cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Microfluidics platform for measurement of volume changes in immobilized intestinal enteroids.

Intestinal enteroids are ex vivo primary cultured single-layer epithelial cell spheroids of average diameter ∼150 μm with luminal surface facing inward. Measurement of enteroid swelling in response to secretagogues has been applied to genetic testing in cystic fibrosis and evaluation of drug candidates for cystic fibrosis and secretory diarrheas. The current measurement method involves manual addition of drugs and solutions to enteroids embedded in a Matrigel matrix and estimation of volume changes from confocal images of fluorescently stained enteroids. We developed a microfluidics platform for efficient trapping and immobilization of enteroids for quantitative measurement of volume changes. Multiple enteroids are trapped in a “pinball machine-like” array of polydimethylsiloxane posts for measurement of volume changes in unlabeled enteroids by imaging of an extracellular, high-molecular weight fluorescent dye. Measurement accuracy was validated using slowly expanding air bubbles. The method was applied to measure swelling of mouse jejunal enteroids in response to an osmotic challenge and cholera toxin-induced chloride secretion. The microfluidics platform allows for parallel measurement of volume changes on multiple enteroids during continuous superfusion, without an immobilizing matrix, and for quantitative volume determination without chemical labeling or assumptions about enteroid shape changes during swelling.
Dual Role for SUMO E2 Conjugase Ubc9 in Modulating the Transforming and Growth-promoting Properties of the HMGA1b Architectural Transcription Factor

Members of the HMGA1 (high mobility group A1) family of architectural transcription factors, HMGA1a and HMGA1b, play important roles in many normal cellular processes and in tumorigenesis. We performed a yeast two-hybrid screen for HMGA1-interacting proteins and identified the SUMO E2 conjugase Ubc9 as one such partner. The Ubc9-interacting domain of HMGA1 is bipartite, consisting of a proline-rich region near the N terminus and an acidic domain at the extreme C terminus, whereas the HMGA1-interacting domain of Ubc9 comprises a single region previously shown to associate with and SUMOylate other transcription factors. Consistent with these findings, endogenous HMGA1 proteins and Ubc9 could be co-immunoprecipitated from several human cell lines. Studies with HMGA1b proteins containing mutations of either or both Ubc9-interacting domains and with Ubc9-depleted cell lines indicated that the proline-rich domain of HMGA1b positively influences transformation and growth, whereas the acidic domain negatively influences these properties. None of the changes in HMGA1 protein functions mediated by Ubc9 appears to require SUMOylation. These findings are consistent with the idea that Ubc9 can act as both a positive and negative regulator of proliferation and transformation via its non-SUMO-dependent interaction with HMGA1 proteins.
Early Single Cell Bifurcation of Pro- and Antiapoptotic States during Oxidative Stress

Abstract In a population of cells undergoing oxidative stress, an individual cell either succumbs to apoptotic cell death or maintains homeostasis and survives. Exposure of PC-12-D2R cells to 200 μm hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) induces apoptosis in about half of cells after 24 h. After 1-h exposure to 200 μm H2O2, both antiapoptotic extracellular regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation and pro-apoptotic Ser-15-p53 phosphorylation are observed. Microarray and real-time PCR assays of gene expression after H2O2 exposure identified several transcripts, including egr1, that are rapidly induced downstream of ERK. Single cell analysis of egr1 induction and of phospho-ERK and phospho-p53 formation revealed the presence of two distinct cellular programs. Whereas the proportion of cells activating ERK versus p53 at 1 h depended on H2O2 concentration, individual cells showed exclusively either phospho-p53 formation or activation of ERK and egr1 induction. Exposure to H2O2 for 1 h also elicited these two non-overlapping cellular responses in both dopaminergic SN4741 cells and differentiated postmitotic PC-12-D2R cells. Repressing p53 with pifithrin-α or small interfering RNA increased ERK phosphorylation by H2O2, indicating that p53-dependent suppression of ERK activity may contribute to the bi-stable single cell responses observed. By 24 h, the subset of cells in which ERK activity was suppressed exhibit caspase 3 activation and the nuclear condensation characteristic of apoptosis. These studies suggest that the individual cell rapidly and stochastically processes the oxidative stress stimulus, leading to an all-or-none cytoprotective or pro-apoptotic signaling response.
Weather conditions and screwworm activity

Abstract The screwworm (Cochiomyia hominivorax) has been a serious economic pest in southern sections of the United States for many years. Recently, a U.S. Department of Agriculture eradication program has significantly reduced the number of reported infestations in the Southwest, although periodic outbreaks continue to occur. This study investigated the relationship between reported screwworm cases and weather conditions, with the objective of establishing guidelines for the use of real-time weather data as input to the eradication program. Because of several complicating factors the results were largely qualitative. The screwworm activity/rainfall relationship was quite variable. Periods of moderate or heavy precipitation were often followed within several weeks by an increase in reported screwworm cases. In other instances, there were wet periods with no resulting increase in screwworm activity. Some of this variability was believed due to a temperature factor, since insect activity appeared to be diminished by extremely high temperatures. This study suggested a critical threshold temperature of approximately 95°F. Palmer Crop Moisture Index values were a useful indicator of screwworm activity, with above normal CMI values often, but not always, associated with increased infestation reports in following weeks. Periods of moderate or heavy rainfall, or persistent light precipitation, accompanied by temperatures remaining below the mid-90's should be a signal to the eradication program of an increased potential for screwworm outbreaks.
Exothermic reaction in zeolite hemostatic dressings: QuikClot ACS and ACS+.

