cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Transmission of Human Papillomavirus Type 11 Infection by Desquamated Cornified Cells

While much is known about the human papillomavirus (HPV) productive cycle, the mechanisms of virion transmission from person to person are poorly understood. The keratinocyte is the target cell of HPV infection. As keratinocytes differentiate, nuclei are lost and the cornified cell envelope develops. Layers of these desquamated cornified cells (DCCs) are continuously shed from the stratum corneum. Release of HPV requires the cornified cell envelope, a normally very durable structure, to break apart, liberating the contents of the cell. In differentiated keratinocytes infected with HPV 11, the cornified cell envelope is abnormally thin and fragile. In this study, DCCs from HPV 11-infected genital epithelium were used to investigate the mechanisms of viral transmission. First, HPV 11-infected tissue was examined for the presence of virions by transmission electron microscopy. Virions were observed in the nuclei of differentiated keratinocytes. In addition, virions were detected in the cytoplasm of DCCs that had undergone nuclear dissolution. Rarely, virions were observed outside of cells. Next, infectivity of intact and ruptured DCCs was tested in an assay performed in the athymic mouse xenograft system. High-titer cesium chloride gradient-purified HPV 11 virions infected 100% of recovered xenografts. Using intact DCCs derived from HPV 11-infected tissue, 62.5% of recovered xenografts were infected. To test the effects of mechanical stress on infectivity, DCCs were ruptured by sonication and used in the infectivity assay. The infectivity rate increased to 90%. We conclude that DCCs serve as vehicles for efficient, concentrated delivery of virions in HPV 11 infection.
An Assessment of Postganglionic Cryoneurolysis for Managing Vasomotor Rhinitis

Vasomotor rhinitis has been treated with multiple regimens with varied success. We have used intranasal cryosurgery to freeze the postganglionic parasympathetics as a definitive therapeutic procedu...
Cytosolic free magnesium, ATP, and blebbing during chemical hypoxia in cultured rat hepatocytes

Abstract Cytosolic free Mg 2+ concentration was determined in 1-day cultured rat hepatocytes using Multiparameter Digitized Video Microscopy (MDVM) of the fluorescent probe, magfura-2. Chemical hypoxia with KCN (5 mM) and iodoacetate (1 mM), a model which mimics the ATP depletion and reductive stress of hypoxia, caused a rapid increase of free Mg 2+ from 1.1 ± 0.2 to 1.6 ± 0.2 mM within 4 min. Concurrently, numerous small plasma membrane blebs formed and ATP levels dropped from 13.24 to 1.32 nmol/10 6 cells. Removal of KCN and iodoacetate resulted in recovery of ATP to 60–70% of pre-exposure levels, a concomitant decrease in cytosolic free Mg 2+ back toward basal levels, and reversal of blebbing (bleb resorption). These results indicate that changes of cytosolic free Mg 2+ inversely reflect changes of ATP in a model of hypoxia and reoxygenation. Bleb formation and resorption were dependent on the fall and rise of ATP.
Weighted residual methods and the suboptimal control of distributed parameter systems

A suboptimal control algorithm for distributed parameter systems is developed in a framework which synthesizes weighted residual methods and mathematical programming. The heat exchanger example of Koppel et al. (1968) is employed for introducing the algorithm. First, the Galerkin procedure with polynomial modes is applied to obtain a lumped ODE model for the distributed parameter system. Then the state and control variables of the lumped control problem are approximated by cubic splines on a uniform mesh. Through collocation at the knots, the ODE model is reduced to a sot of linear algebraic equations and the suboptimal control is determined from the solution of a quadratic programming problem with sparse matrices. Numerical results for the heat exchanger example are presented and compared with those obtained by the authors (Neuman and Sen 1972) using the Ritz-Trefftz algorithm (Bosarge and Johnson 1970) for the lumped control problem. For this example, the two algorithms yield essentially identical resul...
Exploring the Effects of Video Game Experience and Motivation on Visual Processing

Boot W.R., Blakely D.P. & Simons D.J. (2011). Do action video games improve perception and cognition? Frontiers in Psychology, 2:226. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2011.00226 Green, C. S. & Bavelier, D. (2003). Action video game modifies visual selective attention. Nature, 423, 534-537. Green, C.S. & Bavelier, D. (2006). Effect of action video games on the spatial distribution of visuospatial attention. Journal of Experimental Psychology: Human Perception and Performance, 32, 1465-1468. Note: Error bars represent +/1 standard error of the mean.
Folding proteins in fatal ways

Human diseases characterized by insoluble extracellular deposits of proteins have been recognized for almost two centuries. Such amyloidoses were once thought to represent arcane secondary phenomena of questionable pathogenic significance. But it is has now become clear that many different proteins can misfold and form extracellular or intracellular aggregates that initiate profound cellular dysfunction. Particularly challenging examples of such disorders occur in the post-mitotic environment of the neuron and include Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Understanding some of the principles of protein folding has helped to explain how such diseases arise, with attendant therapeutic insights.
Visualization of dyes on thin-layer chromatography plates by means of the argon ion laser

