cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Preferential transfection with M13mp2 RF DNA synthesized in vitro

Abstract Single-strand DNA binding protein (SSB) from Escherichia coli abolishes transfection of E.coli by viral M13mp2 DNA at levels that inhibit transfection by M13mp2 replicative form (RF) DNA by approx. 25%. Synthesis of M13mp2 RF DNA (SS → DS) has been carried out using DNA polymerase I (Klenow fragment) and a unique 15-nucleotide primer. A time course for in vitro synthesis showed that the increase in transfection in the presence of SSB paralleled DNA synthesis after an initial lag period for transfection. Digestion of replication products with restriction endonucleases and Sl endonuclease indicates that only those molecules that are fully or almost fully duplex transfect competent cells in the presence of SSB.
A prospective evaluation of the short-term impact and recovery of health-related quality of life in men undergoing radical prostatectomy.

OBJECTIVE To prospectively evaluate the acute and short-term effects of radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) using a validated generic HRQoL instrument that measures overall health status, as although there is increasing interest in the HRQoL of patients being treated for prostate cancer, most studies have focused on long-term outcomes. PATIENTS AND METHODS In all, 121 men undergoing RRP for clinically localized prostate cancer were prospectively evaluated for short-term HRQoL using an acute Short Form-12 version-2 Physical and Mental Health Survey Acute Form before and serially each week from 1 to 6 weeks after RRP. The physical (PCS) and mental component score (MCS) were calculated from the questionnaires at each time and the data analysed by random coefficient modelling. Separate models were fitted for MCS and PCS using covariates of race, age, estimated blood loss (EBL), time after RRP, and their interaction terms. RESULTS The PCS initially declined and improved linearly. and the baseline level was not achieved by 6 weeks, but modelling lines showed an expected return to baseline at 7–8 weeks for all patients. Age had a significant relationship with the PCS; older men (>60 years) scored higher, and their PCS remained significantly higher after RRP than younger men (≤60 years) until 5 weeks. EBL also had a significant relationship with PCS; men with an EBL of >500 mL had a significantly lower PCS at 1 week and this remained significantly lower than for men with an EBL of ≤ 500 mL until ≈ 7 weeks. The MCS improved immediately after RRP and remained higher throughout the study than at baseline. Race was the only covariate for which there were significant differences in the MCS. The MCS was significantly lower at baseline for African-Americans than for Caucasian Americans, and remained lower until 6 weeks after RRP. CONCLUSIONS There were significant changes in HRQoL during in the short-term after RRP. Younger men and those with a higher EBL might have a slower recovery of the PCS after RRP. African-Americans had a slower increase in MCS and might have a different initial emotional or mental health response to RRP than have Caucasians.
Do current English language development/proficiency standards reflect the English needed for success in school?

English language development or proficiency (ELD/P) standards promise to play an important role in the instruction and assessment of the language development of English language learner (ELL) pre-K...
Gen‐Stummschaltung durch doppelsträngige RNA (Nobel‐Vortrag)

Ich danke der Nobelversammlung des Karolinska-Instituts fur die Gelegenheit, einige neuere Arbeiten zur RNA-aktivierten Gen-Stummschaltung vorstellen zu konnen. Eines muss ich aber vorausschicken: Die gesamte Geschichte der Gen-Stummschaltung zu erzahlen, ware ein gigantisches Unternehmen, das den Rahmen dieses Vortrags weit ubersteigen wurde. Es wird daher nicht zu vermeiden sein, dass ich die Geschichte mehr als nur ein bisschen verkurze. Des Weiteren befinden sich unsere Kenntnisse der Gen-Stummschaltung noch in den Anfangen, weshalb Sie den Vortrag nur als Einfuhrung in das Thema betrachten sollten – so gut es eben geht an diesem 8. Dezember 2006. Als drittes sollten Sie wissen, dass die Geschichte, die ich erzahlen werde, die Arbeiten mehrerer Generationen von Biologen und Chemikern (und samtlichen Schattierungen dazwischen) zusammenfasst. Ich bin geschmeichelt, dass Arbeiten meiner Forschungsgruppe zu diesem Feld beitragen konnten und dazu gefuhrt haben, dass ich nun hier uber diese Entwicklungen berichten darf. Gleichzeitig hoffe ich, dass man unsere bescheidenen Beitrage nicht mit den sehr viel groseren Errungenschaften der RNAi-Forschungen gleichsetzt.
Disaster Planning and Response by Tourist Business Executives

Abstract The tourist industry represents a disaster vulnerability of catastrophic potential. Disaster evacuation planning is one strategy for mitigating this vulnerability. Based on intensive interviews with executives responsible for 185 tourist businesses, this article reports the first empirical data base for answering five questions: (1) What factors stimulated their disaster evacuation planning? (2) What model patterns described the planning processes used? (3) How much planning had been done? (4) What modal patterns described their disaster evacuation decision-making process? (5) What are the lessons? The key conclusion is that the tourist industry must respond proactively to a rapidly expanding vulnerability through both internal firm-specific disaster planning initiatives and partnerships to ensure adequate levels of community response capacity. Failure to do so will keep an expanding tourist population at risk. This, in turn, threatens future customer relations that may place such businesses in jeopardy.
The kinetic folding intermediate of ribonuclease H resembles the acid molten globule and partially unfolded molecules detected under native conditions

