cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
RPE-derived factors modulate photoreceptor differentiation: a possible role in the retinal stem cell niche.

A photoreceptor cell line, designated 661W, was tested for its response to growth factors secreted by retinal pigment epithelial cells including basic fibroblast growth factor, epidermal growth factor, and nerve growth factor. Early passaged 661W cells expressed high levels of retinal progenitor markers such as nestin and Pax6, but not opsin or glial fibrillary acidic protein. 661W cells grown in FGF-2 or EGF exhibited a multiple-process morphology with small phase-bright nuclei similar to neurons, whereas cells cultured in nerve growth factor (NGF) or retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)-conditioned medium (RPE-CM) displayed rounded profiles lacking processes. 661W cells grown in FGF-2 were slightly elevated, but not significantly above, control cultures; but cells treated with RPE-CM or NGF were fewer, ∼63% and 49% of control, respectively. NGF immunodepletion of RPE-CM strongly suppressed the inhibitory activity of RPE-CM on cell proliferation. Cells treated with FGF-2, but not NGF, upregulated their expression of opsin. All treatment conditions resulted in almost 100% viability based on calcium AM staining. Cells grown on extracellular matrix proteins laminin, fibronectin, and/or collagen resembled those grown on untreated dishes. This study showed that early passaged 661W cells displayed characteristics of retinal progenitor cells. The 661W cells proliferated and appeared to mature morphologically expressing rod photoreceptor phenotype in response to FGF-2. In contrast, NGF and RPE-CM inhibited proliferation and morphological differentiation of 661W cells, possibly inducing cell cycle arrest. These findings are consistent with reports that the RPE modulates photoreceptor differentiation and retinal progenitor cells via secreted factors and may play a role in the regulation of the retinal stem cell niche.
Low-cycle fatigue of Nicalon™-fiber-reinforced ceramic composites

Abstract An experimental investigation of damage and fracture in fiber-reinforced ceramic composites under low-cycle fatigue has been performed. Several different composites have been studied, each reinforced with ceramic-grade Nicalon™ fibers, but with varying fiber architectures and matrix materials. Correlations have been established between the presence of matrix cracks within the longitudinal tows or laminae, the hysteresis in the stress/strain response, and the propensity for fatigue fracture. Fatigue was found to be most prevalent when both matrix cracks are present and the stress/strain response exhibits hysteresis. In such cases, a fatigue threshold was obtained, typically at a stress of 65–80% of the ultimate strength of the pristine composite. Furthermore, the interface sliding stress diminished with cycling, reaching a saturation level of ≈1/3–1/2 of the initial value. This reduction is predicted to cause a fatigue-strength reduction to ≈80% of the ultimate strength, broadly consistent with the measured thresholds. The inference is that the degradation in fatigue strength is attributable in a large part to the degradation in the sliding stress, with the balance being associated with a degradation of the fibers themselves. The latter conclusion has been corroborated through measurements of the fracture-mirror radii on the fibers in both pristine and fatigued specimens.
Bioavailability of Acetazolamide Tablets

Plasma acetazolamide levels were measured by an enzymatic assay following single 250-mg oral tablet doses to 20 healthy volunteers; five different lots of acetazolamide tablets from a single manufacturer were used in a balanced incomplete block design. From the measured plasma levels, estimates of the bioavailability parameters (area under the plasma concentration versus time curve, time to peak plasma concentration, and peak plasm concentration) were obtained by least-squares digital computer fitting. No significant differences among the tablets were observed (alpha = 0.05) for the analysis of variance of the area under the curve or time to peak parameters. Two tablets, however, provided statistically higher peak plasma concentrations than the other three. Thus, lot-to-lot bioinequivalence of acetazolamide tablets was observed. Some in vitro tests employed showed general trends for correlation with the in vivo data. However, considerable refinement of these technique appears necessary for in vitro prediction of the observed lot-to-lot bioinequivalence.
Student Performance with Calculus Reform at the United States Merchant Marine Academy.

ABSTRACT This paper reports the results of students performance as measured by grades after the completion of the first three quarters of Calculus using the materials of the Calculus Consortium based at Harvard University. The results are presented in graphical form. The improvement is dramatic for the weaker students and moderate or none for the better students. * Based on a presentation given at the Conference on the Teaching of Calculus held at Harvard University on 12–13 June 1992.
Growth Hormone Stimulates Transcription of the Gene Encoding the Acid-Labile Subunit (ALS) of the Circulating Insulin-Like Growth Factor-Binding Protein Complex and ALS Promoter Activity in Rat Liver

