cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Non-natural amino acids for tumor imaging using positron emission tomography and single photon emission computed tomography

Amino acids are required nutrients for proliferating tumor cells, and amino acid transport is upregulated in many tumor types. Studies of radiolabeled amino acids in animals and humans demonstrate that amino acid based tracers have advantageous characteristics relative to 2-[18F]fluoro-2-deoxyglucose in certain tumors, particularly brain gliomas. Non-natural amino acids for tumor imaging generally have greater metabolic stability and can be labeled with longer-lived radionuclides for positron emission tomography and single photon emission computed tomography such as fluorine-18 and iodine-123. Amino acids enter cells via amino acid transport with varying selectivity based on their chemical structure. This review focuses on the rationale, biological basis, current status and future prospects of radiolabeled non-natural amino acids for tumor imaging and discusses various classes of these compounds including aromatic, alicyclic and α,α-dialkyl amino acids.
Locomotor muscle of high-performance fishes: What do comparisons of tunas with ectothermic sister taxa reveal?

Abstract Many studies of high-performance fishes focus on tunas because they are morphologically adapted for efficient swimming, they migrate long distances and accelerate rapidly, and they successfully exploit the epipelagic marine environment. Tunas have also received attention because, by conserving metabolically generated heat, they elevate the temperature of certain tissues above ambient water temperature; that is, they are endothermic. However, few studies have used phylogenetically based comparisons to determine what is unique about tunas and to elucidate evolutionary trends. This paper compares tunas with their closest relatives, ectothermic fishes of the family Scombridae, and examines characteristics of the myotomal musculature that are related to swimming performance. White muscle anaerobic capacity is significantly greater in tunas than in ectothermic scombrid fishes, indicating that energy generation for bursts may be greater in tunas. Because tunas have high capacities to buffer metabolic acids within the white muscle and blood, and to recover from exhaustive exercise rapidly, they may be able to burst repeatedly. The white muscle of tunas also has a higher aerobic capacity than that of ectothermic scombrids, which may indicate that at least some tuna white muscle fibers are recruited at sustainable speeds or it may be related to rapid lactate turnover or growth rates. In contrast, many intracellular characteristics of the red myotomal muscle do not differ significantly between tunas and ectothermic scombrid fishes. Many of these, including mitochondrial ATP production rate and muscle contraction speed, are temperature dependent and are higher at the higher in vivo red muscle temperatures of tunas. Thus, endothermy may result in elevated aerobic performance levels in tunas, and their high blood hemoglobin concentrations, muscle myoglobin contents, and red muscle capillary densities would ensure adequate oxygen delivery to the active, warm red muscle fibers. However, direct tests of this hypothesis are needed. Much more remains to be learned about tunas and ectothermic scombrids so that more complete phylogenetic analyses can be used to understand the adaptive strategies that have resulted in tunas' success as active epipelagic predators.
Properties of Neurons Derived from Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells of Gaucher Disease Type 2 Patient Fibroblasts: Potential Role in Neuropathology

Gaucher disease (GD) is caused by insufficient activity of acid β-glucosidase (GCase) resulting from mutations in GBA1. To understand the pathogenesis of the neuronopathic GD, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) were generated from fibroblasts isolated from three GD type 2 (GD2) and 2 unaffected (normal and GD carrier) individuals. The iPSCs were converted to neural precursor cells (NPCs) which were further differentiated into neurons. Parental GD2 fibroblasts as well as iPSCs, NPCs, and neurons had similar degrees of GCase deficiency. Lipid analyses showed increases of glucosylsphingosine and glucosylceramide in the GD2 cells. In addition, GD2 neurons showed increased α-synuclein protein compared to control neurons. Whole cell patch-clamping of the GD2 and control iPSCs-derived neurons demonstrated excitation characteristics of neurons, but intriguingly, those from GD2 exhibited consistently less negative resting membrane potentials with various degree of reduction in action potential amplitudes, sodium and potassium currents. Culture of control neurons in the presence of the GCase inhibitor (conduritol B epoxide) recapitulated these findings, providing a functional link between decreased GCase activity in GD and abnormal neuronal electrophysiological properties. To our knowledge, this study is first to report abnormal electrophysiological properties in GD2 iPSC-derived neurons that may underlie the neuropathic phenotype in Gaucher disease.
Beyond PASCAL: A benchmark for 3D object detection in the wild

3D object detection and pose estimation methods have become popular in recent years since they can handle ambiguities in 2D images and also provide a richer description for objects compared to 2D object detectors. However, most of the datasets for 3D recognition are limited to a small amount of images per category or are captured in controlled environments. In this paper, we contribute PASCAL3D+ dataset, which is a novel and challenging dataset for 3D object detection and pose estimation. PASCAL3D+ augments 12 rigid categories of the PASCAL VOC 2012 [4] with 3D annotations. Furthermore, more images are added for each category from ImageNet [3]. PASCAL3D+ images exhibit much more variability compared to the existing 3D datasets, and on average there are more than 3,000 object instances per category. We believe this dataset will provide a rich testbed to study 3D detection and pose estimation and will help to significantly push forward research in this area. We provide the results of variations of DPM [6] on our new dataset for object detection and viewpoint estimation in different scenarios, which can be used as baselines for the community. Our benchmark is available online at http://cvgl.stanford.edu/projects/pascal3d
Sternotomy Approach for the Modified Blalock-Taussig Shunt

