Photodissociation and multiphoton dissociative ionization processes in CH(3)S(2)CH(3) at 193 nm studied using velocity-map imaging.

Dissociation and ionization processes in dimethyl disulfide, CH(3)S(2)CH(3), induced by one- or two-photon absorption of 193 nm light, have been studied using velocity-map ion imaging. The analysis of the ion images of the CH(3)S(2) (+), CH(3)S(+), S(2) (+), and S(+) fragments has allowed the characterization of the scattering dynamics of some of the main photolysis and dissociative-ionization processes. In particular, the experiments corroborate the formation of electronically excited SCH(3)((2)A(1)) products in the 193 nm photodissociation of dimethyl disulfide seen in earlier studies, and show that laser ionization provides a very sensitive method for their detection.

Ordered subset analysis in genetic linkage mapping of complex traits.

Etiologic heterogeneity is a fundamental feature of complex disease etiology; genetic linkage analysis methods to map genes for complex traits that acknowledge the presence of genetic heterogeneity are likely to have greater power to identify subtle changes in complex biologic systems. We investigate the use of trait-related covariates to examine evidence for linkage in the presence of heterogeneity. Ordered-subset analysis (OSA) identifies subsets of families defined by the level of a trait-related covariate that provide maximal evidence for linkage, without requiring a priori specification of the subset.

Psychological sequelae of failed scalp replantation.

Published reports of avulsed scalp replant attempts have been promising. Numerous case reports and published series have demonstrated a greater than 90 percent replantation success rate. However, there exists a paucity of articles on the management of patients following failed scalp replantation attempts.

Obtaining mice that carry human mitochondrial DNA transmitted to the progeny.

To study human diseases associated with mutations in mitochondrial DNA one needs an animal model in which the distribution of abnormal mtDNA and its impact on the phenotype might be followed. We isolated human mitochondria from HepG2 cell culture and microinjected them into murine zygotes, upon which those were transplanted to the pseudopregnant mice. PCR with species-specific primers allowed detecting human mtDNA in the tissues of 7-13-day embryos.

A protein phosphatase-1gamma1 isoform selectivity determinant in dendritic spine-associated neurabin.

Protein phosphatase-1 (PP1) catalytic subunit isoforms interact with diverse proteins, typically containing a canonical (R/K)(V/I)XF motif. Despite sharing approximately 90% amino acid sequence identity, PP1beta and PP1gamma1 have distinct subcellular localizations that may be determined by selective interactions with PP1-binding proteins. Immunoprecipitation studies from brain and muscle extracts demonstrated that PP1gamma1 selectively interacts with spinophilin and neurabin, F-actin-targeting proteins, whereas PP1beta selectively interacted with G(M)/R(GL), the striated-muscle glycogen-targeting subunit.

Pedigree generation for analysis of genetic linkage and association.

We have developed a software package, SIMLA (simulation of linkage and association), which can be used to generate pedigree data under user-specified conditions. The number and location of disease loci, disease penetrances, marker locations, and marker disequilibrium with a disease locus and with other markers can be controlled. In addition, the pedigree size and availability of genotype data may also be specified, and a number of rules for family ascertainment are available.

Adjusting for covariates on a slippery slope: linkage analysis of change over time.

Background: We analyzed the Genetic Analysis Workshop 13 (GAW13) simulated data to contrast and compare different methods for the genetic linkage analysis of hypertension and change in blood pressure over time. We also examined methods for incorporating covariates into the linkage analysis. We used methods for quantitative trait loci (QTL) linkage analysis with and without covariates and affected sib-pair (ASP) analysis of hypertension followed by ordered subset analysis (OSA), using variables associated with change in blood pressure over time.

Fluorescence losses from Yb:YAG slab lasers.

We report on the distribution of fluorescence that can be emitted through the surfaces of a ytterbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Yb:YAG) slab-shaped high-power solid-state laser. Slab shapes considered include parallel or antiparallel Brewster endfaced slabs and rectangular parallelepiped slabs. We treat cases in which all the faces of these slabs are in air, or with water or another coating on the largest faces.

