cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Suicide and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy

For nearly 80 years, suicidality was not considered to be a core clinical feature of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). In recent years, suicide has been widely cited as being associated with CTE, and now depression has been proposed to be one of three core diagnostic features alongside cognitive impairment and anger control problems. This evolution of the clinical features has been reinforced by thousands of media stories reporting a connection between mental health problems in former athletes and military veterans, repetitive neurotrauma, and CTE. At present, the science underlying the causal assumption between repetitive neurotrauma, depression, suicide, and the neuropathology believed to be unique to CTE is inconclusive. Epidemiological evidence indicates that former National Football League players, for example, are at lower, not greater, risk for suicide than men in the general population. This article aims to discuss the critical issues and literature relating to these possible relationships.
Comment on Review of Operating Systems Survey

In the above-mentioned review1of Sayers' book2I commented favorably n Chapters 6-9 and the Appendixes but found the first 5 chapters unsatisfactory. I have since learned that Chapters 6-9 and the Appendixes are essentially word for word copies of two reports prepared for the Air Force by the Comtre Corporation. In the preface to Operating Systems Survey there is indeed an acknowledgment of the role of these Comtre studies as a basis for the book. However, there is nowhere an acknowledgment of the actual authors of these two reports.
MicroRNAs in breast cancer therapy.

Breast cancer is one of the most common type of cancers as well as a principal cause of cancer-related deaths in women worldwide. Although research has provided a better understanding and diagnosis of breast cancer, studies in breast cancer therapeutics are still far from satisfactory. Recent research on microRNAs (miRNAs) has implicated these tiny regulatory molecules in progression of breast cancer with the possibility of exploiting them as diagnostic and/or prognostic biomarkers. The loss of tumor suppressor miRNAs or overexpression of oncogenic miRNAs can lead to breast cancer tumorigenesis or metastasis. However, the next step – linking miRNAs to cancer therapeutics – is still under progression. The roles of miRNAs exhibit much potential in breast cancer therapy, but currently need to be further studied and evaluated in order to better understand how to apply laboratory results to clinical medicine. Here we provide an update on our current understanding of miRNAs as molecular targets for diagnosis, prognosis and therapy of breast cancers.
Food, fights, and burrows: The adaptive significance of intraspecific aggression in the bay goby (Pisces: Gobiidae)

The effects of size, sex, bout initiation, past experience, and prior residence were examined with respect to the outcome of intraspecific agonistic contests in the bay goby (Lepidogobius lepidus). In addition, the adaptive significance of this behavior was examined by investigating the relationship between dominance and access to two potentially limiting resources; food and the burrows of invertebrate symbionts.For heterosexual and male homosexual contests, size and initiation significantly affected bout outcome. Gender did not affect heterosexual encounters. In female homosexual bouts initiation played a significant role in determining contest outcome while size did not. Both past experience and prior residency had significant effects on the outcome of intraspecific encounters.Dominant gobies had increased access to simulated invertebrate burrows and limited food. It appears that intraspecific aggression is an adaptive phenomenon through which access to limiting resources may be mediated.
Posttraining prefrontal lesions impair jaw movement conditioning performance, but have no effect on accompanying heart rate changes.

This experiment examined the role of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) in regulating learned autonomic and somatomotor responses in rabbits using appetitive Pavlovian conditioning. Interstimulus interval (ISI) duration [i.e., the time between the onset of the conditioned stimulus (CS) and unconditioned stimulus (US)] was manipulated in order to determine whether ISI duration was related to the heart rate (HR) responses obtained during conditioning. Two groups received either a 1- or a 4-s ISI, with a tone as the CS and an intraoral pulse of water as the US. Another two groups received explicitly unpaired presentations of either the 1- or 4-s tone CS and water US. Few conditioned jaw movement (JM) or HR conditioned responses (CRs) were observed in the unpaired conditions. Significant JM conditioning was, however, elicited by the paired conditions, especially to the 4-s ISI. Consistent CS-evoked HR accelerations were observed in both ISI conditions. After five sessions of training, the mPFC was lesioned in half the animals. A separate group of paired animals received sham lesions. After surgical recovery, all animals received 3 days of postoperative training. During the first postoperative training session, JM CRs significantly declined in both groups with mPFC lesions in comparison to the groups with sham lesions. The mPFC lesions, however, did not affect the CS-evoked cardiac accelerations, which again occurred during postoperative training.
The Maize tha4 Gene Functions in Sec-Independent Protein Transport in Chloroplasts and Is Related to hcf106, tatA, and tatB

