cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Electrophysiological and histochemical properties of postnatal rat serotonergic neurons in dissociated cell culture

Abstract Serotonin modulates a variety of neural processes, and is present in a subpopulation of neurons in the raphe nuclei. To study their electrophysiological properties, cells from the mesopontine raphe nuclei of the neonatal rat were dissociated and grown for up to 10 weeks in microcultures. Approximately one third of the neurons were identified as serotonergic based on the presence of serotonin immunoreactivity, tryptophan hydroxylase immunoreactivity, or a high affinity monoamine transporter. About 5% of cultured raphe neurons contained tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity, while 25% contained GABA immunoreactivity. However, no neurons contained both serotonin and tyrosine hydroxylase staining, and less than 1% displayed both serotonin and GABA immunoreactivities. Cultured serotonergic neurons did not exhibit pacemaker firing in the presence ofα 1 adrenergic receptor agonists such as phenylephrine or norepinephrine. Approximately one third were hyperpolarized by serotonin or the selective serotonin 1A receptor agonist,(±)-8-hydroxy-2-(di- N -propylamino)tetralin. Virtually all serotonergic neurons responded to application of glutamate, kainate, N -methyl- d -aspartate, GABA, and glycine. Depolarizing and hyperpolarizing synaptic potentials blocked by glutamate or GABA A receptor antagonists were frequently observed in both serotonergic and non-serotonergic raphe neurons. Slow inhibitory postsynaptic potentials were evoked by activating single presynaptic serotonergic neurons with a brief intracellular current pulse. The slow inhibitory synaptic potential had a mean latency to onset of35 ± 5 ms, a duration of 0.8–2.6 s, and was inhibited by the serotonin 1A autoreceptor antagonists, (−)propranolol and spiperone. The rising and falling phases of the inhibitory potential could be fit by single exponential functions with mean time constants of53 ± 8ms and504 ± 78ms, respectively. Serotonin 1A receptor-mediated autoinhibition was observed in microcultures containing a solitary serotonergic neuron, and thus constituted synaptic serotonin release, responsiveness, and re-uptake by a single vertebrate neuron. In summary, histochemical and electrophysiological evidence was obtained for catecholaminergic, GABAergic, and glutamatergic non-serotonergic raphe neurons in culture, many of which formed functional synaptic connections with neighboring cells. Additionally, cultured mesopontine serotonergic neurons expressed many of the cytochemical markers, neurotransmitter receptors, and synaptic functions observed in such cells in vivo , but the proportion of neurons sensitive to serotonergic and adrenergic agonists was significantly less than that reported in vivo . For the first time, the kinetics and pharmacology of serotonergic synaptic transmission by a single vertebrate serotonergic raphe neuron were determined, and were found to resemble those observed after extracellular stimulation of populations of raphe neurons in slices and in vivo .
Noninvasive mapping of the electrically stimulated mouse brain using photoacoustic microscopy

Photoacoustic imaging techniques possess high optical contrast with ultrasonic resolution while exceeding imaging depths of pure optical techniques, affording high resolution images deep within scattering biological tissues. In this work, we employ reflection-mode photoacoustic microscopy to non-invasively monitor hemodynamic contrasts and map brain activity. Changes in vascular dynamics of the mouse somatosensory cortex were evoked through electrical stimulation of the hindpaw, resulting in increased photoacoustic intensities spatially correlated with contra-lateral vasculature. Results demonstrate the ability to map brain activation with vascular resolution in three-dimensions, as well as monitor single-vessel hemodynamics with millisecond temporal resolution. Furthermore, these results implicate the feasibility of photoacoustic microscopy to probe intra-cortical single-vessel hemodynamics and pave the way for more extensive functional brain imaging studies.
The quest toward unsupervised practice: promoting autonomy, not independence.

The ultimate goal of graduate medical education has often been described as supporting learners in the pursuit of independent practice. To achieve this goal, learners and supervisors attempt to balance autonomy vs supervision, defining autonomy as allowing a learner to make decisions in the absence of a supervisor, and supervision as ensuring that ultimate care decisions are in the control of a more experienced physician. These definitions are not only outmoded but perhaps were never correct. Instead, training must prepare learners for unsupervised practice, in which they interact with others (not act independently) and are afforded appropriate autonomy and levels of supervision during training. Indeed, this concept is now reflected in the educational competencies that have been developed by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. It is not simply a matter of semantics. Overemphasis on independent practice as the goal beyond training threatens the openness of learners to seeking help when needed and misstates the goal they must strive to achieve. Without defining the intended goal— unsupervised practice—learners and supervisors risk losing focus on ensuring that learners make appropriate de
A semi-analytical solution to the transient temperature behavior along the vertical wellbore after well shut-in

Abstract Temperature measured from a permanent downhole gauge in a well after the well shut-in provides a unique perspective for surveillance and production management. For example, in deepwater environment, production engineer needs to know the temperature of a shut-in well before it is being restarted since different temperature profiles along the wellbore may need very different restarting strategies for flow assurance purpose. A number from the “rule-of-thumb” or running complicated numerical simulation is either not reliable or impractical. This paper presents a semi-analytical model to estimate the temperature transient behavior after the well shut-in. The temperature at a point along the wellbore, which is useful for production management and flow assurance, is solved and the solution can be easily implemented for calculating temperature history. The temperature profile solution for locations along the wellbore is also presented in the paper. Furthermore, matching the calculated temperature with the measured temperature at the same location will yield the well local heat transmissibility coefficient. The applications of the solution to this model are multiple folders and a deepwater field example is provided to demonstrate some applications and valid the results.
CT quality assurance: computer assisted slice thickness determination.

