Lysogeny of blue-green alga Plectonema boryanum by long tailed virus

Lysogeny and its induction with mitomycin C by the long tailed virus is reported. The active virus was liberated in the medium during the growth period and ability of trichomes to produce virus was not reduced by treatment with EDTA.     

Solution structure of reduced plastocyanin from the blue-green alga Anabaena variabilis

The three-dimensional solution structure of plastocyanin from Anabaena variabilis (A.v.PCu) has been determined by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Sixty structures were calculated by distance geometry from 1141 distance restraints and 46 dihedral angle restraints. The distance geometry structures were optimized by simulated annealing and restrained energy minimization. The average rms deviation from the mean structure for the 20 structures with the lowest total energy is 1.25 A for the backbone atoms and 1.75 A for all heavy atoms. Overall, the global tertiary fold of A.v.PCu resembles those of other plastocyanins which have been structurally characterized by X-ray diffraction and NMR methods. This holds even though A.v.PCu is longer than any other known plastocyanins, contains far less invariant amino acid residues, and has an overall charge that differs considerably from those of other plastocyanins (+1 vs -9 +/- 1 at pH > or = 7). The most striking feature of the A.v. PCu structure is the absence of the beta-turn, formed at the remote site by residues (58)-(61) in most higher plant plastocyanins. The displacement caused by the absence of this turn is compensated for by an extension of the small helix [from Ala53(51) to Ser60(58) in A.v.PCu] found in other plastocyanins. Moreover, the extra residues of A.v.PCu from Pro77 to Asp79 form an appended loop. These two features allow A.v.PCu to retain almost the same global fold as observed in other plastocyanins. From a comparison with the structures of other plastocyanins it is concluded that the lack of negatively charged residues at the remote site, rather than the specific structure of A.v.PCu, is the main reason for the failure of the remote site of this plastocyanin to function as a significant electron transfer site.     

Vaginal adenosis. Factors influencing detection in a colposcopic evaluation

In a colposcopic evaluation of DES-related genital abnormalities, biopsy-proven adenosis was detected in the vaginal walls or hood in 84.5% of 220 women. Patient selection (DES history only vs prior examination) did not significantly influence the detection rate for adenosis. However, the detection rate of adenosis in the vaginal walls showed highly significant correlations with the presence of cervical ectopy and/or hood and with the colposcopic appearance of the area biopsied. Using colposcopy, the columnar pattern had a diagnostic accuracy of 94.4%; mosaic pattern, 85.5%; and white appearance, 68.0%. Differences in the histologic features of mucosal surface glandular tissue, squamous metaplasia, and nonglycogenated squamous mucosa were related to specific colposcopic patterns and helped to account for the variation in the accuracy of the three appearances in detecting adenosis. Biopsy specimens of the hood were not necessary to achieve a high yield of adenosis although we obtained evidence that the hood contains microscopic features typical of vaginal adenosis. Epithelial atypicality in the vagina (moderate squamous cell dysplasia) was demonstrated in only 1 patient.     

Factors influencing rapport in hypnosis.

The phenomenon of countering expresses the tendency of some highly susceptible Ss to favor the intent of the hypnotist when placed in a conflict situation where social influences of another kind dictate an alternative response. The present research explored the parameters of this objective index of involvement with the hypnotist to investigate the special relevance of rapport processes to the hypnotic setting. Rapport was manipulated in 5 different experiments with highly susceptible Ss (Harvard Group Scale of Hypnotic Susceptibility, Form A), varying either the warmth or genuineness of the hypnotist. It was predicted from transference theorizing that countering would decrease in the negative context and increase in the positive one. Results confirm predictions for highly susceptible Ss tested in the former context but not the latter. In the negative setting, Ss were inhibited in their rate of countering, but maintained their previous level of response to the hypnotist when rapport was facilitated. Results highlight the relevance of interpersonal processes to theorizing about hypnosis. (32 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Inhibition of tumor invasion and metastasis by calcium spirulan (Ca-SP), a novel sulfated polysaccharide derived from a blue-green alga, Spirulina platensis

