cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
C-terminal functionalization of nylon-3 polymers: effects of C-terminal groups on antibacterial and hemolytic activities.

Nylon-3 polymers contain β-amino acid-derived subunits and can be viewed as higher homologues of poly(α-amino acids). This structural relationship raises the possibility that nylon-3 polymers offer a platform for development of new materials with a variety of biological activities, a prospect that has recently begun to receive experimental support. Nylon-3 homo- and copolymers can be prepared via anionic ring-opening polymerization of β-lactams, and use of an N-acyl-β-lactam as co-initiator in the polymerization reaction allows placement of a specific functional group, borne by the N-acyl-β-lactam, at the N-terminus of each polymer chain. Controlling the unit at the C-termini of nylon-3 polymer chains, however, has been problematic. Here we describe a strategy for specifying C-terminal functionality that is based on the polymerization mechanism. After the anionic ring-opening polymerization is complete we introduce a new β-lactam, approximately one equivalent relative to the expected number of polymer chains. Because the polymer chains bear a reactive imide group at their C-termini, this new β-lactam should become attached at this position. If the terminating β-lactam bears a distinctive functional group, that functionality should be affixed to most or all C-termini in the reaction mixture. We use the new technique to compare the impact of N- and C-terminal placement of a critical hydrophobic fragment on the biological activity profile of nylon-3 copolymers. The synthetic advance described here should prove to be generally useful for tailoring the properties of nylon-3 materials.
The Morality of Socioscientific Issues: Construal and Resolution of Genetic Engineering Dilemmas.

The ability to negotiate and resolve socioscientific issues has been posited as integral components of scientific literacy. Although philosophers and science educators have argued that socioscientific issues inherently involve moral and ethical considerations, the ultimate arbiters of morality are individual decision-makers. This study explored the extent to which college students construe genetic engineering issues as moral problems. Twenty college students participated in interviews designed to elicit their ideas, reactions, and feelings regarding a series of gene therapy and cloning scenarios. Qualitative analyses revealed that moral considerations were significant influences on decision-making, indicating a tendency for students to construe genetic engineering issues as moral problems. Students engaged in moral reasoning based on utilitarian analyses of consequences as well as the application of principles. Issue construal was also influenced by affective features such as emotion and intuition. In addition to moral considerations, a series of other factors emerged as important dimensions of socioscientific decision-making. These factors included personal experiences, family biases, background knowledge, and the impact of popular culture. The implications for classroom science instruction and future research are discussed. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Sci Ed88:4–27, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/.sce10101
Financial effect of clinical decisions: case study of a dialysis center

The purpose of this study was to specify the financial effect of clinical decisions in a dialysis center. A consecutive sample of 14,343 outpatient hemodialysis treatments (OHD), 16,111 continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD), and 4,513 chronic cycler-assisted peritoneal dialysis (CCPD) days of treatment was analyzed. An activity-based cost calculation method was applied to the analysis of alternative treatments (service bundles). The weekly cost of OHD was higher ($338 versus $241/$242), and the contribution margin (reimbursement minus total cost) of CAPD/CCPD was much greater ($.48 versus $148/$147 per patient week). Clinical decision-making had an influence on less than 6.8% of OHD and 45.4%/46.6% of CAPD/CCPD related expenses. In comparison to activity-based cost calculation, conventional methods overestimated the overhead expense of CAPD by 3–48%. This study documented that most cost control opportunities reside in the usual process of care and less can be influenced by a direct interference with the patient-physician contacts. Paying for 1 week of renal replacement (capitation) could simplify the process of reimbursement and cost tracking.
Further studies on the replication of rat liver cells in vivo.

Abstract The study of the replicating cells of the liver at different ages from 1 day to 36 months shows that the diploid cell is the chief multiplying unit. The data indicate that the replication patterns and times of the diploid cell at 3 and 8 weeks and 6 months of age are similar. At 1 day, its replication time is shortened, but its DNA synthesis time is similar to that of diploids at other ages. At 8 weeks of age a few tetraploid liver cells replicate. A significant change during growth is the decreasing size of the replicating pool of cells. The method of studying the replication of cells through the changes in their ploidy classes is useful in analyzing asymmetrical mitotic labeling curves with more than one replicating ploidy class, and in instances where too few mitoses are present for the determination of mitotic labeling curves.
Ginger extract inhibits LPS induced macrophage activation and function.