Background Since 1990, sternotomy has been the preferred approach for construction of a modified Blalock-Taussig shunt (MBTS) at Children’s Hospital, Boston, Mass. In retrospect, we sought to test the hypothesis that this approach yields less mortality and morbidity than the traditional thoracotomy approach. Methods and Results One hundred four primary MBTSs with polytetrafluoroethylene grafts were constructed in patients from January 1988 through December 1992. Fifty-two shunts were constructed by thoracotomy approach and 52 by sternotomy approach. Fifteen of the thoracotomy patients were less than one month of age (8 less than 7 days), while 36 of the sternotomy patients were less than 1 month of age (20 less than 7 days). There were 10 shunt failures and 3 hospital deaths in the thoractomy group and 4 shunt failures with 6 hospital deaths in the sternotomy group. The overall hospital mortality rate for the group was 8.7% (9 of 104). The operative route was not a significant predictor of hospital mortal...
Diffuse reflectance infrared spectrometry: characteristics of the diffuse and specular components.

Regular and polarized diffuse reflectance IR spectra of powdered samples of Ottawa sand were measured at grain sizes ranging from 1.5 to 26 μm with concentrations ranging from 0.5 to 4 wt% in KCl using three conceptually different diffuse reflectance accessories. The characteristics of the specularly and diffusely reflected radiation are discussed in terms of the state of polarization of the incident beam relative to that of the reflected beam and as a function of the angle between the detector fore-optics and the sample fore-optics. It was found that the specularly reflected radiation and the diffusely reflected radiation coexist in the measured diffuse reflectance spectrum. The specular component, which is primarily sample dependent, is not necessarily the same as the front-surface reflection.
Correlations between epidermal cell structure and endogenous hormone titers during the fifth larval instar of the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta.

Abstract Epidermal cell morphology and cuticle production in Manduca sexta are directly influenced by both ecdysterone and juvenile hormone. Up to day 6 of the last larval instar, post-molt endocuticle is continuously deposited even though cells undergo a partial and temporary separation from the overlying cuticle at the time when a small ecdysteroid peak is detected (~ day 3.5). At about days 6–7 when another, larger ecdysteroid peak is present, apolysis occurs accompanied by the appearance of ecdysial droplets. Following apolysis, layers of pupal cuticle are deposited. Increased quantities of rough endoplasmic reticulum characterize the epidermis at times of peak endocuticle deposition (day 3, larval cuticle; day 9, pupal cuticle). Dense pigment inclusions are found in epidermis from the day of ecdysis to the last larval instar until they are eliminated 5 days later. These dense bodies migrate from cell apex to base in the absence of juvenile hormone (or in the presence of a negligible amount of juvenile hormone) and probably contain insecticyanin.
Isolation and nucleotide sequence of a cDNA clone encoding rat mitochondrial malate dehydrogenase

We have determined the complete sequence of the rat mitochondrial malate dehydrogenase (mMDH) precursor derived from nucleotide sequence of the cDNA. A single synthetic oligodeoxynucleotide probe was used to screen a rat atrial cDNA library constructed in lambda gt10. A 1.2 kb full-length cDNA clone provided the first complete amino acid sequence of pre-mMDH. The 1014 nucleotide-long open reading frame encodes the 314 residue long mature mMDH protein and a 24 amino acid NH2-terminal extension which directs mitochondrial import and is cleaved from the precursor after import to generate mature mMDH. The amino acid composition of the transit peptide is polar and basic. The pre-mMDH transit peptide shows marked homology with those of two other enzymes targeted to the rat mitochondrial matrix.
Microemulsion formation with mixed chlorinated hydrocarbon liquids

Mixing rules for water/chlorocarbon/anionic surfactant systems have been studied. It was found that the behavior of chlorocarbons parallels the ideal mixing rules for hydrocarbons. The polarity of some chlorocarbons prevented a direct determination of electrolyte concentration and solubilization parameter for optimum formulations. These values were obtained by extrapolation and have been tabulated. Various complex mixtures containing chlorocarbons and hydrocarbons were prepared and their experimental optimum salinities were compared to calculated values.
Analysis of Trailer Position Error in an Autonomous Robot-Trailer System With Sensor Noise

A low cost solution for controlling trailer lateral position in a robotic tractor-trailer system is being considered. In this paper, several practical issues involved in the implementation of such a system are presented. Instruments for navigation and control consist of a single GPS receiver and a hitch-mounted sensor for the measurement of the angle between robot (tractor) and trailer. In previous work, the authors examined the effects of errors in the hitch-angle measurement on path tracking performance. This analysis was expanded to include the effects of noise in the GPS measurements. The relative merits of mounting the GPS receiver on the robot or trailer are considered.
Electron transfer in keV-energy He + + 4 collisions. III. Experimental tests of the close-coupling calculations for He + + 4 - H ( 1 s ) collisions