The precise slice geometry of a CTscanner is an important, albeit tedious to determine, characteristic. A series of computer programs have been developed to analyze the slice thickness insert of the AAPM phantom. Without operator assistance they generate the beam profiles and slice thicknesses at three points in the scan field. A representative analysis is done on an AS&E scanner with slice thickness settings of 2 to 10 mm. The resulting discrepent measured thicknesses, ranging from 3 to 8 mm, indicate the need to perform such slice thickness measurements as part of a regular quality assurance program.
Magnetic anisotropy and stacking faults in Co and Co84Pt16 epitaxially grown thin films

A combined set of experimental and theoretical diffraction studies are performed to evaluate the possible impact of stacking faults on magnetic anisotropy using epitaxially grown Co/Ru and Co84Pt16/Ru thin films on MgO(111) single crystal substrates. A 3rd nearest neighbor interaction is incorporated into Monte Carlo simulations of faulted film growth used to predict (10.L) diffraction profiles. These are compared with experimental profiles to determine stacking fault content. It is found that stacking fault density decreases with increasing temperature concurrent with an increase in magnetic anisotropy and a compression of the crystallographic lattice parameter, c.
Establishing the nadir of the body mass index-mortality relationship : A case Study

Abstract Many studies have demonstrated a nonmonotonic relationship between mortality and body mass index (BMI), with excess mortality occurring at both low and high levels. Although much discussion and many different analyses have appeared, to our knowledge no attempt has been made to quantitatively establish the BMI at which minimum mortality (BMImin) occurs or to establish confidence intervals for this BMI, accounting for the asymmetry of the relationship. We model the nonmonotonic relationship between BMI and mortality in 13,242 black and white participants of the NHANES-I Epidemiologic Follow-up Study to estimate the BMI at which minimum mortality occurs. In our analyses we consider the joint relationship of age, smoking status, and BMI to mortality. We present two methodologies for estimating BMImin: a logistic regression model with a transformation of BMI to accommodate asymmetry and a changepoint model as suggested by Goetghebeur and Pocock. We establish confidence intervals for BMImin using the d...
Active Orthoses for the Lower-Limbs: Challenges and State of the Art

In the many decades since researchers began to explore methods of creating them, active orthoses have progressed from complex research devices to nearly commercialized products. And while there are still many challenges associated with their development that have yet to be perfected, the advances in the field have been enormous. In this paper we review the history and discuss the state of the art of lower-limb active orthoses. We provide a design overview of hardware, actuation, sensory, and control systems for most of the devices that have been described in the literature, and end with a discussion of the major advances that have been made and hurdles yet to be overcome.
An Empirical Analysis of the Determinants of the Value of Vacant Land

This study extends the literature that investigates the use of buyer and seller characteristics in traditional hedonic price equation regressions. This study adds to the existing literature on the ...
Hematoma of liver: a lesion-mimicking hepatic neoplasm

A plethora of case reports of women on birth control agents who present with hepatic masses and who are ultimately found to have liver neoplasms have overshadowed the clinicians' awareness of other possible diagnoses in patients who present in a similar fashion. Hematomas of the liver, secondary to vascular lesions induced by these agents, must be considered and preoperative attempts to make the diagnosis must be ensured by obtaining appropriate studies.
Adaptive Edge Detectors for Piecewise Smooth Data Based on the minmod Limiter

We are concerned with the detection of edges--the location and amplitudes of jump discontinuities of piecewise smooth data realized in terms of its discrete grid values. We discuss the interplay between two approaches. One approach, realized in the physical space, is based on local differences and is typically limited to low-order of accuracy. An alternative approach developed in our previous work [Gelb and Tadmor, Appl. Comp. Harmonic Anal., 7, 101---135 (1999)] and realized in the dual Fourier space, is based on concentration factors; with a proper choice of concentration factors one can achieve higher-orders--in fact in [Gelb and Tadmor, SIAM J. Numer. Anal., 38, 1389---1408 (2001)] we constructed exponentially accurate edge detectors. Since the stencil of these highly-accurate detectors is global, an outside threshold parameter is required to avoid oscillations in the immediate neighborhood of discontinuities. In this paper we introduce an adaptive edge detection procedure based on a cross-breading between the local and global detectors. This is achieved by using the minmod limiter to suppress spurious oscillations near discontinuities while retaining high-order accuracy away from the jumps. The resulting method provides a family of robust, parameter-free edge-detectors for piecewise smooth data. We conclude with a series of one- and two-dimensional simulations.
Interleukin-8 expression in otitis media.

