cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Overdrive atrial pacing for conversion of atrial flutter: comparison of postoperative with nonpostoperative patients.

Abstract Background Previous studies have reported varying success rates in overdrive pace termination of atrial flutter. We hypothesized that these discrepancies might be caused by differences in study populations. Accordingly, we prospectively compared the success rate of pacing in patients with atrial flutter that occurred after heart surgery with that of patients with atrial flutter from other causes. Methods and Results The study population consisted of 65 consecutive patients referred for pace termination of typical (type I) atrial flutter. Pacing was performed in 30-second bursts, starting at the flutter cycle length, and repeated in 5-ms decrements until normal sinus rhythm or atrial fibrillation occurred. Normal sinus rhythm was restored in 38 (65%) patients. Of 20 patients whose flutter was precipitated by heart surgery, 19 (95%) were successfully pace terminated. In contrast, pace termination was successful in only 47% of the remainder of the population ( P Conclusions We conclude that overdrive pacing is an effective means of terminating atrial flutter that has occurred after heart surgery. Alternative methods should be considered as the initial therapeutic approach in patients with atrial flutter from other causes. (Am Heart J 1999;137:100-3.)
Panorama: An integrated web-based sequence analysis tool and its role in gene discovery

As the exponential growth of DNA sequence information in databases continues, the task of converting this deposited information into knowledge becomes more dependent on integrative sequence analysis and visualization tools. PANORAMA is an Internet-accessible software package that performs a variety of informatics analyses on a given DNA sequence and returns a visual and interactive representation of the results. Its design is modular, so that further sequence analysis tools can be integrated with minimal effort. The utility of PANORAMA is demonstrated in the analysis of 650 kb of human genomic DNA from chromosome region 3p21.3, a region of potential tumor suppressor genes involved in lung cancer, breast cancer, and other forms of cancer. PANORAMA aided in the discovery of genes and alternate splice forms of known exons, in the demarcation of intron-exon boundaries, and in the identification of promoter regions and polymorphisms, all of which contributed to a better understanding of the region. PANORAMA is available on the World Wide Web at http://atlas.swmed.edu.
1H T2‐NMR monitoring of crosslinked polyolefin aging

This work examines the correlation between the 1H-NMR T2 relaxation constant and the mechanical properties of aged crosslinked polyolefin cable insulation. T2 experiments on unswollen samples could not differentiate between unaged and highly aged materials; all exhibited 1H T2 constants of approximately 0.5 ms. To accentuate the effects of aging, samples were swollen in various solvents. Unaged samples had T2 values of approximately 15 ms in good solvents. With thermal aging, T2 values decreased as the ultimate tensile elongation decreased. However, the correlation between T2 and elongation differed for samples irradiated with high-energy radiation and for materials aged above versus below the crystalline melting temperature. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 90: 2578–2582, 2003
A configurable 2-in-1 SRAM compiler with constant-negative-level write driver for low Vmin in 16nm Fin-FET CMOS

This paper presents a configurable SRAM for low voltage operation supporting both pseudo two-port SRAM (P2P-SRAM) and single-port SRAM (SP-SRAM) functions in one compiler. Unlike conventional pseudo two-port SRAM that always performs read first, this work enables dynamic read-or-write-first selection and write-through function. It can improve SP-SRAM function speed by 90% faster than that of the conventional read-first pseudo two-port SRAM design. An area-free constant-negative-level write driver (CNL-WD), which is suitable for compiler development, is used to improve write Vmin for configuration range from 4 to 256 cells/BL. A testchip is fabricated in a 16nm Fin-FET CMOS technology with a 0.0907μm2 6T-SRAM cell.
Application of osmotic dewatering to the controlled crystallization of biological macromolecules and organic compounds

Abstract Several methods of crystallization of biological macromolecules depend upon the transport of water through the vapor phase - a process that is sensitive to ambient conditions (temperature, relative humidity). Other methods depend on the transport of solute by diffusion or through a membrane. By regulating the solute concentration on the outside of a reverse-osmosis membrane it is possible to control the rate at which macromolecules and other solutes are concentrated inside a membrane-bound fluid. The effect of dewatering rate on lysozyme crystal quality and growth rate was assessed. A 3-fold increase in concentration over a 9 day period yielded tetragonal crystals 0.5 mm on a side with sharp edges and with ordering at least to 1.73 A. Transparent crystals of triglycine sulfate were grown by osmotic dewatering; in this case crystal growth could be enhanced or reversed by manipulating the external solution.
In Vivo Analysis of Troponin C Knock-In (A8V) Mice: Evidence that TNNC1 is a Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Susceptibility Gene

