cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Histone Deacetylase Inhibitor MS-275 Exhibits Poor Brain Penetration: Pharmacokinetic Studies of [11C]MS-275 using Positron Emission Tomography

MS-275 (Entinostat) is a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor currently in clinical trials for the treatment of several types of cancer. Recent reports have noted that MS-275 can cross the blood brain barrier (BBB) and cause region specific changes in rodent brain histone acetylation. To characterize the pharmacokinetics and distribution of MS-275 in the brain using positron emission tomography (PET), we labeled the carbamate carbon of MS-275 with carbon-11. Using PET, we determined that [(11)C]MS-275 has low uptake in brain tissue when administered intravenously to non-human primates. In rodent studies, we observed that pharmacokinetics and brain accumulation of [(11)C]MS-275 were not changed by the co-administration of large doses of unlabeled MS-275. These results, which both highlight the poor brain penetration of MS-275, clearly suggest its limitation as a therapeutic agent for the central nervous system (CNS). Moreover, our study demonstrates the effectiveness of PET at providing brain pharmacokinetic data for HDAC inhibitors. These data are important not only for the development of new compounds for peripheral cancer treatment (where CNS exclusion is often advantageous), but also for the treatment of neurological disorders (where CNS penetration is critical).
Introducing optics education at the high school level: the Kentucky approach

The Kentucky state legislature has recently instituted a program for public education reform at all levels. This effort is being watched by many states considering similar restructuring of their public school systems. An associated resolution mandates that state universities support this reform effort by serving as a resource for staff development, teacher education, and program development. In keeping with this mandate, the Physics Department of Murray State University (MSU) has adopted a strategic plan which includes the initiation of a series of workshops and seminars for the benefit of regional high school science teachers. A key element in this plan has been the development of a workshop in optics. The focus of this effort is: (1) to provide teachers with resource material, lecture and demonstration ideas, and an introduction to unfamiliar technology, and (2) to subsequently motivate good students toward study and careers in optical physics by involving them in their own learning. Details of this program are given, outlining the structure and content of the workshops as well as an assessment of their reception and success.
Design, synthesis and evaluation of a PLG tripeptidomimetic based on a pyridine scaffold.

A 2,3,4-substituted pyridine derivative has been identified as a potential tripeptidomimetic scaffold. The design of the scaffold was based on conformational and electrostatic comparisons with a na ...
Beyond Universalism: Capabilities Approach for Improving Women's Quality of Life

Abstract Manfred Buhr ( 2007 ) suggested a powerful and subtle critique of European nations. He observed that their histories reveal “a painful process”. His antidote is a universalism that takes a deeper understanding of the Enlightenment project of reason. Buhr endorsed emancipation and human dignity through the Enlight-enment rationalism of Kant. He allowed for cultural difference in attaining human dignity. Martha Nuss-baum devised the Capabilities Approach along Aristote-lian lines, to provide a normative account to evaluate human functioning. Capabilities have real life poten-tial for programs that reassess and empower women in the developing world. The literature inspired by this capabilities approach addresses speciﬁ c communities where women were empowered by giving them choices about the quality of their lives in such areas as educa-tion, gender relations, activities outside the home, mi-crocredit, and training. Introduction In one of his last writings, Manfred Buhr ( 2007 ) sug-gested a powerful and subtle critique of European na-tions. He observed that their histories reveal “a painful process” (
Scanning tunneling microscopy of nucleic acids

The scanning tunneling microscope (STM) has been used to measure properties of poly(rA).poly(rU) and DNA, such as helical pitch, half-period oscillations that were interpreted as the alternation between the major and minor grooves, and interhelical spacing. Average pitches were measured by two-dimensional Fourier transforms and by topographic profiles along the fiber axes. Values were typically 7 percent less than standard dimensions of A-form RNA and B-form DNA fibers. This result is compatible with the mild dehydration that occurred under air-drying conditions. More extensive dehydration typically led to 19 percent shrinkage. Analysis of specific regions allowed local variations in helical pitch as small as 1 angstrom to be detected, thus demonstrating that the STM can visualize functionally significant modulations of nucleic acid structure.
Intracellular pH regulation by acid-base transporters in mammalian neurons

Intracellular pH (pHi) regulation in the brain is important in both physiological and physiopathological conditions because changes in pHi generally result in altered neuronal excitability. In this review, we will cover 4 major areas: [1] The effect of pHi on cellular processes in the brain, including channel activity and neuronal excitability. [2] pHi homeostasis and how it is determined by the balance between rates of acid loading (JL) and extrusion (JE). The balance between JE and JL determine steady-state pHi, as well as the ability of the cell to defend pHi in the face of extracellular acid-base disturbances (e.g. metabolic acidosis). [3] The properties and importance of members of the SLC4 and SLC9 families of acid-base transporters expressed in the brain that contribute to JL (namely the Cl-HCO3 exchanger AE3) and JE (the Na-H exchangers NHE1, NHE3 and NHE5 as well as the Na+- coupled HCO3- transporters NBCe1, NBCn1, NDCBE, and NBCn2). [4] The effect of acid-base disturbances on neuronal function and the roles of acid-base transporters in defending neuronal pHi under physiopathologic conditions.
Synthesis and Decomposition of Alkyl Complexes of Molybdenum(IV) That Contain a [(Me3SiNCH2CH2)3N]3- Ligand. Direct Detection of α-Elimination Processes That Are More than Six Orders of Magnitude Faster than β-Elimination Processes