Macrophages play a dual role in host defence. They act as the first line of defence by mounting an inflammatory response to antigen exposure and also act as antigen presenting cells and initiate the adaptive immune response. They are also the primary infiltrating cells at the site of inflammation. Inhibition of macrophage activation is one of the possible approaches towards modulating inflammation. Both conventional and alternative approaches are being studied in this regard. Ginger, an herbal product with broad anti inflammatory actions, is used as an alternative medicine in a number of inflammatory conditions like rheumatic disorders. In the present study we examined the effect of ginger extract on macrophage activation in the presence of LPS stimulation. Murine peritoneal macrophages were stimulated by LPS in presence or absence of ginger extract and production of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines were observed. We also studied the effect of ginger extract on the LPS induced expression of MHC II, B7.1, B7.2 and CD40 molecules. We also studied the antigen presenting function of ginger extract treated macrophages by primary mixed lymphocyte reaction. We observed that ginger extract inhibited IL-12, TNF-α, IL-1β (pro inflammatory cytokines) and RANTES, MCP-1 (pro inflammatory chemokines) production in LPS stimulated macrophages. Ginger extract also down regulated the expression of B7.1, B7.2 and MHC class II molecules. In addition ginger extract negatively affected the antigen presenting function of macrophages and we observed a significant reduction in T cell proliferation in response to allostimulation, when ginger extract treated macrophages were used as APCs. A significant decrease in IFN-γ and IL-2 production by T cells in response to allostimulation was also observed. In conclusion ginger extract inhibits macrophage activation and APC function and indirectly inhibits T cell activation.
When can identical particles collide

It is customary, when discussing configuration spaces of identical particles in two or more dimensions, to discard the configurations where two or more particles overlap, the justification being that the configuration space ceases to be a manifold at those points, and also to allow for nonbosonic statistics. We show that there is in general a loss of physical information in discarding these points by studying the simple system of two free particles moving in the plane and requiring that the Hamiltonian be self-adjoint. We find that the Hamiltonian for fermions is unique, but that in all other cases (i.e., for particles obeying properly fractional or Bose statistics) there is a one-parameter family of possible self-adjoint extensions. We show how a plausible limiting procedure selects a unique extension from each family, the favored extension being the one for which the wave function remains finite at the points of overlap. We also test our procedure by applying it to the known case of the hydrogen atom.
Wind Asymmetries in Massive Stars

We are in the process of surveying the linear polarization in luminous, early-type stars. We here report on new observations of the B [e] stars S 18 and R 50, and of the Luminous Blue Variables HR Car, R 143, and HD 160529. Together with previously published data, these observations provide clear evidence for the presence of intrinsic polarization in 1 B[e] star (HD 34664) and in 5 LBVs (ν Car, P Cyg, R 127, AG Car, and HR Car). The data indicate that anisotropic stellar winds are a common occurrence among massive stars in these particular evolutionary stages. For such stars, mass-loss rates estimated using the assumption of a spherical, homogeneous and stationary outflow may be in error.
Reproduction and life history of the red alga Galaxaura oblongata (Nemaliales, Galaxauraceae)

Culture and morphological studies showed that Galaxaura oblongata (Ellis et Solander) Lamouroux has a triphasic life history with conspicuous gametophytes and small filamentous tetrasporophytes. Development of male and female reproductive structures is very similar and both begin with the enlargement of a terminal cell of a filament branch occupying a normal vegetative position within the apical pit of a thallus branch. In male thalli this modified branch forms a conceptacle in which spermatangia are produced. In female thalli, this modified branch forms a three-celled carpogonial branch consisting of a carpogonium, hypogynous cell and basal cell. Filament branches from the basal cell form a pericarp and the gonimoblast develops directly from the carpogonium. Carposporangia are produced in conceptacles which resemble the male conceptacles. About the time the first carposporangia are produced, the carpogonium, hypogynous cell and basal cell form a large fusion cell. Released carpospores germinate in a unipolar or bipolar manner and form small filamentous thalli. Under short day conditions, cruciate tetrasporangia are produced in small clusters. Tetraspores germinate similarly to carpospores and also form small filamentous thalli. Under low nutrient conditions, small cylindrical thalli develop on the filaments and these appear similar to gametophytes collected in nature.
Issue adaptation of presidential television spots and debates to primary and general audiences

Pundits observe that candidates campaign for partisans in the primary (Democrats run to the left and Republicans run to the right) but for the center of the political spectrum in general campaigns. Issue ownership theory identified five Republican and five Democratic issues. Content analysis of presidential spots and debates revealed Democrats discuss Democratic issues more (and Republican issues less) in primary than general television spots and debates. Republicans address Republican issues more (and Democratic issues less) in primary than general spots, although not in debates. Thus, presidential candidates adapt their television spot messages for the target audience; it is possible that Republican issues are discussed more in debates.
Pro-inflammatory cytokines in glaucomatous aqueous and encysted Molteno implant blebs and their relationship to pressure.

