease (n = 35) had an earlier onset of S-T segment depression (2.1 ± 1.4 versus 2.8 ± 1.7 min, p It is concluded that combining several exercise test variables facilitates the detection of severe coronary disease. The specific presence of left main coronary artery disease nevertheless remains largely unpredictable even with this approach.
The hidden persistence of immigrant dropouts : distortions, blank spots and blind spots in research on schooling careers

Abstract High dropout rates of Hispanic students have been documented repeatedly in recent decades. Nationwide, the percentage of 16- to 24-year old Hispanics who are reported as dropouts is almost four times that of nonHispanic Whites, and over twice that of African Americans. The analysis of first- and second-generation Mexican immigrant students presented in the first section of this chapter suggests that these estimates may be inflated and in other ways distorted. The persistence of a number of youths in the face of discouragements is hidden by methods of documentation that generate distorted estimates of dropout rates. In the second section of this chapter, we suggest that it is also hidden by a tendency, common in both documentation and substantive studies, to employ broad classifications that are insensitive to fundamental differences in ethnicity, to the character and conditions of immigration and emigration, and to family and community relationships. In the third section of this chapter, we suggest that the ways we conceptualize schooling careers help blind us to schooling persistence, as we tend to see failure in causal terms (“because of” statements) and success in terms of individual agency (“in order to” statements). In a final section, we consider the rather staggering demands that we face if we hope to reduce our ignorance of immigrant schooling in the many blank and blind spots represented by our few examples.
Estrogen receptor agonists for attenuation of neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration

Recent results from laboratory investigations and clinical trials indicate important roles for estrogen receptor (ER) agonists in protecting the central nervous system (CNS) from noxious consequences of neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. Neurodegenerative processes in several CNS disorders including spinal cord injury (SCI), multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson's disease (PD), and Alzheimer's disease (AD) are associated with activation of microglia and astrocytes, which drive the resident neuroinflammatory response. During neurodegenerative processes, activated microglia and astrocytes cause deleterious effects on surrounding neurons. The inhibitory activity of ER agonists on microglia activation might be a beneficial therapeutic option for delaying the onset or progression of neurodegenerative injuries and diseases. Recent studies suggest that ER agonists can provide neuroprotection by modulation of cell survival mechanisms, synaptic reorganization, regenerative responses to axonal injury, and neurogenesis process. The anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective actions of ER agonists are mediated mainly via two ERs known as ERα and ERβ. Although some studies have suggested that ER agonists may be deleterious to some neuronal populations, the potential clinical benefits of ER agonists for augmenting cognitive function may triumph over the associated side effects. Also, understanding the modulatory activities of ER agonists on inflammatory pathways will possibly lead to the development of selective anti-inflammatory molecules with neuroprotective roles in different CNS disorders such as SCI, MS, PD, and AD in humans. Future studies should be concentrated on finding the most plausible molecular pathways for enhancing protective functions of ER agonists in treating neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative injuries and diseases in the CNS.
Hexose-ATP phosphotransferases: comparative aspects. II. Cross-reactivity of hexokinases from a variety of species with antisera to yeast hexokinase.

Abstract 1. 1. Antisera to crystalline yeast hexokinase was prepared. 2. 2. The antisera inhibited the enzymatic activity of the antigen and of the separated crystalline isoenzymes known to be present in the antigen. 3. 3. Hexokinase activities from a number of bacteria, yeasts, Euglena gracilis and chicken liver and muscle were inhibited by the antisera. 4. 4. Hexokinase activities from some bacteria, yeasts, molds, sea urchin eggs, Japanese quail, frogs, rats, and higher plants were not inhibited by the antisera. This indicates that the hexokinases found in many bacterial and yeasts are immunologically similar, but that as a group are not sufficiently similar to the hexokinases found in higher organisms to cross-react immunologically.
Simulation of Moderate Time-Scale Dynamic Spectrum Access with Distributed Spectrum Sensors