Recently, the TNNC1 gene that encodes cardiac troponin C (cTnC) was found as a target for many hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) mutations in humans, eliciting alterations in the Ca2+ binding properties of the N-domain of cTnC. We genetically engineered knock-in mice containing the HCM-associated A8V mutation in cTnC (heterozygote = KI-TnC-A8V+/-; homozygote = KI-TnC-A8V+/+) in order to characterize its in vivo, molecular and cellular effects. ECHO revealed that at 3 months old (mo) KI-TnC-A8V+/+ mice display increased IVRT and E/A ∼1 compared to WT, suggesting diastolic dysfunction; whereas KI-TnC-A8V+/- showed signs of cardiac restriction at 14 mo. Histopathology of both genotyped hearts revealed papillary muscle hypertrophy, interstitial fibrosis, and myofibrilar disarray. Real-time PCR analysis at 3 mo demonstrated increases in BNP, α-MHC and β-MHC mRNA levels in the right ventricles of the KI-TnC-A8V mice (only ANP increased in the left ventricle). We identified in intact KI-TnC-A8V+/- and KI-TnC-A8V+/+ cardiomyocytes: a significant decrease in the sarcomere length at several stimulation frequencies; prolonged Ca2+ and contractile transient kinetics at 4Hz; uncoupling between Ca2+ decay (delayed) and contractile (no change) transients at 6Hz; suggesting a mechanical frequency-dependent uncoupling from the Ca2+ transient. Furthermore, a decrease in the baseline Ca2+ fluorescence and in Ca2+ peak percentage was also detected in KI-TnC-A8V+/- and KI-TnC-A8V+/+, indicating increased myofilament Ca2+ buffering. The calcium sensitivity of contraction in skinned fibers increased in a gene dose fashion: KI-TnC-A8V+/+ > KI-TnC-A8V+/- > WT. The rate of relaxation in KI-TnC-A8V+/+ cardiac skinned fibers investigated by flash photolysis was found increased, compared to WT. These results suggest that the A8V mutation in cTnC increases Ca2+ binding affinity to its N-domain eliciting changes in intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis and cellular mechanical function, ultimately leading to diastolic dysfunction.
Metformin therapy in a transgenic mouse model of Huntington's disease

Huntington's disease (HD) is a hereditary neurodegenerative disease that leads to striatal degeneration and a severe movement disorder. We used a transgenic mouse model of HD (the R6/2 line with approximately 150 glutamine repeats) to test a new therapy for this disease. We treated HD mice with metformin, a widely used anti-diabetes drug, in the drinking water (0, 2 or 5mg/ml) starting at 5 weeks of age. Metformin treatment significantly prolonged the survival time of male HD mice at the 2mg/ml dose (20.1% increase in lifespan) without affecting fasting blood glucose levels. This dose of metformin also decreased hind limb clasping time in 11-week-old mice. The higher dose did not prolong survival, and neither dose of metformin was effective in female HD mice. Collectively, our results suggest that metformin may be worth further investigation in additional HD models.
Methods for Cell-attached Capacitance Measurements in Mouse Adrenal Chromaffin Cell

Neuronal transmission is an integral part of cellular communication within the brain. Depolarization of the presynaptic membrane leads to vesicle fusion known as exocytosis that mediates synaptic transmission. Subsequent retrieval of synaptic vesicles is necessary to generate new neurotransmitter-filled vesicles in a process identified as endocytosis. During exocytosis, fusing vesicle membranes will result in an increase in surface area and subsequent endocytosis results in a decrease in the surface area. Here, our lab demonstrates a basic introduction to cell-attached capacitance recordings of single endocytic events in the mouse adrenal chromaffin cell. This type of electrical recording is useful for high-resolution recordings of exocytosis and endocytosis at the single vesicle level. While this technique can detect both vesicle exocytosis and endocytosis, the focus of our lab is vesicle endocytosis. Moreover, this technique allows us to analyze the kinetics of single endocytic events. Here the methods for mouse adrenal gland tissue dissection, chromaffin cell culture, basic cell-attached techniques, and subsequent examples of individual traces measuring singular endocytic event are described.
An environmental impact identification system

The success of an environmental impact assessment depends on the adequate identification of the potential impacts of the project on the environment. This paper presents a method to assist the evaluator in identifying these impacts. The proposed model goes beyond most previous approaches by helping to determine and not only represent the impacts. The environmental impact identification system (EIIS) aggregates the previous environmental evaluations similar to the current problem in order to propose possible impacts. The environmental impact assessments are stored on a computer in the form of impact networks. These impact networks represent the impacts as causal links between trees of activities and environmental elements describing the project and the environment. The evaluator can select and aggregate previous impact networks based on the contextual information of the evaluation problem. The extended impact network resulting from the aggregation contains all the activities, environmental elements and impacts previously considered in the selected evaluations. The identification task is therefore reduced to the modification of the extended impact network to suit the current environmental evaluation.
Redetermination of the Hyperfine Splitting in the Ground State of Atomic Hydrogen

A redetermination has been made of the zero-field hyperfine splitting of the ground state of atomic hydrogen. A microwave absorption technique was used employing a resonance line with a width of about 3 kc/sec. This width (occasionally as narrow as $\frac{1}{10}$ of the normal Doppler breadth) was obtained through the mechanism of collision reduction of the Doppler effect. The primary relaxation mechanism was electron exchange between hydrogen atoms. The measured result for the hyperfine splitting is $\ensuremath{\Delta}\ensuremath{\nu}=1420.40580\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.00006$ Mc/sec.
Distributed termination detection with roughly synchronized clocks

