cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Anti-beta2-glycoprotein I antibodies in pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus and antiphospholipid syndrome.

Objective To determine whether serum β2-glycoprotein I antibody (anti-β2GPI) detection improves identification of pediatric subjects at risk for antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). Methods Serum antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) were identified by anticardiolipin enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), lupus anticoagulant assays, and syphilis screening in children with primary APS, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), or SLE plus APS. Anti-β2GPI level and isotype were determined by β2GPI ELISA and correlated with clinical manifestations and other aPL assays. Results One hundred-ten subjects under 22 years of age and of mixed ethnicity were evaluated. Fifty-seven had SLE (including 14 with APS), 25 had primary APS, 16 had SLE-like APS, 6 were healthy children with aPL detected incidentally, 4 had other rheumatic diseases and 2 had other conditions. Anti-β2GPI were detected in 48% of SLE subjects and did not improve aPL detection over standard tests. Anti-β2GPI were associated with stroke (P = 0.014), but not with other APS manifestations, and were rarely detected in primary APS. Among subjects with APS manifesting as chronic thrombocytopenia, anti-β2GPI distinguished subjects with SLE from those with primary APS. Conclusions With the exception of stroke, anti-β2GPI detection does not improve identification of pediatric APS over that of traditional aPL assays. Anti-β2GPI are rare in pediatric primary APS, but may predict evolution of chronic thrombocytopenia to SLE.
Congenital glioblastoma multiforme: a report of three cases and a review of the literature

The clinical histories, histologic features, and immunohistochemical staining patterns for glial fibrillary acidic protein, vimentin, p53, and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) of three cases of congenital glioblastoma multiforme are given and previous case reports are reviewed. Of the three cases reported in this series, two have had long-term survivals of greater than 2 1/2 and 5 1/2 years after surgery and surgery followed by chemotherapy, respectively. Both of these cases also demonstrated p53 protein accumulation, a finding in pediatric glioblastoma multiforme associated with poor prognosis. The third case occurred in an infant who died at birth and demonstrated a well-circumscribed tumor that did not invade adjacent brain parenchyma. Considering these three cases, the biological behavior in congenital glioblastoma multiforme may not be unfavorable as portrayed in the literature or as seen in its adult counterpart.
The Ku Klux Klan and the birth of the superhero

Thomas Dixon Jr’s Ben Cameron, aka the Grand Dragon, represents the earliest twentieth-century incarnation of an American vigilante hero who assumes a costume and alias to hide his identity while waging his war for good – the formula adopted most famously by Siegel and Shuster for Superman. Dixon did not invent the figure of the costumed superhero; but the character type – as traced from The Clansman through The Birth of a Nation and the second Klan to pulp fiction and early comic books – is dependent on Dixon’s vision. The superhero, despite the character’s evolution into a champion of the oppressed, originated from an oppressive, racist impulse in American culture, and the formula codifies an ethics of vigilante extremism that still contradicts the superhero’s purported social mission.
A Review of Spatial Ability Literature, Its Connection to Chemistry, and Implications for Instruction

Chemists and scientists use spatial abilities as part of the way they understand and communicate their subject areas. A review of the foundational research literature in spatial ability and its connections to chemistry as a field and chemical education research allows for the formulation of implications for teaching in chemistry.
Mechanism of Prebeta-HDL Formation and Activation†

The mechanism of formation of functional high-density lipoprotein (HDL) from secreted lipid-free apolipoprotein A1 (apo A1) was determined using human liver-derived (HepG2) cells, human intestine-derived (CaCO2) cells, and CHO cells stably expressing full-length human apo A1 (CHO-A1 cells). In each cell line, a significant proportion of secreted apo A1 had a Stokes radius of 2.6 nm and was inactive in binding phospholipids (PL) or free cholesterol (FC). Extracellularly, in a reaction dependent on membrane transporter ABCA1, prealpha-migrating 2.6 nm apo A1 was converted to a prebeta-migrating product that was able to bind PL. Both forms were reactive with mAb55201, a monoclonal antibody specific for native plasma lipid-poor (prebeta1) HDL [Nakamura, Y., et al. (2004) Biochemistry 43, 14311−14318]. The physical properties of precursor and product apo A1 suggested that both are monomers, with Stokes radii of 2.6 and 3.6 nm, respectively, consistent with the absence of intermolecular cross-linking of apo A1 ...
A cross-sectional study assessing the relationship between BMI, asthma, atopy, and eNO among schoolchildren.

