cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension in Women

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is characterized by pathological hemodynamic elevation in pulmonary artery pressure. Development of international registries over the last decade has raised awareness about the disease, leading to the development of new and improved therapies. Paradigm shifts such as these warrant review of existing literature regarding PAH, especially in females, as the disease continues to affect women more than males. The aim of this review is to provide an update on the classification, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of PAH while focusing specifically on its impact on women.
Individual- and Partnership-Level Correlates of Protective Barrier Use in a Sample of Transmasculine Adults with Diverse Sexual Partnerships.

The sexual partnerships of transmasculine adults—who were assigned female at birth and identify on the masculine gender continuum—remain understudied. This includes characteristics of transmasculin...
Maternal schistosomiasis impairs offspring IL-4 production and B cell expansion

Summary Maternal helminth infections are a global public health concern and correlate with altered infant immune responses to some childhood immunizations, but a mechanistic understanding of how maternal helminth infection alters the cellular immune responses of offspring is lacking. Here we establish a model of maternal Schistosoma mansoni infection in dual IL-4 reporter mice. We find that offspring born to mothers infected with S. mansoni have impaired production of IL-4 during homoeostasis, and following immunization with a Tetanus-Diphtheria vaccine. We identified that iNKT cells are the dominant source of IL-4 during early life homeostasis, and that diminished IL-4 production was associated with both reduced B cell and follicular dendritic cell responses. These defects were maintained long-term, affecting memory B and T cell responses. Single-cell RNASeq analysis of immunized offspring identified egg antigen-dependent reductions in B-cell cell cycle and proliferation-related genes. These data reveal that maternal infection leads to long-lasting defects in the cellular responses to heterologous antigens and provide vital insight into the influence of maternal infection on offspring immunity.
Subnational Enterprise: Militarized Mothering, Women’s Entrepreneurial Labour and Generational Dynamics in the Gorkhaland Struggle:

This article posits that gendered militarized labour, women’s everyday entrepreneurialism and political mobilizations around subnational autonomy are intricately linked. To understand the relations...
Encouraging the scale-up of proven interventions: Infrastructure development for the "Evidence-to-Implementation" award.

Background/objective Although most research universities offer investigators help in obtaining patents for inventions, investigators generally have few resources for scaling up non-patentable innovations, such as health behavior change interventions. In 2017, the dissemination and implementation (D & I) team at the University of Wisconsin's Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) created the Evidence-to-Implementation (E2I) award to encourage the scale-up of proven, non-patentable health interventions. The award was intended to give investigators financial support and business expertise to prepare evidence-based interventions for scale-up. Methods The D & I team adapted a set of criteria named Critical Factors Assessment, which has proven effective in predicting the success of entrepreneurial ventures outside the health care environment, to use as review criteria for the program. In March 2018 and February 2020, multidisciplinary panels assessed proposals using a review process loosely based on the one used by the NIH for grant proposals, replacing the traditional NIH scoring criteria with the eight predictive factors included in Critical Factors Assessment. Results two applications in 2018 and three applications in 2020 earned awards. Funding has ended for the first two awardees, and both innovations have advanced successfully. Conclusion Late-stage translation, though often overlooked by the academic community, is essential to maximizing the overall impact of the science generated by CTSAs. The Evidence-to-implementation award provides a working model for supporting late-stage translation within a CTSA environment.
Efficient acoustic perception for virtual AI agents

We model acoustic perception in AI agents efficiently within complex scenes with many sound events. The key idea is to employ perceptual parameters that capture how each sound event propagates through the scene to the agent's location. This naturally conforms virtual perception to human. We propose a simplified auditory masking model that limits localization capability in the presence of distracting sounds. We show that anisotropic reflections as well as the initial sound serve as useful localization cues. Our system is simple, fast, and modular and obtains natural results in our tests, letting agents navigate through passageways and portals by sound alone, and anticipate or track occluded but audible targets. Source code is provided.
Impact of hedonic value of stimuli on sampling dynamics during a preference test

The decision of whether to continue with a current action or to stop and consider alternatives is ever present in the life of an animal. Such continuous-time decision making lies at the heart of food preference tests whose outcomes are typically quantified by a single variable, the total amount consumed. However, the dynamics that give rise to such a quantity in terms of durations of bouts of sampling at a stimulus before pauses, and the impact of alternative stimuli on those bout durations and subsequent actions following a pause, can contain a richness of behavior that is not captured in a single palatability measure. Here we carry out multiple analyses of these dynamics, with a particular focus on assessing how the hedonic value of one taste stimulus impacts the behavior of a rat sampling a second taste stimulus during a preference test. We find evidence for an explicit competitive interaction between bout durations, such that the more palatable a stimulus the longer the bout durations when the rat samples the stimulus and the shorter the bout durations at the alternative. Such competition is reproduced in a model of a neural circuit that could underlie the continuous decision of when to end a sampling bout. We find that the competitive impact on bout durations is relatively short-lived whereas a competitive impact on the choice of which stimulus to approach following a pause persists. Such a discrepancy in the timescales for the decay of the impact of the alternative stimulus suggests different neural processes are involved in the choice of which stimulus to approach versus the choice of how long to sample from it. Since these two choices together combine to determine net consumption and therefore the inferred palatability or preference of a gustatory stimulus, our results suggest that palatability is not a unitary quantity but the result of at least two distinct, context-dependent neural processes.
A fluid-powered refillable origami heart pouch for minimally invasive delivery of cell therapies in rats and pigs.

