cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Short-Term Effect of Crural Fasciotomy on Kinematic Variability and Propulsion During Level Locomotion

Treadmill locomotion can be characterized by consistent step-to-step kinematics despite the redundant degrees of freedom. The authors investigated the effect of disrupting the crural fascia in decerebrate cats to determine if the crural fascia contributed to kinematic variability and propulsion in the limb. Crural fasciotomy resulted in statistically significant decreases in velocity and acceleration in the joint angles during level walking, before, during, and after paw-off, particularly at the ankle. A further finding was an increase in variance of the limb segment trajectories in the frontal plane. The crural fascia therefore provides force transmission and reduction in kinematic variability to the limb during locomotion.
A monolithic isolation amplifier in silicon-on-insulator CMOS: Testing and applications

In this paper, the design and test results of a 4-channel digital isolation amplifier are presented, along with results of a prototype power converter circuit using the amplifier for voltage feedback regulation. The amplifier uses a capacitive coupling technique to transfer digital signals from input to output while preserving galvanic isolation between the two. The isolation amplifier was fabricated in a 0.5 ?m Silicon-on-Sapphire (SOS) technology and uses the isolation properties of the SOS substrate to achieve more than 800 V isolation between input and output grounds. Each of the four channels can operate in excess of 100 Mbps using a differential transmission scheme to reject ground bounce transients up to 1 V/?s. The input circuit can be powered from an on-chip charge-pump to permit single supply operation. The device can be used in a wide variety of applications that require passing signals across an isolation barrier: power supplies, remote sensing, and medical and industrial applications.
Biologic changes due to long-wave ultraviolet irradiation on human skin: ultrastructural study.

Alteration of the skin induced by single and repeated long-wave ultraviolet UVA) exposures was studied. Following a single exposure to relatively large doses of UVA, pronounced dermal damage was observed. In the papillary dermis, superficial dermal vessels showed widely open endothelial gaps and extravasation of blood cells. Marked changes of fibroblasts were also seen in the superficial dermis. In the reticular dermis, extravascular fibrin deposition was seen. After repeated exposures to UVA the formation of cross-banded filamentous aggregations ("Zebra bodies") was observed in the superficial and reticular dermis. These were often found in amorphous masses surrounding the blood vessels. These striking dermal alterations were absent in skin irradiated by solar stimulating radiation and in control skin. Dyskeratotic "sunburn cells" were occasionally seen in the epidermis after single as well as repeated exposures to UVA. The number of these cells was less than that seen after a single exposure to solar simulating radiation.
Proteomic analysis reveals CCT is a target of Fragile X mental retardation protein regulation in Drosophila

Abstract Fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) is an RNA-binding protein that is required for the translational regulation of specific target mRNAs. Loss of FMRP causes Fragile X syndrome (FXS), the most common form of inherited mental retardation in humans. Understanding the basis for FXS has been limited because few in vivo targets of FMRP have been identified and mechanisms for how FMRP regulates physiological targets are unclear. We have previously demonstrated that Drosophila FMRP (dFMRP) is required in early embryos for cleavage furrow formation. In an effort to identify new targets of dFMRP-dependent regulation and new effectors of cleavage furrow formation, we used two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry to identify proteins that are misexpressed in dfmr1 mutant embryos. Of the 28 proteins identified, we have identified three subunits of the Chaperonin containing TCP-1 (CCT) complex as new direct targets of dFMRP-dependent regulation. Furthermore, we found that the septin Peanut, a known effector of cleavage, is a likely conserved substrate of fly CCT and is mislocalized in both cct and in dfmr1 mutant embryos. Based on these results we propose that dFMRP-dependent regulation of CCT subunits is required for cleavage furrow formation and that at least one of its substrates is affected in dfmr1− embryos suggesting that dFMRP-dependent regulation of CCT contributes to the cleavage furrow formation phenotype.
The human hGSTA5 gene encodes an enzymatically active protein.

Abstract Background Of the five human Alpha-class glutathione transferases, expression of hGSTA5 has not been experimentally documented, even though in silico the hGSTA5 sequence can be assembled into a mRNA and translated. The present work was undertaken to determine whether hGSTA5 is functional. Methods Human K562 cells were transfected with the hGSTA5 gene driven by the CMV promoter, and hGSTA5 cDNA was recovered from mature mRNA by reverse transcription. The cDNA was used in bacterial and eukaryotic protein expression systems. The resulting protein, after purification by glutathione affinity chromatography where appropriate, was tested for glutathione transferase activity. Results Human K562 cells transfected with the hGSTA5 gene under control of a CMV promoter produced a fully spliced mRNA which, after reverse transcription and expression in E. coli, yielded a protein that catalyzed the conjugation of the lipid peroxidation product 4-hydroxynonenal to glutathione. Similarly, transfection of human HEK-293 cells with the hGSTA5 gene driven by the CMV promoter led to an elevated 4-hydroxynonenal-conjugating activity in the cell lysate. In addition, translation of hGSTA5 cDNA in a cell-free eukaryotic system gave rise to a protein with 4-hydroxynonenal-conjugating activity. Conclusions hGSTA5 can be processed to a mature mRNA which is translation-competent, producing a catalytically active enzyme. General significance Because a functional gene would not be maintained in the absence of selective pressure, we conclude that the native hGSTA5 promoter is active but has a spatially or temporally restricted expression pattern, and/or is expressed only under specific (patho)physiological conditions.
An improved method for the large scale preparation of α,α′-trehalose-6-phosphate