Background Increased body weight may influence airway inflammatory mechanisms. Objective To assess whether overweight–obesity (OW-O), evaluated as increased body mass index, is associated either with exhaled nitric oxide (eNO), a marker of airway inflammation, or with allergic sensitization in a large sample of children and adolescents. Methods A cross-sectional, epidemiological study was performed on a population sample of schoolchildren evaluating 708 subjects (age 10–16 years; BMI 13–39 kg/m 2 ) by respiratory health questionnaire, skin prick tests, spirometry, and eNO measure. Results Prevalence rates were: OW-O 16.4%, asthma ever (A) 11.9%, and rhinoconjunctivitis (RC) 14.8%. Asthma ever and allergic sensitization were significantly more frequent among OW-O (21.0 and 51.6%) than in non–OW-O (10.2 and 37.0%, respectively). The forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV 1 )/forced vital capacity (FVC) ratio was not significantly different between OW-O and non–OW-O. Exhaled NO (median and interquartile range) was 15.3 (11.2–23.1) ppb in the overall sample, 20.3 (12.9–35.8) ppb among allergic subjects, and 13.9 (10.6–18.3) ppb among nonallergic subjects ( P Conclusions In children, OW-O was not associated with increased eNO levels, but it was an independent risk factor for asthma and allergic sensitization.
Gender and possible selves

This chapter discusses the ways in which societies' gendered expectations may affect the possible selves that women and men develop.
The effects of glucosamine on platelet aggregation

Abstract The effects of glucosamine on platelet aggregation induced by a variety of agents were investigated. When compared with the effects of N-acetyl glucosamine (NAG), an acetylated derivative of glucosamine (1), it became apparent that the N-acetyl group was important in stimulating Staphylococcus aureus induced platelet aggregation. The absence of the N-acetyl group from NAG changes it to glucosamine which is an inhibitor rather than a stimulator of S. aureus induced platelet aggregation and release. Glucosamine also inhibits collagen, epinephrine, and ADP induced platelet aggregation and release.
PROXIMAL HUMERUS MALUNIONS

Malunion of a proximal humerus fracture often is painful and debilitating. Operative management of this deformity is technically demanding and frequently results in a relatively high rate of complications. Reconstruction involves a spectrum of procedures including excision of bony prominences, tuberosity osteotomy and realignment, and shoulder arthroplasty. This article covers the etiology, classification, diagnosis, and management of these complex injuries. A successfully performed reconstruction diminishes the patient's pain and potentially increases function.
Prostaglandin and DNA synthesis in human skin: possible relationship to ultraviolet light effects.

The effect of prostaglandin E 2 (PGE 2 ) on DNA synthesis in human skin was evaluated. PGE 2 (1μg) was injected intradermally into normal buttock skin of 15 volunteers followed by tritiated thymidine for autoradiographic quanitation of DNA sythesizing cells. Controls of normal saline, histamine (50μg), and lower doses of PGE 2 were also injected into 8 of the volunteers. Forty-eight hours after injection of 1μg and 0.1μg PGE 2 there was a 264% and 62% increase, respectively, in the number of DNA synthesizing epidermal cells/high-power field as compared to saline controls. These differences were statistically significant (p
Neonatal and childhood ovarian cysts

Abstract Fifty-three cases of neonatal ovarian cysts are reviewed, including a report of six new cases. The majority of the cases had follicular ovarian cysts. The clinical presentation was commonly as an enlarged abdomen or a symptomfree abdominal mass. Complications were frequent, having occurred in 12 cases and having contributed to the death of two babies. An important point in the diagnosis of neonatal ovarian cysts is to be cognizant of their occurrence and to appreciate that they may present with an acute abdomen. Where possible, it is emphasized that the cyst only should be excised with the residual ovary preserved.
Improving protein solubility through rationally designed amino acid replacements: solubilization of the trimethoprim-resistant type S1 dihydrofolate reductase

In recent years resistance to the antibacterial agent trimethoprim (Tmp) has become more widespread and several Tmp-resistant (Tmpr) dihydrofolate reductases (DHFRs) have been described from Gram-negative bacteria. In staphylococci, however, only one Tmpr DHFR (type S1 DHFR) has been found so far, and this is located on transposon Tn4003. To help understand the mechanism of resistance, we are interested in determining the 3-D structure of the recombinant enzyme produced in Escherichia coli. However, the production level of the type S1 DHFR was very low and > 95% of the total recombinant protein accumulated in inclusion bodies. Furthermore, as a result of an internal start of translation, a truncated derivative of the enzyme that copurified with the full-length enzyme was produced. We were able to increase the expression level 20-fold by changing 18 N-terminal codons and to eliminate the internal start of translation. In addition, through molecular modelling and subsequent site-directed mutagenesis to replace two amino acids, we constructed a biochemically similar but soluble derivative of the type S1 DHFR that, after production in E.coli, resulted in a 264-fold increase in DHFR activity. The highly overproduced enzyme was purified to homogeneity, characterized biochemically and crystallized.
Pharmacologic application of native GnRH in the winter anovulatory mare, I: frequency of reversion to the anovulatory state following ovulation induction and cessation of treatment.

