cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Compilation of Quantitative Overviews of Studies of Adherence

Purpose of Study. The purposes of this article are to: (1) Compile and critique quantitative reviews of studies of adherence with prescribed medications, and (2) Summarize current knowledge of adherence from the perspective of this literature.Methods. MEDLINE and other bibliographic databases were searched for quantitative reviews in which adherence with prescribed drugs was an endpoint. The reviews were classified according to type and whether they addressed either the factors associated with adherence or interventions designed to improve adherence.Findings. Three types of quantitative reviews are defined: consensus reviews, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews. There is a general agreement across review types and disease categories about the factors associated with adherence. To a first approximation, socio-demographic and disease-related factors are not associated with adherence, whereas factors related to the regimen and patient socio-behavioral factors are associated, though probably weakly. Meta-analyses and systematic reviews of interventions to improve adherence have taken disparate approaches to the pooling of primary study data. Some interventions, for example, reminder packaging, mailed reminders, and rewards, improve adherence, whereas patient information by itself typically does not. There is conflicting evidence for patient counseling, perhaps reflecting the variety of approaches or the relatively weak associations between socio-behavioral factors and adherence.Conclusions. Consensus reviews have generally been consistent in determining that features of the drug regimen and socio-behavioral factors are associated with adherence. The disparate methodological approaches of quantitative overviews of interventions to improve adherence reflect opposing ideas about combining primary data. There is, however, evidence favoring the effectiveness of some types of intervention, for example, reminders, and a consensus that patient information by itself typically is ineffective in improving adherence.
Solvent Extraction Chemistry and Kinetics of Zirconium

Abstract The solvent extraction behavior of zirconium in the HN03-tributyl phosphate (TBP) system can be explained based on the existence of four principal aqueous species, Zr4+, ZrOH3+, Zr3(OH)8+ 4, and oxo-polymers. The Zr4+ and ZrOH3+ species are extractable and are in equilibrium with inextractable Zr3(OH)8+ 4. The oxo-polymers are formed by heat, are-inextractable, and are not: in equilibrium with the other species. The aqueous equilibria and their equilibrium quotients have been previously determined. In the present study, these equilibria were used along with both tracer and macro zirconium concentrations (oxo-polymers excluded by extraction and back scrubbing) to determine the distribution equilibrium constants for both the Zr4+ and ZrOH3+ ions. The four equilibrium constants give excellent fits to both tracer and macro-zirconium distribution data. The concentrations of the extractable zirconium species which are calculated from the equilibria have been used to begin examining the extraction kinet...
DNA isolation by a rapid method from human blood samples: Effects of MgCl2, EDTA, storage time, and temperature on DNA yield and quality

The isolation of DNA from whole blood by a modified rapid method (RM) was tested using various detergents and buffer conditions. Extraction of DNA with either NP-40 or Triton X-100 gave a high yield of undegraded DNA in less than an hour. The concentration of magnesium ion in the buffers was critical to obtaining intact, high molecular weight (HMW) DNA. Greater than 10 mM MgCl2 led to degradation. Addition of EDTA to the buffer inhibits this degradation. Preparation of DNA from blood stored at room temperature or incubated at 37°C for 24 hr resulted in the same amount and quality of DNA as from samples frozen at −70°C. DNA from blood samples that had undergone more than four freeze-thaw cycles was found to be partially degraded. The modified RM can be applied to extract DNA from as little as 10 µl of blood (340 ng of DNA) and from dried blood samples. DNA samples remained intact and undegraded for longer times when DNA was dissolved in higher concentrations of EDTA.
Acetate and acetamide complexes of [Ni(Me4[12]aneN4)]PF6: a tale of two ligands

Although there are many examples of acetate complexes, acetamide complexes are virtually unknown. A side-by-side comparison in (acetato-κ(2)O,O')(1,4,7,10-tetramethyl-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-κ(4)N)nickel(II) hexafluoridophosphate, [Ni(C2H3O2)(C12H28N4)]PF6, (1), and (acetamidato-κ(2)O,O')(1,4,7,10-tetramethyl-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-κ(4)N)nickel(II) hexafluoridophosphate, [Ni(C2H4NO)(C12H28N4)]PF6, (2), shows the steric equivalence between these two ligands, suggesting that acetamide could be considered as a viable acetate replacement for electronic tuning.
The spectro-contextual encoding and retrieval theory of episodic memory

The spectral fingerprint hypothesis, which posits that different frequencies of oscillations underlie different cognitive operations, provides one account for how interactions between brain regions support perceptual and attentive processes (Siegel etal., 2012). Here, we explore and extend this idea to the domain of human episodic memory encoding and retrieval. Incorporating findings from the synaptic to cognitive levels of organization, we argue that spectrally precise cross-frequency coupling and phase-synchronization promote the formation of hippocampal-neocortical cell assemblies that form the basis for episodic memory. We suggest that both cell assembly firing patterns as well as the global pattern of brain oscillatory activity within hippocampal-neocortical networks represents the contents of a particular memory. Drawing upon the ideas of context reinstatement and multiple trace theory, we argue that memory retrieval is driven by internal and/or external factors which recreate these frequency-specific oscillatory patterns which occur during episodic encoding. These ideas are synthesized into a novel model of episodic memory (the spectro-contextual encoding and retrieval theory, or "SCERT") that provides several testable predictions for future research.
Randomized trials in emergency medicine journals, 2008 to 2011.

