cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Disruption of a GATA4/Ankrd1 Signaling Axis in Cardiomyocytes Leads to Sarcomere Disarray: Implications for Anthracycline Cardiomyopathy

Doxorubicin (Adriamycin) is an effective anti-cancer drug, but its clinical usage is limited by a dose-dependent cardiotoxicity characterized by widespread sarcomere disarray and loss of myofilaments. Cardiac ankyrin repeat protein (CARP, ANKRD1) is a transcriptional regulatory protein that is extremely susceptible to doxorubicin; however, the mechanism(s) of doxorubicin-induced CARP depletion and its specific role in cardiomyocytes have not been completely defined. We report that doxorubicin treatment in cardiomyocytes resulted in inhibition of CARP transcription, depletion of CARP protein levels, inhibition of myofilament gene transcription, and marked sarcomere disarray. Knockdown of CARP with small interfering RNA (siRNA) similarly inhibited myofilament gene transcription and disrupted cardiomyocyte sarcomere structure. Adenoviral overexpression of CARP, however, was unable to rescue the doxorubicin-induced sarcomere disarray phenotype. Doxorubicin also induced depletion of the cardiac transcription factor GATA4 in cardiomyocytes. CARP expression is regulated in part by GATA4, prompting us to examine the relationship between GATA4 and CARP in cardiomyocytes. We show in co-transfection experiments that GATA4 operates upstream of CARP by activating the proximal CARP promoter. GATA4-siRNA knockdown in cardiomyocytes inhibited CARP expression and myofilament gene transcription, and induced extensive sarcomere disarray. Adenoviral overexpression of GATA4 (AdV-GATA4) in cardiomyocytes prior to doxorubicin exposure maintained GATA4 levels, modestly restored CARP levels, and attenuated sarcomere disarray. Interestingly, siRNA-mediated depletion of CARP completely abolished the Adv-GATA4 rescue of the doxorubicin-induced sarcomere phenotype. These data demonstrate co-dependent roles for GATA4 and CARP in regulating sarcomere gene expression and maintaining sarcomeric organization in cardiomyocytes in culture. The data further suggests that concurrent depletion of GATA4 and CARP in cardiomyocytes by doxorubicin contributes in large part to myofibrillar disarray and the overall pathophysiology of anthracycline cardiomyopathy.
Ethical Dimensions of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection During Pregnancy

Physicians encounter complex and sensitive ethical challenges in the medical care of pregnant women with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. This paper identifies those ethical challenges and provides concrete clinical guidance for how they should be addressed in obstetric care. The paper begins with a brief historical review, to highlight and to call into question the civil rights model of the ethics of HIV infection that has dominated the literature, clinical practice, and public policy. The authors propose an alternative ethical framework. This framework begins by underscoring the public health obligations of both physicians and pregnant women with HIV infection. The framework is based on a clinical ethics that appeals to both beneficence-based and autonomy-based obligations of the physician to the pregnant woman and the beneficence-based obligations of both the physician and the pregnant woman to the fetal patient. This framework is then deployed in a clinical ethical analysis of termination of pregnancy and contraception, partner notification, disclosure and confidentiality of her serostatus by the patient to the health care team, disclosure and confidentiality of her serostatus to other health care professionals, prevention of vertical transmission, and advance directives.
Increased frequency of mutations at A:T base pairs in the bone marrow of B6C3F1 lacI transgenic mice exposed to 1,3-butadiene.

We have examined the spectra of mutations in a collection of 74 lacl mutants isolated from the bone marrow of B6C3F1 lacl transgenic mice exposed to 1,250 ppm 1,3-butadiene (BD). Of the 49 independent mutations analyzed in the present study, 30 of 49 (61%) were point mutations at G :C base pairs, and 10 of 49 (20%) were point mutations at A :T base pairs. The remaining mutations consisted of small deletions and insertions and a single tandem change. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) on the frequency of specific mutations observed in each animal in this mutagenicity experiment [present study ; also Sisk SC et al. (1994) : Carcinogene-sis 15 :471-477] indicated that the frequency of point mutations at A :T base pairs is significantly greater (P < 0.05) in BD-exposed mice than in the air controls. In addition, there was a decrease (P < 0.05 ; Fisher's exact test) in the frequency of G :C→A :T transitions at 5'-CpG-3' sites in BD-exposed mice (27%) relative to air controls (51%). These data indicate that subchronic exposures to BD induces an increased frequency of in vivo mutation at A :T base pairs in the bone marrow of B6C3F1 lad transgenic mice. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Ion mobility spectrometry reveals the mechanism of amyloid formation of Aβ(25-35) and its modulation by inhibitors at the molecular level: epigallocatechin gallate and scyllo-inositol.

