cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Executive function performance and trauma exposure in a community sample of children.

Abstract Objective Though children exposed to familial violence are reported to have difficulties with a range of emotional and behavioral problems (e.g., lower school achievement) that implicate executive function (EF) deficits, relatively little research has specifically examined EF as a function of trauma exposure in children. Methods Based on parent report of children's exposure to potentially traumatic events, children ( N = 110; Age Mean = 10.39) from an ethnically diverse community sample were compared across three trauma-exposure groups: familial trauma, non-familial trauma, and no trauma. Children completed a battery of tests to assess working memory, behavioral inhibition, processing speed, auditory attention, and interference control. Results Familial trauma (relative to non-familial and no trauma exposure) was associated with poorer performance on an EF composite (composed of working memory, inhibition, auditory attention, and processing speed tasks); the effect size was medium. Both trauma-exposure status and dissociation symptoms explained unique variance in EF performance after controlling for anxiety symptoms, socio-economic status, and potential traumatic brain injury. While IQ and EF performance were related, SES predicted unique variance in IQ (and not EF) scores, while familial-trauma exposure did not. Conclusions The contribution of trauma exposure to basic executive functioning held after taking into account symptoms (anxiety and dissociation), socio-economic status, and possible traumatic brain injury exposure. EF problems may provide one route via which maltreated children become at risk for peer, academic, and behavior problems relative to their peers. Practice implications EF problems may provide one route via which maltreated children become at risk for peer, academic, psychological, and behavior problems relative to their peers. Recently, intervention strategies have emerged in the anxiety and mood disorder treatment literatures that appear to effectively target EFs. As future research continues to specify the relationship between child trauma exposure and EF performance, these innovative treatments may have important practice implications for addressing EF deficits.
Reading Ability as a Predictor of Academic Procrastination Among African American Graduate Students

The present study examined the relationship between reading ability (i.e., reading comprehension and reading vocabulary) and academic procrastination among 120 African American graduate students. A canonical correlation analysis revealed statistically significant and practically significant multivariate relationships between these two reading ability variables and graduate students' levels of academic procrastination. Specifically, the first canonical correlation analysis revealed a statistically significant and practically significant multivariate relationship between reading ability and academic procrastination resulting from fear of failure. The second canonical correlation analysis revealed a statistically significant and practically significant multivariate relationship between reading ability and academic procrastination associated with writing a term paper, performing administrative tasks, attending meetings, keeping up with weekly reading assignments, and, most notably, performing academic tasks. ...
The transition from childhood to adulthood with ESRD: educational and social challenges.

. Objective: The purpose of this review was to examine potential barriers to adulthood transition for children and adolescents with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Results: The literature was reviewed in regards to medical, neuropsychological, psychiatric and psychosocial barriers that may impede successful transition. Adults with CKD since childhood have been found to be at increased risk for neurocognitive impairment, low educational attainment, unemployment, psychiatric disability, and psychosocial adjustment. Conclusion: Based on the available literature, intervention strategies are discussed in addition to directions for future research. year, 89.0% at 3 years, and 80.4% at 10 years [Ferris et al. 2006]. Studies performed outside the United States have also found increased survival rates (66%) for children and adolescents under 20 years of age, in addition to increased life expectancies for children receiving transplants [McDonald and Craig 2004]. Adolescents treated with pre-emptive transplants and accepting nutritional support earlier have been shown to have the highest rates of survival [Ferris et al. 2006].
Mechanisms for the heat transfer enhancement in zero-mean oscillatory flows in short channels

Abstract The fluid mechanics and heat transfer of zero-mean oscillatory flows at low frequencies and large amplitudes in essentially two-dimensional short channels are studied numerically. The results show that intracycle oscillations do also occur, and that such oscillations are different from those for long ducts. In the case of sudden pressure changes as the flow reverses at the ends, the intracycle oscillations are found to occur in the acceleration phase of the oscillatory cycle and are responsible for the heat transfer enhancement. These results compare favorably with previously obtained experimental data.
Effects of estradiol on sexual receptivity, wheel-running behavior, and vaginal estrus in virgin prairie voles

This study examined the effects of estradiol on sexual receptivity and vaginal estrus in experienced and virgin female prairie voles, and running wheel activity in virgin females. Because prairie voles undergo induced ovulation, we predicted that exogenous estradiol would not affect activity patterns nor stimulate lordosis in virgins. Females were SC injected with estradiol benzoate (ED) and placed with males, and sexual receptivity was monitored. In experienced females 0.5 micrograms of EB resulted in 100% of the females displaying lordosis after 48 h. In contrast, only 20% of the females receiving 0.05 micrograms displayed lordosis. Less than 20% of virgin females receiving EB displayed lordosis. Virgins displayed no change in wheel-running activity after EB treatments, indicating that behaviors that are influenced by estradiol and regulated by the brain may require previous exposure to males to develop. Although all females receiving the 0.5 micrograms of EB displayed vaginal estrus, virgin females achieved vaginal estrus later than experienced females, suggesting that exposure to males has a priming effect resulting in a reduced period to vaginal estrus.
Procainamide Induced Lupus Erythematosus Syndrome

Two patients, ages 69 and 74, who developed lupus erythematosus syndrome associated with procainamide therapy have been described. Symptoms developed two months and 11 months respectively after initiation of therapy. The symptoms gradually subsided upon discontinuation of the drug together with corticosteroid therapy. Review of 12 other reported cases indicates that arthralgias and pleural pain are early and prominent symptoms, and should alert the physician to this unusual drug reaction.
Twenty-four-hour post-seizure inhibition during limbic kindling requires seizure generalization.

