cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dual catheter technique for the treatment of severe coronary artery perforations

Objectives: To evaluate the outcome of patients with coronary perforations who were treated with the dual catheter approach. Background: Coronary artery perforation is a grave complication of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with high mortality and morbidity. Treating a coronary artery perforation with two catheters through dual access enables a rapid delivery of covered stent or coils to the vessel, without losing control of the perforation site. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed all patients who had a severe coronary perforation during a PCI in our center, and compared outcomes of patients treated with the dual versus the traditional single guiding catheter approach. Results: Between April 2004 and October 2008, 13,466 PCI's were performed in Columbia University – New York Presbyterian Medical Center. There were 33 documented cases of coronary perforations during that period of time (0.245%), among these, 26 were angiographically severe (Ellis type 2 or 3 perforations). Eleven patients were treated acutely with a dual catheter technique whereas the other fifteen patients were treated using a single guiding catheter. In the dual catheter group one patient expired after emergent CABG (9.1%), and four patients underwent emergent paricardiocentesis (36.4%). In patients treated with single catheter, there were three deaths (20%), two surgical explorations (13.3%), eight emergent pericardiocenthesis (53.3%), and one event of severe anoxic brain damage (6.7%). Conclusion: The dual catheter technique is a relatively safe and reproducible approach to treat a PCI induced severe coronary artery perforation, and may improve outcome compared to historical series. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
CRYSTALLINE PEPSIN: II. GENERAL PROPERTIES AND EXPERIMENTAL METHODS

A number of properties of crystalline pepsin have been determined and are summarized in Table II. The experimental procedure used is described.
Biomechanical evaluation of volar locking plates for distal radius fractures

Purpose Fixed-angle devices have been a major advancement in orthopedic fracture care and have become an attractive option for fixation of distal radius fractures. Several volar locking plates exist, but there is insufficient literature comparing the strengths of these plates. This study compares the biomechanical strength of two popular volar locking plate systems (Synthes LCP and Hand Innovations DVR-A) along with a nonlocking volar T-plate (Synthes).
Determination of Anandamide Amidase Activity Using Ultraviolet-Active Amine Derivatives and Reverse-Phase High-Performance Liquid Chromatography

Anandamide amidase catalyzes the hydrolysis of anandamide (AEA) to arachidonic acid (AA) and ethanolamine (EA). Recently, we published a method for determining anandamide amidase activity based on the measurement of arachidonic acid with direct UV detection at 204 nm. However, this method cannot be used to determine the hydrolysis of non-UV-active AEA analogs. It also cannot be used to study AEA amidase inhibitors that contain the arachidonic acid tail, and which are also enzyme substrates. Here we report a novel, more general method for measuring amidase activity byo-phthaldialdehyde (OPA) precolumn derivatization and reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The hydrolysis product, ethanolamine, after separation from protein was derivatized with OPA to form a UV-active isoindole derivative which was then detected at 230 nm. The detection limit for derivatized ethanolamine was 1.0 pmol and retention times were typically less than 8 min. Ournew method can detect non-UV-active analogs throughderivatization of the amine product. It can thus beused after careful selection of the HPLC conditionsin competition experiments between AEA and AEA analogs possessing different head groups. The mosteffective competitive inhibitor tested was (R)-N-(1-methyl-2-hydroxyethyl)arachidonylamide (AM356), which is resistant to enzymatic hydrolysis and yet inhibits AEA hydrolysis in a competition experiment by 43%. Moreover, this method offers several advantages over existing methodologies using radioisotopes or solvent extraction procedures. Our work to date has shown that small structural changes in the AEA molecule can result in significant variation in both affinity and turnover rate for each analog with respect to AEA amidase.
The Prostate Urethral Lift: Will It Be Uplifting or Downgraded as a Treatment Strategy for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia?

The urologic world has been inundated with the latest and greatest new technologies for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). As noted byWilliam Heberden, ‘‘new medicines, and new methods of cures, always work miracles for a while’’. The newest player in the BPH armamentarium is the prostatic urethral lift (PUL) device known as the UroLift system (NeoTract, Pleasanton, CA, USA). The UroLift system is a nonablative technique that uses solely mechanical compression to open the prostatic urethra. There are a number of questions regarding PUL including durability of results, long-term heretofore unrecognized complications, applicability to a wide variety of men with LUTS secondary to BPH, anesthetic requirements, and reimbursement, all of whichwill contribute to the longterm viability of this technique. First, does it work? There have been a number of studies suggesting that, at least initially, it does. In this issue of European Urology, Perera et al [1] report on the best available data, albeit in a limited number of series and patients. The data suggest that symptoms asmeasured by the International Prostate Symptom Score improve by approximately 7–8 points. Although they note in their discussion that this is better than medical therapy for BPH, in fact it is similar to what has been reported for concomitant therapy with an alpha blocker and 5-alpha reductase inhibitor. Furthermore, these data are limited to men who were not in urinary retention and did not have significant middle lobe enlargement (an absolute contraindication for PUL) [2]. Unfortunately, for most urologists, that eliminates many men who present for surgical intervention. Moreover, results for relatively larger prostates remain lacking. Themost common
Applications of protein microarrays for biomarker discovery