We have investigated the effect of calcium spirulan (Ca-SP) isolated from a blue-green alga, Spirulina platensis, which is a sulfated polysaccharide chelating calcium and mainly composed of rhamnose, on invasion of B16-BL6 melanoma, Colon 26 M3.1 carcinoma and HT-1080 fibrosarcoma cells through reconstituted basement membrane (Matrigel). Ca-SP significantly inhibited the invasion of these tumor cells through Matrigel/fibronectin-coated filters. Ca-SP also inhibited the haptotactic migration of tumor cells to laminin, but it had no effect on that to fibronectin. Ca-SP prevented the adhesion of B16-BL6 cells to Matrigel and laminin substrates but did not affect the adhesion to fibronectin. The pretreatment of tumor cells with Ca-SP inhibited the adhesion to laminin, while the pretreatment of laminin substrates did not. Ca-SP had no effect on the production and activation of type IV collagenase in gelatin zymography. In contrast, Ca-SP significantly inhibited degradation of heparan sulfate by purified heparanase. The experimental lung metastasis was significantly reduced by co-injection of B16-BL6 cells with Ca-SP. Seven intermittent i.v. injections of 100 microg of Ca-SP caused a marked decrease of lung tumor colonization of B16-BL6 cells in a spontaneous lung metastasis model. These results suggest that Ca-SP, a novel sulfated polysaccharide, could reduce the lung metastasis of B16-BL6 melanoma cells, by inhibiting the tumor invasion of basement membrane probably through the prevention of the adhesion and migration of tumor cells to laminin substrate and of the heparanase activity.     

Factors influencing life-sustaining treatment decisions in a community sample of families

The 67-kD laminin receptor (67LR) is a cell membrane-associated molecule exhibiting high affinity for the basement membrane glycoprotein, laminin. While export of the 67LR toward the extracellular matrix has been recently suggested by electron microscopy studies, there is to date no evidence of shedding of the 67LR from cells. Using two monoclonal antibodies directed against the 67LR, we developed a double-determinant radioimmunoassay that demonstrates that the 67LR is released from cancer cells into the culture medium. The shed molecule exhibited the same apparent molecular weight as that of the membrane-associated 67LR, suggesting that no proteolytic cleavage is involved in the process. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the 67LR is not anchored to the membrane through a glycolsyl-phosphatidylinositol bridge. However, the observation that lactose increased the release of 67LR suggests that a lectin-type interaction is involved in the cell membrane association of this laminin binding protein and the cell surface. Interestingly, the released 67LR recovered after HPLC gel filtration was found free as well as associated to high molecular weight complexes. The free 67LR retained its ability to bind to the cell surface. Our study is the first demonstration that the 67LR is effectively shed by cancer cells. The released free 67LR could play an important role in modulating interactions between cancer cells and laminin during tumor invasion and metastasis.     

Factors influencing disciplinary judgments.

Studied the influence of individual and organizational factors on disciplinary judgment, using disciplinary exercise administered to 222 undergraduate business students. In 4 separate discipline cases, the severity of organizational consequences for a rule infraction and various characteristics of the offenders were manipulated. When the same rule violation resulted in severe compared to mild organizational consequences, greater personal responsibility was attributed to the offender and harsher disciplinary measures were recommended. Offender characteristics such as status, talent, performance, and compensation equity also influenced disciplinary judgments. Results are discussed in terms of current theories of attribution and in terms of practical considerations regarding fair and consistent administration of discipline. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Factors influencing dairy calcium intake in women