The growth-promoting activity of GH, the principal hormonal determinant of body size, is mediated by insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I). Most of the IGF-I in plasma circulates in a 150-kDa complex that contains IGF-binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) and an acid-labile subunit (ALS). The 150-kDa complex serves as a reservoir of IGF-I and determines its bioavailability to the tissues. Formation of the 150-kDa complex depends upon the synthesis of ALS, which is synthesized primarily in liver and is regulated by GH. The present study demonstrates that GH stimulates ALS gene transcription in rat liver and ALS promoter activity in a rat hepatoma cell line. ALS messenger RNA (mRNA) and ALS nuclear transcripts were decreased to similar extents in the livers of GH-deficient hypophysectomized rats. GH increased hepatic ALS mRNA within 3–4 h to about 65% of the levels seen in sham-operated control rats. To confirm that GH stimulated ALS gene transcription, we transiently transfected an ALS promoter-luciferase reporter ge...
Reaction Mechanisms and Kinetics for the Oxidations of Dimethyl Sulfide, Dimethyl Disulfide, and Methyl Mercaptan by the Nitrate Radical

This study examines the initial oxidation routes of the three major reduced sulfur compounds (CH3SH, CH3SCH3, and CH3SSCH3) by the nitrate radical using density functional and ab initio methods. Stationary points along each reaction pathway are examined using different levels of theory and basis sets to ensure the convergence of the results. Kinetics calculations follow on the determined reaction pathways to obtain the rate constants. This study shows that sulfur compounds exhibit a general trend of hydrogen abstraction following the formation of an initial sulfur-nitrate complex. The results are in agreement with experimental work on CH3SCH3 and CH3SH, while refuting a proposal of several previous studies that oxygen addition is the dominant oxidation pathway in the case of CH3SSCH3. The rate constants obtained from kinetics calculations are consistent with experimental findings and exhibit negative temperature dependence. Overall, this study confirms the importance of nitrate in the oxidation of reduced...
Combination insulin and sulfonylurea therapy in insulin-requiring type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Purpose To determine the effect(s) on glucose control, insulin dose, and circulating insulin levels of the addition of a sulfonylurea (glipizide) to the treatment regimen of patients with insulin-requiring type 2 diabetes mellitus. Patients and methods Thirty seven patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus taking insulin for at least 1 year prior to study and treated with > or = 40 U of insulin per day were recruited for a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial. Patients were treated with 3 months of insulin + placebo (I + P) and 3 months of insulin + glipizide (I + G), with an intermediate 1 month washout period using insulin therapy alone. Adjustments were made initially to the maximum dose of glipizide (40 mg/day), followed by insulin dose adjustments. Twenty-nine of the 37 patients demonstrated a significant C-peptide response to Ensure and were selected for analysis. Results The fasting plasma glucose in the I + G arm was 6.8 (121.8 mg/dl) vs. 8.7 mmol/L (156.0 mg/dl) in the I + P arm, P Conclusion The addition of a sulfonylurea (glipizide) to insulin therapy in patients with insulin-requiring type 2 diabetes mellitus taking large doses of insulin results in a rapid and substantial improvement in glucose control despite a significant reduction in insulin dose. Therefore, this form of combination therapy should be considered for patients with the above characteristics whose diet and exercise programs are correct but whose response to insulin therapy is inadequate.
Analysis of recurrent gap time data using the weighted risk-set method and the modified within-cluster resampling method

The gap times between recurrent events are often of primary interest in medical and epidemiology studies. The observed gap times cannot be naively treated as clustered survival data in analysis because of the sequential structure of recurrent events. This paper introduces two important building blocks, the averaged counting process and the averaged at-risk process, for the development of the weighted risk-set (WRS) estimation methods. We demonstrate that with the use of these two empirical processes, existing risk-set based methods for univariate survival time data can be easily extended to analyze recurrent gap times. Additionally, we propose a modified within-cluster resampling (MWCR) method that can be easily implemented in standard software. We show that the MWCR estimators are asymptotically equivalent to the WRS estimators. An analysis of hospitalization data from the Danish Psychiatric Central Register is presented to illustrate the proposed methods.
Electron microscope investigation of the structural behavior of halogenated (SN)x

Abstract Suitably prepared specimens of polymeric sulfur nitride modified by Br2 and ICl have been studied by transmission electron microscopy. Electron diffraction patterns indicate the two species are accomodated differently by the host lattice. In both cases the creation of a superlattice structure is indicated. In situ heating and cooling from ambient show changes in the diffraction patterns suggesting that each of the halogens may be packed differently in two modes along the chains of the parent polymer. In both cases exposure of pristine (SN)x to the halogen gas resulted in extreme microtwinning, as seen by high resolution dark field imaging and the extended streaks formed by the electron diffraction spots.
Loin pain hematuria syndrome

Loin pain hematuria syndrome occurs primarily in young women and is manifested by recurrent loin pain, hematuria, and abnormal renal vasculature. This syndrome was first described in 1967 by Little in the British literature. Since that time, approximately 60 cases have been reported. In this paper, we describe a case and provide a pertinent review of the literature concerning diagnosis and treatment.
Superplastic behavior in a commercial 5083 aluminum alloy

