cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Current Research in Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis: Highlights from the 2010 ACG Meeting.

Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) are 2 types of chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), both of which cause abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, and rectal bleeding. In addition to these symptoms, up to 25% of individuals with IBD develop extraintestinal effects, including joint inflammation, skin lesions, eye complications, and osteopathy.1 CD involves a transmural process that can occur throughout the gastrointestinal tract; in contrast, UC involves inflammation that is restricted to the colon and affects the mucosa more evenly. CD is also marked by relapsing and remitting episodes that often develop into stricturing or perforating complications.2 Onset of CD typically occurs in early adulthood, whereas onset of UC is characterized by 2 peaks—the first during adolescence/ early adulthood and the second during later adulthood.3 In terms of prevalence, CD affects 26.0–198.5 individuals per 100,000 in the United States, whereas UC affects approximately 11 individuals per 100,000 in the United States.4 Estimates from 2003 to 2005 show that IBD accounts for approximately 1.8 million visits to ambulatory healthcare settings and 76,374 visits to emergency departments each year.5 IBD is characterized by a dysregulated inflammatory response that leads to tissue damage and clinical symptoms; however, the etiologies of CD and UC are not well understood. Genetics appear to play a role, though incomplete concordance rates in twin studies support an environmental component for both conditions.6 Infectious agents also appear to contribute to IBD susceptibility.
The burden of rheumatoid arthritis : Facts and figures

In the most recent comprehensive economic study in the United States, the cost of arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA), was $64.8 billion US in 1992. Of the total costs of these diseases, about half were due to expenditures for medical care (direct costs) and about half were due to lost wages (indirect costs). Studies of the cost of RA undercount the true costs of this illness. Overall, costing methods create a bias against illnesses that occur disproportionately among women. The bias arises because the women with these conditions have historically had much lower labor force participation rates than men, and because women earn lower wages than men for similar work. In addition, there are many effects of RA that cannot be easily priced in the marketplace, although they are vital to the person and family affected by this disease. New approaches to therapy, which include earlier and more aggressive intervention, new drugs, and combinations of drugs, appear necessary to provide adequate control of inflammation, so that the longterm damage of RA might be prevented and the considerable costs reduced. The incremental costs, side effects, and benefits of therapies, compared to the average costs of disease, become much more relevant in policy discussions and clinical decision making. The possible adverse effects and costs of treatment must be balanced against the adverse effects and underestimated costs of RA.
Literacy in Teacher Education: “It’s the Context, Stupid”:

This article emphasizes the importance of understanding local contexts to provide appropriate education for teachers about literacy instruction. The author reviews general problems that follow from...
Curricular Implications of Concept Mapping in Secondary Mathematics Education

Recognition of deep-seated conceptual crosslinks in mathematics is often weak or nonexistent among students and faculty who view and study mathematics merely in procedural terms. Too often mathematical course content is presented as an approach to a currently considered problem with the mediation of deeper meaning and the connections to other mathematical ideas left unaddressed. The development of mathematical mindfulness requires that educators substantively address the topics they teach by locating the conceptual essence of fundamental ideas from a cultural-historical context. This important pedagogical work can be enhanced through the skilful use of concept mapping. This chapter provides an in-depth look at how concept mapping can be used in the development of a meaningful secondary mathematics’ curriculum that avoids rote learning and favors transcendent cognitive development. The implications presented emerge from several related uses of concept mapping. The chapter illustrates an approach to mathematics’ education that first uses concept maps in conjunction with a direct effort to locate the historically grounded conceptual essence of a significant mathematical concept. Without historical context, mathematics′ educators may easily be unaware of the conceptual essence of the concepts they teach. Concept mapping is shown to address this shortcoming. Empirical research is then guided by concept mapping in order to expose the “operating understanding” among students and their teachers revealing specific metonymic inadequacies that exist. By comparative use of concept maps, weak or missing crosslinks are readily identified. Together, these uses of concept mapping inform and guide the design of mathematics′ lessons that mediate mathematical understanding in a profound way. Concept mapping is thus shown to provide a useful approach to secondary mathematics′ education curricular reform aimed at meaningful learning.
Anticoagulant-Related Nephropathy: It's the Real McCoy.

It is not uncommon for a description of a new clinicopathologic entity to be initially viewed with skepticism and/or ignored by the medical community as a whole, thus delaying its diffusion into the body of clinical knowledge. Such was the case for the seminal description by Brodsky et al. ([1][1])
Extended Families Among Black Americans

Black families in Chicago are described as bilateral extended in form and as representing an institution that has existed under widely varied conditions: in Southern and Northern, rural and urban e...
Natural Attenuation of Contaminants in Soils

RAYMOND N. YONG and CATHERINE N. MULLIGAN. CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL. 2003. Hardcover, 336 pp. $149.95. ISBN: 1-56-670617-3. Natural attenuation is a topic of great practical importance that has gained widespread acceptance by regulatory agencies and entities responsible for site remediation.
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Profiles in Uncontrolled Wheezy Children Compared by Asthma Predictive Index