Based on recent studies in the authors' laboratory on the correlation of cytokines and inflammation in otitis media (OM), the authors hypothesized that in chronic otitis media with effusion (COME) interleukin-8 (IL-8) is responsible for 1. the accumulation of leukocytes in the middle ear cleft and 2. in situ leukocyte activation with subsequent tissue damage. Additionally, the authors hypothesized that IL-8 expression is at least in part under the control of interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF). To begin to test this hypothesis, middle ear effusions (MEE) obtained from children ages 2 to 90 months (mean age, 29 months) undergoing tympanostomy tube placement for the presence of these inflammatory cytokines were analyzed. For these studies, IL-8, interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and tumor necrosis factor-beta (TNF-beta) were measured in MEE by radioimmunoassay (RIA) or enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA). IL-8, IL-1 beta, TNF-alpha, and TNF-beta were present in 92%, 67%, 77%, and 0% of effusions, respectively. The mean (+/- SEM) values for IL-8, IL-1 beta, and TNF-alpha were 4805 (+/- 913) pg/mg, 4076 (+/- 1510) pg/mg, and 163 (+/- 90) pg/mg. Further analysis indicated that levels of IL-8 correlated with IL-1 beta (R2 = .500, P = .000) and TNF-alpha (R2 = .387, P = .023). Thus the authors' studies clearly demonstrate that IL-8 is consistently present in the MEE of children with COME and is strongly correlated with levels of IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha, both known inducers of IL-8 production. These results support the authors' hypothesis that IL-1 beta, TNF-alpha, and IL-8 are intimately involved in the inflammatory cascade in the middle ear and suggest regulation of these cytokines as possible sites of future therapeutic intervention in otitis media with effusion (OME).
Unruly Order: Violence, Power, and Cultural Identity In the High Provinces of Southern Peru

Unruly Order: Violence, Power, and Cultural Identity In the High Provinces of Southern Peru. Deborah Poole. ed. Boulder, CO: Westview Press, 1994. + 285 pp., contributors, figures, tables, notes, bibliography.
Defect Structure of α-Al2O3 Doped with Titanium

Titanium-doped α-Al2O3 exhibits a high-temperature conductivity which is ionic at high oxygen pressures and electronic at low oxygen pressures. Both are isotropic. The temperature dependence of conductivity under conditions where equilibrium with the atmosphere is not maintained indicates both the position of the energy level of titanium (TiAlx) in the forbidden gap and the temperature dependence of the mobility of the native ionic defects (Al vacancies, VAlm). Optical absorption responsible for the pink color of the reduced crystals is measured as a function of po2 and is used to determine concentrations of Ti3+ and Ti4+. Parameters for the equilibrium constants of the reactions involving electrons by which the composition of Al2O3:Ti and undoped Al2O3 is varied are determined. The chemical diffusion data by Jones et al. are described quantitatively.
IEEE 1547 series of standards: interconnection issues

IEEE 1547 2003 standard for interconnecting distributed resources with electric power systems is the first in the 1547 series of planned interconnection standards. Major issues and a wealth of constructive dialogue arose during 1547 development. There was also a perceived increased vitality in updating complementary IEEE standards and developing additional standards to accommodate modern electrical and electronics systems and improved grid communications and operations. Power engineers and other stakeholders looking to the future are poised to incorporate 1547 into their knowledge base to help transform our nation's aging distribution systems while alleviating some of the burden on existing transmission systems.
Analysis of cell growth kinetics and substrate diffusion in a polymer scaffold.

The cultivation of cartilage cells (chondrocytes) in polymer scaffolds leads to implants that may potentially be used to repair damaged joint cartilage or for reconstructive surgery. For this technique to be medically applicable, the physical parameters that govern cell growth in a polymer scaffold must be understood. This understanding of cell behavior under in vitro conditions, where diffusion is the primary mode of transport of nutrients, may aid in the scale-up of the cartilage generation process. A mathematical model of chondrocyte generation and nutrient consumption is developed here to analyze the behavior of cell growth in a biodegradable polymer matrix for a series of different thickness polymers. Recent literature has implied that the diffusion of nutrients is a major factor that limits cell growth (Freed et al., 1994). In the present paper, a mathematical model is developed to directly relate the effects of increasing cell mass in the polymer matrix on the transport of nutrients. Reaction and diffusion of nutrients in the cell-polymer system are described using the fundamental species continuity equations and the volume averaging method. The volume averaging method is utilized to derive a single averaged nutrient continuity equation that includes the effective transport properties. This approach allows for the derivation of effective diffusion and rate coefficients as functions of the cell volume fraction. The cell volume fraction as a function of time is determined by solution of a material balance on cell mass. Growth functions including the Moser, a modified Contois, and an nth-order heterogeneous growth kinetic model are evaluated through a parameter analysis, and the results are compared to experimental data found in the literature. The results indicate that cellular functions in conjunction with mass transfer processes can account partially for the general trends in the cell growth behavior for various thickness polymers. The Contois growth function appeared to describe the data more accurately in terms of the lag period at early times and the long time limits. However, all kinetic growth functions required variations in the kinetic parameters to fully describe the effects of polymer thickness. This result implies that restricted diffusion of nutrients is not the sole factor limiting cell growth when the thickness of the polymer is changed. Therefore, further experimental data and model improvements are needed to accurately describe the cell growth process.
Magnetic insulation for the space environment