When considering the forming and post-forming properties required of a superplastic material, attractive candidates are commercial Al-Mg-Mn weldable alloys such as AA5083. There have been several investigations of hot deformation of 5083-type alloys in the literature. Only two studies evaluated commercial-purity 5083 and they achieved tensile elongations of 150% and 200%. Alloy modification has produced improved behavior in three 5083-type alloys developed specifically for SPF. Two were deemed high-purity 5083 (low Fe and Si) and achieved elongations of 450% and 630%. Engineering strains up to 700% were measured by Watanabe et al. in a 5083-based alloy with the addition of 0.6% Cu as a grain refiner. These results suggest that alloy modifications such as reduced Fe and Si contents or Cu additions may be required to improve superplastic response. Unfortunately, specific SPF-grade 5083 alloys are substantially more expensive than the commercial grade, and the addition of Cu decreases the corrosion resistance of the base material. The purpose of this work is to examine the effect of prior degrees of cold work on the SPF behavior of a standard-grade 5083 alloy. Superplastic behavior of this material at 510[degree]C is assessed and compared to published results for the SPF-grade alloys.
DECOMPOSITION APPROACH TO SOLVING THE ALL-UP TRAJECTORY OPTIMIZATION PROBLEM

This paper describes a new approach to solving the all-up (ground to mission) trajectory optimization problem. The problem considered in this paper is that of placing a maximum payload into a specified orbit, where a booster is used to place the payload in a low Earth parking orbit from which an upper stage transfers the payload to its mission orbit. One approach to solving the all-up problem has been to combine the booster and upper stage into one large simulation/optimization problem; however, this results in a difficult problem that is computational ly expensive to solve. The algorithm proposed in this paper does not require any all-up trajectories to be explicitly optimized, but simulates separately the booster and upper stage. The algorithm is based on solving the maximum throw weight to a park orbit (for the booster), maximum payload transfer from the park orbit to the mission orbit (for the upper stage), and a coordination problem that adjusts the park orbit parameters to find the all-up optimum (maximum) payload to the mission orbit. Nomenclature A = matrix a = vector, (ai,a2,... ,an) aB - quantities associated with the booster as = scaled quantities
Handoff communication: opportunities for improvement.

THERE IS NO PAUCITY of information related to the problems that arise when communication between health care workers is poor, minimized, ignored, or absent. The literature abounds with scenarios, true stories, and real incidents where incomplete communication played a significant part in an untoward patient outcome. Multiple medical and nursing reports, journal articles, and media portrayals tell the story. In fact, nurse managers can simply review incident reports and listen to concerns related to poor handoff of care to find unit-specific evidence that there are numerous opportunities for improvement.
Molecular mechanisms of pancreatic injury

Purpose of review The pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis (AP) is still not well understood. This articles reviews recent advances in our understanding of AP with emphasis on literature published during the last year.
A fast weighted median algorithm based on Quickselect

Weighted median filters are increasingly being used in signal processing applications and thus fast implementations are of importance. This paper introduces a fast algorithm to compute the weighted median of N samples which has linear time and space complexity as opposed to O(N logN) which is the time complexity of traditional sorting algorithms. The proposed algorithm is based on Quickselect which is closely related to the well known Quicksort. We compare the runtime and the complexity to Floyd and Rivest's algorithm SELECT which to date has been the fastest median finding algorithm and show that our algorithm is up to 30% faster.
Nurse Practitioner Student Prescriptive Patterns

As employment of nurse practitioners (NPs) increases in health care systems, there is a need to have current data on their prescribing practices and patterns, and to implement a system for updating such data. This study reports prescriptive data based upon 10,421 primary care visits conducted by 55 family NP students over a 15-month period in 1997 and 1998. Numbers of over-the-counter drugs taken regularly, prescription drugs currently prescribed and prescription drugs prescribed or refilled at the visit were recorded in addition to types of drugs, compliance issues, diagnoses rendered and socio-demographic information. Individual student data were aggregated and analyzed using Epi Info (Epidimiology Program Office of the Centers for Disease Control) and SPSS-PC®. Results identified that: 1) the majority of patient visits involved the prescription of 1-2 drugs (88%); 2) major compliance issues included financial concerns, knowledge deficits, and complexity/demands of treatment; 3) commonly rendered diagnoses at drug visits for chronic conditions were hypertension and diabetes; for acute conditions, otitis sinusitis and upper respiratory infections; 4) anti-microbial agents, drugs used for relief of pain, and cardiovascular drugs account for 60% of drug mentions; and 5) the numbers of drugs prescribed or refilled at visits were similar by type of preceptor, except fewer single drugs were prescribed or refilled at visits supervised by nurse preceptors. Findings are discussed relative to deepening the understanding of advanced practice nursing education and the prescribing practices of NP students and their preceptors.
Knowing Good From Bad: The Paradox of Neuroticism, Negative Affect, and Evaluative Processing.