An improved method was developed for the efficient, large-scale synthesis of α,α′-trehalose-6-phosphate starting with α,α′-trehalose. In the sequence, octa-trimethylsilylation of α,α′-trehalose is followed by selective removal of the 6-O-trimethylsilyl protecting group. Reaction of the mono-alcohol with (PhO)2POCl is then followed by simultaneous hydrogenolysis and per-desilylation to generate α,α′-trehalose-6-phosphate, free of contamination by inorganic phosphate.
Clinical phenotypes of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma: Recent advances

Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are prevalent obstructive lung diseases, both of which are characterized by airflow limitation. Although both represent distinct pathogenic entities, there can be significant clinical and physiologic overlap between the 2 disorders, creating potential management difficulties for clinicians. Although practice guidelines for both conditions outline diagnostic and management strategies, asthma and COPD are highly heterogeneous, and the symptoms of many patients remain poorly controlled despite adherence to current guidelines. Recent advances in phenotyping studies have elucidated heterogeneity in these airway diseases and might represent the best opportunity to enhance diagnosis, predict outcomes, and personalize treatments in patients with asthma and those with COPD. This review will focus on recent advances in describing phenotypic heterogeneity in asthma and COPD, including the evaluation of multiple clinical variables, molecular biomarkers, physiologic and radiologic data, and factors associated with disease progression and frequent exacerbations.
Progressive increase in the angle of deviation in acquired nonaccommodative esotropia of childhood.

Abstract Purpose Although the angle of deviation in patients with congenital esotropia has been shown to increase during the early preoperative period, few data exist regarding this change in other forms of childhood esotropia. The primary objective of this study was to investigate whether the angle of deviation increases with time in patients with acquired nonaccommodative esotropia (ANAET). Methods The medical records of all children whose ANAET was diagnosed at East Tennessee State University College of Medicine from August 1, 1995, through October 1, 2001, were retrospectively reviewed. All patients were assessed for any change in the amount of their strabismic angle and associated risk factors. Results Eighty-two patients with ANAET were identified, and all except 3 underwent more than one examination. Of the 79 children who underwent more than one examination, 26 (32.9%) displayed an angle increase of ≥10 prism diopters (PD) during a median follow-up period of 2.9 months. The ANAET of those patients whose angle increased by ≥10 PD was diagnosed (28.4 months of age vs 45.5 months of age, P = .003), and they underwent surgery (35.9 months of age vs 53.3 months of age, P = .003) at a significantly younger median age than those whose angle increased Conclusions The angle of deviation of approximately one third of patients with ANAET in this study increased at least 10 PD in the early preoperative period. This increase occurs more often in younger patients and underscores the importance of performing serial measurements of the deviating angle before surgical intervention is undertaken.
Rural bioethical issues of the elderly: how do they differ from urban ones?

: Typical ethical issues in health care for the elderly include decision making for elderly patients with and without capacity, advance directives, the use of life-sustaining technologies, and questions of access to services and justice. Obviously the same issues are relevant for elderly patients in rural settings. But the unique features of rural living add another dimension to ethical discourse and the care of patients, namely the primary importance of relationships. Rural bioethics is based on an ethic of familiarity, which alters our attention to such issues as confidentiality, multiple relationships, scope of practice, and access issues. The following article briefly outlines the unique features of rural bioethics and provides a case analysis.
Gamma-ray spectrometry of humans at the University of Utah.

A human total-body counter was designed and built with two 20 × 10 cm NaI (Tl) crystals suspended over an “isoresponse surface” upon which the subject reclines. This surface is curved from head to knee and from left to right, so that a gamma-ray emitting object is detected with equal efficiency when placed anywhere upon it. The positioner and detectors are housed in a low background enclosure constructed of steel 31 cm thick with a graded inner lining of lead + cadmium + copper. Calibration of the system was accomplished by administering trace amounts of various radionuclides to 48 human subjects of various sizes, ranging in age from 4–80 years. Counting rates per retained μCi at 0.53, 0.66, 1.53, and 2.75 MeV (83Rb,137Cs,42K, and24Na) were determined as a function of body size and were compared with counting rates per μCi of corresponding emitters centered in a polyethylene cylinder of radius 10.3 cm. Limits of detection, corresponding to three times the standard deviation of a 50 min background, were 170 nCi90Sr (via Bremsstrahlung X-rays), 0.78 nCi131I, 0.48 nCi83Rb, 0.52 nCi137Cs, 4.9 nCi40K (or 5.8 g of natural potassium), and 1.7 nCi222Rn.
Petrology of recent caliche pisolites, spherulites, and speleothem deposits from central Texas