The search for new biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic monitoring of diseases continues in earnest despite dwindling success at finding novel reliable markers. Some of the current markers in clinical use do not provide optimal sensitivity and specificity, with the prostate cancer antigen (PSA) being one of many such examples. The emergence of proteomic techniques and systems approaches to study disease pathophysiology has rekindled the quest for new biomarkers. In particular the use of protein microarrays has surged as a powerful tool for large-scale testing of biological samples. Approximately half the reports on protein microarrays have been published in the last two years especially in the area of biomarker discovery. In this review, we will discuss the application of protein microarray technologies that offer unique opportunities to find novel biomarkers.
“Rocking the boat”: Developing a Shared Discourse of Resistance

The purpose of this critical ethnographic study is to provide an account from within a public school of some of the ways that heterosexist discourses and silences are reproduced and challenged. As a classroom teacher and critical ethnographer, I conducted this research with straight-identified high school students as they came to understand, problematize, and interrupt heterosexism and straight privilege. Unlike many of the students, teachers, and administrators in the school who colluded in the maintenance of heterosexism, through a critical inquiry and student-initiated activism, these students identified as allies and “rocked the boat” to challenge the discourses, silences, and invisibility that supported a heterosexist school culture.
Temperature Dependence of the Critical Current in One-Dimensional Indium Strips*

The first reported measurements of the temperature dependence of the critical current in narrow, thin-film indium strips are presented. The results are compared with several models and excellent agreement with a (1-t/sup 2/)/sup 3/2/ temperature dependence is found.
Prediction of the nonlinear viscoelastic properties of gluten doughs

Abstract The applicability of the Bird-Carreau model to gluten rheology was tested. Gluten doughs were prepared using a Brabender farinograph. Small amplitude oscillatory measurements were performed using the Rheometrics mechanical spectrometer (RMS-800) in the frequency range of 0.00159–15.92 s −1 . Steady shear measurements were conducted using RMS-800, Instron capillary rheometer and Rheometrics stress rheometer (RSR) in the shear rate range of 10 −5 –10 4 s −1 . Primary normal stress coefficient ( ψ 1 ) were obtained using slit rheometry and RMS-800. The empirical constants α 1 , λ 1 , α 2 , λ 2 and η 0 necessary to simulate η, ψ 1 , η′ and η″ ω were obtained from geometrical constructions composed of steady or dynamic data and were used as data sources to study the moisture effect at two temperatures. The model was able to successfully predict the steady shear viscosity η, and small amplitude oscillatory properties η′ and η″ ω . However, the experimental data for the primary normal stress coefficient are smaller than the prediction.
Polytomous Differential Item Functioning and Violations of Ordering of the Expected Latent Trait by the Raw Score

The graded response (GR) and generalized partial credit (GPC) models do not imply that examinees ordered by raw observed score will necessarily be ordered on the expected value of the latent trait (OEL). Factors were manipulated to assess whether increased violations of OEL also produced increased Type I error rates in differential item functioning (DIF) procedures conditioned on the raw score. Shorter tests and greater variance in item slope parameters increased OEL violations for the GR data but not for the GPC data. These same factors, combined with group mean differences between the reference and focal groups, increased the Type I error rate for the observed raw score DIF methods for both the GR and GPC data. A procedure conditioned on the classical test theory latent score estimate instead of the observed score helped reduce the Type I error in some of the conditions but not for the shortest tests.
Complete androgen insensitivity syndrome due to X chromosome inversion: A clinical report

We have studied a patient with complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (CAIS) and a 46, inv(X),Y karyotype. The patient's mother and maternal aunt also carry the inverted X, and the mother is phenotypically normal, with a 46, inv(X),X karyotype, while a maternal aunt has CAIS with a 46,inv(X),Y karyotype. Molecular cytogenetic studies demonstrate that one of the X inversion breakpoints occurs within Xq11.2-12, which is the locus for the androgen receptor. FISH analysis demonstrated that a BAC clone containing the androgen receptor gene was disrupted by the inversion. We therefore hypothesize that disruption of the androgen receptor gene causes CAIS in this patient. This is the first report of CAIS caused by a chromosome inversion.
Predictors of cessation in a cohort of current and former smokers followed over 13 years

The present study attempted to identify predictors of smoking cessation in a cohort of cigarette smokers followed over 13 years. Data are reported on 6,603 persons who resided in one of 20 U.S. communities involved in the National Cancer Institute’s Community Intervention Trial for Smoking Cessation (COMMIT) study, were current smokers in the COMMIT trial in 1988, and completed detailed tobacco use telephone surveys in 1988, 1993, and 2001. A person was classified as a former smoker if at the time of follow-up he or she reported not smoking for at least 6 months prior to the interview. Reasons and methods for quitting also were assessed in 1993 and 2001. Among smokers in 1988, 24% had stopped smoking by 1993 and 42% were not smoking by 2001. The most frequently cited reasons for quitting were health and cost reasons, while assisted methods to quit were more common in more recent years. Measures of nicotine dependence were much more strongly associated with cessation than measures of motivation. Other predictors included male gender, older age, higher income, and less frequent alcohol consumption, although the gender effect no longer existed when cessation from cigarettes as well as other tobacco products was considered as the outcome. The present study shows that nicotine dependence is a major factor predicting long-term cessation in smokers. This finding has implications for tobacco control policy and treatment approaches.
Taking the Road Less Traveled: RAS Meets PI3K/PDK1