There are pragmatic benefits to trait-consistent mood states, especially when people are evaluating new objects within the environment (M. Tamir, M. D. Robinson, & G. L. Clore, 2002). The present studies, involving both naturally occurring (Studies 1 and 2) and manipulated (Study 3) mood states, demonstrated such trait-consistent interactions within the context of neuroticism and negative mood states. Individuals high in neuroticism were faster to make evaluations when in a negative mood state like sadness. By contrast, individuals low in neuroticism were faster to make evaluations when in a neutral mood state. The present studies demonstrate that although negative mood states are hedonically unpleasant, they can be beneficial in some ways for individuals high in neuroticism.
Analysis of apoptosis‐associated genes and pathways in oral cancer cells

Background: Cancer cells can resist apoptosis that is induced by stimuli such as detachment or differentiation, but may be more susceptible to apoptosis when exposed to chemotherapeutic drugs. The pattern of gene expression that produces this phenotype is unknown. Methods: We compared gene expression patterns of normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEK cells) and the oral cancer cell line Tu183 when the cells were exposed to different apoptosis-inducing stimuli. Results: Pathway analysis revealed that the phenotype difference could be best explained by the simultaneous existence of both proapoptosis and antiapoptosis signals in the cancer cells. Microarray analysis, supported by immunoblotting, showed that one gene that was likely to be involved in the proapoptosis signal was TNFRSF5, which encodes the receptor CD40. When Tu183 cells were exposed to the CD40 ligand they showed apoptosis, while NHEK cells did not. Conclusions: The effects of different apoptotic stimuli on normal cells and oral cancer cells can be explained by expression of proapoptosis genes, including the gene that encodes CD40.
Eocene Bird, Reptile, and Mammal Tracks from the Chuckanut Formation, Northwest Washington

The diversity and abundance of bird and animal tracks preserved in Eocene strata of the Chuckanut Formation in Washington contrasts to the scarcity of body fossils. These ichnofossils were made by vertebrates that inhabited river margins, the only depositional environment favorable for track preservation. Three of the four localities described herein contain tracks from at least two different types of animals. Site SM-6 contains approximately 200 shallow circular plantigrade footprints, perhaps made by a type of archaic mammal of the Orders Pantodonta or Dinocerata. Site RU-1 yielded footprints from a small shorebird and tracks from an early equid or tapiroid. The same type of perissodactyl tracks were preserved at Site KC-1, along with a single webbed bird track, and trackways from a large heron-like bird and a turtle. Site SM-9.5 contained multiple bird tracks of a type not found at the other localities. The discovery of tracks only at Chuckanut Formation sites that expose large bedding planes indicates the importance of considering outcrop architecture during the search for vertebrate ichnofossils, and inspires the hope that similar fossils may eventually be found in correlative formations in the Pacific Northwest.
Long-lived electronic polarization and nonlinear optical effects of fluorescent molecules in solution

Summary form only given. Preparation and probing of coherent superposition of multiple quantum states leading to the generation of quantum coherences in condensed phase systems has been the topic of intense research for over a decade and is one of the most interesting and least understood of the quantum phenomena. Evolution of ultrashort broadband excitation sources has over the years provided us with new tools for revisiting problems in every field pertaining to light matter interaction. One such problem is the formation of electronic coherence through the reversible non-radiative electronic coupling and superposition of electronic states. Understanding the role of electronic coherence in condensed phase systems is central to elucidating the mechanism of energy transfer in photosynthetic pigment protein complexes [1] and several tubular nanostructures [2]. The recent observation of long-lived electronic coherence in chemical and biological system at room temperatures [3] forces one to reconsider the existing theories on energy transfer and devise an efficient and smart way in designing of synthetic light harvesting systems.Here we explore the linear and nonlinear optical response of solvated fluorescent molecules under saturation conditions by studying the changes in fluorescence and stimulated emission upon interacting with a pulse pair generated by pulse shaper assisted phase and amplitude modulation. In particular we focus on the observation of long lived oscillations that are detected in the stimulated emission signal during an interferometric measurement. Interferometric time-delay scans are measured while simultaneously monitoring the fundamental, fluorescence and stimulated emission, as shown in Fig. 1a. The pump pulse is fixed at time zero while the probe pulse is scanned. All signals are normalized to unity at time zero when the system is being interrogated by a single transform-limited pulse. The early portion of the scan (for IJ <; 60 fs) has strong interferometric modulation caused by the linear optical interference between the laser pulses. The different asymptotic levels of fluorescence and stimulated emission are due to the nonlinear effect of strong field excitation. The most interesting feature is the observed long lived oscillations in the stimulated emission signal which persists beyond ~150 fs. The observed π phase shift of the delayed modulation indicates that the physical source of the observed long lived oscillations is most likely caused by the induced linear polarization of the medium induced by the electronic coherence between ground and excited state. A simulation (using phenomenological formulas) of the stimulated emission showing the saturation, appearance and phase shift of the signal is shown in Fig 1b.
Empowering individuals to integrate work and life: insights for management development

Purpose – In efforts to improve employee recruitment and retention and enhance productivity and morale, organizations have implemented policies and practices (e.g. flextime, telework to address employee work-life concerns). However, there is mixed evidence regarding their effectiveness. The purpose of this paper is to complement work-life policies, initiatives aimed at empowering employees with the knowledge and skills to manage multiple life roles may be valuable. Little information is available regarding the nature or effectiveness of such initiatives. Through an in-depth analysis of one initiative, Total Leadership, the authors provide insights that can be used in the selection, design, implementation, and evaluation of work-life empowerment efforts. Design/methodology/approach – The authors use a mixed methods approach to explore the experiences of 316 participants in the Total Leadership program. Self-assessments (pre and post) were analyzed using quantitative methods (e.g. Cohen’s d-value). Inductiv...
Use of locking plates in the treatment of proximal humerus fractures.

