cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Transcriptional control of muscle proteins.

The development of a muscle cell from a precursor cell involves a massive adjustment of gene expression such that over 50 previously silent genes are expressed to produce the muscle proteins required for contractile functions. In differentiated muscle, hormonal and physiologic stimuli modify the expression of these proteins primarily at the level of transcription. How does the cell regulate the switching on and switching off of specific genes to produce the muscle phenotype and respond to new conditions?
Human Immunodeficiency Virus Transmission and Oral Contraceptives

A recently published study by Plourde et al of 600 women attending a sexually transmitted disease clinic in Nairobi Kenya identified oral contraceptives (OCs) as a significant risk factor in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. The odds ratio of HIV for women using OCs for 12 or more months was 1.9 (95% confidence interval 1.04-3.6) compared to OC use for under 12 months when adjusted for number of lifetime sexual partners and 1.9 (95% confidence interval 1.05-3.6) when adjusted for condom use. This analysis is flawed however by the inclusion of women with no history of OC use in the < 12 months of OC use group. Also suggestive of methodological bias is the finding of an odds ratio for condom use (adjusted for OC use) of 3.02 (95% confidence interval 1.6-5.6). The high correlation among OC use condom use prostitution and genital ulcers present in this study creates potential for bias and misclassification. The finding of another case-control study that OC use confers a 60% reduction in HIV risk suggests a need for further research in this area before OCs are designated a risk factor for HIV.
Molecular Structure of the Synthetic Molecular Oxygen Carrier O2IrCl(CO)(P[C6H5]3)2

The synthetic molecular oxygen carrier O 2 lrCl(CO)(P[C 6 H 5 ] 3 ) 2 , discovered by Vaska, has been characterized in a complete molecular structure determination. The structure surmised by Vaska from spectroscopic data has been confirmed and, in addition, definitive details on the attachment of molecular oxygen to iridium in this 1 : 1 reversible oxygen carrier have been obtained. The two oxygen atoms are equidistant from the metal atom, as in Griffith9s model of the oxygen atoms in oxyhemoglobin. The O-O bond length of 1.30 ± 0.03 A is intermediate between those characteristic of O 2 (1.20 A) and O 2 -2 (1.48 A), and corresponds closely to O 2 - (1.28 A)
Cascade realization of 2-D separable in denominator filters

After selecting the most suitable model for the class of two-dimensional quarter-plane-causal, recursive, and separable in denominator (CRSD) filters, a procedure for realizing a cascade system of such filters is developed. The realization utilizes the individual CRSD models constituting the cascade system. An example is given to further illustrate the technique.
Integration of singular enrichment functions in the generalized/extended finite element method for three-dimensional problems

A mapping method is developed to integrate weak singularities, which result from enrichment functions in the generalized/extended finite element method. The integration scheme is applicable to 2D and 3D problems including arbitrarily shaped triangles and tetrahedra. Implementation of the proposed scheme in existing codes is straightforward. Numerical examples for 2D and 3D problems demonstrate the accuracy and convergence properties of the technique. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Psychometric evaluation of the Problem Areas in Diabetes (PAID) survey in Southern, rural African American women with Type 2 diabetes.

Background The Problem Areas in Diabetes (PAID) survey is a measure of diabetes-related stress for which reported use has been in largely Caucasian populations. Our purpose was to assess the psychometric properties of the PAID in Southern rural African American women with Type 2 diabetes.
Young Adult Substance Use and Depression as a Consequence of Delinquency Trajectories During Middle Adolescence

This longitudinal study extended work from Wiesner and Windle (2004) by examining young adult outcomes (i.e., alcohol and illicit drug use, depression) of middle-adolescent trajectories of delinquent behavior for a community sample of 724 young women and men (at average ages 23.8 years). Each domain of young adult adjustment problems was assessed with three indicators (i.e., lifetime rates of psychiatric disorders, annual rates of psychiatric disorders, elevated levels of problem behaviors). Findings indicated specificity in trajectory-outcome associations, with all active offender pathway groups consistently showing poorer adjustment in the domains of young adult alcohol and illicit drug use (but not depression) relative to the rare offenders. However, there was almost no evidence of differential outcomes among the four most active offender trajectory groups. Overall, this study offered limited support for the contention that differing developmental courses and experiences during middle adolescence are linked to differential outcomes in early adulthood.
Elimination of fluoroscopy use in a pediatric electrophysiology laboratory utilizing three-dimensional mapping.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to quantify fluoroscopy use in catheter ablation procedures using a three-dimensional mapping system as the primary source of catheter guidance. Background: Three-dimensional mapping allows continuous visualization of the location of mapping and ablation catheter electrodes. It has been shown to decrease fluoroscopy times. However, the extent to which it can decrease fluoroscopy time has not been completely defined. Methods: Thirty patients (mean age 12.9 years; range 4–27 years) with reentrant supraventricular tachycardia underwent catheter ablation using standard protocols. Mapping was performed using the EnSite system (St. Jude Medical, St Paul, MN, USA) in the NavX mode (NavX). Eighteen patients had AVNRT, 12 had AVRT. Fluoroscopy times were compared to an age-matched and rhythm-matched control population. Results: Procedural success was achieved in 30 of 30 patients (100%). Mean procedure time was 3.27 hours (range 1.83–5.8 hours). Mean fluoroscopy time was 1.05 minutes (range 0–14.8 minutes). Twenty-four of 30 (80%) received no fluoroscopy. Mean fluoroscopy time for the control group was 21.37 minutes (range 5.13–77.13 minutes). Thus fluoroscopy time was 95% less in the study group compared to control (1.05 ± 2.96 vs 21.37 ± 18.35 minutes, P < 0.001). Conclusions: NavX was used to effectively guide catheters during ablation procedures resulting in a significant decrease in fluoroscopy use. In 80% of the procedures, no fluoroscopy was used. Further advances in the technology may permit additional decreases in x-ray exposure for the 20% of patients who required it.
ATM kinase is activated by sindbis viral vector infection.