Folding of ribonuclease HI from Escherichia coli populates a kinetic intermediate detectable by stopped-flow circular dichroism. Pulse labelling hydrogen exchange reveals that this intermediate consists of a structured core region of the protein, namely helices A and D and β-strand 4. This kinetic intermediate resembles both the acid molten globule of ribonuclease HI and rarely populated, partially unfolded forms detected under native conditions. These results indicate that the first portion of ribonuclease HI to fold is the most thermodynamically stable region of the native state, and that folding of this protein follows a hierarchical process.
Limit Theorems for Sums of Heavy-tailed Variables with Random Dependent Weights

Let \(U_{j} ,\;j \in \mathbb{N}\) be independent and identically distributed random variables with heavy-tailed distributions. Consider a sequence of random weights \({\left\{ {W_{j} } \right\}}_{{j \in \mathbb{N}}}\), independent of \({\left\{ {U_{j} } \right\}}_{{j \in \mathbb{N}}}\) and focus on the weighted sums \({\sum\nolimits_{j = 1}^{{\left[ {nt} \right]}} {W_{j} {\left( {U_{j} - \mu } \right)}} }\), where μ involves a suitable centering. We establish sufficient conditions for these weighted sums to converge to non-trivial limit processes, as n→∞, when appropriately normalized. The convergence holds, for example, if \({\left\{ {W_{j} } \right\}}_{{j \in \mathbb{N}}}\) is strictly stationary, dependent, and W 1 has lighter tails than U 1. In particular, the weights W j s can be strongly dependent. The limit processes are scale mixtures of stable Levy motions. We establish weak convergence in the Skorohod J 1-topology. We also consider multivariate weights and show that they converge weakly in the strong Skorohod M 1-topology. The M 1-topology, while weaker than the J 1-topology, is strong enough for the supremum and infimum functionals to be continuous.
Are noctilucent clouds harbingers of global change in the middle atmosphere

Noctilucent clouds (NLC) and their space counterpart, Polar Mesospheric Clouds (PMC) are water-ice clouds that form in the cold high-latitude mesopause region during summertime. These clouds have been suggested to be sensitive markers of long-term mesospheric change. It was previously reported that NLC numbers over northwestern Europe increased in the late 20th century. However, when the observations are sorted properly by location, the time series of NLC observations no longer shows an upward trend. A 40-year data set from Moscow also shows no significant long-term trend in NLC numbers, but an increase in their average brightness. There is also new satellite evidence that PMCs have brightened over the past 23 years. Recent mesospheric cloud occurrences have been reported at unusually-low latitudes (40°–50°N). Together with the satellite evidence, these developments have promoted speculation that permanent atmospheric changes near the high-latitude mesopause region have occurred. Before such conclusions can be drawn, natural variations in NLC activity need to be understood. The solar cycle appears to be the dominant natural influence. The published data (both from the ground and space-based) are consistent in showing a pronounced 10–11 year period oscillation in cloud occurrence, which is approximately anti-correlated with the solar cycle. The brighter the clouds, the more their numbers change over the solar cycle. The cyclic change is likely due to small changes in mesospheric temperature and water vapor, induced by the solar cycle variation of UV irradiance. There is an unexplained several-year time lag between solar cycle minimum and the peak of cloud activity. Longer time series and more comprehensive models are needed before the link with global change can be established.
Adult Sexual Assault Evaluations at Rhode Island Emergency Departments, 1995–2001

The objectives of this study were to estimate the incidence and identify the temporal patterns of visits to Rhode Island emergency departments (EDs) by adults who were sexually assaulted. Visits to all Rhode Island EDs from January 1995–June 2001 by adults who were sexually assaulted were identified using International Classification of Disease, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9) codes. Medical records of these visits were reviewed. Frequency distributions of the assault characteristics and patient demographics were generated. Incidence rates (IRs) of ED visits after sexual assault were estimated using 2000 US Census data. Analyses of the temporal patterns of the ED visits after sexual assault were conducted. Of the 823 ED visits, 796 (96.7%) were by females and 27 (3.3%) were by males. The median age for females was 25 years (range, 18–96 years) and was 28 years (range, 18–87 years) for males. Among the female patients, 76.6% sustained a vaginal/anal assault. Among the male patients, 59.3% sustained an anal assault. The average annual IR of ED visits after sexual assault was 30.3/100,000/year for females and 1.2/100,000/year for males, which is a 25-fold greater incidence of these visits for females than males. ED visits after adult sexual assault were more frequent during warmer months and around 5 p.m. There was a gradual 43% increase in the IRs of ED visits after sexual assault over the 6.5-year period. These findings should help direct EDs to maximize supportive services when they are needed most often.
A Whole-Genome RNAi Screen for C. elegans miRNA Pathway Genes