Background Zeolites have hemostatic properties used to stop bleeding in severe hemorrhage. Manufactured QuikClot® is an approved zeolite-based hemostatic agent for battlefield use. The exothermic reaction associated with QuikClot as loose granules or as granules packaged in a mesh bag has potential burn effects; this led to the development of a formulation of “cooler” non-exothermic QuikClot. The goal of this study was to compare the elevation of temperature of these formulations upon contact with blood. Methods Following full transection of the femoral vasculature, anesthetized Yorkshire pigs (n = 15) (28.8 ± 1.5 kg) were hemorrhaged for 2 min and treated with 100 g of bagged QuikClot (Advanced Clotting Sponge (ACS) (n = 4)) or a modified non-exothermic formulation (ACS+ (n = 11)). Vital signs and temperature at the dressing/tissue interface were continuously recorded for 3 h. Additional procedures were used to examine effects of different ratios of blood to zeolite on temperature elevation. Results Total post-treatment blood loss was comparable for ACS+_E and ACS_E groups (overall average: 18.6 ± 10.5% EBV). Temperature recorded at the dressing/tissue interface was significantly lower with ACS+ vs. ACS (40.3 ± 1.8 vs. 61.4 ± 10.7 °C, respectively, p < 0.01) and was 3.2 ± 2.6 °C higher than rectal temperature (38.0 ± 0.7 °C, p < 0.01). Survival at endpoint (7/11 vs. 4/4) and average survival time (134 ± 64 vs. 180 min) were greater for both ACS+ and ACS in comparison to Standard Dressing. The wound temperature with ACS was reduced with greater blood to product ratios and this pattern was paralleled with in vitro measurements. Conclusions The lower heat release with ACS+ compared to ACS was confirmed in an animal model and ACS+ had similar efficacy in arresting bleeding when compared to Standard Dressing.
Studies of residual ridge resorption. Part I. Use of panoramic radiographs for evaluation and classification of mandibular resorption

Abstract This article describes a method of estimating the severity of mandibular bone resorption by using the mental foramen and the inferior border of the mandible, as they appear in panoramic radiographs, as reference points. Measurements of 260 images in panoramic radiographs of normal mandibles reveal that, in a high percentage of films, regardless of the usual magnification or distortion of the images, the lower edge of the mental foramen lies very close to a line dividing the mandible into thirds. By using the approximate ratio of 3:1, the original height of the mandible can be conveniently estimated from the height of the lower edge of the foramen above the inferior border of the mandible. The reduction in height of the bone can then also be estimated. It is suggested that this method of estimating and describing the degree of bone resorption may facilitate the study of this disease by providing an anatomic basis for classifying or grouping patients affected to varying degrees.
The influence of gestational age and mode of delivery on infants with gastroschisis.

Abstract Background/Purpose : It has been proposed that preterm and prelabor cesarean section may improve the outcome of infants with gastroschisis. The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of gestation and delivery method on infants with gastroschisis. Methods : The medical records of 60 infants with gastroschisis treated at a tertiary care center from 1985 through 1995 were reviewed retrospectively. The gestational age, the mode of delivery, the type of operative repair, and the length of hospital stay were recorded for each patient. Results : Infants born vaginally were more likely to require silo stage repair than those delivered by cesarean section (21 of 29 v 11 of 31, P v 39 days, P = .19). Infants born before 33 weeks' of gestation stayed longer in the hospital than those born after 33 weeks. After 33 weeks' gestation, infants had similar hospital stay regardless of the gestational age. Conclusions : Cesarean section delivery was beneficial for infants with gastroschisis. Preterm delivery did not shorten the length of hospital stay. The role of elective cesarean section delivery at term should be considered for infants with gastroschisis diagnosed antenatally.
Electronic communications and home blood pressure monitoring (e-BP) study: design, delivery, and evaluation framework.

Abstract Background Randomized controlled trials have provided unequivocal evidence that treatment of hypertension decreases mortality and major disability from cardiovascular disease; however, blood pressure remains inadequately treated in most affected individuals. This large gap continues despite the facts that more than 90% of adults with hypertension have health insurance, and hypertension is the leading cause of visits to the doctor. New approaches are needed to improve hypertension care. Objectives The Electronic Communications and Home Blood Pressure Monitoring (e-BP) study is a three-arm randomized controlled trial designed to determine whether care based on the Chronic Care Model and delivered over the Internet improves hypertension care. The primary study outcomes are systolic, diastolic, and blood pressure control; secondary outcomes are medication adherence, patient self-efficacy, satisfaction and quality of life, and healthcare utilization and costs. Methods Hypertensive patients receiving care at Group Health medical centers are eligible if they have uncontrolled blood pressure on two screening visits and access to the Web and an e-mail address. Study participants are randomly assigned to three intervention groups: (a) usual care; (b) home blood pressure monitoring receipt and proficiency training on its use and the Group Health secure patient website (with secure e-mail access to their healthcare provider, access to a shared medical record, prescription refill and other services); or (c) this plus pharmacist care management (collaborative care management between the patient, the pharmacist, and the patient's physician via a secure patient website and the electronic medical record). Conclusion We will determine whether a new model of patient-centered care that leverages Web communications, self-monitoring, and collaborative care management improves hypertension control. If this model proves successful and cost-effective, similar interventions could be used to improve the care of large numbers of patients with uncontrolled hypertension.
Dynamics of a single species evolutionary model with Allee effects