Abstract Sindbis virus is a prototypic member of the Alphavirus genus, Togaviridae family. Sindbis replication results in cellular cytotoxicity, a feature that has been exploited by our laboratory for treatment of in vivo tumors. Understanding the interactions between Sindbis vectors and the host cell can lead to better virus production and increased efficacy of gene therapy vectors. Here we present studies investigating a possible cellular response to genotoxic effects of Sindbis vector infection. The Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated (ATM) kinase, a sentinel against genomic and cellular stress, was activated by Sindbis vector infection at 3 h post infection. ATM substrates, Mcm3 and the γH2AX histone, were subsequently phosphorylated, however, substrates involved with checkpoint arrest of DNA replication, p53, Chk1 and Chk2, were not differentially phosphorylated compared with uninfected cells. The ATM response suggests nuclear pertubation, resulting from cessation of host protein synthesis, as an early event in Sindbis vector infection.
Diffusion of small ionic species in human saliva, plaque fluid and plaque residue in vitro.

Abstract The tracer diffusion of small ionic species was investigated in water, saliva, dental plaque fluid and in plaque residue packed by a range of g forces. Diffusion rate of NaCl was similar in water, saliva and plaque fluid. The rate of CaCl2, NaH2PO4, Na2HPO4 and Na2SO4 was less in both saliva and plaque fluid. Diffusion rate of all ionic species tested was significantly less in plaque residue, most of all for CaCl2. In plaque fluid, plaque residue and water, an inverse linear relationship was found between log diffusion coefficients and log molecular weights. Increasing the tortuosity of the diffusion path, by packing plaque residue, further reduced the diffusion rate of NaH2PO4 and NaHCO3. In terms of three-dimensional diffusion, in plaque fluid, NaH2PO4, Na2HPO4 and CaCl2 diffused a distance of 300 μm within 25 s, whereas in plaque residue the equivalent diffusion times were 1.5–5.7 min. The unique retardation of CaCl2 in plaque residue implicated both non-specific and specific binding interactions.
The implementation of POWER7 TM : A highly parallel and scalable multi-core high-end server processor

The next processor of the POWER ™ family, called POWER7™ is introduced. Eight quad-threaded cores are integrated together with two memory controllers and high-speed system links on a 567mm2 die, employing 1.2B transistors in 45nm CMOS SOI technology [4]. High on-chip performance and therefore bandwidth is achieved using 11 layers of low-к copper wiring and devices with enhanced dual-stress liners. The technology features deep trench [DT] capacitors that are used to build the 32MB embedded DRAM L3 based on a 0.067µm2 DRAM cell. DT capacitors are used also to reduce on-chip voltage-island supply noise. Focusing on speed, the dual-supply ripple-domino SRAM concepts follows the schemes described elsewhere.
Glucocorticoid receptor mRNA in human frontal cortex

Within the rat ventral tegmental area (VTA), microinfusions of nicotine, the psychoactive component of cigarette smoke, produce both rewarding and aversive motivational effects. Here, a cresyl violet stained histological section showing bilateral microinjector cannulae in the rat VTA is presented. The aversive effects of intra-VTA nicotine are blocked by dopamine receptor blockade suggesting that dopamine transmits an aversive nicotine signal in the VTA. However, the rewarding effects of intra-VTA nicotine are not attenuated by this identical dopamine receptor blockade. In fact, dopamine receptor blockade dramatically potentiates the rewarding effects of nicotine and switches the motivational valence of nicotine from aversive, to rewarding. Molecular Psychiatry (2003) 8, 9 & 2003 Nature Publishing Group All rights reserved 1359-4184/03 $25.00
Supervisory frameworks and monetary policy

Abstract One issue that the crisis has pushed to the forefront is the relationship between macroeconomics and finance, and how we think about the footings of financial stability. My comments this evening will focus briefly on this intersection of monetary policy and supervisory and regulatory issues. I am convinced that promoting financial stability requires a comprehensive approach that uses both macroprudential tools and the examination of individual firms, relying on the judgment of experienced examiners. In addition, I am skeptical of a clean “separation principle” that places financial stability squarely in the purview of the supervisors. Instead, I think monetary policymakers also need to maintain a careful eye on the financial system and how interest rate policy affects incentives for financial markets and institutions.
Frequency and stability of the fragile X premutation