Summary Background Cardiac repair after heart injury remains a big challenge, and current drug delivery to the heart is suboptimal. Repeated dosing of therapeutics is difficult due to the invasive nature of such procedures. Methods We developed a fluid-driven heart pouch with a memory-shaped microfabricated lattice structure inspired by origami. The pore size of the membrane is around 0.4 μm, which allows for the penetration of growth factors and exosomes. Findings We tested the pouch’s ability to deliver mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in a rodent model of acute myocardial infarction and demonstrated the feasibility of minimally invasive delivery in a swine model. The pouch’s semi-permeable membrane successfully protected delivered cells from their surroundings, maintaining their viability while releasing growth factors and exosomes to the infarcted site for cardiac repair. Conclusions In summary, we developed a fluid-driven heart pouch with a memory-shaped microfabricated lattice structure inspired by origami. The origami structure allowed minimally invasive delivery of the pouch to the heart and can be refilled with the therapeutic of choice. Funding This work was supported by grants from the NIH ( HL123920 , HL137093 , HL144002 , HL146153 , HL147357 , and HL149940 to K.C.) and the American Heart Association ( 18TPA34230092 and 19EIA34660286 to K.C.).
3D finite-element modeling of vascular adaptation after endovascular aneurysm repair.

Aneurysm shrinkage is clinically observed after successful endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR). However, global understanding of post-operative aneurysm evolutions remains weak. In this work, we propose to study these effects using numerical simulation. We set up a 3D finite-element model of post-EVAR vascular adaptation within an open-source finite-element code, which was initially developed for growth and remodeling (G&R). We modeled the endograft with a set of uniaxial prestrained springs that apply radial forces on the inner surface of the artery. Constitutive equations, momentum balance equations, and equations related to the mechanobiology of the artery were formulated based on the homogenized constrained mixture theory. We performed a sensitivity analysis by varying different selected parameters, namely oversizing and compliance of the stent-graft, gain parameters related to collagen G&R, and the residual pressure in the aneurysm sac. This permitted us to evaluate how each factor influences post-EVAR vascular adaptation. It was found that oversizing, compliance or gain parameters have a limited influence compared to that of the residual pressure in the aneurysm sac, which was found to play a critical role in the stability of aneurysm after stent-graft implantation. An excessive residual pressure larger than 50 mmHg can induce a continuous expansion of the aneurysm while a moderate residual pressure below this critical threshold yields continuous shrinkage of the aneurysm. Moreover, it was found that elderly patients, with relatively lower amounts of remnant elastin in the arterial wall, are more sensitive to the effect of residual pressure. Therefore, these results show that elderly patients may present a higher potential risk of aortic sac expansion due to intra-aneurysm sac pressure after EVAR than younger patients.
Neck and shoulder muscle activation patterns among dentists during common dental procedures

Background Dental practitioners often suffer musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in the upper extremity due to the static, repetitive and precise nature of work. Knowledge regarding muscle activation patterns in that region is essential in understanding the mechanism behind the upper extremity MSDs. However, the literature review has revealed few studies with such a focus. Objective This study aims to examine the inter-relationship of the exertion levels of eleven upper extremity muscles during common dental procedures. This provides insights into the interactive utilization patterns of the targeted muscles and their implications in the development of MSDs. Methods Twelve dentists were recruited. Electromyography (EMG) signals of sampled muscles were collected for 32 trials, i.e. combinations of independent variables (IVs) (and levels): posture (2), precision (2), line of vision (4), and grip type (2). Multivariate statistical methods were used to analyze the effects of IVs on muscle coactivity patterns. Results MANOVA showed significant main effects and a 2-way interaction between precision and grip type. Most notably, the upper trapezius exhibited consistently higher utilization than other muscles during a seated posture. Conclusions Seated postures, preferred by dentists as a way to relieve back stress, may contribute to the development of shoulder or neck MSDs due to elevated upper trapezius exertions.
Working with Organizational Leadership