Summary Background miRNAs are an abundant class of small, endogenous regulatory RNAs. Although it is now appreciated that miRNAs are involved in a broad range of biological processes, relatively little is known about the actual mechanism by which miRNAs downregulate target gene expression. An exploration of which protein cofactors are necessary for a miRNA to downregulate a target gene should reveal more fully the molecular mechanisms by which miRNAs are processed, trafficked, and regulate their target genes. Results A weak allele of the C. elegans miRNA gene let-7 was used as a sensitized genetic background for a whole-genome RNAi screen to detect miRNA pathway genes, and 213 candidate miRNA pathway genes were identified. About 2/3 of the 61 candidates with the strongest phenotype were validated through genetic tests examining the dependence of the let-7 phenotype on target genes known to function in the let-7 pathway. Biochemical tests for let-7 miRNA production place the function of nearly all of these new miRNA pathway genes downstream of let-7 expression and processing. By monitoring the downregulation of the protein product of the lin-14 mRNA, which is the target of the lin-4 miRNA, we have identified 19 general miRNA pathway genes. Conclusions The 213 candidate miRNA pathway genes identified could act at steps that produce and traffic miRNAs or in downstream steps that detect miRNA::mRNA duplexes to regulate mRNA translation. The 19 validated general miRNA pathway genes are good candidates for genes that may define protein cofactors for sorting or targeting miRNA::mRNA duplexes, or for recognizing the miRNA base-paired to the target mRNA to downregulate translation.
Animal models of normal aging: Relationship between cognitive decline and markers in hippocampal circuitry

Abstract Alzheimer's disease (AD) occurs against a background of cognitive and neurobiological aging. Animal models of normal aging may be used to study the neurobiological structures that are most involved in AD pathology, i.e. hippocampal/cortical systems. For example, spatial learning is dependent upon the integrity of the hippocampus, a structure that is much affected in humans with AD. Spatial learning tasks, such as the Morris water maze, have been used to screen aged rats for cognitive status prior to neurobiological assessment of hippocampal circuitry. Manifestations of the aging process, which are often minimal or entirely obscured in studies comparing young and aged brains, become apparent when the cognitive status of aged animals is taken into account. For example, studies examining the septohippocampal cholinergic system in behaviorally-characterized rodents have shown that there is a decline in many markers for these cholinergic neurons that coincides with severity of spatial learning impairment. Another advantage of cognitive assessment in animal models used to study aging is that it may help to distinguish between those neurobiological changes that are functionally detrimental and those that may represent compensatory adaptations to maintain cognitive function. Age-related changes in two neurobiological measures in the hippocampus are discussed in this report. Alterations in the opioid peptide dynorphin (increased peptide content and prodynorphin mRNA) in hippocampus may contribute to impairment in that the greatest changes occur in those aged rats with severe spatial learning deficits. In contrast, a decrease in hippocampal [ 3 H]kainate binding may represent an adaptive compensatory response because it is most evident in aged rats with preserved spatial learning ability. The use of such animal models can advance our understanding of aging processes and has important implications for the development of therapeutic interventions.
Mechanistic Exploration of Phthalimide Neovascular Factor 1 Using Network Analysis Tools

Neovascularization is essential for the survival and successful integration of most engineering tissues after implantation in vivo. The objective of this study was to elucidate possible mechanisms of phthalimide neovascular factor 1 (PNF1), a new synthetic small molecule proposed for therapeutic induction of angiogenesis. Complementary deoxyribonucleic acid microarray analysis was used to identify 568 transcripts in human microvascular endothelial cells (HMVECs) that were significantly regulated after 24-h stimulation with 30 μM of PNF1, previously known as SC-3–149. Network analysis tools were used to identify genetic networks of the global biological processes involved in PNF1 stimulation and to describe known molecular and cellular functions that the drug regulated most highly. Examination of the most significantly perturbed networks identified gene products associated with transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), which has many known effects on angiogenesis, and related signal transduction pathways. T...
Homogenization of a viscoelastic matrix in linear frictional contact

The paper is devoted to study of acoustic wave propagation in a partially consolidated composite material containing loose particles. Friction of particles against the consolidated part of the material causes mechanical energy dissipation. This situation is modelled by assuming that the medium has a periodic microstructure changing rapidly on the small scale e. Each of the periodic microscopic cells is composed of a viscoelastic matrix containing a rigid particle in frictional contact with the matrix. We use the methods of two-scale convergence to obtain effective acoustic equations for the homogenized material. The effective equations are history-dependent and contain the body force term, reminiscent of the well-known Stokes drag force. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The tooth puller [L'arracheur de dents].