Background/hypothesis: Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) using locked plating has demonstrated promise in the treatment of displaced proximal humerus fractures. The purpose of this article is to describe the surgical technique and to report early clinical results with this technique. Methods: Important surgical principles to follow include adequate use of locking screws in the humeral head, bone graft or bone graft substitutes when needed, rotator cuff sutures to assist with reduction and augment fixation, and sufficient use of intraoperative fluoroscopic imaging. A review was performed to evaluate early outcomes of ORIF with proximal humerus locking plates. All cases were fixed with the described surgical technique. Postoperative assessment included radiographic imaging, PENN/ASES Shoulder Scores, range-of-motion (ROM), and complications. Results: Fifty-two patients (54 shoulders) had minimum 6-month follow-up (13-month mean follow-up). Mean age was 65.5 years. Postoperatively, mean active forward elevation was 130.1 � , and mean active external rotation was 27.7 � . Mean post-op PENN shoulder score was 68.9 and mean post-op ASES score was 70.8. There were 11 (20.4%) complications in 10 (18.5%) shoulders after treatment with a proximal humerus locking plate. Three complications were classified as minor (5.6%), 8 as major (14.8%). Two shoulders (3.7%) required reoperation to address the complications. Conclusion: The use of locking plates in the treatment of displaced proximal humerus fractures is becoming more widespread. With precise knowledge of and experience with the surgical technique, locked plating can be performed safely with good results. However, surgeons should be aware that complications can arise. Level of Evidence: Level IV, Case Series, Treatment Study. 2010 Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Board of Trustees.
Comparison of 4% chlorhexidine gluconate in a detergent base (Hibiclens) and povidone-iodine (Betadine) for the skin preparation of hemodialysis patients and personnel

The abnormal cutaneous flora of hemodialysis (HD) patients might contribute to their frequent septic complications. We compared the effects of 13 wk of Betadine and 13 wk of Hibiclens on the skin flora of HD patients and personnel. Skin cultures were obtained weekly immediately prior to the disinfection, preceding each triweekly HD treatment, and monthly, at 2 and 4 hr postdisinfection. Total bacterial counts from predisinfection cultures were not significantly altered over either 13-wk treatment period. Hibiclens reduced total bacterial counts ( p p = 0.032) at both 2 and 4 hr postdisinfection significantly more than did Betadine. No reduction of staphylococcal sensitivity to either germicidal agent could be demonstrated. Neither agent was associated with severe adverse reactions and Hibiclens could not be detected in the blood. Hibiclens appears to offer short-term advantages over Betadine in the HD setting because of significantly longer duration of antibacterial activity.
Void Points, Rosettes, and a Brief History of Planetary Astronomy

Almost all models of planetary orbits, from Aristotle through Newton, include void points, empty points in space that have an essential role in defining the orbit. By highlighting the role of these void points, as well as the rosette pattern of the orbit that often results, I bring out different features in the history of planetary astronomy and place a different emphasis on its revolutionary changes, different from those rendered in terms of epicycles or the location of the earth.
Contrast-enhanced imaging of cerebral vasculature with laser speckle

High-resolution cerebral vasculature imaging has applications ranging from intraoperative procedures to basic neuroscience research. Laser speckle, with spatial contrast processing, has recently been used to map cerebral blood flow. We present an application of the technique using temporal contrast processing to image cerebral vascular structures with a field of view a few millimeters across and approximately 20 μm resolution through a thinned skull. We validate the images using fluorescent imaging and demonstrate a factor of 2-4 enhancement in contrast-to-noise ratios over reflectance imaging using white or spectrally filtered green light. The contrast enhancement enables the perception of approximately 10%-30% more vascular structures without the introduction of any contrast agent.
The Effect of Generalized Metacognitive Knowledge on Test Performance and Confidence Judgments

Abstract The purpose of the present study was to investigate the basis of students' confidence in their answers to test items. The domain-specific hypothesis predicts that confidence judgments will be related to performance on a particular test, but not to confidence judgments or performance on unrelated tests. In contrast, the domain-general hypothesis predicts that confidence judgments will be related not only to performance on a particular test but also to confidence judgments and performance on unrelated tests. The results of the present study support the domain-general hypothesis. The results of other data analyses suggest that the domain-general nature of confidence judgments may be attributable to generalized metacognitive knowledge.
The Roles of P2Y2 Purinergic Receptors in Osteoblasts and Mechanotransduction

