cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Patients' interest in discussing cancer risk and risk management with primary care physicians

Little is known about patients' preferences for discussing cancer risks and risk management with primary care physicians. We sought to determine whether patients want to discuss such topics and what factors are associated with this interest. Participants (375 patients ages 40-85, of diverse race and education level) completed a telephone survey prior to scheduled physician visits. Survey included items on perceived health, perceived cancer risk, education level, and whether participants would like to discuss with a physician their breast, ovarian or colon cancer risk, tamoxifen, cancer genetic counseling, and colon cancer screening. Greater proportions were interested in discussing risks for each cancer, compared with those who were not (P < 0.0001). More participants were interested in discussing mammograms (80%) and cancer genetic counseling (60%) than tamoxifen (49%) or colon cancer screening modalities (43-53%). For many topics, poorer perceived health was associated with greater interest in future discussion; higher education level was associated with less interest.
Sequence analysis of the turkey LH β subunit and its regulation by gonadotrophin-releasing hormone and prolactin in cultured pituitary cells

cDNAs encoding the precursor molecule of the turkey LH beta subunit (tLH beta) were cloned from a turkey pituitary cDNA library. The nucleotide sequence of the longest of two different tLH beta cDNA clones contained 592 bp, and included 23 bp of the 5' untranslated region (UTR) and 92 bp of the 3' UTR in addition to a 477 bp open reading frame that encoded a 39 amino acid leader polypeptide and a 120 amino acid mature apoprotein. Turkey and chicken LH beta sequences shared approximately 92 and 93% nucleotide and amino acid sequence similarities respectively. Northern blot analysis of total cellular anterior pituitary RNA showed that an approximate 800 base transcript hybridized to a 32P-labelled tLH beta cDNA probe. The gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH)- and prolactin (PRL)-regulated expression of LH and PRL in dispersed pituitary cells was determined by Northern blot analysis of tLH beta and PRL steady-state mRNA levels and by RIA analysis of secreted LH and PRL. GnRH-treated cells showed increased levels of both tLH beta mRNA and secreted LH, whereas mRNA and secreted levels of PRL did not change significantly. Cells treated with PRL showed lower levels of tLH beta and PRL mRNA as well as decreased release of LH and PRL. When cells were treated with both PRL and GnRH, increases in tLH beta mRNA and secreted levels of LH observed with GnRH alone were negated, whereas the decreases in mRNA and secreted levels of PRL observed with PRL alone were abrogated. These findings suggest that PRL can down-regulate tLH beta gene expression and spontaneous release of LH as well as autoregulate PRL gene expression and spontaneous release of PRL, while GnRH appears capable of modulating the effects of PRL-regulated LH and PRL gene expression and spontaneous release.
Experimental study of natural convection in shallow enclosures with horizontal temperature and concentration gradients

Abstract Natural convection in low aspect-ratio rectangular enclosures with combined horizontal temperature and concentration gradients is studied experimentally. An electrochemical system is employed to impose the concentration gradients. The solutal buoyancy force either opposes or augments the thermal buoyancy force. Due to a large difference between the thermal and solutal diffusion rates the flow possesses double-diffusive characteristics. Various complex flow patterns are observed with different experimental conditions. The temperature distributions and mass-transfer rates are also studied. A flow instability under certain conditions is reported.
A survey of combinatorial optimization problems in multicast routing

In multicasting routing, the main objective is to send data from one or more sources to multiple destinations, while at the same time minimizing the usage of resources. Examples of resources which can be minimized include bandwidth, time and connection costs. In this paper, we survey applications of combinatorial optimization to multicast routing. We discuss the most important problems considered in this area, as well as their models. Algorithms for each of the main problems are also presented.
Parallel algorithms for Bayesian phylogenetic inference

The combination of a Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) method with likelihood-based assessment of phylogenies is becoming a popular alternative to direct likelihood optimization. However, MCMC, like maximum likelihood, is a computationally expensive method. To approximate the posterior distribution of phylogenies, a Markov chain is constructed, using the Metropolis algorithm, such that the chain has the posterior distribution of the parameters of phylogenies as its stationary distribution.This paper describes parallel algorithms and their MPI-based parallel implementation for MCMC-based Bayesian phylogenetic inference. Bayesian phylogenetic inference is computationally expensive both in time and in memory requirements. Our variations on MCMC and their implementation were done to permit the study of large phylogenetic problems. In our approach, we can distribute either entire chains or parts of a chain to different processors, since in current models the columns of the data are independent. Evaluations on a 32-node Beowulf cluster suggest the problem scales well. A number of important points are identified, including a superlinear speedup due to more effective cache usage and the point at which additional processors slow down the process due to communication overhead.
Reclaiming And Returning Gender To Context: Examples from Studies of Heterosexual Dual-Earner Families