Simulation approaches and results are provided for Dynamic Spectrum Access (DSA) with low-capability distributed spectrum monitoring equipment. There are two major issues that arise when using this approach: how to most efficiently distribute the sensors, and how to best utilize sensor information? Results show that it is better to co-locate distributed sensors with supported radios rather than disperse them throughout the environment. However, dispersed sensors are still capable of providing significant performance gains over the no-sensor case. It can also be seen that distributed, local control with distributed sensors can provide similar and sometimes better communication reliability gains than those seen with expensive central control approaches. As expected, optimal performance is achieved when a central controller fuses distributed sensor information with other frequency management databases. Finally, simulations show that using distributed sensors minimizes the effect database errors and time delays have on central controller performance.
Mathematical and computer modelling of the Pareto principle

The well-known Pareto principle states that approximately 80% of wealth was concentrated in about 20% of a population. Two problems have been reported on the abuse of the 80/20 phenomenon: (1) the measure deviates from 80/20 in many applications of the principle; under what condition, then, will the 80/20 rule be true? And, (2) if the 80/20 measure is correct at the time of analysis, will it be true over time? In this paper, we address these two problems by conducting mathematical modelling and computer simulations of the Pareto principle. Several significant factors influencing the phenomenon are identified.
Régis’s scholastic mechanism

Abstract Unlike many of Descartes’s other followers, Pierre-Sylvain Regis resists the temptations of occasionalism. By marrying the ontology of mechanism with the causal structure of concurrentism, Regis arrives at a novel view that both acknowledges God’s role in natural events and preserves the causal powers of bodies. I set out Regis’s position, focusing on his arguments against occasionalism and his responses to Malebranche’s ‘no necessary connection’ and divine concursus arguments.
ESD Protection Device With Dual-Polarity Conduction and High Blocking Voltage Realized in CMOS Process

Electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection devices fabricated in a low-voltage CMOS process for communication interface applications typically provide relatively small blocking voltage, thus limiting the interface operating voltage range for which the ESD device can be used. This letter introduces a CMOS-based silicon controlled rectifier with a large blocking voltage beyond ±20 V and a high trigger current. Such a high blocking voltage is achieved by selectively defining native-buffer regions in critical blocking junctions of the device. Experimental characterization of the ESD robustness and standing operation are presented to validate the new device for low capacitance, high-voltage-tolerant communication interface ESD protection applications.
Single-Sideband Frequency Shifting In Birefringent Optical Fiber

Single-sideband frequency shifting has been demonstrated in birefringent fiber by using a traveling acoustic wave to couple the two orthogonal polarizations of the fiber. Both surface and bulk acoustic waves have been used. Frequency shifts as high as 15 MHz have been observed, with carrier and unwanted sideband suppressions of 25-30 dB, using acoustic powers of a few watts.
Conceptualizing the Construct of Participation in Adults With Disabilities

Participation is a key indicator of health and well-being and a critical rehabilitation goal for individuals with disabilities. Despite the numerous participation measures that have been developed, there is still an absence of agreement on the definition, domains, and dimensions of this construct. The result is that instruments intending to measure the same construct may actually measure quite different aspects of daily life and therefore yield significantly different findings. A solid conceptual model is needed to provide consistent guidance for measurement selection and development. In this article we identify the relevant content areas of participation and propose a conceptual model for adults that is intended to apply across diagnoses, conditions, and settings. We classified participation into 3 main domains: work and education, household, and community. Subdomains are defined within each. The model was reviewed using a semistructured survey by 8 rehabilitation measurement experts. Their feedback regarding the relevance, clarity, and comprehensiveness of the model led to the creation of an alternative structure in which the 3 main domains were recategorized as productivity, social, and community. The proposed conceptual model provides a clear framework for practitioners and researchers to understand the concept of participation and to guide selection or development of measures.
Compression Independent Reversible Encryption for Privacy in Video Surveillance