A variety of paramagnetic molybdenum complexes, [N3N]MoR ([N3N]3- = [(Me3SiNCH2CH2)3N]3-; R = Me, Et, Bu, CH2Ph, CH2SiMe3, CH2CMe3, cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cyclopentenyl, phenyl), have been prepared from [N3N]MoCl. The several that have been examined all follow Curie−Weiss S = 1 behavior with a magnetic moment in the solid state between 2.4 and 2.9 μΒ down to 50 K. Below ∼50 K the effective moments undergo a sharp decrease as a consequence of what are proposed to be a combination of spin−orbit coupling and zero field splitting effects. NMR spectra are temperature dependent as a consequence of “locking” of the backbone into one C3-symmetric conformation and as a consequence of Curie−Weiss behavior. The cyclopentyl and cyclohexyl complexes show another type of temperature-dependent fluxional behavior that can be ascribed to a rapid and reversible α-elimination process. For the cyclopentyl complex the rate constant for α-elimination is ∼103 s-1 at room temperature, while the rate co...
Hypoxia-induced respiratory changes in English sole (Parophrys vetulus Girard)

Abstract 1. 1. Laboratory measurements were made of ventilation volume, ventilation rate, oxygen consumption rate, and oxygen uptake efficiency of English sole ( Parophrys vetulus Girard) subjected to a range of oxygen concentrations in seawater. 2. 2. Oxygen consumption was constant over various oxygen concentrations, and no critical oxygen tension was found. 3. 3. As oxygen concentration decreased, ventilation volume and ventilation rate increased, and the efficiency of oxygen extraction decreased (from 73 to 58% of oxygen extracted from ventilation stream). 4. 4. Results suggest a moderate degree of hypoxic tolerance in English sole.
Physiological and morphological identification of amacrine cells in the retina of the larval tiger salamander

Abstract The amacrine cells in the salamander retina were identified by intracellular recording of photoresponses and staining with Procion yellow or Lucifer yellow. The characteristic amacrine cell response consists of a transient depolarization at both the onset and offset of illumination. Three morphological types of amacrine cell were recognized and correlated to different photoresponses. The small-field stratified amacrine cells respond to light stimulation with prolonged depolarizing waves. The multistratified amacrine cells exhibit sharp “on-off” depolarizing responses followed by shallow hyperpolarization. The large-field monostratified amacrine cell responses to small spots are transient depolarizations followed by slow hyperpolarizations while their responses to diffuse and peripheral illumination are transient depolarizations.
Competitive DNA hybridization in microtitre plates for chicken anaemia virus

Unlabelled chicken anaemia virus (CAV) DNA probe, produced by PCR, was immobilized onto nitrocellulose discs that then were fitted into microtitre plate wells in order to develop a competitive, non-radioactive hybridization test for detection of CAV. The discs were hybridized with either DNA extracts of buffy coats or dilutions of CAV DNA (for standard curves), followed by hybridization with biotin-labelled CAV DNA probe in excess of the immobilized, capture probe. Thus, CAV from sample DNA extracts and standard DNA preparations competed with the biotin-labelled CAV DNA probe for the immobilized, capture probe, decreasing subsequent colour development by an avidin-biotin-alkaline phosphatase detection system. Standard curves were log linear from 5-100 ng viral DNA with r2 l0.91. Tests were considered positive at 2 SD less than mean absorbence of samples from uninfected chickens, and ranged from 52 to 108 micromoles viral DNA or 2 to 4.2 x 1010 virions mg-1 buffy coat DNA. Blood samples from chickens infected and not infected with CAV at one day of age were tested for evidence of infection until 28 days of age by viral isolation, competitive hybridization in microtitre plates, dot-blots, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and in situ hybridization on blood smears. None of the tests was positive for uninfected chickens. Viral isolation from buffy coats, though expensive and lengthy, was the most sensitive method. It detected virus in buffy coat from each infected chicken, while competitive hybridization detected 72% of infected chickens, in situ hybridization 69%, dot-blots 67%, and ELISA 36%. Sensitivity of competitive hybridization was 0.78, and its specificity was 1.00. Three chickens must be sampled from an infected flock for a 90% chance of detecting a positive chicken at the 0.025 one-tailed level of significance, assuming 100% prevalence.
Prediction of lip response to four first premolar extractions in white female adolescents and adults.