Recent caliche, including nodules, pisolites, crusts, internal sediment, speleothem deposits, and spherulites, has formed within the dolomitic Cretaceous Edwards Formation of central Texas. As weathering altered the host strata, rhombic crystals of calcite were precipitated concomitantly with dissolution of the dolomite, thereby forming nodules. The highly altered dolomite (i.e. pulverulite) was then removed and spar, internal sediment, and travertine accumulated in the internodular voids. Nodular masses of calcite and dolomite are the most prominent constituent of the caliche. Some of the nodules have a well developed concentric structure as well as other characteristics similar to hypersaline pisolites. Features which appear to be useful in distinguishing caliche from hypersaline pisolites are: regional geological setting, association with other caliche and palaeosoil deposits, types of fossils present, and the presence of rhombic calcite and/or bladed sparry calcite with triangular shaped cross-section. A brick-like calcite texture and relict aragonite rays characterize hypersaline pisolites. Incipient neomorphism of the nodules and pisolites has resulted in the development of a radial pattern of spar within these structures. Geopetal deposits of internal sediment, including terra rossa soil, inhibited spar growth in the upward direction; consequently, spar is much better developed on the undersides of pisolites. Crusts and travertine flowstone (speleothem) deposits are intimately associated with the nodular masses and internal sediment. The brecciated thin crusts and travertine flowstone are end products of the same processes. The crusts formed during times of periodic desiccation of the growing surface while the flowstone formed when water was relatively abundant. Spherulitic bodies within the caliche, commonly 1–2 mm in diameter, display a radial texture and yet are composed of single crystals of calcite. The structures are the product of neomorphosed Microcodium or Microcodium-like globular bodies.
The influence of sexual selection and predation on the mating and postcopulatory guarding behavior of stone crabs (Xanthidae, Menippe)

Postcopulatory mate guarding in crustaceans traditionally has been viewed as a behavioral mechanism that prevents predation on the soft post-molt female. This study tests the effects of sexual selection and predation on the postcopulatory guarding durations of male stone crabs, Menippe mercenaria, M. adina, and their hybrid. Male stone crabs were held with a pre-molt female, and either another adult male stone crab, an intermolt female, or a male blue crab, which corresponded to intermale competition, control, and predation treatments, respectively. The mating behavior of the heterosexual pair was recorded with a time lapse video system and the durations of copulation and postcopulatory guarding were measured. Males guarded longer in the intermale competition treatment than either the control or predation treatments. In the competition treatment, agonistic encounters occurred between the males at the den containing the female and several mate takeovers occurred. Females survived the predation treatment in trials in which the guarding durations were the longest, whereas females were eaten by the blue crab in trials with the shortest guarding durations. Sexual selection appears to be important in maintaining postcopulatory mate guarding in stone crabs.
Astronomy: the missing black-hole link.

A class of black holes of intermediate mass is expected but has never been detected. The suggestion that these beasts might lurk behind powerful X-ray sources in nearby galaxies is now strengthened.
Predicting the Citrate Soluble Loss of the Dihydrate Process

A thermodynamic model was developed to predict the distribution of phosphates between the liquid and the solid phases in a reactor used for extracting phosphoric acid from phosphate rock by the dihydrate process. Experimental data found in the literature for equilibrium constants were regressed and included in the model to obtain a more accurate representation of the thermodynamic equilibrium. In addition, the Edwards−Maurer−Newman−Prausnitz Pitzer-based model was used to represent the activity coefficients of all species, while published lime solubility data were used to find an expression for the self-interaction parameter of phosphoric acid. The model was validated by comparing its predictions to experimental citrate soluble loss data taken from earlier work and yielded very good results. Simulation results for ionic strength, solution acidity, lime solubility, and citrate soluble loss were used to analyze the effects of temperature and solution sulfate and phosphate content on the dihydrate process. D...
The Effect of the Earth’s Rotation on Channel Flow

Les equations non lineaires completes de Navier-Stokes sont resolues numeriquement pour un ecoulement laminaire dans un canal rectangulaire d'axe est-ouest. Pour des canaux assez etroits la rotation de la terre conduit a une instabilite en rouleaux qui modifie notablement le profil de vitesse parabolique classique
Bubbles and inefficiencies

Abstract We study speculative behavior in a stochastic overlapping-generations model and we show how the link between the existence of bubbles and dynamic inefficiency, which has been established for the deterministic case, is broken when risk-related factors, such as risk premia and capital gains, are explicitly taken into account.
Hasa Diga Eebowai, What a Wonderful Phrase!: Subverting the Cultural Binaries of Disney’s The Lion King in The Book of Mormon