Two experimental tests of the $^{4}\mathrm{He}^{++}$-$\mathrm{H}(1s)$ close-coupling collision calculations were performed with a highly mass-resolved $^{4}\mathrm{He}^{++}$ incident ion beam and an atomic hydrogen scattering target. The total single-electron-transfer cross section ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{21}(\mathrm{H})$ was measured for $^{4}\mathrm{He}^{++}$ energies between 7 and 144 keV, with the results in better agreement with molecular-state calculations than with theory employing atomic states. Above 25 keV this cross section is 50% above values obtained by Shah and Gilbody for incident $^{3}\mathrm{He}^{++}$ with the same collision velocity. Also measured was the cross section ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{21}^{*}(\mathrm{H})$ for single-electron transfer into the $2s$ state of ${\mathrm{He}}^{+}$ using an ion-photon time-coincidence technique over the $^{4}\mathrm{He}^{++}$ energy range 7 to 70 keV. These data differ with the corresponding $^{3}\mathrm{He}^{++}$-$\mathrm{H}(1s)$ data of Shah and Gilbody at the higher energies. For ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{21}^{*}(\mathrm{H})$, the observed energy dependence as well as the magnitude at the lower energies are in marked disagreement with all close-coupling results.
The South African Experience: Beyond the CIDA Model:

The Community and Individual Development Association (CIDA) City Campus is presented by Heaton as an innovative African alternative to traditional business education. However, he considers the model in isolation from the unique educational and economic circumstances of postapartheid South Africa. As a response, this article goes beyond the CIDA model to consider the effect of the unique circumstances in South Africa on the formation and success of the CIDA City Campus. It then considers the elements of the CIDA model to examine whether they are radical innovations, as Heaton claims, or extensions of accepted theory and practice. The purpose of this is not to discredit the CIDA model. Rather, this article supports the model by showing that it is well grounded in accepted pedagogy. It concludes by considering whether CIDA provides a model for business education in developing countries or whether it is uniquely suited to the unique conditions in South Africa.
5-Fluorouracil and derivatives in cancer chemotherapy: Determination of 5-fluorouracil in blood

The current work describes a dialysis technique which separates 5-fluorouracil from interfering blood components and allows for subsequent GC determinations. The parameters affecting the dialysis and GC are presented. The results indicate that 5-fluorouracil is present in the free and bound states in blood, and the method is capable of distinguishing between them.
Electrophoretic analysis of the plasma and urinary proteins and the ceruloplasmin oxidase activity of heterozygous tortoiseshell (Moto/+) female mice (Mus musculus).

Abstract 1. 1. The plasma and urinary proteins of two strains of normal (+/+) and heterozygous tortoiseshell (Mo to /+) female mice were separated by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE). 2. 2. The plasma ceruloplasmin oxidase activity of +/+ and Mo to /+ female mice was determined by light spectrophotometry. 3. 3. The plasma proteins (e.g. transferrin, albumins, ceruloplasmin) and major urinary proteins (MUPs) of +/+ and Mo to /+ female mice of both strains investigated exhibited identical electrophoretic patterns. 4. 4. The plasma ceruloplasmin oxidase activity of +/+ female mice was consistently higher than that of Mo to /+ female mice.
Spin-lattice relaxation in MgO:Fe++

Abstract Published data on the Orbach spin-lattice relaxation mechanism in MgO:Fe ++ is re-interpreted following a direct measurement of the energy interval between the ground triplet and the first excited state. The results are in good agreement with Mossbauer effect measurements.
Atomic-level study of the robustness of the Si(100)-2×1:H surface following exposure to ambient conditions

The in situ hydrogen-passivated Si(100)-2×1 surface is characterized with x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and ultra-high-vacuum scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) following exposure to ambient conditions. The XPS measurements illustrate the chemical inertness of this surface as the onset of oxidation is not observed for the first 40 h of ambient exposure. After 15 min of contact with atmospheric conditions, the STM images reveal that the Si(100)-2×1:H surface remains atomically pristine. This exceptional stability is of relevance to a wide variety of applications that require ultrapure Si(100) substrates (e.g., microelectronics, semiconductor processing, nanofabrication, etc.).
Defining an antimicrobial monitoring service.