Gender receives relatively little attention as a critical aspect of context, despite the general acknowledgment among psychologists that human behavior needs to be studied within the context of societal norms and practices. In this article I explain why this is the case and then, using examples from the area of dual-earner families, describe ways we can give gender its rightful contextual place in research practices. By so doing I also argue that needed transformations can take place.
Three results in the value-distribution theory of solutions of linear differential equations

Pour trois classes differentes d'equations de la forme f''+A(z)f=0, ou A(z) est entiere, on donne des resultats sur la distribution des zeros de toutes les solutions f¬=0 et on obtient une theorie complete a valeur dans les distributions pour toutes les solutions
Numerical modeling of corrosion pit propagation using the combined extended finite element and level set method

A sharp-interface Eulerian formulation for modeling the propagation of localized pitting corrosion is presented. This formulation allows for an accurate representation of the corrosion front independent of the underlying finite element mesh and handles complex morphological transitions such as pit merging without requiring remeshing or mesh-moving procedures. First, the governing equations of the moving interface problem associated with pit growth are derived for the two-phase (metal-solution) system. Next, the implementation of the combined extended finite element and level set method and the procedure to enforce interface conditions are discussed. Finally, the method is validated by conducting several benchmark numerical studies, and comparing the results with published experimental data and existing numerical studies. Simulation studies indicate that: during diffusion-controlled corrosion an isolated pit grows as a semi-circular shape, whereas closely spaced pits merge and grow into an elongated elliptical shape; and only during activation-controlled corrosion the initial pit morphology is preserved.
Bladder cancer: Defining the clinical problem

Only forty years ago, it was not uncommon to hear bladder cancer characterized as the blackest page in urology. Some might argue that it remains so, but few, I think, would deny that important progress has been made in our understanding of virtually all aspects of this disease. A historical review of that progress, terminating with the current status of knowledge relative to etiology, tumor characterization, diagnosis, staging, and treatment, would provide a clear perspective of the advances that have already occurred. However, I have chosen to use the current state-of-the-art, perceived through my own biases, as the background against which some of the principal persisting problems and pot ential solutions may be highlighted. The latter will be the major subjects of discussion and may be expected to illustrate .the common scientific experience that attempted solution of one problem may generate others.
Superconductivity in the alkali metals

At ambient pressure there are 29 elemental superconductors in the periodic table, none of which is an alkali metal. The first alkali metal to become superconducting under high pressure is Cs followed years later by Li. Alkali metals are believed to be exemplary free-electron systems. The fact that an alkali metal becomes superconducting at all is surprising and is a result of the fact that under pressure it shows marked deviations from free-electron behaviour where, counterintuitively, bands narrow and gaps widen. For this reason the alkali metals are among the most interesting systems known to study in high-pressure experiments and superconductivity is one of their most fascinating properties.
Mutationally activated Rho GTPases in cancer

The Rho family of GTPases (members of the Ras superfamily) are best known for their roles in regulating cytoskeletal dynamics. It is also well established that misregulation of Rho proteins contributes to tumorigenesis and metastasis. Unlike Ras proteins, which are frequently mutated in cancer (around 30%), Rho proteins themselves are generally not found to be mutated in cancer. Rather, misregulation of Rho activity in cancer was thought to occur by overexpression of these proteins or by misregulation of molecules that control Rho activity, such as activation or overexpression of GEFs and inactivation or loss of GAPs or GDIs. Recent studies, enabled by next-generation tumor exome sequencing, report activating point mutations in Rho GTPases as driver mutations in melanoma, as well as breast, and head and neck cancers. The Rac1(P29L) mutation identified in these tumor studies was previously identified by our lab as an activating Rac mutation in C. elegans neuronal development, highlighting the conserved nature of this mutation. Furthermore, this finding supports the relevance of studying Rho GTPases in model organisms such as C. elegans to study the mechanisms that underlie carcinogenesis. This review will describe the recent findings that report activating Rho mutations in various cancer types, moving Rho GTPases from molecules misregulated in cancer to mutagenic targets that drive tumorigenesis.
Rubella Virus: Neutralizing Antibody in Commercial Gamma Globulin

In 19 lots of standard commercial gamma globulin from humans, the titers of antibody neutralizing rubella virus varied from, 256 to 2048. The titers could not be correlated with geographic location of the donors, method of extraction, or tissue source. Samples of gamma globulin from rubella convalescents had titers of 4096. These titers were approximately 20 times higher than those in serum specimens from patients ill with natural or experimental infection. Serum antibody appears to persist for a number of years at nearly the original titers.
Gallstones: in vitro comparison of physical, radiographic, and ultrasonic characteristics

An in vitro study of 30 gallstones was undertaken in which radiographic, ultrasonic, and physical characteristics were compared. Stones greater than 1 mm in diameter were consistently visualized in vitro using higher frequency transducers, lower intensities, and simple sector scanning techniques in different planes. All stones greater than 3 mm demonstrated consistent posterior acoustic shadowing, similarly facilitated by use of these techniques. The demonstration of posterior acoustic shadowing does not relate to the calcium content, shape, surface characteristics, or specific gravity of the stone.
Building a bridge to heart transplantation.