In his Carnival and Cannibal , Jean Baudrillard suggests that “Whites may [be] said to have carnivalized—and [simultaneously] cannibalized—themselves” [1] in their appropriation of Other/other cultures and images, and nowhere is this clearer in today’s theatrical landscape than in Disney’s Broadway sensation, The Lion King . While much praise has been given to the production and to Julie Taymor, the 2011 Broadway musical The Book of Mormon , an unquestionable runaway success, is perhaps the first major theatrical critique and deconstruction of the binary economies established—and supposedly blurred—in The Lion King . Far from being merely a simple satire or burlesque of the Mormon religion, The Book of Mormon calls into question the politics of performance surrounding Western depictions of “non-Western” cultures, blatantly subverting the portrayals of Africa, Africanisms, and the non-White in Disney’s theatrical cash cow by both carnivalizing as well as cannibalizing its target. This paper analyzes the precarious position held by The Book of Mormon as both a satire of Broadway spectacle as well as a commentary on racial politics of The Great White Way, while likewise examining the musical's success as a suggestion of the future of American theatre. [1] Jean Baudrillard, Carnival and Cannibal , trans. Chris Turner (London: Seagull Books, 2010), 7.
Deformation mechanism maps for polycrystalline metallic multiplayers

Metallic multilayers represent an ideal vehicle for the exploration of length scales in plasticity. They also provide the opportunity to synthesize materials with controlled interfaces and structures for the production of materials close to the theoretical strength. In the present investigation, the authors present a simple analysis that allows us to obtain limiting values of microstructural scales at which these different mechanisms operate. They present the results in the form of two-dimensional maps of layer thickness and grain size ranges over which different deformation mechanisms operate. These maps are intended to be guidelines for interpreting the scale-dependent strengthening or softening mechanisms in multilayers, in the same manner as Ashby's deformation mechanism maps for temperature and stress dependent deformation behavior of metals. An attempt to extend Ashby's deformation mechanism maps to Al thin films by Frost revealed that the predicted strain rates were several orders of magnitude higher than the observed rates due to the higher flow stresses of thin films. Hence, more work is needed to incorporate the fundamental differences in the deformation behavior of thin films and bulk polycrystals to map the mechanisms as a function of stress, temperature and microstructural scale. In this article the authors only considermore » changes in deformation mechanisms with decreasing length scales at constant temperature and strain rates.« less
Fasciotomy rates in operations enduring freedom and iraqi freedom: association with injury severity and tourniquet use.

Abstract : Objective: To compare fasciotomy rates and Injury Severity Scores (ISSs) before and after tourniquets were fielded for combat casualties in March 2005. Methods: A military trauma registry was used to identify 4332 casualties with limb injury between 2003 and 2006. Descriptive statistics and regression analysis were used to compare changes in ISSs, limb Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) scores, and fasciotomy rates. An item of specific interest was whether changes in fasciotomy rates occurred before and after March 2005, when tourniquets were fielded. Therefore, this time point served as a specific comparator in the statistical analyses. Results: Among the 4332 limb casualties, 669 (15%) underwent fasciotomy. The ISS doubled (100% increase) during the study. Limb AIS increased 35%. The increase in limb AIS constituted most of the increase in ISS. Monthly fasciotomy rates increased 500%(5%to 30%) during the study. When controlling injury severity (both AIS and ISS), fasciotomy rates tripled (200% increase); but when comparing fasciotomy before and after tourniquet fielding by AIS and ISS, rates only doubled (100% increase). On logistic regression for predicting fasciotomy, the model was unable to determine a good fit for the data because the variables were not significant except weakly for injury severity. Conclusions: During the period of the study, fasciotomy rates increased as a result of a combination of factors: increasing injury severity, increasing use of tourniquets, and increased awareness of the need to perform prophylactic fasciotomy. Further research should be aimed at determining what the optimum rate of fasciotomy is in such an environment.
Salivary autoantibodies in HIV-associated salivary gland disease.

A subset of HIV-positive patients develops salivary gland disease (HIV-SGD), characterized by salivary gland enlargement and/or decreased salivary flow. While clinical symptoms are similar to Sjogren's syndrome (SS), patients with HIV-SGD lack circulating anti-SS-A/Ro and anti-SS-B/La. Occasionally, SS patients lacking circulating anti-SS-A/Ro and anti-SS-B/La have these antibodies in their saliva. Salivas from 11 patients with HIV-SGD, 13 HIV+ patients without HIV-SGD, 14 HIV-negative men controls, and 11 patients with SS were screened for autoantibodies. Five HIV-SGD salivas had antibodies recognizing the cytoplasm of a salivary cell line. No HIV+ controls showed reactivity. Ten of 11 SS patients had salivary autoantibodies, and one HIV-negative control was positive for them. Salivary anti-SS-A/Ro was present in 8/11 SS patients, and 7 also contained anti-SS-B/La. No HIV-SGD salivary samples had these specific autoantibodies. These findings suggest that while glandular polyclonal expansion occurs in both HIV-SGD and SS, different autoantibodies are produced.
A probability model of aggregate meat consumption in the U.S.A.

This study illustrates the use of Markov analysis to investigate the nature of competition among demand-related products when only aggregate consumption data are available. Applied to meat consumption in the U.S.A. before and after 1976, the year in which per capita beef consumption began to decline, the results indicate that beef has not lost dramatically to chicken. This is contrary to conventional wisdom where consumers are thought to substitute chicken for beef because of the perceived high fat and cholesterol content of beef, and because of the relatively cheaper price of chicken.
Pain medicine: a contemporary perspective on environmental analysis and strategic planning.

