A population approach to the study of emotion: Diurnal rhythms of a working day examined with the day reconstruction method.

To date, diurnal rhythms of emotions have been studied with real-time data collection methods mostly in relatively small samples. The Day Reconstruction Method (DRM), a new survey instrument that reconstructs the emotions of a day, is examined as a method for enabling large-scale investigations of rhythms. Diurnal cycles were observed for 12 emotion adjectives in 909 women over a working day. Bimodal patterns with peaks at noon and evenings were detected for positive emotions; peaks in negative emotions were found at mid-morning and mid-afternoon. A V-shaped pattern was found for tired and an inverted U-shaped pattern for competent. Several diurnal patterns from prior studies were replicated. The DRM appears to be a useful tool for the study of emotions. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

An Investigation of the fracture behavior of gamma-based titanium aluminides: Effects of annealing in the α + γ and α2 + γ phase fields

The effects of annealing in the α + γ and α₂ + γ phase fields on the microstructures and fracture properties of Ti-48A1 and Ti-49Al-3.4Nb are discussed in this article. Annealing of the niobium-containing alloy in the α₂ + γ phase field results in the precipitation of ⇌₂ and Nb₅Si₃ predominantly at the grain boundaries. The precipitation decrease the grain boundary cohesion, thereby promoting intergranular separation. Precipitation also decreases the tensile strength and ductility of Ti-49Al-3.4Nb compared to that of the binary alloy. The possible role of interfaces in the transmission of slip is also discussed, and micromechanical models are applied to the prediction of tensile behavior and fracture toughness. Formerly Scientist, McDonnell Douglas Research Laboratories Formerly Director and MDC Fellow, McDonnell Douglas Research Laboratories     

Lumbosacral chordoma resection: image integration and surgical planning

Clinical, radiographic, and functional outcome parameters were analyzed before and after treatment of eight individuals with lumbosacral chordomas studied over a 3-year period. Emphasis was placed upon correlation of multiplane images and the pathoanatomy of the gross specimen. Surgical resections achieving wide margins can be curative. Magnetic resonance imaging of lumbosacral chordomas has revolutionized the preoperative anatomic localization of these tumors. Therefore, it is critical that the operating surgeon scrutinize the three-dimensional location of the tumor and its spatial relationship to surrounding structures prior to surgical eradication. A systematic approach for the radiographic analysis of tumor extent in lumbosacral chordomas is presented. Four strategic areas of preoperative analysis are identified for sacral chordomas and two for lumbar neoplasms. Functional outcome after resection is predicted by Stener's work. Contamination-free surgery is facilitated by accurate preoperative radiographic interpretation of the pathoanatomy by the surgeon.     

No evidence of linkage between schizophrenia and D3 dopamine receptor gene locus in Icelandic pedigrees

Mice homozygous for the lpr gene develop autoantibodies and polyclonal B cell activation similar to what is seen in human systemic lupus erythematosus patients. We have previously shown that an lpr-specific intrinsic B cell defect was necessary for autoantibody production in this model. In the current study, we have further defined these autoantibody-producing B cells. Two major subsets of B cells have been described. B-1 cells (CD5+ B cells) can be distinguished from conventional B cells on the basis of phenotype, cytokine secretion, gene expression, anatomical location, and function. In addition, B-1 cells have been implicated in autoimmunity in several murine and human studies. To address the question of which B cell subset produces autoantibodies in lpr mice, we used immunoglobulin heavy chain (Igh) allotype-marked peritoneal (B-1 cell source) and bone marrow (conventional B cell source) cells from lpr mice to establish B cell chimeras. We used two general approaches. In one, we reconstituted sublethally irradiated mice with B-1 cells of one allotype and bone marrow cells of another allotype. In the second method, we suppressed endogenous B cells in neonatal mice with allotype-specific anti-IgM antibody, and injected peritoneal cells of another allotype. After antibody treatment was stopped, the mouse's conventional B cells recovered, but the B-1 subset was only reconstituted by the donor. In both types of chimeras, antichromatin, rheumatoid factor, and anti-single stranded DNA (ssDNA) autoantibodies were produced by the conventional B cell bone marrow source. In addition, an age-related decrease in peritoneal B-1 cells was seen, even in unmanipulated lpr mice. These data show that lpr B-1 cells are not important producers of autoantibodies. Conventional B cells are the source of autoantibodies directed at chromatin, ssDNA, and IgG.     