A simple method for the detection of nanogram amounts of dyes by means of their fluorescence in the visible region of the spectrum is described. To stimulate the fluorescence, an argon ion laser with principal lines of 514.5 nm and 488.0 nm is used. The sensitivity of the technique allows the visualization of an amount of dye smaller than could be detected with either visible absorbance or ultraviolet stimulated fluorescence.
The role of anterior ganglia in phototaxis and thigmotaxis in the earthworm

The role of the supra- and subpharyngeal (anterior) ganglia in thigmotaxic and phototaxic behavior in the earthworm (Lumbricus terrestris) was studied. In the first experiment, thigmotaxis reduced negative phototaxis for both worms whose anterior ganglia were removed and control worms. Therefore, the thigmotaxic effect appeared independent of the anterior ganglia. In the second experiment, the role of the anterior ganglia in the accuracy of escape from a directional light was studied. Earthworms with intact anterior ganglia did not escape the light significantly more accurately than earthworms without anterior ganglia.
Quality of life after prophylactic colectomy and ileorectal anastomosis in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis

BACKGROUND: Prophylactic colectomy or proctocolectomy is standard treatment for colorectal manifestation of familial adenomatous polyposis (TAP), a dominantly inherited disorder for which the risk of developing colorectal cancer in an untreated patient is close to 100 percent. Hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) is also dominantly inherited but has a lower risk of colorectal cancer than FAP and does not have a clinically obvious phenotype. The role of prophylactic colectomy in patients with HNPCC is controversial. PURPOSE: This study was performed to examine the outcome of colectomy and ileorectal anastomosis (TRA) so its use as a prophylactic procedure can be better evaluated. METHODS: Records of all patients undergoing IRA for FAP between 1985 and 1993 were reviewed. Demographic data and data about the operation were collected. Surgical outcome data included length of hospital stay, complications, bowel function, quality of life, and patient satisfaction. RESULTS: There were 51 patients with a median age of 28 years; 24 were male. All but eight patients were asymptomatic, and all had less than 1,000 polyps in the resected specimen. Mean surgery time was 3.5 hours, mean blood loss was 406 ml, and median length of hospital stay was seven days. There were no deaths, and eight patients (16 percent) had complications. Mean number of stools per day after median follow-up of 4.2 years was 3.6. Only 11 patients had nighttime stooling. Four patients reported seepage, 9 had some incontinence, and 16 had urgency. Quality of life, rated on a scale of 0 to 10, was 7 or above in 44 of 48 assessed patients. Quality of health was rated 7 or higher in all 48 patients, energy level was 7 or higher in 39 patients, and overall happiness with surgery was 7 or higher in 47 patients. CONCLUSION: Colectomy and IRA is a relatively safe operation that results in minimum disturbance of bowel function. Patient satisfaction is usually high. Prophylactic colectomy can be offered to HNPCC gene carriers with a greater understanding of the likely outcome of surgery.
Electroweak interference in a new model of b and tau interactions.

A recently proposed model, where the b quark couples to the c quark through a second W boson, is analyzed. In a two-generation version of this model, enhanced Yukawa couplings to new particles are considered for a unified account of the observed forward-backward asymmetry in ${e}^{+}$${e}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$\ensuremath{\rightarrow}b\ifmmode\bar\else\textasciimacron\fi{}b and in ${e}^{+}$${e}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$\ensuremath{\rightarrow}${\ensuremath{\tau}}^{+}$${\ensuremath{\tau}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$. Copious production of new particles in ${e}^{+}$${e}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$ annihilation well below 100 GeV is predicted.
Surface oxides of activated carbon: Internal reflectance spectroscopic examination of activated sugar carbons

Abstract The nature of the activated carbon surface with respect to surface functional groups has been examined using infrared internal reflectance spectroscopy (IRS). By employing this recently developed technique, the surface character of laboratory-activated sugar carbons has been examined as a function of activation temperature and atmosphere. The IRS spectra obtained for series of O 2 and CO 2 + O 2 activated carbons indicate the presence of dicarboxylic acids and quinone carbonyl groups. The adsorption isotherms of p -nitrophenol on these carbons has been studied and has been shown to conform with the previously suggested adsorption mechanism involving the formation of a donor-acceptor complex with surface carbonyl oxygen.
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogs in the treatment of endometriomas.

A limited number of small studies have assessed the efficacy of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists in the treatment of ovarian endometriomas. Most of these trials have not used quantitative measurements to evaluate the effects of therapy on disease resolution. The results available thus far suggest that nafarelin, buserelin, and histrelin offer modest degrees of efficacy, similar to that of danazol, in the management of patients with ovarian endometriotic cysts. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists appear to be most efficacious when endometriomas are
Racial Perceptions of Young Children: A Review of Literature Post-1999

It has been argued that intervention strategies designed to reduce racial prejudice in young children have been based on weak theoretical models of racial stereotyping and prejudice with little effect on the reduction of racial bias. This paper examines the social-cognitive and intergroup scholarship post-Bigler (J Soc Issues 55(4), 687–705, 1999), with an emphasis on the development of racial prejudice in young children. The purpose of this paper is not to argue for a particular theoretical approach, but to provide an overview of some of the important pieces of research. Findings indicate that social learning and cognitive development models need to be understood when implementing curriculum designed to reduce racist beliefs and attitudes in young children.
Relation of Semicarbazide, Nitrofurazone and Related Compounds to β-Aminopropionitrile Toxicity in Turkey Poults