The power and complexity of the human mind is enormous. Inevitably, however, we seem to lapse into a reductionist view of both the world and of science. People are either “good” or “bad”; an individual must either be a Republican or a Democrat; and RAS signals through RAF-MEK-ERK, whereas
Comparative Features of Copper ATPases ATP7A and ATP7B Heterologously Expressed in COS-1 Cells

ATP7A and ATP7B are P-type ATPases required for copper homeostasis and involved in the etiology of Menkes and Wilson diseases. We used heterologous expression of ATP7A or ATP7B in COS-1 cells infected with adenovirus vectors to characterize differential features pertinent to each protein expressed in the same mammalian cell type, rather than to extrinsic factors related to different cells sustaining expression. Electrophoretic analysis of the expressed protein, before and after purification, prior or subsequent to treatment with endoglycosidase, and evidenced by protein or glycoprotein staining as well as Western blotting, indicates that the ATP7A protein is glycosylated while ATP7B is not. This is consistent with the prevalence of glycosylation motifs in the ATP7A sequence, and not in ATP7B. ATP7A and ATP7B undergo copper-dependent phosphorylation by utilization of ATP, forming equal levels of an "alkali labile" phosphoenzyme intermediate that undergoes similar catalytic (P-type ATPase) turnover in both enzymes. In addition, incubation with ATP yields an "alkali stable" phosphoprotein fraction, attributed to phosphorylation of serines. Alkali stable phosphorylation occurs at lower levels in ATP7A, consistent with a different distribution of serines in the amino acid sequence. Immunostaining of COS-1 cells sustaining heterologous expression shows initial association of both ATP7A and ATP7B with Golgi and the trans-Golgi network. However, in the presence of added copper, ATP7A undergoes prevalent association with the plasma membrane while ATP7B exhibits intense trafficking with cytosolic vesicles. Glycosylation of ATP7A and phosphorylation of ATP7B apparently contribute to their different trafficking and membrane association when expressed in the same cell type.
Sensitivity analysis of the non‐linear dynamic viscoplastic response of 2‐D structures with respect to material parameters

A computational procedure is presented for evaluating the sensitivity coefficients of the viscoplastic response of structures subjected to dynamic loading. A state of plane stress is assumed to exist in the structure, a velocity strain-Cauchy stress formulation is used, and the geometric non-linearities arising from large strains are incorporated. The Jaumann rate is used as a frame indifferent stress rate. The material model is chosen to be isothermal viscoplasticity, and an associated flow rule is used with a von Mises effective stress. The equations of motion emanating from a finite element semi-discretization are integrated using an explicit central difference scheme with an implicit stress update. The sensitivity coefficients are evaluated using a direct differentiation approach. Since the domain of integration is the current configuration, the sensitivity coefficients of the spatial derivatives of the shape functions must be included. Numerical results are presented for a thin plate with a central cutout subjected to an in-plane compressive loading. The sensitivity coefficients are generated by evaluating the derivatives of the response quantities with respect to Young's modulus, and two of the material parameters characterizing the viscoplastic response. Time histories of the response and sensitivity coefficients, and spatial distributions at selected times are presented.
Primary surgical treatment of anterior cruciate ligament ruptures A long-term follow-up study

We reviewed 52 patients who underwent primary sur gical repair of their acutely injured ACL using a multiple loop, varying depth suture technique. The average fol lowup was 6 years and 10 months. Nine patients (17%) were considered as having failed repairs, with failure based on the presence of clinical instability (giving way) with sports participation and a positive Lachman test and/or pivot shift maneuver. In addition, of 26 patients in whom KT-1000 (MEDmetric Corp., San Diego, CA) measurements were performed, 42% were found to have abnormal laxity. Although using multiple sutures in primary repair of the anterior cruciate may work in some patients, it is an unpredictable operative proce dure and resulted in a 17% failure rate in our study.
Latexin Is Down-Regulated in Hematopoietic Malignancies and Restoration of Expression Inhibits Lymphoma Growth

Latexin is a negative regulator of hematopoietic stem cell number in mice. Its dysregulated expression in other tumors led us to hypothesize that latexin may have tumor suppressor properties in hematological malignancies. We found that latexin was down-regulated in a variety of leukemia and lymphoma cell lines as well as in CD34+ cells from the blood and marrow of patients with these malignancies. 5-aza-2′-deoxycytodine treatment and bisulfite sequencing revealed hypermethylation of latexin promoter in tumor cells. Retrovirus-mediated latexin overexpression in A20 mouse lymphoma cells inhibited their in vitro growth by 16 fold and in vivo tumor volume by 2 fold. Latexin caused growth inhibition of lymphoma cells by significantly increasing apoptosis through the down-regulation of anti-apoptotic genes Bcl-2 and Pim-2. The molecular mechanism underlying latexin-mediated tumor inhibition was not through its canonical carboxypeptidase inhibitor activity. These results are consistent with a tumor suppressor role for latexin and suggest that latexin may have clinical efficacy in the treatment of malignancies.
Bilateral exercise-induced compartment syndrome of the thigh and leg associated with massive heterotopic ossification. A case report.