Abstract The continuous, subcutaneous infusion of native GnRH into seasonally anovulatory mares stimulates the synthesis and secretion of LH without pituitary refractoriness, offering opportunities to markedly accelerate the timing of ovulation within the operational breeding season. Herein, we tested the hypothesis that ovarian cycles induced in winter anovulatory mares using continuous administration of native GnRH for 28 days, beginning in either early February or early March (North America) would not revert to an anovulatory state after treatment withdrawal. Anovulatory mares received sham pumps (control) or native GnRH (100 μg/h) for 28 days beginning from February 2 or 3 (GnRH-Feb) or March 2 or 3 (GnRH-Mar). Mean concentrations of LH were five- to seven-fold greater during February in the GnRH-Feb group compared with control and GnRH-Mar groups through February and ending on March 2 or 3. However, concentrations of LH returned to the winter baseline within 3 to 11 days after pump removal and all GnRH-Feb mares failed to remain cyclic after treatment withdrawal. Correspondingly, during March, concentrations of LH in the GnRH-Mar group were greater (P
Presence of Male Determining Factors found on Three Autosomes in the House Fly, Musca domestica

SEX is determined by the presence of X and Y sex chromosomes in the house fly, Musca domestica L. (males are heterogametic), and the Y chromosome determines maleness. Aneuploid house flies with from one to six X chromosomes (and with the normal five pairs of autosomes) are females if no Y chromosome is present and males if one or more Y chromosomes are present1.
Portfolios to Satisfy Damage Judgements: A Linear Programming Approach

The problem considered concerns the selection of a portfolio of U.S. Treasury securities to provide annual payments to a plaintiff for previously agreed upon medical expenses and lost wages. A Linear Programming model of this security selection problem is presented.
TetrahedralhpFinite Elements

We present a new discretisation for the incompressible Navier?Stokes equations that extends spectral methods to three-dimensional complex domains consisting of tetrahedral subdomains. The algorithm is based on standard concepts ofhpfinite elements as well as tensorial spectral elements. This new formulation employs a hierarchical/modal basis constructed from a new apex co-ordinate system which retains a generalised tensor product. These properties enable the development of computationally efficienct algorithms for use on standard finite volume unstructured meshes. A detailed analysis is presented that documents the stability and exponential convergence of the method and several flow cases are simulated and compared with analytical and experimental results
Residual Stress and Microstructure of Electroplated Cu Film on Different Barrier Layers

Copper films of different thicknesses between 0.2 and 2 microns were electroplated on adhesion-promoting TiW and Ta barrier layers on single crystal 6-inch silicon wafers. The residual stress was measured after each processing step using a wafer curvature technique employing Stoney’s equation. Large gradients in the stress distributions were found across each wafer. Controlled Cu grain growth was achieved by annealing films at 350 °C for 3 minutes in high vacuum. Annealing increased the average tensile residual stress by about 200 MPa for all the films, which is in agreement with stress-temperature cycling measurements. After aging for 1 year wafer stress mapping showed that the stress gradients in the copper films were alleviated. No stress discrepancies between the copper on Ta and TiW barrier layers could be found. However, X-ray pole figure analysis showed broad and shifted (111) texture in films on a TiW underlayer, whereas the (111) texture in Cu films on Ta is sharp and centered.
Degradation of Retinoblastoma Protein in Tumor Necrosis Factor- and CD95-induced Cell Death

The product of the retinoblastoma susceptibility gene, RB, is a negative regulator of cell proliferation. Inactivation of RB does not interfere with embryonic growth or differentiation. However, Rb-deficient embryos show abnormal degeneration of neurons and lens fiber cells through apoptosis, suggesting that RB may protect against programmed cell death. Consistent with this notion, RB is found to be degraded in tumor necrosis factor (TNF)- and CD95-induced death. A consensus caspase cleavage site at the C terminus of RB is cleaved in vitro and in vivo by proteases related to CPP32 (caspase 3). Mutation of the consensus cleavage site generates a cleavage-resistant RB which is not degraded during cell death. Expression of this non-degradable RB is found to antagonize the cytotoxic effects of TNF in Rb-/- 3T3 cells, but this mutant RB cannot attenuate the rapid death induced by anti-CD95 in Jurkat/T cells. These results show that RB is a target of the caspase family of proteases during cell death and suggest that the failure to degrade RB can attenuate the death response toward some but not all death inducers.
An improved output feedback control of flexible large space structures

A special output feedback control design technique for flexible large space structures is proposed in this paper to achieve: (a) increase in both the damping and frequency of selected modes for more effective control, (b) integrated control of elastic and rigid-body modes, and, in particular, (c) closed-loop system stability and its robustness to modal truncation and to parameter variation. This technique represents an improvement over previous work concerning large space structures output feedback control.
Differential effects of the cannabinoid agonist WIN55,212-2 on delay and trace eyeblink conditioning.