Although considered the most common heritable cause of neurodevelopmental disability, precise prevalence figures for the FMR1 mutation in the general population are lacking. Since no fragile X premutation alleles have yet been observed to originate from FMR1 alleles within the normal size range, there is also little information available about the origin of the fragile X premutation and mechanisms leading to instability of the FMR1 trinucleotide repeat region. In this study, 977 genetically unrelated individuals from families unselected for mental retardation or fragile X were analyzed with Southern blot analysis for the presence of FMR1 mutations. A subgroup of subjects with evidence of a large CGG repeat number, and any available relatives, were further studied with PCR to investigate the stability of the trinucleotide repeat segment of FMR1. One subject had a 75 repeat length which was unstable (increased in size) when passed to subsequent generations. This includes one male descendent who had a premutation/full mutation mosaic pattern. Two other alleles with > or = 46 repeats from different subjects were also found to be unstable and increased in size in subsequent generations. Considering all three unstable alleles to be indicative of an evolving or actual premutation, the estimated frequency of the fragile X premutation is one in 510 X chromosomes. However, since 11 other alleles with > or = 46 repeats were found to be stable through at least one meiotic transmission, repeat length appears to be an important but not sufficient condition leading to instability of the FMR1 gene.
Meaningful control experiments

For a controls experiment to be meaningful, it should provide knowledge that cannot be gained from theory or simulation. The authors maintain that the value of experiments is proportional to their fidelity to an industrial motivating problem. Without this, claims regarding the efficacy of a control method cannot be substantiated to any degree more than they could via simulation. The control of a high speed milling spindle is reviewed as an example of a problem where only a prototype experiment is compelling.
Compositional changes in free-living bacterial communities along a salinity gradient in two temperate estuaries

There is now clear evidence for major differences in heterotrophic bacterial composition between freshwater and marine ecosystems. A fundamental question that remains unresolved is whether the compositional succession occurs by a gradual replacement of the major phylotypes, or whether there are drastic compositional shifts in discrete areas along the gradient from one system to another. The aim of this study is to examine the change in the phylogenetic composition of the free-living bacterioplankton across the salinity gradient in both the Choptank and the Pocomoke Rivers, both subestuaries of the Chesapeake Bay, using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). The proportion of free-living cells that could be detected using FISH varied widely (3 to 80%), and the majority of cells detected belonged to bacteria, whereas archaea represented less than 3%. The distribution of the different members of bacteria exhibited a clear pattern along the salinity gradient, with the dominance of a-proteobacteria in the lower, saltwater regions and of b-proteobacteria in the upper freshwater regions. The cytophaga-flavobacterium cluster prevailed in the turbidity maximum located in the middle estuary, and the g-proteobacteria showed sporadic peaks along the transect that may have been related to local events. The replacement of a- for b-proteobacteria along the salinity gradient was not gradual but rather occurred rapidly within the turbidity maximum region of the estuaries where the fresh and salt waters mix. The pattern of phylogenetic succession was linked to the development of the turbidity maximum, which is related to rainfall and the ensuing hydrological conditions. There is indication that the phylogenetic succession is accompanied by strong physiological changes in the bacterial assemblage, expressed as a decline in bacterial growth efficiency and community production. The transition appears not to be simply the result of conservative mixing of riverine and estuarine bacterial assemblages, but rather appears to involve cell inactivation and/or death.
Skeletal muscle phosphatidylcholine fatty acids and insulin sensitivity in normal humans

The fatty acid composition of skeletal muscle membrane phospholipids (PL) is known to influence insulin responsiveness in humans. However, the contribution of the major PL of the outer (phosphatidy...
Chemical and biological implications of organic compounds formed in simulated and real urban atmospheres.