Proteins are translocated across the chloroplast thylakoid membrane by a variety of mechanisms. Some proteins engage a translocation machinery that is derived from the bacterial Sec export system and require an interaction with a chloroplast-localized SecA homologue. Other proteins engage a machinery that is SecA-independent, but requires a transmembrane pH gradient. Recently, a counterpart to this Δ pH mechanism was discovered in bacteria. Genetic studies revealed that one maize protein involved in this mechanism, HCF106, is related in both structure and function to the bacterial tatA and tatB gene products. We describe here the mutant phenotype and molecular cloning of a second maize gene that functions in the Δ pH mechanism. This gene, thylakoid assembly 4 (tha4), is required specifically for the translocation of proteins that engage the Δ pH pathway. The sequence of the tha4 gene product resembles those of the maize hcf106 gene and the bacterial tatA and tatB genes. Sequence comparisons suggest that tha4 more closely resembles tatA, and hcf106 more closely resembles tatB. These findings support the notion that this sec-independent translocation mechanism has been highly conserved during the evolution of eucaryotic organelles from bacterial endosymbionts.
Measuring equal increments of utility for money without measuring utility itself

Let (A, P) denote the commodity bundle consisting of $A and some other commodity P. With P and Q fixed, then for any A determine that B for which S is indifferent between (A,P) and (B,Q). If utility is additive over the components, each money difference induces the same utility difference. Two choices for P and Q, all jazz records of equal monetary value, and two levels for A, 53¢ and $5.03, were studied. One S did not maintain consistent indifference points, two exhibited constant marginal utility, and two exhibited diminishing marginal utility.
The N protein of bacteriophage lambda, defined by its DNA sequence, is highly basic.

Abstract Nucleotide sequence has been determined for the restriction fragments and cloned DNA from the p L - N - t L1 region of bacteriophage λ. A unique reading frame for the N gene is defined by the absence of natural nonsense codons and by the presence of seven nonsense codons generated by mutations in N . This reading frame is initiated at two alternative ATG codons, the second of which is probably the in vivo translation start. Reading is stopped at a single TAG codon. The protein coded is therefore 133 or, more probably, 107 amino acids long, rich in lysine, arginine and proline.
Pulmonary capillaritis in children: a review of eight cases with comparison to other alveolar hemorrhage syndromes.

Objective To review clinical, laboratory, and outcome characteristics of children diagnosed with pulmonary capillaritis (PC), a small-vessel vasculitis, presenting as diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH), and to compare these findings with those for children with other alveolar hemorrhage syndromes. Study design A retrospective chart review of patients who underwent a lung biopsy because of a clinical suggestion of pulmonary hemorrhage. Results PC was identified in 8 of 23 patients. In these patients, cough, crackles, and hypoxia were common. Alveolar infiltrates on radiography and anemia were present in 7 of 8 cases. Serologic evidence of a systemic vasculitis was present in 50% of patients. High-dose corticosteroids proved effective in controlling alveolar hemorrhage in all cases. There were no presenting signs or symptoms that could differentiate patients with PC from those with non-immune-mediated alveolar hemorrhage. In general, patients with PC had a lower hematocrit and higher erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). Conclusion Children presenting with lower respiratory tract symptoms, chest x-ray abnormalities, and anemia should undergo evaluation for PC, as early initiation of immunosuppression can be lifesaving and organ sparing. No clinical signs to differentiate immune and non-immune-mediated alveolar hemorrhage were evident in this study.
Long-term results of 442 consecutive, standardized carotid endarterectomy procedures in standard-risk and high-risk patients

Objectives The objectives of this study were to determine the results of a specific technique in the performance of carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and to compare results using this technique between standard-risk and high-risk patients eligible for Stenting and Angioplasty with Protection in Patients at High Risk for Endarterectomy (SAPPHIRE) and between asymptomatic and symptomatic patients. Methods A total of 391 patients underwent 442 consecutive CEA procedures under general anesthesia with the intent to shunt, patch, and perform intraoperative completion duplex ultrasound imaging. Indications included 272 asymptomatic patients (61.5%) with carotid stenoses ≥60% and 170 symptomatic patients (38.5%) with carotid stenosis ≥50%. Data were analyzed to determine the early (≤30 days) and long-term morbidity and mortality overall in standard-risk and high-risk procedures and in asymptomatic and symptomatic patients. The primary end points were the occurrence of all strokes or death or myocardial infarction (MI) in the first 30 postoperative days (100% follow-up) and the occurrence by life-table analysis of ipsilateral stroke or death or MI (SDMI) out to 93 months (mean, 31.4 months). Results A total of 441 (99.7%) procedures included shunting, 440 (99.5%) included patching, and 442 (100%) had completion duplex ultrasound imaging. Of these, 235 procedures were standard risk and 207 procedures were high risk. At the 30-day follow-up, there were two ipsilateral central neurologic deficits (1 major stroke, 1 minor stroke), no death, and one MI (0.45% for all strokes or death; 0.68% for all strokes or death or MI). After 30 days of follow-up, an additional 16 strokes (9 ipsilateral, 7 contralateral), eight MIs, and 38 deaths had occurred. No statistically significant difference was found between standard-risk and high-risk groups or between asymptomatic and symptomatic groups for stroke, death, MI, stroke or death, or stroke or death or MI at 30 days or during long-term follow-up at any interval up to 93 months. Conclusion CEA performed with intent to treat using general anesthesia, shunting, patching, and completion duplex scanning results in extremely low 30-day and long-term morbidity and mortality in asymptomatic, symptomatic, standard-risk and high-risk patients. These results are substantially superior to those reported in carotid stenting trials for both carotid stenting and CEA and do not support the contention that there is a high-risk group for CEA.
Cor Triatriatum: Operative Results in 25 Patients