OBJECTIVES: Most national dietary studies have reported inadequate calcium (Ca) intake by women, indicating that marketing and educational efforts have not effected dietary behavior changes. The purpose of this study was to identify knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors which influence dairy Ca intake. METHODS: A questionnaire was developed to accomplish these objectives, and piloted for clarity and content validity. Dietary Ca intake was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire. After revisions, women were sampled from four sources: a health spa, elderhostel classes, through a Cooperative Extension Service program, and from the Illinois Older Women's League. The response rate was 66.5%. RESULTS: Mean total reported Ca intake (n = 351) was 591 +/- 355 mg/day. Over 40% of the women reported Ca intakes below 60% of the RDA and could therefore be considered to have deficient intake. Unfortunately, 27.1% of these with deficient intake believed they were meeting the Ca RDA. Significant differences (p < or = 0.01) were found in attitudes and beliefs about dairy Ca when comparing women whose intake was below 60% of the RDA with those whose intake was above 60%. The most commonly mentioned beliefs of the entire sample concerned cholesterol (16.5%), high calories (13.7%) and gastrointestinal discomfort (12.8%). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest an important discrepancy between perceived and actual Ca intake which could influence receptiveness to education. Non-dairy Ca rich food sources need to be clarified as does the caloric and cholesterol content of dairy foods.     

Factors influencing nifedipine-induced gingival overgrowth in rats

The present study was designed to examine the effect of systemic oestrone infusion on the course of late pregnancy and parturition, steroid hormone concentrations and maturation of placentomes in cows. Twelve pluriparous pregnant cows with known breeding dates were used in this experiment. Starting on day 267 of pregnancy six cows (experimental group) received 20 mg oestrone daily (in four doses) infused into the vena jugularis until parturition. Six other cows infused with vehicle served as control. Concentrations of oestrone (E1), oestrone sulphate (E1S) and progesterone (P4) were measured by RIA, and after parturition placentomes were examined histologically. In experimental and control animals parturition occurred on days 276,9 +/- 1.8 and 277,2 +/- 1.1 of gestation, respectively. The concentrations of E1 in the treated group were higher (8-12 ng/ml) than those in control animals (1-3 ng/ml), while the levels of E1S (8-14 ng/ml) were similar for both groups. The concentrations of P4 in experimental and control cows were typical for late pregnancy (4-6 ng/ml), with a sharp drop of this hormone 1-2 days before calving. The histological pictures of placentomes obtained from both groups of animals were similar and maturation of the placenta was observed. These results suggest that the prepartal increase of oestrone in maternal plasma does not play a major role in the regulation of parturition and placental maturation.     

Factors influencing functional outcome in supraglottic laryngectomy

BACKGROUND: The relationship between preoperative pulmonary function tests (PFTs) and postoperative aspiration and deglutition complications in supraglottic laryngectomy (SL) has not been adequately analyzed. The effects of numerous other variables are either controversial or have not been studied. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed on 46 SL patients, analyzing preoperative PFTs and arterial blood gases, demographic factors, stage of disease, extended resections, cricopharyngeal myotomy, hyoid preservation, neck dissection, and postoperative radiotherapy with regards to aspiration and deglutition problems. RESULTS: Eighteen (39%) patients had no problems, 15 (33%) had moderate problems, and 13 (28%) had severe problems; of these, 39 (85%) were ultimately successful with no further swallowing dysfunction, whereas seven (15%) suffered intractable aspiration difficulties. Decreasing FEV1/FVC was significantly correlated with a poorer outcome, as was a greater number of pack-years of smoking. The effect of FEV1/FVC was shown to be independent from pack-years, whereas the converse was not clearly demonstrated. Extensions of the standard procedure did not correlate significantly with increased problems. CONCLUSIONS: An FEV1/FVC less than 50% signifies a greater risk for severe aspiration and deglutition complications, although it must be regarded as one factor among many in determining operability. With careful attention to reconstruction, extensions of the standard SL procedure can be safely performed.     

Factors influencing mental workload indexes

Several findings of the author's own mental workload research are reviewed. Especially, factors, except task demand, influencing mental workload indexes are discussed. First, an experiment using the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index (NASA TLX) is reviewed and the effects of a prior task load on a subsequent subjective workload are described. In a physiological measures section, the low reliability of the heart rate variability (HRV) parameters when the subjects' respiration pattern are highly irregular, and the existence of low sweat respondent, although perspiration seems to be sensitive to the workload, are indicated. Furthermore, results of the task specific physiological responses and of a HRV parameter affected by the individual characteristics, like type A behavior pattern, are shown. Discrepancy between autonomic nervous system activity measures may be solvable by introducing a new concept of autonomic space (synergism of sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system). Finally, the need for strategies of data management concerning the individual differences is emphasized.     