Central cannabinoid-1 receptors (CB1R) play a role in the acquisition of delay eyeblink conditioning but not trace eyeblink conditioning in humans and animals. However, it is not clear why trace conditioning is immune to the effects of cannabinoid receptor compounds. The current study examined the effects of variants of delay and trace conditioning procedures to elucidate the factors that determine the effects of CB1R agonists on eyeblink conditioning. In Experiment 1 rats were administered the cannabinoid agonist WIN55,212-2 during delay, long delay, or trace conditioning. Rats were impaired during delay and long delay but not trace conditioning; the impairment was greater for long delay than delay conditioning. Trace conditioning was further examined in Experiment 2 by manipulating the trace interval and keeping constant the conditioned stimulus (CS) duration. It was found that when the trace interval was 300 ms or less WIN55,212-2 administration impaired the rate of learning. Experiment 3 tested whether the trace interval duration or the relative durations of the CS and trace interval were critical parameters influencing the effects of WIN55,212-2 on eyeblink conditioning. Rats were not impaired with a 100 ms CS, 200 ms trace paradigm but were impaired with a 1000 ms CS, 500 ms trace paradigm, indicating that the duration of the trace interval does not matter but the proportion of the interstimulus interval occupied by the CS relative to the trace period is critical. Taken together the results indicate that cannabinoid agonists affect cerebellar learning the CS is longer than the trace interval.
A genetic and molecular analysis of P-induced mutations at the glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase locus in Drosophila melanogaster

We examined P factor induced mutations of the Zw gene of Drosophila melanogaster in order to learn more about the site specificity of such mutations. Approximately 70000 chromosomes were screened using a powerful positive selection scheme. As only two mutants were discovered, Zw is a “cold spot” for transposable element insertion. One mutation involved a complex P element associated chromosomal rearrangement which was used to define the orientation of the gene with respect to the centromere of the X chromosome. The second mutation was either a simple, non-dysgenically induced point mutation or a very unstable insertion.
INTERACTION BETWEEN LAYERS BY ELECTRON-ELECTRON SCATTERING

Abstract The “molecular dynamics” method combined with Ensemble Monte Carlo, which has previously been used to investigate the effects of electron-electron Coulomb forces in a homogenous state, is applied to a simulation of the effect of mutual Coulomb scattering of the electrons in two parallel semiconductor layers separated by a thin dielectric layer. A significant rate of transfer of the Joule energy, from one layer driven by an applied field into a hot electron state to the other passive layer, is found.
ESTIMATES OF THE LATENT AND SENSIBLE HEAT FLUX FOR THE CARIBBEAN SEA AND THE GULF OF MEXICO1

Monthly mean values of the latent and sensible heat flux at the sea-air interface (Qe + Qs) are derived for the areas of the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, separately: 1) from the multiannual mean of the oceanic heat budget; 2) from the atmospheric energy budget, on the basis of the available radiosonde data for the entire year 1960; and 3) by the bulk-aerodynamic method, using 1960 ship observations. The annual average of the latent and sensible heat transfer in the area of the Central American Seas is of the order of 270 ly/day. Making allowance for the propagation of errors and the different time periods used, the results of the three independent approaches are in fair agreement. The shortcomings inherent in all the procedures make various independent approaches desirable wherever possible.
Alumina: Catalyst and support: XXXI. Dehydrogenation of 2-phenylbutane-2-C14

Abstract 2-Phenylbutane-2-C 14 was synthesized and submitted to dehydrogenation in the presence of a “nonacidic” chromia-alumina catalyst in a flow system at 487 °. Skeletal rearrangement occurred to yield n -butylbenzenes and n -butenylbenzenes. After a selective hydrogenation the n -butylbenzene fraction consisted of almost equal amounts of 1-phenylbutane-1-C 14 and 1-phenylbutane-2-C 14 . The skeletal isomerization is explained by a radical mechanism involving phenyl migration and methyl carbon insertion (1,2-vinyl migration). The sec -butylbenzene fraction, especially at the beginning of the experiment, retained the radiocarbon in its original position.
Elementary School Experience with Comprehension Testing May Influence Metacomprehension Accuracy Among Seventh and Eighth Graders

We explored whether exposure to different kinds of comprehension tests during elementary years influenced metacomprehension accuracy among 7th and 8th graders. This research was conducted in a kindergarten through 8th grade charter school with an expeditionary learning curriculum. In literacy instruction, teachers emphasize reading for meaning and inference building, and they regularly assess deep comprehension with summarization, discussion, dialogic reasoning, and prediction activities throughout the elementary years. The school recently expanded, doubling enrollments in 7th and 8th grades. Thus, approximately half of the students had long-term exposure to the curriculum and the other half did not. In Study 1, metacomprehension accuracy measured with the standard relative accuracy paradigm was significantly better for long-time students than for newcomers. In Study 2, all students engaged in delayed-keyword generation before judging their comprehension of texts. Metacomprehension accuracy was again significantly better for long-time students than for newcomers. Further, the superior monitoring accuracy led to more effective regulation of study, as seen in better decisions about which texts to restudy, which led, in turn, to better comprehension. The results suggest the importance of early exposure to comprehension tests for developing skills in comprehension monitoring and self-regulated learning. Supplemental materials: http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/a0028660.supp
Maternal and fetal serum 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D levels at term.