One of the essential responsibilities of an organization is to understand and modify its behavior based upon environmental analysis. This is an important component of the process of developing and implementing an organizational strategic plan. As the discipline of pain medicine continues to attract widespread attention, we must develop strategies to encourage and influence this process. The national media, as recently exemplified by Newsweek , continue to focus on the growing epidemic of pain and the necessity for proper treatment. The American Academy of Pain Medicine (AAPM) has understood its role as an authori-tative resource regarding issues pertaining to painful conditions, treatments options, and pain-related public health policy, and we have expanded these functions. These ongoing activities of the Academy not only enhance its stature but also, hopefully, serve to ameliorate the suffering of millions of Americans afflicted by pain. The Academy continues to enhance its recognition within organized medicine, thereby positioning itself to better interact with its environment. The Journal of the American Medical Association , later this year, will publish a special theme issue on pain. This issue will raise awareness of our discipline within the medical community and will provide an update of pain research. The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) has issued two monographs addressing various aspects of pain care. These are entitled Pain: …
Management of familial hypercholesterolemia during pregnancy: Case series and discussion

With an occurrence of approximately 1 in 500 individuals worldwide, the heterozygous form of familial hypercholesterolemia is not uncommon. With statins being contraindicated in pregnancy (Category X), the management of pregnant women who carry this diagnosis has not been clearly defined. This case series describes five pregnant women seen at the Emory Center for Heart Disease Prevention between 2004 and 2010 who carried this diagnosis, their treatment, and subsequent outcomes. The article concludes with treatment options for clinicians in dealing with such individuals.
The Relationship between Mental Health, Acculturative Stress, and Academic Performance in a Latino Middle School Sample

This study evaluated the relationship between acculturative stress, symptoms of internalizing mental health problems, and academic performance in a sample of 94 Latino middle school students. Students reported on symptoms indicative of depression and anxiety related problems and acculturative stress. Teachers reported on students’ academic behavior and performance. Acculturative stress and symptoms of internalizing mental health problems were found to have a significant inverse association with students’ academic performance. Implications for the development of culturally responsive interventions that address mental health problems and acculturative stress are discussed.
Oxidized LDL Stimulates Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases in Smooth Muscle Cells and Macrophages

It has been proposed that oxidized LDL is more atherogenic than native LDL. However, the mechanisms by which native LDL and oxidized LDL alter function of cells in the vessel wall remain undefined. A signal transduction pathway that mediates many changes in cell function is the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase cascade. We therefore examined the effect of native LDL and oxidized LDL on MAP kinase activity in cultured vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC), endothelial cells, and macrophages by using an in-gel-kinase assay and anti-phosphotyrosine MAP kinase antibodies. Native LDL and LDL oxidized by the addition of Cu2+ (Cu(2+)-oxidized LDL) stimulated MAP kinase in a time- and dose-dependent manner in baboon and rat VSMC but not in bovine endothelial cells. Cu(2+)-oxidized LDL stimulated MAP kinase in human monocyte-derived macrophages, but the effect was much greater in cells cultured for 7 days compared with 1 day, suggesting dynamic regulation of the cellular response to oxidized LDL. In rat VSMC, the maximal MAP kinase response to Cu(2+)-oxidized LDL was significantly greater than the response to native LDL. Cu(2+)-oxidized LDL was more potent, with half-maximal activation at 15 micrograms/mL versus 30 micrograms/mL for native LDL. Stimulation of MAP kinase appeared to involve protein kinase C, since phorbol ester pretreatment for 24 hours blocked MAP kinase activation. Oxidation of LDL by other methods showed that activation of MAP kinase was not well correlated with lipid peroxides or aldehydes, suggesting that other components present in oxidized LDL were responsible. The active moiety appeared to be lipid based on extraction of oxidized LDL with organic solvents. These data indicate that LDL stimulates MAP kinase in VSMC, oxidation of LDL potentiates the effect, a lipid moiety is involved, and Cu(2+)-oxidized LDL activation of MAP kinase is cell-type specific. These findings suggest a role for MAP kinase in the pathways by which oxidized LDL contributes to altered cellular function associated with atherogenesis.
The field lines of an axisymmetric magnetic field

The equations of Willis and Young (1987) for the field lines of an arbitrary axisymmetric multipole are generalized to an arbitrary linear combination of multipoles, i.e., to an arbitrary axisymmetric magnetic field B outside a sphere of radius a, S(a), centered on the origin, and containing all the sources of B. For this field, axisymmetric Stokes stream function is expressed in terms of the Gauss coefficients. It is shown that if only one Gauss coefficient is nonzero, the field line equations are identical to those obtained by Willis and Young.
Direct cloning of DNA sequences from the common fragile site region at chromosome band 3p14.2