The influence of magnetic fields on dielectric surface breakdown voltages for space conditions (pressure in the range of 10-7 to 10-2 Torr, background plasma, and UV illumination) is investigated, both for DC and pulsed voltages as well as DC and pulsed magnetic fields, including conditions for magnetic self insulation. DC conditions are susceptible to corona-type discharges with major influences of magnetic fields on discharge paths and geometry. For pulsed volt-ages, insulation effects dependent on the polarity of the magnetic field (with respect to the electric field and the surface) are starting at field amplitudes of 0.2 T.© (1988) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Non-coding RNAs: lessons from the small nuclear and small nucleolar RNAs

Recent advances have fuelled rapid growth in our appreciation of the tremendous number, diversity and biological importance of non-coding (nc)RNAs. Because ncRNAs typically function as ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complexes and not as naked RNAs, understanding their biogenesis is crucial to comprehending their regulation and function. The small nuclear and small nucleolar RNPs are two well studied classes of ncRNPs with elaborate assembly and trafficking pathways that provide paradigms for understanding the biogenesis of other ncRNPs.
A codesign approach for distributed systems

Distributed systems have become prevalent in response to the rapidly expanding Internet's demands. Their design presents new challenges because it involves the interaction of hardware and software. Continual marketplace innovation drives computing toward heterogeneity in both hardware and software and generates a complexity that goes beyond the earlier codesign approaches, which were developed for more homogeneous systems executing in non-distributed environments. Codesign of heterogeneous systems requires the support of a powerful modeling and simulation environment because analysis alone cannot deal with all the challenges such complex systems pose. We believe that modeling and simulation, using the discrete-event system specification modeling and simulation framework, are the most suitable vehicles to study the complexities associated with developing distributed-object computing systems.
ISO 9000: a problem or an opportunity for information technology?

The authors explore the role of information technology (IT) with respect to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9000 series of documentation. ISO certification, implementation, and benefits are examined. The new ISO standard for developing and maintaining software is outlined. In particular, attention is given to whether ISO 9000 is to be viewed as a problem of compliance or as an opportunity for IT in shaping the future of organizations in a global marketplace. Two surveys are reviewed and diverse views of the IT role are highlighted. >
Taking the Risk Out of Systemic Risk Measurement

Conditional value at risk (CoVaR) and marginal expected shortfall (MES) have been proposed as measures of systemic risk. Some argue these statistics should be used to impose a “systemic risk tax” on financial institutions. These recommendations are premature because CoVaR and MES are ad hoc measures that: (1) eschew statistical inference; (2) confound systemic and systematic risk; and, (3) poorly measure asymptotic tail dependence in stock returns. We introduce a null hypothesis to separate systemic from systematic risk and construct hypothesis tests. These tests are applied to daily stock returns data for over 3500 firms during 2006-2007. CoVaR (MES) tests identify almost 500 (1000) firms as systemically important. Both tests identify many more real-side firms than financial firms, and they often disagree about which firms are systemic. Analysis of hypotheses tests’ performance for nested alternative distributions finds: (1) skewness in returns can cause false test rejections; (2) even when asymptotic tail dependence is very strong, CoVaR and MES may not detect systemic risk. Our overall conclusion is that CoVaR and MES statistics are unreliable measures of systemic risk.
Dihydrobenzofuran Analogues of Hallucinogens. 3.1 Models of 4-Substituted (2,5-Dimethoxyphenyl)alkylamine Derivatives with Rigidified Methoxy Groups2

Tetrahydrobenzodifuran functionalities were employed as conformationally restricted bioisosteres of the aromatic methoxy groups in prototypical hallucinogenic phenylalkylamines 1 and 2. Thus, a series of 8-substituted 1-(2,3,6,7-tetrahydrobenzo[1,2-b:4,5-b‘]difuran-4-yl)-2-aminoalkanes (7a−e) were prepared and evaluated for activity in the two-lever drug discrimination paradigm in rats trained to discriminate saline from LSD tartrate (0.08 mg/kg) and for the ability to displace [3H]ketanserin from rat cortical homogenate 5-HT2A receptors and [3H]-8-OH-DPAT from rat hippocampal homogenate 5-HT1A receptors. In addition, 1-(8-bromo-2,3,6,7-tetrahydrobenzo[1,2-b:4,5-b‘]difuran-4-yl)-2-aminopropane (7b), which was found to be extremely potent in the rat in vivo assays, was evaluated for its ability to compete with [125I]DOI and [3H]ketanserin binding to cells expressing cloned human 5-HT2A, 5-HT2B, and 5-HT2C receptors. All of the dihydrofuranyl compounds having a hydrophobic substituent para to the alkylamine...
Pentoxifylline attenuates steatohepatitis induced by the methionine choline deficient diet