Male Long-Evans rats were kindled by stimulation of the pyriform cortex using an afterdischarge (AD) threshold procedure that triggered one AD every 24 h. AD threshold dropped rapidly as long as the seizures remained localized, reaching an asymptote of 30% of its initial value by the 6th AD. In contrast, AD threshold rose progressively across the first six generalized seizures (i.e. ADs accompanied by forelimb clonus). This elevation in threshold was dependent upon the daily elicitation of a generalized seizure, and the threshold returned to its previous low value after 4 seizure-free days. This indicates that post-seizure inhibition in the pyriform cortex is a transient response produced by generalized seizures and is not related to the relatively permanent changes that underlie kindling.
Inclusion of multi-ring compounds byp-tert-butylcalix[5]arene

The inclusion complex ofp-tert-butylcalix[5]arene with tetralin has been characterized in the solid state by a single crystal X-ray diffraction study and by13C CP/MAS NMR experiments. A crystallographic mirror plane bisects the calix[5]arene and contains the tetralin molecule (which is dynamically disordered). The guest penetrates the upper rim of the calixarene and the experimental results indicate the saturated ring is imbedded most deeply.p-tert-Butylcalix[5]arene (tetralin) · 2 EtOH belongs to the monoclinic space group C2/m witha = 22.187(6),b = 15.823(6),c = 18.168(5) A,β = 99.70(2)°, andDc = 1.09 g cm−3 forZ = 4. Refinement based on 1652 observed reflections led to a finalR value of 0.081.
The control of bioactive luteinizing hormone secretion in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Abstract Serum bioactive luteinizing hormone (LH) is elevated in virtually all patients with polycystic ovary syndrome, whereas serum immunoreactive LH may not be increased. The resultant increase in the bioactive:immunoreactive LH ratio in polycystic ovary syndrome leads to the suggestion that a more biologically active form of LH may be secreted in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome. This study was designed to investigate the control of bioactive LH in polycystic ovary syndrome. Compared to matched control subjects, seven patients with polycystic ovary syndrome had higher levels of serum immunoreactive LH (24 ± 3 mlU/ml), immunoreactive LH:follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) ratios (4.6 ± 0.6), bioactive LH (98 ± 27 mlU/ml), and bioactive:immunoreactive LH ratios (4.6 ± 0.5). Serum testosterone (64 ± 10 ng/ml), unbound testosterone (16 ± 3 mg/dl), and unbound estradiol (49 ± 5 pg/ml) were also higher. In response to 150 μg of intravenous gonadotropin-releasing hormone, increments of both bioactive LH and immunoreactive LH were higher than those in control subjects, but the bioactive:immunoreactive LH ratio was unaltered. Although urinary homovanillic acid was lower in polycystic ovary syndrome, it did not correlate with the bioactive:immunoreactive LH ratio. Similarly, the bioactive:immunoreactive LH ratio was not altered by 1 week of l -dopa (500 mg) or after another week of l -dopa (400 mg) with carbidopa (100 mg) 1 month later. Although baseline unbound estradiol correlated with the Δ maximum response of bioactive LH after gonadotropin-releasing hormone (r = 0.65, p
A Technique for Optimizing Real And Reactive Power Schedules

A technique is developed for the optimum scheduling of real and reactive generation in which all the transmission network constraints are met. The procedure which is used utilizes a load-flow solution to satisfy the system power equations. The real and reactive schedules of the swing bus are treated as dependent variables in the optimization portion of the solution method. Inequality constraints are met as limits on the variables in the load-flow portion of the solution. The feasibility of the technique is demonstrated by means of sample systems.
Preliminary sensitivity study of eruption source parameters for operational volcanic ash cloud transport and dispersion models — A case study of the August 1992 eruption of the Crater Peak vent, Mount Spurr, Alaska

Abstract Ash clouds are one of the major hazards that result from volcanic eruptions. Once an eruption is reported, volcanic ash transport and dispersion (VATD) models are used to forecast the location of the ash cloud. These models require source parameters to describe the ash column for initialization. These parameters include: eruption cloud height and vertical distribution, particle size distribution, and start and end time of the eruption. Further, if downwind concentrations are needed, the eruption mass rate and/or volume of ash need to be known. Upon notification of an eruption, few constraints are typically available on many of these source parameters. Recently, scientists have defined classes of eruption types, each with a set of pre-defined eruption source parameters (ESP). We analyze the August 18, 1992 eruption of the Crater Peak vent at Mount Spurr, Alaska, which is the example case for the Medium Silicic eruption type. We have evaluated the sensitivity of two of the ESP – the grain size distribution (GSD) and the vertical distribution of ash – on the modeled ash cloud. HYSPLIT and Puff VATD models are used to simulate the ash clouds from the different sets of source parameters. We use satellite data, processed through the reverse absorption method, as reference for computing statistics that describe the modeled-to-observed comparison. With the grain size distribution, the three options chosen, (1) an estimated distribution based on past eruption studies, (2) a distribution with finer particles and (3) the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration HYSPLIT GSD, have little effect on the modeled ash cloud. For the initial vertical distribution, both linear (uniform concentration throughout the vertical column) and umbrella shapes were chosen. For HYSPLIT, the defined umbrella distribution (no ash below the umbrella), apparently underestimates the lower altitude portions of the ash cloud and as a result has a worse agreement with the satellite detected ash cloud compared to that with the linear vertical distribution for this particular eruption. The Puff model, with a Poisson function to represent the umbrella cloud, gave similar results as for a linear distribution, both having reasonable agreement with the satellite detected cloud. Further sensitivity studies of this eruption, as well as studies using the other source parameters, are needed.
A Birds‐Eye View of Modern Proteomics

