cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Protein disulfide isomerase is a component of the microsomal triglyceride transfer protein complex

A bovine liver protein which catalyzes the transfer of triglyceride between membranes has previously been isolated from the lumen of the microsomal fraction. When further purified about 100-fold, two polypeptides of molecular mass 58,000 and 88,000 were identified (Wetterau, J. R., and Zilversmit, D. B. (1985) Chem. Phys. Lipids 38, 205-222). We demonstrate here that the two polypeptides (referred to as 58-kDa and 88-kDa, respectively) are associated in a protein-protein complex, and that the triglyceride transfer activity is associated with this complex. Antibodies specific for either polypeptide immunoprecipitated both the 58-kDa and 88-kDa polypeptides as well as the lipid transfer activity. The 58-kDa subunit of the microsomal transfer protein complex was identified as protein disulfide-isomerase (PDI) (EC 5.3.4.1) by 1) a comparison of the amino-terminal sequence of PDI and the 58-kDa subunit of the transfer protein, 2) a comparison of the reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography peptide maps of CNBr digests of PDI and the lipid transfer protein, 3) immunoprecipitation competition experiments in which PDI was found to compete with the lipid transfer protein for immunoprecipitation by the anti-58-kDa polyclonal antibodies, 4) immunological cross-reactivity of the microsomal triglyceride transfer protein complex with polyclonal antibodies raised against PDI, and 5) the appearance of protein disulfide isomerase activity following the dissociation of purified microsomal transfer protein complex with guanidine HCl. In conclusion, the microsomal triglyceride transfer protein has a multi-subunit structure which is unique compared to other intracellular lipid transfer proteins which have been described to be single polypeptides. The unexpected finding that PDI is a component of the microsomal triglyceride transfer protein complex suggests a new previously undescribed role for protein disulfide isomerase.
The incidence and influence of antisperm antibodies in infertile human couples on sperm-cervical mucus interactions and subsequent fertility

Analysis of serum samples from 698 infertile couples revealed antisperm antibodies present in 16.5% of the men and 21.6% of the women. Overall, 31.1% of the couples possessed at least one individual with positive results. Sperm-immobilizing activity was detected in 29.6% of the cervical mucus (CM) samples from 459 women. Reduced sperm penetration of CM was significantly associated with serum titers of antisperm antibodies in both sexes and also with immobilizing activity in CM of women. The incidence of subsequent pregnancy in 376 infertile couples was reduced significantly if one or both partners had antisperm antibodies in serum or in genital tract secretions. The latter was reflected by evaluation of the immobilization, penetration, and shaking phenomenon of sperm in CM.
A Call to the Bullpen: Alternatives to the Morality Clause as Endorsment Companies’ Main Protection Against Athletic Scandal

Exemplified by Lance Armstrong and Tiger Woods' high-profile scandals, observers have commented that more protection is needed for endorsement companies against athletic scandal. Particularly, some have discussed the use of clawback clauses. Used often in the securities world, clawback clauses provide companies with a mechanism to protect their investment in the employee or agent. This Note discusses the practicality of implementing clawback clauses into endorsement contracts. As endorsement companies continue to increase the use of athletes to sponsor their products, these companies must begin to protect their substantial investment in these athletes. Although clawback clauses provide endorsement companies the best protection, many factors inhibit endorsement companies from implementing clawback clauses into endorsement contracts. Nevertheless, there exists alternatives that endorsement companies can pursue in order to better protect themselves from reputational and financial costs. These alternatives provide more protection against athletic scandal than morality clauses. This Note argues that clawback clauses, even though the optimal choice, are not practical and therefore endorsement companies should consider other alternatives to the morality clause.
Behavioral synthesis for hierarchical testability of controller/data path circuits with conditional branches

Most existing behavioral synthesis systems put emphasis on optimizing area and performance. Only recently has some research been done to consider testability during behavioral synthesis. In our previous work, we integrated hierarchical testability with behavioral synthesis of simple digital data path circuits to synthesize highly testable circuits (S. Bhatia and N.K. Jha, 1994). In the current work, we consider the testability of complete controller and data path during behavioral synthesis. The methods presented can easily handle large and complex behavioral descriptions with loops, conditionals, and allow different scheduling constructs, such as pipelining, multicycling, and chaining. The test set for the combined controller/data path is generated during synthesis in a very short time and near 100% fault coverage is obtained for almost all the synthesized circuits at practically zero overheads. >
Tumor visualization with a radioiodinated phospholipid ether.

The known ability of phospholipid ethers to accumulate in certain tumors prompted the synthesis and evaluation of a radioiodinated phospholipid ether analog as a potential tumor imaging agent. Tissue distribution studies with [125I] -rac-1-0-[1 2-(m-iodophenyl)dodecyl-2-0-methylglycero-3- phosphocholine in rats bearing the Walker 256 carcinosarcoma showed the tumor to contain the highest concentration of radioactivity at 24 hr (15% of the dose) and a tumor-to-blood ratio of 13. Scintigraphic images taken at 24 hr compared favorably with those obtained with (67Ga)-citrate. In contrast with the latter, however, the phospholipid ether showed little propensity to accumulate in an inflammatory lesion in the rat. Tumor visualization was also accomplished in a rabbit bearing the Vx2 adenocarcinoma. We conclude that phospholipid ethers may represent a new class of carrier molecules for the transport of radionuclides to tumors.
Haploidentical stem cell transplantation augmented by CD45RA negative lymphocytes provides rapid engraftment and excellent tolerability.