Amyloid cascades leading to peptide β-sheet fibrils and plaques are central to many important diseases. Recently, intermediate assemblies of these cascades were identified as the toxic agents that interact with the cellular machinery. The relationship between the transformation from natively unstructured assembly to the β-sheet oligomers to disease is important in understanding disease onset and the development of therapeutic agents. Research on this early oligomeric region has largely been unsuccessful since traditional techniques measure only ensemble average oligomer properties. Here, ion mobility methods are utilized to deduce the modulation of peptide self-assembly pathways in the amyloid-β protein fragment Aβ(25–35) by two amyloid inhibitors (epigallocatechin gallate and scyllo-inositol) that are currently in clinical trials for Alzheimer’s Disease. We provide evidence that suppression of β-extended oligomers from the onset of the conversion into β-oligomer conformations is essential for effective a...
Serum levels of immunoglobulins and IgG subclasses in steroid sensitive nephrotic syndrome.

Alterations of serum immunoglobulins, especially hypogammaglobulinemia (HG), are a frequent finding in steroid sensitive nephrotic syndrome (SSNS). The exact mechanisms are unclear, especially the persistence of HG into remission. Therefore we studied serum immunoglobulins M, A and G including IgG subclasses 1–4 in 44 children with SSNS; 14 were studied during relapse (RL) and 30 in remission (RM). Data were compared with those of 23 healthy controls. In a subgroup of 23 patients (12 in RM and 11 in RL) we also studied IgG-1 specific antibodies to tetanus toxoid and IgG-2 specific antibodies to pneumococcus antigen. Increased serum concentrations of IgM in RL and reduction of serum IgG in RL and RM were confirmed. During relapse, HG was characterized to result from deficiency of IgG-1–3, whereas in early phases of relapse the reduction was due to low IgG-1 only. In RM the deficiency of IgG-2 persisted for 12 months and correlated strongly with the duration of remission (R=0.60, P<0.0001). IgG-4 levels were not altered in SSNS. In addition, IgG-2 specific antibodies to pneumococcus antigen were significantly reduced only in RL compared to RM (P<0.05). In conclusion, hypogammaglobulinemia of SSNS is characterized by a different constitution of IgG subclasses. In RL a reduction of serum levels of IgG-1–3 occurs, while low concentrations of IgG-2 might be the explanation for HG in remission of SSNS.
SUSCEPTIBILITY OF SUFFOLK AND GULF COAST NATIVE SUCKLING LAMBS TO NATURALLY ACQUIRED STRONGYLATE NEMATODE INFECTION

Abstract Three trials compared responses to naturally-acquired strongylate nematode infection between suckling Suffolk and Gulf Coast Native (Native) lambs which grazed together. In Trial 1 (1992), infection in 14 lambs of each breed was monitored from birth to 12 weeks of age using fecal egg count (FEC) and blood packed cell volume (PCV). In Trial 2 (1993), two age-matched lambs of each breed were sacrificed at seven and ten weeks of age to estimate nematode burdens. In Trial 3 (1994), infection in 18 lambs of each breed was monitored (FEC, PCV, white blood cell count, differential leukocyte count, and anti- Haemonchus contortus immunoglobulin level) from birth to 8 weeks of age, at which time six age-matched lambs of each breed were sacrificed to estimate nematode burdens. The remaining 24 lambs were monitored until 12 weeks of age. In both Trials 1 and 3, infection in Native lambs peaked and then declined between 6–10 weeks of age. Infection in Suffolk lambs continued to increase as evidenced by increasing FEC with concomitant reduction in PCV, higher morbidity and mortality (Trial 1), and number of anthelmintic treatments required (Trial 3). In Trials 2 and 3, the principal nematode found at necropsy was H. contortus , and infection level was consistently lower (> 64%) in Native compared with Suffolk lambs. In Trial 3, there was no difference between breeds for WBC, any leukocyte type, or anti- H. contortus immunoglobulin level. These results demonstrated that suckling Native lambs developed resistance to H. contortus infection during their first exposure to infection at an age when they are considered immune incompetent and colostrally transferred anti- H. contortus immunoglobulin did not appear to be involved in the resistance.
The muscarinic cholinergic binding kinetics of the human urinary bladder

Determination of (1) the absolute number of cholinergic receptors, (2) the cholinergic binding kinetics, and (3) the direct antimuscarinic activity of a series of uropharmacologic agents was accomplished by radioligand binding techniques in tissue derived from human urinary bladder. The competition between 3H-quinuclidinyl benzilate (3H-QNB) binding and selective antagonists provided the first quantitative assessment of cholinergic receptor characteristics in the human bladder fundus and represents a potential method for assessing the antimuscarinic binding potential of uropharmacologic agents.
The pubic midline exposure for symphyseal open reduction and plate fixation