Objective The asthma predictive index (API) predicts later asthma in preschoolers with frequent wheeze. We hypothesized that airway cytology differs between API positive (API+)/negative (API-) children with uncontrolled/recurrent wheezing with dominance of eosinophils in API+ and neutrophils in API- groups respectively. The main objective of this study is to compare bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cell profiles in API+/API- children with recurrent wheezing unresponsive to inhaled corticosteroids (ICS). Design Retrospective analysis of BAL in 43 children, 3-36 months (median: 14 months) receiving ICS (31 API+, 12 API-). BAL cell differential counts, bacterial/viral cultures, and lipid-laden macrophage percentages were analyzed. Cell counts presented as median (range). Results Neutrophil percentages were increased in both groups (API- 16% [1%-76%]; API+ 42% [1%-95%]; p = NS). Cell percentages were similar for lymphocytes (API- 12% [1%-30%]; API+ 7% [1%-37%]), and macrophages (API- 67.5% [12%-97%]; API+ 41% [2%-94%]). Eosinophil percentages were low in both groups (API- 1% [1%-2%]; API+ 1% [1%-11%]). There was no difference in cellular distributions using absolute cell counts comparing API groups. Bacterial cultures were positive in 18 (60%) API+ and 5 (41%) API- patients (p = 0.10). Conclusion Cell profiles do not differ between API groups in children ≤36 months with recurrent wheezing unresponsive to ICS. Neutrophil percentages and total granulocyte count correlate with positive bacterial cultures independent of API status. Persistent bacterial bronchitis likely plays an important role in the persistence of symptoms unresponsive to ICS therapy regardless of API status with a trend to more positive cultures in API positive children.
The Origin of the Modern Research Misconduct System

By the mid-1980s, Congress had become convinced that legislation was needed to address scientific fraud. Ironically, no case would show that more clearly than the Baltimore case, which erupted at nearly the same time as the initial legislation calling for all federal agencies that manage research to formulate new research misconduct policies. The Baltimore case involved the Secret Service, the nascent Office of Research Integrity, and Congressional hearings and was highly publicized. The respondent, Dr. Baltimore’s collaborator, was found to have committed research misconduct, but that finding was overturned on appeal. Many scientists sided with Baltimore in calling the case an example of government overreach. Clearly, the research misconduct regulations written subsequently, with input from many scientists, reflected the concern for possible prosecutions of scientists based on politically or economically motivated allegations. However, those who wrote the regulations did not contemplate how they would work if the scientist respondents were the ones who were threatening disruptive legal action and violating confidentiality. The safeguards for the informant were minimal. In the end, the greatest flaw was that universities were put in charge of investigating their own faculty.
Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 and Incident Cardiovascular Disease and Mortality in Middle-Aged Adults.

Background Higher circulating fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) associates with greater risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality in older adults. The association of FGF23 with cardiovas...
Prospect Theory Preferences in Noncooperative Game Theory

v 1 Chapter One: Introduction, Motivation, and Scope 1 2 Chapter Two: Theoretical Analysis of PT-NE & PT-EB 10 2.
Milestones: The Road to Faculty Development.

Purpose Milestones for the assessment of residents in graduate medical education mark a change in our evaluation paradigms. The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education has created milestones and defined them as significant points in development of a resident based on the 6 competencies. We propose that a similar approach be taken for resident assessment of teaching faculty. We believe this will establish parity and objectivity for faculty evaluation, provide improved data about attending surgeons’ teaching, and standardize faculty evaluations by residents. Methods A small group of advanced surgery educators determined appropriate educational characteristics, resulting in creation of 11 milestones ( Fig. 2 ) that were reviewed by faculty and residents. The residents have historically answered 16 questions, developed by our surgical education committee ( Fig. 3 ), on a 5-point Likert score (never to very often). Three weeks after completing this Likert-type evaluation, the residents were asked to again evaluate attending faculty using the Faculty Milestones evaluation. The residents then completed a survey of 7 questions (scale of 1-9—disagree to strongly agree, neutral = 5), assessing the new milestones and compared with the previous Likert evaluation system. Results Of 32 surgery residents, 13 completed the Likert evaluations (3760 data points) and 13 completed the milestones evaluations (1800 data points). The number completing both or neither is not known, as the responses are anonymous when used for faculty feedback. The Faculty Milestones attending physicians’ scores have far fewer top of range scores (21% vs 42%) and have a wider spread of data giving better indication of areas for improvement in teaching skills. The residents completed 17 surveys (116 responses) to evaluate the new milestones system. Surveys indicated that milestones were easier to use (average rating 6.13 ± 0.42 Standard Error (SE)), effective (6.82 ± 0.39) and efficient (6.11 ± 0.53), and more objective (6.69 ± 0.39/6.75 ± 0.38) than the Likert evaluations are. Average response was 6.47 ± 0.46 for overall satisfaction with the Faculty Milestones evaluation. More surveys were completed than evaluations, as all residents had an opportunity to review both evaluation systems. Conclusions Faculty Milestones are more objective in evaluating surgical faculty and mirror the new paradigm in resident evaluations. Residents found this was an easier, more effective, efficient, and objective evaluation of our faculty. Although our Faculty Milestones are designed for surgical educators, they are likely to be applicable with appropriate modifications to other medical educators as well.
The relationship between aircraft noise exposure and day-use visitor survey responses in backcountry areas of national parks