We previously demonstrated, using osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells, that P2Y2 purinergic receptors are involved in osteoblast mechanotransduction. In this study, our objective was to further investigate, using a knockout mouse model, the roles of P2Y2 receptors in bone mechanobiology. We first examined bone structure with micro-CT and measured bone mechanical properties with three point bending experiments in both wild type mice and P2Y2 knockout mice. We found that bones from P2Y2 knockout mice have significantly decreased bone volume, bone thickness, bone stiffness and bone ultimate breaking force at 17 week old age. In order to elucidate the mechanisms by which P2Y2 receptors contribute to bone biology, we examined differentiation and mineralization of bone marrow cells from wild type and P2Y2 knockout mice. We found that P2Y2 receptor deficiency reduces the differentiation and mineralization of bone marrow cells. Next, we compared the response of primary osteoblasts, from both wild type and P2Y2 knockout mice, to ATP and mechanical stimulation (oscillatory fluid flow), and found that osteoblasts from wild type mice have a stronger response, in terms of ERK1/2 phosphorylation, to both ATP and fluid flow, relative to P2Y2 knockout mice. However, we did not detect any difference in ATP release in response to fluid flow between wild type and P2Y2 knock out osteoblasts. Our findings suggest that P2Y2 receptors play important roles in bone marrow cell differentiation and mineralization as well as in bone cell mechanotransduction, leading to an osteopenic phenotype in P2Y2 knockout mice.
How Cellular Geometry Regulates Traction Stresses in Adherent Cells

Cells generate mechanical stresses via the action of myosin motors on the actin cytoskeleton. While the molecular origin of force generation is well understood, we currently lack an understanding of the regulation of force transmission at cellular length scales. Here we experimentally decouple the effects of substrate stiffness, focal adhesion density and cell morphology to show that the total amount of work a cell does against the substrate to which it is adhered is regulated by the cell spread area alone. For a given spread area, we find that local curvature along the cell edge regulates the distribution and magnitude of traction stresses to maintain a constant strain energy. Finally, we present a physical model of the adherent cell as a contractile gel under a uniform boundary tension and mechanically coupled to an elastic substrate that quantitatively captures the spatial distribution and magnitude of traction stresses. With this model, we can accurately predict the spatial distribution and magnitude of traction stresses based entirely on cell morphology.
Characterization of hydride transfer to flavin adenine dinucleotide in neuronal nitric oxide synthase reductase domain: geometric relationship between the nicotinamide and isoalloxazine rings.

Based on the similarity in both structure and function of the reductase domain of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOSred) to that of NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase (CPR), we determined whether the characteristics of hydride transfer from NADPH to flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) were similar for both proteins. Secondly, we questioned whether hydride transfer from NADPH to either nNOSred or holo-nNOS was rate limiting for reactions catalyzed by these two proteins. Utilizing 500 MHz proton NMR and deuterated substrate, we determined that the stereospecificity of hydride transfer from NADPH and the conformation of the nicotinamide ring around the glycosidic bond were similar between CPR and nNOSred. Specifically, nNOSred abstracts the A-side hydrogen from NADPH, and the nicotinamide ring is in the anti conformation. We determined that the rate of hydride transfer to FAD appears to become partially rate limiting only for exceptionally good electron acceptors such as cytochrome c. Hydride transfer is not rate limiting for NO. production under any conditions used in this study. Interestingly, the deuterium isotope effect was decreased in the cytochrome c reductase assay with both nNOS and nNOSred when the assays were conducted in high ionic strength buffer, suggesting an increase in the rate of hydride transfer to FAD. These results are in stark contrast to results obtained with CPR (D. S. Sem and C. B. Kasper, 1995, Biochemistry 34, 3391-3398) whereby hydride transfer is partially rate limiting at high, but not at low, ionic strength. The seemingly opposite results in deuterium isotope effect observed with CPR and nNOSred, under conditions of high and low ionic strength, suggest differences in structure and/or regulation of these important flavoproteins.
Differential enhancement and distribution of antigen-specific cells in various lymph nodes in response to locally inoculated bacterial antigens