Publisher Summary This chapter provides an overview of how health-care organizations (HCOs) are structured in the United States, mapping the evolution of HCOs to more complex and integrated systems and describing the information technology (IT) decisions faced by the organizations, the components of a leadership team, and the stakeholders within the organization. The approach of an HCO to the integration of diverse health-care delivery systems is a strategic issue with far-reaching implications for the financing and management of care. The benefits of integration include improvements in the coordination of care and economies of scale for operational functions. Following this, the study turns its attention to exploring what makes for effective leadership and management within the organization, shedding light on qualities of effective leadership, barriers to implementation of a health-care information system (HCIS) within the organization, and project management strategies for implementation. To develop strategy that is consonant with the organizational goals, the leaders must see the larger context of the organization highlighting the economic, political, and social forces shaping it. Within the leadership team, there must be technical competence and a solid understanding of the hardware and software needs for the system. This chapter indicates that management guidelines for organizational change are part of a larger discussion of how to formulate and implement an organizational strategy. Finally, it addresses the social aspects of implementation.
cDNA sequence, predicted primary structure, and evolving amphiphilic helix of human aspartyl-tRNA synthetase.

Abstract Eight of the mammalian aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases associate as a multienzyme complex, whereas prokaryotic and low eukaryotic synthetases occur only as free soluble enzymes. Association of the synthetases may result in effective compartmentalization of synthetases and suggests the association of the entire protein biosynthetic machinery. To elucidate the structural elements and the nature of the molecular interactions involved in the association of the synthetases, we have cloned and sequenced the complementary DNA coding human aspartyl-tRNA synthetase. The full length cDNA encodes an open reading frame of 500 amino acids with 56% identity with yeast aspartyl-tRNA synthetase. The similarity with yeast aspartyl-tRNA synthetase is unevenly distributed with a high percent of identity at the C-terminus and relatively low identity at the N-terminus. The N-terminal sequence strongly prefers an alpha-helical secondary structure and shows amphiphilic characteristics. Further comparison with the yeast synthetases showed that the basic positively charged helixes in yeast synthetases are evolved to a neutral amphiphilic helix in this mammalian synthetase. The mammalian neutral amphiphilic helix is so far unique among all known sequences of bacterial, yeast, and mammalian synthetases and may account for the association of synthetases in the synthetase complex.
From Tragedy to Catastrophe: Lawyers and the Bureaucratization of Informed Consent

In Silent World of Physician and Patient, Jay Katz recognizes the distinction between the idea of informed consent and the legal doctrine of informed consent. Prof. Katz wrote so eloquently about what happened to the idea of informed consent when it fell into the hands of lawmakers. This paper discusses what happened to the legal doctrine of informed consent when it fell into the hands of lawyers and health care managers. Instead of focusing on the goals that the requirement of obtaining informed consent sought to promote - patient self-determination, informed decision-making, and protection from harm chief among them - lawyers for doctors and hospitals instead focused on documenting whether information had been disclosed, even if in fact it had not been. Thus the centerpiece of informed consent became the consent form rather than the process of disclosure - and the opportunity it provided for discussion between physician and patient.
Prospective trajectories of posttraumatic stress in college women following a campus mass shooting.

In a sample with known levels of preshooting posttraumatic stress (PTS) symptoms, we examined the impact of a campus mass shooting on trajectories of PTS in the 31 months following the shooting using latent growth mixture modeling. Female students completed 7 waves of a longitudinal study (sample sizes ranged from 812 to 559). We identified 4 distinct trajectories (n = 660): (a) minimal impact-resilience (60.9%), (b) high impact-recovery (29.1%), (c) moderate impact-moderate symptoms (8.2%), and (d) chronic dysfunction (1.8%). Individuals in each trajectory class remained at or returned to preshooting levels of PTS approximately 6 months postshooting. The minimal impact-resilience class reported less prior trauma exposure (η(2) = .13), less shooting exposure (η(2) = .07), and greater emotion regulation skills than all other classes (η(2) > .30). The chronic dysfunction class endorsed higher rates of experiential avoidance prior to the shooting than the minimal-impact resilient and high impact-recovery classes (η(2) = .15), as well as greater shooting exposure than the high impact-recovery class (η(2) = .07). Findings suggest that preshooting functioning and emotion regulation distinguish between those who experience prolonged distress following mass violence and those who gradually recover.
Controlling Listeria monocytogenes Scott A on Surfaces of Fully Cooked Turkey Deli Product Using Organic Acid-Containing Marinades as Postlethality Dips