To evaluate the relationship between aircraft noise exposure and the quality of national park visitor experience, more than 4600 visitor surveys were collected at seven backcountry sites in four U.S. national parks simultaneously with calibrated sound level measurements. Multilevel logistic regression was used to estimate parameters describing the relationship among visitor responses, aircraft noise dose metrics, and mediator variables. For the regression models, survey responses were converted to three dichotomous variables, representing visitors who did or did not experience slightly or more, moderately or more, or very or more annoyance or interference with natural quiet from aircraft noise. Models with the most predictive power included noise dose metrics of sound exposure level, percent time aircraft were audible, and percentage energy due to helicopters and fixed-wing propeller aircraft. These models also included mediator variables: visitor ratings of the "importance of calmness, peace and tranquility," visitor group composition (adults or both adults and children), first visit to the site, previously taken an air tour, and participation in bird-watching or interpretive talks. The results complement and extend previous research conducted in frontcountry areas and will inform evaluations of air tour noise effects on visitors to national parks and remote wilderness sites.
Patterns of schwann cell myelination of axons within the spinal cord

Patterns of Schwann cell myelination of long-projecting axons in the spinal cord were studied. The goal was to determine if such axons arising from neurons whose somata and processes are normally confined to the central nervous system can interact effectively with Schwann cells, the myelinating cells of the peripheral nervous system. In one paradigm Schwann cells develop in the dorsal funiculi of the lumbar spinal cord subsequent to radiation-induced alterations in development of the glial populations. Light and electron microscopic evaluations were made in the region of the corticospinal tracts (CSTs), which in the rat occupy the base of the dorsal funiculi. At 90 days following irradiation, larger axons of these tracts (> 1.5 microns in diameter) were myelinated by Schwann cells, and smaller axons were ensheathed by them. In the second paradigm cultured Schwann cells were injected into the medial portions of the ventral funiculi at 13 days post-irradiation when the glial population was markedly reduced. Earlier investigations from this laboratory demonstrated that Schwann cells do not develop in the irradiated ventral funiculi, as they do dorsally. When placed in proximity to long-projecting axons in the medial portion of the ventral funiculi, the Schwann cells either formed compact myelin sheaths or ensheathed axons, depending upon their diameter. Fasciculation and presence of collagen were characteristic of this paradigm but were absent from the Schwann cell-occupied regions of the CSTs. This probably relates to the presence of fibroblasts in the injected cultures.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Survival and growth of northern white-cedar and balsam fir seedlings in riparian management zones in northern Minnesota, USA

Abstract Northern white-cedar (Thuja occidentalis) and balsam fir (Abies balsamea.) are co-occurring species in riparian forests of the western Great Lakes region. Throughout much of the region, northern white-cedar has been experiencing population declines due to herbivory by white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). Preferential browse on northern white-cedar removes seedlings and saplings, allowing balsam fir, as less-preferred browse species, to recruit into larger size classes and potentially out-compete northern white-cedar. There is great interest in restoring and sustaining northern white-cedar in riparian forests, but the factors that contribute to success or failure of established seedlings are not well understood. We used a riparian harvesting experiment in northern Minnesota, USA to study factors that encourage or deter survival and growth of planted northern white-cedar seedlings in riparian areas, relative to the response of balsam fir. The factors we manipulated experimentally included amount of overstory basal area (uncut or partially harvested), establishment microsite (mound, pit, slash), and browse (protected or not). Browse frequency was significantly higher on northern white-cedar than on balsam fir, particularly in the partially-harvested forest. Northern white cedar survival was similar to balsam fir when unprotected from browsing, but was higher when browsing was excluded. When protected, northern white-cedar survival approached 100% in both uncut and partially-cut forest on mound and slash microsites, whereas survival of balsam fir was significantly lower in uncut compared to partially-cut forest. Both species had low survival in pit microsites. Relative height growth rates were similar between the two species when protected from browsing, and both species had higher growth with partial-harvest. When unprotected from browsing, relative height growth of northern white-cedar was often negative, while height growth of balsam fir was only minimally reduced compared to the protected seedlings. The two species had similar relative diameter growth in the unprotected treatment, and growth of both species was reduced compared to growth when protected. When protected, northern white-cedar had a relative diameter growth advantage over balsam fir, particularly in the partial-harvest treatment. Our results suggest that a strategy to establish northern white-cedar in riparian forests may be to plant seedlings in uncut forest on raised microsites and protect these seedlings from browsing. After these seedlings are well-established, and perhaps balsam fir is intentionally eliminated, a partial-harvest may be used to release the northern white-cedar seedlings, while still maintaining pre-harvest browse protection.
Application theory of scattering and coupled mode analysis for liquid crystal diffractive grating.