RECENT REPORTS have shown a high correlation between maternal and fetal serum levels of 25OHD?' Plasma 1,25(OH)2D concentrations have been found to be elevated throughout human and rodent pregnancy? -5 Initial reports of human cord vs maternal serum levels of 1,25(OH)2D show a significant difference between maternal and fetal levels, with the fetus having significantly lower levels of 1,25(OH)~D? The present study was undertaken to determine serum levels of 1,25(OH)2D in mothers and their fetuses at term in a population of urban poor, and correlate these levels with serum calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and 25OHD concentrations.
The mechanical properties of textile materials as influenced by complexity and rate of testing

Fibrous structures of high complexity, as introduced by ply and twist, have been subjected to high and low speed tensile tests. The ratio of strength at high speed to low speed is always greater than one, but decreases with increasing complexity of fibrous structure. The ratio of elongation to break at high speed to that at low speed is always less than one and also decreases with increasing structure complexity. The ability to absorb energy markedly increases with increasing complexity of geometry at low strain rates, characteristic of an Instron. The reasons for this additional energy absorption are discussed. Tests at high rates of strain point out the inability of many complex textile structures to translate their superior energy absorption characteristics to high strain rates. The results obtained and the principles demonstrated are applied to the development of improved materials for use in aerial delivery and ballistic applications.
Microtime Measurements of Ground‐Water Level Fluctuations

Water-level measurements made during the early seconds and minutes of aquifer tests may often be used to determine the hydraulic properties of an aquifer and to locate hydrogeologic boundaries. This paper describes a method, using a modified stylus carriage and pen and a stop watch, of recording microtime water-level measurements in a well equipped with a recording gage. Ordinary and micro-time records of water-level fluctuations are simultaneously obtained. Microtime water-level measurements often aid in appraising the effects of slow gravity drainage under water-table conditions and anisotropic and heterogeneous conditions.
Immunocytochemical and electron microscopic study of serotonin neuronal organization in the dorsal raphe nucleus of the monkey

Serotonin neurons in the dorsal raphe nucleus were identified using an antibody to a serotonin-bovine serum albumin conjugate and the peroxidase anti-peroxidase method. Nerve cell bodies showing serotonin-like immunoreactivity ranged in size from 15 to 22 micron in diameter; their dendrites were also immunoreactive. Immunostaining was present in the cytoplasmic matrix, outer membranes of mitochondria, rough endoplasmic reticulum, multivesicular bodies and dense-cored vesicles. Heavily immunoreactive axonal varicosities contained small round vesicles (18-35 nm) and larger dense-cored vesicles (50-90 nm). Both unmyelinated (0.2-0.5 micron) and myelinated (0.8-1.1 micron) serotonin-like immunoreactive axons were found, often interspersed within bundles of similar caliber unlabeled axons. Serotonin-like immunoreactive somata and dendrites were postsynaptic to numerous unlabeled terminals that contained either (a) clear round vesicles (18-25 nm) with many small dense-cored vesicles (30-50 nm), (b) clear round vesicles (18-25 nm) with large dense-cored vesicles (90-110 nm) or (c) clear round vesicles (18-25 nm) with or without flat vesicles. In addition pairs of unlabeled terminals formed crest synapses onto serotonin-like immunoreactive dendritic spines. This variety of unlabeled terminals making contact with serotonin-like immunoreactive elements suggests that several neuronal systems with possibly different transmitters may regulate serotonin raphe neurons. We occasionally observed serotonin-like immunoreactive dendrites and terminals in apposition to other serotonin-like immunoreactive dendrites with membrane specializations at the site of contact. This might represent a possible site for the self inhibition of serotoninergic neurons reported in physiological studies of the serotonin system in the dorsal raphe nucleus.
VGA: A method for viral quasispecies assembly from ultra-deep sequencing data

We present VGA, an accurate method for viral quasispecies assembly from ultra-deep sequencing data. The proposed method consists of a high-fidelity sequencing protocol and an accurate method for viral quasispecies assembly, referred to as Viral Genome Assembler (VGA). The proposed protocol is able to eliminate sequencing errors by using individual barcodes attached to the sequencing fragments. Results on both synthetic and real datasets show that our method able to accurately assemble HIV viral quasispecies and detect rare quasispecies previously undetectable due to sequencing errors. VGA outperforms state-of-the-art methods for the viral assembly. Furthermore, our method is the first viral assembly method which scales to millions of sequencing reads. Our tool VGA is freely available at http://genetics.cs.ucla.edu/vga/
Monitoring the safety of transfusion practices in the U.S.

Summary The public demands and deserves the safest blood products to be available when and where needed. Although absolute safety in the blood sypply is a desirable goal, many intervening factors may have a bearing on its final quality. In the process of obtaining blood, the procedure for donor selection/exclusion acquires pivotal relevance. Then, once the blood product is taken to the processing laboratory, there is a need that tighly and narrowly defined parameters for component preparation, infectious disease testing, handling and storage be in place and strictly adhered to. Notwithstanding these measures to increase the safety and quality of blood, the most critical factor remaining in the whole operation is the one related to physician behavior and discipline as far as appropriate criteria for the use of blood products are concerned. Transfusion Medicine Physicians must keep a constant vigilance that the appropriate criteria for transfusion are utilized in 100% of cases. This, can only be achieved by an intense and continuous scrutiny and evaluation of every request for transfusions for every patient 24 hours a day, 7 days a week basis. This approach has allowed that we identify physicians who need help and understanding as to the appropriate use of blood products, as well as information about other equally effective options and alternatives. Misconceptions about whole blood, directed donations, unusual requests for fresh frozen plasma, without the documentation of abnormalities of the coagulation profile are rapidly intercepted and aborted. These unusual and unfunded requests are forwarded to the Department of Quality Assurance to further follow up and monitoring of physician behavior in this aspect. The Transfusion Medicine Service has come to be recognized as interventionist and, consultative with authority to change and/or modify/cancel orders when unjustified or illogical. These measures, globally, enhance the possibility of providing the appropriate and possibly the safest blood products to the patients, but unfortunately not yet completely devoid of risks.
Exchange behavior of the H-bonded amide protons in the 3 to 13 helix of ribonuclease S*