Dr. Dale G. Renlund explains the temporary use of mechanical circulatory support before transplantation. This technology increases our ability to help some patients.
The temperature dependence of the saturation stress and dislocation substructure in fatigued copper single crystals

Copper crystals oriented for single glide were fatigue tested in push-pull mode at 295, 77.4 and 4.2 K. The saturation flow stresses and ladder spacings were a function of fatigue temperature only and were not dependent on specimen history. The observed flow stresses were 25, 48 and 73 MNm− 2, and the observed ladder spacings were 1.3, 0.7 and 0.45 μm at 295, 77.4 and 4.2 K respectively. The stress necessary to bow out a primary screw dislocation segment within the ladder structure accounted for about 80% of the observed flow stress. The temperature and strain rate dependence of the flow stress in fatigued specimens was higher than that for similar specimens deformed in tension, but lower than previously reported values.
Efficient image enhancement using subgroup region histogram equalization and decimation

Image enhancement techniques are used to make better visual quality of images. The paper proposed an efficient image enhancement algorithm. The proposed method contains three parts: decimation of image, Bright or dark image decision, and the contrast enhancement. It utilizes spatial decimation method for image resolution reduction to lessen the computational cost. In addition the proposed algorithm employs probability density value to control the sharp brightness in image. Histogram is divided into subgroup regions to enhance the image and the contrast of each region is adjusted separately. The simulation results show that the proposed method has significantly reduces the computational cost and performs better than the conventional method.
Pulse energy dependence of subcellular dissection by femtosecond laser pulses.

Precise dissection of cells with ultrashort laser pulses requires a clear understanding of how the onset and extent of ablation (i.e., the removal of material) depends on pulse energy. We carried out a systematic study of the energy dependence of the plasma-mediated ablation of fluorescently-labeled subcellular structures in the cytoskeleton and nuclei of fixed endothelial cells using femtosecond, near-infrared laser pulses focused through a high-numerical aperture objective lens (1.4 NA). We find that the energy threshold for photobleaching lies between 0.9 and 1.7 nJ. By comparing the changes in fluorescence with the actual material loss determined by electron microscopy, we find that the threshold for true material ablation is about 20% higher than the photobleaching threshold. This information makes it possible to use the fluorescence to determine the onset of true material ablation without resorting to electron microscopy. We confirm the precision of this technique by severing a single microtubule without disrupting the neighboring microtubules, less than 1 micrometer away. c2005 Optical Society of America.
Who have got answers?: growing the pool of answerers in a smart enterprise social QA system

On top of an enterprise social platform, we are building a smart social QA system that automatically routes questions to suitable employees who are willing, able, and ready to provide answers. Due to a lack of social QA history (training data) to start with, in this paper, we present an optimization-based approach that recommends both top-matched active (seed) and inactive (prospect) answerers for a given question. Our approach includes three parts. First, it uses a predictive model to find top-ranked seed answerers by their fitness, including their ability and willingness, to answer a question. Second, it uses distance metric learning to discover prospects most similar to the seeds identified in the first step. Third, it uses a constraint-based approach to balance the selection of both seeds and prospects identified in the first two steps. As a result, not only does our solution route questions to top-matched active users, but it also engages inactive users to grow the pool of answerers. Our real-world experiments that routed 114 questions to 684 people identified from 400,000+ employees included 641 prospects (93.7%) and achieved about 70% answering rate with 83% of answers received a lot/full confidence.
Price elasticity and bid-ask price spreads in the treasury bond market

Abstract Typical analyses of transactions costs in the bond markets explain these costs in terms of yield, term to maturity, coupons, and issue size. However, these analyses do not recognize the price elasticity of bonds to interest rate movements, which provides better measures of market risk and bid-ask price spreads. Elasticity or duration and issue size together display stronger associations with bid-ask price spreads than do the traditional variables. The association is also less subject to multicollinearity of the independent variables. Finally, stepwise regressions show that coupon and yield data add no information about bid-ask price spreads not already impounded in the duration statistic. This casts doubt on the nonduration arguments often used to support these variables as separately meaningful in transactions cost analyses.
SU-E-J-209: A Simple Method to Minimize Uncertainty in ITV Delineation: Phantom Verification.