Abstract A distributed and fully symmetric solution to the distributed termination problem is presented. The solution developed applies to systems in which each processor has a physical clock which is roughly synchronized with all other processors' physical clocks. Termination detection is achieved by circulating a timestamped token message around a logical ring of all the processors. The protocol does not require that the underlying application freeze in order to detect termination.
Mesenchyme-dependent BMP signaling directs the timing of mandibular osteogenesis

To identify molecular and cellular mechanisms that determine when bone forms, and to elucidate the role played by osteogenic mesenchyme, we employed an avian chimeric system that draws upon the divergent embryonic maturation rates of quail and duck. Pre-migratory neural crest mesenchyme destined to form bone in the mandible was transplanted from quail to duck. In resulting chimeras, quail donor mesenchyme established significantly faster molecular and histological programs for osteogenesis within the relatively slower-progressing duck host environment. To understand this phenotype, we assayed for changes in the timing of epithelial-mesenchymal interactions required for bone formation and found that such interactions were accelerated in chimeras. In situ hybridization analyses uncovered donor-dependent changes in the spatiotemporal expression of genes, including the osteo-inductive growth factor Bmp4. Mesenchymal expression of Bmp4 correlated with an ability of quail donor cells to form bone precociously without duck host epithelium, and also relied upon epithelial interactions until mesenchyme could form bone independently. Treating control mandibles with exogenous BMP4 recapitulated the capacity of chimeras to express molecular mediators of osteogenesis prematurely and led to the early differentiation of bone. Inhibiting BMP signaling delayed bone formation in a stage-dependent manner that was accelerated in chimeras. Thus, mandibular mesenchyme dictates when bone forms by temporally regulating its interactions with epithelium and its own expression of Bmp4. Our findings offer a developmental mechanism to explain how neural crest-derived mesenchyme and BMP signaling underlie the evolution of species-specific skeletal morphology.
Multi-basin avalanche simulation: A model

Abstract A process oriented avalanche prediction model for wide-area use was developed using five winters' data from Berthoud Pass, Colorado. The model was successfully tested on independent data from the Colorado Front Range and San Juan mountains. This research model is driven by temperature, precipitation, wind, and radiation; it simulates snow transport and deposition in starting zones and the development of a layered snow cover in forest sheltered clearings. Probabilities of avalanche occurrence are estimated according to recent loading and simulated regional snowpack stratigraphy.
Hepatic fatty acid-binding protein mRNA is regulated by growth hormone.

Hepatic fatty acid-binding protein (FABP) is one of several abundant proteins which may participate in fatty acid uptake and utilization. Using differential hybridization to screen for growth hormone-responsive gene products, a complementary deoxyribonucleic acid (cDNA) was isolated which proved to be a hepatic FABP cDNA fragment. Hypophysectomy caused a 60% reduction in hepatic FABP messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) levels in rat liver, and growth hormone administration to hypophysectomized rats resulted in restoration of the expression of hepatic FABP mRNA. Other pituitary hormones did not alter these changes in expression. The response to growth hormone occurred within 4 hours of administration. During development, expression of hepatic FABP mRNA in rat liver was low in late fetal life, with increases to 40% of adult values by day 2 of life. Significant increases to adult levels did not occur until after day 25, when weaning is essentially completed. Alteration of hepatic FABP mRNA expression by growth...
Assignment of the C5' relative stereochemistry in (+)-lepadin F and (+)-lepadin G and absolute configuration of (+)-lepadin G.

Concise assignments of the C5′ stereochemistry in (+)-lepadin F and (+)-lepadin G and the absolute configuration of (+)-lepadin G via the first total syntheses of (+)-5′-epi-lepadin F, (+)-lepadin G, and (+)-5′-epi-lepadin G are described. This work represents an illustrative example in which a diastereomeric pair can possess sufficient spectroscopic difference for clear assignment despite differing only at a highly insulated acyclic stereocenter.
Thermally stable polymers

Most organic polymeric materials melt below 200 °C and most of them begin to degrade rapidly at temperatures only slightly above 200°G. Thermally stable polymers are generally considered to be those which will withstand much higher temperatures without loss of strength or change of structure. In general we expect these materials to withstand at least 300°C in air and up to 500°C or higher in inert atmospheres. Polymers which show these properties are usually highly aromatic in structure, often with heterocyclic units, high melting, sometimes infusible and usually with low solubility in all solvents. This makes their fabrication very difficult and as a consequence limits their usefulness.
THE ASSESSMENT OF JUXTAPOSED ATRIAL APPENDAGES BY TRANSOESOPHAGEAL ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY

Abstract As part of a prospective study into the diagnostic role of transoesophageal echocardiography in children with complex congenital heart disease, the atrial morphology was assessed in 62 children. Using the direct visualization of atrial appendage morphology, 58 were shown to have usual atrial arrangement, two were documented to have isomerism of the right and two isomerism of the left appendages. Of those with usual arrangement, four children were demonstrated to have left juxtaposition of the atrial appendages. Only two of these patients were identified during praecordial echocardiographic re-evaluation, and three on angiocardiographic examination. Surgical confirmation was obtained in three, and juxtaposition was excluded in the remaining cases. The transoesophageal cross-sectional imaging features of left juxtaposition of the atrial appendages are unique and readily diagnostic of this entity. They include, first, a lateral deviation of the mid-portion of the atrial septum and, second, a frontal orientation of the antero-superior portion forming the floor and the posterior wall of the junction of the right-sided atrial appendage with the venous component of the atrial cavity. The knowledge of these morphologic characteristics is important, as, otherwise, this malformation may be misinterpreted as representing an atrial septal defect. The results suggest that transoesophageal echocardiography will be the most sensitive preoperative diagnostic technique in detecting or excluding juxtaposed atrial appendages.
Psychometric properties of the multidimensional assessment of fatigue scale in traumatic brain injury: an NIDRR Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems study

