An Analog Macroscopic Technique for Studying Molecular Hydrodynamic Processes in Dense Gases and Liquids.

An analog, macroscopic method for studying molecular-scale hydrodynamic processes in dense gases and liquids is described. The technique applies a standard fluid dynamic diagnostic, particle image velocimetry (PIV), to measure: i) velocities of individual particles (grains), extant on short, grain-collision time-scales, ii) velocities of systems of particles, on both short collision-time- and long, continuum-flow-time-scales, iii) collective hydrodynamic modes known to exist in dense molecular fluids, and iv) short- and long-time-scale velocity autocorrelation functions, central to understanding particle-scale dynamics in strongly interacting, dense fluid systems. The basic system is composed of an imaging system, light source, vibrational sensors, vibrational system with a known media, and PIV and analysis software.

Activation of the Stress Response Kinase JNK (c-Jun N-terminal Kinase) Attenuates Insulin Action in Retina through a p70S6K1-dependent Mechanism.

Despite recent advances in therapeutics, diabetic retinopathy remains a leading cause of vision impairment. Improvement in the treatment of diabetic retinopathy requires a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms that cause neurovascular complications, particularly in type 2 diabetes. Recent studies demonstrate that rodents fed a high fat diet exhibit retinal dysfunction concomitant with attenuated Akt phosphorylation.

mTORC1 and JNK coordinate phosphorylation of the p70S6K1 autoinhibitory domain in skeletal muscle following functional overloading.

The present project was designed to investigate phosphorylation of p70S6K1 in an animal model of skeletal muscle overload. Within 24 h of male Sprague-Dawley rats undergoing unilateral tenotomy to induce functional overloading of the plantaris muscle, phosphorylation of the Thr³⁸⁹ and Thr⁴²¹/Ser⁴²⁴ sites on p70S6K1 was significantly elevated. Since the Thr⁴²¹/Ser⁴²⁴ sites are purportedly mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) independent, we sought to identify the kinase(s) responsible for their phosphorylation.

Considering Aboriginal palliative care models: the challenges for mainstream services.

This review discusses palliative care and end-of-life models of care for Aboriginal people in the Australian state New South Wales, and considers Aboriginal palliative care needs by reflecting on recent literature and lessons derived from Aboriginal consultation. Aboriginal people in Australia account for a very small proportion of the population, have poorer health outcomes and their culture demonstrates a clear resistance to accessing mainstream health services which are viewed as powerful, isolating and not relevant to their culture, way of life, family and belief systems. Aboriginal people regard their land as spiritual and their culture dictates that an Aboriginal person needs to know their origins, emphasising the value placed on kin and also demonstrating a strong desire to remain within their own country.

Simple method to eliminate interference between ventricular assist devices and cardiac rhythm devices.

Background: Report on a simple solution to allow programming of defibrillators in the presence of a Heartmate II (Thoratec Corporation, Pleasanton, CA, USA) ventricular assist device. Ventricular assist devices have become increasingly utilized for patients waiting for heart transplantation as well as those who will be maintained on a permanent support. The Heartmate II, which was recently given Food and Drug Administration approval as a bridge-to-transplant device, has a particular anomaly that complicates patient management.

Age- and sex-related bias in the management of heart disease in a district general hospital.

Objective: To investigate the clinical management of heart disease and determine whether there was age- and sex-related bias in the use of investigations and interventions.

Design: Retrospective analysis of individual patient records against criteria of appropriateness based on published guidelines, clinical practice and literature relevant to the 1996-7 study period.

Setting: A single, district general hospital in London, serving a population of 185,000 people.

Case vignette: child abuse or acceptable cultural norms -- child psychiatrist's response; ethical issues in culturally relevant interventions; cultural contexts.

Three families from the nation of the Gambia have become socially acquainted in the greater Metropolis area where they have relocated from their native country. All three families have preadolescent daughters. None of the girls has as yet undergone the ritual "female circumcision" commonly practiced in their native country.