The preceding article shows that there are eight highly protected amide protons in the S-peptide moiety of RNAase S at pH 5, 0°C. The residues with protected NH protons are 7 to 13, whose amide protons are H-bonded in the 3 to 13 α-helix, and Asp14, whose NH proton is H-bonded to the CO group of Val47. We describe here the exchange behavior of these eight protected protons as a function of pH. Exchange rates of the individual NH protons are measured by 1 H nuclear magnetic resonance in D 2 O. A procedure is used for specifically labeling with 1 H only these eight NH protons. The resonance assignments of the eight protons are made chiefly by partial exchange, through correlating the resonance intensities in spectra taken when the peptide is bound and when it is dissociated from S-protein in 3·5 m -urea-d4, in D 2 O, pH 2·3, −4°C. The two remaining assignments are made and some other assignments are checked by measurements of the nuclear Overhauser effect between adjacent NH protons of the α-helix. There is a transition in exchange behavior between pH 3, where the helix is weakly protected against exchange, and pH 5 where the helix is much more stable. At pH 3·1, 20°C, exchange rates are uniform within the helix within a factor of two, after correction for different intrinsic exchange rates. The degree of protection within the helix is only 10 to 20-fold at this pH. At pH 5·1, 20°C, the helix is more stable by two orders of magnitude and exchange occurs preferentially from the N-terminal end. At both pH values the NH proton of Asp14, which is just outside the helix, is less protected by an order of magnitude than the adjacent NH protons inside the helix. Opening of the helix can be observed below pH 3·7 by changes in chemical shifts of the NH protons in the helix. At pH 2·4 the changes are 25% of those expected for complete opening. Helix opening is a fast reaction on the n.m.r. time scale (τ ≪ 1 ms) unlike the generalized unfolding of RNAase S which is a slow reaction. Dissociation of S-peptide from S-protein in native RNAase S at pH 3·0 also is a slow reaction. Opening of the helix below pH 3·7 is a two-state reaction, as judged by comparing chemical shifts with exchange rates. The exchange rates at pH 3·1 are predicted correctly from the changes in chemical shift by assuming that helix opening is a two-state reaction. At pH values above 3·7, the nature of the helix opening reaction changes, These results indicate that at least one partially unfolded state of RNAase S is populated in the low pH unfolding transition.
Suprarenal Clostridium septicum Aortitis with Rupture and Simultaneous Colon Cancer

We report a case of combined colon cancer and Clostridium septicum aortitis involving the suprarenal abdominal aorta with rupture. An 82-year-old male presented with fever, abdominal pain, and back pain associated with constipation. He was successfully treated by in situ aortic graft placement with polytetrafluroethylene and concomitant colon resection. Only 20 other cases of C. septicum mycotic aneurysm, aortitis, or aortic dissection have been reported. Concomitant surgical treatment for Clostridium aortitis or mycotic abdominal aortic aneurysm and colon cancer can be accomplished successfully in selected cases when the diagnosis of both conditions is made preoperatively.
Clinical significance of endoscopically obtained small bowel mucosal biopsies

Purpose: Small bowel biopsies (SBB) are routinely performed during esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). Although SBB may help in diagnosing specific diseases, often the indications for SBB are unclear. The aim of the present study is to determine the yield of SBB and its impact on patient(pt)'s management.
Nanoscale deformation: Seeing is believing

When a wire coat hanger is bent it becomes mechanically stronger because of the imperfections that are introduced. In situ electron microscopy now shows that small metal structures are strengthened not by adding but by removing imperfections.
Surgical repair of tracheostenosis

Tracheostenosis continues to be a significant health problem in the United States. Many patients are rendered dependent on a tracheotomy tube unless the stenosis is surgically corrected. Two basic approaches to surgical correction of tracheostenosis are expansion tracheoplasty versus tracheal resection and reanastomosis. This article discusses the indications of the 2 different treatment approaches and the patient selection for each. We will detail the surgical technique, pitfalls, and postoperative care.
A comparison of pulsed amperometric detection and conductivity detection for carbohydrates

Abstract Pulsed amperometric detection (PAD) at a gold electrode and conductivity detection are compared for glucose, as a representative of the general challenge of the chromatographic detection of carbohydrates. In alkaline solutions of barium hydroxide, which are useful for anion-exchange separation of carbohydrates, PAD is significantly more sensitive than the conductivity detector but the latter provides linear response to higher concentrations than those observed for PAD. The combined technique of conductivity in series with PAD is linear for glucose over the range 6×10−7−1×10−2 M (ca. 6 ng-10 mg per 50-μl sample injection).
Surface fluorination of composite membranes. Part I. Transport properties