Open reduction and plate fixation of the disrupted symphysis pubis is commonly performed through a horizontal Pfannenstiel incision. Certain clinical situations that complicate the soft tissue conditions of the lower abdomen may make the Pfannenstiel incision a less appealing option. We report on the use of a vertical pubic area midline skin incision in a series of patients undergoing open reduction and plate fixation of their traumatically disrupted symphysis pubis. Institutional Review Board approval was obtained for a retrospective chart review of the charts of 25 patients treated between September 2011 and October 2012. Their charts were reviewed for patient age, gender, body mass index (BMI), pelvic injury type (as classified by Young and Burgess), mechanism of injury and associated traumatic injuries. The depth of the approach was estimated using the pelvic computed tomography (CT) scan. Details from the operative procedure were recorded, as was the length of follow-up and any perioperative complications. Twenty-five patients were eligible for inclusion during the defined study time period between September 2011 and October 2012. The patients’ average age was 55.8 years (range 25–91). All patients were males. The average BMI was 29.3 (range 18.8–43.8). The depth measured on the axial pelvic CT scan from skin to symphysis was 57.6 mm (range 35.2–90.2 mm). Five of 25 patients had an isolated pelvic ring injury without other associated injuries. The injury pattern was APC2 in 18, APC3 in 3, LC2 in 2, LC3 in 1 and VS in 1 patient(s) [anterior posterior compression (APC), lateral compression (LC), vertical shear (VS)]. Urologic procedures were performed in the same surgical setting in four patients. The average blood loss was 244 ml (range 150–400 ml). The average follow-up was 2.5 months (range 1–12 months). Perioperative issues were noted in two patients. One patient died within a month of surgery as a result of his associated traumatic injuries. One patient developed a deep infection. The pubic midline skin exposure is a feasible alternative to the Pfannenstiel incision for open reduction and plate fixation of the pubic symphysis. IV, Retrospective case series
The effects of two continuing medical education programs on communication skills of practicing primary care physicians

Purpose: To evaluate and compare the effects of two types of continuing medical education (CME) programs on the communication skills of practicing primary care physicians.
Developmental changes in the voltage-dependence of neocortical NMDA responses

A change in the response of neocortical neurons to N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) was observed during the first 2 weeks of postnatal development. When NMDA was bath applied, the membrane current-voltage relationship recorded in neurons from postnatal day (PN) 3–5 rats displayed a region of decreased inward current at hyperpolarized membrane potentials. By PN 9–14, the net inward current at hyperpolarized potentials was significantly less than that recorded in PN 3–5 neurons. These results indicate that a developmental increase in the voltage-dependence of NMDA responses exists, which may be due to changes in magnesium sensitivity of the NMDA receptor.
Fourier transform infrared analysis of plasma‐polymerized hexamethyldisiloxane

The plasma-induced polymerization of hexamethyldisiloxane onto solid surfaces is studied by FTIR. An inductively coupled RF reactor was used to produce the thin polymer coatings. Analysis of the plasma polymer indicates a long chain polysiloxane structure resulting from the removal of some methyl groups from the monomer structure. Increasing the plasma power level from 30 to 100 W increased the chain length in the resultant polymer as indicated by the widening and splitting of the Si–O stretching absorptions. Thermal aging of the vapor phase polymer at 120°C for 1 h in vacuum and at 410°C for 30 min in a nitrogen atmosphere revealed the removal of some methyl groups from the polymer structure with temperature. TGA runs on the vapor phase polymer at 20°C/min in air showed the polymer retaining almost 65% of its weight at 1000°C. The residue remaining after the TGA run had very little organic content and may represent a glass type silicate network. Wettability values determined on coated glass slides revealed the hydrophobicity of the coatings with water contact angle values > 100°. SEM micrographs showed uniform and featureless coating on glass fibers which was etched by boiling water and was attributed to the loss of vapor phase polymer on the surface.
Biochemical Investigation of Active Intracellular Transport of Polymeric Gene-Delivery Vectors

To design safe, efficient synthetic gene therapy vectors, it is desirable to understand the intracellular mechanisms that facilitate their delivery from the cell surface to the nucleus. Elements of the cytoskeleton and molecular motor proteins are known to play a pivotal role in most intracellular active transport processes. The actin depolymerizer cytochalasin D and microtubule effectors colchicine and paclitaxel were used to evaluate the function of these components of the cytoskeleton in the trafficking of polyethylenimine (PEI)-DNA complexes. In addition, ATPase inhibitors erythro-9[3-(2-hydroxynonyl)] adenine (EHNA), vanadate, adenylylimidodiphosphate (AMP-PNP), and rose bengal lactone (RBL), which have inhibitory activity against dynein and kinesin, were used to examine to the effects of these molecular motors on PEI-DNA delivery. Disruption of microfilaments decreased the delivery efficiency of PEI polyplexes 60–80%, though cytochalasin D did not significantly inhibit uptake. Depolymerization of microtubules by colchicine decreased transfection efficiency by 75%. Microtubule stabilization with paclitaxel, however, facilitated a 20-fold increase in gene expression. Treatment with EHNA and vanadate caused 50% and 80% decreases in transfection efficiency, respectively. Transfection efficiency was also decreased by RBL (80%) and AMP-PNP (98%). Our findings confirm the importance of microfilament- and microtubule-based active transport of PEI-DNA complexes. Further, the strong decrease in transfection efficiency caused by ATPase inhibitors that possess inhibitory activity against kinesin implies an unexpected role for these motors in gene delivery. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association J Pharm Sci 97:1399–1413, 2008
Late Paleozoic Regional Unconformities: Their Stratigraphic Significance and Correlation: ABSTRACT