Abstract A HEMORRHAGIC disease of turkeys seen under field conditions and characterized by fatal internal hemorrhage resulting from rupture of the abdominal aorta has been described by McSherry et al. (1954). Since the rat lathyrism factor, β-aminopropionitrile (BAPN, formula 1) also produces aortic rupture in turkeys (Barnett et al., 1957; Lalich et al., 1957), it seemed possible that BAPN or some related compound might be a causative factor in this disease. Efforts to isolate BAPN from soybean oil meal and from commercial turkey feeds were unsuccessful, however, as were attempts to demonstrate the presence of any substances with toxic effects similar to those of BAPN in extracts or concentrates of these materials (Garbutt, 1958; Negi et al., 1958). It has been shown by Dasler (1958) that semicarbazide (formula 2) produces symptoms in rats very similar to those
Victorian Servants, Class, and the Politics of Literacy

Victorian Servants, Class, and the Politics of Literacy. Jean Fernandez, New York/London: Routledge, 2010. iii + 207, six illustrations. ISBN 978 0 415 80438 7 (hb). In Victorian Servants, Class, a...
Early surfactant therapy and noninvasive ventilation

Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is the most common respiratory morbidity in very low birth weight (VLBW) preterm infants. Surfactant therapy is the standard care for infants with RDS. Natural surfactants appear to be better than synthetic surfactants for RDS treatment. Lung injury remains an important cause of morbidity among VLBW infants despite current treatments. Barotrauma, volutrauma or oxygen-induced lung inflammation contributes to the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Observational studies using noninvasive ventilation, such as, nasal continuous positive pressure (NCPAP) show a decrease in BPD when used to avoid intubation or minimize the duration of mechanical ventilation via endotracheal tube. Recently, nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) has been shown to decrease post-extubation failures significantly compared to NCPAP and has demonstrated a trend toward reduced risk of BPD. The administration of early surfactant followed by noninvasive ventilation has also been shown to improve pulmonary outcomes.
Chinese food: Academic mishmash

K. C. Chang, ed. Food in Chinese Culture: Anthropological and Historical Perspectives. New Haven: Yale University Press, 1977. 429 pp. Illustrations, glossary, index, and bibliography. $20.00.
Cf-source-driven neutron-noise measurements of subcriticality for a 4.95 wt% 235U-enriched uranyl fluoride solution cylinder

A method for determining the reactivity of subcritical systems of fissile material, using neutronnoise power spectral density measurements in conjunction with a 252Cf source, has been tested in experiments with an aqueous solution containing uranium fluoride (4.95 wt% 235U). The keff-values obtained from the ratio of spectral densities G∗12G13G11G23 agreed with those from break-frequency noise analysis and with bias-corrected transport theory calculations within the statistical uncertainty of the measurements. Corrections for the effects of spatial modes and source-detector locations appear to be well-understood, since measurements for a variety of source-detector positions resulted in essentially the same keff-values. Modal correction factors were such that ignoring them would result in higher values of keff than actually occur. The measurements have demonstrated the applicability of the 252Cf-source-driven neutron-noise analysis method to the measurement of the subcritical neutron multiplication factor for a fuel solution system.
Insertion of intrauterine contraceptives immediately following first- and second-trimester abortions.

Abstract Background The study was conducted to assess the continuation and patient satisfaction with intrauterine contraception (IUC) insertion immediately after elective abortion in the first and second trimesters in an urban, public hospital-based clinic. Study Design A cohort of 256 women who elected to have insertion of a copper-T IUC (CuT380a) or a levonorgestrel-releasing IUC (LNG-IUC) were followed postoperatively by phone calls or chart review to evaluate satisfaction and continuation with the method. Results Of our 256 subjects, 123 had first-trimester abortions and 133 had second-trimester abortions (14 or more weeks). Median time to follow-up was 8 weeks (range 7–544 days). Nineteen discontinuations occurred: eight (6.5%, 95% CI 2.8–12.4%) following first-trimester and 11 (8.3%, 95% CI 4.2–14.3%) following second-trimester abortion (p=.6). Five women reported expulsion; one (0.8%, 95% CI 0.0–4.4%) in the first-trimester group and four (3.0%, 95% CI 0.8–7.5%) in the second-trimester group. (p=.4) Seven infections resulting in discontinuation occurred (2.7%, 95% CI 1.1–5.6%); none were positive for gonorrhea or chlamydia at time of insertion. No perforations occurred. Nearly all (93.8%) of the women were satisfied with IUC. Rates of satisfaction between women after first- and second-trimester abortions were equal. Conclusion In an urban clinic, IUC has high initial continuation and high patient satisfaction when inserted immediately following either first- or second-trimester abortions.
Diagnosis of sickle-cell anemia in the prosthetic patient

S ickle-cell anemia is a hereditary hemolytic anemia which occurs almost cxelusively in the Negro race. The disease, which is characterized by sickle-shaped red blood cells, is due to a hemoglobin abnormality transmitted as a dominant characteristic. In the past, the Negro population of America was laregly concentrated in the rural areas of the southern states. Today, this population is moving into the large cities of the nation. When there occurs a concentration of relatively large numbers of people of any racial group, this opens up a new opportunity in health science research for the study and treatment of the diseases of that specific population segment. Very little clinical information is available on denture patients with sickle-cell anemia. The purpose of this article is to present a review of the disease with special emphasis on diagnosis.
Characterization and modulation of canine mast cell derived eicosanoids.