This work presents a detailed analysis of a liquid crystal (LC) phase diffraction grating based on a approach combining vector theory of scattering and coupled mode analysis. In general, the coupled mode analysis gives a solution for the diffracted field regardless of aperture and the polarization state of the incident light. However, the aperture of the incident light defines the angular selectivity of the diffraction grating as well as the distribution of the intensity of the diffractive maximums. The solution of the vector theory of scattering in combination with the coupled mode analysis for diffraction of the light beam with finite aperture has allowed one to optimize the parameters of the high efficiency diffractive LC grating. The analytic solutions here were verified with experimental results for a reverse-twisted LC grating and a comparison with the standard Gooch-Tarry’s method, which typically applied for a twisted nematic LC display.
New insights into the causes and therapy of cerebral vasospasm following subarachnoid hemorrhage

Cerebral vasospasm lingers as the leading preventable cause of death and disability in patients who experience aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. Despite the potentially devastating consequences of cerebral vasospasm, the mechanisms behind it are incompletely understood. Nitric oxide, endothelin-1, bilirubin oxidation products and inflammation appear to figure prominently in its pathogenesis. Therapies directed at many of these mechanisms are currently under investigation and hold significant promise for an ultimate solution to this substantial problem.
Development and characterization of a continuous HSOBM flake processing mill

Abstract A new type of flake-processing mill is developed utilizing a novel configuration of high-speed orbiting ball media that rapidly converts 3D powders into quasi-2D flake powders in a quick and continuous manner. The novel device was designed and built and its milling characteristics were evaluated for differing powder sizes. As the powders are milled, their thicknesses decrease and their widths increase. The device is capable of continuously producing flakes as thin as 10 μm from originally 150-μm iron particles within seconds. However, the milling effectiveness decreases substantially for smaller powders. A hypothesis is proposed, which explains these milling trends on the basis of aerodynamics. Particles with lower inertial forces are observed to avoid the ball media as a result of local turbulence and subsequently forgo milling.
Assignment of a gene encoding ornithine decarboxylase to the proximal region of chromosome 12 in the mouse.

Ornithine decarboxylase (ODC), the first enzyme in the polyamine biosynthetic pathway, is encoded by at least one member of a multi-gene family in the mouse. Analysis of a polymorphism in ODC structure in recombinant inbred strains has enabled assigning a functional ODC structural gene (Odc) to the proximal region of mouse chromosome 12 betweenApob andEs25. Linkage ofOdc toApob andAh is conserved in the mouse and human genomes.
Demonstration and Characterization of Opiate Inhibition of the Striatal Adenylate Cyclase

The conditions in which Leu(5)-enkephalin inhibition of striatal adenylate cyclase was observed were defined. It was determined that enkephalin inhibition was dependent on GTP. The apparent K(m) for GTP in opiate inhibition was determined to be 0.5 and 2 micrometer when 0.1 mM- and 0.5 mM-ATP were used as substrate. ITP, but not CTP or UTP, could substitute for GTP in the reaction. Though the addition of monovalent cations-Na+, K+, Li+, Cs+, and choline+--stimulated striatal adenylate cyclase activity, enkephalin inhibition of striatal adenylate cyclase did not require Na+ when theophylline was used as the phosphodiesterase inhibitor. Under optimal conditions, i.e., 20 micrometer-GTP and 100 mM-Na+, Leu(5)-enkephalin inhibited the strial adenylate cyclase activity by 23-27%. When the enkephalin regulation of the cyclase activity was further characterized, it was observed that Leu(5)-enkephalin inhibited the rate of the enzymatic reaction. Kinetic analysis revealed that the opioid peptide decreases V (max) values but not the K(m) values for the substrates Mg2+ and Mg-ATP. Agents such as MnCl(2), NaF, and guanyl-5'-ylimido-diphosphate, which directly activated the adenylate cyclase, antagonized the opiate inhibition. Levorphanol and (-)naloxone were more potent than dextrorphan and (+) naloxone in inhibiting adenylate cyclase and in reversing the enkephalin inhibition, respectively. There were differences in the potencies of various opiate peptides in their inhibition of striatal adenylate cyclase activity, with Met5- > Leu(5)-enkephalin > beta-endorphin. The opiate receptor through which the enkephalin inhibition was observed is most likely delta in nature, since in the presence of either Na+ or K+, the magnitude of the alkaloid inhibition was reduced, whereas the peptide inhibition was either potentiated or not affected.
Access to Hospice Programs in End-Stage Dementia: A National Survey of Hospice Programs