This study evaluated the efficacy of organic acids applied singly or in combination as postlethality dips to sliced uncured turkey deli loaves to inhibit the growth of Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) Scott A. Treatments consisted of sodium lactate (SL; 3.6%), potassium lactate (PL; 3.6%), sodium citrate (SC; 0.75%), a combination of SL and sodium diacetate (SDA; 0.25%), and a combination of SL/PL/SDA, alongside appropriate negative and positive controls. Products were inoculated with 104–105 CFU/mL streptomycin-resistant (1500 μg/mL) Lm Scott A prior to treatment. Products were then stored at ~4°C and sampled at 0, 7, 14, 21, 28, 42, and 56 d. The SL/SDA combination applied to turkey slices extended the lag phase through 21 days of refrigerated storage. Numbers of Lm Scott A rose by 0.7 log10 CFU/g through the 56 d storage period. The application of the SL/PL/SDA treatment to turkey product surfaces extended the lag phase through 42 d, with pathogen numbers declining after 21 d. Combination organic acid dips prolonged the lag phase for 2 to 6 wk on turkey product surfaces and can be useful as antimicrobial agents for Lm control on postlethality exposed sliced deli products.
Reuse of Abandoned Property in Detroit and Flint: Impacts of Different Types of Sales

When owners stop paying property taxes, a government forecloses on the property. This research compares outcomes after auctions, the common way governments sell tax-reverted property, with outcomes...
Correcting the Empirical Foundations of IPO-Pricing Regulation

Recent events are replete with stories of fraudulent or opportunistic behavior in the initial public offering (IPO) process - behavior that extended to the highest-reputation investment banks. Curiously, notwithstanding this evidence, recent financial economics literature asserts investment bank conflicts of interest certify IPO issuers. This Article develops new empirical evidence that casts doubt on this certification hypothesis by examining the pre-IPO price adjustment of IPOs involving qualified independent underwriters (QIUs), particularly IPOs in which more than ten percent of the net proceeds are being directed to participating investment banks (e.g., to repay a prior extension of credit). These offerings have similar pre-IPO pricing patterns to those others interpret as involving certification. Investment bank exit, however, cannot comfortably be categorized as certification. These results, together with other recent results in the legal literature, support the view that factors other than certification account for IPO pricing phenomena in IPOs involving investment bank conflicts of interest. The SEC has finally come to consider important proposals, put forward by the NASD and the NYSE, to reform IPO marketing, albeit five years after the internet bubble in IPOs and other securities transactions burst. These results support increased disclosure-focused regulation of the IPO process.
Sesquiterpene lactones — insect feeding deterrents in Vernonia

Abstract Larval feeding tests were run to determine the preference of six species of Lepidoptera for two species of Vernonia which produce sesquiterpene lactones and one which has lost the ability to produce these bitter principles. Significant differences between the feeding preferences of the insect species were observed. Further feeding tests were run with a Vernonia leaf powder medium to determine how interspecific chemical differences influenced these preferences. The sesquiterpene lactone, glaucolide-A, was found to reduce larval feeding when incorporated in a Vernonia powder-agar medium. The amount of insect feeding was inversely proportional to the concentration of glaucolide-A in the medium.
Seasonal adaptations of different geographical populations of the sunflower moth, Homoeosoma electellum

Abstract A photothermogram constructed for a central Missouri population (ca. 39°N latitude) of the sunflower moth, Homoeosoma electellum (Hulst) predicted that this population has a seasonal life cycle of 2 complete and a partial third generation per year, and that daylengths of less than 13 h 30 min light/day and mean temperatures of less than 20°C induce the mature larval diapause. A test of the predicted life cycle revealed that larvae entered diapause when they were exposed from their first instar onwards to natural conditions in central Missouri beginning September 15, 1982. Sunflower moths obtained from northwest Texas (ca. 35°N latitude) and northeast South Dakota (ca. 45°N latitude) displayed shorter critical photoperiods for diapause induction at 20°C (12 h 30 min light/day and 12 h 15 min light/day, respectively) than did those from Missouri. The population of the sunflower moth obtained from South Dakota does not, therefore, appear to be adapted to local conditions, and moths might disperse from lower latitudes to establish transiet populations each year.
Surface free energy change of UV exposed composites and coatings via acid-base interactions

Surface free energy of composite and coatings are critically important for the performance of the materials since the change in surface free energies can drastically affect the physical, chemical and physicochemical properties, and hence the service life of them. The characterization of the surface free energy is the key issue to understand the mechanisms of the surface degradation. Acid-base interaction is one way of determining the surface free energy change on these surfaces. In the present study, we exposed composite and coating surfaces to UV light, and then measured the contact angle values using various liquids (e.g., DI water, diiodomethane and glycerol). Using the van Oss approach, we calculated the surface energy changes of the surfaces exposed to the UV light. We found that the surface energy, acidity and basicity of the composite and coating materials were drastically changed as a function of UV exposure time. This study can be useful for the moisture uptake of composites, composite degradation, aging and service life of these products.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Learning by Doing: Research on the Educational Administration Practicum

The status of the practicum (learning by doing) in educational administration preparation programmes is discussed. The literature base for discussion of the issues involved is inadequate; research has been limited both in the ways the topic has been studied and what has been found. Possible new directions which research might profitably take are presented.
Time-Varying Descent Rate Control Strategy for Circular Parachutes