Background/Aims Feeding mice a methionine choline deficient (MCD) diet serves as a nutritional model of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). NASH and alcohol-induced steatohepatitis are histologically similar, suggesting a similar pathogenesis. Pentoxifylline (PTX) attenuates TNF-alpha production, acts as an antioxidant and decreases mortality in alcoholic steatohepatitis. The aim of our study is to determine if PTX attenuates MCD diet induced steatohepatitis and determine the mechanism of this effect. Methods Mice were placed on an MCD or control diet for 2 weeks and were treated with or without PTX. Serum ALT, liver histology, and inflammatory mechanisms were evaluated. Results PTX attenuates MCD diet induced steatohepatitis, decreasing both serum ALT levels and hepatic inflammation. Serum ALT levels were reduced approximately 50% in the MCD+PTX group compared to the MCD group. Hepatic glutathione levels were significantly higher in the MCD+PTX group compared to the MCD group. There was also a reduction in TNF-alpha mRNA in female mice treated with PTX. MCD+PTX mice had increased hepatic triglyceride content compared to the MCD mice, but less histologic evidence of inflammation despite the increased steatosis. Serum lipid and bile salt levels also were similar in PTX and vehicle control treated mice. Conclusions PTX decreases serum ALT levels and hepatic inflammation in the MCD model of steatohepatitis, likely via increasing glutathione levels or reducing TNF-alpha expression.
Animated Demonstrations: Evidence of Improved Performance Efficiency and the Worked Example Effect

The purpose of this study was to assess the efficiency and effectiveness of animated demonstrations, to determine if those using animated demonstrations would exhibit the worked example effect [1], and a delayed performance decrement, described as Palmiter's animation deficit [2], [3]. The study measured relative condition efficiency (RCE) [4] and developed a construct called performance efficiency (PE). Results revealed the animated demonstration groups assembled the week one problem in significantly less time than the practice group, providing evidence for the worked example effect with animated demonstrations. In addition, subjects from the demonstration groups were significantly more efficient (given performance efficiency) than those from the practice group. Finally, group performance did not differ a week later, providing no evidence of Palmiter's animation deficit.
The Critical Role of Patents in the Development, Commercialization and Utilization of Innovative Genetic Diagnostic Tests and Personalized Medicine

Arguments in favor of reining in the availability of effective patent protection in the area of genetic diagnostic testing are based largely on two fundamental misconceptions regarding the role of patents in this important area of technological innovation. The first is the mistaken assumption that patents negatively impact patient access to genetic diagnostic testing by preventing research that might lead to new or improved versions of a genetic test and by increasing the cost of testing services. The second is the failure to appreciate the substantial positive role patents play in in the development and utilization of genetic diagnostic tests. In fact, patents have little if any negative impact on basic research, and have been proven to significantly improve patient access to advanced diagnostic testing services by incentivizing the substantial investment that is necessary not only to bring these tests to market, but also to educate patients and their doctors with respect to the availability of the tests, and to work with third-party payers to expand patients' eligibility for reimbursement. Next-generation technologies are poised to dramatically improve healthcare and patient outcomes, but this will only occur if effective and enforceable patent protection is available as the necessary spur for innovation and commercialization.
Observations on the Biology of Microbracon Pygmaeus (Prov.), an Important Parasite of Coleophora Pruniella Cl.

Microbracon pygmaeus Provancher, an ectoparasite of the mature larva of the Cherry Case-Bearer ( Coleophora pruniella Cl.) has been known to taxonomists since 1880. Although a parasite of common and widespread occurrence no accounts of its biology appear to have been published. The parasite was first observed in Door County in 1930, however, the observations on which this paper is based were begun in the spring of 1931 and continued during the subsequent two seasons. The studies were conducted at the University of Wisconsin Peninsular Branch Experiment Station at Sturgeon Bay, Door County, Wisconsin.
Plant-based vaccines against diarrheal diseases.

Every year 1.6 million deaths occur due to diarrhea related to unsafe water and inadequate sanitation—the vast majority in children under 5 years old. Safe and effective vaccines against enteric infections could contribute to control of these diseases. However, purification of protective antigens for inclusion in vaccines using traditional expression systems is expensive and unattractive to vaccine manufacturers who see the vaccine market as economically uninviting. Cost is one of the persistent barriers to deployment of new vaccines to populations that need them most urgently. Transgenic plant-derived vaccines offer a new strategy for development of safe, inexpensive vaccines against diarrheal diseases. In phase 1 clinical studies, these vaccines have been safe and immunogenic without the need for a buffer or vehicle other than the plant cell. This paper describes early clinical studies evaluating oral transgenic plant vaccines against enteric infections such as enterotoxigenic E. coli infection and norovirus.
Use of Glucose Rate of Change Arrows to Adjust Insulin Therapy Among Individuals with Type 1 Diabetes Who Use Continuous Glucose Monitoring.