Factors influencing rule discovery in children.

Reports on 2 studies using the Esper paradigm to determine development of rule application and discovery capabilities. This paradigm employs both learning and generalization phases. In Exp I with 48 3rd and 4th graders, it was determined that Ss could learn and generalize when rule and structure were provided, but there was little evidence of rule discovery. In Exp II with 48 different 3rd and 4th graders, memory and attention manipulations were added. Both manipulations facilitated learning, but only attention facilitated rule discovery. In both studies 4th graders performed better than 3rd graders on generalization but not learning. The relationship between performance on the Esper and Raven Coloured Progressive Matrices (given to all Ss), although inconsistent, when covaried out removed the significant grade but not experimental effects. (14 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Factors influencing CPR outcome in Siriraj Hospital

This prospective study of cardiopulmonary resuscitation was surveyed in Siriraj Hospital from 1 March 1996 to 31 May 1996. In a 3-month-period, 94 resuscitated patients were reported with initial survivors 31 cases (33%) and 3 patients (3%) were alive until discharged from the hospital. Most of the resuscitated patients belonged to the emergency department (47%) with the lowest survival rate (23%). The common causes of cardiac arrest were heart diseases (31%) and respiratory failure (21%). All survivors who were able to be discharged from the hospital had suffered cardiac arrest from heart diseases. After resuscitation, only half of the initial survivors received postarrest care in the intensive care units, the rest remained in general wards and outpatient department. By using logistic regression for multivariate analysis, the survival rate was correlated with locations of CPR, duration of CPR and duration of attempt endotracheal intubation. The initial survival outcome of CPR was not related to sex, age, time of day of CPR, duration of hospitalization before CPR, types of arrhythmia, delay in doctors' arrival and performers of CPR.     

Factors influencing serum cholesterol levels in swine

A method is described by which irradiated onions are identified by failure to root formation.     

Factors influencing sexual activity after prostatectomy: a prospective study

Between 16 and 30 per cent of all prostatectomy patients become impotent after an operation for benign prostatic hyperplasia. Since the surgical technique does not seem to be the factor responsible for such a serious problem, more accentuated by the fact that this operation is becoming increasingly frequent with the increase in life expectancy, an assessment of 15 patients before and after prostatectomy is presented. With a statistical analysis of a structured interview (including a mini-Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory test before and after the operation) 3 main differentiating factors emerged between the potent and the impotent group: 1) the level of anxiety exhibited by the patient, 2) whether the patients received an explanation about the surgery and its outcome prior to the operation and 3) the patient's general satisfaction with life.     

Factors influencing stay in the postanesthesia care unit: a prospective analysis

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To identify indicators of prolonged length of stay (LOS) in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) and to test the following hypotheses: (1) that patient age, pain medication administration at the time of PACU admission, length of surgery, and cardiovascular, pulmonary, and pain responses postoperatively predict prolonged PACU LOS and (2) that cardiovascular and pulmonary symptoms preoperatively predict cardiovascular and pulmonary symptoms postoperatively. DESIGN: Prospective, observational analysis. SETTING: PACU of a university teaching hospital. PATIENTS: 1,067 patients scheduled for surgery with general anesthesia between February and September 1996, 18 years of age or older. MEASUREMENT AND MAIN RESULTS: 11.2% of the variation in prolonged PACU LOS can be predicted by age, pain medication at the time of PACU admission, and postoperative cardiovascular, pulmonary, and pain symptoms. A significant number of patients who did not report a prior history experienced postoperative cardiovascular and pulmonary symptoms. CONCLUSION: Patient history and postoperative symptoms predict only a small percentage of prolonged PACU stays. Organizational factors may be a more important predictor of prolonged PACU stay. Additionally, assessment of cardiovascular and pulmonary history needs refinement to improve prediction of patient responses postoperatively.