Abstract The potential utility of surface fluorination for improving the gas separation properties of a polymer membrane was investigated using poly (4-methyl-1-pentene). It was found that fluorination leads to a reduction in flux accompanied by a very significant increase in selectivity and that after this initial change these trends continue to a lesser degree for up to one year after fluorination. An idealized composite structure consisting of a fluorinated layer with unfluorinated material comprising the rest of the thickness is used to visualize the structure of these membranes. The series resistance model is used to illustrate the relationship between the total membrane thickness and the fraction that the fluorinated polymer layer contributes to the total. This relationship was demonstrated experimentally by fluorinating composite membranes with a permselective poly (4-methyl-1-pentene) layer ranging in thickness from 0.2 to 20 μm. The transport of six gases was measured. The series resistance model was used to estimate the transport properties of the fluorinated polymer layer.
Knowledge of blood pressure targets among patients with diabetes.

Abstract Introduction Tight blood pressure (BP) control is the single most important intervention to prevent cardiovascular mortality among patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). However, little is known about how many patients have specific target BP levels or the factors associated with patients’ knowledge of these targets. Objectives (1) To determine what proportion of patients with diabetes have BP targets; (2) To determine patient characteristics associated with having a BP target. Methods Cross-sectional, anonymous survey of 500 randomly selected outpatients with hypertension and DM receiving care in any Veterans Health Administration outpatient clinic in 2003. We examined multivariate associations between patient characteristics and having targets for BP. Covariates included age, race, gender, and education level; and factors specific to diabetes and BP treatment, including medication use, diabetes duration, and number of visits to diabetes healthcare providers in the previous year. Results Three hundred and seventy-eight (80%) patients responded. Although most (91%) had blood glucose targets, fewer than 60% reported having a BP target. In multivariate analyses, college education was associated with having a BP target (AOR 1.97 [95% CI: 1.16–3.34]). Conclusions Less than two-thirds of diabetic, hypertensive patients had BP targets. Encouraging patients to set target BPs may promote hypertension self-management in this high-risk patient population. Less educated patients may especially benefit from interventions to increase awareness of BP targets.
Emergency radiology elective improves second-year medical students' perceived confidence and knowledge of appropriate imaging utilization.

Rationale and Objectives Given recent advances in and wider availability of complex imaging, physicians are expected to understand imaging appropriateness. We introduced second-year medical students to the American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria (ACR-AC) in an interactive case-based elective to demonstrate their use in imaging for common emergency department clinical complaints. Materials and Methods Prospective pre- and post-test design assessed second-year medical students' performance on case-based knowledge applications and self-assessed confidence related to ACR-AC guidelines compared to second-year students participating in a different concurrent radiology elective. Students participated in a 3-day elective covering the ACR-AC, comparative effective imaging, and risks associated with imaging radiation exposure, with outcomes of perceived confidence using a 5-point Likert scale and knowledge of ACR-AC using case-based multiple choice questions. Analysis included computing mean scores and assessing effect sizes for changes in knowledge. Results Before the elective, 24 students scored an average of 3.45 questions correct of 8 (43.1%). On course completion, students scored an average of 5.3 questions correct of the same questions (66.3%) (P .85; effect size = 0.008). Students' confidence in ordering appropriate imaging improved nearly 2-fold from a range of 1.9 to 3.2 (on a scale of 1.0 to 5.0) to a range of 3.7 to 4.5. Conclusions Following a short radiology elective, second-year medical students improved their knowledge of appropriate image utilization and perceived awareness of the indications, contraindications, and effects of radiation exposure related to medical imaging.
Genetic dissection of dopamine and serotonin synthesis in the nervous system of Drosophila melanogaster

Catecholamine- and serotonin-containing neurons were studied in pale, a Drosophila third-chromosome recessive lethal mutant. Using histofluorescent and immunocytochemical techniques, we show that this mutation only alters catecholamine levels in the CNS. Both the presence of catecholamine-neurons and the expression of serotonin are not affected by the mutation. Furthermore, we show that normal characteristics of catecholamine neurons, such as the presence of the enzyme DOPA decarboxylase and the selective uptake properties are normal in pale mutants. We suggest that pale is either the tyrosine hydroxylase structural gene, or a gene controlling tyrosine hydroxylase activity in Drosophila. The similar genetic location of the putative tyrosine hydroxylase gene and the mutation pale supports the former suggestion.
An Autism-Linked Mutation Disables Phosphorylation Control of UBE3A