A broad general overview is provided on modern aspects of separation and detection in mass spectrometry‐based proteomics research. This review is most suitable for undergraduate students and/or novices in the field.
Reproduction of the Lymanα irradiance variability from analysis of full-disk images in the CaII K-line

We have compared three years of daily CaII K-line images from the Big Bear Solar Observatory (BBSO) with HI Lymanα irradiance data from the Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite (UARS). The daily full-disk CaII K-line images are reduced to a new index of integrated excess emission, which reproduces both the 27 day rotational modulation and the solar cycle decrease in Lyα irradiance. Our analysis shows that while plages reproduce the 27-day variation quite well, the total K-line emission excess above the quiet background is needed to reproduce the secular solar cycle trend in the Lyα irradiance. The resulting K-line index exhibits a high degree of correlation (0.9) with the time series of measured Lyα flux.
Genome maps of simian virus 40 defectives propagated in human glioblastoma cells

Abstract The DNA sequences present in four defective SV40 genomes propagated on human glioblastoma cells (A172) have been characterized by analysis of restriction enzyme digests and by hybridization to the wild-type genome. Like defectives grown on monkey cells, these molecules are 10 to 20% shorter than wild-type DNA and contain reiterations of specific segments of the nondefective genome, including multiple copies of the viral replication origin. However, unlike the monkey cell defectives, those grown on A172 cells have also retained multiple copies of the region of viral DNA around the Bam Hl site at map position 0.15. These defectives consist only of sequences derived from SV40 and contain no detectable host cell sequences.
Eosinophilia and uterine leiomyosarcoma.

Abstract Background Tumor-associated blood eosinophilia and tumor-associated tissue eosinophilia have been described in association with a spectrum of neoplasms. A case of uterine leiomyosarcoma exhibiting both blood and tissue eosinophilia is presented. Case A 67-year-old postmenopausal woman was evaluated for a 6-month history of postmenopausal bleeding. An office-based endometrial biopsy yielded atypical mesenchymal tissue with marked eosinophilic infiltrate suspicious for a uterine sarcoma, and the patient was referred to the gynecologic oncology service in a tertiary care hospital. There was evidence of leukocytosis and eosinophilia in preoperative laboratory assessment. The patient underwent an exploratory laparotomy, a total abdominal hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, and pelvic lymph node dissection. Histopathology confirmed a low-grade uterine leiomyosarcoma confined to the uterus. There was extensive infiltration of the tumor with eosinophils. The systemic leukocytosis and the absolute eosinophilia responded to surgical removal of the tumor, with normalization of values in the immediate postoperative period. Conclusion A differential diagnosis of malignancy should be entertained during an evaluation of systemic eosinophilia.
Formation of graphite fiber-polyimide prepregs by electrodeposition

Nonaqueous electrodeposition of polyamic acid of pyromellitic dianhydride and 4,4′-diaminodiphenyl ether was carried out from an emulsion containing a solvent, precipitant, emulsifier, and the polyamic acid. The amount of polyamic acid deposited onto the graphite fibers was dependent on electrodeposition parameters such as the applied current, the amount of polyamic acid (solid content), precipitant/solvent (P/S) ratio, and the acid/base (COOH/TEA) mole ratio. The weight gain of fibers increased with increased current density, P/S ratio, solid content, and deposition time. A maximum weight gain of fibers of about 95% was obtained from an emulsion composed of 3 wt % solid content, P/S ratio of 3 : 1, and TEA/COOH ratio of 1 : 1. The electrodeposition of polyamic acid onto graphite fibers proceeded in accordance with the Faraday's law of electrolysis and a Coulombic efficiency of about 62.2 mg/C was attained. Thermal analysis shows that the cured polyimide coatings were thermally stable up to 500°C. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Association of Neuropeptide Y Receptor Y5 Polymorphisms with Dyslipidemia in Mexican Americans