Abstract Study Objective Knowledge of current areas of activity in emergency medicine research may improve collaboration among investigators and may help inform decisions about future research priorities. Randomized, controlled trials are a key component of research activity and an essential tool for improving care. We investigated the characteristics of randomized trials recently published in emergency medicine journals. Methods This was a retrospective analysis of randomized trials published in the 5 highest impact emergency medicine journals. PubMed was searched for reports of randomized trials involving human subjects indexed to MEDLINE between January 1, 2008, and December 31, 2011. Included trials were classified with respect to study topic, funding source, presence of age-related inclusion criteria, and country of origin. Results A total of 163 published studies were included for analysis. Pain management was the most commonly studied topic (n = 28, or 17%) followed by orthopedics (n = 24, or 15%), cardiovascular disease (n = 13, or 8%), and prehospital medicine (n = 13, or 8%). Less than half of studies received extramural funding support. Children were specifically examined in 22 (13%) of trials; only 5 trials (3%) specifically examined patients aged 60 or older. Conclusions Emergency medicine journals publish randomized trials addressing a wide range of clinical topics. Randomized trials focusing on geriatric patients are not commonly published in these journals.
The influence of haze on infrared radiation measurements detected by space vehicles

A method is outlined to investigate the influence of thin cirrus layers, invisible to the naked eye, upon the long wave flux leaving the atmosphere. Radiative properties of spherical ice particles acting as primary scatterers and absorbers of infrared radiation have been taken into account. The combined radiative effects of ice particles with gaseous absorbers were estimated to determine the influence of thin cirrus layers on the outgoing long wave radiation within the 6.0–6.5 μ and 8–12 μ region as well as the total infrared spectrum. An estimate is also made of the effect of the stratospheric haze layer upon the outgoing radiation. DOI: 10.1111/j.2153-3490.1965.tb01407.x
Cultural Mismatch in Pedagogy Workshops: Training Non-native Teachers in Communicative Language Teaching

As a professional ideology, the Communicative Language Teaching approach (CLT) (Ellis, 1996, 2012; Lee & VanPatten, 2003) has been exported to non-Western contexts with varying degrees of success (e.g., Lewis & McCook, 2002; Li, 1998). The authors of this paper, both non-native speakers of English who have lived and taught in the USA for 20 years, discuss their experiences training teachers of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) from China and Iraq/Kurdistan. Confirming previous research on the topic, they found teachers’ beliefs about teaching to be highly resistant to change, even in the face of evidence that negates them (Bax, 2003; Brown, 2009; Nespor, 1987; Pajares, 1992). This article analyzes the cultural parameters of EFL contexts that seem to be at the root of teachers’ reluctance toward CLT. The authors argue that this hesitation is related to a mismatch between teachers’ and trainers’ belief systems. This phenomenon is explored in light of cultural and ideological factors. The authors draw on Kachru’s (1992, 2006) work on the power dynamics between Inner Circle, Outer Circle, and Expanding Circle countries (see also Burns, 2013; Canagarajah, 2013).
Pregnant rats treated with a high-fat/prooxidant Western diet with ANG II and TNF-α are resistant to elevations in blood pressure and renal oxidative stress

Oxidative stress and inflammation are risk factors for hypertension in pregnancy. Here, we examined the 24-h mean arterial pressure (MAP) via telemetry and the nitric oxide (NO) and redox systems i...
Assembly and Function of the Regulator of G protein Signaling 14 (RGS14)·H-Ras Signaling Complex in Live Cells Are Regulated by Gαi1 and Gαi-linked G Protein-coupled Receptors