Abstract Objective: To develop models for predicting changes in lip position of Class I extraction patients. Materials and Methods: Pretreatment and posttreatment lateral cephalograms of 46 white female adults and 109 white female adolescents were examined. Mean pretreatment ages for the adolescent and adult groups were 12.2 ± 1.2 years and 23.0 ± 8.5 years, respectively. Subjects were treated with conventional edgewise mechanics. Multivariate prediction models were derived from a randomly selected sample of 119 subjects and validated on the remaining 36 subjects. Results: Adolescents demonstrated significant vertical and horizontal skeletal growth and treatment changes, while adults showed only small increases in anterior face height. While significant retraction of the upper and lower incisors occurred in both groups, the amounts were greater in adults than in adolescents. Ratios for horizontal hard tissue to soft tissue movements ranged from 1.4:1 to 1.1:1 and 1.3:1 to 1:1 for the upper (Ls) and lower ...
NEONATAL CEREBRAL INFARCTION. 475

Etiologic factors in neonatal middle cerebral artery infarction are heterogenous. We evaluated 20 patients (5 days-7 years) in whom cerebral infarction was diagnosed on CT or ultrasound. Cases were ascertained through direct referral (13) and retrospective chart review of neonatal seizures (7). Details of the prenatal course, labor, delivery, placental examination, clinical course and laboratory and radiologic evaluations were reviewed. Significant findings included a high proportion of term babies (16). Maternal age and birth weight distributions were normal except for 2 severely growth retarded premature infants. Symptoms of asphixia were present in only 4 infants. Placental examinations were abnormal in 9/14 cases. CT/ultrasound findings were consistent with probable prenatal infarction in the distribution of the middle cerebral artery. Protein C levels were low initially in 4/12 infants; 1 remains low at 6 months of age. 3/8 tested mothers had low positive titers for anticardiolipin antibodies. A rational approach to the neonatal stroke should include specific attention to placental pathology and infant coagulation parameters. Increased utilization of CT scans in neonatal seizures as well as assessment and long term follow-up should lead to improved etiologic understanding of this complex problem.
Enhancing the value of the seismogram

The Section of Seismology of the Geophysical Union appears satisfied that the number of seismic stations in the United States is adequate. It also feels that, though the installations at these stations are not, in every instance, of a class “A” character, nevertheless all could broadcast data of a valuable nature. In the catalogue of Dr. Wood, Bulletin No. 15 of the National Research Council, i. e., Vol. II, Part 7, twenty-nine observatories are listed, and of these scarcely thirty per cent make any pretense at the issuance of regular reports. The value of these grams, assuming that these stations have their instruments in operation, can be enhanced in the marking of them. Possibly the directors of these plants need to be impressed with the truism that this is a “worth while” issue. Now to the stations rendering reports. One of the first problems of the seismologist is to establish the geography of earth tremors.
Schedule dependent potentiation of antitumor drug effects by α-difluoromethylornithine in human gastric carcinoma cells in vitro

A clone of human gastric cancer cells (AGS-6) and the parental line (AGS-P) from which it was isolated were used in cell survival studies to determine whether pretreatment for 24, 48 or 72h with α-difluoromethylornithine (DFMO, 5mM) would increase the cell's sensitivity to 5-Fluorouracil (5FU), Adriamycin (Adria), 1-(2-chloroethyl)-3-(4-methyl cyclohexyl)-1-nitrosourea (MeCCNU), or Bleomycin (Bleo). Generally, the AGS parental cells were most sensitive to the anticancer agents after exposures to DFMO. However, there was no way to predict in advance from DFMO-induced changes in ornithine decarboxylase (ODC), polyamine or cell kinetics values, how long an exposure to DFMO was required before sensitization to an anticancer agent occurred. The degree of potentiation for a single drug was variable from time to time during exposure to DFMO, and broad differences in the sensitizations were demonstrated among the four anticancer drugs. The AGS-6 clone exhibited little or no increased sensitivity as a result of pretreatment with DFMO, even though the DFMO-induced reductions in ODC and polyamine values in these cells were similar to those produced in the more sensitive parental line.
Class III PI 3-kinase is the main source of PtdIns3P substrate and membrane recruitment signal for PIKfyve constitutive function in podocyte endomembrane homeostasis

The evolutionarily conserved PIKfyve, which synthesizes PtdIns5P from PtdIns, and PtdIns(3,5)P2 from PtdIns3P, requires PtdIns3P as both an enzyme substrate and a membrane recruitment signal. Whereas the PtdIns3P source is undetermined, class III PI3K (Vps34), the only evolutionarily conserved of the eight mammalian PI3Ks, is presumed as a main candidate. A hallmark of PIKfyve deficiency is formation of multiple translucent cytoplasmic vacuoles seen by light microscopy in cells cultured in complete media. Such an aberrant phenotype is often observed in cells from conditional Vps34 knockout (KO) mice. To clarify the mechanism of Vps34 KO-triggered vacuolation and the PtdIns3P source for PIKfyve functionality, here we have characterized a podocyte cell type derived from Vps34fl/fl mice, which, upon Cre-mediated gene KO, robustly formed cytoplasmic vacuoles resembling those in PikfyveKO MEFs. Vps34wt, expressed in Vps34KO podocytes restored the normal morphology, but only if the endogenous PIKfyve activity was intact. Conversely, expressed PIKfyvewt rescued completely the vacuolation only in PikfyveKO MEFs but not in Vps34KO podocytes. Analyses of phosphoinositide profiles by HPLC and localization patterns by a PtdIns3P biosensor revealed that Vps34 is the main supplier of localized PtdIns3P not only for PIKfyve activity but also for membrane recruitment. Concordantly, Vps34KO podocytes had severely reduced steady-state levels of both PtdIns(3,5)P2 and PtdIns5P, along with PtdIns3P. We further revealed a plausible physiologically-relevant Vps34-independent PtdIns3P supply for PIKfyve, operating through activated class I PI3Ks. Our data provide the first evidence that the vacuolation phenotype in Vps34KO podocytes is due to PIKfyve dysfunction and that Vps34 is a main PtdIns3P source for constitutive PIKfyve functionality.
Assessing the potential effects of fungicides on nontarget gut fungi (trichomycetes) and their associated larval black fly hosts