Objective: To investigate the psychometric properties of the Multidimensional Assessment of Fatigue (MAF) scale in a traumatic brain injury (TBI) sample. Design: Prospective survey study. Setting: Community. Participants: One hundred sixty-seven individuals with TBI admitted for inpatient rehabilitation, enrolled into the TBI Model Systems national database, and followed up at either the first or second year postinjury. Interventions: Not applicable. Main Outcome Measure(s): Multidimensional Assessment of Fatigue. Results: The initial analysis, using items 1 to 14, which are based on a 10-point rating scale, found that only 1 item (“walking”) misfit the overall construct of fatigue in this TBI population. However, this 10-point rating scale was found to have disordered thresholds. When ratings were collapsed into 4 response categories, all MAF items used to calculate the Global Fatigue Index formed a unidimensional scale. Conclusion(s): Findings generally support the unidimensionality of the MAF when used in a TBI population but call into question the use of a 10-point rating scale for items 1 to 14. Further study is needed to investigate the use of a 4-category rating scale across all items and the fit of the “walking” item for a measure of fatigue among individuals with TBI. Key words: brain injury, fatigue, measurement
Differential postpartum sensitivity to the anxiety-modulating effects of offspring contact is associated with innate anxiety and brainstem levels of dopamine beta-hydroxylase in female laboratory rats

In female mammals, the postpartum period involves dramatic shifts in many socioemotional behaviors. This includes a suppression of anxiety-related behaviors that requires recent physical contact with offspring. Factors contributing to differences among females in their susceptibility to the anxiety-modulating effect of offspring contact are unknown, but could include their innate anxiety and brain monoaminergic activity. Anxiety behavior was assessed in a large group of nulliparous female rats and the least-anxious and most-anxious tertiles were mated. Anxiety was assessed again postpartum after females were permitted or prevented from contacting their offspring 4 h before testing. Levels of dopamine β-hydroxylase (DBH, norepinephrine synthesizing enzyme) and tryptophan hydroxylase-2 (TPH2, serotonin synthesizing enzyme) were measured in the brainstem and dorsal raphe, respectively. It was found that anxiety-related behavior in the two groups did not differ when dams were permitted contact with offspring before testing. Removal of the offspring before testing, however, differentially affected anxiety based on dams' innate anxiety. Specifically, dams reverted back to their pre-mating levels of anxiety such that offspring removal slightly increased anxiety in the most-anxious females but greatly lowered anxiety in the least-anxious females. This reduction in anxiety in the least-anxious females after litter removal was associated with lower brainstem DBH. There was no relationship between females' anxiety and dorsal raphe TPH2. Thus, a primary effect of recent contact with offspring on anxiety-related behavior in postpartum rats is to shift females away from their innate anxiety to a more moderate level of responding. This effect is particularly true for females with the lowest anxiety, may be mediated by central noradrenergic systems, and has implications for their ability to attend to their offspring.
Test of a customized compliant ankle rehabilitation device in unpowered mode

Presented is the design, implementation, and initial gait testing of a lightweight, compliant robotic device for ankle rehabilitation. Many patients with neuromuscular disorders suffer deficits in sensorimotor control of the ankle joint, leading to an abnormal walking pattern. Robotic devices have been used to assist ankle rehabilitation. However, these devices are usually heavy and rigid, which can deviate a natural gait pattern. To address these issues, our team has developed a light weight, compliant ankle robotic device actuated by artificial pneumatic muscles. A total of 3 healthy subjects were recruited to test whether the mechanical structure of the device deviates gait. We used a 3-dimensional (3D) motion analysis system to record and analyze subjects' ankle kinematics during gait while walking barefoot and while wearing the device unpowered. The preliminary results suggest that the device caused some, but minimal changes in ankle kinematics during gait. The changes were mainly caused by the device's rigid footplate, used to support the foot and connect to the pneumatic muscles. The preliminary results will be used for future improvement of the device.
Quantification of pericardial effusions by three-dimensional echocardiography