PURPOSE To ascertain the presence of additional pro-inflammatory cytokines in glaucomatous aqueous, and their relationship with IOP. METHODS To quantify the levels of 23 pro-inflammatory cytokines, and correlate levels with IOP, aqueous humor samples were analyzed from 23 eyes with open angle glaucoma (OAG) undergoing glaucoma filtration procedures, and from 24 Molteno blebs during the hypertensive phase. Control aqueous was derived from 13 eyes without glaucoma undergoing cataract removal. RESULTS A significant difference (P<0.05) was noted between hypertensive bleb aqueous and controls in the amount TGF-β2, interleukins IL-6, IL-10, and chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 1 (CXCL1; GROα). The levels of these cytokines were higher in the glaucomatous aqueous, but not significantly so. A significant difference was noted in levels of chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2; MCP-1, monocyte chemotactic protein-1) in the glaucoma eye and bleb aqueous compared with controls. Of the 23 cytokines tested for, 19 were found in the bleb group, 14 in the glaucoma group, and 16 in the control group. Compared with controls, all cytokines levels were higher in the glaucoma group and highest in the bleb group. CONCLUSIONS The study confirms the well documented presence of TGF-β2 in glaucomatous aqueous. The presence of significant levels of CCL2 in glaucomatous aqueous is a new finding. The finding of higher levels of all the cytokines in the aqueous from the encysted blebs, in which the IOP was the highest, suggests that their levels increase with an increase in IOP, as well as the possibility that encysted blebs form cytokines.
New perspectives on unitary coupled-cluster theory

The advantages and possibilities of a unitary coupled-cluster (CC) theory are examined. It is shown that using a unitary parameterization of the wave function guarantees agreement between a sum-over-states polarization propagator and response theory calculation of properties of arbitrary order, as opposed to the case in conventional CC theory. Then, using the Zassenhaus expansion for noncommuting exponential operators, explicit diagrams for an extensive and variational method based on unitary CC theory are derived. Possible extensions to the approximations developed are discussed as well. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2006
The Improvement of Mossbauer Spectra by FIRO Deconvolution

A deconvolution method similar to that used by Shimokoshi, Kanzaki, and Jones [Applied Spectroscopy 39, 1014 (1985)] has been used to study 57Fe Mossbauer spectra containing various mixtures of iron compounds. In all cases the spectra studied contained one or more sets of overlapping spectral lines. The resolution of these overlapping lines can often be improved by deconvolution to the point at which the integrated intensities of the deconvoluted peaks provide reliable information about sample concentrations. A comparison of the results which can be obtained for different deconvolution parameters and different degrees of overlapping is presented.
Instructional Practices in the Middle Grades A Mixed Methods Case Study

Deciding which instructional strategies to employ is a complex issue faced daily by middle school teachers. Although a wealth of literature on developmentally appropriate and responsive middle school instructional practices is available, the extent to which these strategies are employed is often unknown. Thus, the purpose of this study was to explore the instructional practices being utilized in core academic subjects in middle schools in a southeastern state. Using a mixed methods case study design, teachers’ espoused beliefs about instruction and instructional practices were explored through a questionnaire and interviews and their actual practices were observed during classroom instruction. Findings revealed a disconnect between teachers’ espoused beliefs and actual practices. One third of participating teachers indicated that the strategy employed most often in their classrooms is that of authentic inquiry, but there was little evidence of this in classroom observations. Instead, 78.3% of observations...
Rhodopsin Simulations in Detergent Micelles Characterize Meta I and Meta II Photointermediates

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are prominent pharmaceutical targets due to their prevalence in the human genome. Membrane proteins such as GPCRs have been historically difficult to characterize by crystallographic methods, severely limiting development of therapeutical applications. A commonly used in vitro method for studying GPCRs is detergent solubilization, which can retain protein activity but affects thermodynamics and conformational flexibility. We used molecular dynamics (MD) to simulate the canonical GPCR rhodopsin in micelles containing the detergent DDM or CHAPS. The Meta I ↔ Meta II activation mechanism of rhodopsin is forward-shifted in a DDM micellar system [1], whereas it is back-shifted when solubilized in CHAPS. Previous MD simulations of rhodopsin could not reach Meta II due to the long timescale required (ms); in addition crystal structures of the activated state have been lacking [2-4]. However, detergents such as DDM accelerate Meta II kinetics to the s timescale [1], making it possible to reach the Meta II state in a DDM micelle. Using the recently published crystal structure of a putative Meta II state [5], we are able to show how the forward- and back-shifting of the Meta I ↔ Meta II equilibrium takes place in DDM and CHAPS detergent environments, respectively. These results provide important structural insights into rhodopsin activation, which can be extended to other GPCRs in a membrane mimetic environment, such as the A2A adenosine receptor. We have introduced a powerful tool which allows us to examine crystallization effects and isolate GPCR activated states.[1] S. Jager et al. (1997) Biochemistry 36:1999.[2] K. Martinez-Mayorga et al. (2006) JACS 128:16502.[3] P.-W. Lau et al. (2007) JMB 372:906.[4] T. Huber et al. (2004) Biophys. J. 86:2078.[5] H.-W. Choe et al. (2011) Nature 471:651.
Does it pay to be different? Competitive non-conformity under different regulatory regimes