This paper presents a time-varying control methodology for a variable-sized circular parachute to reach a target landing location. A trajectory is calculated for the immediate control horizon using wind forecast data. To create a parachute–payload trajectory, a three-degree-of-freedom kinematic model is developed. Using this, the performance envelope is determined, revealing the potential target range of the system during a descent. Next, this model is further developed into a control methodology to determine the necessary descent rate, to reach the desired landing target, to be controlled via parachute size manipulation. Finally, simulation results are presented to validate the control scheme. Various release locations were simulated with paired uncontrolled/controlled parachute descents from within the performance envelope. Results demonstrate the feasibility of the system, with controlled parachute descents actively navigating toward the target. With accurate wind data, the vehicle can overcome release...
BLOCH ELECTRON IN AN ELECTRIC FIELD : A COMPARISON BETWEEN THE EXACT WAVE FUNCTION AND THE HOUSTON APPROXIMATION

The time-evolution of a wave packet in a perfectly periodic lattice potential is considered for an electron that is in a zero-field Bloch energy eigenstate prior to the adiabatic application of a uniform d.c. electric field. Power series expansions in time are constructed for both the exact wave function and the Houston wave function. A comparison of the coefficients in these two expansions shows that the Houston function diverges instantly and drastically from the exact wave function. A special-case example is presented for which the exact wave function is pure-real for all values of time whereas the corresponding Houston function is not.
Strategies for enhancement of radioimmunotherapy.

Abstract Two new strategies for increasing tumor uptake have been investigated. First the effect of interleukin-2 (IL-2) on tumor uptake of 125I-Lym-l antibody in nude mice was investigated. Secondly, the use of 67Cu-labeled Lym-1 was evaluated in patients. In nude mice implanted with Raji human lymphoma, a greater than 2-fold enhancement of tumor uptake of 125I-Lym-1 was observed after administration of PEG-interleukin-2 (PEG-IL-2). The macrocycle 1,4,8,11-tetraazacylcotetradecane-N,N′,N′,N'''-tetraacetic acid (TETA), synthesized specifically for copper chelation, has been conjugated to Lym-1 for 67Cu labeling of the monoclonal antibody (MoAb). There was no evidence for bone or normal marrow uptake and the residence time in the tumor was prolonged. Surprisingly, a dose of 4.4 mCi that was intended for imaging induced substantial tumor regression in a patient.
Parallel approximation algorithms for bin packing

We study the parallel complexity of polynomial heuristics for the bin packing problem. We show that some well-known (and simple) moethods like first-fit- decreasing are P-complete, and it is hence very unlikely that they can be efficiently parallelized. On the other hand, we exhibit an optimal NC algorithm that achieves the same performance bound as does FFD. Finally, we discuss parallelization of polynomial approximation algorithms for bin packing based on discretization.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Rectum 21 Years after Radiotherapy for Cervical Carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the rectum is an extremely rare malignancy, accounting for 0.1-0.2% of rectal malignancies. It is associated with ulcerative colitis, prior radiation, schistosomiasis, ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer, human papilloma virus, colocutaneous fistulas and colonic duplication. Prior reported cases of SCC of the rectum have involved treatment with brachytherapy and external beam radiation. This case is particularly interesting because of the remote exposure of radiation (21 years previously) and the subsequent development of SCC of the rectum. Although extremely rare, SCC of the rectum can occur decades after radiation exposure.
INFLUENCE OF YIELD ON CALCIUM CONTENT OF MECHANICALLY DEBONED LAMB AND MUTTON

Mutton carcasses and lamb carcass cuts were mechanically deboned at different settings to give variable yields of mechanically deboned meat. Higher yields of mechanically deboned meat were related to higher calcium and fat percentages. Lamb breasts had the lowest bone percentage of any of the cuts and the mechanically deboned meat from breasts had the lowest calcium content when compared to deboned meat from other lamb cuts or mutton carcasses. Necks had the highest bone percentage and the highest calcium content in the mechanically deboned meat. Data are presented which show that mechanically deboned meat is not homogenous as it is extruded from the cylinder. Palatability of bologna made with mechanically deboned meat increased as the size of cylinder holes through which the meat was extruded decreased.
Transport ATPase of erythrocyte membrane: Sensitivities of Na+,K+-ATPase and K+-phosphatase activities to ouabain