Abstract Objectives . The purpose of this study was to examine the accuracy of three-dimensional echocardiography for the quantification of asymmetric pericardial effusion volume and to compare this new technique with two-dimensional echocardiography. Background . Quantification of pericardial effusion by two-dimensional echocardiography relies on a symmetric distribution of the fluid. Three-dimensional echocardiography can quantitate volume without these limitations, but its accuracy for pericardial effusin volume has not been assessed. Methods . In six open chest dogs, 41 different asymmetrically distributed pericardial effusions of known volume were created by serial infusions of fluid through a pericardial catheter. The hearts were imaged using an automated echocardiographic method that integrates three-dimensional spatial and imaging data. The surfaces of the pericardial sac and heart were then reconstructed, and the volumes of pericardial effusions were calculated. Two-dimensional echocardiography was performed simultaneously, and volumes were calculated using the prolate ellipsoid method. Asymmetric distribution of the fluid was obtained by applying localized hydrostatic pressure to the pericardium. Results . The volumes of pericardial effusion quantified using three-dimensional echocardiography correlated well with actual volumes (y = 1.0x − 1.4, SEE = 7.7 ml, r = 0.98). Two-dimensional echocardiography had an acceptable correlation (y = 1.0x + 2.3, SEE = 23 ml, r = 0.84), but a marked degree of variation from the true value was observed for any individual measurement. Conclusions . Three-dimensional echocardiography accurately quantifies pericardial effusion volume in vivo, even when the fluid is distributed asymmetrically, whereas two-dimensional echocardiography is less reliable. This new technique may be of clinical value in quantitating pericardial effusion, especially in the serial evaluation of asymmetric or loculated effusions.
Conflict and consensus: the role of standards

Sometime in the future, we will all look back at January 1998 and laugh about the current conflicts in the technology industry. A hindsight perspective inevitably generates a few chuckles, but it also allows us to recognize that conflict is essential to innovation. Conflict energizes the entire process. If there were no conflict (over market shares, protocols, pricing structures, formats, programming languages, platforms or standards), innovation would almost certainly stagnate. While conflict ensures that technology will continue to change and grow stronger, it also ensures a certain forced honesty. As one organization "invades" the turf of another-especially when it comes to standards activities-we get to see the cards held in the hands of the players. It usually takes a few years, however, before we're able to smile at all the poker faces.
Arylpropionylpiperazines as antagonists of the human melanocortin-4 receptor.

A series of 3-arylpropionylpiperazines were synthesized as antagonists of the melanocortin-4 receptor. Their potency was found to be increased by replacing the α-methyl substituent of the initial lead 11 with a larger s-Bu or i-Bu group. Further potency enhancement was observed when a glycine or β-alanine was incorporated onto the benzylamine. Some compounds demonstrated good potency, moderate selectivity, and oral bioavailability.
Changes in left heart hemodynamics after technically successful in-utero aortic valvuloplasty.

Objective Severe aortic stenosis in the mid-gestation fetus can progress to hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS). @ In-utero aortic valvuloplasty is an innovative therapy to promote left ventricular growth and function and potentially to prevent HLHS. This study evaluated the effects of mid-gestation fetal balloon aortic valvuloplasty on subsequent fetal left ventricular function and left heart Doppler characteristics. Methods We reviewed fetuses with aortic stenosis that underwent attempted in-utero aortic valvuloplasty between 2000 and 2006. Pre-intervention and the latest post-intervention fetal echocardiograms were analyzed to characterize changes in left heart function and Doppler characteristics in utero. Results Forty-two fetuses underwent attempted aortic valvuloplasty during the study period, 12 of which were excluded from analysis secondary to inadequate follow-up data, termination or fetal demise. Study fetuses (n = 30) underwent pre-intervention echocardiography at a median gestational age of 23 weeks, and were followed for a median of 66 ± 23 days post-intervention. In 26 fetuses, aortic valvuloplasty was technically successful. Among these 26, left heart physiology was abnormal pre-intervention and improved or normalized after intervention in most cases: biphasic mitral inflow was present in 5/25 (20%) cases pre-intervention and in 21/23 (91%) post-intervention (P < 0.001); moderate or severe mitral regurgitation was present in 14/26 (54%) cases pre-intervention and in 5/23 (22%) post-intervention (P = 0.02); bidirectional flow across the patent foramen ovale was present in 0/26 cases pre-intervention and in 6/25 (24%) post-intervention (P = 0.01); antegrade flow in the transverse arch was present in 0/25 cases pre-intervention and in 17/26 (65%) post-intervention (P < 0.001). The left ventricular ejection fraction increased from 19 ± 10% pre-intervention to 39 ± 14% post-intervention (P < 0.001). These changes were not observed in control fetuses (n = 18). Conclusion Fetal aortic valvuloplasty, when technically successful, improves left ventricular systolic function and left heart Doppler characteristics. Copyright © 2007 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Linearization of the Water Sorption Isotherm for Homogeneous Ingredients over aw 0.30–0.95

Many attempts have been made to quantitate the water sorbed by a material as a mathematical function of water activity (aw). Based upon a theory of polymolecular absorption, the Smith model states that moisture content is proportional to In (1 – aw). Subsequent workers showed this to be accurate to 1% but only between about 0.6 and 0.9 aw. It was hypothesized that the validity of this model could be extended over a much broader aw range by applying the model to a single homogeneous ingredient. This was tested by obtaining sorption data for nine materials, including four noncrystalline macromolecules as well as five crystalline solutes, including both sugars and salts. Results showed the model to describe the sorption isotherm for these macromolecules to within 2% over the aw range 0.30–0.95. The model was shown to be valid in the case of each solute to within 2.5% between the aw of a saturated solution and 0.95. Correlation coefficients (r) for the nine materials were all greater than 0.995, showing excellent linearity for the model. Fructose showed the highest “% (error)AV”, only 3.26.
Technical innovation: digital tomosynthesis of the hip following intra-articular administration of contrast