Compartment syndrome of the thigh is an infrequent phenomenon, and it is even more rare for it to occur as a result of exercise. The vast majority of cases are associated with femoral fractures, thigh contusions, prolonged compression, and/or vascular injuries1,2. A search of the English-language literature revealed only eleven cases caused by intense or prolonged exercise (Table I). More importantly, we found only one reported case of bilateral thigh and leg compartment syndrome, the outcome of which was death secondary to multiorgan failure3. We are presenting what we believe is the first report on a survivor of exercise-induced compartment syndrome of both thighs and legs. Follow-up at fourteen months demonstrated reasonable functional recovery despite life-threatening medical complications and the development of massive heterotopic ossification. View this table: TABLE I Reported Cases of Acute Compartment Syndrome of the Thigh Secondary to Intense Exercise The patient agreed to have the data concerning the case submitted for publication. A twenty-two-year-old male body-builder had been taking creatine monohydrate (20 g/day) as a nutritional supplement for four months when acute thigh and leg cramping developed, followed by five days of the passage of dark urine. The symptoms developed over a two-week period while the man was performing high-repetition, free-weight lower-extremity exercises. He was admitted to a local community hospital with symptoms of nausea, vomiting, uncontrollable thigh pain, and the inability to walk. Three days after admission, he was transferred to our institution with a delayed diagnosis of acute compartment syndrome of the thighs. Prior to his transfer, anterior thigh compartment pressure was reported to be elevated bilaterally (65 mm Hg). Physical examination performed following the transfer demonstrated tense thighs and legs. The clinical symptoms, however, appeared to have abated slightly compared with the initial presentation three days previously. The patient did not have …
Parallelism and deep structure meaning in Estonian Folksong: Some preliminary speculations

The artificial part of poetry, perhaps we shall be right to say all artifice, reduces itself to the principle of parallelism. The structure of poetry is that of continuous parallelism, ranging from the technical so-called Parallelisms of Hebrew poetry and the antiphons of Church music to the intricacy of Greek or Italian or English verse. Gerard Manley Hopkins (in the 1860s)
Effects of Helicobacter pylori vacuolating cytotoxin on primary cultures of human gastric epithelial cells.

BACKGROUND: Many Helicobacter pylori strains produce a cytotoxin that induces cytoplasmic vacuolation in various types of eukaryotic cells. In contrast with the marked cell vacuolation that occurs in vitro in response to this cytotoxin, comparatively little epithelial vacuolation has been observed in the gastric mucosa of H pylori infected persons. AIMS: Experiments were performed to determine the susceptibility of human gastric epithelial cells in vitro to H pylori vacuolating cytotoxin activity. METHODS: Human gastric epithelial cells, harvested from upper gastrointestinal endoscopic biopsy specimens, were incubated overnight with broth culture supernatants from either a wild type cytotoxin producing (tox+) H pylori strain or an isogenic mutant strain that lacks cytotoxin activity. RESULTS: Prominent cytoplasmic vacuolation occurred in response to tox+ supernatant, but not supernatant from the isogenic mutant strain. Primary human gastric epithelial cells were significantly more sensitive to H pylori vacuolating cytotoxin activity than were either HeLa or AGS cells. Exposure of human gastric epithelial cells to high concentrations of tox+ supernatant for 48 hours caused lethal cell injury. CONCLUSIONS: These studies indicate that primary human gastric epithelial cells are highly sensitive to H pylori vacuolating cytotoxin activity.
Understanding the Adversary: Virus Writers and Beyond

In this column, I explain why understanding the cyber adversary - virus writers, for example - is important and explore the history of both public perceptions and reality, which might not always be the same. In a later column, I'll delve into recent developments, such as the reported increase in financial motivation on the part of spyware/adware manufacturers
Field theory simulation of Abelian-Higgs cosmic string cusps

We perform a lattice field theory simulation of cusps in Abelian-Higgs cosmic strings. The results are in accord with the theory that the portion of the strings which overlaps near the cusp is released as radiation. The radius of the string cores which must touch to produce the evaporation is approximately $r=1$ in natural units. In general, the modifications to the string shape due to the cusp may produce many cusps later in the evolution of a string loop, but these later cusps will be much smaller in magnitude and more closely resemble kinks.
Quantitative proton spectroscopy and histology of a canine brain tumor model