Abstract The U.S. Clean Air Act, as amended in August, 1977, requires the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to evaluate the health effects, atmospheric sources, transformations, and sinks of a variety of nitrogenous compounds and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). Results from our recent research on real and simulated urban atmospheres pertinent to both classes of compounds are summarized here. The reactions in air of ∼500 parts/10 9 (ppb) of diethyl- or triethylamine (DEA or TEA) with 10 to 20 ppb of NO and NO 2 and traces of HONO were studied in a 50-m 3 outdoor chamber. Product analysis was by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (gc-ms). Diethylnitrosamine [(C 2 H 5 ) 2 NNO, DEN] was readily formed in the dark from DEA (∼3% yield) but was destroyed in sunlight. Traces of DEN were also formed from TEA in the dark, but in sunlight its yield increased to a maximum of ∼2%. Other photo-oxidation products from both amines included large amounts of diethylnitramine [(C 2 H 5 ) 2 NNO 2 ], substituted amides, and those pollutants characteristic of photochemical smog [e.g., O 3 , peroxyacetylnitrate (PAN), and light-scattering aerosols]. Both (C 2 H 5 ) 2 NNO and acetamide (found in the aerosol phase) are known carcinogens in animals. Dimethylnitramine is also a carcinogen and was identified as a major product in exploratory dimethylamine-NO x -air runs. Similar studies of possible carcinogenic activity do not appear to have been conducted with (C 2 H 5 ) 2 NNO 2 and the substituted amides. In another type of experiment, such nitrogenous species as N 2 O 5 , HNO 3 , HONO, PAN, CH 3 ONO 2 , and peroxynitric acid (HO 2 NO 2 ), as well as HCOOH and H 2 CO were identified by long-path (85-m) high-resolution Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) when a propylene-NO x -air mixture was irradiated at 10°C in our 5500-liter evacuable chamber with a 24-kW solar simulator. With a second FT-IR spectrometer (optical pathlength, 1.08 km) employed in an outdoor environmental chamber, ppb levels of HNO 3 , NH 3 , HCOOH and H 2 CO were identified in “aged” ambient photochemical smog. The Ames Salmonella typhimurium assay has been applied to the organic extracts of ambient particulates collected at 11 urban sites throughout the Los Angeles basin. The extracts all showed frameshift-type mutagenic activity without metabolic activation. Thus, in addition to benzo( a )pyrene (which requires S-9 activation in the Ames test), other mutagenic compounds must be present—possibly BaP or other PAH activated by chemical reactions with compounds present in smog, including NO 2 and O 3 . We propose that such reactions may take place not only in the atmosphere, but also possibly on the filter itself during sample collection; studies are under way to determine the magnitude of such possible filter artifacts.
Accurate inference of subtle population structure (and other genetic discontinuities) using principal coordinates.

Background: Accurate inference of genetic discontinuities between populations is an essential component of intraspecific biodiversity and evolution studies, as well as associative genetics. The most widely-used methods to infer population structure are model-based, Bayesian MCMC procedures that minimize Hardy-Weinberg and linkage disequilibrium within subpopulations. These methods are useful, but suffer from large computational requirements and a dependence on modeling assumptions that may not be met in real data sets. Here we describe the development of a new approach, PCO-MC, which couples principal coordinate analysis to a clustering procedure for the inference of population structure from multilocus genotype data. Methodology/Principal Findings: PCO-MC uses data from all principal coordinate axes simultaneously to calculate a multidimensional ‘‘density landscape’’, from which the number of subpopulations, and the membership within subpopulations, is determined using a valley-seeking algorithm. Using extensive simulations, we show that this approach outperforms a Bayesian MCMC procedure when many loci (e.g. 100) are sampled, but that the Bayesian procedure is marginally superior with few loci (e.g. 10). When presented with sufficient data, PCO-MC accurately delineated subpopulations with population Fst values as low as 0.03 (G’st.0.2), whereas the limit of resolution of the Bayesian approach was Fst=0.05 (G’st.0.35). Conclusions/Significance: We draw a distinction between population structure inference for describing biodiversity as opposed to Type I error control in associative genetics. We suggest that discrete assignments, like those produced by PCOMC, are appropriate for circumscribing units of biodiversity whereas expression of population structure as a continuous variable is more useful for case-control correction in structured association studies.
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Developmental Mathematics by Embedding a Randomized Experiment Within a Regression Discontinuity Design

Using a novel design approach, a randomized experiment (RE) was embedded within a regression discontinuity (RD) design (R-RE-D) to evaluate the impact of developmental mathematics at a large midwestern college (n = 2,122). Within a region of uncertainty near the cut-score, estimates of benefit from a prospective RE were closely comparable with those found using an RD design, based on retrospective data. Parametric and nonparametric analyses were conducted, yielding increases that generally ranged from one quarter to one third of a grade point. The within-study findings from the RE further established the credibility of RD to produce unbiased estimates. Qualifications of this embedded design strategy were discussed along with its numerous strengths, including elimination of additional validity threats.
Somatic Generation of Hybrid Antibody H Chain Genes in Transgenic Mice via Interchromosomal Gene Conversion

We have constructed lines of mice with transgenes containing an antibody heavy (H) chain variable region (VHDJH) gene and various amounts of natural immunoglobulin (Ig) and plasmid flanking DNA. In these lines, recombination of the transgene and the endogenous Igh locus takes place in B cells, leading to the expression of functional H chains partially encoded by the transgenic VHDJH gene. Here, we demonstrate that the transgenic VHDJH gene, and various amounts of flanking sequence are recombined with Igh locus DNA via interchromosomal gene conversion. The structures of the resulting "hybrid" transgene-Igh H chain loci are consistent with the 3' end of the conversion occurring in regions of sequence identity, and the 5' end taking place between regions of little or no homology. This mode of antibody transgene recombination with the Igh locus is fundamentally different from the previously reported "trans H chain class switching" that results in reciprocal translocations. In contrast, this recombination resembles events previously observed in mammalian tissue culture cells between adjacent homologous chromosomal sequences, or transfected DNA and a homologous chromosomal target. Our data indicate that this recombination takes place at a low frequency, and that the frequency is influenced by both the length and extent of homology between the transgene and the Igh locus, but is not greatly affected by transgene copy number. This recombination pathway provides a novel approach for the subtle alteration of the clonal composition of the mouse B cell compartment in vivo using VH genes with defined structures and functions.
BILL E. KUNKLE INTERDISCIPLINARY BEEF SYMPOSIUM: Temperament and acclimation to human handling influence growth, health, and reproductive responses in Bos taurus and Bos indicus cattle