One of the main concerns of the wide use of video surveillance is the loss of individual privacy. Individuals who are not suspects need not be identified on camera recordings. Mechanisms that protect the identity while ensuring legitimate security needs are necessary. Selectively encrypting regions that reveal identity (e.g., faces or vehicle tags) are necessary to preserve individuals' right to privacy while recognizing the legitimate needs for video surveillance. The video used in surveillance applications usually needs to be transcoded or recoded for distribution and archival. Transcoding a traditionally encrypted video is not possible without decrypting the video first. This paper presents a compression algorithm independent solution that provides privacy in video surveillance applications. The proposed approach uses permutation-based encryption in the pixel domain to hide identity revealing features. The permutation-based encryption tolerates lossy compression and transcoding and allows decryption of the transcoded video at a later time. The use of permutation-based encryption makes the proposed solution independent of the compression algorithms used and robust to transcoding. The cost of providing this privacy is an increase in bitrate that depends on the percentage of blocks encrypted.
Proton-ionizable crown compounds. 17. Transport studies of alkali metal ions in a H2O-CH2Cl2-H2O liquid membrane system by macrocycles containing two sulfonamide groups derived fromo- andm-phenylene diamine

The transport of alkali metal cations by several macrocycles possessing two sulfonamide groups as a part of an 18-, 20-, or 21-membered macroring has been studied. Some of these compounds were found to be more effective transport agents than the proton-ionizable pyridone- and triazole-containing crown ethers reported previously. The factors affecting transport, such as ring size, source and receiving phase pH, and the nature of the groups attached to the sulfonamide nitrogen atoms were examined. Also, extraction experiments by some of the ligands were performed. The behavior of sulfonamide type crowns in single and competitive transport of the alkali metal cations is explained. The mechanism of transport appears to be complex. Transport of one or two cations per molecule of the disulfonamide carriers occurs. Complexation of these cations appears to occur both within and outside the macrocycle cavity. Our results also suggest that kinetic factors may play a significant role in transport rates and selectivities.
Changes in phosphorus magnetic resonance spectra during the cell cycle of phosphorus limited phased culture of Candida utilis

Cell extracts, serially obtained from Candida utilis grown in continuous (synchrony) culture under phosphate limitation during an 8-h cycle and examined by NMR spectroscopy, revealed changes in polyphosphate content during the cycle period: other phosphorus containing components showed relatively little change. Initially zero, the polyphosphate content increased rapidly to a maximum after 30 min that coincided with exhaustion of phosphate from the culture, and then decreased slowly back to zero at the end of the cycle. The results suggest that polyphosphate, usually considered to function as a reserve material, actively participates during the cell cycle.
A text for planetary geology

In this article I review my findings from a search for a suitable text to use in an introductory undergraduate course in planetary geology for nonscience students. I hope to elicit comments from others with a similar need. The books from which I have drawn material for my course are listed below. I first used Hamblin and Christiansen [1991] as the required text but had to switch to a simpler one and chose Wagner's [1991] since it was the most recently published. Morrison and Owen's 1987 edition was considered, but it would have required too much additional material to bring it up to date. (It is scheduled for a new revision in September 1993). There are many excellent older books that are not listed here, including those in astronomy, which include planetary science in some chapters.
Occupational characteristics and cognitive performance among elderly male twins.

Objective: To examine the effect of occupational characteristics on cognitive status change in members of the NAS-NRC Twins Registry of World War II veterans. Methods: Participants completed the modified Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (TICS-m) on three occasions spanning a period of approximately 7 years. Based on factor analysis, occupational characteristics were interpreted as reflecting general intellectual demands (GI), human interaction and communication (HC), physical exertion (PE), and visual attention (VA). Results: Based on regression analysis of TICS-m change that was dependent on twin pairing and additionally covarying for education, age at each testing event, medical conditions, and initial TICS-m score, higher GI was associated with a modest longitudinal improvement in TICS-m performance, whereas higher PE and VA were both associated with a modest decline. Subsequent analysis revealed that these significant effects were present among dizygotic twins, but not among monozygotic twins. Conclusions: Previous findings of a relationship between occupational characteristics and cognitive performance in later life may be partially explained by genetic factors; however, until these genes are identified, occupational characteristics may be useful markers.
Sticking with Your Vote : Cognitive Dissonance and Political Attitudes