Deletion of UBE3A causes the neurodevelopmental disorder Angelman syndrome (AS), while duplication or triplication of UBE3A is linked to autism. These genetic findings suggest that the ubiquitin ligase activity of UBE3A must be tightly maintained to promote normal brain development. Here, we found that protein kinase A (PKA) phosphorylates UBE3A in a region outside of the catalytic domain at residue T485 and inhibits UBE3A activity toward itself and other substrates. A de novo autism-linked missense mutation disrupts this phosphorylation site, causing enhanced UBE3A activity in vitro, enhanced substrate turnover in patient-derived cells, and excessive dendritic spine development in the brain. Our study identifies PKA as an upstream regulator of UBE3A activity and shows that an autism-linked mutation disrupts this phosphorylation control. Moreover, our findings implicate excessive UBE3A activity and the resulting synaptic dysfunction to autism pathogenesis.
Studies on the Histogenesis of Myxomatous Tissue of Human Coronary Lesions

Myxomatous tissue is a characteristic component of human coronary artery lesions, found more often in restenotic lesions. It represents a bulky accumulation of stellate-shaped cells of unknown histogenesis that are embedded in a loose stroma. We analyzed 64 atherectomy specimens containing substantial amounts of myxomatous tissue by using immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization, and electron microscopy techniques. Stellate cells represented a heterogeneous population, sharing features of smooth muscle cells (SMCs), macrophages, as well as antigen-presenting dendritic cells. Like quiescent medial SMCs, the stellate cells in all specimens expressed high levels of SM alpha-actin message and protein and showed heterogeneity with respect to heavy-chain myosin, SM22, desmin, and vimentin. Ultrastructurally, stellate cells resembled SMCs, with some peculiarities that distinguish them from both differentiated and dedifferentiated SMCs. In contrast to quiescent SMCs, the stellate cells expressed high levels of acidic fibroblast growth factor mRNA and protein similar to cells of monocyte/macrophage lineage. However, stellate cells did not express the marker of mature macrophages, HAM56, and were heterogeneous with respect to CD68. Moreover, unlike SMCs, the stellate cells bore some of the major phenotypic markers of dendritic cells: they were S100-positive and showed various reactivity with respect to CD1a and human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DR. Invasion of myxomatous tissue with CD45RO-positive T lymphocytes was correlated with strong expression of CD1a in these specimens. Stellate cells also expressed a pericyte marker, high-molecular-weight melanoma-associated antigen. We conclude that stellate cells of myxomatous tissue represent a specific phenotype of mesenchymal cells (possibly pericytes), which is activated to express some markers of antigen-presenting cells. These findings suggest involvement of the stellate cells in a local immune response.
Decisions and Research in Staff Utilization

The article discusses research related to staff utilization and development in 1963. One trend in staffing is the development of strategic business units. The primary mission of a unit is distingui...
Highly efficient syntheses of hyaluronic acid oligosaccharides.

Highly efficient syntheses of hyaluronic acid oligosaccharides have been accomplished through the pre-activation based iterative one-pot strategy. A series of oligosaccharides ranging from di- to hexasaccharides were rapidly assembled using only near stoichiometric amounts of the building blocks without aglycon adjustment or purifications of intermediate oligosaccharides. Deprotection and oxidation protocols were developed for protective group removal and oxidation-state adjustment. The availability of such structurally well defined synthetic hyaluronic acid oligosaccharides will greatly facilitate the establishment of detailed structure–function relationships.
Clinical trials in lung cancer: truth, justice, and the American way.

Every doctor who treats lung cancer faces the stark reality that we fail more than 85% of the time. Even for Stage I disease, 30% of patients will not be cured. Whether we like it or not, these facts describe reality: our overall results are dismal and more effective therapy is desperately needed. If we are ever to find better treatments for lung cancer, prospective, randomized Phase III trials are the best means for doing so. Yet, less than 1% of eligible patients in the United States are enrolled in these clinical trials. Why is this? Well, there are several reasons and I have chosen to classify them under the headings of “Truth,” “Justice,” and “the American Way.”
Performance of DS-CDMA networks on Rician fading channels with open-loop power control

The paper presents the performance of a direct sequence code division multiple access (DS-CDMA) network: operating over Rician fading channels. The system employs an open-loop power control scheme, in which the power measurements made on the forward link are used on the reverse link to ensure equal average performance for all the users. The system capacity degradation as a function of the open-loop power control error (PCE) is estimated. The PCE is well approximated by a log-normally distributed random variable with standard deviation in the range 1-4 dB. The system performance for channel models with different Rice factors is presented. For applications requiring 10/sup -3/ BER (e.g., voice), with a Rice factor of 6 dB, the capacity degradation compared to perfect power control is found to be less than 4% as long as the standard deviation of PCE (/spl sigma//sub /spl delta//) is less than 1 dB, and increases to 18% when /spl sigma//sub /spl delta// is 2 dB. >
The development of biomedical engineering as experienced by one biomedical engineer

This personal essay described the development of the field of Biomedical Engineering from its early days, from the perspective of one who lived through that development. It describes the making of a major invention using data that had been rejected by other scientists, the re-discovery of an obscure fact of physiology and its use in developing a major medical instrument, the development of a new medical imaging modality, and the near-death rescue of a research project. The essay concludes with comments about the development and present status of impedance imaging, and recent changes in the evolution of biomedical engineering as a field.