Temperament in cattle is defined as the fear-related behavioral responses when exposed to human handling. Our group evaluates cattle temperament using 1) chute score on a 1 to 5 scale that increases according to excitable behavior during restraint in a squeeze chute, 2) exit velocity (speed of an animal exiting the squeeze chute), 3) exit score (dividing cattle according to exit velocity into quintiles using a 1 to 5 scale where 1=cattle in the slowest quintile and 5=cattle in the fastest quintile), and 4) temperament score (average of chute and exit scores). Subsequently, cattle are assigned a temperament type of adequate temperament (ADQ; temperament score≤3) or excitable temperament (EXC; temperament score>3). To assess the impacts of temperament on various beef production systems, our group associated these evaluation criteria with productive, reproductive, and health characteristics of Bos taurus and Bos indicus-influenced cattle. As expected, EXC cattle had greater plasma cortisol vs. ADQ cattle during handling, independent of breed type (B. indicus×B. taurus, P<0.01; B. taurus, P<0.01; B. indicus, P=0.04) or age (cows, P<0.01; heifers or steers, P<0.01). In regards to reproduction, EXC females had reduced annual pregnancy rates vs. ADQ cohorts across breed types (B. taurus, P=0.03; B. indicus, P=0.05). Moreover, B. taurus EXC cows also had decreased calving rate (P=0.04), weaning rate (P=0.09), and kilograms of calf weaned/cow exposed to breeding (P=0.08) vs. ADQ cohorts. In regards to feedlot cattle, B. indicus EXC steers had reduced ADG (P=0.02) and G:F (P=0.03) during a 109-d finishing period compared with ADQ cohorts. Bos taurus EXC cattle had reduced weaning BW (P=0.04), greater acute-phase protein response on feedlot entry (P≤0.05), impaired feedlot receiving ADG (P=0.05), and reduced carcass weight (P=0.07) vs. ADQ cohorts. Acclimating B. indicus×B. taurus or B. taurus heifers to human handling improved temperament (P≤0.02), reduced plasma cortisol (P<0.01), and hastened puberty attainment (P≤0.02). However, no benefits were observed when mature cows or feeder cattle were acclimated to human handling. In conclusion, temperament impacts productive, reproductive, and health characteristics of beef cattle independent of breed type. Hence, strategies to improve herd temperament are imperative for optimal production efficiency of beef operations based on B. taurus and B. indicus-influenced cattle.
Psychiatric Diagnosis as a Risk Marker for Victimization in a National Sample of Children

Research examining childhood abuse has shown an association between victimization and psychiatric diagnoses (e.g., posttraumatic stress disorder, depression). Historically, psychiatric diagnoses have been emphasized as a consequence of victimization, with less research examining if it also functions as a risk factor for further victimization, perhaps making diagnoses a general victimization risk marker. In addition, much of this research has emphasized particular types of victimization such as childhood physical or sexual abuse. Researchers have given less attention to other forms of victimization (e.g., peer victimization, witnessed violence) or a diverse victimization history. Using the Juvenile Victimization Questionnaire (JVQ) we surveyed parents and children between the ages of 2 and 17 using a random digit dial (RDD) methodology. We examined the relationship between a number of different forms of victimization (termed poly-victimization ) in the preceding year and parent-reported lifetime psychiatric diagnosis. Results show that children with a psychiatric diagnosis have significantly higher rates of victimization than children without a psychiatric diagnosis. In addition, using logistic regression models, we find that psychiatric diagnosis was associated with increased risk for poly-victimization, conventional crime victimization, maltreatment, peer or sibling victimization, and witnessing violence, but not sexual abuse. The results highlight the need to consider psychiatric diagnoses as a risk marker for past and possible future victimization. In addition, the importance of obtaining a comprehensive and more diverse victimization history when working with children is highlighted.
Ommochrome pigmentation of the linea and rosa seasonal forms of Precis coenia (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae)

Precis coenia exhibits a seasonal color polyphenism. Animals reared under long-day conditions develop a pale tan pigmentation on their ventral hind wing (the linea form), whereas animals reared under short-day conditions develop a dark reddish-brown pigmentation (the rosa form). This developmental switch is mediated by a shift in the timing of ecdysteroid secretion at the outset of adult development. In addition, a single recessive gene mimics the effect of short-day conditions and, when homozygous, produces a constitutive rosa phenotype. This article analyzes the pigment composition of the ventral hind wing pattern of the linea and rosa forms. It presents a new thin layer chromatography system that separates ommochromes with high resolution. The linea pigmentation was found to be due to xanthommatin, while the rosa pigmentation is due to a mixture dihydro-xanthommatin and ommatin-D. Induction of the rosa form thus requires the synthesis of a new pigment (ommatin-D is a sulfate of dihydro-xanthommatin) and the stabilization of the reduced form of xanthommatin. Arch. Insect Biochem. Physiol. 36:215–222, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Early radiation dose-response in lung: An ultrastructural study