Quaintitative, single voxel proton nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and histological analysis was performed in eight dogs implanted with the transplantable canine glioma model of Wodinsky (Proc. Am. Assoc. Cancer Res. 10, 99 (1969). Signals from choline, creatine, N-Acetyl Aspartate (NAA) and lactate were converted to molar concentration units and correlated with the quantitative analysis of histologically determined tissue types within the localized volume selected for NMR spectroscopy. In general, compared with normal brain, the lesions were associated with reductions in all metabolite concentrations, with the exception of lactate, which was increased. NAA and creatine decreases were most significantly correlated with the total lesion volume (P < 0.01), suggesting that these compounds are present in normal brain only. Changes in choline levels did not correlate strongly with any particular tissue type. Lactate was found to increase with increasing total lesion volume (P < 0.01), but not with increasing percent tumor, suggesting that it accumulates in abnormal tissue other than the tumor. The spectra reported were similar to those observed in human glioblastomas, with the exception that elevations of choline were not observed. The transplant-able canine gliosarcoma system appears to be a suitable tumor model for evaluation by clinical radiological techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and proton NMR spectroscopy.
Transgluteal MR-guided prostate biopsy: results of a freehand technique in a closed 1.5t MRI

Purpose Describe the technique and results of transgluteal MR-guided (TGMR) prostate biopsy. Compare the TGMR approach to other approaches. Materials and Methods 10 men (average age 59 years, range 44-71) had TGMR prostate biopsy. 4 men (40%) had a prior transrectal US-guided (TRUS) biopsy showing prostate cancer, 5 men (50%) had prior negative TRUS biopsies (range 1-3 biopsies), 1 patient (10%) had history of total colectomy and had prior negative transurethral and transgluteal CT-guided biopsies. Average PSA before biopsy was 11.7 (range 4.7-30.2). All patients had diagnostic prostate MRI showing a suspicious area before biopsy. The procedures were done with general anesthesia. Patients were placed prone, preliminary scan with TruFISP sequence was obtained on a 1.5T Espree (Siemens, Malvern, PA) scanner, and safe transgluteal route to area of interest was found. Overlying skin was prepped and draped and numbed with 1% Lidocaine. MR-safe 16-guage guide needle (Invivo, Gainesville, FL) was directed to the target lesion with intermittent scanning. MR-safe 18-gauge core biopsy needle (Invivo, Gainesville, FL) was then used coaxially to obtain core material (at least 3 samples). Results All biopsies were technically successful. 3 biopsies (30%) returned prostate cancer. 2 patients had upstaging of previously biopsy proven prostate cancer. 1 patient had multiple prior negative biopsies and was diagnosed with Gleason 7 disease. 3 biopsies (30%) showed prostatitis, highlighting the difficulties of PSA screening and imaging for prostate cancer. Conclusion Though TRUS prostate biopsy is the standard for diagnosing prostate cancer, there are limitations to this approach including low sensitivity, unreliable information about the Gleason score, and undersampling of certain parts of the prostate. Several studies have been done on MR guidance for prostate biopsy but most use a transrectal approach, which has associated problems such as infection and limitations in accessing certain areas of the prostate that can be avoided with a transgluteal approach. This study shows that TGMR prostate biopsy is feasible and can improve detection as well as staging of prostate cancer.
Structures of Logic in Policy and Theory: Identifying Sub-systemic Bricks for Investigating, Building, and Understanding Conceptual Systems

A rapidly growing body of scholarship shows that we can gain new insights into theories and policies by understanding and increasing their systemic structure. This paper will present an overview of this expanding field and discuss how concepts of structure are being applied in a variety of contexts to support collaboration, decision making, learning, prediction, and results. Next, it will delve into the underlying structures of logic that may be found within those theories and policies. Here, we will go beyond Toulmin’s logics of claim and proof that have not proven useful for advancing the social sciences and focus on five structures of “causal logic.” The results suggest a useful and more comprehensive approach to developing deeper understanding of our conceptual systems such as theory and policy.
Eddy diffusion coefficient for the atmosphere of Venus from radio scintillation measurements

Estimates are obtained of the vertical mass eddy diffusion coefficient of the Venus atmosphere in the region of turbulence near 60 km on the basis of radio scintillations observed during radio occultation by the atmosphere. The structure constant estimated from Pioneer Venus orbit 18 entrance radio occultation measurements is used, under the assumption that the turbulence is generated by wind-shear, to derive a value of 40,000 sq cm/sec for the vertical mass eddy diffusion coefficient, together with an energy dissipation rate of 20 sq cm/sec and a temperature fluctuation dissipation rate of 0.001 K-squared/sec. Results are noted to fall within the range measured for the earth's troposphere, however, indicate that small-scale turbulence is probably the dominant mechanism for vertical transport near the tropopause in the Venus atmosphere.
Inhibition of collagen synthesis by α, α′-dipyridyl in human skin fibroblasts in culture