OBJECTIVE: Because care of end-stage dementia is a significant clinical problem for which alternative modes of care are needed, this study examined the extent to which hospice programs served dementia patients. DESIGN: A survey of 1694 hospices with 1184 respondents (70%). PATIENTS: Identifed patients had end-stage dementia, with no concurrent terminal illness. MEASURE: The proportion of end-stage dementia patients in hospice was measured. RESULTS: Fewer than 1% of hospice patients had a primary diagnosis of end-stage dementia, and only 21% of the hospices served such patients. However, 7% of hospice patients had a dementia secondary to another terminal illness, and 56% of the hospices served such patients. For 80% of the hospices, the major problem in serving dementia patients was the difficulty in predicting their survival time. A higher proportion of for-profit hospices served dementia patients (42%) compared with non-profit programs (22%) or public programs (15%), P < .001. CONCLUSIONS: A national survey of hospices revealed that few patients with primary dementia are currently treated by these programs, unless they have other terminal illnesses. An inability to predict survival was the major reason offered to explain this phenomenon. The higher percentage of patients with secondary dementia in hospice suggests that dementia per se does not make hospice care unfeasible. Similarly, the high proportion of for-profit hospices that enrolled patients whose dementia was primary implies the fiscal feasibility of providing hospice care for these patients. Further study is needed concerning the determinants of survival time in end-stage dementia. J Am Geriatr Soc 43: 56–59, 1995.
Optimization of Adhesively Bonded Single Lap Joints by Tapering of Adherends

The effect of tapering the ends of the adherend on the joint strength and joint deformation behavior of the single lap joint geometry was studied. First, the joints were geometrically modeled using finite element (FE) techniques involving linear, as well as nonlinear (bilinear) material behavior. Then, the FEA results were compared with the experimental results for different configurations of the single lap joints, and the FEA results were found to be consistent with the experimental results with the normal and shear stresses significantly decreasing in the modified geometries over those in unmodified geometries leading to increased loading capacity in modified joints, especially with small-angle taper (~10°).Copyright © 2002 by ASME
The Interleukin 6 −174 C/C Genotype Predicts Greater Rhinovirus Illness

Introduction—In adults and children with RSV infection, a polymorphism in the IL-6 promoter at position −174 predicted illness magnitude. Also, polymorphisms in the IL-10, TNFα and INFγ genes were associated with immune responsiveness and the frequency of complications. Here, the effect of these polymorphisms on illness and seroconversion during infection with rhinovirus type 39 (RV39) was evaluated. Methods—Seventy-two adults were genotyped for the selected polymorphisms, experimentally exposed to RV39 and followed for infection, seroconversion and symptoms/signs of illness. Regression analysis was used to determine if these polymorphisms predicted seroconversion and illness magnitude in 57 infected subjects. Results—The low production IL-6 (−174, C/C) phenotype was associated with greater symptom magnitudes and the INFγ (+874) phenotype predicted the frequency of seroconversion. No relationship between the IL-10 or TNFα polymorphisms and any measured outcome was documented. IL-6 protein measured in nasal wash fluids of 51 subjects was positively correlated with symptom magnitude but was independent of the IL-6 (−174) genotypes representing high and low production phenotypes. Conclusions—These results document significant associations between the IL-6 (−174) and INFγ (+874) gene polymorphisms and specific responses to experimental RV39 infection. For the IL-6 (−174) polymorphism, the results replicate those for RSV infection.
Hamilton-Jacobi functional theory for the integration of classical field equations

By employing the terminology of functional differential calculus, Hamilton-Jacobi theory is extended to apply to classical field equations. It is shown that an asymptotic solution to the Hamilton-Jacobi functional differential equation provides an asymptotic general solution to the associated nonlinear classical field equations.
Influence of a genetically determined atropinesterase on atropine inhibition of the “smoke (dive) reflex” in rabbits

Abstract 1. 1. Atropine's inhibitory action on hemodynamic events related to the bradycardial component of the “smoke reflex” is delineated in rabbits having high circulating atropinesterase activity in plasma and in those having no or very low hydrolyzing activity. 2. 2. Atropinesterase activity varies widely between individuals. The anticholinergic action of atropine is markedly inhibited in the group having high activity, but the degree of anticholinergic inhibition is not precisely related to absolute enzyme activity in plasma. 3. 3. A quick method for identifying atropine resistant rabbits is described.
Hydroxyapatite-Polymer Composites

An hydroxyapatite (HAp)/collagen composite can be regarded as an example of an inorganic/organic composite which forms in mineralizing systems. The principles governing the in vivo formation of HAp-based composites can be mimicked. This is desirable because composites self-assemble at low temperature and at net shape. Thus, it is possible to form synthetic analogs of hard tissues by chemical processes which occur in vivo. Accordingly, model matrix and mineralizing materials which form inorganic composites by processes and emulate the formation of composites of biological origin have been identified and investigated. A variety of HAp/polymer composites can be prepared under conditions compatible with their formation in vivo. These include HAp-gelatin, HAp-collagen, HAp-polyacrylics, and HAp-polyphosphazenes. The factors governing the formation of composites will be reviewed with consideration being given to the relationships between polymer chemistry, the chemistry driving the reactions to form HAp, and th...
Differential coupling of the P2Y1 receptor to Gα14 and Gαq/11 proteins during the development of the rat salivary gland

