cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Genetic predisposition to cancer in man: in vitro studies.

Publisher Summary Human cancer is affected through an interaction of genetic and environmental factors. Pedigree analysis provides a model for the elucidation of carcinogenic mechanisms and for the ascertainment of constitutional markers associated with a genetic predisposition to cancer. The chapter is based on studies with cultured skin fibroblasts derived from humans who were genetically predisposed to cancer. Heritable adenomatosis of the colon and rectum (ACR) is emphasized. The chapter discusses the evidence about mechanisms associated with cancer predisposition and cancer control in man. Skin fibroblasts derived from normal-appearing biopsies of ACR gene carriers exist in an initiated state due to a dominant mutation. While an initiated state is essential to cancer development, not all initiated cells necessarily develop into cancerous cells. The genetic make-up of an initiated cell is established through a linkage between the abnormal phenotypic markers and the pedigree profiles and through cell hybridization, including initial analysis of gene products. ACR cells can be differentially transformed by oncogenic agents and proliferate in vitro after exposure to a tumor promoter (TPA). Various stages associated with cancer development in humans can be identified in vitro by using TPA.
Queen Killing Is Linked to High Worker-Worker Relatedness in a Social Wasp

Social insect colonies are pinnacles of evolved altruism but also exhibit dramatic conflict among relatives. In many species, a colony's workers compete with the queen and each other over the production of males. Interspecific comparisons demonstrate the importance of within-colony relatedness in determining the outcome of such conflicts, but facultative responses to within-colony relatedness are rarely reported. Here, I report facultative matricide (worker killing of a colony's queen) in the social wasp Dolichovespula arenaria. Matricide is strongly associated with high worker-worker relatedness, as predicted by theory, because closely related workers value nephews more than brothers. This pattern is the result of variation in both paternity frequency and the paternity skew of colonies with multiple patrilines, implicating worker-worker relatedness rather than a direct effect of multiple mating on queen survival. Furthermore, occasional inbreeding can explain why some multiple-patriline colonies exhibit high paternity skew associated with matricide. In general, these results support the hypothesis that workers can facultatively respond to intracolony relatedness determined by queen mating behavior and demonstrate a novel benefit of polyandry in annual social insects. Facultative matricide shows dramatically how workers are evolutionary actors with interests that can diverge from the queen's, rather than being "extrasomatic projections of her personal genome".
Grandparenthood and Mental Health: Implications for the Practitioner:

Goals of this study were (a) to examine associations between grandparenthood and grandparents' levels of mental health and (b) to consider the implications of these patterns of association for prac...
Solvent effect and librational entropy calculations on N -acetylalanylglycine amide

Entropy and solvent effects are calculated for some conformations of Ala-Gly. The inclusion of these effects in energy calculations show the βII type structure to be the most stable.
Wesley Clair Mitchell (1874–1948)

Introduction, 139. — I. The formative period, 140. — II. Views on policy, ideology, and theory, 142. — III. Business Cycles, 1913, 146. — IV. The National Bureau and Measuring Business Cycles, 151.
Diffuse vascular calcification in a dialysis patient

CASE PRESENTATION A 35-year-old Hispanic male on hemodialysis for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) secondary to diabetic nephropathy was admitted with chest pain and shortness of breath. The chest pain was localized to the midline, without any radiation or diaphoresis and was present at rest. The patient was bed-bound due to bilateral below-knee amputations. He had recurrent episodes of chest pain and shortness of breath in the past 3 months for which he was hospitalized. During these admissions, his cardiac enzymes were within normal limits. A stress test performed recently was technically limited, but showed a small inferior defect with normal left ventricular function. He had a past history of type I diabetes mellitus since the age of 10. Subsequently, he developed peripheral neuropathy, blindness secondary to retinopathy, nephropathy with ESRD, and underwent below-knee amputation of left and right limbs for severe peripheral vascular disease 6 and 12 years before, respectively. He had no history of cerebrovascular accident. He also had a past history of hypertension and hypercholesterolemia. His medications included lisinopril, metoprolol, nifedipine, aspirin, clopidogrel, and insulin. He had a strong family history of diabetes, with his mother and brother being diabetes patients. On physical examination, he was lethargic, afebrile with a blood pressure of 170/86 mm Hg, heart rate of 70 beats per minute, respiratory rate of 14 breaths per minute with an oxygen saturation of 97% on 21 of supplemental oxygen, and jugular venous pressure of 14cm. Cardiac examination revealed audible S3 and S4. Respiratory examination revealed fine rales at the left lung base and decreased breath sounds at the right lung base. His tunneled catheter site on the right side of the neck was clean, with no tenderness or erythema. The remainder of the systemic examination was unremarkable.
Calcium-entry blockers, vascular smooth muscle and systemic hypertension.