Regional and interregional unconformities in late Paleozoic strata can be traced across the stable portions of cratonic shelves, the areas covered by former epicontinental seas, and onto some stable cratonic margins. These unconformities are overlain by a wide variety of transgressive sedimentary deposits. These include: (1) a sandstone-shale-limestone succession in predominantly clastic facies of Upper Mississippian and Pennsylvanian strata; (2) evaporite-brecciated limestone succession in some shallow carbonate shelves of middle Mississippian strata; (3) stacked shelf-edge carbonate buildups at basin and stable cratonic margins in Pennsylvanian and Lower Permian strata; and (4) Devonian and Lower Carboniferous "bone beds" and nodular and clastic beds at paraconformities The stratigraphic interval between the base of the Middle Devonian to the top of the Permian in central to southwestern United States has a large number of these types of unconformities; perhaps as many as 19 in Middle and Upper Devonian beds, 12 or more in Mississippian beds, 15 or 16 in Pennsylvanian beds, and 9 to 10 in Permian beds. Similar regional and interregional unconformities are widely recognized in continental shelf and slope sediments in Mesozoic and Cenozoic strata where they are interpreted as interruptions in sedimentation caused by fluctuations in relative sea level. Because regional unconformities of this type are physically traceable features and because sediments between them are essentially time-bracketed, these unconformities are valuable tools for correlation and regional depositional analysis. End_of_Article - Last_Page 625------------
Appetitive and impulsive: Examining alcohol use via the motivational and self-control systems

Abstract This study examines how trait differences in the appetitive and defensive systems and how automatic, impulsive and deliberate, reflective responses to alcohol cues predict overall alcohol use. By utilizing a measure of trait motivational activation and measures of implicit and explicit attitudes toward alcohol that indicate the self-control system – impulsive vs. reflective – that determines behavior, this research demonstrates that higher trait appetitive system activity, ASA, and positive impulsive/implicit alcohol attitudes independently predict alcohol use, while trait defensive system activation, DSA, and explicit attitudes toward alcohol did not independently predict use.
Rat aortic smooth muscle cells cultured on hydroxyapatite differentiate into osteoblast-like cells via BMP-2-SMAD-5 pathway

Vascular calcification is an important pathological condition associated with increased risk of cardiovascular mortality. Hydroxyapatite (HA) found in such deposits is the same polymorph of calcium (Ca) found in bone, indicating calcification may involve mechanisms akin to bone formation. Vascular smooth muscle cells (Vsmcs) have been shown to undergo phenotypic change to osteoblast-like cells. However, the mechanisms underlying this phenotypic change are unclear, and whether the stimulus to become osteogenic is a result of loss of mineralization inhibitors or early mineral deposits is not known. Our aim in this study is to identify mechanisms and signal transduction pathways that cause differentiation of Vsmcs into osteoblast-like cells in the presence of HA. We first characterized vascular origin of Vsmcs by studying the expression of smooth muscle cell markers: myosin heavy chain and smooth muscle actin along with SM22α at both mRNA and protein levels. Vsmcs grown on HA exhibited progressive change in cellular morphology at 3-, 7-, and 14-day time points. Culturing of Vsmcs on HA disc resulted in decrease in media Ca levels and increased expression of Ca-sensing receptor (CaSR) on Vsmcs resulting in upregulation of intracellular CaSR signaling leading to increased BMP-2 secretion. BMP-2 pathway mediated differentiation of Vsmcs to osteoblast-like cells shown by expression of osteogenic markers like runt-related transcription factor 2, osteocalcin, and alkaline phosphatase at mRNA and protein levels. Blocking CaSR by NPS-2143 reduced BMP-2 secretion and blocking the BMP-2 pathway by LDN-193189, a BMP inhibitor, modulated expression of osteogenic markers confirming their role in osteogenesis of Vsmcs.
Increasing Efficiency in Military Learning: Theoretical Considerations and Practical Applications

Given the fundamental importance of higher-order cognitive skills for military personnel, increasing learning efficiency during training is paramount. The current article expands upon the state-bas...
Regulation of coliphage f1 single-stranded DNA synthesis by a DNA-binding protein.

Abstract Control of single-strand DNA synthesis in coliphage f1 was studied with the use of mutants which are temperature sensitive in gene 2, a gene essential for phage DNA replication. Cells were infected at a restrictive temperature with such a mutant, and the DNA synthesized after a shift to permissive temperature was examined. When cells were held at 42 °C for ten or more minutes after infection, only single-stranded DNA was synthesized immediately after the shift to permissive temperature. This indicated that the accumulation of a pool of double-stranded, replicative form DNA molecules is not an absolute requirement for the synthesis of single-stranded DNA, although replicative form DNA accumulation precedes single-strand synthesis in cells infected with wild-type phage. Cells infected at restrictive temperature with the mutant phage do not replicate the infecting DNA, but do accumulate a substantial amount of gene 5 protein, a DNA-binding protein essential for single-strand synthesis. It is proposed that this accumulated gene 5 protein, by binding to the limited number of replicating DNA molecules formed following the shift to the permissive temperature, acts to prevent the synthesis of double-stranded replicative form DNA, thus causing the predominant appearance of single strands. This explanation implies an intermediate common to both single and double-stranded DNA synthesis. The kinetics of gene 5 protein synthesis indicates that it is the ratio of the gene 5 protein to replicating DNA molecules which determines whether an intermediate will synthesize double or single-stranded DNA.
A retrospective analysis of the short-term effects of olanzapine and quetiapine on weight and body mass index in children and adolescents.