Summary In rat submandibular gland (SMG), the P2Y 1 receptor (P2Y 1 R) mediates increases in the intracellular calcium concentration, [Ca 2+ ] i that diminish as the animal ages from 1 to 4–6 weeks. However, P2Y 1 R mRNA levels do not change with age, suggesting that the age-dependent decrease in the [Ca 2+ ] i response to P2Y 1 R agonists may be due to alterations in the activity of a component of the P2Y 1 R signalling pathway. Objectives To assess whether the decrease in P2Y 1 R-mediated intracellular calcium signalling in SMG cells as rats age is due to a decrease in P2Y 1 R coupling to G proteins or to a decrease in the expression of a cognate G protein. Design SMG cells were isolated from Sprague–Dawley rats. P2Y 1 R function was assessed by measuring 2-MeSADP-induced increases in [Ca 2+ ] i and ERK1/2 activation. P2Y 1 R-mediated activation of G proteins was determined by the [ 35 S]GTPγS binding assay. G q protein expression was determined by RT-PCR, Northern, and Western analysis. Results In SMG cells from 1-week-old rats, two bands (52 and 42 kDa) were detected using anti-Gα 14 antibody, whereas in SMG cells from 4- to 6-week-old rats only the 42 kDa band was detected. Furthermore, 2-MeSADP-induced GTPγ 35 S binding to Gα 14 and Gα q/11 decreases in SMG cells from 4- to 6-week-old rats as compared to 1-week-old rats. Conclusions These findings suggest that the age-dependent decrease in P2Y 1 R-mediated intracellular calcium signalling in rat SMG cells is due to a loss of 52 kDa Gα 14 and indicate the differential coupling of the P2Y 1 R to Gα 14 and Gα q/11 as the gland develops.
Dynamics of Earth Orbiting Formations

In this paper the equations of motion of a formation consisting of n spacecraft in Earth orbit are derived via Lagrange’s equations. The equations of motion of the formation are developed with respect to both (1) a bound Keplerian reference orbit, and (2) a specific spacecraft in the formation. The major orbital perturbations acting on a formation in low Earth orbit are also included in the analysis. In contrast to the traditional approach based on the balance of linear momentum, the use of Lagrange’s equations leads to a high-level matrix derivation of the formation equations of motion. The matrix form of the nonlinear motion equations is then linearized about a bound Keplerian reference orbit. Next, it is demonstrated that under the assumption of a circular reference orbit, the linearized equations of motion reduce to the well-known Hill-Clohessy-Wiltshire equations. The resulting linear and nonlinear dynamic equations lead to maximal physical insight into the structure of formation dynamics, and are ideally suited for use in the design and validation of formation guidance and control laws.
An axiomatic framework of dynamic production

We model a production system as a collection of interrelated production activities that consume exogenous materials and services to produce final products. The primitive elements in our study describe time-varying aspects of production, including intermediate product transfers between activities, inventory and material balances, and capacities on service consumptions. Each activity's production process is governed by a dynamic production function that maps time-varying input consumptions into realized output. We establish a dynamic version of steady-state duality, and a law of return for bounded input rates of essential factors. We also use our theory to re-examine the use of steady-state duality theory in applied production analysis.
Geographically Weighted Colocation Quotients: Specification and Application

The spatial correlation, or colocation, of two or more variables is a fundamental issue in geographical analysis but has received much less attention than the spatial correlation of values within a single variable, or autocorrelation. A recent paper by Leslie and Kronenfeld (2011) contributes to spatial correlation analysis in its development of a colocation statistic for categorical data that is interpreted in the same way as a location quotient, a frequently used measure in human geography and other branches of regional analysis. Geographically weighted colocation measures for categorical data are further developed in this article by generalizing Leslie and Kronenfeld's global measure as well as specifying a local counterpart for each global statistic using two different types of spatial filters: fixed and adaptive. These geographically weighted colocation quotients are applied to the spatial distribution of housing types to demonstrate their utility and interpretation.
Spectroscopic and X-ray Crystallographic Characterization of Bestatin Bound to the Aminopeptidase from Aeromonas (Vibrio) proteolytica

Binding of the competitive, slow-binding inhibitor bestatin ([(2S,3R)-3-amino-2-hydroxy-4-phenylbutanoy]-leucine) to the aminopeptidase from Aeromonas proteolytica (AAP) was examined by both spectroscopic and crystallographic methods. Electronic absorption spectra of the catalytically competent [Co_(AAP)], [CoCo(AAP)], and [ZnCo(AAP)] enzymes recorded in the presence of bestatin revealed that both of the divalent metal ions in AAP are involved in binding bestatin. The electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectrum of the [CoCo(AAP)]-bestatin complex exhibited no observable perpendicular- or parallel-mode signal. These data indicate that the two Co(II) ions in AAP are antiferromagnetically coupled yielding an S = 0 ground state and suggest that a single oxygen atom bridges between the two divalent metal ions. The EPR data obtained for [CoZn(AAP)] and [ZnCo(AAP)] confirm that bestatin interacts with both metal ions. The X-ray crystal structure of the [ZnZn(AAP)]-bestatin complex was solved to 2.0 A resolution. Both side chains of bestatin occupy a well-defined hydrophobic pocket that is adjacent to the dinuclear Zn(II) active site. The amino acid residues ligated to the dizinc(II) cluster in AAP are identical to those in the native structure with only minor perturbations in bond length. The alkoxide oxygen of bestatin bridges between the two Zn(II) ions in the active site, displacing the bridging water molecule observed in the native [ZnZn(AAP)] structure. The M-M distances observed in the AAP-bestatin complex and native AAP are identical (3.5 A) with alkoxide oxygen atom distances of 2.1 and 1.9 A from Zn1 and Zn2, respectively. Interestingly, the backbone carbonyl oxygen atom of bestatin is coordinated to Znl at a distance of 2.3 A. In addition, the NH(2) group of bestatin, which mimics the N-terminal amine group of an incoming peptide, binds to Zn2 with a bond distance of 2.3 A. A combination of the spectroscopic and X-ray crystallographic data presented herein with the previously reported mechanistic data for AAP has provided additional insight into the substrate-binding step of peptide hydrolysis as well as insight into important small molecule features for inhibitor design.
Myocardial Fuel and Energy Balance, Acute Ischemia and Diabetes