Background Haploidentical donors are being increasingly used for allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). However, the requisite T-cell depletion results in a profound and often long-lasting immunocompromised state, and donor lymphocyte infusions bring a risk of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Naive T-cells are believed to be among the most alloreactive T-cell subset and can be identified by CD45RA expression. Allogeneic HCT using CD45RA depletion has not been previously described for haploidentical donors. Procedure Eight children with relapsed or refractory solid tumors were transplanted following myeloablative conditioning. Each patient received two cell products, one created by CD3 depletion and the other through CD45RA depletion. Results Median CD34 recovery was 59.2% with CD45RA depletion, compared to 82.4% using CD3 depletion. Median CD3+ T-cell dose after CD45RA reduction was 99.2 × 106 cells/kg, yet depletion of CD3+ CD45RA+ cells exceeded 4.5 log. CD45RA depletion also resulted in substantial depletion of B-cells (median 2.45 log). All eight patients engrafted within 14 days and rapidly achieved 100% donor chimerism. No acute GVHD or secondary graft failure was observed. Conclusions CD45RA depletion is a novel approach to haploidentical HCT that offers rapid engraftment with minimal risk of GVHD. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2015;62:666–673. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Morphology of the nasal cavities and associated structures in Artibeus jamaicensis and Myotis lucifugus.

Anatomical differences in olfactory structures point to a more highly developed olfactory sense in the frugivorous bat Artibeus jamaicensis than in the insectivorous bat Myotis lucifugus. Artibeus' nostrils show greater potential for differential control of nasal airstreams. Its nasal cavities, in contrast to Myotis, are clearly demarcated into olfactory and respiratory portions. Both species have seven turbinals, but of the five ethmoturbinals, Artibeus has four endoturbinals and one ectoturbinal whereas Myotis has three and two, respectively. The configuration and histology of the more complex turbinals of Artibeus indicates a greater surface area of olfactory epithelium. The nasal epithelia are thicker in Artibeus. Olfactory receptors appear similar in both species but the thickness and composition of the olfactory epithelium in Artibeus suggests the presence of about twice as many receptors per unit area. This is also reflected in the relative prominence of olfactory nerve bundles. From these and other bulbar relationships we conclude that the proportion of fila olfactoria to large mitral cells, as reflected by the olfactory bulb glomeruli, is some function of a fundamental 2:1 relationship. Nasal glands, with flaps covering two of their more prominent ducts, and blood vessels are more pronounced in Artibeus. This presumably correlates with the nasal type of phonation exhibited by this bat as well as a greater ability to condition air per se. Nasopalatine ducts exist in both species but only Artibeus has a vomeronasal organ. A diffuse ganglion accompanies the organ; some of its neurons are associated with the unmyelinated vomeronasal nerve, whereas others are intraepithelial. The vomeronasal nerve terminates in a prominent accessory olfactory bulb.
Configurational isomerization of bilirubin and the mechanism of jaundice phototherapy.

Abstract Bilirubin-IXα and its dimethyl ester, which have the Z configuration at the meso bridge double bonds, undergo rapid and reversible photoisomerization on irradiation with visible light giving Z-E, E-Z and E-E isomers. At photoequilibrium [Z-Z] ⪢ [E-Z] ≈ [Z-E] > [E-E]. The non-Z-Z isomers of bilirubin-IXα are less lipophilic and more polar than the natural Z-Z isomer. The reaction probably is important in vivo during phototherapy of neonatal jaundice and responsible for the biliary excretion of unconjugated pigment associated with it.
Phenyloxenium Ions: More Like Phenylnitrenium Ions than Isoelectronic Phenylnitrenes?

The geometries and energies of the electronic states of phenyloxenium ion 1 (Ph−O+) were computed at the multireference CASPT2/pVTZ level of theory. Despite being isoelectronic to phenylnitrene 4, ...
Postsecularism as colonialism by other means

The claim that we are entering a “postsecular” age supposedly marks a new openness toward public religion, which was expected to wither as societies modernized. Similarly, postcolonial theory has attempted to think through the public resurgence of indigenous culture after the collapse of “Western” political regimes, which also predicted and prescribed its privatization. Drawing on the work of Partha Chatterjee, this paper argues that the “postsecular,” particularly as it is deployed by Jurgen Habermas and Alasdair MacIntyre, seeks to seduce religious believers and practitioners into just this same logic of self-colonization so that they might be recognized as defenders of an increasingly insecure, liberal nation-state against those who might seek to take advantage of its vulnerability.
Synthesis of oligodeoxynucleotides containing a single diastereoisomer of α-(N2-2′-deoxyguanosinyl)-N-desmethyltamoxifen