Mast cells play an important role in both innate and acquired immunity as well as several pathological conditions including allergy, arthritis and neoplasia. They influence these processes by producing a variety of mediators including cytokines, chemokines and eicosanoids. Very little is currently known about the spectrum of inflammatory mediators, particularly eicosanoids (prostaglandins and leukotrienes), produced by canine mast cells. This is important since modulating mast cell derived eicosanoids may help in the treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory disorders. The purpose of this study was to investigate the spectrum of eicosanoids produced by normal canine mast cells and to evaluate the effects of cytokines and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory mediators (NSAIDS) on eicosanoid production and release. Canine bone marrow derived cultured mast cells (cBMCMCs) expressed COX-1, COX-2, and 5-LOX and synthesized and released PGD2, PGE2, LTB4, and LTC4 following activation by a variety of stimuli. The selective COX-2 NSAIDs carprofen (Rimadyl®) and deracoxib (Deramaxx®) inhibited PGD2 and PGE2 production but only slightly inhibited LTB4 and LTC4. The mixed COX-1/COX-2 inhibitor piroxicam blocked PGD2 and PGE2 production, but upregulated LTC4 following treatment while tepoxilan (Zubrin®), a pan COX/LOX inhibitor, markedly reduced the production of all eicosanoids. The LOX inhibitor nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) prevented LTB4/LTC4 release and BMBMC degranulation. Pre-incubation of cBMCMCs with IL-4 and SCF sensitized these cells to degranulation in response to substance P. In conclusion, canine BMCMCs produce an array of eicosanoids similar to those produced by mast cells from other species. Tepoxilan appeared to be the most effective NSAID for blocking eicosanoid production and thus may be useful for modulating mast cell mediated responses in dogs.
TH-D-350-03: The Benefits of Integrating the Healthcare Enterprise (IHE) Efforts for the Radiation Oncology Physicist

Purpose: An issue for the practicing clinical physicist is the integration of computer systems in support of radiation therapy. Standards such as DICOM and HL7 exist, however, applications in the process apply these standards differently, resulting in unreliable exchanges of data at points in the imaging, planning, and delivery of treatment. Solving this problem requires the support of users, vendors, and professional societies to achieve a global solution and allow ‘best‐of‐breed’ selection of applications. Method and Materials: IHE (Integrating the Healthcare Enterprise) is an effort started by RSNA and HIMSS. Its goal is improving the integration of information systems in support of clinical care. IHE‐RO (IHE Radiation Oncology) is an effort supported by ASTRO, AAPM, other societies, and vendors aimed at identifying issues of computer integration and developing solutions. Meetings were held to identify bottlenecks in the treatment process. Use cases were written and an “Integration Profile” was developed for the exchange of CT, Region‐of‐interest, treatment plan, and 3D dose calculation data among different vendors. Vendors then tested their product implementations using test tools developed in support of the effort, 2 rounds of testing (informal and formal), and a public demonstration. Results: In the first two rounds of testing a number of incompatible interpretations of DICOM protocols were identified. At the formal Connectathon, manufacturers were able to prove compliance with the Integration Profile for applications that included RT‐Archive, CT‐Simulation, Treatment Planning, and Dose Display. Conclusion: IHE‐RO is an effort that is beneficial to the practicing medical physicist. It provides a venue for controlled and demonstrable testing of multi‐application compatibility. It reduces the effort required in selection and integration of new systems into clinical practice by providing a reference of proven integration. The improved robustness of application‐to‐application information transfer results in reduced quality assurance requirements of such interfaces.
Design and synthesis of controlled release pesticide-polymer combinations.

ALTHOUGH the indiscriminate dissemination of pesticides into terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems is reprehensible, the magnitude of the pest control problem will necessitate the use of these materials for the foreseeable future. Persistent pesticides are undesirable because of their frequent incorporation into the food chain1–3 On the other hand, pesticides with short lives tend to be ineffective. In both cases, the amounts applied are often grossly in excess of that actually required to control the pest because of the need to compensate for pesticide loss by leaching and evaporation. We have therfore investigated the potential of pesticide-polymer combinations as a means of securing controlled release of a biodegradable pesticide in approximately the correct amount needed over an appropriate period of time.
Simultaneous quantification of mitochondrial DNA copy number and deletion ratio: A multiplex real-time PCR assay