When glucose-insulin-potassium (GIK) is infused, glucose supplies most of the energy demands of the heart. Fatty acid becomes the major substrate during fasting, pathologically increased work loads or insulin deficiency. Myocardial purine breakdown reflects myocardial energy status and influences coronary tone. Ischemia accelerates breakdown of ATP to AMP, which is further metabolized to adenosine, which causes vasodilatation and a blunted response to catecholamines. If normal circulation is restored, ADP and AMP are rapidly converted to ATP and purine metabolism is changed from degradation to salvage and de novo synthesis of purines. Ischemia impairs mitochondrial function, causing decreased capacity to oxidize fatty acids once aerobic conditions return. Thus, reperfusion with elevated plasma free fatty acids results in acyl-CoA accumulation in the heart. In diabetic animals, phosphorylation of AMP to ATP is defective in the heart, and AMP degradation is increased. Therefore, careful regulation of the blood sugar with concomitant lowering of plasma free fatty acids in diabetics with ischemic heart disease should improve myocardial salvage by preserving and repleting myocardial ATP. Thus, along with reestablishment of coronary flow and reduction in myocardial oxygen demands, may significantly reduce the morbidity of acute ischemia in diabetics.
Bending the cost curve in the United States: the role of comparative effectiveness research

Owing to an increasing focus on the rising cost of medical care in the United States, bending the cost curve has become the central tenet of healthcare reform. The exact definition of this phrase, however, remains elusive. In order to affect change in the cost and quality of healthcare, the importance of comparative effectiveness research must be recognized.
Molecule of the month, PDE4DIP.

The gene product, phosphodiesterase 4D (PDE4D) is anchored at the centrosome-Golgi cell region by phosphodiesterase 4D interacting protein (PDE4DIP). PDE4D is a member of a family of phosphohydrolyases. These enzymes are involved in signal transduction and hydrolyze 3' cyclic phosphate bonds in 3', 5'- cGMP and 3',5'-cAMP to energyze several reactions in the cell. The latter are termed second messengers and their rates of degradation are regulated. Eleven subtypes of PDEs comprise reactions related to memory and learning as well as other processes including immune cell activation, hormonesecretion, smooth vascular muscle action, platelet aggregation, and cardiac contractility [3]. The use of GenePro SA Biosciences [2] indicates that PDE4DIP interacts with 23 other genes ANKRD12, ARFGEF2, ATIC, ATP2A2, CDK5R2, CDK6, DPYS, FCGR2B, FGFR2, FTH1, GART, HN1L, KCNMA1, MBNL2, NF1, PLCL2, PRUNE, SERINC3, SFPQ, STAT5B, TPM1, TULP1, and TXNIP. When PDE4DIP and the 23 genes are used asinput then the output is as shown in (Figure 1). Figure 1 shows 100 interactions related toPDE4DIP, which is expressed in multiple regions of brain [3]. Figure 1 PDE4DIPinteractions. In this figure, line-colors and various interactions with other genes are red Down-regulation, green Up-regulation, beige Regulation, purple Co-expression, brown Physical Interaction, turquoise dotted Predicted Protein Interaction, ... As a further example illustrating gene product interactions implicated in the disease Schizophrenia, (Figure 2) shows interactions between Disrupted in Schizophrenia 1 (DISC1) and dysbindin (DTNBP1) [4]. In addition, PDE4DIP is included [3]. Figure 2 DISC1, DTNBP1, and PDE4DIPinteractions. In this figure, line-colors and various interactions with other genes are red Down-regulation, green Up-regulation, beige Regulation, purple Co-expression, brown Physical Interaction, turquoise dotted Predicted ... As an exercise, it is suggested for the interested reader to track and categorize the various interacting genes identified in the figures.
Variable-rate irrigation management using an expert system in the eastern coastal plain