Fungicides are moderately hydrophobic and have been detected in water and sediment, particularly in agricultural watersheds, but typically are not included in routine water quality monitoring efforts. This is despite their widespread use and frequent application to combat fungal pathogens. Whereas the efficacy of these compounds on fungal pathogens is well documented, little is known about their effects on nontarget fungi. This pilot study, a field survey in southwestern Idaho from April to December 2010 on four streams with varying pesticide inputs (two agricultural and two reference sites), was conducted to assess nontarget impact of fungicides on gut fungi, or trichomycetes. Tissues of larval black flies (Diptera: Simuliidae), hosts of gut fungi, were analyzed for pesticide accumulation. Fungicides were detected in hosts from streams within agricultural watersheds but were not detected in hosts from reference streams. Gut fungi from agricultural sites exhibited decreased percent infestation, density within the gut, and sporulation, and black fly tissues had elevated pesticide concentrations. Differences observed between the sites demonstrate a potential effect on this symbiotic system. Future research is needed to parse out the details of the complex biotic and abiotic relationships; however, these preliminary results indicate that impacts to nontarget organisms could have far-reaching consequences within aquatic ecosystems.
The chronic intracerebroventricular infusion of interleukin-1 beta alters the activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis of cycling rats. II. Induction of pseudopregnant-like corpora lutea.

The acute administration of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) into the brain ventricles of rats has been shown to cause a significant decrease in plasma LH levels, a phenomenon primarily mediated through inhibition of LHRH release. However, there are no studies of the long-term consequences of IL-1 beta injected intracerebroventricularly on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. In particular, we became interested in determining whether IL-1 beta exerts deleterious effects on reproductive parameters, and to what extent they might be caused by a lowering of circulating gonadotropins. In the present experiments, we therefore investigated the effects of the infusion of IL-1 beta to intact cycling female rats and compared them to those observed in rats injected with a potent LHRH antagonist. Although blockade of LHRH receptors caused a modest and delayed inhibition of progesterone secretion, infusion of IL-1 beta (4 ng/h for 4-6 days) was accompanied by persistent and significant increases in plasma P4 levels....
Measurement of regional blood oxygenation and cerebral hemodynamics

An echo planar linewidth mapping technique, Shufflebutt, has allowed temporal measurements of changes in linewidth caused by static inhomogeneities (delta LWSI) and transverse relaxation rate (delta R2) in models of hypoxia and hypercapnia. We demonstrate these changes are due to intravascular susceptibility differences/(delta chi) between the blood and tissue. Contrast agent injections at a delta chi equivalent to that of deoxygenated blood showed a twofold difference between the contrast agent and physiological anoxia values. Hypercapnia decreased both delta LWSI and delta R2 consistent with an increase in blood oxygenation. We attribute these findings to constant oxygen extraction during an increase in blood flow, resulting in less deoxygenated venous blood and thus reduced delta chi. For in vivo perturbations we found that delta R2/delta R2' approximately 0.33, a ratio much different from that measured in whole blood phantoms (delta R2/delta R2' approximately 2). This demonstrates that signal changes in these studies are produced predominantly by dephasing of extravascular protons due to field inhomogeneities produced by intravascular deoxygenated hemoglobin (deoxyHb).
On the coefficients of the interaction forces in a two-phase flow of a fluid infused with particles

Abstract In this short paper we study the flow of a mixture of a fluid infused with particles in a channel. We use the classical mixture theory approach whereby constitutive relations are proposed for the stress tensor of each phase. For the interaction forces, the effect of different hindrance functions for the drag force is studied; moreover a generalized form of the expression for the coefficients of the interactions forces, also known as the hindrance functions, is suggested. For studying this two-component system numerically, a three-dimensional CFD solver based on OpenFOAM® has been developed. Applying this solver, a specific problem (blood flow) has been studied for which our numerical results and experimental data show good agreement.
Mouse models of accelerated lenticular aging by carbonyl and oxidant stress