Simultaneous quantification of mitochondrial DNA copy number and deletion ratio: A multiplex real-time PCR assay
Suction Excision Biopsy for Diffuse Pulmonary Disease

By means of a suction-excision technique, lung biopsy was performed successfully in 42 of 44 patients (96 percent) with widespread diffuse pulmonary disease or localized disease extending to the pleural surface. While 28 percent developed pneumothorax, only 14 percent required a chest tube and in only one patient was this present for over 48 hours. No other complications were noted. This technique is ideal for biopsy of extensive pulmonary infiltrates because it provides a relatively large biopsy specimen (2 × 3 mm) with minimal discomfort and complications. This new method of obtaining a lung biopsy appears to complement currently used techniques.
Response of Adult Apple Maggot (Diptera: Tephritidae) to Pherocon A.M. Traps and Red Spheres in a Non-Orchard Habitat

Adult Rhagoletis pomonella (Walsh) were monitored daily from 13 July to 20 September 1981 in a non-orchard habitat near Durham. N.H. Red sticky spheres caught significantly more males than yellow Pherocon A.M. traps, but females were equally responsive to both types of traps. Average distance to the nearest host tree (DH) for R. pomonella caught on red spheres (3.5 m) was significantly less than DH for flies caught on Pherocon A.M. traps (6.5 m), and DH for females (5.6 m) was significantly greater than DH for males (2.9 m). Diurnal flight patterns were also monitored for 2-h periods from dawn to dusk on 8 days. Flight activity peaked at midday, with minimal activity in early morning and late afternoon. There were no significant shifts in trap preference with time of day.
The Doctor of Nursing Practice and Nursing Education: Highlights, Potential, and Promise

The success of the doctor of nursing practice (DNP) programs have exceeded everyone's expectations and resulted in increased interest in doctoral education in nursing. A shortage of doctorally prepared nurse educators continues to plague the profession and has a severe impact on the ability of schools of nursing to educate future generations of nurses. As a terminal degree in nursing practice, there is little focus on DNP graduates who are prepared as educators. To remedy this deficit, this article will therefore discuss and highlight (a) the significant potential of the DNP to mitigate the current nursing faculty shortage and to close the practice–education gap, (b) the specialized role of DNP graduates as educators and leaders in nursing education, and (c) the implications of the DNP for nursing scholarship.
Patient satisfaction and symptomatic outcomes following stapled transanal rectal resection for obstructed defecation syndrome.

Background Obstructed defecation syndrome (ODS) is recognized as a functional (e.g., anismus) and anatomic (e.g., rectocele and rectal intussusception) defecatory disorder of the pelvic floor. This study was designed to evaluate outcomes and patient satisfaction following stapled transanal rectal resection (STARR) for the surgical treatment of ODS. Materials and Methods Between May 2006 and July 2009, 37 patients underwent STARR for correction of ODS secondary to rectocele and internal intussusception. Demographic data and postoperative outcomes were tabulated. Symptomatic outcomes were assessed by comparing pre- and postoperative subsets of the Wexner constipation scoring system, and quality outcomes were evaluated with patient satisfaction surveys. Results Thirty-seven female patients with a mean age of 52.9 ± 11.2 y underwent STARR. All patients had clinically significant rectocele as evidenced on defecography and 81.1% had concomitant internal rectal intussusception. Postoperative complications occurred in 13 patients (35.1%). Two of these patients required re-intervention: dilation of stricture and transanal excision of staple granuloma. Mean quality of life follow-up occurred at 20.3 ± 6.5 mo (median: 20 mo, range: 9–36 mo). Mean preoperative and postoperative constipation subset scores were 11.1 ± 3.6 and 4.6 ± 3.9, respectively (P Conclusions The STARR procedure results in improved symptomatic outcomes, high patient satisfaction, and an acceptable complication rate. In selected patients, this minimally invasive approach was an acceptable procedure for the surgical correction of ODS secondary to rectocele and intussusception.
NMR and x-ray studies of collagen model peptides

The main structural component in collagen is the triple helix which is generally composed of the amino acid sequence repeat (X-Y-Gly)n with proline and hydroxyproline often present at positions X and Y. Non-globular, fibrillar proteins like most collagens are difficult to work with from a structural perspective. An alternative approach to collagen structural elucidation is to study considerably shorter fragments of the triple helix. To date, various triple helical model peptides such as (Pro-Pro-Gly)n and (Pro-Hyp-Gly)n have been investigated by various physical and spectroscopic techniques. The advent of easy solid phase peptide synthetic methodology and the development of multi-dimensional heteronuclear and high field NMR technologies have promoted significant advances in the structure elucidation of a number of triple helix peptides. Here, the main focus is to review and to address the current state of knowledge in the field of NMR and x-ray analysis of triple helical model peptides. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Impact of myocyte strain on cardiac myofilament activation.