Study Objective.To evaluate changes in short-term weight and body mass index (BMI) in children and adolescents receiving olanzapine or quetiapine. Design. Retrospective study. Setting. Austin State Hospital, Austin, Texas. Patients. One hundred three patients younger than 18 years who were admitted to the hospital and treated with olanzapine (50 patients) or quetiapine (53) for at least 2 weeks between October 1, 1997, and October 31, 2001. Intervention. Treatment with at least 2 weeks of olanzapine or quetiapine. Measurements and Main Results. Mean ± SD daily doses of olanzapine and quetiapine were 13.9 ± 7.3 and 510.9 ± 250.3 mg, respectively. Weight and height were measured at baseline and 14 or more days after baseline. Body mass index (in kg/m2) was calculated using serial measurements of weight and height, and change in BMI was determined. The olanzapine group gained an average of 3.8 kg, the quetiapine group 0.03 kg. In the olanzapine group, BMI increased by an average of 1.3 kg/m2; in the quetiapine group, BMI decreased by 0.2 kg/m2. After controlling for baseline differences, significant between-group differences in weight and BMI change were noted. Change in BMI correlated significantly with baseline BMI in quetiapine-treated girls. Conclusion. Patients taking olanzapine had greater increases in weight and BMI than those taking quetiapine. Further studies are necessary to determine the relative risk, magnitude, and time course of antipsychotic-induced weight gain in this patient population.
The long and short of food-chain length

Abstract Food-chain length is a central characteristic of ecological communities that has attracted considerable attention for over 75 years because it strongly affects community structure, ecosystem processes and contaminant concentrations. Conventional wisdom holds that either resource availability or dynamical stability limit food-chain length; however, new studies and new techniques challenge the conventional wisdom and broaden the discourse on food-chain length. Recent results suggest that resource availability limits food-chain length only in systems with very low resource availability, and call into question the theoretical basis for dynamical stability as a determinant of food-chain length. Evidence currently points towards a complex and contingent framework of interacting constraints that includes the history of community organization, resource availability, the type of predator–prey interactions, disturbance and ecosystem size. Within this framework, the debate has shifted from a search for singular explanations to a search for when and where different constraints operate to determine food-chain length.
Inhibition in the release of immunoreactive β-endorphin from the periaqueductal grey during isometric contractions of cat hind-limb muscles : the effects of clonidine

Abstract Glass microelectrodes, coated with antibodies specific for β-endorphin, were inserted into the right periaqueductal grey (PAG) (at PO.5–1.0 mm, LR 2.0 mm and 6.0 mm below the dorsal surface of the colliculi) of cats anesthetized with α-chloralose to determine whether immunoreactive β-endorphins (ir-END) were released in response to fatiguing isometric contractions of the hind-limb muscles. Probes were inserted into the PAG prior to, during and following muscle contraction in the absence or presence of clonidine. ir-END was released from the PAG up to 3 h after surgery was completed while cats remained at rest. In the absence of clonidine, mean arterial pressure increased by 65 ± 12 mmHg during contractions and the release of ir-END was inhibited during the contraction periods compared to resting periods. Clonidine abolished the pressor response to muscular contraction when injected into the PAG, but did not cause the release of ir-END during fatiguing isometric contractions. These data suggest that isometric contractions of skeletal muscle do not induce the release of ir-END-like substances from the PAG and clonidine does not attenuate the muscle pressor response by causing the release of ir-END from this level in the PAG.
Crown differentiation in even-aged northern hardwood forests of the Great Lakes region, U.S.A.

Abstract Interspecific differences in total tree height and crown position were studied in 20 even-aged northern hardwood stands by reconstructing historical patterns of height growth and analyzing current structure of the forest canopy. Most cases of significant differences in tree height among species involve species of different shade-tolerance classes; strong crown differentiation seldom occurred among species of the same tolerance class. On some sites, height differences among species were significant but growth rates were not sufficiently different to cause trees of the slower growing species to become completely overtopped. Pronounced vertical stratification with canopy trees of one species overtopping another could be detected on only one out of six habitat types. Differences in rate of height growth among species were most pronounced in the first 40 years of stand development and diminished rapidly after that point. The slower growth of shade-tolerant species was partly compensated in some cases by early germination in the understory of the previous stand, but similarity of growth rates appears to be a major reason that several species are able to share dominance of the canopy layer several decades after clearcutting.
Photometric assays of cell shrinkage-the resolution of a conflict

Abstract Two groups have induced the shrinkage of yeast cells and measured its influence on visible light transmittance. Interestingly, they observed opposite effects; Bryant, Latimer and Seiber found shrinkage to increase suspension transmittance, Bussey found it to decrease transmittance. Each group corroborated its findings with light scattering theory. Bryant et al . used their own theoretical method while Bussey used an equation of Koch. We now find that the opposite effects of shrinkage on suspension transmittance were probably caused by differences in yeast cell size and in the designs of the photometer optical systems. All observed effects are found to be predicted by our method in terms of particle size and photometer geometry. The cited agreement of Bussey's findings with Koch's equation is fortuitous since the experiments were outside the proper domain of that approximate equation—the yeast cells were too large as was the acceptance angle of the photometer.
Finite elasto-plastic analysis of torsion problems using different spin tensors