Abstract Cardiac glycosides are inhibitors of Na+,K+-ATPase, and K+-phosphatase activities of the transport enzyme. Previous studies have shown that when the sensitivities of these two activities to ouabain are compared by the addition of varying concentrations of the drug to the assay media, the K+-phosphatase is significantly less sensitive than Na+,K+-ATPase. This work was done to seek an explanation for this phenomenon. 3-O-Methyl-fluorescein phosphate was used as substrate for the continuous fluorimetric assay of K+-phosphatase obtained from human red cells. When ouabain was added to the assay medium, a time-dependent inhibition of K+-phosphatase was observed. The rate of inhibition was also influenced by the order of additions of K+ and ouabain. In view of these results, several enzyme samples exposed to ouabain for varying lengths of time were prepared, and their Na+,K+-ATPase and K+-phosphatase activities were then determined. A good correlation between the extent of inhibition of the two activities was obtained. These results prove that the previously observed discrepancies between the sensitivities of Na+,K+-ATPase and K+-phosphatase to ouabain are due to the different kinetics of drug interaction with the enzyme under the different conditions of the two assays and that once a certain level of ouabain binding to the enzyme is achieved, both activities are equally inhibited.
A Use of Social Exchange Theory in Family Crisis Intervention

This paper explores the practical application of social exchange theory in conceptualizing a working hypothesis in family crisis intervention. It is hypothesized that the range of exchange content in a family crisis situation is proportional to the frequency of negative communication. The contention is made that offering specific behavioral exchange equivalents to family members based on need-response patterns allows for resolution of the family conflict. A case example illustrates support for the hypothesis and implications for future empirical research in family crisis studies are noted.
THE STRAIGHT BACK SYNDROME: CLINICAL CARDIOVASCULAR MANIFESTATIONS.

Analysis of the cardiovascular manifestations caused by loss of thoracic kyphosis has been incomplete. Accordingly, this study was designed to investigate the physical signs and the electrocardiographic, radiologic, hemodynamic, and pulmonary ventilatory features of this skeletal defect. Twenty-three patients with straight thoracic spines in lateral chest x-rays were selected. Ratios of anteroposterior to transthoracic dimensions were uniformly below a mean derived from 100 normal subjects. Cardiac features included pulmonic ejection murmurs, palpable left parasternal systolic impulses, loud delayed sounds of tricuspid valve closure, exaggerated respiratory splitting of the second heart sound, vertical electrical axes, rSr9 patterns in leads V 1 or aV R , radiologic prominence of the pulmonary arteries, levodisplacement of the heart, a "pancake" cardiac configuration simulating cardiomegaly, occasional alterations in height or contour of the right ventricular diastolic pressure pulse, and an occasional mild pulmonary ventilatory restrictive defect. Differential diagnoses principally included atrial septal defect, mild pulmonic stenosis, and idiopathic dilatation of the pulmonary artery.
Neural correlates of preparation for action selection as a function of specific task demands

Our behavior is frequently guided by rules, or prescribed guides for action. The prefrontal cortex (PFC) has been implicated in the ability to retrieve and use rules in a conscious, effortful manner. Several functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies have examined the role of the PFC in rule representation; however, the precise PFC subregions implicated in this function vary from study to study. This observation raises the question of whether there are distinct classes of rules that are represented differentially in the brain. To address this question, an fMRI study was conducted in which participants performed two tasks, each at two levels of difficulty, during acquisition of event-related fMRI data. The response competition task was based on the Stroop paradigm: Participants were cued to determine either the ink color or color name associated with a word stimulus. In contrast, the paired associates task evaluated participants' memory for either one or four previously memorized pairs of words. On each trial, an instructional cue appeared briefly on the screen, followed by an 8-sec delay and a probe period. The left ventrolateral PFC (VLPFC) and the left supplementary motor area (SMA)/pre-SMA were engaged during the delay period for all conditions, consistent with a general role in rule representation. In contrast, different parts of the dorsolateral PFC, the anterior PFC, and the right VLPFC were preferentially engaged by one or both of the more challenging rules, consistent with the idea that rules are represented by partially distinct brain structures according to their content.
LEARNING THE HARSH REALITIES OF LIFE: SEXUAL VIOLENCE, DISILLUSIONMENT, AND MEANING

The purpose of this study was to explore how women find meaning in experiences of sexual violence committed by men close to them. Data were provided by 44 women who had participated in one of three studies I had conducted on women's responses to sexual abuse and assault by intimate others. The women's explanations for the violence they experienced, discussions of how they made sense of the violence, and references to the meaning or purpose of the violence in their lives were analyzed using grounded theory methods. The women indicated that their victimizing experiences had taught them "the harsh realities of life"; that is, the world is violent and society tolerates and, in some cases, promotes violence against women. This lesson forced them to take it upon themselves to create a better life. This psychosocial process of "taking it upon oneself" involved three tasks: pursuing one's own safety, taking justice into one's own hand, and making something good out of something bad. By accomplishing these tasks, the women found meaning in their suffering.
Lapatinib and breast cancer: current indications and outlook for the future