Abstract We investigate the evolutionary outcomes of a single species population subject to Allee effects within the framework of a continuous strategy evolutionary game theory (EGT) model. Our model assumes a single trait creates a phenotypic trade-off between carrying capacity (i.e., competition) and predator evasion ability following a Gaussian distribution. This assumption contributes to one of our interesting findings that evolution prevents extinction even when population exhibits strong Allee effects. However, the extinction equilibrium can be an ESS under some special distributions of anti-predation phenotypes. The ratio of variation in competition and anti-predation phenotypes plays an important role in determining global dynamics of our EGT model: (a) evolution may suppress strong Allee effects for large values of this ratio; (b) evolution may preserve strong Allee effects for small values of this ratio by generating a low density evolutionary stable strategy (ESS) equilibrium which can serve as a potential Allee threshold; and (c) intermediate values of this ratio can result in multiple ESS equilibria.
An Experimental Model for Guided Microwave Backscattering from Wet Insulation in Pipelines

Corrosion under insulation (CUI) is a common cause of pipeline failure in the oil and gas industry. Its detection with conventional inspection techniques is challenging due to the presence of the insulation layer and a protective metallic cladding that prevent direct access to the pipe surface. Currently, several techniques are being developed to detect sections of wet insulation since water is a necessary precursor to corrosion. Among these, guided microwave testing (GMT) has been proposed as a cost-effective approach to screen an extended length of pipeline. The sensitivity of GMT is dependent on the strength of microwave reflections from wet volumes of insulation and has been demonstrated in the case of relatively abrupt transitions from dry to fully saturated insulation. This paper investigates the performance of GMT in the presence of saturation gradients characterizing more gradual transitions. Due to the lack of detailed field observations about realistic saturation paths, the paper proposes model experiments of saturation dynamics in a highly permeable material in a first attempt to determine saturation profiles resulting from capillary rise and seepage. The experimental observations reveal that the extent of the transition region is typically much smaller than the wavelength of the probing microwave signal and therefore has a limited effect on the amplitude of the reflected signal.
Induction of tolerance in composite-tissue allografts.

BACKGROUND Transplantation of composite-tissue allograft (CTA) such as the human hand recently became a clinical reality. The high risks associated with the use of lifelong immunosuppression have been the prohibiting factor in the routine use of the CTA transplants. In this article, we present a new approach of inducing long-term, donor-specific tolerance to CTAs without recipient preconditioning and need for chronic immunosuppression. METHODS We have developed a clinically applicable 35-day protocol that induces donor-specific tolerance in a rat hindlimb-transplantation model across major histocompatibility complex (MHC) barrier [Lewis-Brown-Norway (LBN, RT1 -->F1) to Lewis (LEW, RT1 ) by using cyclosporine A (CsA) and a mouse monoclonal antibody against rat alphabeta-T-cell receptor (TCR) to systemically eliminate alloresponsive cells. Standard skin grafting, flow cytometry (FC), and mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) were used to assess efficacy of immunodepletion and confirm donor-specific tolerance and chimerism. RESULTS Under this protocol long-term tolerance (>720 days) was induced in all (n=5) CTA recipients across the MHC barrier without further need for immunosuppression. Tolerance was confirmed in all limb-allograft recipients by skin grafting in vivo and by MLR in vitro. The animals rejected third-party grafts, indicating immunocompetence. CONCLUSIONS In this CTA model, combined protocol of alphabeta-TCR monoclonal antibody and CsA resulted in induction of donor-specific tolerance across the MHC barrier without recipient conditioning. We believe that our findings will foster development of new therapeutic strategies and expand clinical applications for composite-tissue transplantation.
The Radical Face of the Ancient Constitution: St Edward's 'Laws' in Early Modern Political Thought

Acknowledgments 1. Hagiography and historiography: the long shadow of Edward the Confessor 2. 'Those most equitable laws of St. Edward': from the cult of the Confessor to the cult of the Confessor's laws 3. 'Divers and sundry ancient histories and chronicles': the articulation of the ancient constitution in the Tudor period 4. 'By lex terrae is meant the laws of St Edward the Confessor': the footprints of the Saxons in the early seventeenth century 5. 'You shall be king as while you rule well': the radical ancient constitution in the civil wars and the interregnum 6. 'The noble transcript of the original contract, the Confessor's laws': the radical Ancient Constitution in the late Stuart period Bibliography Index.
All in the Family: Library Services for LIS Online Education