Purpose: Irregular breathing causes variation in delineation of internal target volume (ITV), which is typically generated in the maximum intensity projection (MIP) images [1]. Previous studies have shown that MIP‐based ITV can underestimate true tumor range [2]. This study examines a simple method to reduce such errors by combining the GTV of 3D‐CT with the ITV of MIP. Methods: The Computerized Imaging Reference Systems (CIRS) Dynamic Thorax Phantom Model 008A (CIRS, Norfolk, VA) with CIRS motion control software was used to model 4 irregular patient respiratory profiles and one regular respiratory profile (sine wave). A 3 cm tumor insert was used as target. For each breathing profile, a 3D‐CT and 3 repeated 4D‐CT scans with random intervals within the breathing profile were performed on a 4‐slice clinical scanner (Lightspeed, GE, WI). The RPM system (Varian, Palo Alto, CA) was used to track the respiratory profiles. GTV was contoured on 3D‐CT, and ITV was contoured on each MIP (ITVMIP) using a consistent lung window by the same person. The new method of creating ITV was to combine the GTV and ITVMIP, namely ITVCOMB. To evaluate which ITV is more accurate, ITVCOMB and ITVMIP were compared to a ‘ground truth’ ITV (ITVGT) which was generated by combining the three ITVMIPs. Results: For the regular profile, both ITVMIP (27.25 cm3) and ITVCOMB (28.12 cm3) were comparable to ITVGT (27.25 cm3). For irregular profiles, the mean absolute difference between ITVCOMB and ITVGT (6.3%±4.9) was significantly (p‐value=0.0078) smaller than that between ITVMIP and ITVGT (18.1%±12.3). Conclusions: The results suggest that combining GTV of the 3D‐CT with the ITV of the MIP is more accurate than the ITV of the MIP alone, and thus would be a simple method to reduce breathing irregularity induced errors in ITV delineation for treatment planning of lungcancer.
Genetics of Alcohol Dependence and Social Work Research: Do They Mix?

Since completion of the mapping of the human genome in early 2000, tremendous progress has been made in the identification of many different genes associated with our health and across diseases. Although social work researchers are not expected to conduct genetic research at the molecular level, it is imperative that we are able to understand the basic genetic findings related to behavioral problems and are able to translate and integrate this information into psychosocial treatment approaches and program development. This article is an introduction and overview of genetic approaches, using studies of the genetics of alcoholism to exemplify important issues. The literature review is not comprehensive and focuses primarily on the Collaborative Study on the Genetics of Alcoholism project as an example of a multidisciplinary and integrative approach to the genetic study of a major health problem often encountered in social work practice.
Synaptic interactions between neurons involved in the production of abdominal posture in crayfish

Pairs of neurons that produce or influence motor outputs in the abdominal positioning system of the crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) were impaled in isolated nerve cords with Lucifer Yellow-filled microelectrodes to determine their morphologies and the nature and extent of the synaptic interactions between them. Although the motor programs for positional adjustments can be produced by directly stimulating single interneurons, we found extensive interactions between these neurons, often involving the recruitment of one interneuron by another. The data indicate that the positioning interneurons do not operate as labelled lines, each independently producing a discrete position. Pairs of interneurons, each producing similar motor outputs when activated, were often found to be connected by unidirectional excitatory synapses. In contrast, central inhibition was commonly found between pairs of interneurons that produced antagonistic motor effects. Finally, the unidirectional interactions between positioning interneurons revealed a hierarchy of at least two tiers in this system. Based on these observations, we suggest that abdominal positioning in crustaceans is produced by constellations of interacting interneurons.
Art for Institutionalized Elderly

AbstractInstitutionalized elderly often lack stimulating and creative activity. An eight-week textile art education intervention introduced an activity that encouraged learning new skills and applying them in an individual and creative manner to fabric painting.To evaluate the intervention's effectiveness, data were gathered from two interview schedules; one administered to nursing home staff, the other to residents. The sample of forty-nine residents, twenty-six of whom participated in art classes, was drawn from three nursing homes in Lawrence, Kansas.Results indicate social interaction improved significantly and the quality of art work produced by the majority of participants improved over the course of instruction.The study suggests that arts programming in nursing homes contributes to social well-being and provides opportunities for learning new forms of creative expression.
Dislocation reactions responsible for the formation of a twin in the ordered intermetallic alloy Ni-20A1-30Fe

Abstract Twins have been studied in an undeformed sample of the ordered L12 alloy Ni-20Al-30Fe. One twin/matrix boundary was seen to have “steps”. A dislocation mechanism is proposed, whereby Shockley partial dislocations of three different types move in a coordinated manner on adjacent {111} type planes to form twins in Ni3Al; this glide plane is also the twinning plane. A local, but not global, stress is created by this type of dislocation motion. Preliminary measurements of the thickness of each of the “steps” have been made. It is proposed that the “steps” thicknesses correspond to the thickness of multiples of three {111} type planes.
Adrenalectomy‐Produced Facilitation of Pavlovian Conditioned Cardiodecelerations in Immobilized Rats