FROM THE MIDDLE AGES through the early 19th century, tooth pulling was often performance art. Barber-surgeons cut hair, set bones, let blood, and pulled teeth. Toothache could be treated with leeches, blistering, cupping, and laxatives, as well as with prescriptions of lizard liver, green frogs, and a urine gargle.1 Opium mixtures were popular painkillers. When refined sugar became widely available in the 17th century, dental caries became common. For more desperate sufferers, itinerant tooth pullers set up shop in marketplaces and at fairs. The “dentist” and his assistants attracted a crowd by telling stories, singing and dancing, performing tricks, or juggling. The tooth puller's assistant was usually dressed as a clown or a harlequin, with a pointed hat on which was inscribed the insignia of Saint Apollonia, the patron saint of toothache sufferers. In more elaborate cases, such as the one depicted in this image from late 18th-century France, the tooth puller (arracheur de dents) had a stage as well as 2 assistants. The music that they provided attracted the crowd and also helped to drown out the cries of the patient. The tooth extraction was an essential part of the entertainment. The public setting provided considerable drama and let the gathered crowd judge the skill of the “dentist.” If he were smooth enough—if he could extract teeth without causing too much pain—others might volunteer as patients. Many artists tried to capture the pomp, pageantry, and pain of early dentistry. This etching was created by Jean Duplessis-Bertaux (1747–1819), a well-known artist and engraver who chronicled many scenes of the French Revolution and the Napoleonic era.
Superquenching behavior between a conjugated polymer and molecular quenchers and its application in biological/chemical sensors

The fluorescence of an ionic conjugated polymer can be efficiently quenched by the small molecular quenchers wherein one quencher molecule may quench the fluorescence of virtually an entire polymer chain. This leads to `static' Stern-Volmer quenching constants as high as 107 - 109 M-1. A new class of highly sensitive chemical and biological sensors has been developed based on this unique quenching phenomenon.
Structural evolution during sintering of optical sol-gel silica

Abstract The evolution of the structure of sol-gel derived optical silica monoliths is described in terms of both metric and topological parameters. The characterization of the structural evolution is based on nitrogen gas adsorption and helium and mercury pycnometry. A topological model is introduced which permits estimation of the number of branches, number of nodes, connectivity and number of separate parts of the pore structure.
Factors Affecting Hiring Decisions about Veterans

Abstract Military veterans have numerous problems gaining and maintaining jobs in the U.S., and their unemployment rates are consistently higher than nonveterans (Bureau of Labor Statistics 2013). Despite these problems, little theory and research in Human Resource Management (HRM) has focused on understanding the factors affecting hiring decisions about military veterans (e.g., Bordieri & Drehmer, 1984). Thus, the present paper modified an existing model of the treatment of persons with disabilities (Stone & Colella, 1996) to explain the issues that influence selection decisions about veterans. We also offered hypotheses to guide future research on the topic. Our modified model indicated that the (a) attributes of the veteran, (b) the characteristics of the observer, (c) the nature of the job, (d) the perceived transferability of skills from military to civilian jobs, and (e) the differences between military and civilian organizational cultures influence hiring decisions about veterans. We believe that an increased understanding of these selection decisions will help organizations utilize the many talents and skills that veterans bring to the workforce, and enable veterans to enjoy a more fulfilling work life and career.
The relationship between optical exaltation and polymerizability of olefins. Correlation of exaltation with copolymerization

Monomers for which the necessary information was obtained for comparison included the following: styrene, α-methylstyrene, cis and trans-propenylbenzene, allylbenzene, m-methylstyrene, p-methylstyrene, o-, m-, and p-chlorostyrene, 2,3-, 2,4-, 2,5-, 2,6-, 3,4-, and 3,5-dichlorostyrene, p-ethylstyrene, and p-tert-butylstyrene. In both free radical and ionic copolymerizations involving similar monomers, plots of the logarithms of the relative reactivities of several substituted styrenes toward the styrene and methyl methacrylate radicals versus the differences existing between the exaltations of substituted styrenes and the exaltation of styrene were strikingly similar to those in which Hammett's sigma values for the styrene substituents were plotted against the relative reactivities of the substituted styrenes.
Mononuclear Leukocytes Preferentially Bind via CD44 to Hyaluronan on Human Intestinal Mucosal Smooth Muscle Cells after Virus Infection or Treatment with Poly(I·C)

Pathological changes in inflammatory bowel disease include an increase in intestinal mucosal mononuclear leukocytes and hyperplasia of the muscularis mucosae smooth muscle cells (M-SMCs). Because virus infections have correlated with disease flare, we tested the response of cultured M-SMCs to respiratory syncytial virus, measles virus, and the viral analogue, poly(I·C). Adhesion of U937 cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells was used to measure the leukocyte-interactive potential of M-SMCs. Untreated M-SMCs, only minimally adhesive for leukocytes, bound U937 cells after treatment with respiratory syncytial virus or measles virus. Mononuclear leukocytes also bound to poly(I·C)-treated M-SMCs. Although both vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 mRNA and protein increased 3–4-fold in poly(I·C)-treated M-SMC cultures, U937 cell adhesion was not blocked by an anti-vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 monoclonal antibody. However, hyaluronidase digestion of poly(I·C)- or virus-treated M-SMCs dramatically reduced leukocyte adhesion (∼75%). Fluorophore-assisted carbohydrate electrophoresis demonstrated a ∼3-fold increase in surface-bound hyaluronan on poly(I·C)-treated M-SMCs compared with untreated controls. In addition, pretreatment of mononuclear cells with a blocking anti-CD44 antibody, greatly decreased adhesion to poly(I·C)-treated M-SMCs. Recognition of this virus-induced hyaluronan/CD44 mechanism of mesenchymal cell/leukocyte interaction introduces a new avenue in the research of gut inflammation.
Bis(fluoromalonato)borate (BFMB) anion based ionic liquid as an additive for lithium-ion battery electrolytes