We examined the genetic association of neuropeptide Y receptor Y5 (NPY5R) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with measures of the insulin resistance (metabolic) syndrome. We genotyped 10 NPY5R SNPs in 439 Mexican American individuals (age = 43.3 ± 17.3 years and BMI = 30.0 ± 6.7 kg/m2) distributed across 27 pedigrees from the San Antonio Family Diabetes Study and performed association analyses using the measured genotype approach as implemented in Sequential Oligogenic Linkage Analysis Routines (SOLAR). Minor alleles for five (rs11100493, rs12501691, P1, rs11100494, rs12512687) of the NPY5R SNPs were found to be significantly (p 0.98). These preliminary results provide evidence for association of SNPs in the NPY5R gene with dyslipidemia (elevated triglyceride concentrations and reduced high-density lipoprotein levels) in our Mexican American population.
Elucidating the Origin of Middle Atlantic Pre-Contact Copper Artifacts Using Laser Ablation ICP–MS

An examination of pre-Contact copper artifacts from sites in the Middle Atlantic Region provides valuable and quantifiable information about trade networks, social organization, and cultural change...
Geochemical studies of Tahiti, Teahitia and Mehetia, Society Island chain

Abstract The Society Island chain is located within a region of the South Pacific characterized by anomalously enriched isotopic compositions. The islands of Mehetia and Tahiti, together with the seamount Teahitia, are among the youngest volcanoes in the chain and must be close to the present-day hotspot location. We report here detailed geochemical (major- and trace-element, and isotope) studies of fresh, age-controlled lavas. The data reveal temporal geochemical variations on Tahiti, and close compositional links between Tahiti and both Teahitia and Mehetia. Major-element compositions of the Tahitian lavas define three magmatic fractionation series which coincide with three volcanic phases that have been identified independently. Fractionation-corrected trace-element data also show temporal variations in both absolute concentrations and in the ratios of highly incompatible to moderately incompatible trace elements. Both major- and trace-element results suggest a progressive decrease in the degree of partial melting with time. Mixing of magmas derived from an enriched plume source and from metasomatized lithosphere is consistent with the observed compositional and isotopic variations among the different parental magmas. The earliest recognized (shield-building?) lavas on Tahiti carry the strongest geochemical plume signature, while late-stage lavas were apparently derived partly from lithospheric sources with smaller degrees of partial melting. The similarities in chemical characteristics among lavas from Tahiti, Teahitia and Mehetia suggest common sources and similar magmatic processes for the three volcanoes, consistent with the hotspot mechanism for the origin of these and other islands in the Society chain.
Abstract 5275: Alternate mechanisms of PI3K pathway activation among subtypes of ductal carcinoma in situ suggest distinct pathways for progression to invasive disease

Proceedings: AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010‐‐ Apr 17‐21, 2010; Washington, DC INTRODUCTION: Activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)-AKT pathway via kinase mutations or loss of PTEN is frequently reported in invasive breast cancer and laboratory models suggest that these “second hits” promote invasiveness in HER2 amplified disease. The role of PI3K pathway activation in the transition from in situ to invasive disease remains uncertain. The aim of this study was to assess the frequency of activating lesions in the PI3K pathway in pure high grade DCIS and DCIS associated with HER2 amplified invasive cancer. METHODS: 89 cases of pure high grade DCIS and 73 cases of DCIS associated with HER2 amplified (HER2+) invasive cancer were identified. Sections from FFPE blocks were used for IHC, FISH and DNA extraction. Pure DCIS, DCIS adjacent to invasive and matched invasive cancers were microdissected for multiplex array (Sequenom®) genotyping of PIK3CA and AKT. IHC was performed for HER2 and PTEN. HER2+ was confirmed by FISH. PTEN was scored relative to adjacent normal cells (scale 0-2). RESULTS: Among 89 cases of pure high grade DCIS, 51 (57%) were HER2+. PIK3CA mutations were identified in 13/73 (18%) HER2+ invasive lesions and in 11/13 cases the mutation was also present in the adjacent DCIS (11/73 (15%)). PIK3CA mutations were less common in pure HER2+ DCIS (2/51 (4%)) and pure HER2 neg DCIS (2/38 (5%)). Mutations in AKT1 were not identified HER2+ invasive lesions or the adjacent DCIS, yet were found in 3 cases of pure DCIS (2 HER2 neg, 1 HER2 +). PTEN loss was rare in HER2+ invasive lesions (4%), adjacent HER2+ DCIS (5%) and pure HER2+ DCIS (4%) but was seen in 7/38 (18%) cases of pure HER2 neg DCIS. Concomitant loss of PTEN and PIK3CA mutation was seen in 1 case of pure HER2 neg DCIS. CONCLUSIONS: PIK3CA mutations were observed with similar frequency in HER2+ invasive cancers and in the adjacent DCIS and were uncommon in pure DCIS, suggesting that mutational activation of PI3K may cooperate with HER2 in disease progression. PTEN loss was more common in HER2 neg DCIS and may not be mutually exclusive with PIK3CA mutations, suggesting that these mechanisms may interact in the progression of HER2 neg disease. AKT1 mutations were rare in pure DCIS and not identified in matched HER2+ DCIS and invasive cancer. These data support a role for activation of the PI3K pathway in the transition from in situ to invasive disease and suggest that the mechanism of activation may vary by HER2 status. Further work in HER2 neg DCIS and matched HER2 neg invasive cancer is underway. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5275.
Urease immobilization on an ion-exchange textile for urea hydrolysis