Abstract A systematic fine-structural study of dog lungs was undertaken to ascertain the radiation dose response in the lungs of large animals. The capillary endothelium appeared to be the initial site of the post-irradiation pulmonary damage. This subpheural response included diffuse septal thickening, fibrosis, edema, and reduced alveolar lumina. The deep parenchymal response involved perivascular fibrosis, which was associated with perivascular hyperplasia of Type II pneumocytes, increased number and sizes of lamellar bodies, increased production and release of lamellar surfactant. No changes of alveolar luminar size were noted. The most significant changes were observed in those dose zones exposed to greater than 2400 rad, suggesting the possibility of an identifiable dose—response relationship. Early detection of radiation pneumonitis by electron microscopy is demonstrated, and qualitative and quantitative correlation of injury with both postirradiation time and dose is presented.
Introduction for National Cholesterol Month

In this issue of Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology , there is a special collection of articles in recognition of National Cholesterol Month. As Brown and Goldstein noted in 1985 in their Nobel Prize lecture, “Cholesterol is the most highly decorated small molecule in biology. Thirteen Nobel Prizes have been awarded to scientists who devoted major parts of their careers to cholesterol. Ever since it was first isolated from gallstones in 1784, almost exactly 200 years ago, cholesterol has exerted a hypnotic fascination for scientists from the most diverse domains of science and medicine.”1 The authors and readers of Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology remain fascinated by cholesterol, and the range of “domains” remains diverse. The articles in this issue span a wide range of topics, including the effects of oxidized low-density lipoprotein on signal transduction in endothelial …
GARNET PERIDOTITES IN EURASIAN HIGH-PRESSURE AND ULTRAHIGH-PRESSURE TERRANES : A DIVERSITY OF ORIGINS AND THERMAL HISTORIES

Garnet peridotites and pyroxenites have been reported from 11 of the 15 or so high-pressure/ultrahigh-pressure (HP/UHP) terranes in Eurasia. Most of these ultramafic rocks are Mg-Cr types, derived from depleted upper mantle, but some are more Fe-rich and originated by crystallization in ultramafic-mafic igneous complexes. The peridotites are polymetamorphic, with HP/UHP garnet-bearing assemblages being followed by a succession of retrograde assemblages related to exhumation and cooling; some also contain evidence for a pre-HP/UHP stage, such as spinel inclusions in garnet or the presence of Ti-clinohumite. Equilibration conditions have been calculated from all available analyses of garnetiferous assemblages, by application of the olivine-garnet Fe-Mg exchange thermometer and the Alin-orthopyroxene barometer, resulting in two distinct P-T regimes for garnet peridotites—one at high P/T in the coesite and diamond fields, and another at low P/T in the vicinity of the spinel-to-garnet transition. Garnet perido...
Nurses’ perceptions of how job environment and culture influence patient handling

Summary This article is two of a two part series examining the people and environment associated with patient handling. The approach used was that of an occupational injury investigation of a job class, which incorporates defining in the task, environment, tools, and worker health status. Hence, the objective of this study was to evaluate nurses’ perceptions of how healthcare organization, environment, and culture influence a patient transfer. For this purpose, a postal survey was designed to collect data from Alabama nurses who had been registered in the state for at least one year. The potential participant pool included 1000 nurses randomly selected from the 49,000 registered. The return rate of 10% was expected based on nursing literature. One hundred and one surveys were returned with 86 being complete. Results showed nurses perceive bathroom transfers as being most difficult with 3 of the 4 significant transfers being associated with this location. Further, nurses reported they spend approximately 20% of their time performing patient handling tasks. Responses on job culture suggests in patient handling situations most nurses will place a patient’s safety above their own, which is expected given the core concepts of healthcare, but represents a shift from other industries involving manual material handling. Further, over 40% of nurses stated sprains, strains and sore backs are just part of the job. Significant factors shown to influence patient handling were the patient’s size and weight and understaffing. Reasons given for not using patient handling equipment were an emergency did not allow for time, equipment was unavailable, or the size, shape and/or congestion of space did not allow for use. Overall, responses suggest nurses are well educated regarding patient handling as it is a large part of the everyday job. However, job demands and culture often influence nurses to place patient safety ahead of their own. This suggests patient handling remains a problem that still needs to be addressed to find a proper balance between patient and provider safety before significant long-term advances are realized. Significance to healthcare Nurses constitute the largest proportion of the healthcare industry’s workforce. Understanding job factors that impact the health and subsequent working life of this employee group is essential in order to sustain the contributions of nurses as the demands on the healthcare system increase with an aging population.
Developing a template for National Child Protection Index Reports.