Abstract Abnormal narrowing of the arterioles, caused by contraction of arteriolar smooth muscle, contributes to the genesis and the maintenance of the increased peripheral resistance observed in hypertension. Activation of the contractile process in vascular smooth muscle requires an increase in cytoplasmic calcium. In most blood vessels, the activator ion enters the cell through specific membrane channels, which can be inhibited by a chemically heterogeneous group of drugs, the calcium-entry blockers. The antihypertensive effect of these agents is probably explained by their inhibitory effect on (1) α-adrenergic activation (the pharmacologic subtype of postjunctional α-adrenoceptor does not necessarily determine the importance of calcium entry); (2) activation by nonadrenergic neurohumoral mediators (for example, serotonin); (3) acceleration of calcium entry by metabolites of arachidonic acid formed by lipoxygenase; and (4) inherent myogenic tone.
Automated frame selection process for analyzing high resolution microendoscope images

We developed an automated frame selection algorithm for high resolution microendoscope images. The algorithm rapidly selects a representative frame with minimal motion artifact from a short video sequence, enabling fully automated image analysis at the point-of-care. The performance of the algorithm was evaluated by comparing automatically selected frames to manually selected frames using quantitative image parameters. The implementation of fully automated high-resolution microendoscopy at the point-of-care has the potential to reduce the number of biopsies needed for accurate diagnosis of precancer and cancer in low-resource settings, where there may be limited infrastructure and personnel for standard histologic analysis.
OPERANT ELECTRODERMAL CONDITIONING UNDER MULTIPLE SCHEDULES OE REINEORCEMENT

An operant discrimination procedure was used to determine whether human subjects show shifts in palmar skin potential response rate under varying schedules of reinforcement. In Experiment I, a monetary reinforcer was either given or subtracted on a short fixed ratio schedule during alternating 5-min periods. In Experiment II, the schedules alternated between 10-min periods in which either a variable ninnber of responses or long interresponse times were reinforced. Each experiment consisted of seven subjects tested over several sessions. The results indicated differences in response rates consonant with changes in the scheduling of reinforcement. Concurrent recordings of respiration, heart rate, and skin potential level showed that the reinforcement effects were generally specific to the skin potential response variable.
Triosmium Clusters on a Support: Determination of Structure by X‐ray Absorption Spectroscopy and High‐Resolution Microscopy

The structures of small, robust metal clusters on a solid support were determined by a combination of spectroscopic and microscopic methods: extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy, scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), and aberration-corrected STEM. The samples were synthesized from [Os{sub 3}(CO){sub 12}] on MgO powder to provide supported clusters intended to be triosmium. The results demonstrate that the supported clusters are robust in the absence of oxidants. Conventional high-angle annular dark-field (HAADF) STEM images demonstrate a high degree of uniformity of the clusters, with root-mean-square (rms) radii of 2.03 {+-} 0.06 {angstrom}. The EXAFS OsOs coordination number of 2.1 {+-} 0.4 confirms the presence of triosmium clusters on average and correspondingly determines an average rms cluster radius of 2.02 {+-} 0.04 {angstrom}. The high-resolution STEM images show the individual Os atoms in the clusters, confirming the triangular structures of their frames and determining OsOs distances of 2.80 {+-} 0.14 {angstrom}, matching the EXAFS value of 2.89 {+-} 0.06 {angstrom}. IR and EXAFS spectra demonstrate the presence of CO ligands on the clusters. This set of techniques is recommended as optimal for detailed and reliable structural characterization of supported clusters.
Evidence for multiple caeruloplasmin components in human serum.

MORE than one component of human caeruloplasmin has been reported by several investigators1. Morell and Scheinberg1 have observed 4, possibly 5, components of caeruloplasmin by fractionating a pool composed of 9,109 individual sera. In such a large pool, infrequent unusual components would be easy to lose. Furthermore, the complex fractionation procedure provides opportunity for artefactual alteration of specific proteins. The resolving power of vertical starch-gel electrophoresis2 combined with direct chemical and enzymic analysis on the gel provides a simple and elegant means of examining the problem in individual sera. Using this technique we have found 5 electrophoretically distinct proteins having one or more characteristic properties of caeruloplasmin.
Thio­phene-2-carbonyl azide

The title compound, C5H3N3OS, is almost planar (r.m.s. deviation for the ten non-H atoms = 0.018 A) and forms an extended layer structure in the (100) plane, held together via hydrogen-bonding inter­actions between adjacent mol­ecules. Of particular note is the occurrence of RC—H⋯N−=N+=NR inter­actions between an aromatic C—H group and an azide moiety which, in conjunction with a complementary C—H⋯O=C inter­action, forms a nine-membered ring.
Preliminary Functional MRI Results From a Combined Stop-Signal Alcohol-Cue Task