Variable-rate irrigation (VRI) systems have the potential to conserve water by spatially allocating limited water resources. However, when compared to traditional irrigation systems, VRI systems require a higher level of management. In this 3-year study, we evaluated spatial irrigation management of a peanut crop grown under a VRI system using an expert system (Irrigator Pro). The irrigation management treatments evaluated were: (1) using Irrigator Pro (IP) to manage irrigation uniformly in plots with varying soils; (2) using Irrigator Pro to manage irrigation in plots based on the individual soils (IPS); (3) a treatment based on maintaining soil water potential (SWP) above −30 kPa (approximately 50 % depletion of available water) in the surface 30 cm of each soil within a plot; and (4) a non-irrigated treatment. Over the 3-year study, all irrigated treatments had significantly higher yields (4,230, 4,130, and 4,394 kg ha−1 for the IP, IPS, and SWP treatments, respectively) than the non-irrigated treatment (3,285 kg ha−1), yet the yields of the three irrigation treatments were not significantly different. Averaged over the 3-year experiment, the three treatments did not differ significantly in water usage. In the 2007 and 2009 growing seasons with below normal rainfall, the IP and IPS treatments required significantly greater total water than the SWP treatment. Overall, water use efficiency was significantly higher for the non-irrigated and SWP treatments (9.4 and 8.9 kg ha−1 per mm, respectively). The lower water use efficiency for the IP and IPS irrigation treatments (7.8 kg ha−1 per mm) was attributed to greater water applications mainly due to earlier growing season initiation of irrigation applications. However, the IP and IPS treatments maintained soil water potentials at the 30- and 60-cm depths at higher levels throughout most of the season. The two Irrigator Pro expert system treatments functioned as well as the SWP-based treatment. The Irrigator Pro expert system can be effectively used for site-specific management where management zone soils do not greatly differ. Further refinement of the expert system may be needed to improve its application in spatial irrigation applications.
Utterances to evaluate steps and control attention distinguish operant from respondent thought while thinking out loud

Ss were instructed to think out loud while engaged in solving manual puzzles, solving logic problems, revery, and quasihypnagogic thought. During the manual puzzle and logic problem activity, they produced significantly more utterances in which they evaluated their previous problem-solving thoughts or acts and in which they indicated that they were controlling their attention than during revery and hypnagogic thought. The findings are interpreted to support the distinction between operant and respondent thought, and they help to characterize the former. They carry implications for theory of thinking, response organization, cognitive development, self-regulation, and thinking dysfunctions as in mental fatigue and psychosis.
Laparoscopic pelvic and paraaortic lymph node dissection in the obese

Abstract Objective. The aim of this study was to determine the utility of laparoscopic pelvic and paraaortic lymph node dissection in obese women. Methods. We performed a retrospective analysis from 1/8/96 to 1/14/01 at the University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, evaluating patients who had a Quetelet index (QI) ≥28 and had planned laparoscopic bilateral pelvic and paraaortic lymph node dissections (lnd) for their gynecologic cancer. This group was compared to a matched group of patients that had lnd done by laparotomy. Patients were identified by our institution's database and data were collected by review of their medical records. Data were collected regarding demographics, stage, histology, length of stay, and procedural information including completion rates, estimated blood loss (EBL), operating room (OR) time, lymph node count, assistant, and complications. Associations between variables were analyzed using Student t tests and χ 2 testing, Excel v9.0. Results. Fifty-five patients had planned laparoscopic lnd (Group 1) and 45 patients had lnd via laparotomy (Group 2). All patients had the diagnosis of endometrial cancer. The percentage of stage I patients did not differ between groups (42/55, 71.2% versus 37/45, 82.2%, P = n.s.). Age and QI were also similar between groups, (64.6 versus 58.4, 40.0 versus 39.3, P = n.s.). Laparoscopy was completed in 35/55 (63.6%) cases. Reasons for conversion included obesity (23.6%), adhesions (1.8%), intraperitoneal cancer (5.5%), and bleeding (5.5%). QI ≥35 was associated with a decreased success rate compared to QI P = 0.004). There was no difference in successful laparoscopy when the first assistant was a fellow or a community obstetrician/gynecologist (61.0% versus 50.0%, P = n.s.). The patients in Group 1 who had laparoscopy completed had a longer OR time compared to those in Group 2 (265.3 versus 140.7 min, P P = n.s.), and length of stay was shorter (2.8 versus 4.5 days, P = 0.0004). Group 1 had significantly fewer postoperative fevers (5.5% versus 31.1%, P = 0.0007), fewer postoperative ileus (0% versus 13.3%, P = 0.005), and a trend for fewer wound infections (9.0% versus 22.2%, P = 0.07). Conclusions. Obesity is not a contraindication to laparoscopic pelvic and paraaortic lymph node dissection. The overall success rate was significantly higher in those patients with a QI
Etch correction and OPC: a look at the current state and future of etch correction

Various forms of Optical Proximity Correction (OPC) have been employed for over twenty years to address local lithographic printing effects. As lithography modeling capabilities have improved, so too have the sophistication and complexity of OPC solutions. In the same time frame, there have been advances in etch modeling capabilities, but the complexity of the correction schemes used to address etch effects have lagged a few years behind lithographic OPC correction. In this paper we examine some of the challenges faced in etch modeling and correction. We describe some of the etch correction tools and techniques used in current mask tape out flows. Finally, we use the last few years of advances in OPC correction to predict what form etch correction will take going forward, both in EUV flows, and in traditional non-EUV OPC flows in the 10nm node and beyond.