Regulator of G protein signaling 14 (RGS14) is a multifunctional scaffolding protein that integrates heterotrimeric G protein and H-Ras signaling pathways. RGS14 possesses an RGS domain that binds active Gαi/o-GTP subunits to promote GTP hydrolysis and a G protein regulatory (GPR) motif that selectively binds inactive Gαi1/3-GDP subunits to form a stable heterodimer at cellular membranes. RGS14 also contains two tandem Ras/Rap binding domains (RBDs) that bind H-Ras. Here we show that RGS14 preferentially binds activated H-Ras-GTP in live cells to enhance H-Ras cellular actions and that this interaction is regulated by inactive Gαi1-GDP and G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Using bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) in live cells, we show that RGS14-Luciferase and active H-Ras(G/V)-Venus exhibit a robust BRET signal at the plasma membrane that is markedly enhanced in the presence of inactive Gαi1-GDP but not active Gαi1-GTP. Active H-Ras(G/V) interacts with a native RGS14·Gαi1 complex in brain lysates, and co-expression of RGS14 and Gαi1 in PC12 cells greatly enhances H-Ras(G/V) stimulatory effects on neurite outgrowth. Stimulation of the Gαi-linked α2A-adrenergic receptor induces a conformational change in the Gαi1·RGS14·H-Ras(G/V) complex that may allow subsequent regulation of the complex by other binding partners. Together, these findings indicate that inactive Gαi1-GDP enhances the affinity of RGS14 for H-Ras-GTP in live cells, resulting in a ternary signaling complex that is further regulated by GPCRs. Background: RGS14 binds H-Ras to modulate its signaling. Results: Inactive Gαi1 and GPCRs regulate RGS14 interactions with activated H-Ras in live cells. Conclusion: RGS14 simultaneously binds activated H-Ras and Gαi1, forming a ternary complex that is regulated by GPCRs. Significance: These findings highlight a possible mechanism for how RGS14 functions as a key regulator of hippocampal-based learning and memory.
WE-D-ValB-07: Patient Setup Based On Lung Tumor Mass for Gated Radiotherapy

Purpose: To develop a lungcancer patient setup technique for gated radiotherapy based on the direct image registration of lungtumor mass. Method and Materials: We develop a tumor mass based patient setup technique for gated radiotherapy that matches the lungtumor of the radiographicimage to the DRRimage. For each patient, AP and lateral DRRs at exhale are generated from the corresponding 4DCT data with the projected GTV outer contour. During patient setup, AP and lateral radiographs are acquired at exhale using an on‐board x‐ray imaging system. First, an image registration algorithm is applied to match the regions of interest around the tumor mass in both radiographic and DRRimage. Second, an interactive registration procedure, which uses a computer mouse to drag the GTV contour in the radiographicimage to its correct position, is applied to verify and/or correct the automatic registration results. Results: We tested the various existing image registration algorithms and found that maximizing mutual information performs best for lungtumor registrations. Excellent matches can generally be made, and if nuanced adjustments are needed for a particular patient, they can be accomplished through interactive registration. Conclusion: Automatic registration of lungtumor mass in radiographicimage to DRR is feasible for most of patients to provide precise patient setup based on tumor mass, rather than skin markers or bony structures. Interactive registration is needed to provide human verification and correction. Conflict of Interest: Research is partially sponsored by an NCI grant (1 R21 CA110177 A 01A1).
Calculation of body-centered-cubic lattice sums with an application to ferromagnetism.

The lattice sums for the bcc lattice are recalculated using the method of Flax and Raich to obtain more general expressions, valid for all temperatures, in terms of a Langevin function and its derivatives. Formulas are presented which enable easy numerical evaluation. A comparison with well-known low-temperature expansions and with the results of direct numerical integration demonstrates the validity at low temperatures of the more general expressions calculated here.
Elaborations on a theme

Gerald Mast. Howard Hawks, Storyteller. New York: Oxford University Press, 1982. 406 pp. $29.95 cloth. Joseph McBride, ed. Hawks on Hawks. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1982. 190 pp. $14.95 cloth, $6.95 paper. Leland Poague. Howard Hawks. Boston: Twayne, 1982. 195 pp. $15.95 cloth. Robin Wood. Howard Hawks (revised edition). London: British Film Institute, 1981. U.S. distributor: New York Zoetrope. 216 pp. $10.95 paper.
Steric hindrance effect on amine demonstrated in solid polymer membranes for CO2 transport

Abstract Due to steric hindrance effect, aqueous solutions of sterically hindered amines have demonstrated superior advantages for carbon dioxide absorption over unhindered amines and hence have been used in commercial gas treating processes to remove CO 2 from syngas and natural gas. This work for the first time reports the effect of amine steric hindrance demonstrated in a solid phase. The steric hindrance effect dramatically enhanced the CO 2 transport of hindered polyamines in the solid polymeric matrix of new fixed-site-carrier facilitated transport membranes synthesized by blending hindered polyamines with crosslinked polyvinylalcohol. The new membranes exhibited significantly improved CO 2 /H 2 and CO 2 /N 2 separation performances at 110 °C and a feed pressure of 2 atm. This work could provide significant opportunities for further fundamental work to fully exploit sterically hindered amines and open a new approach for the development of next generation gas separation membranes.
Identification of cholinergic and non-cholinergic neurons in the pons expressing phosphorylated cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element-binding protein as a function of rapid eye movement sleep