Purpose Age-related human cataracts form as a result combined of carbonyl and oxidant stress and other crystallin modifications that destabilize their chaperone function. However, without appropriate models it has been very difficult to demonstrate cause-and effect and implicate protein modifications in the disease process. To test the role of vitamin C oxidation products (carbonyl stress) and protein oxidation in the formation of crystallin aggregates, we have generated two types of mice that exhibit rapid protein damage. Methods The first model of increased carbonyl stress is the hSVCT2 mouse in which we overexpressed the human vitamin C two transporter under control of the mouse alphaB-crystallin promoter. (Fan et al. PNAS 2006). The second model of increased protein oxidation is the LEGSKO (Lens Glutathione Synthesis Conditional Knockout mouse) in which we conditionally knocked out gamma-glutamyl cysteine ligase (Gclc) in order to mimic the low GSH levels of the old lens nucleus. Results Gamma glutamyl cysteine ligase mRNA, activity and glutathione (GSH) levels are severely depressed in the lens of the homozygous mouse, but not in the heterozygous mouse. GSSG/GSH ratio, methionine oxidation and protein disulfide formation are increased at 6 mos of age. Nuclear opacities turn into full nuclear cataracts at 6 mos. Protein disulfide formation reveals a shift from intra- to interdisulfide bonds similar to aging human lens. Dramatic upregulation of several candidate transporters is noted. Conclusion Availability of two mice strains with increased carbonyl and oxidative stress, respectively, will allow us to test the hypothesis that rapid modification of crystallins predisposes to protein aggregation and cataractogenesis when bred together. It will also help us develop drugs that slow down the progression of cataractogenesis and study molecular events that precede cataract formation.
Experimental studies of two‐dimensional and three‐dimensional structure in a crystallized dusty plasma

Coulomb crystallization of monodisperse 9.4‐μm‐diam spheres confined in a plasma is investigated in a modified GEC rf Reference Cell using various gases and electrode topographies. For some plasma conditions, planar electrodes confine particles radially in a few horizontal layers due to the curvature of the sheath boundary, and a two‐dimensional (2D) hexagonal lattice is observed which structural analysis shows to be consistent with the intermediate ‘‘hexatic’’ phase of KTHNY 2D melting theory. A depression in the electrode surface causes a corresponding depression in the sheath and allows trapping of more layers in a three‐dimensional (3D) structure, which is viewed in cross section by video imaging of a plane illuminated by a horizontal laser sheet. To synthesize 3D images, a stack of 2D images is made by moving the laser sheet and camera focal plane vertically through the particle cloud. This reveals regions of two stable 3D configurations within the cloud: body‐centered‐cubic and simple hexagonal with...
SHP2 is a target of the immunosuppressant tautomycetin.

Summary SHP2 phosphatase is a positive transducer of growth factor and cytokine signaling. SHP2 is also a bona fide oncogene; gain-of-function SHP2 mutations leading to increased phosphatase activity cause Noonan syndrome, as well as multiple forms of leukemia and solid tumors. We report that tautomycetin (TTN), an immunosuppressor in organ transplantation, and its engineered analog TTN D-1 are potent SHP2 inhibitors. TTN and TTN D-1 block T cell receptor–mediated tyrosine phosphorylation and ERK activation and gain-of-function mutant SHP2-induced hematopoietic progenitor hyperproliferation and monocytic differentiation. Crystal structure of the SHP2⋅TTN D-1 complex reveals that TTN D-1 occupies the SHP2 active site in a manner similar to that of a peptide substrate. Collectively, the data support the notion that SHP2 is a cellular target for TTN and provide a potential mechanism for the immunosuppressive activity of TTN. Moreover, the structure furnishes molecular insights upon which therapeutics targeting SHP2 can be developed on the basis of the TTN scaffold.
Altered lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) receptor expression during hepatic regeneration in a mouse model of partial hepatectomy.

Background Hepatic regeneration requires coordinated signal transduction for efficient restoration of functional liver mass. This study sought to determine changes in lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) and LPA receptor (LPAR) 1–6 expression in regenerating liver following two-thirds partial hepatectomy (PHx).
The Social and Political Structuring of Faculty Ethicality in Education.

This study examined the experience of faculty ethicality in education. Research questions focused on faculty characterizations of professional ethics, related socialization experiences, and responses to dilemmas. Interviews were conducted with 32 faculty members and analyzed using the constant comparative method. Findings describe the experiential dimensions of faculty ethicality and the influence of a higher education ethos on professional reasoning and decision making. The tenure and promotion process is the most influential dimension; but faculty reward systems in general, as well as personal and family identification, also help to structure ethicality. Four elements of academic ethicality are discussed: standard, information, diversity, and integrity.
MI TKA: a risk factor for early revision surgery.

Minimal incision total knee arthroplasty (MI TKA) was developed with the potential to decrease surgical trauma, pain, and recovery time. While this procedure has increased in popularity, some surgeons have questioned its safety and long-term efficacy. In this study 58 consecutive revision total knee arthroplasties (TKAs) (57 patients) performed at one academic medical center from 2006 to 2008 are reviewed. Prospectively collected clinical and radiographic data included: incision length, gender, age, time to revision surgery, and primary diagnosis at time of revision. Of these, 34 knees involving infection and rerevision were excluded. Of the remaining 24 knees, 11 knees that met inclusion criteria had undergone MI TKA. There were no differences between the groups with regard to age, diagnosis, body mass index, and gender. Average time to revision was shorter for the MI TKA patients (29 vs. 65 months, p
Starting the process of mother-infant bonding.