Abstract This paper examines how non-conformity in a firm's competitive actions as compared to its rivals impacts firm performance. While a firm may realize some performance benefits from actions that differentiate it from rivals, institutional norms place limits on these benefits. We examine how one institutional constraint, the degree of regulation, affects the relationship between competitive non-conformity and performance. The degree of regulation is a key factor in determining the extent to which firms can engage in, and benefit from, unconventional actions. However, little research has examined this issue. Drawing from the competitive dynamics and institutional literature, we develop and test a model using longitudinal data from the U.S. airline industry during both regulated and deregulated periods. Our prediction of a curvilinear effect of non-conformity was supported in the regulated period, but not the deregulated period. Particularly notable are the results showing that regulation is a critical determinant of both firm behaviors and the outcomes associated with non-conforming actions.
A comparison of strain-related susceptibility in two murine recovery models of global cerebral ischemia

Genetically engineered mice are increasingly important in stroke research. The strains on which these constructs are built are known to have inherent differential sensitivities to ischemic insults. This has been largely attributed to differences in vascular anatomy. This study compared the outcome from forebrain ischemia in two common murine background strains using two different types of ischemic insult. C57Bl/6 and SV129 mice were subjected to two vessel (bilateral carotid) occlusion (2VO) or 2VO plus systemic hypotension (2VO+Hypo; mean arterial pressure=30+/-2 mmHg) for 10-20 min. Ventilation and pericranial temperature were controlled. Cerebral blood flow (CBF) was determined by 14C-iodoantipyrine autoradiography. Histologic damage in forebrain structures was measured 3 days post-ischemia. During 2VO+Hypo, the EEG became isoelectric in all animals. During 2VO alone, EEG isoelectricity occurred in 73% of C57Bl/6 and 50% of SV129 mice. Forebrain CBF was reduced to a similar extent in both strains. Greater CBF variability was seen with 2VO alone versus 2VO+Hypo. CBF was less in the 2VO+Hypo model. SV129 mice had wider posterior communicating but smaller basilar artery diameters. With or without hypotension, SV129 mice had markedly less severe histologic damage than C57Bl/6 mice. A time-dependent increase in histologic damage was demonstrated in the 2VO+Hypo model but not with 2VO alone. The 2VO and 2VO+Hypo models produced similar magnitudes of histologic injury in C57Bl/6 mice subjected to 10-min ischemia. SV129 mice were resistant to ischemia in either model. The 2VO+Hypo model produced a more uniform severity of ischemia as defined by CBF and EEG examination. Despite this, the murine strain had a substantially greater impact on histologic outcome than did cerebrovascular anatomy or the type of model used to produce the ischemic insult.
Nutritional Augmentation of Jeffrey Pine Saplings on a Harsh Sierran Site

Broadcast fertilization with an array of amendments was examined for its capacity to reinvigorate growth and enhance nutrition of a 12-yr-old Jeffrey pine (Pinus jeffreyi Grev. & Balf.) plantation growing on an acidic Sierra Nevada surface mine site. Selected amendments consisted of Viking Brand 21-7-14, Free Flow 29-3-4, High N 22-4-6 + Minors, and Milorganite 6-2-0 + Iron—formulations that differed substantially in critical characteristics including N sources and the duration of release, and each was administered using three rates of application. All formulations stimulated sapling growth during some stage of the study, especially when applied at the highest rates, but the Free Flow amendment, which features urea as the predominant N source, the High N formulation, which is a controlled release fertilizer, and Milorganite, an organic amendment based on municipal biosolids, sustained growth enhancement longer than the Viking amendment, which relies exclusively upon ammoniacal and nitrate N forms and lack...
Valuing the storm surge protection service of US Gulf Coast wetlands

Current plans for US Gulf Coast wetland restoration assume that wetlands can save lives and property by reducing storm surges. However, there have been few economic valuations of this benefit for Gulf Coast wetlands. We develop a methodology for estimating the value of wetlands in reducing expected property damages from hurricane flooding that relates damages to the distribution of storm events and incorporates both the wetland characteristics of wave attenuation and offshore storm surge properties. We apply this methodology to value the storm surge protection service of coastal marshes, in terms of reducing expected property damages, along the path of a storm south-east Louisiana, which includes New Orleans. We conclude by discussing the implications of this analysis for further research on the economic value of wetlands in protecting coastal property and for restoration policy.
Immunohistochemical Localization of μ-Opioid Receptors in Human Dental Pulp

Studies in both animal and clinical models suggest that opioids exert their analgesic effects not only through activation of receptors in the CNS but also through interaction with peripheral opioid receptors. This study evaluated the presence and distribution of μ-opioid receptors in human dental pulp. Human third molars indicated for extraction were removed, fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde and 0.2% picric acid, and decalcified in 10% EDTA and 7.5% polyvinylpyrrolidone. The teeth were cut using a cryostat, and the avidin-biotin peroxidase immunohistochemistry technique was used. Immunostaining for μ-opioid receptors was detected along the nerve bundle of the radicular as well as coronal dental pulp. Positive immunostaining was also observed in the individual nerve fibers in the coronal region. This demonstration of opiate receptors on pulpal nerve fibers suggests a peripheral site in the dental pulp where endogenous or exogenous opioids can interact with μ-opioid receptors.
Heuristic methods for delay constrained least cost routing using /spl kappa/-shortest-paths