When cardiac myocytes are stretched by a longitudinal strain, they develop proportionally more active force at a given sub-maximal Ca2+ concentration than they did at the shorter length. This is known as length-dependent activation. It is one of the most important contributors to the Frank–Starling relationship, a critical part of normal cardiovascular function. Despite intense research efforts, the mechanistic basis of the Frank–Starling relationship remains unclear. Potential mechanisms involving myofibrillar lattice spacing, titin-based effects, and cooperative activation have all been proposed. This review summarizes some of these mechanisms and discusses two additional potential theories that reflect the effects of localized strains that occur within and between half-sarcomeres. The main conclusion is that the Frank–Starling relationship is probably the integrated result of many interacting molecular mechanisms. Multiscale computational modeling may therefore provide the best way of determining the key processes that underlie length-dependent activation and their relative strengths.
OC10.04: Predicting outcomes for fibroid therapies: clinical research and genetics

Despite their importance to clinical gynecology, uterine leiomyomas, commonly known as fibroids, have rarely been the subject of clinical outcomes research. Additionally the high risk of recurrent fibroid formation following conservative therapy makes predictors of outcome useful in counseling women. There is even little information regarding treatment outcomes with standard demographic and anthropometrics predictors of treatment success of failure. The increasing use of minimally invasive therapies to target specific myomas makes prediction of high-risk women more important than when hysterectomy was the standard therapy. Understanding the biologic and genetic diversity underlying the clinical heterogeneity of this disease will markedly change future treatments. Several genes including fumurate hydratase (FH) and high mobility group A2 (HMGA2) have been identified as important in the formation and growth of uterine leiomyomas. Genotype/phenotype correlations are also beginning to be identified, including several instances where the risk of malignant disease is increased. The power of advanced imaging also may provide markers of specific phenotypes allowing non-invasive genotype/phenotype correlation. A genome-wide scan such as the Finding Genes for Fibroid Project (www.fibroids.net) will also be instrumental in finding additional genes, which influence disease outcome. This is especially important because genes identified to date appear to primarily affect Caucasian women and the increased relative risk and incidence rates in AfricanAmerican women has been well documented. Furthermore, research in genetic epidemiology will set the stage for prevention strategies for high-risk young women and potentially develop new therapeutic targets.
Diffusion of W on A W(211) plane

Abstract The diffusion of W on a (211) plane of a W field emitter has been re-examined by means of the fluctuation autocorrelation method. Diffusion along channels yielded E = 16.8 ± 0.5 kcal, D0 = (3 ± 1) × 10−5cm2s−1. For diffusion across channels E =6.6 kcal, D0 = 4 × 10−9cm2s−1 at T 752 K. The results for diffusion along channels yield E and D0 values intermediate between recent results by Wang and Ehrlich [Surf. Sci. 206 (1988) 451] using field ion microscopy (E = 19 kcal, D0 = 7.7 × 10−3cm2s−1) and Tringides and Gomer [J. Chem. Phys. 84 (1986) 4049], using the same method as the present work but a larger slit (E = 13.3 kcal, D0 = 7 × 10−7cm2s−1). The results for cross channel diffus good agreement with those of Tringides and Gomer below 752 K, where these authors stopped. The new high temperature results suggest that the channel wall exchange mechanism postulated by Tringides and Gomer for cross channel diffusion at low T gives way to diffusion by climbing over the channel walls with higher E but also higher D0 above 752 K. Possible reasons for the discrepancies between these three sets of results and the absence of cross channel diffusion in the work of Wang and Ehrlich are briefly discussed.
An instructional method for increasing originality

College Ss were instructed to imagine themselves within a particular situation and to list uses for a given object within that situation. These Ss produced a larger total number of ideas, a larger number of original (unique) ideas, a larger proportion of original-to-total ideas, a larger number of “good” ideas, and a greater proportion of good-to-total ideas than Ss not receiving the Situations instructions.
An in situ temperature‐programmed XPS study of the surface chemical reactions of thiophene with Ag/titania

The Ag/titania sorbent for the ultradeep desulfurization of liquid fuels was characterized by electron spin resonance and was found to contain nearly the stoichiometric titania, without significant concentration of Ti 3+ or the reactive oxygen species. The surface chemical reactions of thiophene adsorbed on the Ag/titania were studied by temperature-programmed XPS from 25 to 525 °C upon in situ thermal annealing in high vacuum and in situ oxidation by oxygen gas. The titania support is not chemically reactive under those conditions. Silver oxide in the Ag/titania sorbent is converted to Ag 2 S without formation of the transient surface sulfates or sulfites and is further oxidized by molecular oxygen.
Rapid recent radiation of S-RNase lineages in Witheringia solanacea (Solanaceae)