Previous evidence has suggested that both hormonal and behavioral aspects of adrenal stress activation may contribute to heart rate (HR) conditioning during physical/pharmacological immobilization. Accordingly, four studies were conducted to determine if bilateral adrenalectomy facilitates stimulus-control over Pavlovian conditioned cardiodecelerations in rats immobilized either through physical restraint or neuromuscular paralysis. Plasma corticosterone assays were used as an index of the effectiveness of adrenal removal. The results showed that adrenalectomy facilitated both simple and discriminated Pavlovian conditioned cardiodecelerations in rats paralyzed with d-tubocurarine chloride (dTC) without significantly altering the characteristics of EMG recovery from paralysis. Similarly, adrenalectomy facilitated simple Pavlovian HR conditioning in physically restrained rats. The results suggest that adrenal activation may disrupt the parasympathetically-mediated Pavlovian conditioned cardiodeceleration in the physically-and dTC-immobilized rat. However, the specific nature of neuroendocrine mechanisms underlying cardiovascular conditioning during immobilization remains problematical.
Androgen metabolism by and binding to mature rabbit epididymal tissue: Studies on cytosol

Abstract The rabbit epididymis is capable of metabolizing [ 3 H]-testosterone to [ 3 H]-5α-androstan-17β-hyroxy-3-one (5αDHT) and to [ 3 H]-5α-androstan-3α, 17β-diol (3α-diol) under in vitro conditions. These reactions occurred more rapidly at 23°C than 0°C and were dependent upon time and substrate concentration in the linear manner characteristic of enzymatic reactions. Androgens were bound to two or more components in cytosol preared from epididymal tissue. Androgens dissociated slowly from one of the components (the epididymal androgen receptor) and rapidly from the other component(s) (androgen binding protein (ABP) and/or testosterone binding globulin (TeBG). Differences in dissociation rates among these molecules were utilized to determine which androgens were bound to the androgen receptor. This was accomplished by adding unlabeled testosterone to pre-labeled cytosol to dissociate label that was bound to the rapidly dissociating moieties and separating the bound and free radioactivity by gel filtration chromatography. Androgens were extracted from the column eluates with diethyl ether, separated by thin layer chromatography, and identified by recrystallization to constant specific activity. The androgen receptor strongly favors the binding of 5αDHT since although 5αDHT constituted only 10–20% of the total pool of radioactive androgens, it comprised 50% of the androgens bound to the receptor. The remaining receptor-bound androgen consisted of testosterone and 3α-diol. The androgen receptor could be demonstrated in cytosol from both intact and castrated rabbits using these methods. However, the concentration of available receptor sites was more than twice as great in castrated animals than in intact ones. Total bound radioactivity in cytosol was examined by gel chromatography of labeled cytosol to which no unlabeled hormone had been added. Epididymal tisue from 3-day castrated rabbits produced significantly less 5αDHT ( P = 0.005) than did epididymal tissue from intact rabbits.
Comparative study of hemolymph phenoloxidase activity in Aedes aegypti and Anopheles quadrimaculatus and its role in encapsulation of Brugia malayi microfilariae.

Abstract Hemolymph phenoloxidase activity of sugar-fed and blood-fed females of Anopheles quadrimaculatus and Aedes aegypti showed similar characteristics. Phenoloxidase was present as an inactive proenzyme in both mosquito species and was partially activated during collection of the hemolymph. In both mosquito species, phenoloxidase activity was modulated by different buffers and activated phenoloxidase did not need Ca 2+ . Enzymatic activity was higher in the hemocytes than in the plasma in both mosquito species. Trypsin, laminarin, and blood-feeding on uninfected and Brugia malayi -infected jirds enhanced hemolymph phenoloxidase activity in both mosquito species. The appearance of hemolymph phenoloxidase activity was inhibited by p -nitrophenyl p ′-guanidinobenzoate HCl, soybean trypsin inhibitor, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, diethyldithiocarbamic acid, saturated 1-phenyl-2-thiourea and reduced glutathione, but not by benzamidine in A. quadrimaculatus . The appearance of hemolymph phenoloxidase activity was inhibited by benzamidine, diethyldithiocarbamic acid, saturated 1-phenyl-2-thiourea, reduced glutathione, β-nitrophenyl p ′-guanidinobenzoate and soybean trypsin inhibitor, but not by ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid in A. aegypti . It is suggested that in both mosquito species, blood-feeding and migration of sheathed microfilariae in the homocoel activated the prophenoloxidase in the hemolymph and caused the encapsulation and melanization of microfilarial sheaths and microfilariae of B. malayi .
Stroke Prevention: Carotid Stenting and Carotid Endarterectomy Go Neck and Neck

Abstract An estimated 15% to 20% of strokes that occur annually in the United States are caused by atherosclerosis of the carotid artery. Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) has been the standard of care for over 50 years in patients with carotid disease and has a proven track record. Carotid angioplasty and stenting (CAS), which received Food and Drug Administration approval in 2004, has emerged as a less invasive alternative treatment for carotid stenosis. Recent clinical studies have shown that long-term outcomes of CEA and CAS are comparable. Carotid stenting may also offer additional clinical benefits in high-risk patients. This article will compare carotid stenting with CEA as a treatment for stroke prevention. The pre-, intra-, and postmonitoring of the patient undergoing this new neurointerventional procedure will be emphasized.
Synthesis of Chemically Bonded Polystyrene-Divinylbenzene on Silica by Free Radical Initiation with Gamma Radiation Cross-Linking

Abstract A procedure is described for direct chemical bonding of polystyrene-divinylbenzene (PS-DVB) to silica. The method is a two-step process which first bonds and polymerizes the material via peroxide initiation in the presence of azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN). The second step involves cross-linking the bonded polymer by gamma irradiation. The success of the procedure is evaluated by carbon-hydrogen analysis and DRIFT spectroscopy of the product. Chromatographically the bonded material is tested by separations of alkylarylketones.
The identification of MYO-inositol:NAD(P)+ oxidoreductase in mammalian brain.