Twenty-five patients with cor triatriatum underwent surgical correction at the Texas Heart Institute during a 21-year period from 1959 to 1980. Patients ranged in age from 4 months to 38 years. Diagnosis was established preoperatively in 14 patients (56%), at the time of operation for correction of associated lesions in 10 patients (40%), and during reoperation in 1 (4%). In the earlier part of this series, diagnosis was more common at the time of operation. Associated cardiovascular anomalies were present in 20 patients (80%), major anomalies in 14 others (56%). Simultaneous correction or palliation of associated lesions and total excision of the anomalous membrane were done in 18 patients utilizing temporary cardiopulmonary bypass. Cor triatriatum alone was repaired in 5 patients (20%) with the aid of extracorporeal circulation. Two patients underwent reoperation: 1 because of incomplete excision of the septum and the other because the condition had not been diagnosed during a first operation for correction of total anomalous pulmonary venous return. Excision of the membrane was accomplished utilizing the left atrium in 10 patients (40%), the right atrium in 12 (48%), or both in 3 (12%). Four patients (16%) died early after operation; all were infants who had severe associated cardiac anomalies. Among the 21 surviving patients, results were excellent in 20.
Effective Lagrangian for massless pair production by an oscillating field

The effective Lagrangian for production of massless, spin-zero charged particles by an external electric field $\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathcal{E}}=\mathcal{E}_{0}\stackrel{^}{z}\mathrm{sin}\ensuremath{\omega}t$ is calculated in a one-loop, WKB approximation. Tunneling contributions are calculated; but the dominant classical path is a nontunneling path, such that the particle sits at rest on an extremum of the potential. This path contributes an ${(e\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathcal{E}})}^{2}$ term to the imaginary part of the effective Lagrangian. It is conjectured that production of massless graviton pairs may dampen the runaway solutions encountered by Fischetti, Hartle, and Hu and Anderson in their study of early universe cosmology. The present calculation is designed as a "warmup" for the gravitational one. The gravitational analog of the ${(e\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathcal{E}})}^{2}$ term would be a ${(\mathrm{Riemann}\mathrm{tensor})}^{2}$ term. This term cannot dampen the runaway de Sitter solutions found by Anderson (and by Starobinsky); those solutions must be damped by tunneling contributions (or by higher-order WKB corrections). The WKB form for the tunneling contributions is useful for initial orientation, but is unlikely to be useful for a detailed numerical calculation.
Evidence for the participation of cytochrome b5 in hepatic microsomal mixed-function oxidation reactions

Abstract The hypothesis is examined that during mixed-function oxidation reactions catalyzed by hepatic microsomes, cytochrome b5 may function by transferring reducing equivalents originating from either DPNH or TPNH to cytochrome P-450, thereby providing one of the two electrons required for cytochrome P-450 function. The conclusion that cytochrome b5 participates in this reaction is based on the observation of a partial reoxidation of reduced cytochrome b5 in the presence of excess DPNH and substrate, when mixed-function oxidation reactions are initiated by the addition of TPNH. The steady-state change of reduced cytochrome b5 is dependent on the presence of oxygen as well as substrate and coincides with product formation and oxygen utilization. No evidence was obtained for a direct interaction of DPNH with cytochrome P-450 in support of TPNH-dependent hydroxylation reactions. DPNH neither supports TPNH-dependent lipid peroxidation nor has it any stimulating effect upon the anaerobic reduction of cytochrome P-450 in the presence of saturating concentrations of TPNH. Furthermore, it is concluded that the DPNH enhancement of the overall hydroxylation reaction is dependent on the presence of an apparent rate-limiting step in the TPNH-dependent reaction as demonstrated by modifying this step with cations. These observations suggest that cytochrome b5 interacts with a form of cytochrome P-450 in a concerted mechanism at a step after the primary reduction of cytochrome P-450 by reducing equivalents originating from TPNH. The implications of these findings on the apparent rate-limiting step for the overall hydroxylation reaction is discussed.
Using computer simulations in disaster preparedness exercises: a study of factors that influence learning and performance in a first responder agency

This a dissertation study investigating the effectiveness of computer simulation as an instructional tool in disaster and mass emergency (including homeland security) preparedness with regard to learning and field response performance. The effectiveness will be determined through a summative performance evaluation of a local public health agency to a full-scale mock drill after receiving preparedness training through computer simulated instructional program(s). Simulation variables of fidelity, richness, prior experience of participants with emergencies, and prior experience with computersimulation training will be included in the assessment. Currently, this study has evaluated applicable learning theories and the degree to which computer simulation meets the instructional criteria requirements proposed by these theories. A literature review of computer simulations in this instructional context has been found to be subjectively supportive but empirically weak. The objective of this study is to generate empirical evidence related to computer simulation in this current and particularly crucial arena of mass emergency preparedness and to contribute to the body of data on research in computer simulation instruction overall.
Principles of management of complex craniofacial trauma