The delay constrained least cost (DCLC) problem is to find the least cost path in a graph subject to a delay constraint. First formulated in the context of routing in computer networks, the DCLC model also applies to problems of path planning and other decision problems. DCLC is NP-complete. Many heuristic methods have been proposed for it. This note presents two new methods based on the /spl kappa/-shortest-path (/spl kappa/SP) approach. These heuristic methods-one centralized, the other distributed-are both polynomial. In numerical experiments the proposed algorithms almost always find the optimal paths.
Anti-cancer function of phytic acid

Inositol hexaphosphate (InsP 6 a.k.a. phytic acid or IP 6 ) is ubiquitous. In the plant kingdom it is particularly abundant in cereals and legumes; in much smaller amounts IP 6 and its lower phosphorylated forms (IP 1-5 ) are contained in most mammalian cells, where they are important in regulating vital cellular functions. Both in vivo and in vitro experiments have demonstrated striking anticancer (preventive as well as therapeutic) effects of IP 6 . Inositol also is anti-carcinogenic, albeit to a lesser extent; it acts synergistically IP 6 in inhibiting cancer. In addition to reduction in cell proliferation, IP 6 increases differentiation of malignant cells often resulting in reversion to the normal phenotype. IP 6 is quickly absorbed from the rat stomach and upper intestine and distributed as inositol and IP 1 . In vitro, it is instantaneously taken up by malignant cells undergoing variable dephosphorylation to inositol and IP 1-5 , pointing towards their role in mediating the action of IP 6 . In humans, IP 6 has recently been detected in urine, plasma and other biological fluids; the levels fluctuating with ingestion or deprivation of IP 6 or IP 6 -rich diet. As IP 6 is high in high-fibre diets, these also may explain, at least in part, the epidemiological observation showing the association of ingesting high-fibre diets with a lower incidence of certain cancers. Along with safety, the reproducible efficacy of IP 6 and inositol in the prevention of cancer in laboratory animals warrant their inclusion in our strategies for cancer prevention and perhaps therapy in humans. A side from the anticancer action, IP 6 and inositol also have numerous other health benefits. All these facts of normal physiological presence of IP 6 in our body the level of which fluctuates with intake, association of an IP 6 -rich diet with low incidence of several diseases and vice versa, and finally reversal of some of these conditions, at least in part, by IP 6 supplementation strongly argue in favour of its inclusion as an essential nutrient or perhaps a vitamin.
Resting Potential–dependent Regulation of the Voltage Sensitivity of Sodium Channel Gating in Rat Skeletal Muscle In Vivo

Normal muscle has a resting potential of −85 mV, but in a number of situations there is depolarization of the resting potential that alters excitability. To better understand the effect of resting potential on muscle excitability we attempted to accurately simulate excitability at both normal and depolarized resting potentials. To accurately simulate excitability we found that it was necessary to include a resting potential–dependent shift in the voltage dependence of sodium channel activation and fast inactivation. We recorded sodium currents from muscle fibers in vivo and found that prolonged changes in holding potential cause shifts in the voltage dependence of both activation and fast inactivation of sodium currents. We also found that altering the amplitude of the prepulse or test pulse produced differences in the voltage dependence of activation and inactivation respectively. Since only the Nav1.4 sodium channel isoform is present in significant quantity in adult skeletal muscle, this suggests that either there are multiple states of Nav1.4 that differ in their voltage dependence of gating or there is a distribution in the voltage dependence of gating of Nav1.4. Taken together, our data suggest that changes in resting potential toward more positive potentials favor states of Nav1.4 with depolarized voltage dependence of gating and thus shift voltage dependence of the sodium current. We propose that resting potential–induced shifts in the voltage dependence of sodium channel gating are essential to properly regulate muscle excitability in vivo.
Network representations and methods for the analysis of chemical and biochemical pathways

Systems biologists increasingly use network representations to investigate biochemical pathways and their dynamic behaviours. In this critical review, we discuss four commonly used network representations of chemical and biochemical pathways. We illustrate how some of these representations reduce network complexity but result in the ambiguous representation of biochemical pathways. We also examine the current theoretical approaches available to investigate the dynamic behaviour of chemical and biochemical networks. Finally, we describe how the critical chemical and biochemical pathways responsible for emergent dynamic behaviour can be identified using network mining and functional mapping approaches.
Malondialdehyde-acetaldehyde (MAA) modified proteins induce pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic responses by liver endothelial cells