Cognitive dissonance theory predicts that the act of voting for a candidate leads to a more favorable opinion of the candidate in the future. We find support for the empirical relevance of cognitive dis sonance to political attitudes. We examine the presidential opinion ratings of voting-age eligibles and ineligibles two years after the presi dent's election. We find that eligibles show two to three times greater polarization of opinions than comparable ineligibles. We find smaller effects when we compare polarization in opinions of senators elected during high turnout presidential campaign years with senators elected during nonpresidential campaign years. (JEL D72)
Glycosylation site-specific analysis of HIV envelope proteins (JR-FL and CON-S) reveals major differences in glycosylation site occupancy, glycoform profiles, and antigenic epitopes' accessibility.

The HIV-1 envelope (Env) is a key determinant in mediating viral entry and fusion to host cells and is a major target for HIV vaccine development. While Env is typically about 50% glycan by mass, glycosylation sites are known to evolve, with some glycosylation profiles presumably being more effective at facilitating neutralization escape than others.(1) Thus, characterizing glycosylation patterns of Env and native virions and correlating glycosylation profiles with infectivity and Env immunogenicity are necessary first steps in designing effective immunogens. Herein, we describe a mass spectrometry-based strategy to determine HIV-1 Env glycosylation patterns and have compared two mammalian cell expressed recombinant Env immunogens, one a limited immunogen and one that induces cross-clade neutralizing antibodies. We have used a glycopeptide-based mass mapping approach to identify and characterize Env’s glycosylation patterns by elucidating which sites are utilized and what type of glycan motif is present a...
High-performance liquid chromatography-based methods of enzymatic analysis: electron transport chain activity in mitochondria from human skeletal muscle

This study addresses an application of pyridine nucleotide enzymatic analyses to evaluate the activity of the mitochondrial electron transport chain (reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) oxidase) and Complexes I and II in samples of human muscle as small as approximately 10 mg wet weight. Key aspects in this adaptation are the use of high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection of NADH and use of alamethicin, a channel-forming antibiotic that enables an unrestricted access of substrates into the mitochondrial matrix. The procedure includes disintegration of tissue by Polytron homogenizer, extraction of myosin from myofibrillar fragments by KCl/pyrophosphate to facilitate release of mitochondria, and preparation of fractions of subsarcolemmal and intermyofibrillar mitochondria. Oxidation of NADH or succinate is assayed in the presence of 40 microg/ml alamethicin and the reaction is terminated by H(2)SO(4), which also destroys the remaining NADH. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) or fumarate concentrations are measured using alcohol dehydrogenase or fumarase plus malic dehydrogenase reactions, respectively. Generation of NADH, assessed in auxiliary reactions in the presence of hydrazine, is strictly proportional to NAD or fumarate content across a concentration range of 1-20 microM. NADH is quantitatively analyzed with a detection limit of 3-5 pmol by HPLC using a reverse-phase Hypersil ODS column connected to a fluorescence detector.
Fan Compressor Noise Reduction

A study of various fan/compressor noise reduction methods is presented. The analytical treatment of the basic mechanisms of fan/compressor noise generation is described. The results are presented in parametric form and indicate the effects of fan/compressor design, number of blades, vane/blade ratio, aerodynamic parameters, and blade row spacing on pure tone noise reduction. These results are based on nonsteady aerodynamic treatment of wake and potential interaction effects and theoretical extensions of spinning mode theories.Copyright © 1969 by ASME
Synaptic organization of sensory and motor neurones innervating triceps brachii muscles in the bullfrog