Ion-exchange textiles are used as organic supports for urease immobilization with the aim of developing reactive fibrous materials able to promote urea removal. A non-woven, polypropylene-based cation-exchange textile was prepared using UV-induced graft polymerization. Urease was covalently immobilized onto the cation-exchange textile using three different coupling agents: N-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-N′-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC), N-cyclohexyl-N′-(b-[N-methylmorpholino]ethyl)carbodiimide p-toluenesulfonate (CMC), and glutaraldehyde (GA). The immobilized biocatalyst was characterized by means of FT-IR spectrometry, SEM micrographs, dependence of the enzyme activity on pH and temperature, and according to the kinetic constants of the free and immobilized ureases. The biotextile prepared with EDC in the presence of N-hydroxysuccinimide performs best. The optimum pH was 7.2 for the free urease and 7.6 for the immobilized ureases. The reactivity was maximal at 45 °C for free urease, 50 °C for biotextiles prepared using EDC or CMC, and 55 °C for biotextiles prepared with GA. The activation energy for the immobilized ureases was 4.73–5.67 kcal mol−1, which is somewhat higher than 4.3 kcal mol−1 for free urease. The urea conversion for a continuous-flow immobilized urease reactor is nearly as good as a continuously stirred tank reactor having a much longer residence time, suggesting that the packed bed reactor had sufficient diffusive mixing and residence time to reach nearly optimal results. Urease immobilized on a biotextile using EDC has good storage and operational stability. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Mode of Action of Chronotropic Agents in Cardiac Purkinje Fibers Does Epinephrine Act by Directly Modifying the External Surface Charge

Hauswirth et al. (1968) proposed that epinephrine acts on iKK2 by adding its own positive charge to the external membrane surface near the iKK2 channel. This hypothesis was tested by using noncationic compounds, theophylline and R07-2956, which mimicked epinephrine's effects on pacemaker activity and on iKK2. In maximally effective doses, theophylline or R07-2956 occluded the effect of epinephrine, indicating a shared final common mechanism. Since theophylline and R07-2956 are noncationic at pH 7.4, the common mechanism cannot be a direct change in external surface charge. On the contrary, epinephrine does not interfere with the voltage shift produced by La+++, which is thought to modify the external surface charge. The results argue against the original hypothesis but leave open the possibility that an alteration in internal surface charge generates the observed voltage shift. The potency of theophylline and R07-2956 as phosphodiesterase inhibitors suggests that the final common mechanism begins with the elevation of intracellular cyclic AMP, leading to a saturable process which limits the voltage shift's magnitude. This hypothesis is used to generate dose-response curves describing the combined effects of epinephrine and theophylline, and these are compared with experimental data.
Resolution of thyroid-induced schizophreniform disorder following subtotal thyroidectomy: Case report

Psychoses due to thyrotoxicosis are typically affective in nature. We report on a schizophreniform psychosis in a woman with Graves' disease whose symptoms abated following subtotal thyroidectomy. Surgical thyroidectomy should be considered in thyrotoxic patients who are unresponsive to medical therapy or who manifest unremitting or life-threatening psychotic behavior, especially if long-term compliance required for medical therapy appears unlikely.
Trypsin-like proteinase produced by Fusarium culmorum grown on grain proteins.

The fungal disease Fusarium head blight occurs on wheat (Triticum spp.) and barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) and is one of the worldwide problems of agriculture. It can be caused by various Fusarium species. We are characterizing the proteinases of F. culmorum to investigate how they may help the fungus to attack the grain. A trypsin-like proteinase has been purified from a gluten-containing culture medium of F. culmorum. The enzyme was maximally active at about pH 9 and 45 °C, but was not stable under those conditions. It was stabilized by calcium ions and by the presence of other proteins. The proteinase was most stable at pH 6−7 at ambient temperatures, but was quickly inactivated at 50 °C. It was strongly inhibited by p-amidino phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride (p-APMSF), and soybean trypsin and Bowman−Birk inhibitors, and it preferentially hydrolyzed the peptide bonds of the protein substrate β-purothionin on the C-terminal side of Arg (mainly) and Lys residues. These characteristics show that it is a trypsin...
185 ASYMPTOMATIC CARDIOMYOPATHY IN SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS (SLE)

Twelve adolescents with SLE were studied by M-mode echocardiography. All patients had received prednisone for the duration of their illness (1 mo-7 yrs). None had symptomatic heart disease although the following were present: cardiomegaly by x-ray (4 pts), hypertension (8 pts), nonspecific ECG changes (5 pts). Pericardial effusion was present in 6 patients. Left ventricular (LV) end diastolic dimension, percent minor axis shortening and the ratio of pre-ejection period to ejection time were normal. Posterior wall thickness (p < .001), calculated LV mass (p < .05) and LV mass/volume (p < .025) were abnormal but not related (linear regression) to blood pressure. Maximum rates of continuous LV dimension change (dD/dt) were normal. However, the time from electrocardiographic Q-wave to minimum and maximum dD/dt (p < .025) and Q-wave to mitral valve opening (p < .05), corrected for heart rate, were abnormal. These data suggest that clinically unsuspected cardiomyopathy is associated with SLE and that it is not defined by the usually measured M-mode echocardiographic parameters.
Arthroscopy Broadens TMJ Treatments