Successful treatment of patients with complex craniofacial injuries is heavily dependent on the surgeon's appreciation of the associated nonfacial injuries, precise clinical and diagnostic imaging examinations to establish a three-dimensional configuration of the fractured segments, and the application of well-established principles of facial fracture repair. Factors that influence improved treatment outcome are 1) early definitive treatment, 2) anatomic and functional repair of naso-orbito-ethmoidal injuries, 3) wide exposure of fracture segments, and 4) anatomic repositioning and stable fixation of fracture segments in all planes of space.
Lp(a) interactions

In this report, we have summarized our recent studies on lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) and its interactions with apolipoprotein B-containing lipoproteins (ApoB-Lp). These findings implicate the kringle-4-like domains of Apo(a) in the binding of Lp(a) to other ApoB-Lp and point to proline as important in this interaction. Other studies have indicated that Lp(a) interacts with the subendothelial extracellular matrix (ECM) and that Lp(a) is inversely related to plasma triglycerides. Since Apo(a) also has an affinity for ApoB-Lp, enhanced binding of Apo(a) to the arterial wall could increase the accumulation of LDL in the matrix and thus promote the development of cardiovascular disease.
Waiting for Nabokov

In June 1987 my parents and I left Moscow for good. We spent most of the summer in the sleepy Tyrrhenian coastal resort of Ladispoli, where we waited for our US refugee visas. Soon after arriving i...
Constructing Geographic Areas for Cancer Data Analysis: A Case Study on Late-stage Breast Cancer Risk in Illinois.

Analysis of cancer data, particularly with a small geographic unit, often suffers from the small population (numbers) problem, which causes unstable rate estimates and data suppression in sparsely populated areas. This research proposes a regionalization approach to mitigate the problem by constructing larger areas in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) that are more coherent than geopolitical areas or arbitrary zip code area and census units in terms of attribute and spatial closeness. The method is applied to analysis of late-stage breast cancer risks in Illinois in 2000. Cancer rates in these newly-constructed areas have sufficiently large base population, and are thus more reliable and also conform to a normal distribution. This permits direct mapping, exploratory spatial data analysis, and even simple OLS regression. The method can be used to effectively mitigate the small population problem commonly encountered in analysis of public health data.
Infection of Myofibers Contributes to Increased Pathogenicity during Infection with an Epidemic Strain of Chikungunya Virus

ABSTRACT Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is an alphavirus transmitted by mosquitoes that is known to cause severe arthritis and myositis in affected patients. The ongoing epidemic began in eastern Africa in 2004 and then spread to islands of the Indian Ocean, India, and Southeast Asia, ultimately afflicting millions. During this outbreak, more severe disease manifestations, including fatalities, have been documented. The reasons for this change in pathogenesis are multifactorial but likely include mutations that have arisen in the viral genome which could alter disease pathogenesis. To test this hypothesis, we used a murine model of CHIKV to compare the disease pathogeneses of two recombinant strains of CHIKV, the first derived from the La Reunion outbreak in 2006 (LR2006 OPY1) and the second isolated from Senegal in 1983 (37997). While the two strains exhibited similar growth in mammalian cells in vitro , we observed more severe clinical disease and pathology in mice infected with the LR2006 OPY1 strain of CHIKV, which included prolonged viremia and elevated viral titers and persistence in the muscle, resulting in devastating myonecrosis. Both CHIKV strains infected connective tissue fibroblasts of the muscle, but only the LR2006 OPY1 strain replicated within myofibers in vivo , despite similar growth of the two strains in these cell types in vitro . However, when the 37997 strain was administered directly into muscle, myofiber infection was comparable to that in LR2006 OPY1-infected mice. These results indicate that differences in the ability of the strain of CHIKV to establish infection in myofibers may contribute to the increased disease severity. IMPORTANCE CHIKV is an emerging pathogen that causes significant morbidity. Little is known about the pathogenesis of the disease, and this study suggests that the ability of a recent epidemic strain to infect myofibers results in increased disease severity. Better understanding of how CHIKV causes disease contributes to the ultimate goal of creating therapeutics to alleviate the impact of this debilitating virus.
Health policy: you can make a difference

Political astuteness enhances nurses’ professional reputation, and persistence is a necessary virtue for nurses to have for successful political action. Nurses must take responsibility for legislation that impacts the profession's destiny by providing education when necessary, promoting professional values and system needs, and serving as role models and mentors to others. Becoming politically active, nurses can present a unified voice for advocacy and assist the profession's role as a major influence in health policy issues.The state of the country's health is a culmination of factors from recent events to actions taken years earlier. Achieving significant improvement of the public's health is a daunting task, in no small part because of the various levels of political activity (local, state, and federal), multiple players, and ongoing underlying social problems (Figure 1).Dr. Henry Kissinger says, “A frustrating paradox is faced by policy-makers. When their scope for action is widest, their knowledge is...
Protest and Democracy in Latin America’s Market Era

Existing studies hold that Latin America’s market turn has had a demobilizing effect on collective political activity despite the presence of democracy. However, recent work has documented the revi...
Defective phage formation by lysogens of integration deficient phage P22 mutants