Abstract In this work three tests are selected for evaluating the anticipated material behavior of ductile metals subjected to finite strains. The objective of this work is to test the appropriateness of certain expressions for the plastic spin used to describe the corotational stress rates, and the evolution equations for the backstress. The constitutive model used is based on a von Mises type yield function that incorporates both isotropic and kinematic hardening. The formulation is presented in a Eulerian reference system and involves finite deformation. Three torsion problems are selected. In the first problem the outer surface of a hollow circular cylinder bounded by two rigid casings is twisted while the inner surface is fixed. The second and third problems are the torsion of a cylindrical bar with free ends and fixed ends, respectively. Different spin tensors are used in the definitions of the corotational rates of stress and backstress. In particular, a spin tensor that involves the plastic spin is investigated and the results are compared with those of other spins.
Using ontology-based methods for implementing role-based access control in cooperative systems

The issue of security of data becomes very critical due to the federated databases that cooperative systems integrate. In this paper, we describe a role-based access control (RBAC) mechanism that can be applied to collaborative project organizations, and which uses ontology-based methods for its implementation. This eases the process of making modifications. It also brings about standardization, which is cornerstone for portability.We test and evaluate this approach in an implementation of a data-management system for proteomic experiment data.The primary aim of this study is, firstly, to make use of an upcoming and potentially standard technology and apply it to the domain of database security.Our second aim is to validate the hypothesis that such a method can be effectively used in a real-world cooperative system.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Solution Properties of Skeletally Stabilized Triphosphazanes

The new skeletally stabilized dichlorotriphosphazanes C6H4N2(PhPCl)2PPh (5) and C6H4N2(MePCl)2PMe (6) have been prepared from reactions between PhPCl2 or MePCl2 and 1,2-(NH2)2C6H4 or 1,2-(Me3SiNH)2C6H4, respectively. Reaction of PhPCl2 with the phosphadiazole C2H4(Me3SiN)2PPh yields triphosphazane C2H4N2(PhPCl)2PPh (8). Compounds 5, 6, and 8 form as mixtures of three diastereomers; characterization is based on spectral data and derivatization of 5 and 8 to the amino and thio(amino) triphosphazanes C6H4N2[PhP(NHiPr)]2PPh (7) and C2H4N2[PhP(S)NEt2]2PPh (10). The 31P NMR spectra of 5 and 6 in solution have been measured as a function of temperature and solvent donor and dielectric strength. The solution properties of the dichlorotriphosphazanes and the implications of these on subsequent reaction chemistry are discussed.
Evolving treatment in a decade of pediatric burn care.

Abstract Backround Over the last decade, an ambulatory burn care (ABC) and procedural sedation (PS) program was instituted at St Louis Children's Hospital (SLCH). This study assessed the effect of these interventions on resource utilization. Methods The authors reviewed the hospital experience comparing 1993 with 2002 data regarding gender, age, burn depth, patient admissions, inpatient days, and ABC visits. Outcome measures included length of stay (LOS), incidence of infection, and hospital charges. Results Gender, age, and burn depth were similar; 192 patients were admitted in 1993. In 2002, there were 167 admissions and 118 patients treated solely on an ABC basis resulting in a total of 285 burn patients treated (+48%). Hospital days decreased from 2,041 (1993) to 963 (2002 [−53%]). LOS declined from 10.4 ± 8.3 days (1993) to 5.8 ± 14.2 days (2002 [−44%; P Conclusions Over a 10-year period, the program achieved a significant reduction in resource utilization while increasing the number of patients treated and maintaining a low incidence of infection. This was due in large part to a shift to ABC and the use of PS.
Changing lanes: inertial cues and explicit path information facilitate steering performance when visual feedback is removed

Can driver steering behaviors, such as a lane change, be executed without visual feedback? In a recent study with a fixed-base driving simulator, drivers failed to execute the return phase of a lane change when steering without vision, resulting in systematic final heading errors biased in the direction of the lane change. Here we challenge the generality of that finding. Suppose that, when asked to perform a lane (position) change, drivers fail to recognize that a heading change is required to make a lateral position change. However, given an explicit path, the necessary heading changes become apparent. Here we demonstrate that when heading requirements are made explicit, drivers appropriately implement the return phase. More importantly, by using an electric vehicle outfitted with a portable virtual reality system, we also show that valid inertial information (i.e., vestibular and somatosensory cues) enables accurate steering behavior when vision is absent. Thus, the failure to properly execute a lane change in a driving simulator without a moving base does not present a fundamental problem for feed-forward driving behavior.
Synthesis and properties of random poly(lactic acid)-based ionomers

Abstract A random poly(lactic acid), PLA, based ionomer was synthesized by copolymerizing a methacrylate-terminated PLA macromonomer and methyl methacrylate. The copolymerization kinetics were studied using 1H NMR spectroscopy and the copolymer composition was characterized by 13C NMR spectroscopy. Carboxylic acid groups were introduced into the copolymer by reacting the hydroxyl end groups of the PLA macromonomer with succinic anhydride, and the acid groups were neutralized with metal acetates to produce Na-, Ca-, and Y-PLA ionomers. Significant increases in Tg were observed for the ionomers and thermomechanical analysis indicated that the ionomers were more resistant to penetration by a weighted probe and an apparent rubbery plateau was observed above Tg. The ionomers were more hydrophilic than PLA, but relatively low water absorption could be achieved for the Ca2+-salt ionomer.
Autocalibration of spectral-domain optical coherence tomography spectrometers for in vivo quantitative retinal nerve fiber layer birefringence determination.