OBJECTIVES: What impact does the strengthening of child rights have on the experience and circumstances of children? CRC General Comment 13 emphasizes that defining measurable targets for improvements in child protection is a key element of efforts to strengthen child rights and well-being across the world. This paper describes an attempt to identify key domains relevant to such mapping of child protection indicators, and the feasibility of collecting data-from existing data sources or otherwise-to complete a "National Child Protection Index Report" summarizing achievements and concerns at a national level. METHODS: A process of inter-agency consultation was facilitated by the CPC Learning Network to establish a template for the Index Report. The template was modeled on that used for the "Countdown to 2015" maternal, neonatal and child health initiative, aiming to capture indices not only of key protection risks but also implementation and coverage of key protection measures. The work drew on indicator development and policy initiatives by a number of international child protection agencies. The template developed was used as a basis to pilot national data collection in Indonesia and, at a sub-national level, in northern Uganda. FINDINGS: The template provides a concise summary of protection issues of relevance to a broad range of constituencies, global and national. However, in the pilot settings, existing routine data collection was inadequate to effectively populate a large proportion of indicators. Mechanisms of collating findings from discrete assessments-another potential source of data for completion of the index report-were also generally underdeveloped. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: In settings where state infrastructure allows the collection and analysis of routine data in such domains as health and economic activity, such efforts should be extended to the child protection sector. Discrete assessments by governmental or non-governmental agencies also provide significant potential for more effective sharing and collation of information. National Child Protection sub-clusters or equivalent structures can play an important role in facilitating both of these processes. Language: en
Aligning technology and business strategy: issues & frameworks, a field study of 15 companies

This paper presents survey and interview findings from 21 Senior IT and business executives in 15 organizations including several Fortune 500 and 1000 firms. Survey, interviews, and field observational techniques were used to characterize organizations as operational, strategic resource, or strategic weapon profiles based on level of business/IT strategy alignment. Results indicate that strategic alignment occurs most frequently across industries and organizations at functional and team levels, followed by the business unit, and enterprise levels. Our findings confirm studies that argue the continuing difficulty organizations experience in achieving enterprise alignment of IT and business strategy. Our results also showed that knowledge management capabilities were the least used integrating enablers. Project management skills were identified as the most frequently used alignment resources, followed by change management, negotiation, political, innovation, and entrepreneurial capabilities. Reasons offered for these findings include: limited level of know-how by professionals, organizational structural and cultural barriers, and production pressures to use existing technologies. Future research and practical suggestions for alignment are offered.
Comparison of rice bran oil and wax yields; a systematic approach to wax ester analysis

Summary Rice bran oil (RBO) comprises 2–4% of rice bran wax (RBW) which contains wax esters (WE), hydrocarbons and other minor constituents, and there is still a lack of information on the RBW yields by various extraction methods and the WE contents in RBW. In this study, the yields of RBO and RBW extracted with Soxhlet and microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) were compared with establish suitable RBW preparation methods. HPLC methods were also developed to determine the WE contents in RBW. MAE with hexane was the most efficient method for higher RBW yields as well as higher WE contents. The HPLC analysis proved that around half of the refined RBW consists of WE. The results established an efficient procedure for RBW preparation, which includes MAE with hexane, RBO refinement, winterisation, solvent fractionation and HPLC separation.
The Serious Joy and the Joyful Work of Play: Children Becoming Agentive Actors in Co-Authoring Themselves and Their World Through Play

In most cultures, play seems to matter a great deal to young children. This is evidenced by the vast amount of time children spent playing and the combination of often unsurpassed passion, imagination, and energy which they invest in this activity. This paper explores why play matters through the lens of Bakhtin’s dialogic approach combined with Vygotsky’s developmental theory. In expanding upon their insights into a framework termed “the transformative activist stance,” we suggest that play offers unique opportunities for children to develop and exercise their agency, identity, and voice. While playing, according to this perspective, children discover how to be agentive actors—that is, unique persons who have an irreplaceable role in co-authoring social interactions, communal practices, and the world itself. In this complex endeavor, children sort out the difficult challenge of becoming unique, self-determined, and free persons within the communal world shared and co-created with others. Examples from video recordings of children’s interactive play in a naturalistic setting illustrate how play paves the way for children to collaboratively create and transform the world from their unique stances and positions. This approach suggests that play is serious work for children as they develop capacities for agency. Therefore, it is critically important that early education allocates ample time for this activity.
Epidermal growth factor–containing fibulin-like extracellular matrix protein 1 expression and regulation in uterine leiomyoma

Objective To determine the presence, differential expression, and regulation of epidermal growth factor–containing fibulin-like extracellular matrix protein 1 (EFEMP1) in uterine leiomyomas. Design Laboratory in vivo and in vitro study with the use of human leiomyoma and myometrial tissue and primary cells. Setting Academic medical center. Sample(s) Leiomyoma and myometrial tissue samples and cultured cells. Intervention(s) 5-Aza-2′-deoxycytidine (5-aza-dC) treatment. Main Outcome Measure(s) Fold-change difference between EFEMP1 and fibulin-3 expression in leiomyoma tissue and cells compared with matched myometrial samples, and fold-change difference in EFEMP1 expression with 5-Aza-dC treatment. Result(s) In vivo, EFEMP1 expression was 3.19-fold higher in myometrial tissue than in leiomyoma tissue. EFEMP1 expression in vitro was 5.03-fold higher in myometrial cells than in leiomyoma cells. Western blot and immunohistochemistry staining of tissue and cells confirmed similar findings in protein expression. Treatment of leiomyoma cells with 5-Aza-dC resulted in increased expression of EFEMP1 in vitro. Conclusion(s) The EFEMP1 gene and its protein product, fibulin-3, are both significantly down-regulated in leiomyoma compared with myometrium when studied both in vivo and in vitro. The increase in EFEMP1 expression in leiomyoma cells with 5-Aza-dC treatment suggest that differential methylation is responsible, in part, for the differences seen in gene expression.
Dell Computer: Back to the Future