Online distance education is increasingly common in the field of library and information science (LIS). At the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, the departments that work together to meet the information needs of distant LIS students and faculty include: the University Library's central services; the Academic Outreach Library; the Library & Information Science Library; the virtual reference service administered by the Reference Library and the Undergraduate Library; and the instructional technology staff and teaching faculty of the Graduate School of Library and Information Science. The collections and services they provide typify the library support required by distance education programs. However, three factors distinguish LIS from other disciplines: the information-intensive curriculum; the enduring importance of the physical library; and the importance of librarians as role models.
Thyroglobulin Induced Lymphocytic Thyroiditis in two Sublines of BB/WOR Rats

The BB/Wor rat develops spontaneous insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (DM) and lymphocytic thyroidits (LT). We have recently demonstrated that although the incidence of spontaneous DM is relatively constant among different inbred BB/Wor sublines the incidence of LT is extremely variable. Experimental LT can be induced in some animal species by immunization with thyroglobulin (Tg). The differences in susceptibility of Tg induced LT between a high incidence LT subline (NB) and a low incidence subline (BB) were determined after immunization with Tg obtained from Wistar rat thyroids. Immunization was accomplished using 0.6 mg Tg in complete Freund's adjuvant (FA) or FA alone at 30 and 37 days. Since spontaneous LT rarely occurs before age 75 days, rats were sacrificed at age 65 days to specifically study Tg induced LT. Immunization with Tg induced LT in the NB subline but not in the BB subline. Anti-Tg antibody (Ab) titers, T4-Ab and T3-Ab were all increased in both Tg immunized sublines but were significan...
The [4Fe-4S] cluster domain of the nitrogenase iron protein facilitates conformational changes required for the cooperative binding of two nucleotides

MgATP binding and hydrolysis are central to all reduction reactions catalyzed by nitrogenase. The iron (Fe) protein component of nitrogenase is a homodimeric protein with a bridging [4Fe-4S] cluster and two nucleotide binding sites, one on each subunit. This work presents evidence that the [4Fe-4S] cluster domain of the nitrogenase Fe protein functions as a hinge region between the two nucleotide binding domains, participating in the cooperative binding of two nucleotides. Alanine residues at position 98 (located near the [4Fe-4S] cluster) of the Azotobacter vinelandii Fe protein were changed by means of site-directed mutagenesis to Val (V) and Gly (G), and the resulting altered proteins were purified and characterized. While the wild-type and A98G Fe proteins were found to bind two nucleotides (MgATP or MgADP) with strong cooperativity (Hill coefficient of 2), the A98V Fe protein was found to bind one nucleotide with no apparent cooperativity. The binding of two nucleotides to the wild-type Fe protein is known to induce protein conformational changes which are reflected as changes in the properties of [4Fe-4S] cluster, including a change in the redox potential of the [4Fe-4S] cluster of -120 mV for MgATP binding (-300 to -420 mV) and of -160 mV for MgADP binding (-300 to -460 mV). The binding of one nucleotide to the A98V Fe protein was found to result in only half the lowering of the redox potential, with MgATP binding resulting in a -80 mV change (-280 to -360 mV) and MgADP binding resulting in a -50 mV change (-280 to -330 mV). Results from H NMR, EPR, and CD spectra, along with Fe chelation rates, were all consistent with the biding of a single nucleotide to the A98V Fe protein inducing a partial conformational change. Finally, the A98V Fe protein with one nucleotide bound, still bound to the molybdenum-iron protein but did not support MgATP hydrolysis, electron transfer, or substrate reduction. A model is discussed in which the [4Fe-4S] cluster domain can be viewed as a hinge region between the two nucleotide binding domains which facilitates conformational rearrangements required for the cooperative binding of a second nucleotide.
An occlusal prosthesis to assure airway patency in the comatose patient

Ruminatory reflex chewing activities in the comatose patient and the associated prostheses used in their treatment have been well documented in the literature. The comatose patient, whose condition is further complicated by the need for oral-endotracheal intubation, requires the aid of a prosthesis which will allow for long-term patency of the tube to maintain proper ventilation.
The methionine initiator tRNA genes of yeast

We have isolated three distinct tRNAimet genes from a yeast DNA clone bank. The complete sequence of two shows that these genes are colinear with the mature tRNAimet and supports the RNA sequence of tRNAimet. Southern analysis of yeast genomic DNA indicates the presence of four copies of tRNAimet gene per haploid genome.
Regional distribution of tyrosine hydroxylase and dopamine β-hydroxylase activities in guinea pig heart

Abstract The sympathetic and parasympathetic autonomic nervous systems regulate heart rate and myocardial contractility. Using sensitive radioisotopic assays, we examined the regional distribution of tyrosine hydroxylase and dopamine β-hydroxylase activity, which are markers for sympathetic autonomic innervation, in specialized pacemaker and conduction tissue and in contractile heart tissue. Of the 20 regions of guinea pig heart examined, we find that the highest activities occur in the sinoatrial node and the right atrial appendage. Intermediate activity occurs in the left atrium, interatrial septum and right ventricular papillary muscle. Activities in the remainder of the heart are lower and rather uniform. Comparing the enzyme markers for the parasympathetic [17] and sympathetic system, we find that these systems have different distribution. The former, for example, is closely associated with the specialized pacemaker and conduction system including the sinoatrial and atrioventricular nodes and regions rich in Purkinje fibers. The sympathetic system, on the other hand, is associated with both contractile and conducting tissue.
Adaptation of a General Multibody Dynamical Formalism to Dynamic Simulation of Terrestrial Vehicles