Abstract Recent studies have shown that in the pedunculopontine tegmental nucleus (PPT), increased neuronal activity and kainate receptor-mediated activation of intracellular protein kinase A (PKA) are important physiological and molecular steps for the generation of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. In the present study performed on rats, phosphorylated cyclic AMP response element-binding protein (pCREB) immunostaining was used as a marker for increased intracellular PKA activation and as a reflection of increased neuronal activity. To identify whether activated cells were either cholinergic or noncholinergic, the PPT and laterodorsal tegmental nucleus (LDT) cells were immunostained for choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) in combination with pCREB or c-Fos. The results demonstrated that during high rapid eye movement sleep (HR, ∼27%), significantly higher numbers of cells expressed pCREB and c-Fos in the PPT, of which 95% of pCREB-expressing cells were ChAT-positive. With HR, the numbers of pCREB-positive cells were also significantly higher in the medial pontine reticular formation (mPRF), pontine reticular nucleus oral (PnO), and dorsal subcoeruleus nucleus (SubCD) but very few in the locus coeruleus (LC) and dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN). Conversely, with low rapid eye movement sleep (LR, ∼2%), the numbers of pCREB expressing cells were very few in the PPT, mPRF, PnO, and SubCD but significantly higher in the LC and DRN. The results of regression analyses revealed significant positive relationships between the total percentages of REM sleep and numbers of ChAT+/pCREB+ (Rsqr=0.98) cells in the PPT and pCREB+ cells in the mPRF (Rsqr=0.88), PnO (Rsqr=0.87), and SubCD (Rsqr=0.84); whereas significantly negative relationships were associated with the pCREB+ cells in the LC (Rsqr=0.70) and DRN (Rsqr=0.60). These results provide evidence supporting the hypothesis that during REM sleep, the PPT cholinergic neurons are active, whereas the LC and DRN neurons are inactive. More importantly, the regression analysis indicated that pCREB activation in approximately 98% of PPT cholinergic neurons, was caused by REM sleep. Moreover the results indicate that during REM sleep, PPT intracellular PKA activation and a transcriptional cascade involving pCREB occur exclusively in the cholinergic neurons.
COMPUTATIONAL STUDY OF UNIMOLECULAR DECOMPOSITION MECHANISM OF RDX EXPLOSIVE

This study investigated the RDX (1,3,5-Trinitro-1,3,5-triazine) molecule to elucidate its possible decomposition species and the corresponding energies by performing the density-functional theory (DFT) calculations. Reasonable decomposition mechanisms are proposed based on the bond energy calculated using the differential overlap (INDO) program, which yields the weakest bonding site for reference and determines the site of easy cleavage. Computational results indicate that the activation energy of direct cis-form HONO elimination is lower than that of direct trans-form HONO elimination and that of a two-stage elimination of two forms of HONO (N–N bond fission combined with C–H bond breaking) in the initial decomposition step, which are 213.9 kJ/mol and 93.8–101.8 kJ/mol, respectively. Two possible pathways are proposed; (1) N–N bond homolytic cleavage followed by elimination of cis-form HONO, and (2) N–N bond homolytic cleavage followed by elimination of trans-form HONO.
Experiments with an ordinary differential equation solver in the parallel solution of method of lines problems on a shared-memory parallel computer

Abstract We consider method of lines solutions of partial differential equations on shared-memory parallel computers. Solutions using the ordinary differential equation solver SDRIV3 (which is similar to the well-known LSODE solver) are considered. It is shown that portions of the solver may be implemented in parallel. In particular, formation of the Jacobian matrix and the linear algebra required to solve the corrector equations are natural candidates for parallel implementation since these portions dominate the cost of solving large systems of equations. A variant of Gaussian elimination is described which allows efficient parallel solution of systems of linear equations. An implementation of SDRIV3 which performs the Jacobian related calculations in parallel and which uses this variant of Gaussian elimination is described. The modified solver is used to solve a model hyperbolic fluid flow problem. Timing results, obtained using a Sequent Balance parallel computer, are given which demonstrate that substantial speedups are possible. Extensions of the techniques to sparse problems are discussed and illustrated for a problem involving a humidification column which contacts air and water.
Censorship: A Problem for All Teachers.

1. A young man returns from college to find that his mother has married his uncle shortly after his father's death. He dreams that his father tells him that his uncle killed him. Acting on the dream, he seeks to prove his uncle's guilt. In so doing, he casts aspersions on his mother, alienates his friends, and pretends insanity. The result is the real madness of his love and her death; he kills her brother and father, his mother and uncle are killed, and finally he is killed.
NiTiHf-based shape memory alloys

AbstractNiTiHf-based shape memory alloys have been receiving considerable attention for high temperature, high strength and two-way shape memory applications since they could have transformation temperatures above 100°C, shape memory effect under high stress (above 500 MPa) and superelasticity above 100°C. Moreover, their shape memory properties can be tailored by microstructural engineering. However, NiTiHf-based alloys have some drawbacks such as low ductility and high slope in stress induced martensite transformation region. In order to overcome these limitations, studies have been focused on microstructural engineering by aging, alloying and processing. It has been revealed that microstructural control is crucial to govern the shape memory properties (e.g. transformation temperatures, matrix strength, shape recovery strain, twinning type, etc.) of NiTiHf-based alloys. A summary of the most recent improvements on selected NiTiHf-based systems is presented to point out their significant shape memory pro...
A method of measuring the initial behavior of the free induction decay