Abstract Objective: This study was performed to understand and to compare differences in utilization of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and the rate of change (ROC) arrow to adjust insulin therapy among individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D), comparing those treated with multiple daily insulin injections (MDI) with those treated with continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII). Research Design and Methods: We surveyed 222 T1D individuals who regularly used real-time CGM to obtain information about general CGM use and response to glucose ROC arrows in managing their diabetes. Results: The survey was completed by 222 T1D individuals. Respondents included CSII (n = 166) and MDI (n = 56) users. MDI and CSII respondents reported similar substantial increases in correction dosages (from 220 mg/dL to 120 mg/dL) in response to increasing glucose (one ROC arrow up: rising 2–3 mg/dL/min): +120% and +108%, respectively (P = 0.13). MDI and CSII respondents reported similar substantial increases in correction ...
Ultra-High Surface Area Activated Porous Asphalt for CO2 Capture through Competitive Adsorption at High Pressures

This study reports an improved method for activating asphalt to produce ultra-high surface area porous carbons. Pretreatment of asphalt (untreated Gilsonite, uGil) at 400 °C for 3 h removes the more volatile organic compounds to form pretreated asphalt (uGil-P) material with a larger fraction of higher molecular weight π-conjugated asphaltenes. Subsequent activation of uGil-P at 900 °C gives an ultra-high surface area (4200 m2 g−1) porous carbon material (uGil-900) with a mixed micro and mesoporous structure. uGil-900 shows enhanced room temperature CO2 uptake capacity at 54 bar of 154 wt% (35 mmol g−1). The CH4 uptake capacity is 37.5 wt% (24 mmol g−1) at 300 bar. These are relevant pressures in natural gas production. The room temperature working CO2 uptake capacity for uGil-900 is 19.1 mmol g−1 (84 wt%) at 20 bar and 32.6 mmol g−1 (143 wt%) at 50 bar. In order to further assess the reliability of uGil-900 for CO2 capture at elevated pressures, the authors study competitive sorption of CO2 and CH4 on uGil-900 at pressures from 1 to 20 bar at 25 °C. CO2/CH4 displacement constants are measured at 2 to 40 bar, and found to increase significantly with pressure and surface area.
Characterization of wideband time-varying channels with multipath-scale diversity

In this paper, we present a characterization of wideband time-varying wireless channels based on a discrete time-scale framework that can provide multipath-scale diversity. This is important for systems such as underwater or airborne acoustics for which the narrowband conditions no longer hold, and time-scalings cannot be approximated by constant frequency shifts. We design a spreading waveform for direct-sequence code division multiple-access systems based on wavelet functions to realize orthogonal signaling. Furthermore, we use the orthogonal wavelet decomposition for direct channel estimation and coherent detection.
Angiopoietin 2 signaling plays a critical role in neural crest cell migration

Collective neural crest cell migration is critical to the form and function of the vertebrate face and neck, distributing bone, cartilage, and nerve cells into peripheral targets that are intimately linked with head vasculature. The vasculature and neural crest structures are ultimately linked, but when and how these patterns develop in the early embryo are not well understood. Using in vivo imaging and sophisticated cell behavior analyses, we show that quail cranial neural crest and endothelial cells share common migratory paths, sort out in a dynamic multistep process, and display multiple types of motion. To better understand the underlying molecular signals, we examined the role of angiopoietin 2 (Ang2), which we found expressed in migrating cranial neural crest cells. Overexpression of Ang2 causes neural crest cells to be more exploratory as displayed by invasion of off-target locations, the widening of migratory streams into prohibitive zones, and differences in cell motility type. The enhanced exploratory phenotype correlates with increased phosphorylated focal adhesion kinase activity in migrating neural crest cells. In contrast, loss of Ang2 function reduces neural crest cell exploration. In both gain and loss of function of Ang2, we found disruptions to the timing and interplay between cranial neural crest and endothelial cells. Together, these data demonstrate a role for Ang2 in maintaining collective cranial neural crest cell migration and suggest interdependence with endothelial cell migration during vertebrate head patterning.
Connexin43 and the Intercellular Signaling Network Regulating Skeletal Remodeling

This review highlights recent developments into how intercellular communication through connexin43 facilitates bone modeling and remodeling. Connexin43 is required for both skeletal development and maintenance, particularly in cortical bone, where it carries out multiple functions, including preventing osteoclastogenesis, restraining osteoprogenitor proliferation, promoting osteoblast differentiation, coordinating organized collagen matrix deposition, and maintaining osteocyte survival. Emerging data shows that connexin43 regulates both the exchange of small molecules among osteoblast lineage cells and the docking of signaling proteins to the gap junction, affecting the efficiency of signal transduction. Understanding how and what connexin43 communicates to coordinate tissue remodeling has therapeutic implications in bone. Altering the information shared by intercellular communication and/or targeting the recruitment of signaling machinery to the gap junction could be used to impact the skeletal homeostatic set point, either driving osteogenesis or inhibiting resorption.
Optimizing Video for Learning: A Case Study-Based Primer of Informal, Educational, Digital Video Best Practices

Through case studies of existing digital educational videos, this paper attempts to connect, curate, and distill best practices that have emerged from learning sciences research, educational video use, and video production. It is a review of educational, online video best practices and research as of early-2017, written especially for producers and educators who are interested in using video to communicate technical content and to facilitate learning.
Short‐term heat stress alters redox balance in porcine skeletal muscle