The widespread use of antimicrobial agents is one of the most important public health issues.[1][1] Antimicrobial stewardship programs have gained the attention of clinicians and health care administrators.[2][2] Antimicrobials account for up to 30% of hospital drug budgets, and over 50% of
The merge/purge problem for large databases

Many commercial organizations routinely gather large numbers of databases for various marketing and business analysis functions. The task is to correlate information from different databases by identifying distinct individuals that appear in a number of different databases typically in an inconsistent and often incorrect fashion. The problem we study here is the task of merging data from multiple sources in as efficient manner as possible, while maximizing the accuracy of the result. We call this the merge/purge problem. In this paper we detail the sorted neighborhood method that is used by some to solve merge/purge and present experimental results that demonstrates this approach may work well in practice but at great expense. An alternative method based upon clustering is also presented with a comparative evaluation to the sorted neighborhood method. We show a means of improving the accuracy of the results based upon a multi-pass approach that succeeds by computing the Transitive Closure over the results of independent runs considering alternative primary key attributes in each pass.
1013-111 Mechanisms Underlying the Morning Increase in Platelet Activation: Study of Whole Blood Platelet Flow Cytometry

Introduction Immediately after arising in the morning there is an increase in the incidence of acute myocardial infarction, stroke and sudden death. Upon assumption of the upright posture platelet aggregation, as measured by conventional techniques using platelet rich plasma, occurs more readily in response to standard aggregating agents. Whether platelet aggregability in the physiological milieu of whole blood also increases and whether this increase in platelet aggregability is also accompanied by activation-dependent platelet surface receptor changes is unknown. In addition, further clarification of the changes in hemostatic and rheological factors that can promote platelet aggregation and that may occur upon standing, are required. Methods and Results We therefore investigated the effect of arising in the morning on whole blood impedance aggregometry in 12 normal subjects and simultaneously measured platelet activation directly by using whole blood flow cytometry (n = 5). Aggregometry was completed and antibodies were added within 10 mins of blood withdrawal. Hemodynamic changes (n = 12), catecholamines (n = 6), fibrinogen (n = 6), platelet count and hematocrit (n = 8) were also measured. Platelet aggregation to ADP and collagen increased by 75% (p l 0.01) and 32% (p l 0.01) respectively. However, this was not associated with evidence of activation using flow cytometry. Six markers (GPlb, P-selectin, activated GPlb-llla, GPIV, fibrinogen and vWF) tested with 10 antibodies showed no change in either percent positivity or flourescence intensity. Platelet count and fibrinogen levels increased by 14% (p l 0.01) and 12% (p l 0.04) respectively which was partly due to hemoconcentration (hematocrit increased by 7%, p l 0.01). Heart rate and norepinephrine levels significantly increased by 20% (p l 0.02) and 163% (p l 0.01) respectively. Conclusions The observed increase in whole blood platelet aggregation on arousal and standing in the morning is not accompanied by activation-dependent platelet surface receptor changes. Thus changes in rheological and hemostatic factors, such as increases in platelet count and fibrinogen level, together with indirect effects of increases in catecholamine levels may play a more important role in promoting platelet aggregation upon standing.
Can joint negotiation restore physicians' professional autonomy?

The position paper by the American College of Physicians–American Society of Internal Medicine in this issue deserves the utmost commendation for raising one of medicine's most important current is...
Studies on the electron transport system. XXXIII. Succinic-cytochrome c reductase

Abstract Methods are described for the rapid assay of succinic-cytochrome c, succinic-ferricyanide, succinic-Q, and QH 2 -cytochrome c reductase activities. The succinic dehydrogenase complex and the derivative particle, R 2 , were prepared under conditions which preserve cytochrome c reductase activity. The composition of particles with high and low reductase activity has been compared and some correlations have been found between the composition of the particle and the extent of reductase activity. In particles with high cytochrome c reductase activity, cytochromes b and c 1 are reduced at comparable rates.
Supervision of student teachers: emerging models and innovative approaches in the USA

Abstract This article discusses the growing trend toward cooperative models of and new approaches to student teaching supervision in the United States. Although 78% of US teachers train in traditional 4-year programmes, new models are emerging to replace the traditional triad supervision format. The article explores these models through a study of some US university approaches to supervision, ways of enhancing partnerships between schools and universities, and ways of improving teacher supervision with an ancillary benefit of increasing recruitment. Teacher supervision and preparation approaches in the USA are growing toward more cooperative models between school districts and universities, with school districts offering their own in-house training and coaching models based on professional development schools. Research indicates that teacher preparation methods are slowly changing, as schools and universities realise that successful alternatives to traditional teacher preparation exist, especially in the ...
Mechanisms of signal transduction in vascular permeability: potential targets.

La Jolla Institute for Molecular Medicine 4570 Executive Drive, #100, San Diego, CA 92121 (USA) Tel. 1 858 587 8788, Fax 1 831 604 4166 E-Mail beliceiri@ljimm.org Our research has focused on understanding the molecular basis of the requirement for receptors for the extracellular matrix (integrins) during growth factor-induced vascular responses, including angiogenesis and vascular permeability (VP). Significant progress has been made in the understanding of some of the fundamental biological differences between two angiogenic growth factors, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). For example, we have previously shown that the ligation of specific integrins is required for a sustained intracellular signal (MAP kinase) during bFGF-induced angiogenesis (J Cell Biology 1998;140:1255–1263). As tumors are known to secrete combinations of growth factors such as bFGF and VEGF, it is imperative to understand how each one functions on its own to better understand the effects of combinations of these growth factors on angiogenesis and tumor growth in vivo. This strategy has led to the discovery of differences at the molecular level between these growth factor-induced cascades (Molecular Cell 1999;4:915–924). These results have translated not only into a better understanding of the signaling pathways following integrin ligation and growth factor receptor activation, but it has also uncovered a molecular cue which distinguishes between VEGF-induced blood vessel growth and blood vessel leakage/permeability. This work indicates that the VEGF-induced vascular growth can be distinguished from VEGF-induced VP in mutant mice that are deficient for the Src tyrosine kinase. These results have immediate consequences not only in cancer models in mice but also in mouse models of stroke. In murine stroke models, Src deficiency or blockade of Src activity provided cerebral protection following cerebral ischemia (Nature Med 2001;7: 222–227).
Effect of Rotenone and pH on the Color of Pre‐rigor Muscle