Integration deficient (L) mutants of phage P22 can be complemented with L+ phage to yield L mutant lysogens. Once established the L prophage is stable in the absence of L+ function. Ultraviolet or thermal induction of L lysogens leads to product,ion of defective phage particles and low yields of infectious phage. The defective particles contain a normal amount of DNA but the DNA is mainly bacterial in origin and appears to derive from the pro C region adjacent to one end of the prophage. The defective lysates t,ransduce pro C at high frequency relative to other bacterial markers. The representation of phage genes is strongly polar with markers distal to pro C being rarely present. It appears that L+function is required not only for efficient integration of the prophage, but for normal recovery of the prophage genome following induction.
Differential influences on participation in midterm versus presidential elections

Abstract This study addressed the implications for electoral participation of the contextual shift from a presidential to a midterm election. Both descriptive and multivariate analyses indicated that the greater stimulus of presidential years is especially important for facilitating the participation of young adults and recent movers. The complementary conclusion is that the lower level of stimuli in midterms is especially detrimental to the participation of these same two categories of citizens. In large measure, the presidential stimulus elevates the turnout of young adults and recent movers by encouraging these citizens to overcome the registration hurdle.
Mutant BRAFT1799A Can Be Detected in the Blood of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma Patients and Correlates with Disease Status

Context: The BRAFT1799A transversion is the most frequent morphotype-specific somatic mutation in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). The ability to detect this mutation in the circulation could aid in diagnosis and follow-up of PTC patients. Objective: Our objective was to develop and clinically validate a sensitive and specific assay for the detection of BRAFT1799A in blood samples from PTC patients. Design: We developed an allele-specific real-time PCR method for the detection of BRAFT1799A in blood samples and studied prospectively blood samples from 193 patients with thyroid cancer (173 PTC, 20 non-PTC) attending for routine follow-up. The results of molecular testing were correlated with disease status and thyroglobulin measurements. BRAFT1799A status of the original tumor samples was also confirmed, where available. Results: The assay had a detection sensitivity of fewer than one heterozygote BRAFT1799A-carrying cell per 100,000 diploid cells, without detectable cross-reactivity between wild-type BR...
Diel Adult Eclosion Periodicity of Nuisance Chironomid Midges of Central Florida

The eclosion diel periodicity of chironomids in 3 different habitats in Florida was investigated on 3 or 4 occasions in 1979. On each occasion, samples of adult midges were collected at 2-h intervals over a 24-h period by employing submerged emergence traps. The diel changes in air and water temperatures and the dissolved oxygen in each habitat were measured. The time of sunset and sunrise was recorded. Diel periodicity of emergence was exhibited by Glyptotendipes paripes Edwards, Chironomus decorus Johannsen, C. crassicaudatus Malloch, Goeldichironomus holoprasinus (Goeldi), Tanytarsus spp., and the tanypodines (mostly Procladius sublettei Roback). The adult emergence of these species was principally nocturnal occurring mostly within 4 h after sunset. The tanypodines emerged again during dawn. No significant ( P >0.05) correlation (r=<0.3) was observed between the diel eclosion periodicity of the species studied and the water temperature or the dissolved oxygen in any habitat. Their emergence is related to the diel light changes.
Money, net wealth, and the real-balance effect

Abstract This paper deals with two important questions in monetary economics: Is competely produced resource-using bank money part of society's net wealth? Is such money part of the base relevant for the operation of the real-balance effect? We argue that the answer to the first question depends critically on the nature of the asset and not on the market structure of the industry. In particular, we argue that perfect competition in the banking industry is a necessary but not sufficient condition for excluding bank money from society's net wealth. Furthermore, we argue that resource-using bank money is part of the base relevant for the operation of the real-balance effect, regardless of whether or not it is part of society's net wealth.
Analyzing Topography of Membrane-Inserted Diphtheria Toxin T Domain Using BODIPY-Streptavidin: At Low pH, Helices 8 and 9 Form a Transmembrane Hairpin but Helices 5−7 Form Stable Nonclassical Inserted Segments on the cis Side of the Bilayer†

Low pH-induced membrane insertion by diphtheria toxin T domain is crucial for A chain translocation into the cytoplasm. To define the membrane topography of the T domain, the exposure of biotinylated Cys residues to the cis and trans bilayer surfaces was examined using model membrane vesicles containing a deeply inserted T domain. To do this, the reactivity of biotin with external and vesicle-entrapped BODIPY-labeled streptavidin was measured. The T domain was found to insert with roughly 70-80% of the molecules in the physiologically relevant orientation. In this orientation, residue 349, located in the loop between hydrophobic helices 8 and 9, was exposed to the trans side of the bilayer, while other solution-exposed residues along the hydrophobic helices 5-9 region of the T domain located near the cis surface. A protocol developed to detect the movement of residues back and forth across the membranes demonstrated that T domain sequences did not rapidly equilibrate between the cis and the trans sides of the bilayer. Binding streptavidin to biotinylated residues prior to membrane insertion only inhibited T domain pore formation for residues in the loop between helices 8 and 9. Pore formation experiments used an approach avoiding interference from transient membrane defects/leakage that may occur upon the initial insertion of protein. Combined, these results indicate that at low pH hydrophobic helices 8 and 9 form a transmembrane hairpin, while hydrophobic helices 5-7 form a nonclassical deeply inserted nontransmembraneous state. We propose that this represents a novel pre-translocation state that is distinct from a previously defined post-translocation state.
Modeling the term structure of interest rates under non-separable utility and durability of goods