Arthroscopy offers another tool in diagnosing and treating temporomandibular joint disorders.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms: role of the alginate exopolysaccharide.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa synthesizes an exopolysaccharide called alginate in response to environmental conditions. Alginate serves to protect the bacteria from adversity in its surroundings and also enhances adhesion to solid surfaces. Transcription of the alginate biosynthetic genes is induced upon attachment to the substratum and this leads to increased alginate production. As a result, biofilms develop which are advantageous to the survival and growth of the bacteria. In certain circimstances,P. aeruginosa produces an alginate lyase enzyme which cleaves the polymer into short oligosaccharides. This negates the anchoring properties of the alginate and results in increased detachment of the bacteria away from the surface, allowing them to spread and colonize new sites. Thus, both alginate biosynthetic and degradative enzymes are important for the development, maintenance and spread ofP. aeruginosa biofilms.
Using consumer responsibility reminders to reduce cuteness-induced indulgent consumption

Cute products targeted to adults abound in the marketplace, and recent research has shown that whimsically cute products can increase indulgent consumption in adults. The current research explores the potential of using consumer reminders to curb these effects. This research identifies consumer responsibility reminders as an important factor that can limit indulgent consumption induced by exposure to cute products. Two studies show that the effect of cute products on indulgence can be reduced by (1) reminding consumers of their responsibility for their outcomes in life by enhancing feelings of personal control and (2) reminding consumers of their responsibility to other people by increasing prosocial orientation. Findings from this research have important implications for helping consumers make choices more consistent with their long-term well-being when faced with cute products in various categories.
The area code hypothesis revisited: Olfactory receptors and other related transmembrane receptors may function as the last digits in a cell surface code for assembling embryos

Recent evidence emerging from several laboratories, integrated with new data obtained by searching the genome databases, suggests that the area code hypothesis provides a good heuristic model for explaining the remarkable specificity of cell migration and tissue assembly that occurs throughout embryogenesis. The area code hypothesis proposes that cells assemble organisms, including their brains and nervous systems, with the aid of a molecular-addressing code that functions much like the country, area, regional, and local portions of the telephone dialing system. The complexity of the information required to code cells for the construction of entire organisms is so enormous that we assume that the code must make combinatorial use of members of large multigene families. Such a system would reuse the same receptors as molecular digits in various regions of the embryo, thus greatly reducing the total number of genes required. We present the hypothesis that members of the very large families of olfactory receptors and vomeronasal receptors fulfill the criteria proposed for area code molecules and could serve as the last digits in such a code. We discuss our evidence indicating that receptors of these families are expressed in many parts of developing embryos and suggest that they play a key functional role in cell recognition and targeting not only in the olfactory system but also throughout the brain and numerous other organs as they are assembled.
Migration of the H2* complex and its relation to H- in n-type silicon.

Much, often most, of the hydrogen that is introduced into n-type silicon at moderate temperatures (e.g., 150 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C) forms complexes that have been labeled ``${\mathrm{H}}_{2}^{\mathrm{*}}$ '' to distinguish them from the stable and much less mobile complex ``${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$'' that forms in p-type silicon. This paper reports measurements by secondary-ion mass spectrometry of the thermally-induced depth redistribution of deuterium present mostly as $^{2}\mathrm{H}_{2}^{\mathrm{*}}$. The activation energy for migration is 0.81\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.06 eV, but the data do not determine whether the migration involves dissociation. Both migration kinetics and direct measurements on reverse-bias-annealed Schottky diodes show that for annealing times up to 25 h at temperatures near 60 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C there is no detectable redistribution or dissociation of $^{2}\mathrm{H}_{2}^{\mathrm{*}}$, contradicting a currently ambiguous claim that such annealing produces a large redistribution due to dissociations yielding ${\mathrm{H}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$. The effect of the presence of ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}^{\mathrm{*}}$ on the evolution of the neutralized-donor profiles at such temperatures is negligible.
Skin tests with soluble melanoma antigens in patients with choroidal tumors

The cutaneous delayed hypersensitivity reactions with a soluble melanoma antigen in patients with choroidal mass lesions were studied. Ninety percent of patients with pathologically documented choroidal melanomas had positive melanoma antigen skin test responses. There did not appear to be any difference in the histologic appearance of the tumor nor in the disease status of those patients with positive versus those patients with negative skin test reactions. A 21% instance of false-positive responses with this partially purified soluble melanoma antigen in patients with simulating lesions was observed. The cause for this reactivity is unclear; however, from previous work tissue-associated antigens or fetal antigens are the most probable etiologies for the false-positive melanoma antigen skin tests observed. Further purification of the melanoma-associated antigen preparation may increase the specificity. The results of this study would mitigate against the use of this soluble melanoma antigen skin test in the primary evaluation of patients with pigmented choroidal mass lesions. Currently, the assay is being tested to ascertain its correlation with prognosis and as a means of monitoring immunotherapy.
Kinetics of induction and protective effect of heat-shock proteins after cardioplegic arrest