The effects of rotenone and pH on color of pre-rigor muscle homogenates were determined by use of the Hunter Color Difference Meter and by visual appraisal. Both rotenone and low pH treatment led to development of bright red color in pre-rigor beef muscle homogenates. Both effects are probably due to mitochondrial inhibition or inactivation, so that myoglobin remains oxygenated in presence of air. It is concluded that dark color of pre-rigor muscle is due to oxygen consumption by actively respiring mitochondria at muscle surfaces, keeping myoglobin deoxygenated. It is likely that dark color associated with heat ring defect and dark cutting meat is also related to active mitochondrial respiration.
Current perspectives in medical image perception.

Medical images constitute a core portion of the information a physician utilizes to render diagnostic and treatment decisions. At a fundamental level, this diagnostic process involves two basic processes: visually inspecting the image (visual perception) and rendering an interpretation (cognition). The likelihood of error in the interpretation of medical images is, unfortunately, not negligible. Errors do occur, and patients’ lives are impacted, underscoring our need to understand how physicians interact with the information in an image during the interpretation process. With improved understanding, we can develop ways to further improve decision making and, thus, to improve patient care. The science of medical image perception is dedicated to understanding and improving the clinical interpretation process.
Endogenous control of spawning in a marine copepod

Abstract Daily pattern of egg release has been studied in the marine calanoid copepod, Labidocera aestiva (Wheeler) under cycling light-dark (12L-12D, 12D-12L) conditions, and constant light (24L) or darkness (24D). Under cycling conditions maximum egg release occurred during the dark phase. Rhythmic spawning was also evident under 24D, but not under 24L. The results suggest that the pattern of nocturnal egg release is regulated by an endogenous rhythm entrained by light.
Delirium: Masquerades and Misdiagnosis in Elderly Inpatients

Delirium is an organic mental disorder defined as transient, fluctuating global dysfunction of cognition. It is common in elderly medical inpatients, yet its varied presentation is often missed or misdiagnosed.
DNA hybridization evidence of hominoid phylogeny: results from an expanded data set.

The living hominoids are human, the two species of chimpanzees, gorilla, orangutan, and nine species of gibbons. The cercopithecoids (Old World monkeys) are the sister group of the hominoids. A consensus about the phylogeny of the hominoids has been reached for the branching order of the gibbons (earliest) and the orangutan (next earliest), but the branching order among gorilla, chimpanzees, and human remains in contention. In 1984 we presented DNA-DNA hybridization data, based on 183 DNA hybrids, that we interpreted as evidence that the branching order, from oldest to most recent, was gibbons, orangutan, gorilla, chimpanzees, and human. In the present paper we report on an expanded data set totaling 514 DNA hybrids, which supports the branching order given above. The ranges for the datings of divergence nodes are Old World monkeys, 25–34 million years (Myr) ago; gibbons, 16.4–23 Myr ago; orangutan, 12.2–17 Myr ago; gorilla, 7.7–11 Myr ago; chimpanzees-human, 5.5–7.7 Myr ago. The possible effects of differences in age at first breeding are discussed, and some speculations about average genomic rates of evolution are presented.
Medical students' exposure and immunity to vaccine-preventable diseases.

Background: This study was conducted to assess medical students' immunity to vaccine-preventable diseases, their exposure to these diseases, and their attitudes toward immunity to vaccine-preventable diseases. Methods: A cross-sectional, mailed survey was conducted of all 249 senior medical students in the 1991 graduating class at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis. Two mailings were sent during the autumn of their senior year. Results: The response rate was 77.5%. More than 90% of the students reported that they were immune to measles, mumps, rubella, and hepatitis B but only 23% were immune to influenza. Fewer than half of the students had ever been queried about their immune status prior to clinical clerkships. One third of the students had had a needlestick exposure during their clinical training (including 8% to a known hepatitis B carrier) and only 52% of these were reported by the student. Ten percent to 20% of the students felt that immunity to measles, mumps, and rubella was only somewhat or not very important. Less than one third of the students felt that immunity to influenza was important for themselves as health care providers. Conclusion: This study documented inadequate levels of immunity among medical students to certain vaccine-preventable diseases, that exposure to vaccine-preventable diseases was fairly common during clinical training, and that medical students often had inadequate attitudes about immunity to vaccine-preventable diseases. These findings have implications for medical school immunization policies and curriculum content. (Arch Intern Med. 1993;153:1913-1916)
Psychosocial predictors of somatic symptoms in adolescents of parents with HIV: a six-year longitudinal study