Abstract The term structure relations implied by a model in which preferences are non-separable functions of the service flows from two goods are investigated. The parameters characterizing preferences are estimated and restrictions on the co-movements of consumptions and Treasury bill returns are examined. Both the durability of goods and the non-separability of preferences are important factors in explaining the time paths of individual returns, but there is substantial evidence against the cross-sectional restrictions implied by our model. Differences between sample mean returns are too large relative to the sample covariances of the return differences and the marginal utility of consumption.
Hormonal and developmental regulation of two arabinogalactan-proteins in xylem of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda)

The protein cores of two arabinogalactan-proteins are preferentially expressed at very high levels in differentiating xylem of loblolly pine. Arabinogalactan-proteins are hypothesized to play important roles in xylem development. The objectives of the described research were to identify signals responsible for the regulation of PtX3H6 and PtX14A9 expression and to assess their expression during seedling development. Application of inhibitors of the phytohormones auxin, gibberellic acid, and ethylene to pine seedlings and subsequent northern blot analyses indicate that PtX3H6 expression is suppressed by inhibitors of auxin and ethylene and that PtX14A9 expression is suppressed by all 3 hormone inhibitors. PtX3H6 is first expressed in germinating embryos. Expression of PtX14A9 is not observed until several days later. In young stems, both genes are expressed more in the radially expanding hypocotyls than in elongating epicotyls with PtX14A9 having a higher ratio of hypocotyl to epicotyl expression. These results indicate that PtX3H6 and PtX14A9 are differently regulated during seedling development and that these differences may be mediated by different hormonal signaling.
Effects of NADH on dopamine release in rat striatum.

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) may be utilized for the synthesis and regeneration of tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4), which in turn is an essential cofactor for tyrosine hydroxylase, the rate-limiting enzyme in the synthesis of dopamine (DA). NADH has been reported to relieve some of the symptoms of Parkinson's disease, presumably by altering dopaminergic function. The present study examines the efficacy of NADH in influencing DA activity in the rat striatum. In striatal slices, NADH (350 mM) significantly increased basal DA and DOPAC efflux and caused a 2-fold increase in the DA overflow evoked by high KCl (25 mM). Tissue levels of BH4, basal BH4 efflux, and KCl-evoked BH 4 overflow were unaffected by NADH, as was ( 3 H)DA uptake into striatal synaptosomes. In contrast to the effects of NADH on DA function in vitro, no effects were observed when NADH was administered systemically. NADH (10 or 100 mg/kg, s.c.) did not influence the tissue content of DA, 5-HT, or their metabolites in the midbrain or striatum, nor did it alter DA extracellular concentrations. These results indicate that NADH can increase DA release from striatal slices, although we are as yet unable to detect this effect in vivo. Synapse 36:95-101, 2000. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Serotonergic and noradrenergic facilitation of the visceromotor reflex evoked by urinary bladder distension in rats with inflamed bladders

Bladder inflammation resulting from intravesical administration of zymosan significantly enhances the visceromotor reflex (VMR) evoked by urinary bladder distension (UBD). The present study examined whether intrathecal (i.t.) administration of receptor antagonists to either norepinephrine (NE) or serotonin (5-HT) altered this enhancement effect. I.t. administration of the non-specific 5-HT receptor antagonist methysergide (30 microg), the 5-HT(3) receptor antagonist ondansetron, or the 5-HT(1A) receptor antagonist WAY 100635 eliminated the enhancement effect produced by intravesical zymosan and also tended to reduce electromyographic (EMG) responses to UBD in non-inflamed rats. I.t. administration of either the non-specific NE receptor antagonist phentolamine (30 microg) or the alpha(1) antagonist WB 4101 also eliminated the enhancement effect, whereas i.t. administration of the alpha(2) antagonist yohimbine failed to significantly affect the enhancement effect. The effects of phentolamine and methysergide were not mediated by changes in bladder compliance. This is the first study to demonstrate that bladder hypersensitivity resulting from bladder inflammation is partly mediated by 5-HT and NE facilitatory effects. Based on these and previous findings we conclude that the net nociceptive response to bladder distension under conditions of bladder inflammation represents a complex interaction of facilitatory influences of spinal 5-HT and NE, and inhibitory influences of spinal opioids.
Management of Uncomplicated Chlamydia trachomatis Infections in Adolescents and Adults: Evidence Reviewed for the 2006 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Sexually Transmitted Diseases Treatment Guidelines

