Browsing by Subject "strength"

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    Distributions of Parameters and Features of Multiple Bond Ruptures in Force Spectroscopy by Atomic Force Microscopy
    (2010) Guo, S; Li, N; Lad, N; Desai, S; Akhremitchev, BB
    Force spectroscopy measurement of rupture forces of bound molecules becomes an important physicochemical tool in characterizing intermolecular interactions, Atomic force microscopy (AFM) measurements are among the most common approaches in implementation of this technique. Kinetic information about the molecular bond under study is usually extracted assuming that the detected rupture force comes from rupturing of a single bond. However, multiple bond ruptures might occur in experiments. In this article, we consider how the presence of multiple bonds is manifested in the distribution of parameters that are typically extracted in force spectroscopy experiments. Of particular interest here are the distributions of rupture forces and Kuhn lengths of polymeric tethers. We show that multiple bond ruptures might contribute to the measured distributions even when these distributions have a well-defined single peak. Also, we consider how the probability to form multiple bonds depends on probe velocity. The developed analytical models are applied to experimental data of biotin streptavidin ruptures. The velocity dependence of the amplitude of high force tail supports the hypothesis of multiple bond nature of the measured high forces.
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    Kinetic Parameters from Detection Probability in Single Molecule Force Spectroscopy
    (2010) Ray, Chad; Guo, Senli; Brown, Jason; Li, Nan; Akhremitchev, Boris B
    The detection probability of rupture events in A FM force spectroscopy measurements presents a viable alternative to standard methods for extracting kinetic parameters of dissociation. The detection probability has a maximum as a function of the probe velocity where (1) the probability to form a molecular bond is independent of the probe velocity and (2) the detection of rupture events is limited by noise and performed with a constant density of data points per distance of the probe displacement. This newly developed model indicates that the optimal detection velocity is independent of dissociation rate and depends on the distance to the barrier kinetic parameter. Therefore, the kinetic parameters of bond dissociation can be extracted from the dependence of detection probability on probe velocity and the detection threshold. This approach is sensitive to low rupture forces and therefore is complementary to the common most probable force data analysis approach. The developed approach is tested using rupture forces measured with specific bonds between biotin and streptavidin and with nonspecific bonds between linear alkalies in water. Results for the analysis of specific bonds rupture are consistent with the previous measurements, suggesting that rupture forces spanning a wide range of values originate from the same binding potential. Kinetic parameters obtained for linear alkalies are significantly different from previous measurements suggesting possible heterogeneity of the bound state.
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    ItemOpen Access
    Limited physician knowledge of sarcopenia: A survey.
    (Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 2023-01) Guralnik, Jack M; Cawthon, Peggy M; Bhasin, Shalender; Fielding, Roger; Magaziner, Jay; Cruz-Jentoft, Alfonso J; Vellas, Bruno; Clarke, Lindsay; Lattimer, Laura; Evans, William

    Background

    Sarcopenia, a reduction in skeletal muscle mass and function, is a condition that contributes to functional decline and disability in older adults. Although research on this geriatric condition has developed rapidly in recent years, little work has been done to document whether practicing physicians are incorporating sarcopenia into their clinical practice.

    Methods

    An online survey of 253 practicing U.S. physicians assessed knowledge of sarcopenia, use of the term in practice, motivation for screening patients, and diagnostic and treatment approaches. They were board certified in four practice areas: internal medicine (n = 69), family medicine (n = 69), geriatrics (n = 40), or physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) (n = 75).

    Results

    Less than 20% of internists and family medicine physicians reported being very familiar with the term sarcopenia, with substantially higher familiarity at this level reported among geriatricians (70%) and among PM&R specialists (41%). Two additional findings pointed to deficiencies in sarcopenia knowledge and practice: participants substantially overestimated the prevalence of sarcopenia in older adults (44% of participants reported an expected prevalence of >25%) compared to findings from published studies (indicating 10% of older adults experience sarcopenia); over 75% reported not typically using specific diagnostic criteria or being unsure if their approach utilized any specific criteria. When asked what terminology they use in a medical chart for a patient presenting with significant loss of muscle mass and strength, only 8% said sarcopenia.

    Conclusions

    Sarcopenia, a condition that can have a major impact on older adults as they age, has not been fully incorporated into the knowledge base and practices of active physicians. The survey data suggest that improving physician familiarity with sarcopenia and having universal agreement on criteria for diagnosis may increase the screening for and treatment of sarcopenia.