To demonstrate the clinical use of digital tomosynthesis in the depiction of labral and chondral pathology in the setting of post-operative CAM-type impingement of the hip following intra-articular administration of dilute iodinated contrast. We present images from a 46 year-old African American female with suspected CAM-type femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) following percutaneous pinning of the right hip for slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE). A partial tear of the labrum and clinically significant acetabular chondral abnormalities were demonstrated with the use of digital tomosynthesis with superb anatomic detail. Digital tomosynthesis can be of great clinical utility and can depict pathology in superb anatomic detail, particularly in situations in which MRI is not available as well as under circumstances in which artifact due to orthopedic hardware is of concern as shown in this case.
HIV-protease inhibitors suppress skeletal muscle fatty acid oxidation by reducing CD36 and CPT1 fatty acid transporters.

Abstract Infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and treatment with HIV-protease inhibitor (PI)-based highly active antiretroviral therapies (HAART) is associated with dysregulated fatty acid and lipid metabolism. Enhanced lipolysis, increased circulating fatty acid levels, and hepatic and intramuscular lipid accumulation appear to contribute to insulin resistance in HIV-infected people treated with PI-based HAART. However, it is unclear whether currently prescribed HIV-PIs directly alter skeletal muscle fatty acid transport, oxidation, and storage. We find that ritonavir (r, 5 µmol/l) plus 20 µmol/l of atazanavir (ATV), lopinavir (LPV), or darunavir (DRV) reduce palmitate oxidation(16–21%) in differentiated C2C12 myotubes. Palmitate oxidation was increased following exposure to high fatty acid media but this effect was blunted when myotubes were pre-exposed to the HIV-PIs. However, LPV/r and DRV/r, but not ATV/r suppressed palmitate uptake into myotubes. We found no effect of the HIV-PIs on FATP1, FATP4, or FABPpm but both CD36/FAT and carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 (CPT1) were reduced by all three regimens though ATV/r caused only a small decrease in CPT1, relative to LPV/r or DRV/r. In contrast, sterol regulatory element binding protein-1 was increased by all 3 HIV-PIs. These findings suggest that HIV-PIs suppress fatty acid oxidation in murine skeletal muscle cells and that this may be related to decreases in cytosolic- and mitochondrial-associated fatty acid transporters. HIV-PIs may also directly impair fatty acid handling and partitioning in skeletal muscle, and this may contribute to the cluster of metabolic complications that occur in people living with HIV.
Memory kernels from molecular dynamics

A numerical procedure is presented for the direct computation of memory kernels in generalized Langevin representations of time correlation functions. The procedure will facilitate analysis of the microscopic dynamics of a wide variety of systems, ranging from simple solids to globular proteins.
Studying the Structure and Function of the Cold Shock Related Protein CspE, in Escherichia Coli through Molecular Modeling

In the bacterium Escherichia coli, a single 4,639 base pair circular chromosome is compacted into about 100 independently supercoiled domains that will form a rosette structure, referred to as the nucleoid. One of the proteins shown to be involved in chromosome condensation is a 7-kDa protein called CspE. Escherichia coli K12, expresses nine Csp (Cold shock-related protein) gene products: (CspA-I) and they share between 29 and 83 percent identity in their amino acid sequences. The bacterium Bacillus subtilis has three Csp homologues with greater than 70% identity to CspE and studies have shown that Csp proteins bind to single stranded poly d(T) with a minimum of 6 thymines in an 8 base sequence. CspB in Bacillus subtilis has solved crystal structures both with and without it's DNA ligand. While the crystal structure of CspA from Escherichia coli has been elucidated, the remaining eight Csps have not. This work describes the use of structural information from the homologue CspB in B. subtilis to model the structure of the remaining eight unsolved structures of the nine Csps in E. coli. A single point mutation in the computationally predicted binding site of CspE results in the loss of its DNA binding function while a single point mutation outside of the predicted binding site shows no significant difference in DNA binding compared to wildtype.
Biological considerations of tendon graft incorporation within the bone tunnel

Incorporation of the tendon graft within the bone tunnel is crucial for a successful outcome after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Previous studies demonstrated that the incorporation of the tendon graft may take up to several months. Thus, it is of concern whether the early tendon–bone interface is strong enough to tolerate accelerated early postoperative rehabilitation. Biological solutions to enhance tendon healing within the bone tunnel may allow further advances in anterior cruciate ligament surgery. Previous studies emphasized the important role of bone growth factors. In animal models, successful stimulation of graft incorporation has been achieved by the application of bone morphogenetic protein-2. Moreover, periosteal enveloping of the tendon graft has shown to improve the healing response of the tendon graft within the bone tunnel, and preliminary clinical results appear promising. Further advances may be achieved by the use of tissue-engineered ligaments. Successful tissue engineering of ligaments requires optimized structural scaffolds, tissue specific cells, biological stimulation by growth factors, and mechanical stimulation by cyclic stretching.
The short term impact of generic versus individualized environmental supports on functional outcomes and target behaviors in schizophrenia