Heat stress contributes to higher morbidity and mortality in humans and animals and is an agricultural economic challenge because it reduces livestock productivity. Redox balance and associated mitochondrial responses appear to play a central role in heat stress-induced skeletal muscle pathology. We have previously reported increased oxidative stress and mitochondrial content in oxidative muscle following 12 h of heat stress. The purposes of this investigation were to characterize heat stress-induced oxidative stress and changes in mitochondrial content and biogenic signaling in oxidative skeletal muscle. Crossbred gilts were randomly assigned to either thermal neutral (21°C; n = 8, control group) or heat stress (37°C) conditions for 2 h (n = 8), 4 h (n = 8), or 6 h (n = 8). At the end, their respective environmental exposure, the red portion of the semitendinosus muscle (STR) was harvested. Heat stress increased concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) following 2 and 4 h compared to thermal neutral and 6 h, which was similar to thermal neutral, and decreased linearly with time. Protein carbonyl content was not influenced by environment. Catalase activity was increased following 4 h of heat stress and superoxide dismutase activity was decreased following 6 h of heat stress compared to thermal neutral conditions. Heat stress-mediated changes in antioxidant activity were independent of altered protein abundance or transcript expression. Mitochondrial content and mitochondrial biogenic signaling were similar between groups. These data demonstrate that heat stress caused a transient increase in oxidative stress that was countered by a compensatory change in catalase activity. These findings contribute to our growing understanding of the chronology of heat stress-induced intracellular dysfunctions in skeletal muscle.
Ottoman commercial tribunals: closer than enemies, farther than friends

Abstract The Ottoman commercial tribunals remain an enigma for historians. This branch of the Ottoman legal system existed throughout the Ottoman Empire for several decades as an institution of the Tanzimat reforms. This paper presents the form and function of these tribunals, as well as examples of interactions among diverse networks in the Ottoman provinces that took place within the tribunal cases. These interactions provide opportunities to investigate Ottoman resistance against European incursions into local spaces of authority. Thus, the author presents a previously unavailable perspective of provincial imperial interactions. Among other things, at the local level, commercial tribunals created previously unavailable brokerage opportunities for European and Ottoman actors by diluting the legal authority of the Ottoman centre. At the imperial level, the resulting frictions dealt a significant blow to the Tanzimat reforms by sowing discord among the Ottoman reformers and their European allies. At the l...
Domain analysis reveals striking functional differences between the regulatory subunits of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), p85α and p85β

// Yoshihiro Ito 1 , Peter K. Vogt 1 and Jonathan R. Hart 1 1 Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, San Diego, CA, USA Correspondence to: Peter K. Vogt, email: // Keywords : SH2 domain, SH3 domain, RhoGAP domain, iSH2 domain, domain exchange Received : November 11, 2016 Accepted : July 12, 2017 Published : August 03, 2017 Abstract Our understanding of isoform-specific activities of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) is still rudimentary, and yet, deep knowledge of these non-redundant functions in the PI3K family is essential for effective and safe control of PI3K in disease. The two major isoforms of the regulatory subunits of PI3K are p85α and p85β, encoded by the genes PIK3R1 and PIK3R2, respectively. These isoforms show distinct functional differences that affect and control cellular PI3K activity and signaling [ 1 - 4 ]. In this study, we have further explored the differences between p85α and p85β by genetic truncations and substitutions. We have discovered unexpected activities of the mutant proteins that reflect regulatory functions of distinct p85 domains. These results can be summarized as follows: Deletion of the SH3 domain increases oncogenic and PI3K signaling activity. Deletion of the combined SH3-RhoGAP domains abolishes these activities. In p85β, deletion of the cSH2 domain reduces oncogenic and signaling activities. In p85α, such a deletion has an activating effect. The deletions of the combined cSH2 and iSH2 domains and also the deletion of the cSH2, iSH2 and nSH2 domains yield results that go in the same direction, generally activating in p85α and reducing activity in p85β. The contrasting functions of the cSH2 domains are verified by domain exchanges with the cSH2 domain of p85β exerting an activating effect and the cSH2 domain of p85α an inactivating effect, even in the heterologous isoform. In the cell systems studied, protein stability was not correlated with oncogenic and signaling activity. These observations significantly expand our knowledge of the isoform-specific activities of p85α and p85β and of the functional significance of specific domains for regulating the catalytic subunits of class IA PI3K.
ATP induces PAD4 in renal proximal tubule cells via P2X7 receptor activation to exacerbate ischemic AKI

We previously demonstrated that renal tubular peptidylarginine deiminase-4 (PAD4) is induced after ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury and this induction of PAD4 exacerbates ischemic acute kidney inju...
Predictors of Hospital Length of Stay and 30-Day Readmission in Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy Patients: An Analysis of 3057 Patients Using the ACS-NSQIP Database.