A phosphoramidite chemical synthesis of oligodeoxynucleotides containing a diastereoisomer of (E)-alpha-(N(2)-deoxyguanosinyl)-N-desmethyltamoxifen, a major tamoxifen (TAM)-derived DNA adduct in animal and women treated with TAM, was described. The site-specifically modified oligodeoxynucleotide can be used for mutagenesis, DNA repair, and 3D structural studies and also as standard for quantitative analysis of TAM-DNA adducts in animal and human.
Formation and Stability of Gold Nanoflowers by the Seeding Approach: The Effect of Intraparticle Ripening

The seeding approach for preparation of gold nanoflowers in which 25 nm gold nanoparticles were used as the seeds and a mixture of HAuCl4 and hydroxylamine as growth solution was investigated systematically. It is revealed that the formation and stability of the nanoflowers were affected greatly by the intraparticle ripening induced by the chlorine ions that existed in the reaction system. In this seeding approach, hydroxylamine promoted the rapid reduction of HAuCl4 and thus rapid formation of small Au particles with a diameter around 3 nm in the growth solution. The attachment of the small particles on the seed surface contributed to the growth of the nanoflowers. The branch length of the nanoflowers increased with the increased pH of the growth solution due to the suppressed ripening at higher pH. The stability of the nanoflowers can be improved by increasing the pH of the storing solution and/or removal of the chlorine ions.
Delayed Administration of a Small Molecule Tropomyosin-Related Kinase B Ligand Promotes Recovery After Hypoxic–Ischemic Stroke

Background and Purpose—Stroke is the leading cause of long-term disability in the United States, yet no drugs are available that are proven to improve recovery. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor stimulates neurogenesis and plasticity, processes that are implicated in stroke recovery. It binds to both the tropomyosin-related kinase B and p75 neurotrophin receptors. However, brain-derived neurotrophic factor is not a feasible therapeutic agent, and no small molecule exists that can reproduce its binding to both receptors. We tested the hypothesis that a small molecule (LM22A-4) that selectively targets tropomyosin-related kinase B would promote neurogenesis and functional recovery after stroke. Methods—Four-month-old mice were trained on motor tasks before stroke. After stroke, functional test results were used to randomize mice into 2 equally, and severely, impaired groups. Beginning 3 days after stroke, mice received LM22A-4 or saline vehicle daily for 10 weeks. Results—LM22A-4 treatment significantly imp...
Stoneley Wave Propagation Across Borehole Permeability Heterogeneities

An important application of borehole acoustic logging is the determination of formation permeability using Stoneley waves. Heterogeneous permeable structures, such as fractures, sand-shale sequences, etc., are commonly encountered in acoustic logging. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of the permeability heterogeneities on the borehole Stoneley wave propagation, We have studied the effects of formation permeability heterogeneities on the Stoneley wave propagation when the heterogeneity changes in radial and azimuthal directions (Zhao et aL, 1993). To further study the problem of acoustic logging in heterogeneous porous formations, we study the case where the formation permeability varies in the borehole axial and radial directions. This is a very important problem because vertical heterogeneity variations are commonly encountered in acoustic logging applications. Using the finite difference approach, such heterogeneities as random heterogeneous permeability variations, multiple fracture zones, permeable (sand) non-permeable (shale) sequences, can be readily modeled, and the results are presented. Our numerical simulation results show that the continuous permeability variations in the formation have only minimal effects on the Stoneley wave propagation. Whereas the discontinuous variation (e.g., permeable sand and non-permeable shale sequences) can have significant effeces on the Stoneley wave propagation. However, when the Stoneley wavelength is considerably large compared to the scale of heterogeneity variations, the Stoneley wave is sensitive only to the overall fluid transmissivity of the formation heterogeneity, To demonstrate the effects of heterogeneity on the Stoneley wave propagation. an experimental data set (Winkler et aI., 1989) has been modeled using a randomly layered permeability model. The heterogeneous permeability model results agree with the data very well, while the data disagree with the results from homogeneous permeability models. The numerical technique for calculating Stoneley wave propagation across permeability heterogeneities has been applied to interpret the acoustic logging data across a heeerogeneous fraceure zone (paillet. 1984). The modeling technique, in conjunction with a variable permeability model, successfully explains the non-symmetric patterns of the Stoneley wave attenuation and reileceion at the top and bottom of the fracture
Substance abuse treatment utilization among adults living with HIV/AIDS and alcohol or drug problems.

Abstract This is a prospective cohort study to identify factors associated with receipt of substance abuse treatment (SAT) among adults with alcohol problems and HIV/AIDS. Data from the HIV Longitudinal Interrelationships of Viruses and Ethanol study were analyzed. Generalized estimating equation logistic regression models were fit to identify factors associated with any service utilization. An alcohol dependence diagnosis had a negative association with SAT (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.36, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] = 0.19–0.67), as did identifying sexual orientation other than heterosexual (AOR = 0.46, CI = 0.29–0.72) and having social supports that use alcohol/drugs (AOR = 0.62, CI = 0.45–0.83). Positive associations with SAT include presence of hepatitis C antibody (AOR = 3.37, CI = 2.24–5.06), physical or sexual abuse (AOR = 2.12, CI = 1.22–3.69), social supports that help with sobriety (AOR = 1.92, CI = 1.28–2.87), homelessness (AOR = 2.40, CI = 1.60–3.62), drug dependence diagnosis (AOR = 2.64, CI = 1.88–3.70), and clinically important depressive symptoms (AOR = 1.52, CI = 1.08–2.15). While reassuring that factors indicating need for SAT among people with HIV and alcohol problems (e.g., drug dependence) are associated with receipt, nonneed factors (e.g., sexual orientation, age) that should not decrease likelihood of receipt of treatment were identified.
Collagen metabolism during healing of lacerated rabbit corneas.