Effectiveness of transcatheter embolization in the control of hepatic vascular injuries

PURPOSE: The authors describe their 11-year experience with transcatheter embolization (TCE) in the treatment of patients with hemorrhagic hepatic injuries. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-eight TCE procedures were performed in 24 patients between 1980 and 1991. Injuries in 21 patients were due to vehicular or criminal trauma; in three patients, injuries were iatrogenic. There were 21 male and three female patients (age range, 6-64 years). All patients underwent angiography and had evidence of active hemorrhage, pseudoaneurysm, or arteriovenous fistula (AVF). All embolizations were performed with use of Gianturco coils, microcoils, or gelatin sponge. RESULTS: TCE was technically successful in occluding hepatic vascular lesions in 21 of 24 patients (88%). Technical failures were due to the inability to select the appropriate vessel for embolization in two cases and due to a persistent AVF that did not occlude despite further attempts at embolization. Lesions recurred in two patients who underwent initially successful TCE. Both patients were treated effectively with repeated TCE. Only two catheter-related complications were encountered, both after successful TCE. Twenty-one patients survived to be discharged from the hospital. Two patients among the group treated successfully and one from the group in whom treatment failed died. CONCLUSION: This experience demonstrates that TCE is effective in the management of hepatic vascular injuries due to trauma.     

Critical role of conserved proline residues in the transmembrane segment 4 voltage sensor function and in the gating of L-type calcium channels

The fourth transmembrane segment (S4) has been shown to function as a voltage sensor in voltage-gated channels. On membrane depolarization, a stretch of S4 moves outward and initiates a number of conformational changes that ultimately lead to channel opening. Conserved proline residues are in the middle of the S4 of motifs I and III in voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels. Because proline often introduces a "kink" into a helical structure of proteins, these residues might have an intrinsic function in the voltage sensor. Here, we report that the removal of S4 prolines results in a dramatic shortening of channel open time whereas the introduction of extra prolines to the corresponding positions in motif IIS4 and IVS4 lengthens channel open time. The number of S4s with a proline residue showed a clear positive correlation with the mean open time of the channel. The mean open time was >11-fold longer for a channel mutagenized to have prolines in all four S4s compared with a channel that had no prolines in the S4 region. Additionally, prolines in the S4s slowed activation kinetics and shifted the voltage dependence of activation and inactivation in a hyperpolarized direction. Our results strongly suggest that proline residues in the S4s are critical for stabilizing the open state of the channel. Moreover, it is suggested that motif IS4 and IIIS4 contribute to the channel opening more efficiently than motif IIS4 and IVS4.     

An algorithm for noninvasive identification of angiographic three-vessel and/or left main coronary artery disease in symptomatic patients on the basis of cardiac risk and electron-beam computed tomographic calcium scores