Objective:Individuals suffering from alcohol use disorders tend to show impairments in inhibitory control, and these deficits may be exacerbated in the presence of craving-inducing alcohol cues. Imbalances between neural reward and control networks can influence the trajectory of alcohol use disorders such that individuals for whom the reward (craving) network strongly overpowers the control (inhibition) network tend to have worse outcomes. Brain activation related to inhibitory control can be examined using the stop-signal task (SST), which requires balancing speed and accuracy in the context of frequent go and infrequent stop stimuli. Further, brain areas related to cue-induced craving can be studied using visual cue tasks comparing neural responses to alcohol and control images. This study aims to explore the interaction of inhibitory control and cue-elicited craving using a single functional neuroimaging task.Method:We developed a novel task involving presentation of alcohol and control cues concurren...
Personality Variables of Achieving and Non-Achieving Mexican-American and Other Community College Freshmen.

AbstractNeed to achieve (n-Ach) and other personality variables of 468 middle and low socioeconomic status (SES) entering community college freshmen were measured by the McClelland TAT of n-Achievement (n-Ach) and the Inventory of Self Appraisal (ISA). Groups consisting of 111 lower SES Mexican-Americans, 150 lower SES Anglo-Americans, and 207 middle SES Anglo-Americans, were identified. Analyses of variance between SES groups and academically achieving (“C” average and above) and non-achieving Mexican-American Ss were calculated. Academic progress over a 5-semester period was observed. N-Ach did not differentiate SES groups and subgroups. Five of the six ISA scales distinguished between low SES Mexican-American and middle SES Ss. One ISA scale distinguished between lower SES subgroups. N-Ach and one ISA scale distinguished between achieving and non-achieving lower SES Mexican-Americans.
Nurse practitioner and physician roles: delineation and complementarity of practice.

Because of differences in education and role preparation, nurse practitioners (NPs) and physicians (MDs) may assume either complementary or substitutive roles in patient care. To describe role complementarity and similarity, the role perceptions of 15 NPs and 15MDs in joint practice were assessed. Ten NP and MD respondent pairs were selected from a variety of ambulatory primary care settings (urban, rural, public, private, and health maintenance organizations), and five NP-MD pairs were chosen at random. A questionnaire of nine patient vignettes was created; respondents rated the appropriateness of their role in managing the clients described in each vignette using an 8-point scale. Significant differences existed between NP and MD perceived roles for six vignettes, p less than .05. NPs identified as highly role appropriate those vignettes necessitating psychosocial support and health education; MDs identified as highly role appropriate vignettes representing high risk physical conditions. The differences in NP and MD role perception were complementary.
Morphological wavelets and the complexity of dyadic trees

In this paper we reveal a connection between the coefficients of the morphological wavelet transform and complexity measures of dyadic tree representations of level sets. This leads to better understanding of the edge preserving property that has been discovered in both areas. As an immediate application, we examine a depth-adaptive soft thresholding scheme on morphological wavelet coefficients in which the threshold decays geometrically as the resolution increases. A greater decay rate gives greater preference towards unbalanced trees and this can control edge enhancement in denoised signals.
A unique algal ridge system in the Exuma Cays, Bahamas

An algal ridge system discovered along the Exuma Cays, Bahamas constructs bioherms to a thickness of at least 1.5 m and is associated with modern intertidal stromatolites. These algal ridges are unique because they grow in atypical environments characterized by relatively low wave energy, high rates of sedimentation and low rates of herbivory. They also are composed primarily of the branching crustose coralline alga, Neogoniolithon strictum, which heretofore was not known to form algal ridges. Lateral growth rates of crusts, vertical growth rates of branches and survivorship of transplanted N. strictum were greatest in the shallow fore reef zone of the algal ridge. The alga is also capable of surviving and growing when covered with sediment for at least 100 days. Under such conditions it transforms from a branched to an unbranched morphology. Parrotfish grazing, which is said to limit the abundance of branched corallines and algal ridges, was two orders of magnitude lower than in published accounts from other reef systems of the Caribbean and one order of magnitude less than that found on nearby coral reefs of the west Exuma Sound. Neogoniolithon strictum, a delicate and open-branched coralline, persisted for over a year without grazing damage when transplanted to a depth of 2.3 m. This algal ridge-building coralline becomes a well-indurated limestone following submarine lithification of sediment that infills the open branch framework. As a result, N. strictum ridges are comparable to the dense frameworks associated with most algal ridges. Observations of N. strictum -associated bioherms along Central America suggest this ridge system may exist elsewhere under conditions similar to those described for the Bahamas.
How to find decision makers in neural networks