Propylene carbonate (PC) is a good solvent for lithium ion battery applications due to its low melting point and high dielectric constant. However, PC is easily intercalated into graphite causing it to exfoliate, killing its electrochemical performance. Here we report on the synthesis of a new ionic liquid electrolyte based on partially fluorinated borate anion, 1-butyl-1,2-dimethylimidazolium bis(fluoromalonato)borate (BDMIm·BFMB), which can be used as an additive in 1 M LiPF6/PC electrolyte to suppress graphite exfoliation and improve cycling performance. In addition, both PC and BDMIm·BFMB can be used synergistically as additive to 1.0 M LiPF6/methyl isopropyl sulfone (MIPS) to dramatically improve its cycling performance. It is also found that the chemistry nature of the ionic liquids has dramatic effect on their role as additive in PC based electrolyte.
Section Review: Oncologic, Endocrine & Metabolic: The vacuolar H+-ATPase: A potential target for drug development in bone diseases

Osteoporosis and other skeletal or joint disorders involve an increased bone resorption by osteoclasts. Acidification of the bone resorbing compartment, which underlies osteoclasts at their site of attachment to the bone matrix, is of critical importance and results from the activity of vacuolar proton ATPases present in the osteo-clast's plasma membrane. In this review, we discuss the possibilities of therapeutic intervention by drugs targeted toward these proton transport systems, potentially resulting in decreased bone resorption in vitro and in vivo. The mechanisms of action of various inhibitors of the osteoclast vacuolar proton pump are discussed in the context of the current structural and functional knowledge of vacuolar-type proton ATPases.
Family status and health behaviors: social control as a dimension of social integration.

Age-adjusted mortality rates are higher for the unmarried and nonparents than for the married and parents. The effects of marital and parental status on mortality are usually attributed to the positive effects of social integration or social support. The mechanisms by which social support or integration is linked to health outcomes, however, remain largely unexplored. One mechanism may involve health behaviors; the family relationships of marriage and parenting may provide external regulation and facilitate self-regulation of health behaviors which can affect health. The present study employs a national sample to examine the relationships of marital and parenting status to a variety of health behaviors. Results indicate that marriage and presence of children in the home have a deterrent effect on negative health behaviors. It is suggested, within the theoretical framework of social integration, that family roles promote social control of health behaviors which affect subsequent mortality.
Reply to “Comment on ‘Solving the riddle of the bright mismatches: Labeling and effective binding in oligonucleotide arrays’”

In their Comment, Carlon et al. correctly observe that hybridization experiments in solution have shown an asymmetry which we failed to notice. However, contrary to their statement, the stacking free energies of unlabeled nucleic acids in solution are not compatible with our (and other authors') measurements, even qualitatively. Furthermore, to bolster our paper's assertion that labeling of the nucleic acids materially modifies the observed affinities, we present experimental data in which a change of labeling protocol results in a clear change in the affinities in question. We must therefore agree with extant studies suggesting that the energies of hybridization in solution are a superficial approximation to the much more complex physicochemical process of hybridization of labeled nucleic acids in high-density oligonucleotide arrays.
Strategic use of representation in architectural massing

Abstract Architectural massing is the primary sub-set of the early stages of built form creation. In this empirical study, we seek a better understanding of the specific cognitive processes contributing to massing. We found that these processes help the designer improve the management of the overall design process through strategies that facilitate a discourse between designer and her graphic representations. These strategies, which rely on the use of regulating elements, include management of part–whole relationships, design hierarchy, topology–geometry relationships, scaffolding the design process, structuring ill-structured problems, and the restructuring of problem parameters.
Effect of antibody to interferon on genital herpesvirus infection in mice.