SUMMARY The development of general Eulerian dynamic formalisms for the digital simulation of multi-body systems is reviewed. The formalism of Robertson/Wittenburg is generalized to systems whose configuration includes closed loops, thereby adapting it to the dynamic simulation of terrestrial vehicles.
Investigations of the relations among residual strain, fabric, fracture and ultrasonic attenuation and velocity in rocks

Abstract Residual strain measured by X-ray diffractometry, fabric, and ultrasonic velocity and attenuation in blocks of dry Charcoal Granite, Sioux Quartzite, and Berea Sandstone are investigated to determine their causes and effects and the degree to which each can be used to predict fracture anisotropy. The statistical trends of tensile fractures, induced by point-loading oriented discs, are reliably predicted from ultrasonic data in all three rocks; the attenuation data reflect some not sensitive to velocity. In the granite the fractures are compatible geometrically and probably genetically with the orientations and magnitudes of the residual strains (i.e. prestress) and with microfractures and exsolution lamellae. Fractures in the quartzite and sandstone are primarily oriented parallel to bedding. Those not parallel to bedding in the quartzite are compatible with the residual strains. Ultrasonic data for the bedded rocks do not correlate with any of the microscopic fabric elements studied. The tendency for tensile fractures in the sandstone and quartzite to propagate along grain boundaries moreso than for the granite suggests minute openings or flaws may exist at the boundaries and these may predominantly influence fracturing and acoustic properties.
The Liberal Left Opts for Terror

For a century, intellectual debate on political violence has been dominated by efforts to romanticize the extremist and to invest him with the aura of the altruistic “freedom fighter.” It is astonishing that in the post-9/11 era, the terrorist's image continues to remain habitually mystified and ennobled, while terror attacks are justified as self-defense. “Terrorist discourse” is indicative of the universality of the intellectual position of the Left with regard to terror, national discrepancies notwithstanding. The present article evaluates leftist liberals' attitudes towards terrorism in the 20th-century Russian Empire, Europe, the U.S., and especially Israel—one of the epicenters of terrorism today. The article proposes to examine psychological responses to terrorism in conjunction with a range of contemporary reactions to threats, acknowledged or displaced with an assortment of mental constructs and rationalizations.
Parallel changes in operant behavioral adaptation and hippocampal corticosterone binding in rats treated with trimethyltin.

Rats were given water vehicle or trimethyltin (TMT; 3.0, 6.0 or 7.5 mg/kg, p.o.). Lever responding for food was measured 3 months later, in a test in which the fixed ratio requirement was doubled daily (FR1-128). Response rates for all groups were inverted U-shaped functions of FR values. However, the effect of increasing ratio values was attenuated in the 6.0 mg/kg group, which responded less than controls when control rates were maximal (at FR16 and FR32). In contrast, rats given the high dose responded at higher rates (at FR4 and FR64). [3H]Corticosterone binding to hippocampal cytosolic protein was maximally reduced for the group given 6.0 mg TMT/kg. The greatest reduction in hippocampal weight resulted from injection of 7.5 mg TMT/kg, but a smaller reduction in [3H]corticosterone binding (i.e. 22%) was observed for this group. In the absence of an effect of 3.0 mg TMT/kg upon weight of hippocampus, there also was a reduction in steroid binding, indicating the sensitivity of this parameter for TMT toxicity. The results support the notion that hippocampal corticosteroid receptors are important for behavioral adaptation, and rats given moderate doses of TMT may be useful for studying functions of corticosterone receptors.
β-Adrenergic Activation of p38 MAP Kinase in Adipocytes cAMP INDUCTION OF THE UNCOUPLING PROTEIN 1 (UCP1) GENE REQUIRES p38 MAP KINASE