We previously demonstrated that there are two waves of increased collagen synthesis following corneal laceration in rabbits. In the present study, we have examined whether increases in collagen synthesis and degradation result from increased amounts of mRNAs for collagen and collagenase, respectively. Rabbits were anesthetized by combined administration of ketamine (intramuscular) and pentobarbital (intravenous). A penetrating 8-mm incision was made at the center of each cornea. The lacerated corneas were allowed to heal for 0–49 days. The rabbits were then killed and the corneas excised. The total RNA was extracted from the tissue and subjected to slot-blot hybridization using 32P-labeled α1(I) cDNA. The results indicate that there is a two-phase increase in the amount of α1(I) mRNA in injured corneas and that the collegenase mRNA is elevated at most times throughout the healing period. However, the increase is collagenase mRNA may not fully account for the accelerated collagen degradation during corneal would-healing. Thus, we propose that cells in the wound area may be directly involved in collagen degradation by phagocytosis. To examine our hypothesis, we cultured injured rabbit corneas in the presence or absence of leupeptin, a proteinase inhibitor. The tissues were then examined by electron microscopy. In the presence of leupeptin, lysosomes within fibroblasts or fibroblast-like cells in the wound area of the lacerated corneas healed for 2 and 3 weeks, contain collagen fibrils. In the absence of leupeptin no identifiable collagen was seen in the lysosomes. These observations indicate that fibroblast-like cells in the wound area may directly phagocytose collagen fibrils during tissue remodeling, in addition to secreting collagenase into the extracellular matrix.
DEMONSTRATION OF MICROWAVE GENERATION FROM A STATIC FIELD BY A RELATIVISTIC IONIZATION FRONT IN A CAPACITOR ARRAY

We present the results of a proof-of-principle experiment to demonstrate the generation of tunable radiation from a laser-ionize gas-filled capacitor array. This scheme directly converts a static electric field of wave number {ital k}{sub 0} into coherent radiation pulses of frequency {omega}{sup 2}{sub {ital p}}/2{ital k}{sub 0}{ital c}, where {omega}{sub {ital p}} is the plasma frequency. The radiation frequency can be tuned by varying gas pressure and/or capacitor spacing. In this experiment, well-polarized, short (less than 5 ns) microwave pulses have been generated over a frequency range of 6 to 21 GHz. The frequency of the detected signal, as measured with cut-off waveguides, scales linearly with the plasma density, and the relative power of the signal scales quadratically with the dc bias voltage in agreement with the theory. {copyright} {ital 1996 The American Physical Society.}
The sliding inclusion under shear

Abstract The elastic fields due to a spheroidal inclusion, which undergoes constant shear eigenstrains and a spheroidal inhomogeneity under uniform shear stress applied at infinity are investigated. The interface between the material and the spheroid allows free sliding (cannot sustain shear tractions). The Papkovich-Neuber displacement potentials in the form of infinite series are used in the analysis. The dependence of stresses and displacements on the shear moduli ratio, Poisson's ratio and the shape of the subdomain is analyzed. It is discovered that stresses in the sliding spheroidal subdomain are not uniform, unlike the perfectly bonded inclusion solution where Eshelby's result holds. The applications to the evaluation of average elastic properties of the composites with sliding interfaces are also investigated and it is observed that sliding causes relaxation of the elastic moduli.
T follicular helper cell differentiation, function, and roles in disease

Follicular helper T (Tfh) cells are specialized providers of T cell help to B cells, and are essential for germinal center formation, affinity maturation, and the development of most high-affinity antibodies and memory B cells. Tfh cell differentiation is a multistage, multifactorial process involving B cell lymphoma 6 (Bcl6) and other transcription factors. This article reviews understanding of Tfh cell biology, including their differentiation, migration, transcriptional regulation, and B cell help functions. Tfh cells are critical components of many protective immune responses against pathogens. As such, there is strong interest in harnessing Tfh cells to improve vaccination strategies. Tfh cells also have roles in a range of other diseases, particularly autoimmune diseases. Overall, there have been dramatic advances in this young field, but there is much to be learned about Tfh cell biology in the interest of applying that knowledge to biomedical needs.
Signal-transduction networks and the regulation of muscle protein degradation

Protein degradation in muscle functions in maintaining normal physiological homeostasis and adapting to new homeostatic states, and is required for muscle wasting or atrophy in various pathological states. The interplay between protein synthesis and degradation to maintain homeostasis is complex and responds to a variety of autocrine and intercellular signals from neuronal inputs, hormones, cytokines, growth factors and other regulatory molecules. The intracellular events that connect extracellular signals to the molecular control of protein degradation are incompletely understood, but likely involve interacting signal-transduction networks rather than isolated pathways. We review some examples of signal-transduction systems that regulate protein degradation, including effectors of proteolysis inducing factor (PIF), insulin and insulin-like growth factor (IGF) and their receptors, and fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and its receptors.
Synthesis, phosphodiesterase inhibition and antiinflammatory activity of 2-aryl-3-hydroxythieno[2,3-b]quinoline 1,1-dioxides. Application of sodium chlorite as a novel reagent for the (Stepwise) oxidation of sulfides to sulfones