Abstract The effect of anti-mouse interferon (IFN) antibody on the course of genital herpes infection was studied in C57BI/6J mice. As we have previously described, intravaginal inoculation of C57 mice with herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) results in the development of genital lesions, subsequent encephalitis and death, with the mortality rate dependent on virus dose. In the present study, we found that intravaginal application of 1 × 105 units of anti-mouse ( α β ) IFN antibody did not significantly affect the course of infection. However, intraperitoneal or intravenous injection (the latter to a lesser extent) of anti-IFN antibody resulted in increased morbidity and mortality. In addition, intraperitoneal injection of anti-IFN antibody decreased the level of detectable endogenous IFN in peripheral blood and at the site of infection. The clear effect of anti-IFN antibody during early stages of infection points to the possible significance of early endogenous IFN production in ameliorating HSV-2 genital infection.
A genome-wide integrative study of microRNAs in human liver

Recent studies have illuminated the diversity of roles for microRNAs in cellular, developmental, and pathophysiological processes. The study of microRNAs in human liver tissue promises to clarify the therapeutic and diagnostic value of this important regulatory mechanism of gene expression. We conducted genome-wide profiling of microRNA expression in liver and performed an integrative analysis with previously collected genotype and transcriptome data. We report here that the Very Important Pharmacogenes (VIP Genes), comprising of genes of particular relevance for pharmacogenomics, are under substantial microRNA regulatory effect in the liver. We set out to elucidate the genetic basis of microRNA expression variation in liver and mapped microRNA expression to genomic loci as microRNA expression quantitative trait loci (miR-eQTLs). We identified common variants that attain genome-wide significant association (p < 10-10) with microRNA expression. We also found that the miR-eQTLs are significantly more likely to predict mRNA levels at a range of p-value thresholds than a random set of allele frequency matched SNPs, showing the functional effect of these loci on the transcriptome. Finally, we show that a large number of miR-eQTLs overlap with SNPs reproducibly associated with complex traits from the NHGRI repository of published genome-wide association studies as well as variants from a comprehensive catalog of manually curated pharmacogenetic associations. Our study provides important insights into the genomic architecture of gene regulation in a vital human organ, with important implications for our understanding of disease pathogenesis, therapeutic outcome, and other complex human phenotypes.
The relationship of periaqueductal gray neurons to vocalization and laryngeal EMG in the behaving monkey

The midbrain periaqueductal gray (PAG) of most higher animals has been shown by stimulation and lesion methods to be important in vocalization. In order to learn how the PAG is involved in vocalization, activity from single PAG neurons was recorded from 3 awake, vocalizing monkeys. From a population of 149 units that were temporally related to vocalization, 91 were analyzed with respect to specific parameters of vocalization and laryngeal EMG activity. Measures of the activity of 52 units were significantly correlated with vocalization or EMG activity. Units tended to be correlated with only a few measures of vocalization or EMG activity suggesting rather specific relationships between PAG units and vocalization measures. Microstimulation near recorded cells usually did not excite every muscle sampled, suggesting PAG projections to brainstem motor nuclei may be somewhat specific. The results confirm previous suggestions that the PAG may be involved in the coordination of brainstem motor nuclei during vocalization.
Documenting psychotherapy: getting hep on HIPAA.

everal decades ago in my residency training at University Hospitals of Cleveland we kept two charts on every patient in the outpatient clinic. The official medical record circulated throughout the general hospital and slept in Medical Records when not in use. The other folder was in a locked filing cabinet in the Adult Psychiatry clinic. Into the official record went all the information another clinician seeing the patient would need to know, including a simple statement that psychotherapy took place. The confidential chart was another story. Since we were learning psychotherapy, we wrote detailed notes describing what went on in treatment sessions. Sensitive factual details about the patient and significant others went there also. We even ventured some thoughts about our own reactions to the patient’s thoughts and behavior, and how to understand and respond. We went over this information regularly with our supervisors, most of whom were psychoanalysts. We worried about those confidential charts. Would they be called into court some day when the patient got into a custody battle or made a claim for pain and suffering in a liability suit? Could we use them if we were sued by the patient? Would unauthorized people get into those filing cabinets? The legal status of the confidential records was uncertain. We knew they could be subject to a subpoena, but maybe we could get the hospital to fight it. We were told that this had never happened, so we shrugged off our worries. Nonetheless, we were careful not to be flippant or irresponsible in what we wrote. Along came managed care, the dangers of retrospective review by insurance companies and dreaded Medicare, and, more recently, central computerized records. The plot got even thicker. One had to be very careful not to put too much or too little in the medical record, because so many eyes could view it. The idea of patients’ rights to review their own charts was catching on. There had to be enough clinical data to justify a diagnosis and a rationale for the treatment plan. That meant a factual history of the present illness and relevant past and family history, a good mental status exam, lab results, and records from other sources. Medications and their aftermath belonged there. When coding for Psychotherapy with Medical Evaluation and Management (E&M), a psychiatrist had to include at least some elements of assessment, medical decision-making, and management. The “SOAP” formula came in very handy.
Art as prayer in the Soviet Union: A comparative approach

Abstract There is a fairly large literature on how art functions as a form of prayer. In these cases it is understood that an individual's decision to engage in art as prayer is a personal choice that does not preclude the practice of other forms of religious worship. Using literary analysis and drawing on recent applications of cognitive poetics, this paper compares the experiences of artists in the Soviet Union with the subjects of the American studies to examine how and if the practice of art as prayer changes in a context where religious activity is banned. The paper focuses on three areas: (1) artistic activity as a means of connecting with the spiritual or divine, (2) the role of the social group in the practice, and (3) art with spiritual or religious subject matter. The paper finds that there are more similarities between these groups than one might expect: artists give similar reasons for how art functions for them as a form of prayer, and the social group plays a key role for both groups. Producing art with religious subject matter in the Soviet Union has complex consequences, but in the American context as well non-traditional religious art can be controversial.
Glenohumeral corticosteroid injections in adhesive capsulitis: a systematic search and review.