Because of increasing evidence that G protein-coupled receptors activate multiple signaling pathways, it becomes important to determine the coordination of these pathways and their physiological significance. Here we show that the beta(3)-adrenergic receptor (beta(3)AR) stimulates p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) via PKA in adipocytes and that cAMP-dependent transcription of the mitochondrial uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) promoter by beta(3)AR requires p38 MAPK. The selective beta(3)AR agonist CL316,243 (CL) stimulates phosphorylation of MAP kinase kinase 3/6 and p38 MAPK in a time- and dose-dependent manner in both white and brown adipocytes. Isoproterenol and forskolin mimicked the effect of CL on p38 MAPK. In all cases activation was blocked by the specific p38 MAPK inhibitor SB202190 (SB; 1-10 microm). The involvement of PKA in beta(3)AR-dependent p38 MAPK activation was confirmed by the ability of the PKA inhibitors H89 (20 microm) and (R(p))-cAMP-S (1 mm) to block phosphorylation of p38 MAPK. Treatment of primary brown adipocytes with CL or forskolin induced the expression of UCP1 mRNA levels (6.8- +/- 0.8-fold), and this response was eliminated by PKA inhibitors and SB202190. A similar stimulation of a 3.7-kilobase UCP1 promoter by CL and forskolin was also completely inhibited by PKA inhibitors and SB202190, indicating that these effects on UCP1 expression are transcriptional. Moreover, the PKA-dependent transactivation of the UCP1 promoter, as well as its sensitivity to SB202190, was fully reproduced by a 220-nucleotide enhancer element from the UCP1 gene. We similarly observed that increased phosphorylation of ATF-2 by CL was sensitive to both H89 and SB202190, while phosphorylation of cAMP-response element-binding protein was inhibited only by H89. Together, these studies illustrate that p38 MAPK is an important downstream target of the beta-adrenergic/cAMP/PKA signaling pathway in adipocytes, and one of the functional consequences of this cascade is stimulation of UCP1 gene expression in brown adipocytes.
Complications related to osteopenia in the thoracic spine on admission chest radiographs of substance abuse detoxification patients.

Objective. To assess the prevalence of complications related to osteopenia in the thoracic spine (anterior wedging and fish vertebrae) of patients admitted for substance abuse detoxification. Design and patients. We retrospectively identified 150 sequential patients admitted to our drug and alcohol detoxification ward in whom posteroanterior and lateral admission chest radiographs and clinical charts were available for review. There were 116 men and 34 women with a mean age of 37 years (range 19–67 years). Thirty-eight patients were admitted for drug detoxification, 37 for alcohol detoxification, and 75 for drug and alcohol detoxification. These patients were compared with 66 age- and sex-matched controls from our hospital’s employee health service. Two radiologists reviewed all chest radiographs for the presence of anterior wedging and fish vertebrae in the thoracic spine and other nonspinal fractures. Serum calcium and inorganic phosphorus levels were recorded for the substance abuse detoxification patients. Results. Forty-nine percent (n=73) of detoxification patients had complications of osteopenia in the thoracic spine including: anterior wedging (n=47), fish vertebrae (n=21), or both (n=5). Twenty-four percent (n=36) of patients had an elevated serum inorganic phosphorus level and one patient had an elevated serum calcium level. Patients with anterior wedging or fish vertebrae included: 45% (n=45) of patients below age 40 years, 35% (n=12) of women, 41% (n=15) of drug detoxification patients, 58% (n=22) of alcohol detoxification patients, 48% (n=36) of drug and alcohol detoxification patients, and 47% (n=17) of patients with elevated serum inorganic phosphorus (P=NS). Six percent (n=9) of our study population had nonspinal fractures on their chest radiographs. Twenty-one percent (n=14) of controls had complications of osteopenia in the thoracic spine (all anterior wedging). This prevalence differed significantly (P<0.05, chi-squared) from the study population. Conclusion. Osteopenia-related anterior wedging and fish vertebrae in the thoracic spine are common findings on chest radiographs of patients hospitalized for substance abuse detoxification. Serum inorganic phosphorus and calcium levels did not correlate with the presence of anterior wedging or fish vertebrae.
Dielectric relaxation of relaxor ferroelectric P(VDF-TrFE-CFE) terpolymer over broad frequency range

Dielectric properties of a relaxor ferroelectric polymer, poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene-chlorofluoroethylene) [P(VDF-TrFE-CFE)] terpolymer, were investigated over a broad range of frequency (from 0.1 kHz to 1 GHz) and a broad range of temperature (-20degC to 76degC). Time-temperature superposition was used to extrapolate the dielectric constant to high frequencies (~1 GHz) from low frequency data (<1 MHz). The consistency between the directly measured and the extrapolated data indicate that the time-temperature superposition can be applied at temperature ranging from the glass transition to the broad ferroelectric-paraelectric transition peak of relaxor, indicating that the glass transition is still the dominating relaxation process at room temperature for the ferroelectric relaxor. Compared with the dielectric properties of poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene) [P(VDF-TrFE)] copolymer, the terpolymer shows a higher dielectric constant even at 1 GHz, which is considered to originate from the random defects modification converting the long-chain polar-molecular conformation to short-range molecular microstructures and enhancing the molecular motions in both polar and nonpolar nanodomains.
Intracavity chaotic dynamics in ring lasers with an injected signal

Abstract The intracavity dynamics of optically injected ring lasers is studied by means of an extended delay-differential Ikeda model. The behavior of this kind of lasers is, in some aspects, strikingly different from that of a nonlinear absorber placed in a ring cavity, for which the Ikeda model was originally derived. In particular, chaotic behavior in the laser case is seen to occur on much faster time scales than for the absorber. The scenario in which the transition to chaos occurs is also different.
Retrospective case series of juxtafoveal choroidal neovascularization treated with photodynamic therapy with verteporfin.