OBJECTIVES: We sought to model an algorithm for noninvasive identification of angiographically obstructive three-vessel and/or left main disease based on conventional cardiac risk assessment and site and extent of coronary calcium determined by electron-beam computed tomography (EBCT). BACKGROUND: Such an algorithm would greatly facilitate clinical triage in symptomatic patients with no previous diagnosis of coronary artery disease (CAD). METHODS: We examined 291 patients with suspected, but not previously diagnosed, CAD who underwent coronary angiography for clinical indications. Cardiac risk factors were determined as defined by the National Cholesterol Education Program. An EBCT scan was performed in all patients, and a coronary calcium score (Agatston method) was computed. Total per-patient calcium scores and separate scores for the major coronary arteries were generated. These scores were also analyzed for localization of coronary calcium in the more distal versus proximal tomographic sections. These parameters and the risk factors were considered for the model described in the following section. RESULTS: Sixty-eight patients (23%) had angiographic three-vessel and/or left main CAD. Multiple logistic regression analysis determined male sex, presence of diabetes and left anterior descending (LAD) and circumflex (LCx) coronary calcium scores, independent from more distal calcium localization, as independent predictors for identification of three-vessel and/or left main CAD. Based on this four variable model, a simple noninvasive index (NI) was constructed as the following: loge(LAD score) + log(e)(LCx score) + 2[if diabetic] + 3[if male]. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis for this NI yielded an area under the curve of 0.88+/-0.03 (p < 0.0001) for separating patients with, versus without, angiographic three-vessel and/or left main CAD. Various NI cutpoints demonstrated sensitivities from 87-97% and specificities from 46-74%. The NI values >14 increased the probability of angiographic three-vessel and/or left main CAD from 23% (pretest) to 65-100% (posttest), and NI values <10 increased the probability of no three-vessel and/or left main CAD from 77% (pretest) to 95-100% (posttest). CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of a simple algorithm ("noninvasive index"), EBCT calcium scanning in conjunction with risk factor analysis can rule in or rule out angiographically severe disease, i.e., three-vessel and/or left main CAD, in symptomatic patients.     

Genetic and molecular basis of cardiac arrhythmias: impact on clinical management parts I and II

Genetic approaches have succeeded in defining the molecular basis of an increasing array of heart diseases, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and the long-QT syndromes, associated with serious arrhythmias. Importantly, the way in which this new knowledge can be applied to managing patients and to the development of syndrome-specific antiarrhythmic strategies is evolving rapidly because of these recent advances. In addition, the extent to which new knowledge represents a purely research tool versus the extent to which it can be applied clinically is also evolving. The present article represents a consensus report of a meeting of the European Working Group on Arrhythmias. The current state of the art of the molecular and genetic basis of inherited arrhythmias is first reviewed, followed by practical advice on the role of genetic testing in these and other syndromes and the way in which new findings have influenced current understanding of the molecular and biophysical basis of arrhythmogenesis.     

Strained-layer van der Waals epitaxy in a Langmuir-Blodgett film

Atomic force microscope images of Langmuir-Blodgett films of lead and manganese fatty acid salts show that these monolayers have long-range order and are oriented with respect to the mica substrate, although the lattice symmetries of the monolayers and substrate are dramatically different. The surface lattice of sequentially thicker films evolves toward the bulk structure while retaining the substrate alignment. This behavior is in distinct contrast to films of cadmium fatty acid salts on mica, or all films on amorphous silicon oxide, in which the monolayer structure is disordered and a three-layer-thick film displays the bulk structure.     

Effect of liquid characteristics on the wetting,capillary migration,and retention properties of fibrous polymer networks

Fluid penetration through porous networks consists of two different phenomena: (1) pore fluid displacement and (2) fluid flow through the pores. The first phenomenon depends on the pore size, the fluid–fluid interfacial tension, and the contact angle. The second phenomenon is pore‐size‐ and viscosity‐dependent. We adapted an experimental methodology often used for measurements of liquid permeability and hydraulic conductivity of soils and applied it to polymeric medical textiles. The methodology made use of a pressure/flow cell in which a sample was mounted. The flow rates were measured during sequences of increasing and decreasing pressures applied to the displacing nonwetting fluid (aqueous solution). The effects of the liquid parameters on penetration were investigated. Surface tension effects were studied with water and two solutions with surface tensions lower than that of pure water; the liquids with lower surface tensions had lower displacement pressures. To study viscosity effects, we used water and two solutions with viscosities higher than that of pure water. Increasing the viscosity not only caused the flow rate to decrease but also caused deformation, that is, enlargement, of the pores. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 97: 282–292, 2005