Background. Heat-shock proteins are known to enhance cardiac resistance to ischemia. Methods. To evaluate the kinetics of heat-shock protein 70 in relation to its effect on postischemic recovery of cardiac mechanical (cardiac output) and endothelial function (as percentage increase of coronary flow in response to 5-hydroxytryptamine), isolated rat hearts were subjected to prolonged hypothermic cardioplegic arrest at different intervals ranging from 12 to 96 hours after heat stress (n = 6 in each interval). Results. Immunoblotting showed the maximal level of heat-shock protein 70, 0.65 ± 0.10 (arbitrary units ± standard error of the mean), at 24 hours after heat shock and similar values at 26 and 30 hours ( p = not significant). Postischemic recovery of cardiac output and endothelial function (percentage of preischemic value ± standard error of the mean) observed at 24 hours was 74.0 ± 2.4 and 58.3 ± 7.2, respectively. Similar values were observed at 26 and 30 hours ( p = not significant). Conclusions. In a protocol mimicking conditions for cardiac transplantation, postischemic recovery of cardiac output and endothelial function was improved when the interval between heat stress and ischemia ranged from 24 to 30 hours. This correlated with an apparently critical amount of heat-shock protein 70.
Inhibition of corticotropin release during hypothermia: the role of corticotropin-releasing factor, vasopressin, and oxytocin.

To investigate the mechanism by which ACTH secretion is inhibited during hypothermia, hypophysial portal blood was collected from euthermic and hypothermic rats, and the concentrations of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), vasopressin (AVP), and oxytocin (OT) were measured by RIA. Whereas CRF levels in portal plasma were not different in the two groups, AVP and OT levels were significantly lower in hypothermic rats. The concentration of AVP and OT in peripheral plasma was also significantly lower in hypothermic rats compared with euthermic controls. The pituitary responsiveness to CRF during hypothermia was tested in vivo and in vitro. In pentobarbital-anesthetized male rats injected iv with 0.1 or 1.0 nmol CRF, the ACTH response was significantly smaller in hypothermic compared with euthermic animals. However, hemipituitaries superfused at 31 C released the same amount of ACTH in response to 1 nM CRF as hemipituitaries superfused at 37 C (31 C, 541 ± 90 pg; 37 C, 563 ± 29 pg) despite reduced baseline ...
Poly (ethylene glycol) grafted nanoporous alumina membranes

Membranes currently used for separation of sub-micron particles in biomedical applications are of asymmetric or anisotropic variety and are made from polymers such as polysulfone or polyacrylonitrile. Several bioincompatibilities are associated with these polymeric membranes limiting their applications. Aluminum oxide substrates have been chosen for several reasons, including compatibility with our processing protocols, chemical and thermal stability, and ease in post-processing surface modification. Several studies have shown this material to be bioinert. However, the biocompatibility of the membrane material must be further investigated and improved. With proper surface modification, the protein adsorption can be lowered and the non-fouling characteristics can be improved. In this study we graft alumina membranes with a biocompatible polymer like poly (ethylene glycol) to investigate protein adsorption. Albumin and fibrinogen were selected as model proteins since they are important components in immunogenic and thrombogenic reactions. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) were used to characterize PEG films on alumina membranes.
Phospholipase Action of Platelet-activating Factor Acetylhydrolase, but Not Paraoxonase-1, on Long Fatty Acyl Chain Phospholipid Hydroperoxides *

Phospholipid hydroperoxide (PLOOH) degrading activity of high density lipoprotein (HDL)-derived paraoxonase-1 (PON1) was investigated, using peroxidized 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl phosphatidylcholine (PCOOH) as substrate and high performance thin layer chromatography for quantitative peroxide analysis. Incubation of PCOOH with PON1 resulted in decay of the latter and reciprocal buildup of oleic acid hydroperoxide (OAOOH) at rates unaffected by GSH or other reductants. A serine esterase inhibitor blocked this activity and a recombinant PON1 was devoid of it, raising the possibility that the activity represents platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase (PAF-AH), an esterase that co-purifies with PON1 from HDL. This was verified by showing that a recombinant PAF-AH recapitulates the ability of natural PON1 to hydrolyze PCOOH and release OAOOH while having essentially no effect on parental PC. Furthermore, recombinant PAF-AH and natural PON1 were shown to have similar Km values for PCOOH hydrolysis. Finally, we found that recombinant PAF-AH, but not PON1, catalyzes PLOOH hydrolysis in peroxidized low density lipoprotein. We conclude from this study that PON1 is neither a PLOOH peroxidase nor hydrolase and that the phospholipase A2-like activity previously attributed to PON1 in natural enzyme preparations was actually due to novel PLOOH hydrolytic activity of contaminating PAF-AH.
An entropy based thermalization scheme for hybrid simulations of Coulomb collisions

We formulate and test a hybrid fluid-Monte Carlo scheme for the treatment of elastic collisions in gases and plasmas. While our primary focus and demonstrations of applicability are for moderately collisional plasmas, as described by the Landau-Fokker-Planck equation, the method is expected to be applicable also to collision processes described by the Boltzmann equation. This scheme is similar to the previously discussed velocity-based scheme (R. Caflisch et al. (2008) [7]) and the scattering-angle-based scheme (A.M. Dimits et al. (2010) [14])], but with a firmer theoretical basis and without the inherent limitation to the Landau-Fokker-Planck case. It gives a significant performance improvement (e.g., error for a given computational effort) over the velocity-based scheme. These features are achieved by assigning passive scalars to each simulated particle and tracking their evolution through collisions. The method permits a formal error analysis that agrees with numerical results. The tests performed are for the evolution of an anisotropic Maxwellian and a bump-on-tail distribution.
Enhanced cell survival and diminished apoptotic response to simulated ischemia–reperfusion in H9c2 cells by magnetic field preconditioning