The proliferation responses of antigen-specific lymphocytes from various anatomical sites were studied in dairy goats locally immunized with heat-killed Staphylococcus aureus (HKS). Animals were inoculated three times subcutaneously in the right udder with HKS at 1 month intervals. One week following the last inoculation, prescapular, mesenteric and ipsilateral (draining) and contralateral (non-draining) suprammammary lymph nodes were collected and the cells assayed in 3- and 6-day cultures to determine the immune proliferative responses of antigen-specific lymphocytes to HKS and the polyclonal T cell mitogen phytohemagglutinin (PHA). The cells from draining and non-draining supramammary lymph nodes responded to HKS in 3-day cultures. Peripheral lymph nodes, such as the prescapular, showed similar responses. In contrast, mesenteric lymph nodes responded optimally in 6-day cultures, notably to lower concentrations of the antigen. Cells from all lymph nodes tested showed increased responses to PHA in immunized animals, although non-draining lymph nodes demonstrated a greater response to the T cell mitogen than those of draining lymph nodes. These results suggest that unilateral introduction of Staphylococcus cell antigens to the supramammary region can induce an anamnestic response in ipsilateral as well as contralateral supramammary lymph nodes and other distant peripheral lymphoid organs. Furthermore, these data indicate that cells from intestinal lymph nodes respond differently from those of peripheral lymph nodes, suggesting the presence of a unique gastrointestinal lymphoid cell circulation in goats. Concomitant peripheral responses may be attributed to memory cell migration or to antigen leakage and relocation to distant sites from the inoculated region. Analysis with PHA suggests a difference in general responsiveness and perhaps, immunocompetence, by lymphocyte populations in various lymphoid tissues of immunized animals.
Field induced magnetic form factor of Zr

The neutron magnetic form factor obtained with H perpendicular to the c-axis is in good agreement with calculations assuming a 65% band theoretical spin density and a 35% atomic-like orbital density. Measurements with two different field directions showed no evidence of the large anisotropy observed in bulk susceptibility experiments.
Nickel-Exchanged Zincosilicate Catalysts for the Oligomerization of Propylene

Two nickel-containing zincosilicates (Ni-CIT-6 and Ni–Zn-MCM-41) and two nickel-containing aluminosilicates (Ni-HiAl-BEA and Ni-USY) are synthesized and used as catalysts to oligomerize propylene into C3n (C6 and C9) products. Both Ni-CIT-6 and Ni-HiAl-BEA have the *BEA topology and are investigated to assess the effects of framework zinc versus aluminum because the former gives two framework charges per atom, whereas the latter, only one. Ni-CIT-6 and Ni–Zn-MCM-41 enable the comparison of a microporous to a mesoporous zincosilicate. Ni2+ ion-exchanged into zeolite Y has been previously reported to oligomerize propylene and is used here for comparison. Reaction data are obtained at 180 and 250 °C, atmospheric pressure, and WHSV = 1.0 h–1 in a feed stream of 85 mol % propylene (in inert). At these conditions, all catalysts are capable of oligomerizing propylene with steady-state conversions ranging from 3 to 16%. With the exception of Ni-HiAl-BEA, all catalysts have higher propylene conversions at 250 °C t...
Experimental mercury bombardment thruster at submillipound thrust.

Ion thrustor, including mercury feed system and shielded neutralizer, designed and tested for spacecraft station keeping and attitude control
State violence and the ethnographic encounter: feminist research and racial embodiment

This article explores the idea that black urban communities in Salvador da Bahia, Brazil, particularly women, are currently under siege. This article examines the confinement and silencing of the anthropologist within the overall context of State policing of black communities and black women-led grassroots movements in Salvador. I argue that engaged research methods should be analyzed within the context of the violence of recent urbanization practices and systemic, as well as everyday practices of police abuse. This analysis illuminates the extent to which racial and gendered dimensions of State-sponsored urban violence in Brazil poses political challenges for ethnography aimed at social change. Furthermore, in a methodology based on the experiential, as well as the feminist position that the ‘personal as political’, in this article I draw upon my own experiences and subject position as a black woman to explicate how anthropologists’ bodies are marked by race, gender, and class – thereby mediating how the...
In Vivo Characteristics of Placental Amino Acid Transport and Metabolism in Ovine Pregnancy—A Review

The placental transport of amino acids which is nutritionally important is the net entry rate into the fetal circulation (the umbilical uptake). This entry rate is a function of transport across cell membranes, the effect of competition among amino acids for transport, particularly across the fetal surface of the trophoblast, and their metabolism and interconversion within the placenta. The result of these different interactive fluxes is that the relationship between maternal concentration and fetal supply of an amino acid differs for each amino acid. For some amino acids there are relatively large bidirectional fluxes at both the fetal and maternal surfaces of the placenta. These fluxes can be measured in vivo utilizing stable isotope methodology. There is an important interorgan exchange of amino acids between the placenta and fetal liver. This exchange is, at least in part, a function of the absence of gluconeogenesis in the fetal liver. Both glutamate and serine, which are released from the fetal liver, are taken up by the placenta from the fetal circulation and metabolized within the placenta.
Accidental deaths, saved lives, and improved quality.