Accurate wavelength assignment of each spectral element for spectral-domain optical coherence tomography SD-OCT and op- tical frequency domain imaging OFDI is required for proper con- struction of biological tissue cross-sectional images. This becomes more critical for functional extensions of these techniques, especially in polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography PS-OCT, where incorrect wavelength assignment between the two orthogonal polarization channels leads to polarization artifacts. We present an autocalibration method for wavelength assignment that does not re- quire separate calibration measurements and that can be applied di- rectly on actual data. Removal of the birefringence artifact is demon- strated in a PS-OCT system with picometer accuracy in the relative wavelength assignment, resulting in a residual phase error of 0.25 deg/100 m. We also demonstrate, for the first time, a quanti- tative birefringence map of an in vivo human retinal nerve fiber layer.
Expurgated Gaussian Fingerprinting Codes

This paper analyzes the performance of collusion attacks on random fingerprinting codes, when the colluders are subject to an almost sure squared distortion constraint and a list decoder is used. We derive an exact characterization of the type-I and type-II error exponents of the fingerprinting system. A Gaussian ensemble and an expurgated Gaussian ensemble of codes are considered, and the corresponding random-coding exponents are derived. Explicit optimal strategies for the colluders are derived as well.
Practice Effects on the Trail Making Test

After six administrations, the Trail Making Test shows practice effects which significantly reduce performance rime. These effects were noted in Part A following the first trial and in Part B following the third trial. Neither Part A nor Part B appeared sensitive to anticipated or actual stress conditions.
Guilt: A Factor in Sexual Satisfaction*

As individuals begin to engage in sexual activities, they must contend with the interaction of their current behaviors with any prior learning related to sexual guilt. While guilt feelings associated with participation in masturbation, petting, and sexual intercourse have decreased in recent years, especially among females, few studies have considered the role of guilt in sexual satisfaction among adolescent/young adults. In order to examine the relationship of guilt to psychological and physiological sexual satisfaction, a survey research design was employed utilizing the responses of coitally active male and female never-married students from a state university. Findings indicate that feelings of guilt about various sexual activities do affect sexual satisfaction with differential influences for males and females.
Natural disaster risk analysis for critical infrastructure systems: An approach based on statistical learning theory

Probabilistic risk analysis has historically been developed for situations in which measured data about the overall reliability of a system are limited and expert knowledge is the best source of information available. There continue to be a number of important problem areas characterized by a lack of hard data. However, in other important problem areas the emergence of information technology has transformed the situation from one characterized by little data to one characterized by data overabundance. Natural disaster risk assessments for events impacting large-scale, critical infrastructure systems such as electric power distribution systems, transportation systems, water supply systems, and natural gas supply systems are important examples of problems characterized by data overabundance. There are often substantial amounts of information collected and archived about the behavior of these systems over time. Yet it can be difficult to effectively utilize these large data sets for risk assessment. Using this information for estimating the probability or consequences of system failure requires a different approach and analysis paradigm than risk analysis for data-poor systems does. Statistical learning theory, a diverse set of methods designed to draw inferences from large, complex data sets, can provide a basis for risk analysis for data-rich systems. This paper provides an overview of statistical learning theory methods and discusses their potential for greater use in risk analysis.
Digital holography simulations and experiments to quantify the accuracy of 3D particle location and 2D sizing using a proposed hybrid method

The accuracy of digital in-line holography to detect particle position and size within a 3D domain is evaluated with particular focus placed on detection of nonspherical particles. Dimensionless models are proposed for simulation of holograms from single particles, and these models are used to evaluate the uncertainty of existing particle detection methods. From the lessons learned, a new hybrid method is proposed. This method features automatic determination of optimum thresholds, and simulations indicate improved accuracy compared to alternative methods. To validate this, experiments are performed using quasi-stationary, 3D particle fields with imposed translations. For the spherical particles considered in experiments, the proposed hybrid method resolves mean particle concentration and size to within 4% of the actual value, while the standard deviation of particle depth is less than two particle diameters. Initial experimental results for nonspherical particles reveal similar performance.
Immunochemistry and peptide mapping of Micrococcus lysodeikticus membrane proteins