Nervous systems often face the problem of classifying stimuli and making decisions based on these classifications. The neurons involved in these tasks can be characterized as sensory or motor, according to their correlation with sensory stimulus or motor response. In this study we define a third class of neurons responsible for making perceptual decisions. Our mathematical formalism enables the weighting of neuronal units according to their contribution to decision making, thus narrowing the field for more detailed studies of underlying mechanisms. We develop two definitions of a contribution to decision making. The first definition states that decision making activity can be found at the points of emergence for behavioral correlations in the system. The second definition involves the study of propagation of noise in the network. The latter definition is shown to be equivalent to the first one in the cases when they can be compared. Our results suggest a new approach to analyzing decision making networks
Longitudinal Assessment and Perceptions of Medical Post Baccalaureate Students

Incoming medical students arrive from diverse academic backgrounds and different levels of preparedness for the challenges of medical school. These students face major academic and lifestyle transitions in order to be successful in the fast-paced medical school curriculum. The goal of the medical post baccalaureate (PB) program at the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) is to prepare students (often with below-average grade point average (GPA) and Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) scores) for medical school course content and aid these students in the development of appropriate time-management and study skills. It was hypothesized that graduates of LECOM’s PB program would perform as well as their non-PB classmates. Analysis of longitudinal study data revealed that LECOM PB students matriculated medical school with undergraduate GPAs and MCAT scores significantly lower than their non-PB classmates. However, LECOM PB graduates performed statistically similar to non-PB classmates on their step 1 board examination, at the end of their second year of medical school. Additionally, survey results suggest that LECOM PB graduates perceived they were better prepared for multiple aspects of medical school compared to their peers. These findings suggest that a 1-year PB program, heavy in basic biomedical science, prepares students for academic and social challenges they will face in medical school.
How Children’s Cognitive and Affective Responses to a Novel Task Relate to the Dimensions of Perfectionism

The current study examined how the Maladaptive Evaluative Concerns (MEC) versus Positive Achievement Striving (PAS) dimensions of perfectionism relate to anxiety, goal-setting, and cognitive appraisal in third-grade to sixth-grade students who completed an object-naming task under three goal-demand conditions: self-set goals, and low and high experimenter goals. The results indicated that children high on a measure of socially prescribed perfectionism (SPP; a measure of MEC) experienced more anxiety across all conditions than children low in SPP. Children scoring high on SPP also rated performing well on the task as more important and were more likely to say they should have performed better than their low SPP counterparts, despite no significant differences in performance or standard-setting. The PAS component of perfectionism was unrelated to children’s responses. These results are consistent with Beck’s cognitive theory and support the utility of the maladaptive evaluative concerns dimension of perfectionism in predicting children’s cognitive and affective responses to new tasks.
Bechmann's number for harmonic overtones of thickness-shear vibrations of rotated-y-cut quartz plates

Abstract A method is developed for calculating Bechmann's Number for the harmonic overtones of antisymmetric thickness-shear vibrations of crystal plates. In most cases the solution can be expressed as a simple, explicit formula. Values of Bechmann's Number for the AT-cut-quartz plate for the first ten modes are calculated for the ranges of percentage plate-back encountered in applications.
On the existence of Hamiltonian paths in the cover graph of M(n)

The poset M(n) has as its elements the n-tuples of integers a = (a1, a2,...,an) satisfying 0 = a1 =... = aj < aj+1 <...< an ≤ n for some j, 0 ≤ j ≤ n. The order relation is defined by a ≤ b if ai ≤ bi for 1 ≤ i ≤ n. We show that the cover graph of M(n) has a Hamiltonian path if and only if(n+12) is odd and n ≠ 5.
Cost-benefit analysis, benefit accounting and fuzzy decisions. (II). A hypothetical application to mental illness

Abstract The essay presents a computational example to illustrate the development of comprehensive benefit information by using the algorithms presented in part I of the above title [Fuzzy Sets and Systems 92 (1992) 275–287]. The area of application is a treatment regime for mental illness in a hypothetical community. The objective is to show how the theory and algorithms developed in part I can be used to assemble a comprehensive benefit information for cost-benefit analysis, benefit-risk analysis or benefit-effectiveness analysis.
Thermoregulatory ability and the thyroid gland: Their development in embryonic Japanese quail (Coturnix c. jaaponica)

Abstract 1. During development, fertile Japanese quail eggs show some increase in resistance to cooling. 2. During development, mean thyroid follicle cell height and total thyroidal iodine increase rapidly, until shortly before hatching. 1. One to 2 days before hatching, follicle cell height and thyroidal iodine content are abruptly reduced, but both return to former levels on the day of hatching.
Short-term tensile creep and shrinkage of ultra-high performance concrete