Abstract myo -Inositol:NAD(P)+ oxidoreductase ( myo -inositol oxidoreductase) has been identified in bovine brain. This enzyme elutes from DEAE cellulose with 0.3 M KCl in 50 mM Tris buffer, pH 7.5. Using NADH as cofactor myo -inosose-2 is reduced selectively to myo -inositol. With NADPH the enzyme forms both myo -inositol and scyllo -inositol, however, at a lower rate. The enzyme was chromatographed on G-100 Sephadex and found to have an apparent molecular weight of 74,000. This enzyme differs in DEAE binding, molecular weight and cofactor specificity from the previously described scyllo -inositol oxidoreductase which utilizes NADPH exclusively to produce 3 fold more scyllo -inositol than myo -inositol.
Effect of endotoxin on gastrointestinal mucosa of the rat.

Summary1. Intracardiac injection of maximal lethal doses of endotoxin resulted in grossly apparent edema and congestion and microscopic hemorrhages of small intestine within 20 to 80 minutes. 2. Succinoxidase activity of small intestinal mucosal homogenate decreased within 30 seconds after endotoxin injection and remained depressed until animal was moribund. 3. By assay procedure used, there was no change in amount of succinoxidase inhibitor in the intestinal homogenate. 4. Transmural migration of bacteria through the bowel wall was not apparent despite the effect of endotoxin on gut morphology and enzyme activity.
The use of knowledge acquisition in instructional design

Abstract Expert systems and knowledge based systems have emerged from “esoteric” laboratory research in Artificial Intelligence (AI) to become an important tool for approaching real world problems. Expert systems are distinctive in that they are designed to address problems in a similar manner and with similar results as a human expert. The basic structure of an expert system is comprised of three functionally separate components: (a) knowledge base, which contains a representation of domain related facts; (b) means of knowledge base use to solve a problem, inference mechanism; and (c) working memory, which records the input data and progress for each problem. Given the complexity and cost of expert system construction, it is imperative that system developers and researchers attend to research issues which are critical to knowledge engineering. These questions can be categorized according to the parts of an expert system: (a) knowledge representation; (b) knowledge utilization; and (c) knowledge acquisition. A knowledge acquisition procedure is presented which displays the relationship between subject matter expert expertise consisting of declarative knowledge, procedural knowledge, heuristics, formal rules, and meta-rules. The knowledge engineer uses one or a combination of elicitation methods to gather relevant data to eventually build the components of an expert system. Further explained are the acquisition methods: (a) structured interview; (b) verbal reports; (c) teaching the subject matter; (d) observation; and (e) automated knowledge acquisition tools. The paper concludes with a discussion of the future research issues concerned with using knowledge mapping and task analysis vs. knowledge acquisition techniques.
In vitro demonstration of IgE antibody to folate-albumin in anaphylaxis from folic acid.

Abstract Background: Folic acid (the synthetic form of folate B vitamins in foods) is widely used in vitamin supplements. Anaphylaxis from ingestion or injection of folic acid suggests IgE antibody–mediated mechanisms, but this has not been demonstrated previously in vitro. Objective: This study was conducted to better define the mechanism of folic acid hypersensitivity and cross-reactivity among folic acid congeners. Methods: Skin testing was performed with folic acid congeners in a woman who developed anaphylaxis after ingestion of 2 different multivitamin preparations containing folic acid. In vitro immunologic serum studies were conducted using a folate–human serum albumin (HSA) conjugate prepared by a novel application of carbodiimide condensation. Results: The patient had positive immediate-type skin test reactions to folic acid and several folate analogues including leucovorin (folinic acid). Urticaria developed during graded oral test dosing with leucovorin. Using a dot immunoblot assay or an ELISA for IgE antibody to folate-HSA, results of the patient's serum testing were positive, whereas results of sera from normal control subjects were negative, the first in vitro demonstration of IgE to a folic acid–protein conjugate. By ELISA, the positive result of the patient's serum was inhibited significantly by serum coincubation with folate-HSA, but not HSA or folic acid. Conclusions: Immediate hypersensitivity to folic acid and possibly other vitamins can be mediated by IgE antibody to conjugates formed between vitamins and self-proteins or polypeptides. Leucovorin can have clinically important immunologic cross-reactivity with folic acid. A diet rich in natural folates (pteroylpolyglutamates) appears useful as a management strategy for providing adequate nutrition to patients with folic acid hypersensitivity. {J Allergy Clin Immunol 2000;106:386-9.)
Comparison of mechanical stability in double-row rotator cuff repairs between a knotless transtendon construct versus the addition of medial knots.