1. The anatomy and physiology of sensory-motor pathways were studied in the brachial spinal cord of adult bullfrogs to characterize the properties and specificity of these connexions. 2. Motoneurones innervating a given forelimb muscle are located in discrete and reproducible regions of the lateral motor column. Yet only a fraction of the motoneurones in a particular region innervates any one muscle. 3. The central projections of sensory afferent axons from the triceps muscles extend throughout the rostro-caudal length of the brachial spinal cord. Within this region these projections terminate in an area containing many motoneuronal dendrites. 4. Within the triceps motor pool sensory neurones from the triceps muscles produce monosynaptic potentials only in triceps motoneurones even though these motoneurones are mingled with motoneurones innervating other muscles. 5. Motoneurones innervating each of the three heads of the triceps muscles, medial, internal and external, receive monosynaptic input from their own, homonymous muscle head. Sensory fibres from the medial head also innervate 98% of the heteronymous motoneurones projecting to the internal or external heads, and nearly 90% of the medial triceps motoneurones are innervated by sensory axons from the other two heads. 6. Similarly, other brachial motoneurones receive monosynaptic input from sensory axons in their own muscle nerves. However, most of the synaptic potentials evoked in triceps motoneurones by stimulation of muscle nerves other than triceps are of longer latency and probably involve polysynaptic pathways. 7. Thus, the pattern of synaptic connexions between muscle sensory afferents and motoneurones in the frog's spinal cord is specific. Furthermore, comparison with homologous pathways in the cat's spinal cord suggests that the strength and pattern of these connexions are similar.
Pharmacokinetics of [18F]fluoroalkyl derivatives of dihydrotetrabenazine in rat and monkey brain

Abstract The specific binding and regional brain pharmacokinetics of new fluorine-18 ([ 18 F])-labeled radioligands for the vesicular monoamine transporter (VMAT2) were examined in the rat and primate brain. In the rat, 9-[ 18 F]fluoropropyl-(±)-9- O -desmethyldihydrotetrabenazine ([ 18 F]FP-(±)-DTBZ) showed better specific binding in the striatum than either (+)-[ 11 C]dihydrotetrabenazine ((+)-[ 11 C]DTBZ) or 9-[ 18 F]fluoroethyl-(±)-9- O -desmethyldihydrotetrabenazine ([ 18 F]FE-(±)-DTBZ). Using microPET, the regional brain pharmacokinetics of [ 18 F]FE-(±)-DTBZ, [ 18 F]FP-(±)-DTBZ and (+)-[ 11 C]DTBZ were examined in the same monkey brain. (+)-[ 11 C]DTBZ and [ 18 F]FP-(±)-DTBZ showed similar brain uptakes and pharmacokinetics, with similar maximum striatum-to-cerebellum ratios (STR/CBL=5.24 and 5.15, respectively) that were significantly better than obtained for [ 18 F]FE-(±)-DTBZ (STR/CBL=2.55). Striatal distribution volume ratios calculated using Logan plot analysis confirmed the better specific binding for the fluoropropyl compound [distribution volume ratio (DVR)=3.32] vs. the fluoroethyl compound (DVR=2.37). Using the resolved single active isomer of the fluoropropyl compound, [ 18 F]FP-(+)-DTBZ, even better specific to nonspecific distribution was obtained, yielding the highest distribution volume ratio (DVR=6.2) yet obtained for a VMAT2 ligand in any species. The binding of [ 18 F]FP-(+)-DTBZ to the VMAT2 was shown to be reversible by administration of a competing dose of unlabeled tetrabenazine. Metabolic defluorination was slow and minor for the [ 18 F]fluoroalkyl-DTBZ ligands. The characteristics of high specific binding ratio, reversibility, metabolic stability and longer half-life of the radionuclide make [ 18 F]FP-(+)-DTBZ a promising alternative VMAT2 radioligand suitable for widespread use in human positron emission tomography studies of monoaminergic innervation of the brain.
Transgenic RNA Interference Reveals Role for Mouse Sperm Phospholipase Cζ in Triggering Ca2+ Oscillations During Fertilization