Strong frequency-dependent selection as found in the self-incompatibility loci of flowering plants maintains allelic lineages for extremely long time scales, such that allelic genealogies can shed insight into long-term demographic patterns of species. Effective mutation rate, as well as demographic change such as population bottlenecks, can influence genealogical structure. In addition, loss of functionality at the self-incompatibility locus is likely to affect radiation rates. Partial sequences for 21 S-RNase alleles of the mid-elevation tropical species Witheringia solanacea were obtained in order to compare their substitution rates and genealogy with those of Witheringia maculata and two species in the closely related genus Physalis. Sequences for W. solanacea fell into the three clades within the Solanaceae already identified for the genus. Terminal branch lengths for W. solanacea, scaled to the total depth of its phylogeny, were intermediate between the unusually short terminal branches of W. maculata and those of the two Physalis species. In contrast to the Physalis species, where interspecific dN/dS for closely related alleles exceeded 1.0 to the same degree as did intraspecific dN/dS, in Witheringia only intraspecific comparisons showed an excess of nonsynonymous substitutions, suggesting postspeciation radiation of alleles. Alleles associated with lowered S-RNase production and self-compatibility showed extremely short terminal branches. In summary, it appears that rapid recent diversification of alleles characterizes the Witheringia lineages. In some cases, this rapid diversification can be attributed to relaxed constraints due to breakdown of self-incompatibility.
Ultrasensitive Detection of KRAS2 Mutations in Bile and Serum from Patients with Biliary Tract Carcinoma Using LigAmp Technology

Patients with biliary tract carcinoma have a poor prognosis. Early detection efforts are urgently needed to ameliorate the dismal prognosis for these patients. Mutations of the KRAS2 gene are one of the most common genetic aberrations in this cancer. In this study, we used LigAmp, an ultrasensitive technology for detecting point mutations, to analyze KRAS2 mutations in patients with a variety of neoplastic and non-neoplastic pancreatobiliary diseases. DNA was isolated from 64 samples, including 44 bile samples and 20 serum samples. Oligonucleotides specific for KRAS2 G35A (GAT, G12D), G35T (GTT, G12V), and G34A (AGT, G12S) mutations were used. KRAS2 mutations were detected in 14 of 16 (87.5%) neoplastic bile samples and in 9 of 28 (32.1%) non-neoplastic bile samples. However, the mutation levels were significantly lower in the non-neoplastic bile (median = 0.4%) compared with those in the neoplastic bile (median = 5.1%). KRAS2 mutations were also detected in 9 of 11 (81.8%) serum samples from patients with biliary tract carcinoma, which was further confirmed by cloning BstN1-refractory PCR products and DNA sequencing. However, KRAS2 mutations were not present in the sera from eight patients with benign pancreatobiliary diseases. These data demonstrate that KRAS2 mutations are detectable in both bile and serum using LigAmp. This technology has the potential for early biliary tract carcinoma detection and possibly for residual disease monitoring post-therapy.
Demographic factors in attitudes towards population growth and control

Using two Gallup polls, which together contained three questions on the attitudes of adult Americans towards population growth and control, a multivariate analysis was conducted of the relationship to each question of nine demographic factors: age, city size, education, family income, occupation of the household head, race, region, religion and sex. Only education and religion showed an intrinsic relationship with attitudes. Specifically, the extent of endorsement of the view that the world population growth rate is a serious problem, and of the view that population limitation will, at some time, be necessary, increased with education. Among those whose family income was at least $10,000 and those whose house-hold head was a professional or business executive, Protestants were more likely than Catholics to view US and world population growth rates as serious and to consider population limitation necessary.
Thermal structure of oceanic transform faults

We use three-dimensional fi nite element simulations to investigate the temperature structure beneath oceanic transform faults. We show that using a rheology that incorporates brittle weakening of the lithosphere generates a region of enhanced mantle upwelling and elevated temperatures along the transform; the warmest temperatures and thinnest lithosphere are predicted to be near the center of the transform. Previous studies predicted that the mantle beneath oceanic transform faults is anomalously cold relative to adjacent intraplate regions, with the thickest lithosphere located at the center of the transform. These earlier studies used simplifi ed rheologic laws to simulate the behavior of the lithosphere and underlying asthenosphere. We show that the warmer thermal structure predicted by our calculations is directly attributed to the inclusion of a more realistic brittle rheology. This temperature structure is consistent with a wide range of observations from ridge-transform environments, including the depth of seismicity, geochemical anomalies along adjacent ridge segments, and the tendency for long transforms to break into small intratransform spreading centers during changes in plate motion.
The Middle-Class Adult and his Widowed or Still-Married Mother

In this paper the relations of a sample of middle-class adults and their widowed mothers are compared with relations between an age-matched sample and their mothers when their fathers are still living. Balance appears crucial to satisfactory relations with the widowed mother; and this tends to be achieved between daughters and their mothers. Young adult males, however, find their relations with a widowed mother characterized primarily by keeping in touch with her and by one-way aid. Such obligation and imbalance result in less enjoyment of and affection for the mother on the part of the male when the father is no longer alive. Other aspects of young adult-aging parent relations are incorporated into the discussion.
Nonbullous neutrophilic dermatosis: Sweet’s syndrome, neonatal lupus erythematosus, or both?