Purpose Our purpose was to investigate the importance of medial-row knot tying to mechanical stability in a double-row rotator cuff repair by comparing a knotless construct with transtendon anchor passage versus a similar construct implementing medial knots. Methods A standard defect was created in the infraspinatus tendons of 14 bovine humeri. All defects were repaired with 2 medial and 2 lateral anchors (SutureCross System; KFx Medical, Carlsbad, CA). The medial anchors were either placed by transtendon passage in a knotless construct or placed directly into bone with needle passage of suture to create bursal-sided knots medially. Constructs were subjected to a cyclic loading protocol and then loaded to failure. Results The medially knotted constructs had a statistically higher stiffness at both the initial and final cycles ( P P P P = .12) and decreased cycles to 3 mm of displacement ( P = .07) in the medially knotted group. Maximal yield strength was greater in the medially knotted group (350 ± 270 N v 650 ± 530 N), although this was not found to be statistically significant ( P = .5). Conclusions Our data suggest that creation of medial knots increases construct stiffness and stability in arthroscopic double-row cuff repair. This is likely because of increased load transfer to the lateral anchor and suture-tendon interface in the knotless construct. Clinical Relevance Medial knots create increased mechanical stability that theoretically may improve rotator cuff healing. This mechanical advantage must be weighed against surgical efficiency, with consideration given to factors such as tissue quality.
Reversible Phosphorylation of the Signal Transduction Complex in Drosophila Photoreceptors

In the Drosophila visual cascade, the transient receptor potential (TRP) calcium channel, phospholipase Cβ (no-receptor-potential A), and an eye-specific isoform of protein kinase C (eye-PKC) comprise a multimolecular signaling complex via their interaction with the scaffold protein INAD. Previously, we showed that the interaction between INAD and eye-PKC is a prerequisite for deactivation of a light response, suggesting eye-PKC phosphorylates proteins in the complex. To identify substrates of eye-PKC, we immunoprecipitated the complex from head lysates using anti-INAD antibodies and performed in vitro kinase assays. Wild-type immunocomplexes incubated with [32P]ATP revealed phosphorylation of TRP and INAD. In contrast, immunocomplexes frominaC mutants missing eye-PKC, displayed no phosphorylation of TRP or INAD. We also investigated protein phosphatases that may be involved in the dephosphorylation of proteins in the complex. Dephosphorylation of TRP and INAD was partially suppressed by the protein phosphatase inhibitors okadaic acid, microcystin, and protein phosphatase inhibitor-2. These phosphatase activities were enriched in the cytosol of wild-type heads, but drastically reduced in extracts prepared from glass mutants, which lack photoreceptors. Our findings indicate that INAD functions as RACK (receptor for activated PKC), allowing eye-PKC to phosphorylate INAD and TRP. Furthermore, dephosphorylation of INAD and TRP is catalyzed by PP1/PP2A-like enzymes preferentially expressed in photoreceptor cells.
Progress in Wettability Study of Reactive Systems

A review of various factors affecting wetting and spreading has been presented. Various methods for wettability studies and critical issues concerning contact angle measurement are discussed. Reactive wetting has been given a special attention in the paper and recent developments in this area are summarized and discussed. Although advanced understanding of nonreactive wetting is currently available in the literature, complete understanding of reactive wetting is still lacking due to the complexity of the phenomenon. To date, there is no single model that is generally applicable to all reactive wetting systems. Reaction between the liquid drop and substrate can take the form of dissolution, intermetallic formation, or combination of both processes. Factors affecting wettability have been summarized and discussed as well as the major available techniques to investigate wetting behaviour.
First Direct Measurement of Acceleration in the Outflow of a Nova: U Scorpii (1999)*

We report the first direct measurement of acceleration in the outflow of a nova, U Sco, observed 5 days after the start of an outburst. Spectroscopic time series of the intense H? emission line, obtained with the Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph camera on board the Hubble Space Telescope, shows a bright emission component moving across the spectrum at a rate of +0.16 ? 0.02 ? in 30 minutes. This is consistent with a clump of emitting material having a line-of-sight acceleration ar = +4.1 ? 0.5 m s-2. The data suggest that this clump resides within a moderately collimated bipolar outflow. Due to projection effects, this implies an actual acceleration of the clump relative to the star of a +25 m s-2.
Exploring newsroom views about consultants in local TV: The effect of work roles and socialization