Synthesis of five 2-aryl-3-hydroxythieno[2,3-b]quinoline 1,1-dioxides (38-42) from 3-formylquinoline-2-thiol (3) via a facile oxidation-cyclization sequence is reported. Reaction of appropriate benzyl chlorides with the thiol (3) in the presence of sodium methoxide gave excellent yields of the corresponding benzyl 2-(3-formylquinolyl) sulfides (4-8). Direct oxidation of these sulfides to the corresponding sulfones (23-27) was effected with excess sodium chlorite in aqueous pyridine. Esterification of these sulfone-acids followed by brief treatment of the resulting esters 28-32 with sodium methoxide gave the desired compounds 38-42 after acidification. The benzyl 2-(3-formylquinolyl) sulfides were also selectively oxidized to the corresponding sulfoxides (13-17). Thus sodium chlorite has proved to be an effective reagent for the stepwise oxidation of sulfides to sulfones. The title compounds were potent inhibitors of cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase, but failed to display significant antiinflammatory effects in the carrageenan rat paw edema test or significant activity in the phenylquinone induced writhing test for analgesia.
Using neutrons to explore surface roughness

Abstract Striking patterns of diffuse scattering have been obtained at LANSCE by reflecting neutrons from thin films of titanium deposited on sapphire. Calculations of diffuse surface scattering using the distorted wave Born approximation show that these patterns result because there is strong correlation between the two rough surfaces of the film.
Comparison of Real Asset Valuation Models: A Literature Review

AbstractNPV, decision trees, and real options have been prevalently practiced in real asset valuation and management. Complexities have been built on the basic frameworks in practice. In this paper, application values and limitations of real options, NPV, and decision trees in real asset valuation are illustrated with literature review. The pros and cons of each method shed light on future improvement of real asset investment evaluation and risk modeling.
Bcl‐3 is an interleukin‐1–responsive gene in chondrocytes and synovial fibroblasts that activates transcription of the matrix metalloproteinase 1 gene

OBJECTIVE To define the role of Bcl-3, a member of the inhibitor of nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) family and a known regulator of NF-kappaB, in interleukin-1 (IL-1)-induced matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1) transcription in chondrocytes and synovial fibroblasts. METHODS SW-1353 cells, a human chondrosarcoma cell line, were stimulated with IL-1beta, and the harvested RNA was subjected to microarray analysis and quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The SW-1353 cells were stimulated with IL-1 or transfected with a plasmid that constitutively expressed Bcl-3, and then MMP-1 messenger RNA (mRNA) expression was assayed by quantitative real-time RT-PCR. SW-1353 cells were transfected with antisense oligonucleotides to Bcl-3, and IL-1-induced MMP-1 mRNA expression was assayed by quantitative RT-PCR. SW-1353 cells and rabbit synovial fibroblasts were transfected with a 4.3-kb human MMP-1 promoter construct along with Bcl-3 and NF-kappaB1 expression constructs, and MMP-1 transcription was assayed. RESULTS Microarray analysis and real-time RT-PCR showed Bcl-3 to be an IL-1beta-responsive gene in SW-1353 cells. Exogenous expression of Bcl-3 in SW-1353 cells activated MMP-1 transcription. Endogenous Bcl-3 expression was required for IL-1beta induction of MMP-1 gene expression. Bcl-3 also activated MMP-1 transcription in primary synovial fibroblasts. We showed previously that NF-kappaB1 contributes to IL-1beta induction of MMP-1 transcription in stromal cells. We showed here that Bcl-3 can cooperate with NF-kappaB1 to activate MMP-1 transcription in SW-1353 cells. CONCLUSION These data define a new role for Bcl-3 in joint cells as an IL-1beta-responsive early gene involved in cell-mediated cartilage remodeling. Our findings implicate Bcl-3 as an important contributor to chronic inflammatory disease states, such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
PARENT-NURSE THERAPEUTIC CONTACT ON A CHILD PSYCHIATRY UNIT.

Pathological interactions of parents with their hospitalized child easily can be enhanced by untherapeutic contact between nurse and parent. Goals should include keeping parents informed and actively involved in their child's hospitalization, clarifying and modifying current tension-producing interactions. This leads to faster progress of parents in psychotherapy, cooperation with therapeutic efforts with the child and a better understanding of the parent-child interactional patterns.
Regulation of the Cool/Pix Proteins KEY BINDING PARTNERS OF THE Cdc42/Rac TARGETS, THE p21-ACTIVATED KINASES