The potential for 60 Hz magnetic field (MF) preconditioning to protect heart-derived, H9c2 cultures from damage by simulated ischemia and reperfusion (I-R) was examined. The most effective MF exposure conditions (120 μT, 4-8 h) increased cell survival by 40-50 % over that seen with I-R alone. Potential targets of MF preconditioning were assessed by investigating the apoptosis-related drop in Bcl-2 levels and elevation of the specific activities of caspases 3, 8 and 9 produced by I-R. In response to MF exposure Bcl-2 levels rose 2 to 2.6-fold, and caspase specific activities fell 51-72 % from the values seen after I-R alone. Levels of Hsp's 25, 32 and 72 were examined in response to the MF, but showed little-to-no elevation beyond that produced by I-R. However, MF preconditioning produced a 77 % decrease in the I-R-induced translocation of phosphorylated Hsp25 (Hsp25-P) from the cytosolic to the nuclear-cytoskeletal cell fraction. This might protect by maintaining active Hsp25-P in the cytosol to function as a chaperone or to bind cytochrome c. Blocking Hsp25 phosphorylation with SB203580, an inhibitor of p38 MAPK, resulted in increases of 64 and 80 % in the respective specific activities of caspases 3 and 9 in cells subjected to I-R, and eliminated the MF-induced reduction in caspase 3 activity.
Effects of a corticoid on lipid metabolism and on urea formation in isolated rat liver.

Abstract The effects of corticoids on the lipid metabolism of the isolated rat liver perfused with blood (50 ml.) obtained from fasted rats were studied with and without the addition of a hyperlipemic serum (HLS). The addition of a synthetic corticoid (666 μg. of triamcinolone) at 0, 30 and 60 minutes, reduced the output of triglycerides and cholesterol. These effects were more marked when HLS was added to the perfusate. The level of blood sugar decreased while the level of non-esterified fatty acids increased when the hormone was added alone or with HLS. Levels of ketone bodies and urea in perfusions of “fed” and “fasted” livers with and without the addition of HLS were not affected when the hormone was added. The glycogen content of the liver was not affected significantly by corticoids. However, glycogen content did not decrease when HLS was added to the perfusate.
Shear Deformation in Heterogeneous Anisotropic Plates

Abstract : A bending theory for anisotropic laminated plates developed by Yang, Norris,and Stavsky is investigated. The theory includes shear deformation and rotary inertia in the same manner as Mindlin's theory for isotropic homogeneous plates. The governing equations reveal that unsymmetrically laminated plates display the same bending-extensional coupling phenomenon found in classical laminated plate theory based on the Kirchhoff assumptions. Solutions are presented for bending under transverse load and for flexural vibration frequencies of symmetrical and nonsymmetrical laminates. Good agreement is observed in numerical results for plate bending as compared to exact solutions obtained from classical elasticity theory. For certain fiber reinforced composite materials, radical departure from classical laminated plate theory is indicated. (Author-PL)
Virology: Pathogenic passengers

Edward C. Holmes welcomes a robust account of how viruses emerge and how pandemics can be prevented.
Electroweak phase transition in NJL models of symmetry breaking

Abstract It is shown that the leading 1 N (or mean field) description of the phase transition associated with the NJL-type fermion condensation is equivalent to the description of the phase transition due to a spontaneous symmetry breaking in the corresponding linear sigma model. This equivalence turns out to be renormalization prescription independent when the “running” gap equation in the block-spin renormalization scheme is introduced.
Asymmetric Information, Endogenous Illiquidity, and Asset Pricing with Imperfect Competition

We propose a novel and tractable equilibrium model to study how information asymmetry, competition among market makers, and investors’ risk aversion affect asset pricing, market illiquidity and welfare. The main innovation is that market makers compete through choosing simultaneously quantities to buy at the bid and to sell at the ask and accordingly market clears separately at the bid and at the ask. Equilibrium bid and ask prices, bid and ask depths, trading volume and market makers’ inventory levels are all derived in closed-form. Our model can help explain some of the puzzling empirical findings, such as bid-ask spreads can be lower with asymmetric information and can be positively correlated with trading volume. In addition, we find that information asymmetry may make informed investors worse off, may reduce the welfare loss due to market power and may increase the competition among market makers in equilibrium.
Dollars and pounds: the impact of family income on childhood weight

This article examines the impact of family income on childhood weight status for children in the United States using matched mother-child data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth (NLSY 79). Instrumental variable (IV) models, family Fixed Effects (FE) models and family Fixed Effects IV (FEIV) models are estimated in order to control for causality. The results suggest that although the prevalence of childhood obesity is higher in low-income families in the sample, family income might be acting primarily as a proxy for other unobserved characteristics that determine the child's weight status rather having a major direct causative role in determining the child's weight status.