Establishing a bond between a mother and her newborn is essential for the infant to grow and thrive in the mother's care. Hospital staff can promote the creation of this bond by providing continuous support during labor, by placing the newborn skin-to-skin on the mother's chest immediately after delivery until the infant latches on for the first feeding, by encouraging continued breastfeeding, and by keeping mother and infant always together in the first hours and days after delivery. Conclusion: Even in cases where the mother initially rejects her infant, sensitive medical personnel can provide an environment which allows the bond between mother and infant to begin.
Limit Load Estimate Using Reference Volume Approach

In this paper two novel methods (elastic reference volume method and plastic reference volume method) for reference volume correction while finding out limit loads in the components or structures are presented. These reference volume correction concepts are used in combination with mα -Tangent method to obtain the lower bound limit load of general component or structure.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
The isolation of 5β-androstane-3α,17α-diol from normal human urine

Abstract During examination of pooled normal human urine for steroids that are chromogenic in the Pettenkofer assay method for dehydroepiandrosterone an unknown steroid was isolated. It was unequivocally identified as 5β-androstane-3α, 17α-diol, a steroid not previously recognized in normal human urine, by a variety of methods including melting point, thin-layer chromatography, gas-liquid chromatography, oxidation products, and infrared spectroscopy.
Estrogen and progesterone receptors in the uterosacral ligament.

Abstract Objective: To evaluate steroid hormone receptor status in the uterosacral ligament, a structure that contributes to pelvic support. Methods: A descriptive study was conducted by sampling the uterosacral ligaments from 25 consecutive women undergoing hysterectomy by the primary author for nonmalignant conditions. Using immunohistochemical staining techniques, uterosacral ligaments were assessed for the presence and location of estrogen and progesterone receptors. Positive and negative controls were used. Confirmation of the uterosacral ligament was performed histologically. Results: Using commercially available monoclonal antibodies, estrogen and progesterone receptors were detected in the nuclei of smooth muscle cells of the uterosacral ligament in all patients, regardless of variations in age, race, menopausal status, parity, body mass index, and medications affecting serum steroid hormone levels. Hormone receptors were not found in the collagen, vascular, or neuronal components. Conclusion: The presence of estrogen and progesterone receptors in the uterosacral ligaments means that this structure may be a target for estrogen and progesterone. This finding might suggest a possible role for steroid hormones in pelvic support.
Pteridine diuretics as biopterin antagonists.

Abstract A series of pteridines having varying degrees of diuretic activity were tested for their effects on the growth of the pteridine-requiring flagellate, Crithidia fasciculata . Inhibition of growth was correlated with diuretic activity insofar as compounds devoid of diuretic effects were uninhibitory and active inhibitors were also good to fair diuretics. Reversal of the growth inhibition was obtained with 2-amino-4-hydroxy-6- l - erythro -1',2',3'-trihydroxy-propylpteridine in a competitive manner, while folate showed a logarithmic relationship to the drug concentration for 50 per cent inhibition.
Comparative gene expression profiling of adult mouse ovary-derived oogonial stem cells supports a distinct cellular identity

Objective Perform gene expression profiling of adult mouse ovary-derived oogonial stem cells (OSCs). Design Experimental animal study. Setting Research laboratory. Animal(s) Adult C57BL/6 female mice. Intervention(s) None. Main Outcome Measure(s) Gene expression profiles were compared between freshly isolated and cultured OSCs, as well as between OSCs and embryonic stem cells (ESCs), fetal primordial germ cells (PGCs), and spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs); OSC yield from ovaries versus meiotic gene activation during the estrous cycle was determined. Result(s) Freshly isolated OSCs, PGCs, and SSCs exhibited distinct gene expression profiles. Cultured OSCs maintained their germline gene expression pattern but gained expression of pluripotency markers found in PGCs and ESCs. Cultured OSCs also expressed the meiotic marker, stimulated by retinoic acid gene 8 ( Stra8) . In vivo, OSC yield was higher from luteal versus follicular phase ovaries, and this was inversely related to Stra8 expression. Conclusion(s) Freshly isolated OSCs exhibit a germline gene expression profile that overlaps with, but is distinct from, that of PGCs and SSCs. After in vitro expansion, OSCs activate expression of pluripotency genes found in freshly isolated PGCs. In vivo, OSC numbers in the ovaries fluctuate during the estrous cycle, with the highest numbers noted during the luteal phase. This is followed by activation of Stra8 expression during the follicular phase, which may signify a wave of neo-oogenesis to partially offset follicular loss through atresia and ovulation in the prior cycle.
Evaluation of cytoprotection against ethanol-induced injury in gastric mucosa pretreated with misoprostol, cimetidine, or placebo.