The Cool (cloned-out of library)/Pix (for PAK-interactive exchange factor) proteins directly bind to members of the PAK family of serine/threonine kinases and regulate their activity. Three members of the Cool/Pix family have shown distinct regulatory activities: (i) p50(Cool-1) inhibits Cdc42/Rac-stimulated PAK activity, (ii) p85(Cool-1)/beta-Pix has a permissive effect on Cdc42/Rac-stimulated activity, and (iii) p90(Cool-2)/alpha-Pix strongly activates PAK. We initially suspected that these different functional effects were due to a binding interaction that occurs at the carboxyl-terminal ends of the larger Cool/Pix proteins, thus enabling them to stimulate (or at least permit) rather than inhibit PAK activity. This led to the identification of the Cat proteins (for Cool-associated tyrosine phosphosubstrates). However, here we show that the Cat proteins bind to the carboxyl-terminal ends of p85(Cool-1) (residues 523-546) and Cool-2 (residues 647-670), and that the binding of Cat to Cool-2 in fact is not necessary for the Cool-2-mediated activation of PAK. Rather, an 18-amino acid region, designated T1, that is present in the Cool-1 proteins, but missing in Cool-2, is essential for controlling the regulation of PAK activity by Cool-1/beta-Pix in vivo. Deletion of T1 yielded a p85(Cool-1) molecule that mimicked the Cool-2 protein and was capable of strongly stimulating PAK activity. However, when T1 was added to Cool-2, the ability of Cool-2 to directly activate PAK was lost. We conclude that T1 represents a novel regulatory domain that accounts for the specific functional effects on PAK activity exhibited by the different members of the Cool/Pix family.
Does the neighborhood context alter the link between youth's after-school time activities and developmental outcomes? A multilevel analysis

This article examines links between different measures of after-school time activity participation (5 specific activities and breadth) on youth's developmental outcomes (anxiety/depression, delinquency, and substance use) over 6 years and whether these links are moderated by neighborhood-level variables. The sample (N=1,315) of 9- and 12-year-old youth was drawn from the Project on Human Development in Chicago Neighborhoods (PHDCN), a multilevel, longitudinal study of youth from 80 Chicago neighborhoods. Findings revealed that different types of activities and patterns of participation over time were associated with outcomes for youth and that, to some extent, these outcomes varied with neighborhood characteristics. In brief, sports participation was associated with fewer anxious/depressed symptoms, higher average delinquency scores, and increased substance use-both average scores and growth over time. Participation in the arts and student government were negatively associated with average substance use and attenuated increases in usage over time. Participation in community-based clubs was positively associated with youth's anxiety/depression in violent neighborhoods only, whereas church groups were protective against substance use in nonviolent neighborhoods. The direction of the influence of breadth of participation was nonlinear for delinquency such that delinquency scores were highest among youth who engaged in an average number of activities.
Alcohol-aversion therapy: relation between strength of aversion and abstinence.

Cette experience montre que la therapie aversive des alcooliques a pour effet de diminuer leur consommation dans les tests gustatifs, de rendre plus negatives leurs evaluations, d'induire des indicateurs d'aversion (grimace, par exemple) et d'augmenter leurs reponses tachycardiques
13C nuclear magnetic resonance of some derivatives of phenothiazines, pyridobenzothiazines and phenoxazines

Les deplacements chimiques et les constantes de couplage des derives de la phenothiazine et de deux autres heterocycles tricycliques sont reportees. Les substituants influencent seulement les deplacements chimiques du cycle carboxylique substitue. Les deplacements chimiques induits, par les groupes acetyl-10 et nitro-4 phenyl-10 sont discutes
Hydrolysis of peptides in seawater and sediment

Abstract Protein hydrolysis and subsequent peptide production appear to be the links between degradation of protein and production of free amino acids in the marine environment. This model has not yet been fully demonstrated because neither presence of peptides nor peptide hydrolysis has been directly measured in seawater or sediments. Fluorescent Lucifer Yellow (LYA)-derivatives of several peptides were synthesized and tested for use as models in an investigation of peptide hydrolysis in seawater and sediment. We demonstrated that these LYA-derivatives behave to some degree as the natural peptides by showing that LYA-dialanine effectively competes with dialanine (ala 2 ) for the active sites of microbial hydrolytic enzymes found in seawater. LYA-derivatives of ala 2 , ala-leu and ala 4 hydrolyzed to smaller peptides or free amino acids in both seawater and sediments. In seawater, hydrolysis of the longer peptide, LYA-ala 4 was 90 × faster than hydrolysis of LYA-ala 2 and 30 × faster than LYA-ala-leu. In sediments, rapid disappearance of the initially-added substrate LYA-ala 4 from pore waters was followed by slower production of LYA-ala 3 , LYA-ala 2 and LYA-ala. Hydrolysis was not random; preferential cleavage of certain peptide bonds occurred.
Optical design for a new off-axis 1.7-m solar telescope (NST) at Big Bear

An optical design for a modern off-axis 1.6 m clear aperture solar telescope - the NST (New Solar Telescope) is presented. The NST will replace the 65 cm vacuum telescope at Big Bear Solar Observatory (BBSO)in 2006. A high-order Adaptive optics (AO) system will deliver light to the current and planned complement of BBSO instrumentation. The NST will fully utilize the optical and dynamical range advantages of its unobstructed (off-axis) pupil.
Design considerations for concrete nuclear containment structures subjected to simultaneous pressure and seismic shear