Abstract A method for accurately measuring the initial portion of an NMR free induction decay, including a point at t = 0, is described in some detail. Theoretical calculations justifying the technique are carried out. The technique uses spin locking, and is limited to single crystals. The results of free induction decay shape measurements using a single 90° pulse and those using the present technique are found to be identical to within experimental error for 19 F in CaF 2 (representing a rigid lattice) and PbF 2 (representing a motionally narrowed lattice).
Tumor Inhibitors XXI: Active Principles of Acer Negundo and Cyclamen Persicum

An alcoholic extract of leaves and stems of Acer negundo L. was found to show significant inhibitory activity against sarcoma 180 in mice. Systematic fractionation of the extract led to concentration of the activity and separation of two chroma-tographically homogeneous active acidic saponin fractions. One of the latter saponin fractions also showed significant inhibitory activity against the Walker intramuscular carcinosarcoma 256 tumor in rats. An alcoholic extract of the tubers of Cyclamen persicum Mill. was found to show significant inhibitory activity when tested in vitro against cells derived from human carcinoma of the nasopharynx (KB). Systematic fractionation led to separation of a chromatographically homogeneous saponin fraction with significant inhibitory activity against the Walker 256 tumor in rats. Preliminary characterization of the active saponin fractions is described.
Evaluating vegetation indices for assessing productivity along a tropical rain forest chronosequence in Western Amazonia

Tropical deforestation is leading not only to losses of biodiversity but also to regional losses of vegetation productivity. However, in many areas the deforestation process is usually accompanied by a fast forest regeneration that produces a mosaic of forest patches in different successional stages. These successional stages have different productivities owing primarily to differences in species composition and soil nutrients. In order to assess the long-term consequences of deforestation and forest regeneration on atmospheric carbon dynamics, it is imperative to analyze the spatio-temporal patterns of forest productivity along different successional stages. This study evaluates the suitability of five different vegetation indices for assessing productivity along a tropical rain forest chronosequence located in Western Amazonia. Among the indices tested, the Red Edge Chlorophyll Index (CIRed Edge) and the Wide Dynamic Range Vegetation Index (WDRVI) proved to be the most suitable for this purpose. However...
Isolation and structural analysis of Drosophila grimshawi vitellogenin genes.

We isolated recombinant genomic DNA clones containing sequences coding for the female-specific vitellogenin proteins of Drosophila grimshawi. By screening with cDNA vitellogenin clones derived from female fat body mRNA we were able to isolate all three genes, namely V1, V2 and V3. The identity of these genes was established first by cell-free translation of the hybrid-selected mRNA followed by protease digestion of the in vitro translation products and second by hybridization of the three genes to electrophoretically separated mRNAs. The transcriptional orientation of these genes was determined. The V1 and V2 genes have opposite orientations with their 5′-ends 1.75 kb apart. S1 analysis demonstrated that the V1 gene has three exons of 310, 400 and 980 bp in length and two introns of about 120 bp. The V2 gene has two exons of 300 and 1260 bp in length and an intron 100 bp long. The V3 gene has three exons of 250, 375 and 820 bp in length and two introns of about 120 bp. The homology, in both sequence and structure, of the vitellogenin genes indicates that they have arisen by duplication events from an ancestral gene. Moreover, the similarity of the V1 and V2 gene positions within the genome of the two distant species D. melanogaster and D. grimshawi suggests a functional coupling of these two genes during vitellogenin gene expression.
Transcriptome sequencing of single cells with Smart-Seq

A method for performing RNA-Seq on picograms of mRNA facilitates gene expression profiling of rare cells.
Correlation of Microthermal Turbulence Data with Meteorological Soundings in the Troposphere

Recent measurements of vertical profiles of microthermal turbulence structure are reported. Data obtained by balloon-borne temperature sensors are presented in terms of the temperature structure coefficient. Free-floating balloon flights allowed this type of measurement to be extended to an altitude of 15 km above sea level. This series of flights was accompanied by vertical profiles of wind speed and temperature that permitted calculation of wind shear and gradient Richardson number profiles. The observed correlations found to exist between microthermal turbulence layers and the standard meteorological data are discussed briefly in light of the theory.
Motives, diversion and routes of administration associated with nonmedical use of prescription opioids

Objectives The main objectives of this study were to assess the motives, diversion sources and routes of administration associated with the nonmedical use of prescription opioids as well as to examine substance use related problems associated with the nonmedical use of prescription opioids.
Separation, identification and quantification of monomers from cutin polymers by high performance liquid chromatography and evaporative light scattering detection

A silicic acid high performance liquid chromatographic method which utilizes an evaporative light scattering detector has been developed for the separation of cutin monomers. This binary gradient system was successfully applied to separate underivatized monomers of several fruit cutins including those from apple cvs. Golden Delicious and Red Delicious (Malus pumila), tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum), grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) green pepper (Capsidum annum) and pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo). All cutin monomers, from the least polar, monohydroxy saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, to the most polar, trihydroxy saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, were separated. Monomer identity was confirmed by gas chromatography-mass spectromety of collected peaks. The gradient was also able to separate positional isomers of dihydroxy fatty acids, a separation not yet achieved by gas chromatography. The relationship between detector response and the mass of five common cutin monomers was obtained.
Regulation of vascular smooth muscle cell differentiation

Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) differentiation is an essential component of vascular development. These cells perform biosynthetic, proliferative, and contractile roles in the vessel wall. VSMCs are not terminally differentiated and are able to modulate their phenotype in response to changing local environmental cues. There is clear evidence that alterations in the differentiated state of the VSMC play a critical role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and intimal hyperplasia, as well as in a variety of other major human diseases, including hypertension, asthma, and vascular aneurysms. The focus of this review is to provide an overview of the current state of knowledge of molecular mechanisms involved in controlling phenotypic switching of SMCs, with particular focus on examination of signaling pathway that regulate this process.
Structuring the Classroom for Success.

This article summarizes recent research on effective classroom management practices that teachers can use to enhance learning and to prevent, or at least minimize, the occurrence of misbehaviour. Suggestions for creating and maintaining an appropriate climate for learning are discussed. Strategies that are particularly effective in teaching mildly handicapped students are emphasized and procedures for evaluating the effectiveness of one's management practices are discussed.
Evaluation of hydronic loop energy and modeling of heated water loop containing multiple variable air volume units with hydronic reheat coils

Experimental data recorded for a heating, ventilating, and air conditioning system showed that the daily heated water loop energy calculated by summing the hourly-averaged loop heat transfer for the heated water loop is almost 35% higher than the sum of the daily energy consumed by variable air volume hydronic reheat coils in each zone. The main reason for this difference was attributed to the time delay of the loop return water temperature caused by the water traveling along the loop. This study examines methods to evaluate the heated water loop energy when there are time varying conditions. Data for a heated water loop are used to demonstrate the effects of the time delay on the evaluation of the loop energy. A pipe heat transfer model characterizing the transient response of a fluid flowing through a single pipe is developed to examine the effects of time varying conditions on the pipe thermal response. Based on the pipe heat transfer model, a loop model is constructed to simulate the actual loop with multiple hydronic reheat coils. The comparisons of the simulation results with the data indicate that the loop model is capable of predicting the loop return water temperatures and loop heat transfer based on data.
In Situ Hybridization in the Study of Pituitary Tissues

Summary This presentation summarizes the use of in situ hybridization in the study of pituitary abnormalities. The basic techniques, technical problems and pitfalls in interpretation and the application of in situ hybridization are discussed.
Size reduction in multimode interference-based NxN couplers using a tapered waveguide geometry

The length of NxN multimode interference-based devices scales as the square of the MMI region width, and as a result, the use of these structures for large-N applications can require large chip areas. We discuss the NxN applications of a recently proposed MMI structure which has smaller device dimensions than conventional multimode interference structures. Numerical simulations of such structures and design rules are presented.
A novel optical method providing for high-sensitivity and high-throughput biomolecular interaction analysis

Abstract We present a novel method for label-free detection of biomolecular interactions based on the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) phenomenon. The method enables simultaneous and extremely sensitive analysis of a large number of samples arranged in a 2D array format on the sensor surface. To realize the approach, a prototype of the optical sensor was constructed. With this sensor, interaction kinetics are sampled at a 10 Hz rate, and the dynamic range of the system extends from 1.32 to 1.38 refractive index units (RIU). While the fluidics for a highly multiplexed system are not yet developed, we optimized the prototype for simultaneous sensing of up to 110 interaction sites. In this configuration, extremely low root-mean-squared (RMS) noise, 2.6 × 10 − 8 RIU / Hz , is obtained. This low noise level corresponds to sensitivity exceeding that of any commercial SPR instrument—even those with little or no multiplexing capability. Simple software changes allow the user to trade off dynamic range and multiplexing in exchange for additional sensitivity enhancement. This capability is demonstrated in experiments we perform characterizing the interaction of carbonic anhydrase II with a small molecule, carboxybenzenesulfonamide.
Erlotinib-cisplatin combination inhibits growth and angiogenesis through c-MYC and HIF-1α in EGFR-mutated lung cancer in vitro and in vivo.

Combination treatment for non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is becoming more popular due to the anticipation that it may be more effective than single drug treatment. In addition, there are efforts to genetically screen patients for specific mutations in light of attempting to administer specific anticancer agents that are most effective. In this study, we evaluate the anticancer and anti-angiogenic effects of low dose erlotinib-cisplatin combination in NSCLC in vitro and in vivo. In NSCLC cells harboring epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations, combination erlotinib-cisplatin treatment led to synergistic cell death, but there was minimal efficacy in NSCLC cells with wild-type EGFR. In xenograft models, combination treatment also demonstrated greater inhibition of tumor growth compared to individual treatment. The anti-tumor effect observed was secondary to the targeting of angiogenesis, evidenced by decreased vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels and decreased levels of CD31 and microvessel density. Combination treatment targets angiogenesis through down-regulation of the c-MYC/hypoxia inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α) pathway. In fact, cell lines with EGFR exon 19 deletions expressed high basal levels of c-MYC and HIF-1α and correlate with robust responses to combination treatment. These results suggest that low dose erlotinib-cisplatin combination exhibits its anti-tumor activity by targeting angiogenesis through the modulation of the c-MYC/HIF-1α/VEGF pathway in NSCLC with EGFR exon 19 deletions. These findings may have significant clinical implications in patients with tumors harboring EGFR exon 19 deletions as they may be particularly sensitive to this regimen.
Effect of diltiazem on renal clearance and serum concentration of digoxin in patients with cardiac disease