The objective of this study was to identify salient parent and adolescent psychosocial factors related to somatic symptoms in adolescents. As part of a larger intervention study conducted in New York, 409 adolescents were recruited from 269 parents with HIV. A longitudinal model predicted adolescent somatization scores six years after baseline assessment. Adolescent somatic symptoms were assessed at baseline and at 3-month intervals for the first two years and then at 6-month intervals using the Brief Symptom Inventory. Baseline data from adolescents and parents were used to predict adolescent somatic symptoms. Variables related to increased adolescent somatic symptoms over six years included being younger and female; an increased number of adolescent medical hospitalizations; more stressful life events; adolescent perception of a highly rejecting parenting style; more parent-youth conflict; no experience of parental death; and parental distress over their own pain symptoms. Our findings extend the literature by virtue of the longitudinal design; inclusion of both parent and child variables in one statistical model; identification of study participants by their potentially stressful living condition rather than by disease or somatic symptom status; and inclusion of serious parental illness and death in the study.
Preparation of uniformly isotope labeled KcsA for solid state NMR: Expression, purification, reconstitution into liposomes and functional assay

Abstract We report the expression, purification, liposome reconstitution and functional validation of uniformly 13C and 15N isotope labeled KcsA, a bacterial potassium channel that has high homology with mammalian channels, for solid-state NMR studies. The expression and purification is optimized for an average yield of ∼35–40 mg/L of M9 media in a time-efficient way. The protein purity is confirmed by gel electrophoresis and the protein concentration is quantified by UV–vis absorption spectroscopy. Protocols to efficiently reconstitute KcsA into liposomes are also presented. The presence of liposomes is confirmed by cryo-electron microscopy images and the effect of magic angle spinning on liposome packing is shown. High-resolution solid-state NMR spectra of uniformly isotope labeled KcsA in these liposomes reveal that our protocol yields to a very homogenous KcsA sample with high signal to noise and several well-resolved residues in NMR spectra. Electrophysiology of our samples before and after solid-state NMR show that channel function and selectivity remain intact after the solid-state NMR.
Characterization of Intragenic Recombination in a Hyperthermophilic Archaeon via Conjugational DNA Exchange

Sulfolobus acidocaldarius is so far the only hyperthermophilic archaeon in which genetic recombination can be assayed by conjugation and simple selections. Crosses among spontanteous pyr mutants were able to resolve closely spaced chromosomal mutations, identify deletions and rearrangements, and map mutations to a given deletion interval. Frameshift mutations in pyrE exerted polar effects that depressed orotidine-5′-monophosphate decarboxylase activity (encoded by pyrF), whereas base pair substitutions and an 18-bp deletion had no effect.
Additional Lead Improves Defibrillation Efficacy With an Abdominal ‘Hot Can’ Electrode System

Background Although the left prepectoral site is preferred for “hot can” placement, this site is unavailable in some patients. We evaluated the influence of electrode location on defibrillation thresholds with alternative hot can and transvenous lead configurations. Methods and Results Three interrelated studies were performed. In group 1, the importance of hot can location was investigated by pairing a right ventricular lead to five different hot can placement sites in seven pigs. The defibrillation energies for right pectoral, left pectoral, left subaxillary, and right and left abdominal hot can sites were 20.3±2.7,* 15.9±3.8, 14.9±2.5, 32.0±3.4,* and 30.0±3.4 J,* respectively (*P<.005 versus left pectoral and left subaxillary sites). In group 2, the value of a three-electrode configuration with an abdominal hot can placement was investigated by adding a subclavian vein lead to the pectoral or abdominal hot can configurations in seven pigs. The defibrillation energies for left pectoral and abdominal sit...
WEAKENED CADAVERIC FASCIAL SLING: AN UNEXPECTED CAUSE OF FAILURE

The use of the pubovaginal sling in all types of stress incontinence is becoming increasingly popular due to reportedly good long-term cure rates.' We report a case in which the anchoring sutures pulled through a pubovaginal sling constructed from human cadaveric fascia lata. CASE REPORT A 48-year-old woman presented with stress urinary incontinence. Neurourological history, physical examination and video urodynamic evaluation confirmed sphincteric incontinence. An uncomplicated pubovaginal sling procedure was performed using donor human allograft (freeze-dried fascia lata). The 14 X 2 cm. sling was anchored using 2-zero polyester sutures on either end with 2 rows of horizontal mattress sutures. The sling was placed as described by McGuire et al.1 On postoperative day 3 a voiding trial immediately demonstrated recurrent stress incontinence. Pelvic examination revealed that 1 end of the sling protruded from the anterior vaginal incision since the nonabsorbable suture was no longer attached to the sling on that side. There was no purulent discharge or any signs of infection. The sling was grasped and easily removed through the vagina. Examination of the fascia showed frayed edges on each side. It was obvious that the sutures had pulled out on both sides of the graft. DISCUSSION
Update on clinical trials of growth factors and anabolic steroids in cachexia and wasting