Lapatinib is an oral dual erbB 1/2 tyrosine kinase inhibitor that inhibits human EGF receptor 2 (HER2) and blocks the EGF receptor. Studies have shown that in patients with metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer that is resistant to trastuzumab, the addition of lapatinib to capecitabine improves progression-free survival and appears to lengthen overall survival. Furthermore, lapatinib has been studied in patients with involvement of the CNS and has been associated with stable disease and some responses. Its combination with letrozole provided an improvement in progression-free survival compared with single-agent letrozole in women with hormone receptor-positive, HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer. More recently, data suggested that the combination of lapatinib with trastuzumab significantly improves overall survival in women with metastatic breast cancer compared with single-agent lapatinib. Current indications in the USA for the use of lapatinib are for the treatment of metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer, both in combination with capecitabine in patients who have received taxane, anthracycline and traztuzumab, and in combination with letrozole for postmenopausal patients with hormone receptor- and HER2-overexpressing breast cancer. Common side effects of lapatinib include diarrhea and rash. Studies to date have found a less than 2% risk for cardiotoxicity, although most cardiac events that occurred during the studies were not attributed to lapatinib. It is important to consider that most of the patients in existing studies had already been treated with trastuzumab with no significant cardiotoxicity; therefore, future studies will show how trastuzumab-naive patients tolerate lapatinib. Ongoing research is evaluating the role of lapatinib in the adjuvant setting as a single agent or in combination with trastuzumab.
Energetics of displacing water molecules from protein binding sites: consequences for ligand optimization.

A strategy in drug design is to consider enhancing the affinity of lead molecules with structural modifications that displace water molecules from a protein binding site. Because success of the approach is uncertain, clarification of the associated energetics was sought in cases where similar structural modifications yield qualitatively different outcomes. Specifically, free energy perturbation calculations were carried out in the context of Monte Carlo statistical mechanics simulations to investigate ligand series that feature displacement of ordered water molecules in the binding sites of scytalone dehydratase, p38-αMAP kinase, and EGFR kinase. The change in affinity for a ligand modification is found to correlate with the ease of displacement of the ordered water molecule. However, as in the EGFR example, the binding affinity may diminish if the free energy increase due to the removal of the bound water molecule is not more than compensated by the additional interactions of the water-displacing moiety. For accurate computation of the effects of ligand modifications, a complete thermodynamic analysis is shown to be needed. It requires identification of the location of water molecules in the protein-ligand interface and evaluation of the free energy changes associated with their removal and with the introduction of the ligand modification. Direct modification of the ligand in free-energy calculations is likely to trap the ordered molecule and provide misleading guidance for lead optimization.
Dyslexia the Invisible, Treatable Disorder: the Story of Einstein's Ninja Turtles:

In this longitudinal, multiple case study, I describe and compare the early development, instructional history, repeated administrations of a test battery, and response to instructional intervention for seven boys (in third to fifth grade at time of intervention), who were brain imaged prior to inter- vention and found to differ from controls in brain chemical activation during a phonological task. The instructional inter- vention was phonologically driven reading instruction in a science/reading workshop. At follow-up, phonological skills (phonological manipulation, phonological memory, and phono- logical decoding) had improved compared to initial assessment, but the boys were better at silent reading comprehension than oral reading, and had rate impairments and considerable difficulties with writing skills (handwriting automaticity, spelling, and speed of composing). Based on recent research on the genetic phenotype (language markers) and on early inter- vention, a case is made that dyslexia should be diagnosed early in schooling, on the basis of markers for deficient language processes and response to early intervention, so that appropriate instruction can be instituted early and continued throughout schooling as long as necessary. Dyslexia is a developmental dis- order that manifests in different ways at different developmental stages, initially as difficulty in learning letters and letter-sound correspondence, next in learning to read words accurately, and finally in impaired reading rate and written expression skills (handwriting automaticity, spelling, and compositional fluency).
Abstract 1968: Obesity-induced activation of the androgen receptor