This exploratory study investigates how the newsroom impact of news consultants’ recommendations is affected by both a television journalist's work role and a journalist's experiences in the profession. The focus here was on news managers (producers, assignment editors, and news directors), with data coming from a survey of 16 news departments in small, medium and large markets. Results found that although a news manager's work role was somewhat related to views about consultants, a stronger relationship existed between views of consultants and a news manager's experiences in television news. In particular, a news manager's stake in the news process was tied to views of consultants, with a clear split between orientations toward business and journalistic aspects of television news.
Optimal reception of partially polarized waves

Various aspects of the physics of partially polarized waves are discussed with applications to optical (lidar) reception problems. We focus on the issue of the optimal intensity reception of partially polarized waves scattered off a fluctuating object (ensemble of scatterers) of known polarization properties (measured Mueller matrix). Expressions for total available intensity and adjustable (polarization-dependent) intensity are derived in a clear and novel manner by using the coherency matrix approach. A general numerical technique is developed and illustrated for the optimization of adjustable intensity as a function of transmitted polarization. Closed-form expressions are derived for two important subcases, and numerical illustrations for the general case are discussed in detail, including the use of relevant experimental data.
Historical perspective on Karenia brevis red tide research in the Gulf of Mexico.

Abstract Research on Karenia brevis blooms in the Gulf of Mexico started with the 1946–1947 red tide along the Florida west coast. Early research was on the organism itself, its tolerances and requirements, and the environment in which it lived and grew. Control of blooms, as a management option, was pursued in the 1950s with little success. However, in the 1960s–1970s, new regulation of shellfish growing areas was a public health management success. Research on K. brevis blooms followed funding cycles and was sporadic until the late 1990s when the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) funded the Ecology and Oceanography of Harmful Algal Blooms (ECOHAB) and NOAA Monitoring and Event Response of Harmful Algal Blooms (MERHAB) programs. These particular funding programs, augmented by State of Florida appropriations, provided the opportunity to study K. brevis blooms on different temporal-spatial scales and consequently advanced the science. This review looks at historical research results in the light of today's advances.
Designation of sequences involved in the “coiled-coil” interdomainal connections in fibrinogen: Construction of an atomic scale model

Abstract Primary structure studies on human fibrinogen ( α 2 β 2 γ 2 ) have revealed certain unusual features which are compatible with the existence of a three-stranded set of supercoiled α-helices thought to be characteristic of the keratin family of fibrous proteins. In particular, each of the three non-identical chains has two characteristic braces of cysteines separated by 111 residues. The three chains are apparently bound together at these two junctures in unique six-cysteine rings. The amino acid sequences between these unusual cysteine pairs (themselves separated in all six cases by three residues) are helix-permissive over significant portions of their lengths. Moreover, the non-polar residues tend to vary rhythmically. To test the proposition that these sequences do indeed correspond to the “coiled-coils” long ago predicted on the basis of wide-angle X-ray diffraction studies, we constructed a detailed, atomic scale model of a part of this region. To this end, we fashioned three α-helical segments, each 29 residues long and corresponding to the designated sequences of the α, β and γ-chains, respectively. In each case we incorporated a pitch of approximately 200 A. We were then able to fit the three helices together in the two possible combinations which yield a pseudo-3-fold axis. In either case all polar residues extend away from the parallel three-stranded rope, and almost all the non-polar side-chains are directed toward the interior. We also constructed a separate model showing how the six cysteines at each end of the proposed rod-like segment are best arranged. The co-ordinates from both models were collected and utilized in a computer-graphic Molecular Modeling System which can display features of the models selectively. Various projections were plotted automatically, some of which are reproduced here.
Stability of cellular proteins under supraphysiological temperatures

We present quantitative analyses of the kinetics of cellular components confronted with the destabilizing effect of irreversible thermal denaturation. We examine the dependence of the thermal denaturation on the heating rate, relative stability, population and lifetime of the states involved in transition and crowding effects. We propose a mechanism for self-stabilization of proteins during unfolding in tightly packed fibers and membranes. Speaking in terms of vulnerability to thermal denaturation, our results suggest that the thermal alteration of the plasma membrane is likely to be the most significant cause of the tissue necrosis.
Understanding IAP function and regulation: a view from Drosophila

Apoptosis is an active form of cell suicide that results in the orderly death and phagocytosis of cells during normal development and in the adult. Many death signals lead to the activation of members of a family of cysteine proteases known as caspases. These proteins act to transduce death signals from different cellular compartments and they cleave a number of cellular proteins, leading ultimately to many of the biochemical and morphological events associated with death. Many mechanisms act to inhibit cell death upstream of caspase activation. However, only one family of cellular proteins, the inhibitors of apoptosis (IAPs), has been identified that inhibit caspase activation and/or activity. The observations that IAP function is essential for cell survival in Drosophila, and that IAP expression is deregulated in many forms of cancer in humans, argue that IAPs are important cell death inhibitors and that deregulation of their function is likely to be important in human disease. Here we review IAP function, with particular reference to insights that study of the Drosophila IAPs has provided. We also discuss some directions for future study. Cell Death and Differentiation (2000) 7, 1045–1056.