This article and others that focused on the clinical features, mechanisms, and epidemiology of skeletal muscle loss and wasting in chronic diseases, which include chronic kidney disease, cancer, and AIDS, were presented at a symposium entitled "Cachexia and Wasting: Recent Breakthroughs in Understanding and Opportunities for Intervention," held at Experimental Biology 2009. The clinical and anabolic efficacy of specific growth factors and anabolic steroids (eg, growth hormone, testosterone, megestrol acetate) in malnutrition and other catabolic states has been the subject of considerable research during the past several decades. Research on the effects of these agents in cachexia or wasting conditions, characterized by progressive loss of skeletal muscle and adipose tissue, focused on patients with AIDS in the early 1990s, when the devastating effects of the loss of body weight, lean body mass, and adipose tissue were recognized as contributors to these patients' mortality. These same agents have also been studied as methods to attenuate the catabolic responses observed in cancer-induced cachexia and in wasting induced by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, congestive heart failure, renal failure, and other conditions. This article provides an updated review of recent clinical trials that specifically examined the potential therapeutic roles of growth hormone, testosterone, oxandrolone, and megestrol acetate and emerging data on the orexigenic peptide ghrelin, in human cachexia and wasting.
Misconceptions about ``misconceptions'': Preservice secondary science teachers' views on the value and role of student ideas

There remains a lack of agreement in the field of science education as to whether student "misconceptions" ought to be considered obstacles or resources, and this hasimplicationsforthewaysinwhichprospectiveteachersthinkaboutthevalueoftheirstu- dents' ideas. This empirical study examines how 14 preservice secondary science teachers in four different science teacher preparation programs interpreted the rationale for eliciting student ideas. The findings indicate that the preservice teachers in this study showed an increase in recognizing the importance of student ideas, yet not all took the same view of their role and value in teaching, which appeared to be closely connected to beliefs about how learning takes place. Five different orientations to student ideas are described in the findings. These include viewing student ideas as evidence of content coverage, as obstacles to understanding, as tools to prime students thinking, interest, and activity, as elements of a positive classroom environment, and as the raw material of learning. The findings suggest that science teacher educators help focus preservice teachers' attention on student thinking and help them learn to incorporate their students' ideas into their instruction in ways that build upon those ideas. C
Screening for hereditary hemochromatosis : A systematic review for the U.S. preventive services task force

This review supports the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendation on routine genetic screening for hereditary hemochromatosis.
How should we treat vascular and fibrotic lung disease in scleroderma

Recent randomized trials suggest that evidence-based algorithms for systemic sclerosis can be developed to identify patients at risk for lung disease, follow lung disease progression, and modify disease with therapies of proven benefit. Recognition of disease subsets allows physicians to integrate physiology, overlapping disease manifestations, and predictable drug effects into a comprehensive disease management program.
Nutrition Protocols for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death in the United States, and prevention of cardiovascular disease is at the top of the public health agenda. Evidence shows that reducing the incidence of coronary heart disease with diet is possible. More than a half century of evidence from epidemiologic, experimental, and clinical trials pinpoints a positive correlation between lifestyle and dietary factors as they relate to blood lipids, blood pressure, and coronary heart disease risk, and a number of evidence-based nutrition guidelines have emerged. The National Cholesterol Education Program's Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes diet includes unsaturated fats, fiber, and plant sterols/stanols. The whole foods approach incorporates increased consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fish; and the American Heart Association guidelines emphasize functional foods like soy protein, nuts, and alcohol. These guidelines display the rationale for nutrition intervention as a primary prevention for cardi...
Echocardiography as a noninvasive Swan-Ganz catheter.

Diwan and co-investigators report in this issue of Circulation that the interval between onset of mitral E and annular early diastolic velocity (Ea) by tissue Doppler, TE−Ea, can be used to estimate left ventricular (LV) filling pressure in patients with mitral valve disease.1 Garcia and colleagues were the first to report that the onset of Ea occurred 7.5±3.5 ms after peak mitral inflow velocity in 7 patients with restrictive cardiomyopathy, whereas Ea started 22±19 ms earlier than did E in the normal group.2 Subsequently, TE−Ea has been shown to correlate with the time constant of LV relaxation (τ) demonstrated by Hasegawa and associates in their elegant animal experiment.3 With worsening of heart failure by rapid pacing, Ea progressively decreased in velocity and delayed in onset. Mitral E occurred coincidently with the termination of the early diastolic left arterial (LA) and LV pressure gradient at baseline and all stages of heart failure. In contrast, with increasing heart failure, Ea was progressively delayed after LA to LV pressure crossover, and TE−Ea was related to τ. Rivas-Gotz, Nagueh, and their associates also demonstrated that TE−Ea was prolonged after constriction of the circumflex coronary artery in dogs.4 In patients with heart failure, LV myocardial relaxation and compliance are decreased. See p 3281 Although LV filling is initiated and enhanced by augmentable myocardial relaxation in healthy individuals, it is driven by high filling pressure in patients with heart failure because myocardial relaxation remains reduced, not being sensitive to preload. Myocardial relaxation also affects the isovolumic relaxation time (IVRT). As relaxation becomes abnormal, LV pressure falls more slowly and the opening of the mitral valve is delayed, resulting in a longer IVRT. IVRT, however, becomes shorter as LA pressure increases; hence, IVRT∝τ/LA pressure. Because TE−Ea∝τ, …
Resistance to Germline RNA Interference in a Caenorhabditis elegans Wild Isolate Exhibits Complexity and Nonadditivity