The authors have developed a primate model for evaluating cytoprotection against alcohol-induced injury in gastric mucosa pretreated with antiulcer agents. In the present study, groups of squirrel monkeys received either a single oral dose of misoprostol (500 or 200 μg/kg), cimetidine (3 or 6 mg/kg), placebo, or no treatment. After 30 min, 1 ml of 50% ethanol was administered to all animals, except for one of two untreated controls. At 90 min, stomachs from lethally anesthetized primates were processed for scanning electron and quantitative stereoscopic microscopy. Fifty percent ethanol alone damaged epithelial cells and produced submucosal hemorrhagic lesions. Pretreatment with misoprostol limited alcohol-induced injury to superficial erosion of epithelial cells. Cimetidine did not protect the mucosa against ethanol-induced injury. We conclude that misoprostolconferred cytoprotection in primate gastric mucosa correlates with the endoscopic findings by others that misoprostol, but not cimetidine, protected human stomach against alcohol-induced injury.
Adaptive grid refinement in a bem-based optimal shape synthesis

Abstract The boundary element method is used in conjunction with nonlinear programming methods for optimal structural shape synthesis. An approach for grid refinement and grid adaptation for the boundary element method is developed for application in plane elasticity problems. This technique uses a predefined control function in a variational formulation to obtain an optimal node distribution for the computational domain. To prevent distortion of the original domain, master nodes are introduced to control the geometry of the structure. The paper also describes an efficient implementation of a semi-analytical sensitivity analysis for optimum design. Numerical results are presented for a class of shape synthesis problems.
How environment affects drug activity: Localization, compartmentalization and reactions of a vanadium insulin-enhancing compound, dipicolinatooxovanadium(V)

Abstract The chemical and biological properties of a simple and traditional V(5+) coordination complex, dipicolinatooxovanadium(V) (abbreviated [VO2dipic]−), are described in order to present a hypothesis for a novel mode of action wherein a hydrophobic membrane environment plays a key role. Specifically, we propose that the compartmentalization and both chemical and biological transformations of vanadium-complexes direct whether beneficial or toxic effects will be observed with this class of compounds. This concept is based on the formation of high levels of uncontrollable reactive oxygen species (ROS) from one-electron reactions or alternative events possibly initiated by a two-electron reaction which may be directly or indirectly beneficial by reducing the high levels of ROS. The properties of dipicolinatooxovanadium(V) compounds in aqueous solution (D.C. Crans, et al., Inorg. Chem. 39 (2000) 4409–4416) are very different from those in organic solvents (S.K. Hanson, et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 131 (2009) 428–429) and these differences may be key for their mode of action. Since other vanadium complexes are known to hydrolyze upon administration, the low stability of the aqueous complex requires entrapment in hydrophobic environments for such a complex to exist sufficiently long to have an effect. The suggestion that the environment changes the reactivity of the compounds is consistent with the very different modes of action by which one complex act. In short, a novel hypothesis is presented for a mode of action of vanadium compounds based on differences in properties resulting from environmental conditions. These considerations are supported by recent evidence supporting a role for membranes and signal transduction events (D.A. Roess, et al. Chem. Biodivers. 5 (2008) 1558–1570) of the insulin-enhancing properties of these compounds.
Does stress enhance or impair memory consolidation

Three experiments examined the hypothesis that stress-induced arousal enhances long-term memory for experiences associated with arousing events. Contrary to expectations, in each experiment exposure to a stressor (arm immersion in ice water) interfered with, rather than enhanced, long-term memory for associated material. Despite varying the stimuli (words, pictures), their emotional value (positive, negative, neutral), the time between learning and stress inductions (0 to 1 minute), and opportunities for post-learning rehearsal, each experiment produced a significant reversal of the hypothesised effect. That is, in each experiment, exposure to a stressor interfered with, rather than enhanced, long-term memory for associated material. We conclude that the relationship between stress and memory consolidation is more bounded than previously believed.
Attachment based treatments for adolescents: the secure cycle as a framework for assessment, treatment and evaluation.

The emergence of attachment-based treatments (ABTs) for adolescents highlights the need to more clearly define and evaluate these treatments in the context of other attachment based treatments for ...
Adequacy of the local-spin-density approximation for Gd

Highly converged local-spin-density-approximation (LSDA) calculations for ferromagnetic hcp Gd have been perfomed using an extended general-potential linearized augmented-plane-wave method. These calculations are used to assess the adequacy of the LSDA for this material. It is found that, while the calculated ground-state properties are in better agreement with experiment than is the case for elements with open 4f shells, the LSDA does not provide a fully satisfactory description of this material. On the other hand, an analysis of the electronic structure suggests that a model with localized f electrons is unsuitable for Gd.
Matrix interference free determination of perchlorate in urine by ion association–ion chromatography–mass spectrometry

Abstract Quantitative measurement of perchlorate in biological fluids is of importance to assess its toxicity and to study its effects on the thyroid gland. Whenever possible, urine samples are preferred in toxicologic/epidemiologic studies because sample collection is non-invasive. We present here a pretreatment method for the determination of perchlorate in urine samples that lead to a clean matrix. Urine samples, spiked with isotopically labeled perchlorate, are exposed to UV to destroy/decompose organic molecules and then sequentially treated with an H + -form cation exchange resin to remove protolyzable compounds, with ammonia to raise the pH to 10–11 and finally passed through a mini-column of basic alumina to remove the color and other organic matter. After filtration through a 0.45 μm syringe filter, the sample thus prepared can be directly injected into an ion chromatograph (IC). We use ion association–electrospray ionization–mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) to detect and quantify perchlorate. The proposed sample preparation method leads to excellent limits of detection (LOD's) for perchlorate since there is essentially no dilution of sample and the matrix effects are eliminated. Results of urine samples from both men and women volunteers are reported for perchlorate, as well as for iodide and thiocyanate, which are generally present at much higher concentrations and for which a “dilute and shoot” approach is adequate. The limit of detection ( S / N = 3) for iodide, thiocyanate and perchlorate by the present method was 0.40, 0.10 and 0.080 μg l −1 , respectively.
The periphery in the center: the information age and the 'good life' in rural America:

This paper presents a historical perspective on contemporary development efforts in rural America's communication infrastructure. It is well known throughout the world that urban poverty and decay ...
Properties of Ag-Cu-Pd Dispersed Phase Amalgam: Compressive Strength, Creep, and Corrosion

Dental amalgams fabricated from a dispersion phase consisting of 62%Ag-28%Cu-10%Pd, combined with traditional lathe cut and spherical Ag3Sn alloys, were investigated and compared with commercial Cu-enriched amalgams. High one-hour compressive strength, reduced creep, and significant improvements in corrosion resistance of dispersant and resultant amalgams were obtained.
David E. Smith Receives 2012 Charles A. Whitten Medal: Response

Thank you, friends and colleagues, for nominating me for this honor. It is humbling to look at the list of previous recipients of the Whitten Medal, many of whom I have known well, and realize the array of contributions they have made to this field.
Surface Immobilization of Cardiac Thin Filaments

Our objective is to directly observe a single troponin (Tn) complex exchange among its conformational substates. Here, we report experimental conditions for immobilizing thin filaments (TF) to glass coverslips. TF were reconstituted from F-actin, tropomyosin (cTm), and cTn, and were sonicated to produce defined lengths. PEG-functionalized, neutravidin-coated coverslips were prepared, and biotinylated gelsolin was sparsely immobilized to neutravidin. TF were captured from solution in a flow chamber, and imaged under oxygen scavenger solution. Labeled TF cTn(TnC-C89∗AF488) (blue), cTm-C190∗AF546 (green), phalloidin∗AF647 (red) were assessed by three-color widefield fluorescence. Colocalization of blue, green, and red confirmed that thin filaments contained Tn, Tm and actin. The number of dye-labeled cTn per TF was quantified by the number of photo bleaching events per thin filament. We used photobleaching to confirm our ability to prepare TF with one or fewer dye-labeled cTn per filament. These results demonstrate our ability to reconstitute fluorescent-labeled thin filaments immobilized in PEG-coated flow chambers.
Some Illustrative Classroom Examples Regarding Sums of Discrete Random Variables With Finite Support

In many probability and mathematical statistics courses the probability generating function (PGF) is typically overlooked in favor of the more utilized moment generating function. However, for certain types of random variables, the PGF may be more appealing. For example, sums of independent, non-negative, integer-valued random variables with finite support are easily studied via the PGF. In particular, the exact distribution of the sum can easily be calculated. Several illustrative classroom examples, with varying degrees of difficulty, are presented. All of the examples have been implemented using the R statistical software package.
Writing Textbook Supplements

Accuracy checking and writing ancillary materials such as test banks and instructor’s manuals, are obscure but important components of college textbook packages. This article provides an overview of the supplement writing process based on the author’s experience writing for several economics textbooks.
pTHINC: a thin-client architecture for mobile wireless web

Although web applications are gaining popularity on mobile wireless PDAs, web browsers on these systems can be quite slow and often lack adequate functionality to access many web sites. We have developed pTHINC, a PDA thin-client solution that leverages more powerful servers to run full-function web browsers and other application logic, then sends simple screen updates to the PDA for display. pTHINC uses server-side screen scaling to provide high-fidelity display and seamless mobility across a broad range of different clients and screen sizes, including both portrait and landscape viewing modes. pTHINC also leverages existing PDA control buttons to improve system usability and maximize available screen resolution for application display. We have implemented pTHINC on Windows Mobile and evaluated its performance on mobile wireless devices. Our results compared to local PDA web browsers and other thin-client approaches demonstrate that pTHINC provides superior web browsing performance and is the only PDA thin client that effectively supports crucial browser helper applications such as video playback.
Legal Gambling as a Strategy for Economic Development

Lotteries, casinos, and other forms of gambling are being promoted by state and local governments as painless ways to raise revenues. Supporters often rely on economic studies sponsored by the industry. Critics contend that gambling is problematic and not a substitute for sustainable economic development, and the public remains ambivalent. Bills currently pending in Congress would establish a national commission to study the impact of gambling. Long-term health of communities requires the promotion of well-researched and well-reasoned policies on legal gambling and economic development.
Feature-specific structured imaging

We present a feature-specific imaging system based on the use of structured light. Feature measurements are obtained by projecting spatially structured illumination onto an object and collecting all the reflected light onto a single photodetector. Principal component features are used to define the illumination patterns. The optimal linear minimum mean-square error (LMMSE) operator is used to generate object estimates from the measured features. We study the optimal allocation of illumination energy into each feature measurement in the presence of additive white Gaussian detector noise and optical blur. We demonstrate that this new imaging approach reduces imager complexity and provides improved image quality in high noise environments. Compared to the optimal LMMSE postprocessing of a conventional image, feature-specific structured imaging provides a 38% rms error reduction and requires 400 times fewer measurements for a noise standard deviation of σ=2×10-3. Experimental results validate these theoretical predictions.