In human diploid skin fibroblasts in culture we have shown that nonhydroxylated collagen precursors remain in the cell when proline hydroxylation is inhibited by α, α′-dipyridyl, a chelator of ferrous ions. The inhibition of proline hydroxylation is reversed by addition of fresh medium containing 50 μg per ml of sodium ascorbate, whereupon nonhydroxylated collagen precursors are hydroxylated within the cell and extruded into the medium. Extrusion of collagen already formed within the cell is not appreciably affected by α, α′-dipyridyl inhibition. Under normal conditions collagen is released from the monolayer into the medium within 3 hr of a pulse ofL[14C]proline. In the presence of α, α′-dipyridyl, about 35% of theL[14C]proline incorporated into protein is released into the medium within 8 hr as a proline-rich, hydroxyproline-deficient protein; at the same time, approximately 15% of the protein-boundl-[14C]proline remains in the cell for as long as 12 hr. When proline hydroxylation is restored after 2 and 12 hr of α, α′-dipyridyl inhibition, approximately the same amount of hydroxyproline is formed after each time interval in the monolayer. Therefore, nonhydroxylated collagen precursors retained in the cell are not appreciably degraded during at least 12 hr of inhibition by α, α′-dipyridyl and are extruded into the medium only upon restoration of hydroxylation.
In vitro stimulation and inhibition of steroid hormone release from postovulatory follicles of the tilapia, Oreochromis mossambicus

Postovulatory follicles of the tilapia, Oreochromis mossambicus, were incubated with graded doses of salmon gonadotropin to identify the steroid hormones released by this tissue. In addition, the effects of either cytochalasin B or colchicine on steroid hormone release were studied. After the incubation, the tissue was examined by electron microscopy. Postovulatory follicles released testosterone and estradiol-17B in a dose-dependent manner with gonadotropin. There was no detectable release of progesterone or 17a-OH-progesterone. When stimulated with high doses of gonadotropin, the steroidogenic cells showed an increase in smooth endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi complexes, and lipid droplets. Also, microfilaments became arranged in orderly bundles and were found close to the numerous secretory vesicles and lipid droplets. Upon incubation with gonadotropin and either colchicine or cytochalasin B, the cells still appeared steroidogenic, but the filaments were not organized nor associated with vesicles or lipid droplets. Release of steroid hormone decreased significantly. Also in these tissues, vesicles were no longer numerous in the apical region of the granulosa cells, but were located primarily near smooth endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi complexes. This suggests that disruption of the cytoskeleton results in reduced steroid hormone synthesis or release.
Peptide stacking by acetonitrile-salt mixtures for capillary zone electrophoresis

Many small natural and synthetic peptides can be stacked for capillary zone electrophoresis by dissolving the peptides in a mixture containing acetonitrile and high concentrations of inorganic salts. In many instances one third of the capillary can be loaded with peptides dissolved in a mixture of 2 volumes acetonitrile and 1 volume of 1% sodium chloride leading to about 20-fold enhanced detection. This stacking is dependent on the presence of both salts and acetonitrile. Natural peptides such as enkephalins, angiotensin and insulin chain B in addition to peptides released from the action of proteolytic enzymes on proteins were concentrated by this method. From a practical point of view, the stacking in acetonitrile is more useful since it removes proteins, counteracts the deleterious effects of high concentrations of inorganic ions present in the sample and stops the enzymatic reaction. Furthermore, it allows a larger volume of the sample to be loaded on the capillary increasing the sensitivity of the CE. This stacking produces a greater sample concentration and better resolution than the traditional stacking obtained in aqueous low ionic strength buffers. The mechanism is also different since it is improved by a high concentration of ions in the sample. Furthermore, since proteins are eliminated, the electropherograms are cleaner and the capillary does not require thorough washings between samples, speeding up the analysis and extending the capillary life.
Late survival of a patient with ventricular septal defect and Eisenmenger syndrome.

A case of a 57 year old female with a large ventricular septal defect and delayed onset of Eisenmenger syndrome is presented. Possible explanations for the delayed onset of the Eisenmenger syndrome are discussed.
Promulgating Statements of Student Rights and Responsibilities.

Students must learn to balance what they can expect from faculty with what they need to do themselves to make the classroom a safe and welcoming climate for everyone.
Light chain heterogeneity of 19s and 7s anti-γ-globulins in rheumatoid arthritis and subacute bacterial endocarditis

Both 19S and 7S anti-gamma-globulins in rheumatoid arthritis sera are enriched in kappa light chain bearing antibody molecules when compared to total 19S and 7S globulins from the same individuals. In patients with subacute bacterial endocarditis 19S anti-gamma-globulins are also, to a degree, enriched in kappa light chains, whereas the 7S anti-gamma-globulins have kappa to lambda light chain ratios indistinguishable from total 7S globulin.
Evidence for gene silencing in Haemophilus influenzae

Evidence for gene silencing of Haemophilus influenzae involved a β-subunit of RNA polymerase. The gene presumed silenced was rifampin resistance. The evidence that it was silencing, rather than dominance of a rifampin-sensitive marker, was that it took place when the rifampin resistance marker was on both a plasmid and the chromosome, without the presence of a rifampin-sensitive marker, as judged by lack of transformation of a rifampin-resistant cell to rifampin sensitivity by the plasmid. In addition, three compounds that are known to decrease gene silencing in eukaryotes (trichostatin A, sodium butyrate and 5-azacytidine) also decreased the presumed silencing in H. influenzae. Silencing of rifampin-resistant Escherichia coli did not take place with the plasmid from H. influenzae.
On SPDEs with Variable Coefficients in One Space Dimension

Stochastic second-order partial differential equations of evolution type are considered in one space dimension. Existence and uniqueness results are given in weighted Sobolev spaces of functions given on an interval in the space variable.
Dissection of the ATP-driven reaction cycle of the bacteriophage T4 DNA replication processivity clamp loading system.