Resolving the genetic complexity of heritable phenotypic variation is fundamental to understanding the mechanisms of evolution and the etiology of human disease. Trait variation among isolates from genetically efficient model organisms offers the opportunity to dissect genetic architectures and identify the molecular mechanisms of causation. Here we present a genetic analysis of loss of sensitivity to gene knockdown via exogenous RNA interference in the germline of a wild isolate of the roundworm Caenorhabditis elegans. We find that the loss of RNA interference sensitivity in the wild isolate CB4856 is recessive to the sensitivity of the lab strain N2. A cross of the strains produced F2 with intermediate sensitivities, and the segregation of the trait among F2s strongly deviated from a single locus recessive allele expectation. Linkage analysis in recombinant inbred lines derived from CB4856 and N2 identified a single significant locus on chromosome I that includes the argonaute gene ppw-1. The alleles for ppw-1 were unable to explain the sensitivity of 18 (12.1%) of the recombinant inbred lines. Complementation tests and F2 segregation analysis of these recombinant inbred lines revealed cases of complex epistatic suppression and enhancement of the effects of ppw-1. We conclude that the variation in RNA interference sensitivity between CB4856 and N2 likely involves the nonadditive interactions of eight or more genes in addition to ppw-1.
Dynamics and ordering in mixed model membranes of dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine and dimyristoylphosphatidylserine: a 250-GHz electron spin resonance study using cholestane.

Abstract We report here on a 250-GHz electron spin resonance (ESR) study of macroscopically aligned model membranes composed of mixtures of dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC) and dimyristoylphosphatidylserine (DMPS), utilizing the nixtroxide-labeled cholesterol analog cholestane (CSL). Two clearly resolved spectral components, distinct in both their ordering and dynamics, are resolved. The major component in membranes composed mostly of DMPC shows typical characteristics, with the long axis of CSL parallel to the bilayer normal with slow (10 6 ≤ R ≤10 7 s −1 ) rotational diffusion rates, as expected for cholesterol. The second component grows in as the mole fraction of DMPS increases. A detailed analysis shows that CSL senses a local, strongly biaxial environment. Our results imply that the inefficient packing between cholesterol and DMPS occurs probably because of the strong interactions between the PS headgroups, which provide the local biaxiality. Such a packing of the headgroups has been predicted by molecular dynamics simulations but had not been observed experimentally. The analysis of these spectral components was greatly aided by the excellent orientational resolution provided by the 250-GHz spectra. This enabled the key qualitative features of this interpretation to be "read" off the spectra before the detailed analysis.
Simultaneous Localization and Calibration: Self-Calibration of Consumer Depth Cameras

We describe an approach for simultaneous localization and calibration of a stream of range images. Our approach jointly optimizes the camera trajectory and a calibration function that corrects the camera's unknown nonlinear distortion. Experiments with real-world benchmark data and synthetic data show that our approach increases the accuracy of camera trajectories and geometric models estimated from range video produced by consumer-grade cameras.
Dynamic Targets in CRRs Part II: Experiments and SAR Correspondence

Expressions describing the correspondence between moving-target artifacts for synthetic-aperture radar (SAR) and compact radar range (CRR) emulations are developed. Experimental results are then presented to verify the accuracy of these equations and to characterize the capacity of CRRs to emulate translating, vibrating, and rotating targets. We show that phase-compensation techniques can be applied to CRR data, providing a suitable test bed for SAR phase-compensation techniques.
Measuring Community Competence in the Mississippi Delta: The Interface between Program Evaluation and Empowerment:

If political dynamics are included in the definition of community, health promotion programs have a greater potential to recognize that assisting people to empower their communities is as important as assisting them to improve their health. This paper reports on the evaluation methods employed for a health promotion program in a rural poor county of the Mississippi Delta that chose to define community in this way. The evaluation took an action research approach so that the methods would not contradict or interfere with the program's empowerment agenda. The methods required a close and collaborative working relationship among evaluators and local service providers, community leaders, and program staff who defined and operationalized eight dimensions of community competence, determined the units of analysis, and developed the data collection protocol. Emphasis was placed on using the data to engage the program and three communities in a dialogue on how to confront a system with the difficult issues they faced. The findings revealed that after 1 year of implementation, community competence moved from social interactions internal to communities to those more externally focused on mediating with outside institutions and officials. At the same time, measures of self-other awareness and conflict containment showed a decrease or virtual nonexistence.