Abstract A sperm-specific phospholipase (PL) C, termed PLCζ, is proposed to be the soluble sperm factor that induces Ca2+ oscillations in mammalian eggs and, thus, initiates egg activation in vivo. We report that sperm from transgenic mice expressing short hairpin RNAs targeting PLCζ mRNA have reduced amounts of PLCζ protein. Sperm derived from these transgenic mice trigger patterns of Ca2+ oscillations following fertilization in vitro that terminate prematurely. Consistent with the perturbation in patterns of Ca2+ oscillations is the finding that mating of transgenic founder males to females results in lower rates of egg activation and no transgenic offspring. These data strongly suggest that PLCζ is the physiological trigger of Ca2+ oscillations required for activation of development.
G-CSF attenuates neuroinflammation and stabilizes the blood–brain barrier via the PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β signaling pathway following neonatal hypoxia-ischemia in rats

Abstract Objective Neonatal hypoxia occurs in approximately 60% of premature births and is associated with a multitude of neurological disorders. While various treatments have been developed, translating them from bench to bedside has been limited. We previously showed G-CSF administration was neuroprotective in a neonatal hypoxia-ischemia rat pup model, leading us to hypothesize that G-CSF inactivation of GSK-3β via the PI3K/Akt pathway may attenuate neuroinflammation and stabilize the blood–brain barrier (BBB). Methods P10 Sprague–Dawley rat pups were subjected to unilateral carotid artery ligation followed by hypoxia for 2.5 h. We assessed inflammation by measuring expression levels of IKKβ, NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-10, and IL-12 as well as neutrophil infiltration. BBB stabilization was evaluated by measuring Evans blue extravasation, and Western blot analysis of Claudin-3, Claudin-5, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1. Measurements and main results First, the time course study showed that p-β-catenin/β-catenin, IKKβ, and NF-κB expression levels peaked at 48 h post-HI. The knockdown of GSK-3β with siRNA prevented the HI-induced increase of p-β-catenin/β-catenin, IKKβ, and NF-κB expression levels 48 h after HI. G-CSF treatment reduced brain water content and neuroinflammation by downregulating IKKβ, NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-12 and upregulating IL-10, thereby reducing neutrophil infiltration. Additionally, G-CSF stabilizes the BBB by downregulating VCAM-1 and ICAM-1, as well as upregulating Claudins 3 and 5 in endothelial cells. G-CSFR knockdown by siRNA and Akt inhibition by Wortmannin reversed G-CSF's neuroprotective effects. Conclusions We demonstrate G-CSF plays a pivotal role in attenuating neuroinflammation and BBB disruption following HI by inactivating GSK-3β through the PI3K/Akt pathway.
Composing Narratives and Opening Spaces--Exploring Intercultural and Gender Themes through Dialogue.

This chapter describes the power of narrative and voice in explorations of gender and culture within a graduate seminar enrolled by educators and counselors.
A novel sensitized chemiluminescence: Infrared emissions from thiazine dyes sensitized by singlet oxygen

Abstract An unusual infrared chemiluminescence emission (8130A) of methylene blue, and other thiazine dyes, sensitized by singlet molecular oxygen is reported. This chemiluminescence does not correspond to the ordinary fluorescence of the dye and cannot be explained by previously proposed mechanisms for singlet oxygen sensitized emissions of dyes. From energetic considerations singlet molecular oxygen in its 1 Σ g + state is postulated as the sensitizing agent for the thiazine dye chemiluminescences. Schemes in which 1 Σ g + oxygen transfers electronic excitation energy (a) to the lowest triplet state of the dye, (b) to a combined multiplicity state of the lowest triplet state of the dye, and triplet molecular oxygen, or (c) to a charge-transfer state between the dye and oxygen, are compared. The chemiluminescence of methylene blue in aqueous solution may be used as a luminescent probe for 1 Σ g + oxygen.
Integrating hand-off communication into undergraduate nursing clinical courses

With the growing complexity of healthcare, the ability to communicate becomes essential within the interprofessional team. Healthcare organizations have great expectations for new graduate nurses to communicate skillfully while promoting safe patient care. Nursing students may lack experience with interprofessional communication skills and are fearful of making mistakes which may jeopardize patient safety and undermine student self-confidence. Hand-off is the communication of information between people or disciplines. A student hand-off communication activity was developed and implemented as a clinical skill-building activity across several undergraduate clinical nursing courses. Evaluation of this activity revealed positive perceptions from both students and staff.
Influence of initial component temperature on the apparent viscosity and handling characteristics of acrylic (PMMA) bone cement