Abstract The effect of diltiazem on digoxin serum concentration was evaluated in 9 patients who had been treated chronically for heart disease with digoxin, 0.25 mg/day. The indications for digoxin therapy were arrhythmias in 5 patients and mild heart failure in the other 4. Renal digoxin clearance was also evaluated in 8 of these patients. Serum digoxin concentration was measured at control, 7 ± 2 days after initiation of 120 mg/day of diltiazem and 11 ± 5 days after increasing the dose of diltiazem to 240 mg/day. Serum digoxin concentration was 0.9 ± 0.4 ng/ml at control, 0.8 ± 0.4 ng/ml with 120 mg/day of diltiazem, and 0.8 ± 0.3 ng/ml during therapy with 240 mg/day. The differences between these values were not significant. Renal digoxin clearance also did not show a significant change after diltiazem therapy (44 ± 15 ml/min before diltiazem and 46 ± 13 ml/min with 240 mg/day of diltiazem). This study shows no effect of diltiazem in doses of 120 to 240 mg/day on serum digoxin concentration or renal digoxin clearance in patients who are treated chronically for heart disease with digoxin. In this dose range, diltiazem has advantages over verapamil, which markedly elevates digoxin levels.
Chemotherapy for malignant glioma

Malignant gliomas comprise a small percentage of all cancers, but continue to cause disproportionate levels of morbidity and mortality. Despite decades of intensive effort from many disciplines--surgery, radiation oncology and medicine--they remain refractory to cure and, in most cases, even to prolonged treatment response. Comprehensive multidisciplinary treatment is well recognized as the optimal approach. While continued advances and refinement in both surgical and radiotherapy-based techniques are certain, medical therapies are expanding at a much more rapid rate. This is due, in large part, to an understanding of the molecular events that underlie cancer pathogenesis and improved laboratory techniques to manufacture and study molecules that influence this process. This review will focus on medical therapies in the treatment of malignant glioma, never losing sight of their place as one of several therapeutic modalities used to confront brain cancer.
Pathologic features the urologist should expect on a prostate biopsy

In recent years, the pathological evaluation of prostate biopsy specimens has made great improvements in diagnostic accuracy and comprehensiveness. In this article, we review major pathological findings on prostate biopsy, their interpretation and reporting, as well as their clinical significance and utility. We discuss especially the clinically relevant histological features in either a positive or negative biopsy. We emphasize that both Gleason score and extent of cancer involvement in a needle core biopsy are important predictors of clinical outcome after either radical prostatectomy or radiation. Special issues regarding diagnosis and grading of minimal cancer on needle core biopsies are discussed. We also highlight the current standards on high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia and atypical small acinar proliferation on needle core biopsies. In summary, the pathology reports on needle biopsies are far beyond the simple presence or absence of cancer; they contain invaluable information to clinicians on patient management and counseling.
If Health Care Advertising Is a Problem, FDA-Style Regulation Is Not the Solution

Schenker, Arnold, and London (2014) make a convincing case that advertising for health care services is morally problematic. They do not entertain the idea of restoring an outright ban on such adve...
Marital Quality in Remarriage: A Review of Methods and Results

Marital quality in remarriages remains an important construct worthy of scientific inquiry—especially considering the rate at which remarriages end in divorce. The purpose of this critical review was to focus on the factors that affect marital quality within the remarried dyad specifically. Special emphasis was placed on the identification of how well authors defined their construct of interest and applied and used an appropriate operational definition, their procedural method, and their findings.
Situs Ambiguous, Levocardia, Right Sided Stomach, Obstructing Duodenal Web, and Intestinal Nonrotation: A Case Report

When approaching a case with a situs abnormality, using the proper terminology, making a specific diagnosis, and understanding the other often associated abnormalities that need to be excluded are of great importance. We present a case of situs ambiguous in the presence of intestinal nonrotation and an obstructing duodenal web. Our patient initially presented at two days old with bilious emesis and failure to pass meconium after birth. An abdominal radiograph demonstrated an unusual bowel gas pattern, a reversed "double bubble" sign. A subsequent thorough imaging survey was crucial to further characterize our patient's unique anatomy. Overall, our case demonstrates many of the unusual plain radiographic and sonographic findings associated with our patient's situs abnormality and allows for review of situs abnormalities and their significance.
Thermal Lens Calorimetry: A Novel Approach to the Study of Thermodynamics