In April 2005, in preparation for the 2006 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) sexually transmitted diseases (STD) treatment guidelines, the CDC convened an advisory group to examine recent abstracts and published literature addressing management of Chlamydia trachomatis infections in adolescents and adults. Key questions were posed and answered on the basis of quality of evidence and expert opinion. Clinical trials continue to demonstrate equivalent efficacy and tolerability of azithromycin and doxycycline regimens, and both remain recommended as first-line therapy in nonpregnant individuals. More data and clinical experience are available to support the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of azithromycin in pregnant women, and, in the upcoming guidelines, azithromycin will be recommended as first-line therapy for such patients. Evidence is building that expedited partner therapy (EPT), with provision of treatment or a prescription, may be just as effective as or more effective than standard partner referral in ensuring partner treatment and preventing chlamydia recurrence in women. Although there are more studies needed and barriers to be addressed before its widespread use, EPT will be recommended as an option for partner management.
A rapid procedure for plutonium separation in large volumes of fresh and saline water by manganese dioxide coprecipitation

A rapid procedure is described for the separation of plutonium radionuclides from large volumes of fresh and saline water by means of a manganese dioxide coprecipitation technique. This procedure has been used in the laboratory and in the field to process 50 to 400 liter water samples. Plutonium is carried through an oxidation and reduction step to insure complete equilibration between added yield tracers and the plutonium present in the water sample. Average recovery under optimum conditions has been 80% for seawater and over 90% for freshwater samples processed in the field with simple equipment. The procedure can be used also to separate plutonium from water samples by direct adsorption on MnO2-impregnated cartridges. Under laboratory conditions the adsorption on MnO2 was independent of the oxidation states of plutonium in aqueous samples.
Conceptualization and assessment of disengagement in romantic relationships

Research examining relationship distress and dissolution highlights the importance of romantic disengagement. Nevertheless, prior conceptualizations and measures of romantic disengagement have tended to combine disengagement with related but distinct constructs hindering the study of romantic disengagement. The present research used exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses to clarify the conceptualization of romantic disengagement and to develop a novel measure—the Romantic Disengagement Scale (RDS). The RDS demonstrated adequate fit across samples of dating individuals (n = 203), married couples (n = 77), and women in physically aggressive relationships (n = 42) from the Midwestern United States. The RDS also demonstrated strong divergent and incremental validity. The discussion focuses on implications for enhancing conceptual models, research methodology, and clinical interventions.
Strong-field electromagnetic stirring in the vertical gradient freeze process with a submerged heater

This paper treats a steady, axisymmetric melt motion due to electromagnetic (EM) stirring during vertical gradient freeze crystal growth with a submerged heater. There is a radial electric current through the melt from a graphite electrode around the crystal and melt to another graphite electrode at the center of the heater. There is a strong axial magnetic field produced by an external solenoid. Solutions are presented for the azimuthal and meridional velocities in the subregions of the melt. The melt motion depends on the electric currents through the crystal, even though the electrical conductivity of the crystal is much less than that of the melt.
Role of sequence amplification in the generation of nematode mitochondrial DNA polymorphism

Romanomennis culicivorax, an obligate parasitic nematode of mosquitos, possesses an unusually large mitochondrial genome. Individuals are monomorphic for one of several mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) size variants ranging from 26–32 kb. In this report, we demonstrate that the mitochondrial genome size differential in three isofemale lineages is due to the presence of mtDNA sequences amplified to different copy numbers within each mtDNA molecule. Restriction enzyme analysis and DNA sequencing studies reveal that each mitochondrial genome contains one of two 3.0 kb repeat types that differ by approximately 30 bp. This difference is primarily due to a short (23 bp) imperfect tandem duplication present within the larger of two polymorphic repeating units. The 3.0 kb reiterated DNA sequences are present as direct, tandem repeats and as inverted portions of the same sequence located elsewhere in the genome. Based on mtDNA analysis of an independently reared R. culicivorax culture, we conclude that events resulting in mitochondrial genome rearrangement occurred in natural field populations prior to propagation within the laboratory.
The influence of inclusion chemical composition on weld metal microstructure

The effects of nonmetallic inclusions on weld metal microstructures were investigated. The inclusions were extracted from niobium microalloyed steel weld metal specimens, and examined with light and electron microscopic techniques. An EDS (Energy Dispensive Spectroscopy) system was used to determine the chemical composition of the inclusions. Correlation between weld metal and inclusion composition was established. Aluminum, titanium, sulfur, and iron were the most important elements in the inclusions that affect the final weld metal microstructure. Mn/Si ratio was also found to affect the amount of oxygen and acicular ferrite in the weld. The state of deoxidation, as indicated by the amount of FeO present in the inclusions, actually determines the recovery of alloying elements and the amount of oxygen in the weld pool. It also determines the chemical composition of the nonmetallic inclusions. Inclusions with high aluminum content tend to cluster together forming larger particles while pure silica or silicate particles are small and well disseminated in the weld metal. This explains the different inclusion size distributions observed in the weld specimens of different oxygen concentration. Consequently, the prior austenite grain size will be different resulting in different amounts of acicular ferrite and grain boundary ferrite.
Three overlapping septal occlusion devices to treat residual shunting across an atrial septal defect