We examined the short-term efficacy of two treatments using environmental supports (e.g. signs, alarms, pill containers, and checklists) to improve target behaviors in individuals with schizophrenia. 120 participants were randomized into one of the following three treatment groups: 1) Cognitive Adaptation Training (CAT; a manual-driven set of environmental supports customized to individual cognitive impairments and behaviors, and established and maintained in participants' homes on weekly visits; 2) Generic Environmental Supports (GES; a generic set of supports given to patients at a routine clinic visit and replaced on a monthly basis); and 3) treatment as usual (TAU; standard follow-up provided by a community mental health center). Global level of functional outcome and target behaviors, including orientation, grooming and hygiene, and medication adherence, were assessed at baseline and 3 months. Results of an analysis of covariance indicated that patients in both CAT and GES had better scores on global functional outcome at 3 months than those in TAU. Results of Chi Square analyses indicated that patients in CAT were more likely to improve on target behaviors, including orientation, hygiene, and medication adherence, than those in GES. Irrespective of treatment group, individuals who were high utilizers of environmental supports were more likely to improve on target behaviors than individuals who were low utilizers of supports.
Hydrodynamic theory of CIDEP and CIDNP

The stochastic Liouville method has been applied to the problem of high field CIDEP and CIDNP. The full equation of motion of the density matrix for the pair of free radicals includes: (1) the spatially isotropic Liouville operator; (2) the diffusion operator; (3) selective recombination of radical pairs from the singlet electronic state; (4) the Heisenberg exchange interaction; (5) secular electronic relaxation processes; and (6) radical scavenging processes. The short range character of radical recombination and Heisenberg exchange relative to the long distance of a diffusive trajectory allows these interactions to be treated effectively as delta functions which operate at a distance corresponding to a chemical bond. Using this delta function model, the equation of motion of the density matrix is soluble exactly for: (1) the z component of the electronic magnetization for a single radical fragment, which is proportional to the intensity of an ESR line; and (2) the nuclear spin level populations of the recombination and scavenged products, which are the indirect observables in the NMR experiment. In the limits of weak electronic relaxation and slow scavenging, the solutions of the problem approach those obtained by Adrian using the Noyes molecular pair theory.
Distributional properties for the generalized p-value for the Behrens¿Fisher problem

Abstract The generalized p-value method introduced by Tsui and Weerahandi [1989. Generalized p-values in significance testing of hypotheses in the presence of nuisance parameters. J. Amer. Statist. Assoc. 84 (406), 602–607] has been successfully used to provide small sample solutions for many hypothesis testing problems when nuisance parameters are present. Simulation studies show that generalized p-values have similar distributional properties as ordinary p-values. It is desirable to study theoretical properties of generalized p-values. Given a sample d, let p ( d ) be the generalized p-value for the Behrens–Fisher problem of testing the difference of two independent normal distribution means with possibly unequal distributional variances, as given in Tsui and Weerahandi [1989. Generalized p-values in significance testing of hypotheses in the presence of nuisance parameters. J. Amer. Statist. Assoc. 84 (406), 602–607]. We derive a closed form expression to show that, for small samples, the probability P ( p ( d ) ⩽ r ) is approximately less than or equal to r, for 0 ⩽ r ⩽ 0.5 .
B Cell Development Leads Off with a Base Hit: dU:dG Mismatches in Class Switching and Hypermutation

The mechanisms underlying somatic hypermutation (SHM) and class switch recombination (CSR) have been the subject of much debate. Recent studies from the Neuberger and Honjo labs have lent insight into these distinct processes, and we discuss a new, comprehensive model for how AID, uracil DNA glycosylase (UNG) and the mismatch repair system function in both SHM and CSR.
Hemodynamic Effects of Intravenous Isosorbide Dinitrate and Nitroglycerine in Acute Myocardial Infarction and Elevated Pulmonary Artery Wedge Pressure

We compared in a randomized fashion the hemodynamic effects of intravenous (IV) isosorbide dinitrate (ISDN) and nitroglycerine (NTG) in 45 patients with acute myocardial infarction and elevated pulmonary artery wedge pressure (Paw). Titration of ISDN dose to lower Paw greater than or equal to 25 percent resulted in a fall of this parameter from 32 +/- 8 to 24 +/- 5 mm Hg and was associated with a fall in mean blood pressure (96 +/- 15 to 90 +/- 14 mm Hg, p less than 0.05), systemic vascular resistance (1715 +/- 572 to 1548 +/- 414 dynes X s X cm-5, (p less than 0.05), pulmonary vascular resistance (182 +/- 106 to 154 +/- 78 dynes X s X cm-5, p less than 0.05) and mean right atrial pressure (11 +/- 4 to 7 +/- 4 mm Hg, p less than 0.05). In addition, ISDN significantly (p less than 0.05) increased cardiac index from 2.37 +/- 0.54 to 2.54 +/- 0.59 L/min/m2, stroke volume index from 28 +/- 8 to 31 +/- 8 ml/m2, and stroke work index from 28 +/- 11 to 31 +/- 12 g X m/m2. The ISDN dose ranged from 50 to 533 micrograms/min (mean +/- SD 326 +/- 176 micrograms/min) and could not be predicted from baseline hemodynamic values. A comparison between the effect of ISDN and NTG in doses producing comparable reduction in Paw showed similar hemodynamic changes. It was concluded that IV ISDN in patients with elevated mean pulmonary artery wedge pressure due to acute myocardial infarction results in a decrease in right and left ventricular preload and afterload and improvement of cardiac output and cardiac work. The effective dose ranges from 50 to 533 micrograms/min and cannot be predicted from baseline hemodynamic values. In doses producing comparable reduction in Paw, ISDN and NTG had similar hemodynamic effects.
Gene expression signatures affected by ethanol and/or nicotine in normal human normal oral keratinocytes (NHOKs)