Despite several lines of evidence suggesting that common chromosomal fragile sites are biologically important as hot spots for recombination, their structure remains unknown. We showed previously that the plasmid pSV2neo preferentially integrates into bands containing fragile sites in cells transfected under conditions of fragile site induction. Here we report the isolation and characterization of the DNA sequences from two such independent integrations into 3p14.2, a common fragile site (FRA3B). These FRA3B region sequences were shown to lie within a 1330-kb YAC, 850A6, approximately 350 kb telomeric of the breakpoint of t(3;8), a constitutional rearrangement. The two integration sites are 10 kb apart, but each integration is associated with a deletion. We have constructed a partial genomic contig of the integration sites and deleted regions spanning approximately 85 kb. Analysis of the DNA sequences immediately surrounding the plasmid integrations revealed no known coding sequences or repeat structures resembling the (CGG){sub n} motif characteristic of the rare fragile sites. In addition, by Southern blotting analysis, none of the phage clones isolated from the FRA3B region were found to contain CGG repeats. Fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis of genomic clones from this contig to metaphase cells induced to express breaks demonstrated hybridization adjoiningmore » the chromosome breaks, and occasionally the hybridization signal spanned the break. The results imply that breakage occurs at variable positions within a large region (at least on the order of 85 kb). Together, these data suggest that the structure of FRA3B differs from that of rare fragile sites. 39 refs., 6 figs., 1 tab.« less
Axonal conduction block as a novel mechanism of prepulse inhibition.

In prepulse inhibition (PPI), the startle response to a strong, unexpected stimulus is diminished if shortly preceded by the onset of a different stimulus. Because deficits in this inhibitory gating process are a hallmark feature of schizophrenia and certain other psychiatric disorders, the mechanisms underlying PPI are of significant interest. We previously used the invertebrate model system Tritonia diomedea to identify the first cellular mechanism for PPI—presynaptic inhibition of transmitter release from the afferent neurons (S-cells) mediating the startle response. Here, we report the involvement of a second, more powerful PPI mechanism in Tritonia : prepulse-elicited conduction block of action potentials traveling in the startle pathway caused by identified inhibitory interneurons activated by the prepulse. This example of axo-axonic conduction block—neurons in one pathway inhibiting the propagation of action potentials in another—represents a novel and potent mechanism of sensory gating in prepulse inhibition.
Stability of regime-switching diffusions

This work is devoted to stability of regime-switching diffusion processes. After presenting the formulation of regime-switching diffusions, the notion of stability is recalled, and necessary conditions for p-stability are obtained. Then main results on stability and instability for systems arising in approximation are presented. Easily verifiable conditions are established. An example is examined as a demonstration. A remark on linear systems is also provided.
Autocorrelations and thermal fragility of anyonic loops in topologically quantum ordered systems

Are systems that display Topological Quantum Order (TQO), and have a gap to excitations, hardware fault-tolerant at finite temperatures? We show that in models that display low d-dimensional Gauge-Like Symmetries, such as Kitaev’s and its generalizations, the expectation value of topological symmetry operators vanishes at any non-zero temperature, a phenomenon that we coined thermal fragility. The autocorrelation time for the non-local topological quantities in these systems may remain finite even in the thermodynamic limit. We provide explicit expressions for the autocorrelation functions in Kitaev’s Toric code model. If temperatures far below the gap may be achieved then these autocorrelation times, albeit finite, can be made large. The physical engine behind the loss of correlations at large spatial and/or temporal distance is the proliferation of topological defects at any finite temperature as a result of a dimensional reduction. This raises an important question: How may we best quantify the degree of protection of quantum information in a topologically ordered system at finite temperature?
Solutions to Challenging Digital Replantations

Replantation of amputated digits remains one of the most challenging areas in plastic and reconstructive surgery. Complicated cases of digital amputation, such as fingertip amputations, multidigital amputations, and so forth, pose an even greater challenge, requiring extraordinary solutions for successful replantation. The authors present their experience with complicated digital replantations at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-New Jersey Medical School. Cases presented include fingertip replantation, replantation of a finger with impairment of arterial inflow, and two cases of multidigital amputations. In one case of multidigital amputation, heterodigital replantation was performed, and in the other case, a minute skin neurovascular free flap from a nonreplantable finger was used for the reconstruction of another injured finger. Presented cases demonstrate various tools that can be successfully used in the performance of challenging digital replantations.
Fluorescence study of inter- and intramolecular interactions in poly(p-N,N-dimenthylaminostyrene-co-9-vinylantracene)

Abstract A new exciplex-forming polymer, poly(p-N, N-dimethylaminostyrene-co-9-vinylanthracene) (PDMA-AN, DP ≈ 25) was prepared by copolymerization of p-N, N-dimethylaminostyrene and 9-vinylanthracene. Exciplex formation was observed both in the fluid media and a polymer film. The fluorescence spectrum of PDMA-AN is characterized by the appearance of a high-energy exciplex formed by the neighboring pendant 9-anthryl (AN) and p-N, N-dimethylanilino (DMA) groups, which is shifted by approximately 85 nm to shorter wavelengths in comparison with the emission band of the intermolecular exciplex formed by the monomer model anthracene-p-N, N-dimethylaminotoluene (DMAT). The polymer conformation appropriate for the formation of this state exists prior to the initial excitation and is partially eclipsed. The effects of concentration and polarity of the solvent on the flourescence emission are discussed. A red shift of the maximum wavelength of the flourescence band as a function of concentration was found in a nonpolar solvent (toluene). However, in a relatively polar solvent (1,2-dichloroethane), a shoulder peak at a longer wavelength gains in intensity with increasing concentration. These phenomena are attributed to the increase of the contribution of the normal intermolecular exciplex state in which the interacting AN-DMA groups achieve an eclipsed and sandwiched conformation.
A case study of integrating protein interaction data using semantic web technology