The authors argue that despite the success of the patient-safety movement in attracting the attention of the public and the medical profession, the Institute of Medicine's goal of reducing deaths from medical errors by 50 percent has not been achieved. They believe the greatest promise will come not from a focus on preventing accidental deaths but from dedication to evidence-based interventions to deliver more effective medical care.
Low-temperature Oxidation of Carbon Monoxide on Co/ZrO2

A 10%Co/ZrO2 catalyst prepared by impregnation was tested for its activity for the oxidation of CO to CO2 in excess oxygen. Activity tests showed that conversion could be obtained at temperatures as low as 20 °C. Time-on-stream studies showed no loss of activity in these experiments, indicating that this catalyst is stable in the experimental oxidizing conditions. The activation energy for the CO to CO2 oxidation reaction was calculated as Ea = 54 kJ/mol over this catalyst. Characterization of the material by thermogravimetric analysis, temperature-programmed techniques, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and laser Raman spectroscopy indicate that Co3O4 is present on monoclinic ZrO2 after the calcination of the catalyst.
Effects of Immunosuppressants on Receptor Activator of NF-κB Ligand and Osteoprotegerin Production by Human Osteoblastic and Coronary Artery Smooth Muscle Cells

Abstract Osteoporosis and vasculopathy are common after organ transplantation and have been largely attributed to the use of immunosuppressants. Osteoprotegerin (OPG) is produced by osteoblastic and arterial cells, and inhibits osteoclast functions by neutralizing receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL). Because OPG-deficient mice develop osteoporosis and arterial calcification, we assessed the effects of immunosuppressants on OPG and RANKL expression by human osteoblastic and coronary artery smooth muscle cells (CASMC). Cyclosporine A, rapamycin, and FK-506 decreased OPG mRNA and protein levels in undifferentiated marrow stromal cells (by 63, 44, and 68%, respectively, P
GLOBAL LONGITUDINAL STRAIN BECOMES IMPAIRED IN CHEMOTHERAPY TREATED BREAST CANCER PATIENTS

Chemotherapy agents commonly used in the treatment of breast cancer are associated with unique and varying degrees of myocardial injury, often measured as declines in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). However, LVEF assessments have limitations for detecting chemotherapy-related cardiac
The doctor-patient relationship: challenges, opportunities, and strategies

The doctor–patient relationship has been and remains a keystone of care: the medium in which data are gathered, diagnoses and plans are made, compliance is accomplished, and healing, patient activation, and support are provided.1 To managed care organizations, its importance rests also on market savvy: satisfaction with the doctor–patient relationship is a critical factor in people's decisions to join and stay with a specific organization.2–5 The rapid penetration of managed care into the health care market raises concern for many patients, practitioners, and scholars about the effects that different financial and organizational features might have on the doctor–patient relationship.6–10 Some such concerns represent a blatant backlash on the part of providers against the perceived or feared deleterious effects of the corporatization of health care practices. But objective and theoretical bases for genuine concern remain. This article examines the foundations and features of the doctor–patient relationship, and how it may be affected by managed care.
Trilobite body patterning and the evolution of arthropod tagmosis

Preservation permitting patterns of developmental evolution can be reconstructed within long extinct clades, and the rich fossil record of trilobite ontogeny and phylogeny provides an unparalleled opportunity for doing so. Furthermore, knowledge of Hox gene expression patterns among living arthropods permit inferences about possible Hox gene deployment in trilobites. The trilobite anteroposterior body plan is consistent with recent suggestions that basal euarthropods had a relatively low degree of tagmosis among cephalic limbs, possibly related to overlapping expression domains of cephalic Hox genes. Trilobite trunk segments appeared sequentially at a subterminal generative zone, and were exchanged between regions of fused and freely articulating segments during growth. Homonomous trunk segment shape and gradual size transition were apparently phylogenetically basal conditions and suggest a single trunk tagma. Several derived clades independently evolved functionally distinct tagmata within the trunk, apparently exchanging flexible segment numbers for greater regionally autonomy. The trilobite trunk chronicles how different aspects of arthropod segmentation coevolved as the degree of tagmosis increased.
Fibromyalgia is not a predictor variable for a successful outcome following surgical correction of internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to compare surgical outcomes of subjects with and without fibromyalgia using a logistic regression model. Materials and Methods This study was a retrospective chart review of 28 subjects who underwent surgery to correct internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint. Subjects were classified as having a successful or an unsuccessful outcome based on a verbal rating scale, diet restrictions, and maximum mouth opening (MMO). Data were recorded from 3 different assessments (preoperative, 6 weeks after surgery, and 3 to 5 months after surgery). Results No significant difference was noted in outcomes between subjects with and without fibromyalgia ( P = .61). The 4 significant predictor variables for surgical success were MMO before surgery, MMO and verbal rating scale scores at 6-week examination, and type of surgery. Conclusions A comorbidity of fibromyalgia was not a predictor for successful outcomes. Predictors of successful outcomes included subjects with a large MMO (≥38 mm) and a low verbal rating scale score (≤2) at 6 weeks.
Identified vertebrate neurons that differ in axonal projection develop together

The development of identified reticulospinal neurons of the zebrafish (Brachydanio rerio) was studied in order to learn if cell specific differences in axonal projection are correlated with cell specific differences in time of neuronal development. We examined the development of individually known reticulospinal neurons that are located in close proximity in the hindbrain but that project axons to targets on opposite sides of the spinal cord. We observed that these identified neurons are generated together, and that their axons first arrive in the spinal cord together. We suggest that the selection of different axonal pathways by these neurons does not depend on the time that they develop.