The tensile creep and free shrinkage deformations of ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) were examined through short-term testing to assess the influences of stress/strength ratio, steel fiber reinforcement, and thermal treatment. The use of fibers and the application of thermal treatment decreased 14-day drying shrinkage by more than 57% and by 82%, respectively. Increasing the stress-to-strength ratio from 40% to 60% increased the tensile creep coefficient by 44% and the specific creep by 11%, at 14 days of loading. Incorporating short steel fibers at 2% by volume decreased the tensile creep coefficient by 10% and the specific creep by 40%, at 14 days. Also, subjecting UHPC to a 48-h thermal treatment at 90 °C, after initial curing, decreased its tensile creep coefficient by 73% and the specific creep by 77% at 7 days, as compared to ordinarily cured companion mixes. Comparison of tensile creep behavior to published reports on compressive creep in UHPC reveal that these phenomena differ fundamentally and that further evaluation is necessary to better understand the underlying mechanisms of tensile creep in UHPC. Results from this study also showed that the effects of both thermal treatment and fiber reinforcement were more pronounced in tensile creep behavior than tensile strength results of different UHPC mixes. This emphasizes the importance of conducting tensile creep testing to predict long-term tensile performance.
The electrical conductivity of graphite intercalated with superacid fluorides: experiments with antimony pentafluoride

The electrical conductivity in graphite measured normal to the crystallographic c-axis is observed to increase after intercalation with acid molecules which act as acceptors. This behaviour is regarded as the result of ionization of the acid molecule which, in turn, increases the positive current carriers in the host graphite. Since the carrier density depends on the degree of ionization of the acid, it follows that the stronger the acid the greater the increase in carrier concentration, and assuming no adverse mobility effects, the greater the electrical conductivity. The hydrogen fluoride-antimony pentafluoride system produces some of the strongest acid substances known. The experiments described here represent the initial examination of the electrical conductivity resulting from intercalation of this material into graphite. The experiments consisted of intercalating graphite powder with antimony pentafluoride in a copper tube and swaging the sheathed compound into wire. The measured conductivity of the graphite intercalation compound, when the copper conductivity is subtracted out and allowance is made for departure from ideal density, is about 1×106 Ω−1 cm−1. This is approximately 40 times the conductivity of pristine graphite and more than one and a half times the conductivity of pure copper.
Benoít-Bird Receives 2008 Ocean Sciences Early Career Award

Kelly Benoit-Bird received the 2008 Ocean Sciences Early Career Award at the 2008 AGU Fall Meeting Honors Ceremony, held 17 December in San Francisco, Calif. The award recognizes significant contributions to and promise in the ocean sciences. Benoit-Bird's response to receiving the award follows.
Lyapunov, Lanczos, and inertia

Abstract We present a new proof of the inertia result associated with Lyapunov equations. Furthermore, we present a connection between the Lyapunov equation and the Lanczos process which is closely related to the Schwarz form of a matrix. We provide a method for reducing a general matrix to Schwarz form in a finite number of steps ( O (n 3 ) ). Hence, we provide a finite method for computing inertia without computing eigenvalues. This scheme is unstable numerically and hence is primarily of theoretical interest.
Qualitative convergence of three nursing concepts: art of nursing, presence and caring.

Title. Qualitative convergence of three nursing concepts: art of nursing, presence and caring. Aim. This paper is a report of the development of a theoretical framework of nursing practice based on the convergence of the concepts art of nursing, presence and caring. Background. Convergence of similar concepts to form broad yet useful theories is a relatively unexplored area, despite the fact that systematically examining and integrating nursing concepts can help to build theory and leads to enhanced understanding of the discipline. Research results suggest that unarticulated similarities exist among the art of nursing, presence and caring; thus, qualitative convergence of these concepts is justified. Data sources. Findings from qualitative studies of the art of nursing (published between 1993 and the third quarter of 2006) and meta-syntheses of presence and caring (published in 2006 and 2007 respectively) were inductively analysed and integrated. Results. A theoretical framework of nursing practice was developed to illustrate the areas of convergence among the concepts art of nursing, presence and caring. Nursing involves an intimate relationship-centred partnership between the nurse and patient. Situation-specific nursing actions result from multiple forms of personal and professional knowledge and are based on a value system of holistic beneficence and patient empowerment. Nursing actions are promoted by a conducive work environment and result in enhanced well-being among patients and nurses. Conclusion. Results of this concept convergence provide an enhanced understanding of nursing practice and offer insight into areas of nursing practice that are not encompassed within the concepts art of nursing, presence and caring. Further work is recommended to expand the proposed framework, especially in terms of the wide variety of nurse–patient relationships that exist.
Mechanism for the separation of large molecules based on radial migration in capillary electrophoresis.