A 46-year-old woman with a history of non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy, severe biventricular failure treated with implantable cardiac defibrillator, presented with increasing dyspnoea. She also has a history of diffuse scleroderma and a prior percutaneous closure of an atrial septal defect (ASD). Her ASD was closed in June 2004 with a 12 mm Amplatzer ASD closure device (Panel A). Two months later, recurrent right-to-left shunting …
Dissemination of the CDC's Hand Hygiene Guideline and impact on infection rates

Background The diffusion of national evidence-based practice guidelines and their impact on patient outcomes often go unmeasured. Methods Our objectives were to (1) evaluate implementation and compliance with clinical practices recommended in the new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Hand Hygiene Guideline, (2) compare rates of health care-associated infections (HAI) before and after implementation of the Guideline recommendations, and (3) examine the patterns and correlates of changes in rates of HAI. We used pre- and post-Guideline implementation site visits and surveys in the setting of 40 US hospitals—members of the National Nosocomial Infections Surveillance System—and measured HAI rates 1 year before and after publication of the CDC Guideline and used direct observation of hand hygiene compliance and Guideline implementation scores. Results All study hospitals had changed their policies and procedures and provided products in compliance with Guideline recommendations; 89.8% of 1359 staff members surveyed anonymously reported that they were familiar with the Guideline. However, in 44.2% of the hospitals (19/40), there was no evidence of a multidisciplinary program to improve compliance. Hand hygiene rates remained low (mean, 56.6%). Rates of central line-associated bloodstream infections were significantly lower in hospitals with higher rates of hand hygiene ( P Conclusion Wide dissemination of this Guideline was not sufficient to change practice. Only some hospitals had initiated multidisciplinary programs; practice change is unlikely without such multidisciplinary efforts and explicit administrative support.
Surgical versus balloon therapy for aortic coarctation in infants ≤ 3 months old

Objectives. This study compared the efficacy and safety of balloon angioplasty with surgical correction of native aortic coarctation in infants ≤3 months old. Background. There is a controversy with regard to the role of balloon angioplasty in the treatment of aortic coarctation, especially in young infants. Methods. Data from 29 infants ≤3 months old undergoing therapy for aortic coarctation during the decade ending 1992 were analyzed. Fourteen infants underwent surgery, and 15 had balloon angioplasty. The sole criterion for allotment to the balloon group was the availability of an interventional cardiologist at the time of presentation of the infant. Results. The surgical and balloon groups were comparable (p > 0.1) with regard to age (27 ± 35 [mean ± SD] vs. 29 ± 27 days), weight (3.5 ± 0.9 vs. 3.8 ± 1.0 kg) and prevalence (7 of 14 vs. 8 of 15) and type of associated defects. Operative (1 of 14 vs. 1 of 15) and late (3 of 13 vs. 3 of 14) mortality, immediate gradient relief (36 ± 25 to 10 ± 9 mm Hg vs. 41 ± 14 to 6 ± 6 mm Hg) and follow-up gradient (27 ± 27 vs. 24 ± 19 mm Hg) were similar (p > 0.1). Infants with a gradient > 20 mm Hg at follow-up (6 of 13 vs. 7 of 14) and need for reintervention (6 of 13 vs. 7 of 14) were also similar (p > 0.1) in both groups. Duration of hospital stay during the first intervention was higher (p < 0.05) in the surgical (32 ± 37 days) than the balloon (7 ± 6 days) group. Similarly, duration of endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation was longer (p < 0.05) in the surgical (12 ± 16 days) than the balloon (2 ± 3 days) group. Complications after surgical intervention (0.86 events/patient) were higher (p < 0.01) than those seen after balloon angioplasty (0.27 events/patient). However, the lack of significant differences observed for mortality rates and residual gradients may be due to low statistical power to detect differences (16% to 49%), implying that this may be due to either actual lack of statistical difference or small sample size. Conclusions. The data indicate that the degree of relief from aortic coarctation and the frequency with which reintervention is needed are similar in both groups. However, the morbidity and complication rates are lower with balloon than with surgical therapy. These data suggest that balloon angioplasty may be an acceptable alternative to surgical correction in the treatment of symptomatic aortic coarctation in infants ≤3 months old.
Electrochemical study of the Fe(CN)4−6/Fe(CN)3−6 couple at the ITO/NaCl interface

Abstract The electrochemical behaviour of the Fe(CN)4−6/Fe(CN3−6 redox couple at the tin-doped indium oxide (ITO)/NaCl 0.154 M interface was investigated using a rotating disc electrode. The study of the relationship between the stationary current and the rotation speed I(Ω) exhibits a law of the I−1 = I−1Ω→∞ + Id−1 type, where Id, proportional to Ω 1 2 , is identical to the Levich value for an uniformly accessible disc. The electrochemical impedance reveals three time constants. The additional time constant can be attributed either to a non-electrochemical step in series with the electron transfer step, or to a topographical relaxation of a partly blocked interface. The kinetic parameters of the electron transfer step were determined according to the charge transfer resistance and to IΩ→∞. Their values were found to be equal to 0.37 and 0.35 mA.cm−2 for the transfer coefficient and the exchange current density, respectively.