Background Hospital length of stay (LOS), 30-day readmission rate, and other metrics are increasingly being used to evaluate quality of surgical care. The factors most relevant to cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) are not yet established. Objective To identify perioperative factors associated with extended LOS and 30-day readmission following elective surgery for CSM. Methods Surgical CSM patients at institutions represented by the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) during 2010–2012 were included. Patients with fracture, 9 or more levels fused, or cancer were excluded. Extended LOS was defined as 75th percentile of the cohort. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression identified predictors for extended LOS, 30-day readmission, and reoperation. Linear regression modeling was used to evaluate variables. Results Three thousand fifty-seven surgical CSM cases were isolated. Age (odds ratio [OR], 1.496), diabetes (OR, 1.691), American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class (OR, 2.081), posterior surgical approach (OR, 2.695), and operative time (OR, 1.008) were all positive predictors (P Conclusions Patients with diabetes and higher ASA class were at increased risk for extended LOS and readmission within 30-days. Patients with increased operative time have greater risk for extended LOS. Preoperative pulmonary comorbidities increased reoperation risk, whereas increased age reduced the risk. Attention to these factors may benefit CSM patients.
Trends of Earlier Palliative Care Consultation in Advanced Cancer Patients Receiving Palliative Radiation Therapy

Abstract Context The American Society of Clinical Oncology recommends that all patients with metastatic disease receive dedicated palliative care (PC) services early in their illness, ideally via interdisciplinary care teams. Objectives We investigated the time trends of specialty palliative care consultations from the date of metastatic cancer diagnosis among patients receiving palliative radiation therapy (PRT). A shorter time interval between metastatic diagnosis and first PC consultation suggests earlier involvement of palliative care in a patient's life with metastatic cancer. Methods In this IRB-approved retrospective analysis, patients treated with PRT for solid tumors (bone and brain) at a single tertiary care hospital between 2010 and 2016 were included. Cohorts were arbitrarily established by metastatic diagnosis within approximately two-year intervals: 1) 1/1/2010–3/27/2012, 2) 3/28/2012–5/21/2014, and 3) 5/22/2014–12/31/2016. Cox proportional hazards regression modeling was used to compare trends of PC consultation among cohorts. Results Of 284 patients identified, 184 patients received PC consultation, whereas 15 patients died before receiving a PC consult. Median follow-up time until an event or censor was 257 days (range: 1900). Patients in the most recent cohort had a shorter median time to first PC consult (57 days) compared to those in the first (374 days) and second (186 days) cohorts. On multivariable analysis, patients in the third cohort were more likely to undergo a PC consultation earlier in their metastatic illness (hazard ratio: 1.8, 95% CI: 1.2–2.8). Conclusion Over a six-year period, palliative care consultation occurred earlier for metastatic patients treated with PRT at our institution.
Radiologic Response and Disease Control of Recurrent Intracranial Meningiomas Treated With Reirradiation.

Purpose To evaluate the clinical outcomes of reirradiation of recurrent meningiomas and factors related to patient selection and treatment modality. Methods and Materials Recurrent meningioma patients who failed prior stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) or fractionated external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) received reirradiation using either SRS or EBRT. Complete response (CR), partial response (PR), and progression after reirradiation were evaluated using the MacDonald criteria. Local control (LC), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) after reirradiation were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Logistic and Cox regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with reirradiation modality and PFS, respectively. Results Forty-three patients (14 grade 1/unknown, 29 grade 2/3) were reirradiated with SRS (67%) or EBRT (33%). Median time from initial SRS/EBRT to reirradiation was 60 months (range, 7.5-202); median tumor volume at the time of reirradiation was 4.8 cm 3 (range, 0.14-64). After a median radiologic follow-up of 19.4 months, the response rate (CR + PR) was 8% for grade 1 and 20% for grade 2/3 meningiomas. After 2 years, LC was 78%, PFS was 63%, and OS was 80%. Larger tumor volume and prior SRS were associated with reirradiation using EBRT. Reirradiated grade 2/3 meningiomas had significantly worse PFS than grade 1 (2-year PFS: 50% vs 92%, respectively; P = .02) but not LC ( P = .11) or OS ( P = .39). On multivariable analysis, worse PFS was significantly associated with grade 2/3 histology (hazard ratio, 3.92; 95% confidence interval, 1.33-11.6) as well as worse Karnofsky Performance Scale score but not reirradiation dose, volume, and modality. Grades 3 to 4 radiation necrosis developed in 4 patients (10%). Conclusions Reirradiation of recurrent meningiomas appears to be feasible with promising clinical outcomes and an acceptable toxicity profile.
The Photosynthetic Process

The primary source of energy for nearly all life is the Sun. The energy in sunlight is introduced into the biosphere by a process known as photosynthesis, which occurs in plants, algae and some types of bacteria. Photosynthesis can be defined as the physicochemical process by which photosynthetic organisms use light energy to drive the synthesis of organic compounds. The photosynthetic process depends on a set of complex protein molecules that are located in and around a highly organized membrane. Through a series of energy transducing reactions, the photosynthetic machinery transforms light energy into a stable form that can last for hundreds of millions of years. This introductory chapter focuses on the structure of the photosynthetic machinery and the reactions essential for transforming light energy into chemical energy.