PURPOSE To describe visual acuity and angiographic outcomes of juxtafoveal choroidal neovascularization (CNV) treated with photodynamic therapy and verteporfin (PDT). METHODS Four hundred eighty-four consecutive eyes of 446 patients treated with PDT from January 1, 2001, to June 30, 2002, were identified from billing records. Fluorescein angiograms were reviewed retrospectively to identify juxtafoveal CNV. Eligible patients had CNV in which the central boundary of the lesion was between 1 and 199 microm from the geometric center of the foveal avascular zone (FAZ). Patient charts were reviewed for visual acuity of the treated eye before PDT and at 6- and 12-month follow-up examinations. Presence of subfoveal CNV at 6 and 12 months of follow-up was determined by review of fluorescein angiograms. A lesion was considered subfoveal if it extended underneath the geometric center of the FAZ. RESULTS Twenty-one eyes had juxtafoveal CNV. Median change in visual acuity both 6 and 12 months after the initial PDT was 0 lines (n = 18 at 6 months, range -14 to + 8 lines; n = 17 at 12 months, range -18 to + 7 lines). Eleven lesions progressed to a subfoveal location by 12 months. Visual acuity in eyes with progressive lesions decreased a median of 4 lines of vision. CONCLUSIONS Despite a small sample size and limited length of follow-up, this study shows that visual acuity on average can remain stable for at least 12 months after PDT of juxtafoveal lesions. Growth through the foveal center still can occur, however, and this can be associated with substantial visual loss.
System administrator teamwork: evidence from the SAGE salary survey

System administrators (sysadmins) are a critical population of computer users: they use a wide variety of administration tools to maintain the computer infrastructure on which modern society depends. The design of appropriate administration tools relies on accurate information about sysadmins and their work, yet studies to date collecting this information have been qualitative. In this paper I examine a quantitative source of information about system administrators: the annual SAGE salary survey. The primary focus of the survey is collecting salary and benefits information, so that administrators can compare their compensation with others in similar circumstances. In this poster I do further analysis of the SAGE data from 2002 through 2006, investigating correlations that were not part of the SAGE reports. In particular, I examine evidence for teamwork among administrators, and find evidence for sysadmins working in teams in companies of all sizes.
Adaptive Capacity of Social-Ecological Systems: Lessons from Immune Systems

How do systems respond to disturbances? The capacity of a system to respond to disturbances varies for different types of disturbance regimes. We distinguish two types of responses: one that enables the system to absorb disturbances from an existing disturbance regime, and one that enables a system to reconstruct itself after a fundamental change in a disturbance regime. We use immune systems as a model for how systems can deal with disturbances, and use this model to derive insights in adaptive capacity of social-ecological systems. We identify a tension between the two types of responses where one benefits from learning and memory while the other requires fast-turnover of experience. We discuss how this may affect building up adaptive capacity of social-ecological systems.
P02-314 - Membrane lipid rafts are required for D2 dopamine receptor signaling

Introduction Lipid rafts are specialized membrane microdomains enriched in cholesterol and sphingolipids and are important in the organization of receptor-protein complexes and the regulation of signaling. Objective/aims Given the emerging significance of lipids with respect to receptor structure and activation, we investigated the role of lipid rafts and membrane cholesterol on D2 dopamine receptor (DAR) signaling. As the D2 DAR is the molecular target for all antipsychotic drugs, more information about its signaling may help refine therapeutics for schizophrenia. Methods D2 DAR constructs were expressed in HEK293T cells. Sucrose density fractionation resolved lipid rafts from other membrane components. Methyl-β-cyclodextrin (MCD) was used to deplete membrane cholesterol and to disrupt lipid rafts. Results Detergent solubilization followed by sucrose gradient centrifugation resolved lipid rafts from heavier membrane fractions. The D2 DAR was equally distributed amongst both the lipid raft and heavier membrane fractions. Pretreatment with MCD, however, eliminated both lipid raft markers and the D2 DAR from lipid raft fractions, although the receptor was still found in heavier membrane fractions. We also found that MCD treatment abolished D2 DAR-mediated inhibition of cAMP accumulation. In contrast D1 DAR-stimulated cAMP accumulation was unaffected by MCD treatment. Conclusions Our current results show that the D2 DAR is distributed in multiple membrane microdomains, including cholesterol-rich lipid rafts. We found that extraction of cholesterol disrupted lipid rafts and also an eliminated D2 DAR-mediated signaling. Thus, we hypothesize that lipid rafts are critical for D2 DAR signaling to occur.
Surgical microanatomy of the müller muscle-conjunctival resection ptosis procedure.