Objective To assess the literature on outcomes of corticosteroid injections for adhesive capsulitis, and, in particular, image-guided corticosteroid injections. Type Systematic search and review. Literature Survey The databases used were PubMed (1966-present), EMBASE (1947-present), Web of Science (1900-present), and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Upon reviewing full-text articles of these studies, a total of 25 studies were identified for inclusion. The final yield included 7 prospective studies, 16 randomized trials, and 2 retrospective studies. Methodology This systematic review was formatted by using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Study criteria were limited to clinical trials, prospective studies, and retrospective studies that specifically evaluated intra-articular corticosteroid injections, both alone and in combination with other treatment modalities, for shoulder adhesive capsulitis. We included studies that were not randomized control trials because our review was not a meta-analysis. Data items extracted from each study included the following: study design, study population, mean patient age, duration of study, duration of symptoms, intervention, single or multiple injections, location of injections, control population, follow-up duration, and outcome measurements. A percentage change in outcome measurements was calculated when corresponding data were available. Risk of bias in individual studies was assessed when appropriate. Synthesis All the studies involved at least 1 corticosteroid injection intended for placement in the glenohumeral joint, but only 8 studies used image guidance for all injections. Seven of these studies reported statistically significant improvements in range of motion at or before 12 weeks of follow-up. Ninety-two percent of all the studies documented a greater improvement in either visual analog pain scores or range of motion after corticosteroid injections in the first 1-6 weeks compared with the control or comparison group. Conclusions Corticosteroid injections offer rapid pain relief in the short-term (particularly in the first 6 weeks) for adhesive capsulitis. Long-term outcomes seem to be similar to other treatments, including placebo. The added benefit of image-guided corticosteroid injections in improving shoulder outcomes needs further assessment.
Play therapy and race conflict in young children.

Play therapy offers a means of studying and perhaps of relieving race conflict. Therapeutic play sessions were held once a week for groups of 4 children who were either withdrawn or aggressively antisocial. The presence of a Negro girl and a Jewish boy in 2 groups led to several flare-ups of race prejudice at times of frustration. Records of 5 sessions show how the children, in this permissive atmosphere, expressed their feelings with increased frankness, observed the unpleasant results, and accepted responsibility for their attitudes. In some cases the therapist helped to ease tension, but the children soon learned to respect one another and to avoid the race and color distinction. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved)
Analysis of alveolar gas exchange in the presence of soluble inert gases.

Abstract Since the classical alveolar gas equations assume that there is no N2 exchange in the lung during the steady state, they cannot be applied to a condition where N2 is replaced by a soluble gas. A new set of relationships that is applicable when in addition to O2 and CO2 one or more gases are also exchanged, has been derived. During N2O uptake, it is possible to predict that Po2, in some alveoli may be higher than in the inspired gas, because the uptake of nitrous oxide reduces alveolar volume and increases the fraction of oxygen. Conversely, during N2O elimination some respiratory elements may have an oxygen tension lower than that found in the mixed venous blood. During the steady state, the a/ line obtained when breathing air differs from that prevailing when inspiring a mixture of 20.9% O2 in N2O. All these effects can be analyzed in terms of gas exchange in a system where the rate of gas exchange between alveolar gas and blood is more limited for one species (the “slow” gas) than for others because of its low solubility. At high Po2, oxygen acts as the slow gas and its tension is dictated by the exchange of other gases.
Restoration of Congenitally Missing Lateral Incisors After Orthodontic Treatment

Treatment planning to restore the congenitally missing lateral incisor must occur before the initiation of orthodontic treatment, with consideration given to the patient's age and development. Historically, treatment options have been very limited for teenage postorthodontic patients with this condition. More recently, the introduction of fiber-reinforced composite materials in dentistry has provided a conservative, esthetic, and durable restorative option. This article reviews various restorative modalities for this condition and describes the treatment of a teenage patient with congenitally missing maxillary lateral incisors. Fiber-reinforced composite fixed partial dentures may be an excellent option for this group.
Development of a brief questionnaire to identify families in need of legal advocacy to improve child health