We demonstrate a novel separation mechanism for large molecules based on their radial migration in capillary electrophoresis with applied hydrodynamic flow (HDF). The direction of radial migration depends on the direction of the applied HDF relative to the electric field. The radial migration velocities are size-dependent, which could be attributed to the different degree of deformation under shear flow. Analytical separation was demonstrated on a sample plug containing λ DNA (48 502 bp) and φX174 RF DNA (5386 bp) with baseline separation. Alternatively, this separation mode can be performed continuously and is thus applicable to preparative separations. Without the need for gel/polymer or complex instrumentation, this separation technique is complementary to capillary gel electrophoresis and field-flow fractionation. Although large DNA molecules were used to demonstrate the separation mechanism here, these protocols could also be applied to the separation of proteins, cells, or particles based on size, s...
Quick-Service Restaurants of the 21 St Century: an Analytical Review of Macro Factors

The quick-service restaurant (QSR) industry is increasingly becoming global. Cooperation over conflict (a state ofinterbeing) is expected to be the order of the 21 st century. Service will be the primary tool of strategic advantage in the QSR industry. Successful firms may gain competitive advantage through segment diffusion, em ployee empowerment, and maximization of brand equity. Changes in U.S. franchise legislation will distinctly affect the industry. The carousel concepts and other new concepts will emerge as developments take place. The QSR menus are expected to change dramatically to include genetically altered animal and vegetable products to meet nutritional demands of aging baby boomers.
Thinking About One’s Subjective Well-Being: Average Trends and Individual Differences

In two studies, participants reported what they had been thinking about while completing measures of subjective well-being (SWB). These thought reports were analyzed with respect to life domain, valence, and how strongly they were related to actual levels of SWB. Most people focused on their life circumstances (e.g., career) rather than on dispositional predictors (e.g., personality) of SWB. The domains mentioned most frequently (career, family, romantic life) were also the ones that were most strongly related to actual SWB, indicating that most of people think about things that actually contribute to their SWB. Some domains are predominantly mentioned in positive contexts (e.g., family) whereas others are predominantly mentioned in negative contexts (e.g., money). On average, people thought more about positive than about negative things, a result that is magnified for respondents high in extraversion or emotional stability. In sum, these findings provide insight into what people think contributes to their SWB; beliefs that may guide them as they make important decisions.
Personal digital assistant for "real time" assessment of women's health in the clinical years.

Abstract Objective: To assess in "real time" the degree to which women's health competencies are addressed in the clinical curriculum by using a personal digital assistant. Study Design: Competencies for women's health were developed. Twelve students were supplied with a personal digital assistant, pre-loaded with a patient log system, for use in assessment of the inclusion of these competencies in the clinical arena. The students received instruction on completing the log for each patient for whom they were primarily responsible. Results: There were 2690 total encounters. In clerkships other than obstetrics and gynecology, gender was discussed in 10% to 20% of encounters. Other than obstetrics and gynecology diagnostic categories, no more than 15% of diagnoses included gender discussion. Conclusion: Student recording of patient encounters reveals a minimal amount of women's health discussion in the clinical years; however, the personal digital assistant is an effective tool with which to monitor curriculum content in the clinical setting. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2002;187:S19-21.)
How do teacher education faculty members define desirable teacher beliefs

Abstract Fifty-seven teacher educators described (a) how graduates of their programs should respond to each item in an educational beliefs inventory, and (b) the extent of coverage they provided for each belief in their courses. Desired beliefs were also compared with measures of educational beliefs from 896 entry-level teacher candidates. Major findings include: Although faculty members said most beliefs should be shaped in a particular direction, they often disagreed on the desired direction. Faculty members were more likely to reinforce prevailing beliefs they judged as appropriate than to challenge inappropriate beliefs or to encourage students to develop their own informed positions regarding open-ended educational issues.
Idealism and Williams's Semantic Paradox

Bernard Williams's essay ‘Wittgenstein and Idealism’ argues that that the conventionality of language entails the dependence of the truth of sentences and ultimately of corresponding states of affairs as truth-makers on the existence of thinking subjects. Peter Winch and Colin Lyas try to avoid William's paradox by distinguishing between the existence conditions of a sentence and its assertion. The Winch-Lyas solution is criticized and a stronger Winch-Lays resistant version of Williams's paradox is proposed. A more satisfactory countercriticism is given, involving an ineliminable modal fallacy occurring in the paradox inference, that arises because of the argument's invalid combination of categorical and counterfactual assumptions and conclusions.
Phospho-acetylation of histone H3 in the amygdala after acute lithium chloride

Acute injection of a high dose of lithium chloride (LiCl) increases c-Fos expression in the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA). We investigated if LiCl-induced c-Fos expression in the CeA is correlated with histone acetylation and phospho-acetylation. Chromatin modifications such as acetylation and phosphorylation are necessary for optimal gene expression, and gene expression may be increased by inhibiting the activity of histone deacetylases. LiCl (0.15 M, 12 ml/kg, i.p.) highly increased the levels of acetylation and phospho-acetylation of histone H3 in the CeA. The time course of these increases closely corresponded to and preceded the time course of c-Fos induction. Moreover, LiCl-induced c-Fos was co-localized with phospho-acetylated histone H3 in a majority of c-Fos-positive cells in the CeA. Systemic administration of a histone deacetylase inhibitor, sodium butyrate (NaB; 0.3 M, 0.4 g/kg, i.p.), significantly increased the levels of LiCl-induced c-Fos and phospho-acetylated histone H3 in the CeA. NaB also enhanced conditioned taste aversion learning induced by pairing saccharin consumption with LiCl injection, by making the conditioned taste aversion more resistant to extinction. These results suggest that LiCl-induced c-Fos expression may be regulated by modification of histone H3, especially phospho-acetylation, in the CeA. Furthermore, the level of phospho-acetylation of histone H3, c-Fos induction, and amygdalar-dependent taste aversion learning is constrained by endogenous histone deacetylase activity.
A randomized, placebo-controlled trial of doxycycline after endoluminal aneurysm repair.