Recent reports have implicated liver non-parenchymal cells in liver injury as they can secrete; pro-inflammatory cytokines, excessive matrix proteins during fibrosis, and have been shown to initiate local immune responses [1-3]. Of the non-parenchymal cells, sinusoidal liver endothelial cells (SLECs) have been suggested to be a major contributor to the inflammatory processes observed in alcoholic liver disease (ALD) [4]. This is because SLECs are involved in the recruitment of leukocytes into the liver following the activation of an immune response, such as that observed in alcoholic hepatitis [4]. This process involves the release of cytokines TNF-alpha and IL-1beta, which increases the expression of adhesion molecules on the surface of SLECs and the release of chemokines (MIP-2 or MCP-1), which recruit leukocytes into the liver from the circulation [5,6]. These chemokines cause increased binding of leukocytes to the vessel walls and promote the trans-migration of these immune cells across the SLECs by the process of diapedesis [7,8]. Recent studies have shown that proteins can be modified by the metabolites of chronic ethanol consumption. Two of these metabolites, malondialdehyde (MDA) and acetaldehyde (AA), have been shown to synergistically bind to proteins (adduct) to form a product termed MAA [9]. This results in the binding and degradation of the adducted protein. However, chronic ethanol consumption decreases their degradation, but not the binding of these MAA modified proteins. Thus, the extended presence and binding of the MAA-modified proteins to their appropriate receptors could result in the induction of some biological response. It is thought that since these adducts are chronically present, a potential inflammatory response may be initiated similar to that observed in chronic viral infections. Additionally, observation of SLECs when exposed to MAA-Alb showed morphological changes in these cells that was suggestive of cell death (personal observation). Preliminary studies suggested that these changes may be due to TNF-alpha secretion by SLECs. Thus, it was the purpose of these experiments to begin assessing whether MAA-modified proteins can activate SLECs.
The Distorted Mirror: Press Coverage of Women Candidates for Statewide Office

Voters see the political landscape largely through the eyes of the news media. In races for statewide office, where direct contact with politicians is rare, citizens receive most of their news about the campaign from state newspapers. Voters' dependence on the press for political information may be problematic for women running for office. A content analysis of newspaper coverage in 47 statewide campaigns between 1982 and 1988 shows that the press differentiate between male and female candidates in their campaign coverage. These differences are more dramatic in U.S. Senate races, but the differences are still evident in gubernatorial contests. In senatorial races, women receive less campaign coverage than their male counterparts and the coverage they receive is more negative--emphasizing their unlikely chances of victory. In both senatorial and gubernatorial races, women receive consistently less issue attention than their male counterparts. Furthermore, the news media seem more responsive to the messages...
Newborn Screening by Sequence and the Road Ahead

Newborn screening (NBS)3 programs are an anomaly in medicine—a universally applied, state-mandated evaluation of healthy individuals. The program had its origin in the presymptomatic diagnosis of phenylketonuria (1), but as technologies for the use of dried blood spots (DBS) have improved, there has been a rapid expansion of the number of disorders evaluated, as well as an increase in the governmental mandates for testing (2). DNA-based diagnosis is already a feature of NBS. The first integrated use of genetic testing was for the confirmation of hemoglobinopathies (3). Genetic testing is now used as a primary or confirmatory technique in nearly every NBS system in the US. In addition to the analysis of sequence, DNA-based testing can also be used to detect the normal maturation of cell-mediated immunity through the detection of T-cell receptor excision circles (TRECs) (4). Clearly, additional tests will be added over time. The expanded use of DNA-based testing in NBS requires a reliable extraction method that delivers genomic DNA of sufficient quality and quantity for downstream applications. In this issue of Clinical Chemistry , Saavedra-Matiz and colleagues report details of the DNA-extraction protocol used in the New York State Newborn Screening Program (5). The source of the DNA sample is DBS on 903 filter papers, which are commonly used in NBS. Therefore, changes in the collection technique (i.e., phlebotomy), the volume of blood collected, or the type of card used for collection would not be required for most screening programs. The key advantages of this protocol are its extremely low cost and simplified use of automation. The minimization of hands-on work reduces labor costs and the chances for the introduction of error. The authors' system is easily scalable to the number of samples that might be reasonably anticipated in a state …
Conflicting Professional Values in Social Work and Medicine

The professional relationship between social workers and physicians historically has been somewhat strained. Social workers have been quick to blame the medical model for problems in health care and consequently have overlooked useful lessons from this model that could improve social work practice. To work effectively with physicians, social workers must be aware of physicians' professional values and be able to identify conflicts with social work values. Conflicting values in social work and medicine are identified in five areas: (1) saving life versus quality of life, (2) patient autonomy in setting treatment goals, (3) attitudes toward objective versus subjective data, (4) responses to patients with emotional problems, and (5) differing perspectives on interdisciplinary team roles. Case illustrations based on the author's experiences as director of behavioral science training for resident family practice physicians are included. Although different value orientations may produce conflict, the differences also can catalyze successful collaboration between the two professions, which ultimately will benefit patients who receive care.
Effects of dance on balance and gait in severe Parkinson disease: A case study