Processive DNA replication requires the loading of a multisubunit ring-shaped protein complex, known as a sliding or processivity clamp, onto the primer-template (p/t) DNA. This clamp then binds to the replication polymerase to form a processive polymerase holoenzyme. The processivity of the holoenzyme derives from the topological properties of the clamp, which encircles the DNA without actually binding to it. Multisubunit complexes known as clamp-loaders utilize ATP to drive the placement of this ring around the DNA. To further understand the role of ATP binding and hydrolysis in driving clamp-loading in the DNA replication system of bacteriophage T4, we report the results of a series of presteady-state and steady-state kinetic ATPase experiments involving the various components of the reconstituted system. The results obtained are consistent with a mechanism in which a slow step, which involves the binary ATP-bound clamp-clamp loader complex, activates this complex and permits p/t DNA to bind and stimulate ATP hydrolysis. ATP hydrolysis itself, as well as the subsequent (after clamp-loading) dissociation of the clamp-loader and the slippage of the loaded clamp from the p/t DNA construct, are shown to be fast steps. A second slow step occurs after ATP hydrolysis. This step involves the dissociated clamp loader complex and may reflect ADP release. Only one molecule of ATP is hydrolyzed per clamp-loading event. Rate constants for each step, and an overall reaction mechanism for the T4 clamp-loading system, are derived from these data and from other results in the literature. The principles that emerge fit into a general framework that can apply to many biological processes involving ATP-driven reaction cycles.
Parity violation in pion electroproduction and photoproduction with a proton target

Parity violation in pion electroproduction and photoproduction in a proton target investigated as a possible means of elucidating the structure of the electronic and non-leptonic neutral weak currents. We calculate both parity-violating effects caused directly by Z-boson exchange, which contributes only to electron scattering, and those due to parity-violating electromagnetic and nuclear interactions. The asymmetry in electroproduction is of order 10/sup -5/, whereas that in photoproduction is approx.10/sup -7/. The sensitivity to the parameter sin/sup 2/ theta/sub W/ is investigated; it is a maximum at backward electron scattering angles. In addition to the Born terms, contributions from the ..delta..(1232) resonance and the light vector mesons (rho(776) and ..omega..(782)) are included in the model. Fits to the observed ..pi../sup 0/ and ..pi../sup +/ electroproduction and photoproduction cross sections indicate that the model accounts for production data in the medium energy region.
Photoperiod and Diel Variations of Serum Cortisol, Thyroxine and Protein in Goldfish, Carassius auratus L.

Goldfish Carassius auratus L., were held for 1 month on one of four different photoperiods. In those groups with diel variations of serum cortisol and thyroxine (approximately 60%) the variations were entrained to the photoperiod; peak titres occurred around light onset, minimum titres at light offset. Fish held on two of the photoperiod regimes had diel variations in serum protein, however, the pattern was not consistent in relation to any aspect of the photoperiod.
Magneto-elastic wave propagation

Previous workers in this field have only considered plane waves. In this paper the Fourier integral method recently devised by Lighthill is used to estimate displacements at large distances from a harmonic point source in an isotropic elastic medium with infinite electrical conductivity subject to a uniform magnetic field. The effect of the applied field is to introduce anisotropy, and the method used gives a complete geometrical description of wave and energy propagation.
Hand-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy after 60 cases: comparison with open partial nephrectomy

Partial nephrectomy is the surgical standard of care for favorably located, small renal tumors. As the incidence of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and detection of small kidney masses have increased over the past 20 years, minimally invasive management of these lesions has become more common. We report our single-institution experience with hand-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (HALPN) compared with open partial nephrectomy (OPN). Relevant outcome and demographic information was collected prospectively for HALPNs (N = 60) and retrospectively for OPNs (N = 40). A p-value of 3 days. Tumor pathology was as follows: 80.7% and 80% RCC, 12.3% and 8% oncocytoma, and 7% and 12% angiomyolipoma, for HALPN and OPN, respectively in each case. HALPN is associated with diminished blood loss, operating time, warm ischemia time, positive margin rates, and length of stay compared with OPN. In our institution, HALPN is the standard approach for patients with small, surgically accessible renal tumors.
Comparative efficacy of bepridil versus placebo in angina pectoris: Treatment and withdrawal studies

The efficacy and safety of once-daily doses of 200, 300, and 400 mg of bepridil hydrochloride were compared with placebo in a 14-week multi-center, double-blind parallel study. All doses of bepridil significantly reduced weekly anginal attacks and nitroglycerin consumption from baseline levels. Bepridil also significantly improved total exercise time, time to angina, time to 1 mm ST-segment depression, and total work. Reduction in heart rate (maximum mean decreases of 7-8 beats/min) and prolongation of QT and corrected QT (QTc) intervals were associated with bepridil therapy. Bepridil was well tolerated; most adverse reactions reported were mild and tolerable even at the 400-mg dose. This study provides strong support for the use of bepridil in patients with chronic stable angina pectoris that is not optimally controlled by other available antianginal therapies. A double-blind withdrawal study is also reported, in which patients stabilized on bepridil were randomized to either continue on bepridil therapy or receive placebo. Patients who were withdrawn from bepridil therapy showed significant increases in the number of weekly anginal attacks and nitroglycerin consumption compared with levels seen during long-term treatment. Patients withdrawn from bepridil therapy showed significant deterioration in exercise tolerance compared with baseline and with those maintained on bepridil.
Comparison of methods for calculating decay lifetimes