It has been reported that nicotine/alcohol alters epigenetic control and leads to abrogated DNA methylation and histone modifications, which could subsequently perturb transcriptional regulation critically important in cellular transformation. The aim of this study is to determine the molecular mechanisms of nicotine/alcohol-induced epigenetic alterations and their mechanistic roles in transcriptional regulation in human adult stem cells. We hypothesized that nicotine/alcohol induces deregulation of epigenetic machinery and leads to epigenetic alterations, which subsequently affect transcriptional regulation in oral epithelial stem cells. As an initiating step we have profiled transcriptomic alterations induced by the combinatory administration of EtOH and nicotine in primary normal human oral keratinocytes. Here we provide detailed experimental methods, analysis and information associated with our data deposited into Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) under GSE57634. Our data provide comprehensive transcriptomic map describing molecular changes induced by EtOH and nicotine on normal human oral keratinocytes.
Interferon action against reovirus: activation of interferon-induced protein kinase in mouse L929 cells upon reovirus infection.

Abstract Experiments are presented which indicate that reovirus infection results in an activation of the interferon (IFN)-induced protein kinase in mouse L929 cells. This is indicated by (i) the phosphorylation in vivo of a 67,000 Mr (67K) polypeptide, which is characteristic of the IFN-induced protein kinase, within a few hours after reovirus infection of IFN-treated mouse L929 cells, and (ii) the phosphorylation in vitro of the 67K polypeptide as well as the α-subunit of exogenously added initiation factor eIF-2 in extracts of IFN-treated reovirus-infected cells without the addition of double-stranded RNA which is required in similar extracts from uninfected cells. In NIH 3T3 cells, which are deficient in (2′,5′)oligoadenylate-activated endonuclease, the replication of reovirus is inhibited by IFN treatment, though EMC virus replication is insensitive. It is suggested that this kinase activation observed upon reovirus infection may play a role in the antiviral action of IFN against reovirus.
Calcium mediation of cyanide-induced catecholamine release: implications for neurotoxicity.

Abstract Exposure of rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells to KCN (1.0–10 m m ) over a 30-min period stimulated secretion of dopamine (DA) and decreased intracellular DA content. Addition of KCN (10 m m ) to rat frontal cortex slices preloaded with 1-[7- 3 H]norepinephrine ([ 3 H]NE) increased secretion of NE over a 10- to 30-min incubation period. In PC12 cells release of DA by KCN was nearly abolished in calcium-free media or by prior addition of diltiazem, a calcium channel antagonist. Release of [ 3 H]NE from rat cortical slices by cyanide was only partly inhibited by diltiazem suggesting that intracellular calcium may be involved in this response. In PC12 cells KCN also produced a dose-related release of the DA precursor dihydroxyphenylalanine, without altering intracellular stores. Levels of the DA metabolite 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) were enhanced at lower concentrations of KCN. These observations indicate cyanide elicits exocytotic release of neurotransmitters in a calcium-dependent manner and also show that cyanide alters catecholamine metabolism. These actions of cyanide may be important in CNS symptoms of intoxication.
Regulation of hexose transport in BALB/c 3T3 preadipose cells: effects of glucose concentration and 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate.

Abstract Like many cell types in culture, both undifferentiated and differentiated BALB/c 3T3 preadipose cells respond to glucose deprivation with an increased uptake of 2-deoxy-D-glucose (deoxyglucose) and 3-O-methyl-D-glucose (methylglucose). Glucose readdition to glucose-deprived cultures resulted in a prompt fall in uptake activity; in undifferentiated cells, a half-maximally effective concentration of glucose was approximately 0.5 mM, while 0.1 mM was ineffective. Several hexoses differed in their efficacy of "deactivating" methylglucose transport in glucose-deprived cells; it appeared that a particular hexose must be metabolized beyond the 6-phosphate form to deactivate the transport system. Previous studies have shown that the phorbol ester 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) stimulates hexose transport in undifferentiated and differentiated BALB/c 3T3 cells. In this study, it was found that TPA (and insulin in differentiated cells) prevented the glucose-induced deactivation of transport activity. Glucose-induced deactivation of transport activity was also prevented by cycloheximide or actinomycin D addition concomitantly with glucose. In glucose-starved cells, agents such as TPA and insulin appear to override a cellular control mechanism sensitive to the external concentration of glucose, so that elevated levels of transport activity are maintained under environmental conditions (i.e., a return to physiological glucose concentrations) that normally induce a fall in transport activity.