Purpose. Dance may improve functional mobility in individuals with mild-to-moderate Parkinson disease (PD), yet dance effects in severe PD remain unexamined. This study's purpose was to evaluate the feasibility and effects of partnered tango classes on balance, endurance and quality of life in an individual with severe PD.Design. Over 10 weeks, the participant attended 20, 1-h tango classes for individuals with PD. Balance, walking, and quality of life were evaluated before and after the intervention and at a 1-month follow-up in this single case design. Caregiver burden was also assessed at all time points.Results. The participant improved on the Berg Balance Scale, 6-min walk test, and functional reach. He reported increased balance confidence and improved quality of life as measured by the Parkinson Disease Questionnaire-39 summary index. Gains were maintained at the 1-month follow-up. Caregiver burden increased from baseline immediately post-intervention and at follow-up.Conclusion. Twenty partnered t...
Empowered Diabetes Management Life Coaching and Pharmacist Counseling for Employed Adults With Diabetes

The Hawai'i Demonstration to Maintain Independence and Employment was a randomized controlled trial examining the effect of a participant-driven, multicomponent intervention on 190 employed adults with diabetes, 36% of whom were Asian and 35% of whom were Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander. A no treatment concurrent control group was used, and the treatment group was provided an intervention that paired each participant with a life coach and a pharmacist counselor with whom they worked to achieve collaboratively chosen goals. Treatment fidelity data suggest that the intervention was largely implemented as planned. Life coaches and pharmacists performed key program functions with high to moderate adherence. The quality of their adherence to the intervention model ranged from basic to above basic and below basic to above basic for life coaches and pharmacists, respectively. Results of repeated-measures analysis of covariance analyses indicate that the intervention had a significant positive effect on participants' diabetes self-efficacy, quality of life, and body mass index but not on hemoglobin A1c levels. Further analyses examining just the treatment group indicate a dosage effect, with body mass index and quality of life outcomes optimized among participants who engaged in a greater number of sessions with life coaches and pharmacists. Implications of the study findings for practice are discussed.
Induction of pseudopregnancy in the American Black Bear (Ursus americanus).

The aim of this study was to determine whether American Black Bears (Ursus americanus) can experience a pseudopregnancy of the same duration as pregnancy. To do this, we treated three nonmated, captive female bears with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) during one breeding season, and saline during another. Progesterone concentrations were measured in monthly blood samples to determine whether pseudopregnancy had occurred. Elevated progesterone concentrations were observed in two out of three bears treated with hCG. We conclude that 1) Elevated progesterone concentrations can be induced in black bears by injection of 35 U/kg hCG during the mating season. 2) Bears can experience a pseudopregnancy, identical in length to pregnancy, in which progesterone profiles are indistinguishable from those of pregnancy.
Modeling and maximizing burn-in effectiveness

System burn-in can get rid of many residual defects left from component and subsystem burn-in since incompatibility exists not only among components but also among different subsystems and at the system level. Even if system, subsystem, and component burn-in are performed, the system reliability often does not achieve the requirement. In this case, redundancy is a good way to increase system reliability when improving component reliability is expensive. This paper proposes a nonlinear model to: estimate the optimal burn-in times for all levels, and determine the optimal amount of redundancy for each subsystem. For illustration, a bridge system configuration is considered; however, the model can be easily applied to other system configurations. Since there are few studies on system, subsystem, and component incompatibility, reasonable values are assigned for the compatibility factors at each level. >
Transvaginal Excision of Bilateral Single Ureteral Stumps of Refluxing Ectopic Ureters in an Adult Female With Urinary Incontinence.

Objective To report a novel surgical technique of transvaginal excision of bilateral refluxing single ureteral stumps in an adult female, with emphasis on the technique, the difficulties of the procedure, and other surgical consideration such as bladder neck reconstruction and use of pubovaginal sling in patients with these congenital anomalies. Methods The procedure starts with cystoscopy for identification and catheterization of the orifices of remnant ectopic ureters. This is important to facilitate close dissection of ureteral stumps without the risk of vascular and visceral injury. A wide inverted U incision is made in the anterior vaginal wall to complete the dissection and excision for the remnants of ectopic ureters followed by water-tight closure for each ureterourethral junction. The procedure is completed with bladder neck reconstruction and pubovaginal sling with autologous rectus fascia. Results The operative time was 3 hours, estimated blood loss was 50 mL, and hospital stay was 1 day. There were no intraoperative complications, and the patient went home on catheter drainage for 10 days with prophylactic antibiotics and anticholinergic medications. One-year follow-up showed her global satisfaction of 80%, and she uses one small pad per day as needed. She reported no more recurrent urinary tract infections, no difficulty of voiding, and no pain. Conclusion Transvaginal approach for excision of bilateral infravesical remnant of ectopic ureters in an adult female is feasible. Successful surgical outcomes require bladder neck reconstruction and use of autologous rectus fascia in patient with bilateral single-system ectopic ureters, as the sphincteric mechanism of the bladder neck is absent.
Neonatal lupus erythematosus