A simple scattering model is used to test alternative methods for calculating decay lifetimes, or equivalently, resonance widths. We consider the scattering of s-wave particles by a square well with a square barrier. Exact values for resonance energies and resonance widths are compared with values calculated from Wigner-Weisskopf perturbation theory and from the Garside-MacDonald projection operator formalism. The Garside-MacDonald formalism gives essentially exact results while the predictions of the Wigner-Weisskopf formalism are fairly poor.
Upper mantle structure beneath the Caribbean‐South American plate boundary from surface wave tomography

[1] We have measured shear wave velocity structure of the crust and upper mantle of the Caribbean-South American boundary region by analysis of fundamental mode Rayleigh waves in the 20- to 100-s period band recorded at the BOLIVAR/GEODINOS stations from 2003 to 2005. The model shows lateral variations that primarily correspond to tectonic provinces and boundaries. A clear linear velocity change parallels the plate bounding dextral strike-slip fault system along the northern coast of Venezuela, illustrating the differences between the South American continental lithosphere, the Venezuelan archipelago, and the Caribbean oceanic lithosphere. At depths up to 120 km beneath the Venezuelan Andes and the Maracaibo block, there is evidence of underthrusting of the Caribbean plate, but there is no other evidence of subduction of the Caribbean plate beneath the South American plate. In eastern Venezuela, linear crustal low velocities are associated with the fold and thrust belts whereas as higher crustal velocities are imaged in the Guayana shield lithosphere. The subducting oceanic part of the South American plate is imaged beneath the Antilles arc. The surface wave images combined with seismicity data suggest shear tearing of the oceanic lithosphere away from the buoyant continental South American plate offshore of northeastern Venezuela. The continental lithosphere south of the slab tear is bent down toward the plate boundary in response to the propagating tear in the lithosphere. We interpret a nearly vertical low-velocity ‘‘column’’ west of the tear centered beneath the Cariaco Basin, with three-dimensional asthenospheric flow around the southern edge of the subducting oceanic lithosphere, with the asthenosphere escaping from beneath continental South America and rising into the plate boundary zone. The complex plate boundary structure is best examined in three dimensions. We discuss the new surface wave tomographic inversion in the context of results from other researchers including local seismicity, teleseismic shear wave splits, and interpretations from active source profiling.
The fluid motion and transport in and about an assemblage of drops in an electric field

Abstract The analyses and experimental results currently available for the fluid motion generated within and about drops in an electric field are limited to a single, isolated drop in an unbounded surrounding medium. Motivated by practical considerations, this investigation examines such electroconvective flow for an assemblage of drops. Effects of neighboring drops are included in the analysis of an alternating electric field and the induced fluid motion. The results obtained here, in conjunction with previous analyses of high Peclet number transport from a single drop, provide effective heat or mass transfer rates.
Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial of a Peer Mentor HIV/STI Prevention Intervention for Women Over an 18 Month Follow-Up

Despite numerous behavioral interventions designed for women, rates of HIV and STIs are increasing. Interventions are needed that reach a large number of at-risk individuals. This study was a randomized clinical trial of a HIV/STI behavioral intervention conducted in Baltimore, MD, USA. Heterosexual women (n = 169) completed a baseline and three semiannual follow-up visits. Participants were randomized into a standard of care comparison condition or a Peer Mentor condition. At the 6-month follow-up, Peer Mentors were less likely to have multiple sex partners [AOR: 0.28 (95% CI: 0.13, 0.63)]. At the 18 month follow-up assessment, Peer Mentors increased their condom use during vaginal [AOR: 0.47 (95% CI: 0.25, 0.87)] and anal sex [AOR: 0.24 (95% CI: 0.09, 0.68)] as well as with main [AOR: 0.41 (95% CI: 0.21, 0.77)] and non-main partners [AOR: 0.33 (95% CI: 0.14, 0.79)]. Peer education is a sustainable approach to change risky sexual behaviors.
Techniques for pollution monitoring in remote sites. III: Near real-time monitoring of cloud water conductivity and pH

A semi-portable flow-through cloud water monitoring system was developed for measurements of cloud water conductivity and pH in remote sites lacking AC line power. This system was tested from May to September on Camels Hump mountain, Vermont. High temporal resolution data from seven cloud events were collected during the 1991 growing season. Mean cloud water conductivity and pH for all events was 467 μmhos cm−1 and 3.2, respectively. The highest conductivity was 997 (μmhos cm−1 recorded on 19 September 1991 and the lowest pH of 2.9 was recorded during several events over the summer. Data from this system may be used to achieve a better understanding of the chemical environment in areas experiencing forest decline.