Background The late durability of endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) has been limited by progressive aortic degeneration believed to be mediated by matrix metalloproteases (MMP). The goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of a MMP inhibitor, doxycycline, on EVAR. Methods Patients undergoing EVAR were randomized to doxycycline (100 mg twice daily) or placebo for 6 months following the procedure. Clinical data, blood samples, and computed tomography (CT) scans were obtained preoperatively, postoperatively (blood only), and at 1- and 6-month follow-up. Forty-four subjects were analyzed based on intention-to-treat. Results Plasma MMP-9 decreased significantly below baseline in the doxycycline (N = 20) treated patients at 6 months (−16.4% ± 20.7%, P P P Conclusion There is evidence of persistent MMP release representing ongoing aortic degradation after endografting which can be inhibited by doxycycline therapy. In analyses based on the endograft used, treatment with doxycycline also demonstrated evidence of increased aortic dimensional stability, a surrogate marker for long-term success of EVAR. Although encouraging, these results require confirmation in larger patient populations. Doxycycline should undergo more thorough evaluation as a potential adjuvant treatment to improve the results of EVAR, particularly in certain subgroups.
Non-Cancerous Ophthalmic Clues to Non-Ocular Cancer

This survey reviews selected medical disorders in which the ophthalmologist has a unique opportunity of anticipating the existence of asymptomatic, life-threatening disease simply by recognizing that certain benign conditions involving the eye or adnexa represent clues to occult non-ocular cancer and other neoplasias. Having knowledge that these clues are associated with specific types of neoplasia, the ophthalmologist can then initiate a goal-directed oncologic investigation designed to identify the underlying neoplasm with the hope of providing potentially life-saving therapy. The survey is organized to feature each clue separately. The clinical characteristics of the clue are described and illustrated with color photographs when possible. A discussion reviews associated malignancies and other important medical features. The survey begins with clues expressed anteriorly in the lids, progressively reviewing those clues located more posteriorly, concluding with clues involving the retinal pigment epithelium and choroid.
A therapeutic DNA vaccination strategy for autoimmunity and transplantation

Abstract De novo autoimmunity induced by an allograft may play a significant role in chronic organ rejection, which remains a major barrier to successful transplantation. Accordingly, immunization with non-polymorphic antigens found in both donor allograft and recipient would be an attractive means to prevent long-term graft rejection, because it would rely on recipient mechanisms of immune homeostasis and could minimize the need to identify appropriate donor polymorphic antigens for induction of graft tolerance. Here we show that intradermal injection of plasmid DNA encoding glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) polypeptide, which is synthesized in both pancreatic islet and skin tissue, ameliorated new-onset type 1 diabetes in NOD mice and increased skin allograft survival in a BALB/c-C57BL/6 model system in a donor-specific manner. Successful therapy of autoimmune diabetes required CpG-methylation of plasmid DNA and co-delivery of a cDNA coding for the pro-apoptotic BAX protein, which was shown previously to induce Foxp3+ regulatory T cells in NOD mice. In contrast, significantly increased skin allograft survival after immunization of recipient only required CpG-methylation of plasmid DNA coding for GAD alone. Injection of unmethylated plasmid DNA coding for BAX alone near the allograft also promoted graft survival, but induced a pro-inflammatory response to self-antigens. Our results reveal a promising potential for autoimmunity-targeting DNA vaccination to be applied to transplantation.
Modifying caspase-3 activity by altering allosteric networks.

Caspases have several allosteric sites that bind small molecules or peptides. Allosteric regulators are known to affect caspase enzyme activity, in general, by facilitating large conformational changes that convert the active enzyme to a zymogen-like form in which the substrate-binding pocket is disordered. Mutations in presumed allosteric networks also decrease activity, although large structural changes are not observed. Mutation of the central V266 to histidine in the dimer interface of caspase-3 inactivates the enzyme by introducing steric clashes that may ultimately affect positioning of a helix on the protein surface. The helix is thought to connect several residues in the active site to the allosteric dimer interface. In contrast to the effects of small molecule allosteric regulators, the substrate-binding pocket is intact in the mutant, yet the enzyme is inactive. We have examined the putative allosteric network, in particular the role of helix 3, by mutating several residues in the network. We re...
Multimodally specified energy expenditure and action-based distance judgments