Purpose: To assess for alterations in the microscopic anatomy that occur as a result of the Muller muscle-conjunctival resection (MMCR) ptosis procedure and to better understand the mechanisms by which MMCR elevates the eyelid. Methods: Sixteen orbits from 8 fresh frozen Caucasian cadaver heads, ranging from 38 to 100 years of age were used. For each head, MMCR was performed on one side. The contralateral, unoperated orbit served as an anatomic control. Each exenterated orbital contents and excised MMCR specimen was evaluated. The histopathology of the eyelids and MMCR specimens were studied microscopically by staining with hematoxylin-eosin, elastic, and Verhoeff-Masson trichrome. Results: Muller muscle and conjunctiva were present in all 8 of the excised MMCR specimens. Elastic fibers consistent with Muller muscle tendon or among the smooth muscle fibers were seen within all excised MMCR specimens. The levator aponeurosis was intact in 8 of 8 operated eyelids; however, the aponeurosis was plicated in all. The accessory lacrimal gland tissues were intact in all of the operated and unoperated eyelids. Conclusions: MMCR works by shortening the posterior lamella, which results in advancement of the levator palpebrae superioris muscle and plication of the levator aponeurosis. Plication of the levator aponeurosis likely contributes to the increased volumetric effect seen clinically after MMCR. Phenylephrine testing can help in fine-tuning the amount of resection, but given the mechanism of action of MMCR, adequate levator muscle function remains a critical factor in the success of the surgery. Moreover, MMCR preserves accessory lacrimal gland tissues.
Self-Enhancement of Peer Acceptance: Implications for Children's Self-worth and Interpersonal Functioning.

Changes in feelings of self-worth and peer acceptance associated with self-enhancing perceptions of their peer acceptance were examined for a normative sample and for a group of peer-rejected children. Whether the correlates of self-enhancement differed as a function of the way in which perceptions were assessed (i.e., general versus specific measures of self-enhancement) or by the degree of enhancement were also studied. Using a longitudinal design, 670 students in grades 3 through 5 were assessed across an academic year. For the normative sample, general self-enhancement of peer acceptance was associated with positive outcomes; specific self-enhancement of peer acceptance was unrelated to changes in outcomes. Both general and specific self-enhancement scores were associated with gains in one or more outcome measures in the rejected group. No support was found for the hypothesis that mild to moderate self-enhancement is predictive of adjustment whereas extreme self-enhancement is related to maladjustment.
Critical fiber size for microcrack suppression in ceramic-fiber/ceramic-matrix composites

Abstract In this paper the microcracking of ceramic-fiber/ceramic-matrix composites due to residual stresses is studied. Starting with the model of a single fiber embedded in an infinite matrix, the critical fiber size for suppression of interface and radial matrix cracking is determined. The relationship between critical fiber size and the parameters governing microcracking (such as cooling temperature, thermal expansion coefficients of fiber and matrix, Young's moduli of the constituents, etc.) is established. It is shown that a smaller difference between the thermal expansion coefficients of matrix and fiber leads to a larger critical fiber size. Cooling temperature and the elastic properties of the constituents also affect microfracture.
Icosahedral crystals from cuts in six-dimensional space

In condensed matter physics it is traditionally assumed that crystalline ordering must necessarily be associated with a regular periodic lattice. A crystal structure is formed by placing a basis of atoms at each lattice point. The symmetry of the crystal is described by the space group which is the mathematical group containing all the symmetry operations which leave the crystal invariant. In addition to the discrete translations which reflect the periodicity of the crystal, the space group includes rotation and reflection symmetries forming the so-called point group. One of the consequences of the existence of an infinite periodic lattice is that the point group cannot contain five-fold symmetry operations. When the stability of crystal ordering is investigated by some physical model, the analysis is always restricted to comparing energies of two or more regular crystal structure belonging to the 230 3D space groups. Yet it has never been proven that the only stable way of having long-range positional ordering of atoms is on a periodic lattice. Indeed, in condensed matter physics it is well known that there exist incommensurate crystals, which can be formed by superposition of structures with incommensurable periods. However, for these crystals one can always define amore » basic lattice belonging to one of the usual space groups, and the positions of atoms are modulated around these lattice positions. If the crystal ordering does not take place on a lattice, there is no reason to rule out ab initio the possibility of having a five-fold axis. In fact, from a purely mathematical point of view, it has been known for some time that it is possible to arrange a small number of different ''titles'' in an infinite ordered arrangement which has five-fold symmetry.« less
Scattering of antiplane shear wave by a piezoelectric circular cylinder with an imperfect interface

We present analytical solutions for the scattering of an antiplane shear wave by a piezoelectric circular cylinder with an imperfect interface. We first consider the simple case in which the imperfection is homogeneous along the interface. Two typical imperfect interfaces are addressed: 1) mechanically compliant and dielectrically weakly conducting interface, and 2) mechanically compliant and dielectrically highly conducting interface. The expressions for the directivity pattern and scattering cross-section of the scattered shear waves are derived. We then investigate the more difficult problem in which the imperfection is circumferentially inhomogeneous along the interface. A concise expression for an inhomogeneously compliant and weakly conducting interface is derived by means of matrix notation. Numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the effect of the imperfection and the circumferential inhomogeneity of the interface on the directivity patterns and scattering cross-sections of the scattered shear wave. The circumferentially inhomogeneous interface is also utilized to model the interface where an arbitrary number of cracks exist. Results show that when every part of the interface is rather compliant, large low-frequency peaks of the scattered cross-sections, which correspond to the resonance scattering, can be observed no matter if the interface is homogeneous or inhomogeneous. The appearance of large low-frequency peaks can be well explained by estimating the natural frequency of the corresponding reduced mass-spring system where the cylinder is assumed as a rigid body. Peaks of the scattered cross-sections spanning from low frequencies to high frequencies can be observed for a cylinder with a partially debonded interface.