This case tells the story of Dell Computer Corporation, from its beginning, in 1983, through 2007. It describes the famous "Dell Way" process, which uses just-in-time inventory management and lean-production principles, together with direct sales and real-time information management. It also describes Dell's challenges: globalization, new technologies, and evolving market trends.
Patient comprehension of written drug information

The effect of the readability level of patient drug information materials on patient comprehension of and attitude toward the information was studied. The reading level of 108 outpatients at a Veterans Administration hospital who could read English, read type of normal size, and who were not receiving warfarin sodium was measured. Patients then were given, on a random basis, a warfarin drug monograph written on either the 5th- or 10th-grade level. To test comprehension, all subjects took a true-false test of recall written at the 5th-grade level. A significant relationship was found between comprehension and reading ability (p less than 0.001). Patients receiving the 5th-grade level monograph exhibited significantly better comprehension than those receiving the 10th-grade level material (p less than 0.001). As compared with those getting 10th-grade material, the group receiving the 5th-grade material had a more favorable perception of the level of difficulty, understandability, and clarity of the material. The study indicates that comprehension of written patient drug information can be improved by adjusting the readability of informational materials to the reading level of the patients.
Population-Based Data on Congenital Heart Disease and Stroke.

Mandalenakis and colleagues present a population‐based analysis of the risk of stroke in over 25 000 patients with congenital heart disease (CHD).[1][1] The investigators identified patients from a Swedish registry, which included almost all cardiothoracic procedures and hospitalizations between
Use of percutaneous nephrostomy and ureteral stenting in management of ureteral obstruction

The management options for ureteral obstruction are diverse, including retrograde ureteral stent insertion or antegrade nephrostomy placement, with or without eventual antegrade stent insertion. There is currently no consensus on the ideal treatment or treatment pathway for ureteral obstruction owing, in part, to the varied etiologies of obstruction and diversity of institutional practices. Additionally, different clinicians such as internists, urologists, oncologists and radiologists are often involved in the care of patients with ureteral obstruction and may have differing opinions concerning the best management strategy. The purpose of this manuscript was to review available literature that compares percutaneous nephrostomy placement vs ureteral stenting in the management of ureteral obstruction from both benign and malignant etiologies.
Processing, Perovskite Phase Development, and Dielectric Properties for Sol-Gel Derived Pb[(Mg1/3Nb2/3)0.9Ti0.1]O3 Thin Layers

Alkoxide-based solutions were synthesized and used to prepare Pb[(Mgl/3Nb2/3)0.9Ti0.1]O3 (90PMNT) thin layers on platinized Si. A multilayering spin casting method was used. The effects of preparation procedure, additives, and intermediate heat-treatments on perovskite phase content, microstructure development and dielectric properties are reported. The greatest perovskite content (~99%) and the best dielectric properties (K ≈ 1500 - 2000, tan∂ - 0.03 at 100 kHz) resulted from rapid thermal processing of individual layers at 800°C. Polarization reversal measurements are also reported.
SEXUALITY OF UROCYSTIS COLCHICI

which function as sporidia. Before the parasitic dikaryophase can be established, fusions between haplonts of opposite compatibility (plasmogamy) must occur. In the process of teliospore maturation, the nuclei of those dikaryotic cells destined to become teliospores fuse (karyogamy). At maturity each teliospore thus contains a single diploid nucleus. Although there are exceptions, promycelia of bipolar species typically produce both A and a haplonts, since factors which govern compatibility segregate during reduction division. Smuts in which compatibility is governed by 2 allelic pairs (tetrapolar species) produce four kinds of sporidia, AB, Ab, aB, ab. In either case, as a normal consequence of plasmogamy, karyogamy, and reduction division, haplonts of two or four compatibility groups result. A review of sexuality and attendant pathogenicity in the smut fungi is not intended here (for a critical review of sexuality in the smut fungi see Whitehouse, 1949, 1951, 1954; Fischer and Holton, 1957) ; nevertheless, a brief summarization of salient points dealing with sexuality in the smut fungi seems justified because sexual phenomena in the onion smut fungs, Urocystis colchici (Schlecht.), Rabenh. (U. cepulae Frost) are apparently at variance with those in other smuts. Our data support the thesis that, contrary to other smuts, the teliospores of U. colchici function as unisexual entities. This phenomenon, reported by Tachibana and Duran (1961), is not fully understood at present, nor are other "anomalies," e.g., the disproportionate numbers of teliospores of one mating type from single telia. This paper presents