The flow and polymerization characteristics of poly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA) bone cement can be changed by manipulating the temperature of the bone cement components or the environment that they are prepared in. To quantify the effects of the initial component temperature (Tic) of acrylic bone cement on the rheological and handling characteristics, ASTM F451-99a compliant methods and clinically relevant testing methods were utilized. A rheometer was designed and fabricated using the dimensions of a clinical, commercially available, cement gun and nozzle. The influence on the apparent viscosity and handling characteristics (setting time, working time, and peak exotherm temperature) for a high viscosity (HV) commercially-available acrylic bone cement, Palacos R, were determined. The values of Tic used were 23 °C (room), 6 °C (refrigerator), and −14 °C (freezer). Using the apparent viscosity of a medium viscosity (MV) bone cement as a benchmark (Simplex P at room temperature), it was found that by adjusting the Tic the HV cement was able to mimic the flow characteristics of the MV cement. Lowering the Tic lowered the apparent viscosity of the bone cement. The effects of Tic on the polymerization of bone cement were studied in dynamic and static conditions. The dynamic test recorded temperature and torque from stirring resistance. Setting times were also determined using the ASTM exotherm mold method. The setting times determined by the dynamic testing conditions were consistently shorter than those determined by the ASTM method. Lowering the Tic increased the working and setting times; however, it did not have a significant effect on the peak exotherm temperature. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2006
Does Cultural Socialization Predict Multiple Bases and Foci of Commitment

Some organizational commitment theorists have proposed that culture is an important antecedent to organizational commitment (Meyer & Allen, 1991; Wiener, 1982). This study tests whether individualized measures of power distance, collectivism, uncertainty avoidance, and masculinity are related to an employee’s level of commitment. A nine-factor model of commitment is postulated with three bases (affective, continuance, and normative commitment) and three foci (organization, supervisor, and workgroup) of commitment. Confirmatory factor analysis provides support for the commitment model embodying all bases and foci of commitment. Hierarchical regression analysis results also suggest that cultural dimensions are significant predictors of multiple bases and foci of commitment. Specific significant results include: (1) Power distance is related to normative commitment across all foci; (2) Uncertainty avoidance is related to continuance commitment across all foci; and (3) Collectivism is related to workgroup com...
Nip, tuck and rejuvenate; the latest frontier for the gynecologic surgeon.

Thereisanewareaofsurgicalexpertiseonthehorizon forthe gynecologic surgeon. This latest rage includes procedures to tighten the vagina or shape the vulva. With these additions to our surgical armamentarium, our society’s penchant for perfection has finally migrated “below the belt”. Numerous women and physicians are seeking out expertise in these procedures; the vast majority of which are not covered by insurance. What is unique to this area is the patented and secretive nature of some of the most marketed technologies
Assessing binge eating. An analysis of data previously collected in bingeing rats

As interest in the study of binge eating has increased, several measures of bingeing have been developed for use in animal models. Two of the measures that have been used to distinguish binge-type from normal intake in animal studies are: (1) comparing intake at a given point in time between groups, and (2) assessing escalation of intake across time within groups. Here we use both of these measures to reanalyze data from 10 previous bingeing experiments conducted in our lab. Additionally, the data from two of these studies were then restructured in order to evaluate the use of these measures in binge eating prone (BEP) and resistant (BER) rats, as described by others. Analyses comparing intake at a given point in time indicated bingeing in all 10 studies, while comparisons of escalation indicated bingeing in 9 out of 10 studies. The goal of this study was to compare and contrast the two measures, identify the strengths and weaknesses of each, and determine their appropriateness for a given set of potential outcomes. The results indicate that both intake and escalation are useful measures. However, their limitations need to be taken into consideration when attempting to operationalize binge-type eating in animal models.