Neonatal lupus erythematosus (NLE) is an autoimmune disease whose major findings are subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE) skin lesions and congenital heart block. Babies have maternal anti-Ro/SSA, anti-La/SSB, or anti-U1RNP autoantibodies. Anti-Ro/SSA are the predominant autoantibodies, having been found in about 95% of cases. The autoantibodies pass through the placenta from mother to child. Skin disease resolves at about the time that maternal autoantibodies can no longer be detected in the baby. NLE therefore provides the strongest clinical evidence that autoantibodies are involved in at least some manifestations of lupus erythematosus, but there is as yet no definitive evidence implicating autoantibodies in the disease process. Skin disease usually begins after birth, is transient, and does not result in scarring. Cardiac disease begins in utero, and the heart block is almost always permanent. Many babies require pacemakers, and about 10% die from complications related to cardiac disease. In some cases, transient liver disease or thrombocytopenia have been observed. Individuals who had NLE usually have healthy childhoods but may develop autoimmune disease in adulthood. Whether the later development of autoimmune disease is a common or an unusual event is not yet known. Mothers of babies with NLE may be asymptomatic initially, but with time usually develop symptoms of autoimmune disease. The most typical constellation of symptoms in our group of approximately 30 mothers of babies with NLE is that of Sjogren's syndrome. Most babies exposed to anti-Ro/SSA autoantibodies during gestation will not develop NLE. There is no test to determine prospectively which babies will be affected. Treatment during gestation is still controversial and, if attempted, should be reserved for fetuses with potentially life-threatening disease. Treatment after birth consists of topical management for skin disease and pacemaker implantation, if necessary, for heart block. Systemic steroids may be given for serious internal disease.
Development of a web-based event reporting system in an academic environment

In pursuit of a strategy for patient safety and error reduction, The Ohio State University Health System developed and implemented a standardized voluntary event reporting system. The Web-based application is user friendly as well as context-sensitive and encompasses a broad range of errors, events, and near misses. A full organizational transformation was required to effectively implement the system, which involved process reengineering for event entry and for postentry automated workflows. This system serves as the foundation for efficient and consistent reporting processes, which are essential for encouraging a culture of commitment to patient safety.
A comparative study of the antigen-specific immune response induced by co-delivery of CpG ODN and antigen using fusion molecules or biodegradable microparticles.

CpGODNaretoll-likereceptor9(TLR9)agoniststhatcanenhanceantigen presentation by antigen presenting cells (APCs) such as dendritic cells (DCs). The most potent antigen-specific responses are seen when CpG ODN and the antigen are co- localized in the same APC. CpG ODN-antigen fusion molecules and biodegradable microparticles entrapping CpG ODN and antigen can ensure both components are delivered to the same APC. In this study, we compared the efficacy of the CpG-ODN fusion molecules against biodegradable microparticles entrapping antigen and CpG ODN. Microparticles were prepared using a double emulsion solvent evaporation methodology. CpG ODN-OVA fusion molecules were prepared by mixing maleimide- activated protein with thiolated CpG ODN. Both CpG ODN-OVA fusion molecules and microparticles co-entrapping CpG ODN and OVA generated stronger IgG2a and inter- feron-gamma (IFN-g) responses than delivery of soluble CpG ODN and OVA. The microparticles generated stronger IgG2a and IFN-g immune responses than did CpG ODN-antigen fusion molecules. 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association J Pharm Sci
Identification of Second-Site Mutations That Enhance Release and Spread of Vaccinia Virus

The spread of most strains of vaccinia virus in cell monolayers occurs predominantly via extracellular enveloped virions that adhere to the tips of actin-containing microvilli and to a lesser extent via diffusion of released virions. The mechanism by which virions adhere to the cell surface is unknown, although several viral proteins may be involved. The present investigation was initiated with the following premise: spontaneous mutations that increase virus release will be naturally selected by propagating a virus unable to spread by means of actin tails. Starting with an A36R deletion mutant that forms small, round plaques, five independent virus clones with enhanced spread due to the formation of comet or satellite plaques were isolated. The viral membrane glycoprotein genes of the isolates were sequenced; four had mutations causing C-terminal truncations of the A33R protein, and one had a serine replacing proline 189 of the B5R protein. The comet-forming phenotype was specifically reproduced or reversed by homologous recombination using DNA containing the mutated or natural sequence, respectively. Considerably more extracellular enveloped virus was released into the medium by the second-site mutants than by the parental A36R deletion mutant, explaining their selection in tissue culture as well as their comet-forming phenotype. The data suggest that the B5R protein and the C-terminal region of the A33R protein are involved in adherence of cell-associated enveloped virions to cells. In spite of their selective advantage in cultured cells, the second-site mutants were not detectably more virulent than the A36R deletion mutant when administered to mice by the intranasal route.
Hölder conditions for the local times and the Hausdorff measure of the level sets of Gaussian random fields

Let Y(t) (t∈ℝ N ) be a real-valued, strongly locally nondeterministic Gaussian random field with stationary increments and Y(0)=0. Consider the (N,d) Gaussian random field defined by where X 1,…,X d are independent copies of Y. The local and global Holder conditions in the set variable for the local time of X(t) are established and the exact Hausdorff measure of the level set X −1(x) is evaluated.