Objective To determine whether the medical-legal advocacy screening questionnaire (MASQ), a simple 10-item questionnaire, is able to screen families in a primary care setting for possible referral to legal services more effectively than the clinical interview alone. Methods Family Advocates of Central Massachusetts (FACM) is a medical-legal collaboration that assists low-income families with legal issues that affect child health. A convenience sample of parents seen at each of 5 medical practices associated with FACM was recruited to complete the MASQ prior to a routine child health care visit. Physicians blinded to the result assessed family need for referral to FACM after their usual clinical encounter. The sensitivity and specificity of both the MASQ and provider assessment were calculated. Results Two hundred fifty-five parents from 5 practices participated in the study. The MASQ identified 85 patients in need of legal services. Prior to reviewing the MASQ, the primary care providers identified 35 families in need of referral to the FACM. After completion of both the MASQ and the medical encounter, 37 families agreed to referral. The MASQ had sensitivity of 0.81 and specificity of 0.75 in predicting program referral. Provider assessment had sensitivity of 0.65 and specificity of 0.95 of predicting program referral. Conclusions Routine use of the MASQ would likely identify more patients in pediatric practices who would accept referral to legal assistance than reliance on provider impression alone after a routine clinical encounter.
Theory, Period Styles, and Comparative Literature as Discipline

In his article, "Theory, Period Styles, and Comparative Literature as Discipline," Slobodan Sucur attempts to answer the following question: Can a rapprochement be brought about between various, often antagonistic, literary-theoretical views and the concept of comparative literature itself, which requires accord, consensus, agreement, etc., for it to function as a concrete body and discipline? Sucur attempts dealing with this question in three parts of the paper: First, he establishes a relationship/link between the theoretical discord of today (humanism, formalism, deconstruction, etc.) and the high theorizing which began during the JenaBerlin phase of Romanticism (Shelling, Hegel, F. Schlegel, etc.); secondly, he attempts linking the origin of comparative literature with later Romanticism (Virgil Nemoianu's idea of the Biedermeier) in order to account for some inconsistencies between ideas of "theory" on the one hand, and "discipline" on the other; and thirdly, he speculates on whether or not "literary history" -an idea often neglected now -can be the bridge where literary theory meets up with comparative literature as a disciplinary endeavor, that is, in the act of writing a comparative literary history. Slobodan Sucur, "Theory, Period Styles, and Comparative Literature as Discipline” page 2 of 18 CLCWeb: Comparative Literature and Culture 2.4 (2000):
A posterior approach to the presacral mass

Mass lesions in the presacral space are not readily accessible from the transabdominal approach. The posterior transcoccygeal technique is a nearly ideal approach to the presacral mass, and allows the combined use of abdominosacral resection for more extensive tumors.
Selection and characterization of cadmium tolerant cells in tomato

Abstract Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum cv. VFNT-Cherry)cell lines tolerant of to 5 mM cadmium (Cd) were selected by progressively elevating the level of CdCl2 in the culture medium (the lethal concentration of Cd for unselected tomato cells is 400 μM). Cd tolerance was not lost during long-term culture (up to 12 months) in the absence of Cd stress. In all the cell lines examined, Cd uptake was rapid and Cd concentration within the cells exceeded that in the culture medium by several fold. While Cd included the synthesis and accumulation of phytochelatins (PCs) [poly[γ-glutamyl-cysteiny)glycine], little change has been observed in protein synthesis during short term Cd stress. PCs formed complexes with Cd. However, uptake and accumulation of Cd was not affected if PC synthesis was inhibited by treatment with buthionine sulfoximine. Selected and unselected cells were compared for their growth characteristics in the presence of various other metal ions. Cd tolerant cells showed a slightly higher tolerance of copper but not of mercury, zinc, lead or silver.
Epidemiology of Pediatric Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection in the United States

HIV infection is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in the pediatric population. Providers of health care to children need to be aware of the problem and the characteristics of the most affected populations. Early diagnosis of HIV infection is critical for initiating appropriate antiviral therapy and prophylactic treatment for opportunistic infections. Attending to the myriad of social problems these families face is equally important for providing an optimal chance for prolonged survival and a reasonably high quality of life.
A rapid miniature thin layer chromatography system for analysis of prostaglandins an lipoxygenase products

We have developed a miniature thin layer chromatography system for rapidly identifying the major arachidonate metabolites in a radiolabeled form elaborated by cells or tissues. This system separates the total spectrum of cyclooxygenase products and several of the most commonly found lipoxygenase pathway metabolites, while retaining the fine resolution of larger-scale and more time-consuming procedures. It requires less than one hour for extraction of metabolites, chromatography, and counting.
AN EXAMINATION OF TRENDS AND IMPACT OF AUTHORSHIP COLLABORATION IN LOGISTICS RESEARCH

The discipline of logistics is undergoing tremendous change, including shifts in the focus of our associations, as well as in the subject matter, that is deemed important to the academic and professional community. In this article, we seek to evaluate how research in the discipline is also changing, specifically in terms of the degree of collaboration among scholars involved. We draw upon 3,116 articles published from 1987 through 2007 in seven logistics journals. Using the authorship and the citation counts of these articles, we identify several important characteristics of collaboration and offer preliminary empirical insight about the associated trends and impact that collaboration is having within our discipline. This initial assessment provides the potential to spur further interest into the theoretical development and empirical testing on this timely and important topic.