There has been a great deal of interest in modernizing the physical chemistry curriculum from the perspectives of employing more modern instrumentation and new teaching methodology. This paper presents a physical chemistry experiment in which thermal lens calorimetry is used to teach some general thermodynamics principles; as well, it provides an interesting and unique experiment. The experiment addresses numerous thermodynamic concepts, which include enthalpy changes and the relationship of thermal conductivity, density, and heat capacity. In addition, other topics, such as data analysis and optics, may be addressed. Discussion topics and exercises are provided that lend themselves to more extensive dialogue and would be appropriate for cooperative teaching methods and classroom discussions.
Suicidal Ideation and Suicide Attempts in Recent-Onset Schizophrenia

The objective of this study was to predict suicidality in people with schizophrenia. Ninety-six patients with recent-onset schizophrenia were rated every 2 weeks for 1 year to examine (1) the temporal course of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts and (2) the extent to which anxiety, depression, and mild suicidal ideation were followed by significant suicidal ideation or a suicide attempt. The severity of suicidality changed rapidly. Low levels of suicidal ideation increased the risk for significant suicidal ideation or a suicide attempt during the subsequent 3 months. Depression was moderately correlated with concurrent suicidality, but not independently associated with future suicidality. Therefore, low levels of suicidal ideation may predict future suicidal ideation or behavior better than depressed mood in individuals with schizophrenia.
Cancer Vaccines '98: a reductionistic approach

It seems likely that more innovation, based on a deeper understanding of the basic biology of tumor–immune interactions, will be required to develop widely efficacious tumor immunotherapies. Nevertheless, 200 years after Jenner, tumor immunologists may finally have the beginnings of a vaccine for cancer.
Experts Outline Ways to Decrease the Decade-Long Yearly Rate of 40,000 New HIV Infections in the US

This paper presents data from a brief, anonymous, open-ended survey of 50 behavioral research experts in HIV prevention. Responses were received from 31 participants who provided input regarding the primary reasons they believe the rate of the HIV epidemic in the United States has persisted in recent years, and how they believe we can most efficiently decrease the current rate of new HIV infections in the United States. Four clusters of reasons suggested for the persistent rate of new infections: Intervention level reasons, Society level reasons, Person level reasons, and Multiple Risk Factor reasons. Three clusters of strategies suggested for decreasing the current rate: Improved Targeting of HIV Prevention efforts, Larg-Scale Changes to HIV prevention, and Integrating HIV Prevention into more aspects of society. Results are reviewed with the objective of providing a fresh perspective on the potential means for addressing the current HIV epidemic.
Mechanical property changes during neonatal development and healing using a multiple regression model.

During neonatal development, tendons undergo a well orchestrated process whereby extensive structural and compositional changes occur in synchrony to produce a normal tissue. Conversely, during the repair response to injury, structural and compositional changes occur, but a mechanically inferior tendon is produced. As a result, developmental processes have been postulated as a potential paradigm for elucidation of mechanistic insight required to develop treatment modalities to improve adult tissue healing. The objective of this study was to compare and contrast normal development with injury during early and late developmental healing. Using backwards multiple linear regressions, quantitative and objective information was obtained into the structure–function relationships in tendon. Specifically, proteoglycans were shown to be significant predictors of modulus during early developmental healing but not during late developmental healing or normal development. Multiple independent parameters predicted percent relaxation during normal development, however, only biglycan and fibril diameter parameters predicted percent relaxation during early developmental healing. Lastly, multiple differential predictors were observed between early development and early developmental healing; however, no differential predictors were observed between late development and late developmental healing. This study presents a model through which objective analysis of how compositional and structural parameters that affect the development of mechanical parameters can be quantitatively measured. In addition, information from this study can be used to develop new treatment and therapies through which improved adult tendon healing can be obtained.
Becoming an Authentic Community College Teacher

In this paper, a study of how adult vocational educators develop authenticity in their teaching within a Canadian community college context is presented. Six participants from different disciplines, five of whom were relatively new teachers, and one of whom had considerable experience, were interviewed three times over two years. With the assistance of the participants, narratives were constructed for each educator. Three categories of issuesâ€”personal issues (such as confidence), college system issues (policies and procedures), and educational system issues (government mandated curriculum)â€”were identified as influencing the development of authenticity. Implications for teacher preparation and professional development within the college environment are discussed.
The Effect of Immersion Scheduling on Academic Performance and Students’ Ratings of Instructors:

During the past decades, little research has investigated the effects of immersion scheduling on the psychology classroom. Therefore, we sought to compare academic performance of students in 2-week immersion psychology courses to that of students in traditional 16-week courses. In Study 1, students who received instruction in a 2-week immersion course significantly outperformed their cohorts in a traditional 16-week course. In order to address potential limitations in the first study, in Study 2, we controlled for individual differences variables (e.g., cumulative grade point average), and results indicated significantly higher academic performance for students in the 2-week immersion course. In both studies, students in the immersion courses consistently evaluated the courses and their instructors significantly higher than those students in the 16-week courses. In light of our results and in contrast to critics, immersion courses may be useful and effective when teaching psychology.