Proceedings: AACR 102nd Annual Meeting 2011‐‐ Apr 2‐6, 2011; Orlando, FL Background: Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths for men in the US. Obesity increases the risk of dying from prostate cancer by almost 50%. The mechanisms by which obesity promotes a more aggressive disease remain largely unknown, hindering the development of effective approaches for improving patient outcome. It is hypothesized that because obesity is associated with elevated circulating levels of growth factors, activation of the androgen receptor may be responsible for the increased risk of a more aggressive cancer in obese men. This current study investigates the effects of obese sera on androgen receptor activity in a highly novel prostate cancer cell line. Methods: LNCaP prostate cancer cells were stably infected with a lentiviral Dual-Luciferase reporter plasmid containing an androgen receptor response element (ARE). These stable ARE-reporter cells were then exposed to sera from either obese or control weight mice. Specific signal transduction inhibitors were used to determine the role of growth factor signaling in mediating the effects observed in response to exposure to the different sera. Results: Exposure to obese sera activated the androgen receptor to levels three-fold greater than those seen with control sera. Intriguingly, use of a PI3 kinase inhibitor reduced obesity-induced activation of the AR by 75%, but only by 64% in the control sera. Studies are on-going to determine the role of both the Akt and MAPK pathways in these results, as well as the relative contribution of circulating androgens in activating the AR. Downstream targets of the AR induced by exposure to the obese sera are being identified both by Western blot and microarray analyses. Conclusions: These results suggest that obesity-related circulating factors induce activation of the androgen receptor in prostate cancer cells. This activation appears to be both ligand dependent (androgens) and ligand independent (growth factors). These data suggest that one mechanism by which obesity influences time to progression and hormone independence is through activation of the androgen receptor. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1968. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-1968
Flame Structure Interactions and State Relationships in an Unsteady Partially Premixed Flame

In this investigation our objective is 1 ) to compare the similitude between an unsteady, two-dimensional (axisymmetric), partially premixed e ame and an analogous steady, partially premixed e amelet to determine if state relationshipsintermsofamodie edconservedscalarapplyand2 )toinvestigatee amestructureinteractionsbetween the various reaction zones contained in partially premixed e ames. This comparison is of fundamental importance to theunderstanding and modeling of turbulente amesbecause the axisymmetrice ameinvolvesrelatively complex e ow chemistry interactions resulting from differential diffusion, e ame curvature, and spatiotemporally varying strain rates, whereas the development of state relationships generally assumes negligible differential diffusion effects. A time-dependent, axisymmetric model based on a direct numerical simulation methodology using a relatively detailed CH 4‐airchemical mechanism isemployed to model inverseaxisymmetric partially premixed e ames that are established by introducing a fuel-rich (CH4‐air) annular jet that is sandwiched between an air jet (on the inside)and coe owing air (on theoutside ). The e ame consists of distinct layers that include 1 ) an inner layer (PF) in which methane and O 2 consumption occur and 2 ) an oxidation layer (NF). The broadened inner premixed e ame is synergistically coupled with an oxidation layer, and the upstream region of the nonpremixed e ame is contained downstream of the premixed e ame. The signie cant hydrocarbon chemistry occurs almost solely in the PF where fuel and radical consumption produce CO and H 2, which are then oxidized to form CO 2 and H2O in the NF. The nonpremixed e ame provides radicals to accelerate the upstream region of the premixed e ame. Comparison with an analogous e amelet reveals that transport effects in the axisymmetric e ame are signie cant on the rich side. The coannulare amescalar proe lesshow regions of both frozen e ow and burning. Thescalar distributions in thee ame, when compared with analogous e amelet proe les, indicate that upstream interactions occur 1 ) in the rich region with the consequence of enhanced heat release, 2 ) at the nonpremixed interface leading to higher heat release through H2 and CO oxidation, and 3 ) in the lean region where methane consumption occurs despite the local equivalence ratios being well below the lean e ammability limit. The synergistic interactions between the inner and outer layers lead to the formation of complex composite e ames.
A Study to Determine the Nitroglycerin Ointment Dose and Dosing Interval That Best Promote the Healing of Chronic Anal Fissures

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the optimal dose and dosing interval of nitroglycerin ointment to heal chronic anal fissures. METHOD: A randomized, double-blind study of intra-anally applied nitroglycerin ointment (Anogesic™) was conducted in 17 centers in 304 patients with chronic anal fissures. The patients were randomly assigned to one of eight treatment regimens (0.0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.4 percent nitroglycerin ointment applied twice or three times per day), for up to eight weeks. A dose-measuring device standardized the delivery of 374 mg ointment. Healing of fissures (complete reepithelialization) was assessed by physical examination using an observer unaware of treatment allocation. The subjects assessed pain intensity daily by completing a diary containing a visual analog scale for average pain intensity for the day, the worst pain intensity for the day, and pain intensity at the last defecation. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in fissure healing among any of the treatment groups; all groups, including placebo had a healing rate of approximately 50 percent. This rate of placebo response was inexplicably higher than previously reported in the literature. Treatment with 0.4 percent (1.5 mg) nitroglycerin ointment was associated with a significant (P < 0.0002) decrease in average pain intensity compared with vehicle as assessed by patients with a visual analog scale. The decreases were observed by Day 4 of treatment. At 8 weeks the magnitude of the difference between 0.4 percent nitroglycerin and control was a 21 percent reduction in average pain. Treatment was well tolerated, with only 3.29 percent of patients discontinuing treatment because of headache. Headaches were the primary adverse event and were dose related. CONCLUSION: Nitroglycerin ointment did not alter healing but significantly and rapidly reduced the pain associated with chronic anal fissures.