Abstract Improvements in design code provisions for tangential shear in secondary concrete nuclear containment vessels are needed. This paper presents a brief summary of an experimental research program conducted at Cornell University on tangential shear. Six inch thick reinforced concrete panels were subjected to combined in-plane tension and shear as a behavioral model of a section of the wall of the containment under the combined loading of internal pressurization and seismic shear. Approximately 50 panels were tested. Parameters studied included: tension level and direction (biaxial or uniaxial), shear level and type (monotonic, cyclic, or a combined mode), sequence of applied loading, and reinforcing ratio and orientation. The results of the research indicate that current code provisions are overly conservative with regard to the amount of tangential shear to be carried by the orthogonally reinforced concrete. By increasing the allowable stress, the required amount of diagonal reinforcing would be reduced. This would result in savings in fabrication costs and construction time, and improved structural reliability through improved concrete placement. The research also indicates a need for a more exact consideration of containment displacements. Shear stiffnesses for the panels were extremely low, indicating that containment displacements may be larger than anticipated. The code provisions in this area are limited and unsubstantiated.
Altered Cortical Activation in Adolescents With Acute Migraine: A Magnetoencephalography Study

To quantitatively assess cortical dysfunction in pediatric migraine, 31 adolescents with acute migraine and age- and gender-matched controls were studied using a magnetoencephalogra- phy (MEG) system at a sampling rate of 6,000 Hz. Neuromagnetic brain activation was elicited by a finger-tapping task. The spectral and spatial signatures of magnetoencephalography data in 5 to 2,884 Hz were analyzed using Morlet wavelet and beamformers. Compared with controls, 31 migraine subjects during their headache attack phases (ictal) showed significantly prolonged latencies of neuromagnetic activation in 5 to 30 Hz, increased spectral power in 100 to 200 Hz, and a higher likelihood of neuromagnetic activation in the supplementary motor area, the occipital and ipsilateral sensorimotor cortices, in 2,200 to 2,800 Hz. Of the 31 migraine subjects, 16 migraine subjects during their headache-free phases (interictal) showed that there were no significant differences between interictal and control MEG data except that interictal spectral power in 100 to 200 Hz was significantly decreased. The results demonstrated that migraine subjects had significantly aberrant ictal brain activation, which can normalize interictally. The spread of abnormal ictal brain activation in both low- and high-frequency ranges triggered by movements may play a key role in the cascade of migraine attacks. Perspective: This is the first study focusing on the spectral and spatial signatures of cortical dysfunction in adolescents with migraine using MEG signals in a frequency range of 5 to 2,884 Hz. This methodology analyzing aberrant brain activation may be important for developing new therapeutic interventions for migraine in the future.
Distinct Neuroanatomical Substrates and Cognitive Mechanisms of Figure Copy Performance in Alzheimer's Disease and Behavioral Variant Frontotemporal Dementia.

Figure copy is the most common method of visual spatial assessment in dementia evaluations, but performance on this test may be multifactorial. We examined the neuroanatomical substrates of figure copy performance in 46 patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and 48 patients with the behavioral variant of Frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD). A group of 94 neurologically healthy controls were studied for comparison. In AD, poor figure copy correlated significantly with right parietal cortex volumes but not with right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex volumes, whereas in bvFTD, figure copy performance correlated significantly with right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex volumes and there was only a trend with right parietal cortex volumes. The cognitive processes associated with figure copy performance also differed by diagnostic group such that figure copy was associated with spatial perception and attention in AD and with spatial planning and working memory in bvFTD. Spatial planning accounted for unique variance in the figure copy performance of bvFTD even after accounting for spatial perception, attention, and working memory. These results suggest that figure copy performance in AD and bvFTD is not anatomically specific and is differentially impacted by bottom-up and top-down aspects of visual spatial processing. Alternative methods of visual spatial assessment for dementia evaluations are proposed.
Diminished bone formation during diabetic fracture healing is related to the premature resorption of cartilage associated with increased osteoclast activity.