We describe a new ontology-driven semantic data integration approach for post-genome biology studies. Here, a view-based global schema can be automatically generated by merging RDF schemas from local databases. The semantic inconsistency of the merged schema is resolved by the creation of 'RDF ontology maps'. Data querying capability is accomplished with a virtual data repository, in which a D2RQ-based 'relational-to-RDF' map is developed to link schema to the relational database backend. With sample RDQL queries, we demonstrate that our approach significantly simplifies the retrieval of human protein interaction data from different databases containing hundreds of thousands of records.
Inhibition of insulin receptor phosphorylation by indomethacin.

Insulin stimulated phosphorylation of tyrosine residues by the insulin receptor kinase may be part of a signalling mechanism associated with insulin's action. We report that indomethacin inhibited the phosphorylation of the β-subunit of the solubilized adipocyte insulin receptor. Indomethacin also inhibited several insulin-sensitive processes in intact rat adipocytes. Indomethacin (1 mM) inhibited basal phosphorylation of the β-subunit of the solubilized insulin receptor by 6007o and insulin-stimulated phosphorylation by 30%. In adipocytes, indomethacin inhibited basal 3-0-[methyl-14C]-methyl-D glucose transport by 50070 (P < 0.01), D-[6-14C]-glucose oxidation by 5007o (P < 0.01), D-[6-14C]-glucose conversion to lipid by 30010 (P < 0.01), and D-[1-14C]-glucose conversion to lipid by 6007o (P<0.01). Similarly, indomethacin inhibited insulin-stimulated 3-0-[methyl-14C]-methyl-D-glucose transport by 75070 (P<0.01), D-[6-14C]-glucose oxidation by 20% (P<0.05), D-[1-14C]-glucose oxidation by 35070 (P<0.01), D-[6-14C] glucose conversion to lipid by 25010 (P<0.01), and D-[1-14C] glucose conversion to lipid by 4501o (P<0.01). In contrast, insulin binding to its receptor, basal D-[1-14C]-glucose oxidation and both basal and insulin-stimulated activation of glycogen synthase were unaffected by indomethacin. Thus, indomethacin partially inhibited autophosphorylation of the solubilized insulin receptor on tyrosine and partially inhibited some but not all of insulin's actions. This supports the hypothesis that insulin's metabolic effects are linked to activation of the insulin receptor protein kinase and indicates that there may be heterogeneity in the mechanisms of intracellular metabolic control by insulin.
Computation of equilibrium in electrolyte solutions

Abstract Procedures are described to carry-out the searvh for global minimum in Gibbs free energy. Results are presented for SO 2 H 2 O and H 2 SNH 3 H 2 O systems and agree with experimental values.
Non-linear learning in large technological firms: Period four implies chaos

Abstract Advancing technology is causing rapid and often uncharted changes for many large firms. Responses to these changes reveal the more radical, non-linear forms of organizational learning to be even more important than previously believed. This article identifies types of organizational learning in large high technology firms; proposes a learning framework derived from previous work; augments the framework with an intensive case study of one exemplar; and focuses upon the discontinuous learning abilities needed during two learning periods which are especially critical today, crisis and renewal of innovation. Stages at which a successful technological unit must alter radically its learning modes are identified and analyzed. Strategic managerial practices to enhance innovation by fostering appropriate organizational learning modes are presented.
Effects of diuretic therapy and exercise-related arrhythmias in systemic hypertension.

Abstract The effect of aerobic exercise on cardiac arrhythmias, plasma catecholamines, potassium and magnesium in patients with systemic hypertension was assessed. Twenty patients (age 54 ± 8 years) with uncomplicated hypertension underwent exercise treadmill testing twice while receiving placebo and twice while receiving hydrochlorothiazide 100 mg daily. Blood samples for electrolytes and catecholamines were obtained at rest, at peak exercise and 10 minutes after exercise. There were no substantial differences comparing the first to the second placebo phase or the first to the second treatment period. As expected, hydrochlorothiazide treatment caused a significant decrease in serum potassium (4.00 ± 0.44 to 3.32 ± 0.49 mEq/liter, p
In situ simulation: Identification of systems issues

The Institute of Medicine's report, To Err is Human, concluded that "medical errors are not a result of isolated individual actions but rather faulty systems, processes, and conditions that lead people to make mistakes." In situ simulation offers the unique opportunity to train the teams of people who deliver healthcare while enhancing policies, evaluating new technologies, and improving the systems that support the delivery of safe healthcare. For this reason, the Institute of Medicine, the Joint Commission, and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality recommend medical simulation as one of the most important safe practice interventions to reduce errors and risks associated with the process of care. This review builds on other reports in this issue and discusses the application of in situ simulation to identify, address, and test systems improvements.
Don’t Judge Books by Their Covers Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells in Arterial Pathologies

Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) play important physiological and pathophysiological roles. Two articles in the current issue focus on the latter in atherosclerosis1 and in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).2 Notably, Allahverdian et al1 report that, in human coronary artery atherosclerotic plaques, many cells typically classified as macrophages are likely to be of VSMC origin, and Ricard et al2 report that, in PAH, VSMCs contributing to obstructive remodeling of the distal branches of the pulmonary artery likely arose from pericytes. Article see p 1551 and p 1586 Although studies of macrophages in atherosclerosis far outnumber those of VSMCs, there is nonetheless a trove of data, including from humans, going back more than 50 years that clearly support an important role for VSMCs in both acute and chronic pathologies of the vessel wall (eg, see References 3–5). Of particular relevance to the 2 articles under discussion is the concept of VSMC phenotypic plasticity, which has support from classic ultrastructural studies5 and more recent lineage tracing experiments.6 Although the latter studies support the phenomenon of VSMC phenotypic plasticity, they have been limited to experimental animal model systems that may not faithfully recapitulate all aspects of human pathology. Indeed, atherosclerosis in coronary or cerebral arteries is rarely examined in mice, whereas these sites are of great interest in studies of the human disease. Thus, whether human VSMCs undergo phenotypic conversions in the context of atherosclerosis remains an unanswered question. Now, as alluded to above, in this issue of Circulation , Allahverdian et al1 provide evidence for the phenotypic conversion of VSMCs of the coronary artery to a macrophage-like state during human atherogenesis.1 Through special fixation of the coronary vessels from explanted hearts, the authors were able to preserve intracellular lipid deposition and, by using …
Mixed-list manipulations of implicit associative responses in verbal discrimination learning: II. Strategies and interactions with rate of presentation

Implicit associative responses were manipulated in a verbal discrimination task involving a mixed list of intrapair, interpair, interitem-AR, and control conditions in combination with three rates of presentation (1:1, 2:2, and 4:4 sec). The intrapair condition was significantly superior to the control at all three presentation rates. The interpair condition was inferior to the control at the 1:1 sec rate, equal to the control at the 2:2 rate, and superior at the 4:4 rate. The interitem—AR condition was equal to the control at the 1:1 sec rate, but superior at the 2:2 and 4:4 rates. The results were interpreted as consistent with the hypothesis that multiple higher order strategies may be invoked in such a mixed list design and that these strategies differ in levels of complexity, resulting in a complex interaction with rate of presentation.
Function and regulation of TRP family channels in C. elegans

Seventeen transient receptor potential (TRP) family proteins are encoded by the C. elegans genome, and they cover all of the seven TRP subfamilies, including TRPC, TRPV, TRPM, TRPN, TRPA, TRPP, and TRPML. Classical forward and reverse genetic screens have isolated mutant alleles in every C. elegans trp gene, and their characterizations have revealed novel functions and regulatory mechanisms of TRP channels. For example, the TRPC channels TRP-1 and TRP-2 control nicotine-dependent behavior, while TRP-3, a sperm TRPC channel, is regulated by sperm activation and required for sperm-egg interactions during fertilization. Similar to their vertebrate counterparts, C. elegans TRPs function in sensory physiology. For instance, the TRPV channels OSM-9 and OCR-2 act in chemosensation, osmosensation, and touch sensation, the TRPA member TRPA-1 regulates touch sensation, while the TRPN channel TRP-4 mediates proprioception. Some C. elegans TRPM, TRPP, and TRPML members exhibit cellular functions similar to their vertebrate homologues and have provided insights into human diseases, including polycystic kidney disease, hypomagnesemia, and mucolipidosis type IV. The availability of a complete set of trp gene mutants in conjunction with its facile genetics makes C. elegans a powerful model for studying the function and regulation of TRP family channels in vivo.
Treatment of acoustic fluid–structure interaction by localized Lagrange multipliers and comparison to alternative interface-coupling methods

This paper is a sequel on the topic of localized Lagrange multipliers (LLM) for applications of fluid-structure interaction (FSI) between finite-element models of an acoustic fluid and an elastic structure. The prequel paper formulated the spatial-discretization methods, the LLM interface treatment, the time-marching partitioned analysis procedures, and the application to 1D benchmark problems. Here, we expand on formulation aspects required for successful application to more realistic 2D and 3D problems. Additional topics include duality relations at the fluid-structure interface, partitioned vibration analysis, reduced-order modeling, handling of curved interface surfaces, and comparison of LLM with other coupling methods. Emphasis is given to non-matching fluid-structure meshes. We present benchmark examples that illustrate the benefits and drawbacks of competing interface treatments. Realistic application problems involving the seismic response of two existing dams are considered. These include 2D modal analyses of the Koyna gravity dam, transient-response analyses of that dam with and without reduced-order modeling, incorporation of nonlinear cavitation effects, and the 3D transient-response analysis of the Morrow Point arch dam.