We describe a 5-day-old infant who fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for Sweet's syndrome, and the concurrent histologic and autoantibody features supporting the diagnosis of neonatal lupus. To our knowledge, this is the youngest case of Sweet's syndrome reported in the literature. Importantly, our findings further support the hypothesis that lupus erythematosus should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a nonbullous neutrophilic dermatosis, as it may represent the initial manifestation of the disease.
Feedback regulation for sequencing and routing in multiclass queueing networks

This paper establishes new criteria for stability and for instability of multiclass network models under a given sequencing or routing policy. It also extends previous results on the approximation of the solution to the average cost optimality equations through an associated fluid model. It is shown that an optimized network possesses a fluid limit model which is itself optimal with respect to a total cost criterion.
Upper Neogene dinoflagellate cyst ecostratigraphy of the Atlantic coast of Morocco

Abstract New palynological data from the Sale brickyard (Atlantic coast of northern Morocco) are analyzed for their late Neogene biostratigraphical implications and the relationship with paleoenvironmental changes. Palynological zones (I to VI) described in this paper are based on palynomorph concentrations, fluctuations in species distribution, ratios between marine and continental palynomorphs, and the Last Appearance Datums (LADs) of twelve species. The brevity of some of the ranges in comparison with published dinoflagellates ranges from other locations is analyzed in view of important ecological events that took place in the Gibraltar Arc area at the end of the Miocene. Zone boundaries reflect global glacioeustatic and/or local tectonic events that induced major modifications to the Atlantic/Mediterranean connections. The palynological data allow to differenciate time of eustatic versus tectonic control and permit to define how the paleoceanographic evolution of the Rifian Strait eventually led to th...
Locus: a location-based data overlay for disruption-tolerant networks

Embedded sensors in mobile devices such as cars and smart phones present new opportunities to collect location-specific data about an environment. This data can be used to enable new real-time location-based applications. A major challenge is efficiently collecting, storing and sharing the data. This paper proposes Locus, a location-based data overlay for DTNs. Locus keeps objects at specific physical locations in the network using whatever devices currently are nearby. Nodes copy objects between themselves to maintain the locality of data. Location utility functions prioritize objects for replication and enable location-based forwarding of data look-ups. As a first-of-its-kind application, Locus is compared against other possible replication policies and shown to achieve query success rates nearly 4 times higher than other approaches.
Nondestructive near-infrared analysis of intact tablets for determination of degradation products.

Near-infrared spectrometry was used in this study to examine intact aspirin tablets in order to demonstrate the usefulness of the technique as a nondestructive method of quality control. Unique sampling optics were used to simultaneously illuminate the entire surface of the tablets, including the top, bottom, and side. Changes in individual tablet spectra were correlated to (a) the time that the tablets spent in a hydrator, (b) the mass of water absorbed by the tablets, and (c) the mass of salicylic acid formed by base-catalyzed hydrolysis of acetylsalicylic acid. A prediction equation for each of these three parameters was constructed using near-infrared spectral reflectance values obtained from intact tablets. Prediction errors were low for (a) the time that tablets spent in the hydrator (± 19 h over a period of 168 h), (b) the mass of water absorbed (± 0.04% of tablet mass), and (c) the mass of salicylic acid formed (± 0.04% of tablet mass).
Executive Summary of the Workshop “Nutritional Challenges in the High Risk Infant”

In 2009, the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) invited an expert panel to a workshop to address the current knowledge gaps and lack of evidence-based guidelines that preclude optimal nutritional care for infants in neonatal intensive care units. Since much research needs to be done in this complex area of science, the group was requested to propose new research to rectify current deficiencies in this field. This paper provides a summary of the workshop presentations and discussions.
Coping: An Alternative Conceptualization for Constraint Negotiation and Accommodation

Leisure constraint research has made significant contributions to the leisure field, and continues to evolve. Despite progress in understanding constraint negotiation, a comprehensive framework remains absent. Coping models have many parallels to the leisure constraint model, and can offer a deeper understanding of constraint negotiation by (a) recognizing additional personal and situational variables, (b) detailing the appraisal process, (c) defining accommodation and negotiation explicitly, (d) specifying coping responses for measurement, and (e) including outcomes beyond participation or preferences. Therefore, this paper puts forward a stress and coping framework to more comprehensively detail leisure constraint negotiation than current models.
Characteristics of recent biostatistical methods adopted by researchers publishing in general/internal medicine journals.

Background Novel statistical methods are constantly being developed within the context of biomedical research; however, the characteristics of biostatistics methods that have been adopted into the field of general/internal medicine (GIM) is unclear. This study highlights the statistical journal articles, the statistical journals, and the types of statistical methods that appear to be having the most direct impact on GIM research. Methods Descriptive techniques, including analyses of articles' keywords and controlled vocabulary terms, were used to characterize the articles published in statistics and probability journals that were subsequently referenced within GIM journal articles during a recent 10-year period (2000–2009). Results From the 45 statistics and probability journals of interest, a total of 989 unique articles were identified as being cited by 2183 (out of a total of about 127 469) unique GIM journal articles. The most frequently cited statistical topics included general/other statistical methods, followed by randomized trials, epidemiologic methods, meta-analysis, generalized linear models, and computer simulation. Conclusion As statisticians continue to develop and refine techniques, the promotion and adoption of these methods should also be addressed so that their efforts spent in developing the methods are not done in vain. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Theoretical considerations in the dynamic closed-loop baroreflex and autoregulatory control of total peripheral resistance

The most important goal of this study is to enhance our understanding of the crucial functional relationships that determine the behavior of the systemic circulation and its underlying physiologica...