Histological and molecular analysis of fracture healing in normal and diabetic animals showed significantly enhanced removal of cartilage in diabetic animals. Increased cartilage turnover was associated with elevated osteoclast numbers, a higher expression of genes that promote osteoclastogenesis, and diminished primary bone formation. Introduction: Diminished bone formation, an increased incidence of nonunions, and delayed fracture healing have been observed in animal models and in patients with diabetes. Fracture healing is characterized by the formation of a stabilizing callus in which cartilage is formed and then resorbed and replaced by bone. To gain insight into how diabetes affects fracture healing, studies were carried out focusing on the impact of diabetes on the transition from cartilage to bone. Materials and Methods: A low-dose treatment protocol of streptozotocin in CD-1 mice was used to induce a type 1 diabetic condition. After mice were hyperglycemic for 3 weeks, controlled closed simple transverse fractures of the tibia were induced and fixed by intramedullary pins. Histomorphometric analysis of the tibias obtained 12, 16, and 22 days after fracture was performed across the fracture callus at 0.5 mm proximal and distal increments using computer-assisted image analysis. Another group of 16-day samples were examined by μCT. RNA was isolated from a separate set of animals, and the expression of genes that reflect the formation and removal of cartilage and bone was measured by real-time PCR. Results: Molecular analysis of collagen types II and × mRNA expression showed that cartilage formation was the same during the initial period of callus formation. Histomorphometric analysis of day 12 fracture calluses showed that callus size and cartilage area were also similar in normoglycemic and diabetic mice. In contrast, on day 16, callus size, cartilage tissue, and new bone area were 2.0-, 4.4-, and 1.5-fold larger, respectively, in the normoglycemic compared with the diabetic group (p < 0.05). Analysis of μCT images indicated that the bone volume in the normoglycemic animals was 38% larger than in diabetic animals. There were 78% more osteoclasts in the diabetic group compared with the normoglycemic group (p < 0.05) on day 16, consistent with the reduction in cartilage. Real-time PCR showed significantly elevated levels of mRNA expression for TNF-α, macrophage-colony stimulating factor, RANKL, and vascular endothelial growth factor-A in the diabetic group. Similarly, the mRNA encoding ADAMTS 4 and 5, major aggrecanases that degrade cartilage, was also elevated in diabetic animals. Conclusions: These results suggest that impaired fracture healing in diabetes is characterized by increased rates of cartilage resorption. This premature loss of cartilage leads to a reduction in callus size and contributes to decreased bone formation and mechanical strength frequently reported in diabetic fracture healing.
Serum concentrations of reproductively-related circulating steroid hormones in the free-ranging lemon shark,Negaprion brevirostris

We have examined the concentrations of reproductively-related steroid hormones in 5 species of carcharhinid sharks, marine fishes possessing the unique attribute of placental viviparity. Measurements of serum estradiol, testosterone, progesterone, dihydrotestosterone, and corticosterone have provided baseline data for these hormones in both immature and adult male and female placental sharks. Our studies include: (1) changes in hormonal levels during maturation, (2) concentrations of circulating steroid hormones during peak breeding season, and (3) hormonal levels during gestation, including the collection of serial samples through and beyond birth from free-ranging lemon sharks. Our data suggest that steroids, important in regulating reproduction in higher mammals, are also essential in these cartilaginous fishes.
Short-term and long-term risk of incident ischemic stroke after transient ischemic attack.

Background and Purpose—The relative risk of ischemic stroke associated with transient ischemic attack (TIA) is not well defined because most studies of stroke after TIA did not include comparison groups. We sought to estimate short-term and long-term relative risks of ischemic stroke associated with clinically diagnosed TIA. Methods—We used data from a population-based case-control study. Cases were hypertensive men and women and postmenopausal women, ages 30 to 79, with incident ischemic stroke. Control subjects were sampled within strata of age, sex, hypertension status, and calendar year. The index date was the stroke date for cases and a random date for control subjects. Clinically diagnosed TIA was ascertained from medical records. We used logistic regression to calculate ORs. Results—The study included 1914 stroke cases and 9874 control subjects. Clinically diagnosed TIA was present in 215 (11.2%) cases and 252 (2.5%) control subjects. Analyses focused on the most recent TIA before the index date. F...
Competitive Formation of Polymer−Cyclodextrin Inclusion Compounds

The hydrophobicity of the guest polymer and also the geometrical compatibility between guest polymer cross section and cavity diameter of the host cyclodextrin (CD) play important roles in the formation of inclusion compounds (ICs) between a mixture of one or two guest polymers with one or two different types of CDs, respectively. Specific polymer−CD interactions can be distinguished when, for example, polymer A−CD IC crystals are suspended in a solution containing polymer B, and a polymer B for polymer A exchange occurs, without CD−IC dissolution, during formation of polymer B−CD IC. When using the polymer pair poly(e-caprolactone) (PCL)/poly(l-lactic acid) (PLLA), we have observed that PLLA−α-CD IC is completely converted to PCL−α-CD IC, while the reverse polymer transfer is almost completely prohibited. α-CD host molecules also preferentially included PCL chains from a common PCL/PLLA solution. In addition, observation of the transfer of PCL from PCL−γ-CD IC crystals suspended in a solution containing ...
Chromatin dynamics at the replication fork: there's more to life than histones.

Before each division, eukaryotic cells face the daunting task of completely and accurately replicating a heterogeneous, chromatinized genome and repackaging both resulting daughters. Because replication requires strand separation, interactions between the DNA and its many associated proteins — including histones — must be transiently broken to allow the passage of the replication fork. Here, we will discuss the disruption and re-establishment of chromatin structure during replication, and the consequences of these processes for epigenetic inheritance.
Morphology and Interface chemistry of the Initial Growth of GAN and ALN on α-SIC and Sapphire

The morphology and interface chemistry occurring during the initial stages of growth of GaN and A1N layers has been obtained. Films were grown using gas source MBE equipment containing an ECR plasma source to activate molecular nitrogen. The experiments consisted of sequential depositions of about one monolayer thick films and XPS analysis. Evidence for silicon nitride formation on the SiC surface was obtained from the studies of both the Si oxidation states and the substrate peak intensity dependence on film thickness. The growth of GaN on sapphire appeared to occur via the Stranski-Krastanov mode, while the growth on SiC showed characteristics of three-dimensional growth. AlN grew in a layer-by-layer mode on both substrates.