Previous research has demonstrated that perceived self-motion can be manipulated by the relation between optic flow rate and walking rate. Other studies have revealed that verbal reports of perceived distance are influenced by the energy that would be expended to traverse the distance in question. In an effort to integrate these findings, we investigated how action-based distance judgments are influenced by multimodally specified energy expenditure (MSEE)—the metabolic cost associated with traversing an optically specified distance—using a virtual-reality treadmill environment. The energy expenditure associated with walking, measured as the volume of oxygen consumed, was manipulated by changing treadmill speed or grade. Optically specified distance was manipulated by changing the virtual optic flow rate. All three manipulations of MSEE (walking rate, grade, and optic flow rate) influenced distance reports in the predicted directions and to equivalent degrees.
Superfluid dissipation in thin films of4He adsorbed on graphite

Abstract We have completed a torsional oscillator study of superfluidity in thin films of4He adsorbed on the basal plane of graphite for coverages above one atomic layer. In this report we focus on the details of the superfluid dissipation. For coverages above 2 1/4 layers we resolve a dissipation peak at the superfluid transition. The evolution of this peak with increasing coverage is distinct from the behavior observed on heterogeneous substrates such as mylar. In particular, we observe two coverage regions, in the third and fourth layers, where the temperature of the dissipation maximum is nearly independent of the coverage.
Mechanisms of injury and methods of protection of the brain during cardiac surgery in neonates and infants

With substantial effort and research devoted to improving surgical techniques and myocardial protection, superb results have been achieved for repair of complex congenital heart defects in children. As a result, investigative efforts now have begun to examine the quality of life for patients surviving these operations. Because these neonates and infants are exposed to severe physiologic extremes of temperature (15–18 °C) and severe alterations from normal perfusion (total circulatory arrest), the nature of long-term neuropsychological outcome has been a prominent concern. Recent preliminary reports suggest that transient and permanent neuropsychologic injury occur in as many as 25% of all infants undergoing hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass with circulatory arrest.'Since improved surgical techniques have significantly reduced rates of operative mortality and cardiac morbidity, one of the greatest risks remaining for the patient with congenital heart disease may be long term neuropsychologic and developmental abnormalities.
Devices and Clinical Trials Overview and Equipoise

In an ideal world, our decision to enroll patients in clinical trials would be based on thoughtful, rational, informed, and balanced considerations of available and relevant scientific and clinical data. In reality, our decision making is based more often on our recent clinical experience and the opinions of those clinicians we value. To increase the appropriate and thoughtful enrollment of patients into clinical trials, it is helpful to examine how we make these decisions and the limitations of equipoise as a decision-making tool. Physicians particularly struggle with enrollment of patients in clinical trials when a given treatment, like endovascular therapy, is already available as part of the standard of care in a region. Ideally, physicians want to offer their patients the best available medical care as opposed to treatment in a randomized trial that is selected by chance. The ethical solution to this conundrum that has gained greatest acceptance among clinicians is the concept of equipoise. According to Freedman’s classical formulation, clinical equipoise exists when there is no consensus within the expert clinical community about the comparative merits of the alternatives to be tested.1 Yet, Miller and Joffe2 note 5 considerations that argue against equipoise as the arbiter of the ethical legitimacy of randomized trials to evaluate new treatments, even for life-threatening or highly debilitating conditions (like stroke): the imprecision in defining the concept of equipoise, the reliance on expert opinion, the limitations of determining efficacy on the basis of surrogate outcomes, the high costs of new treatments, and the tendency toward premature termination of randomized clinical trials. The expert clinical community is a highly variable group and it is unclear what the minimal proportion of this hypothetical community should be to consider that the conditions for equipoise are met (eg, 50%, 25%, 10%, or 5%). It is …
Resource use and quality of care for Medicare patients with acute myocardial infarction in Maryland and the District of Columbia: Analysis of data from the Cooperative Cardiovascular Project

This study sought to evaluate the quality of care rendered to Medicare beneficiaries with acute myocardial infarction by establishing the use patterns of well-proven therapies in this population. We analyzed the quality of care rendered to 4300 Medicare beneficiaries seen at Maryland and District of Columbia hospitals with retrospectively confirmed acute myocardial infarction by evaluating the use of proven therapies. The proportion of patients ideal for therapies ranged from 10% for reperfusion to 100% for smoking cessation counseling. For ideal patients the following therapies were implemented: aspirin (87%), reperfusion therapy (64%), beta-blockers on discharge (60%), and smoking cessation counseling (41%). A substantial proportion of Medicare patients with acute myocardial infarction has one or more relative or absolute contraindications to standard regimens and therefore are not ideal therapeutic candidates. In the group of ideal patients, those with no therapeutic contraindications, a significant proportion do not receive these treatments.