Abstract Three proteins, ATPase (EC 3.6.1.3), NADH dehydrogenase (EC 1.6.99.3) and a component migrating rapidly on electrophoresis in polyacrylamide gel (‘fast-moving component’) have been purified from isolated membranes of Micrococcus lysodeikticus . Immunochemical analysis of these proteins demonstrated that each protein possessed a unique antigenic specificity when tested against antiserum to M. lysodeikticus membranes. Treatment of the proteins with sodium dodecyl sulfate revealed a common antigenic specificity. The common antigen was not detectable in catalase purified from the cytoplasmic fraction of M. lysodeikticus and is considered to be peculiar to the membrane proteins. It is heat labile and destroyed by trypsin or by pronase. Trypsin digestion of the purified proteins yielded peptide “fingerprints” showing the presence of common major peptides. Some minor peptides appeared to be unique for each protein. Purified sodium dodecyl sulfate subunit of ATPase and the fast-moving component had strikingly similar peptide fingerprints, although their migration in polyacrylamide gels differed. Common peptides were also obtained from tryptic digests of whole membranes and the deoxycholate-insoluble residue containing electron transport components. In contrast to the membrane fractions the purified cytoplasmic protein catalase, gave an entirely different pattern of peptides on tryptic digestion and fingerprinting.
Quantitative characterization and modeling of composite microstructures by voronoi cells

In this paper, Voronoi cells resulting from Dirichlet tessellation of a planar heterogeneous microstructure are introduced as a unified tool in characterization and response modeling of multiphase materials. Microstructures with different volume fractions, inclusion concentrations and patterns are computer simulated, and tessellated to yield a mesh of Voronoi cells. Various characterization functions of Voronoi cell based geometric parameters are generated. The Voronoi cell finite element method (VCFEM) is executed for plane strain analysis of the microstructures. These results are used for comparing measures of geometric and mechanical anisotropy, and for evaluating statistical functions of stresses.
Quasi-shear mode piezoelectric microactuator for head-based servo control in hard disk drives

Dual-stage actuation is an important technology enabler for advancing hard disk drive (HDD) capacity and performance. With smaller track pitches and larger disturbances due to increased spindle speeds, future dualstage actuators will need to overcome the bandwidth limitations faced by the current suspension-based devices. The proposed quasi-shear mode piezoelectric microactuator provides a cost-effective solution which can be implemented at the wafer-scale. We demonstrate a prototype with a measured stroke of 1.6 nm/V at 50 kHz. Furthermore, a second actuation mode is proposed to minimize pressure loss at the air-bearing surface by independently controlling the necessary gap width between the slider body and read/write head.
Proceedings of the 1998 Meeting of the Society for Pediatric Dermatology

The Society for Pediatric Dermatology held its annual meeting in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on July 23–26, 1998. Selected summaries of presentations at the meeting follow.
PUBLIC POLICY ANALYSIS: Ideas and Impacts

▪ Abstract Both economists and political scientists have made important contributions to the field of public policy analysis. Economists have stressed the roles of competition, natural monopolies, information asymmetries, externalities, incentives, and federalism in promoting or undermining efficiency. Political scientists, in contrast, have focused more on the mechanics of agenda change, the likelihood of nonincremental policy change, and how the policy-making process varies across issue areas. Economists have influenced government decisions that led to the creation of public utility commissions, emissions trading, revenue sharing, and health maintenance organizations. Political scientists have influenced government decisions on the design of political institutions (environmental impact statements, legislative redistricting) and on the choice of public policies (criminal justice strategies, welfare reform). In general, the presence of a scholarly consensus facilitates the use of policy analysis. However,...
Purification and properties of follicle-stimulating and luteinizing hormones from horse pituitary glands.

Abstract A method is described for the purification of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) from horse pituitary glands. The glands were extracted twice in 40% ethanol, and the active protein was recovered by acetone precipitation. Inactive protein was removed by dialysis of the acetone precipitate in dilute NaCl, precipitation with HPO 3 , gel filtration on Sephadex G-100, and ion-exchange chromatography on CM-Sephadex. FSH and LH activities were separated by preparative disc electrophoresis at pH 8.9. Additional purification was accomplished by gel filtration of FSH on Sephadex G-75 and LH on Sephadex G-100. The FSH, containing 90 units per mg of NIH-FSH-S1 and 0.16 units per mg of NIH-LH-S1, was obtained in a yield of 26 mg per kg of fresh tissue. It was homogeneous by disc electrophoresis at pH 8.9 and pH 7.5, Ouchterlony double diffusion, immunoelectrophoresis, and sedimentation equilibrium ultracentrifugation. After disc electrophoresis at pH 4.3, two zones were apparent, but FSH activity was lost. The molecular weight of the horse FSH was 33,200 by ultracentrifugation and 47,900 by gel filtration. An isoelectric point of pH 4.1 was determined by electrofocusing. The LH, containing 5.3 units per mg of NIH-LH-S1 by the ovarian ascorbic acid-depletion assay and 34 units per mg by the ventral prostate-weight assay, showed 10% FSH activity. Several components were seen after Ouchterlony double diffusion and immunoelectrophoresis. Heterogeneity was apparent by disc electrophoresis, and bioassay of gel slices indicated a number of LH components and an FSH component with a different electrophoretic mobility than the major horse FSH fraction. Four LH components with isoelectric points at pH 4.5, 5.9, 6.6, and 7.3 were shown by electrofocusing. An FSH component with an isoelectric point at pH 4.8 was also present. The molecular weight of the horse LH preparation was 44,500 by ultracentrifugation and 63,800 by gel filtration.