Analysis of specific interactions of native protein phosphatase 1 isoforms with targeting subunits.

Expression of recombinant PP1 isoforms with fully authentic properties has proven to be a challenge for several laboratories. In order to circumvent this technical limitation in the investigation of isoform-specific roles for PP1, methods have been developed to analyze specific properties of native PP1 isoforms. The well-documented method of ethanol precipitation of tissue extracts has been used to dissociate phosphatase catalytic subunits from their endogenous regulatory subunits and other cellular proteins.

Genotype-based association test for general pedigrees: the genotype-PDT.

Many family-based tests of linkage disequilibrium (LD) are based on counts of alleles rather than genotypes. However, allele-based tests may not detect interactions among alleles at a single locus that are apparent when examining associations with genotypes. Family-based tests of LD based on genotypes have been developed, but they are typically valid as tests of association only in families with a single affected individual.

Accounting for linkage in family-based tests of association with missing parental genotypes.

In studies of complex diseases, a common paradigm is to conduct association analysis at markers in regions identified by linkage analysis, to attempt to narrow the region of interest. Family-based tests for association based on parental transmissions to affected offspring are often used in fine-mapping studies. However, for diseases with late onset, parental genotypes are often missing.

Oncology nurses' perceptions of their role in resuscitation decisions.

A group of nurses working in a unit for oncology and haematology patients took part in a study on how they perceived their role in resuscitation decisions. Although many of the nurses expressed a desire to be involved in helping patients exercise choice in this area, in practice few nurses felt able to raise the subject with patients or to act as their advocate with doctors.

Behavioral comparisons in autistic individuals from multiplex and singleton families.

Autistic disorder (AD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder. The role of genetics in AD etiology is well established, and it is postulated that anywhere from 2 to 10 genes could be involved. As part of a larger study to identify these genetic effects we have ascertained a series of AD families: Sporadic (SP, 1 known AD case per family and no known history of AD) and multiplex (MP, > or = 2 cases per family).

Comparison of two exercise programs on general well-being of college students.

Responses to life stressors are associated with negative behaviors that may increase risk for illness and injury. The effect of high intensity exercise in reducing reactivity to psychological stress has been well documented among older people. The purpose of this study was to ascertain the effect of weight-training versus aerobic dance on psychological stress in college students.

Influence of yard work and weight training on bone mineral density among older U.S. women.

The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of type of physical activity on bone mineral density among older U.S. women.

Cytoplasmic interactions of syndecan-4 orchestrate adhesion receptor and growth factor receptor signalling.

Syndecan-4 is a ubiquitous transmembrane proteoglycan that localizes to the focal adhesions of adherent cells and binds to a range of extracellular ligands, including growth factors and extracellular-matrix proteins. Engagement of syndecan-4 is essential for adhesion formation in cells adhering via certain integrins, and for cell proliferation and migration in response to growth factors. The cytoplasmic domain of syndecan-4 interacts with a number of signalling and structural proteins, and both extracellular and cytoplasmic domains are necessary for regulated activation of associated transmembrane receptors.

Osteoporosis knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of female collegiate athletes.

Female athletes often engage in harmful dietary and weight control practices that can impair bone health and hinder performance. To promote related positive health behavior practices, nutrition educators may be more effective if they understand the osteoporosis knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors among female athletes. A questionnaire including items related to osteoporosis and dietary calcium knowledge, attitudes, and behavioral practices was administered to 114 female collegiate athletes (19.

Studies of the ceruloplasmin-lactoferrin complex.

We have previously shown that iron-containing human lactoferrin (LF) purified from breast milk is able to form both in vitro and in vivo a complex with ceruloplasmin (CP), the copper-containing protein of human plasma. Here we present evidence that the CP-LF complex is dissociated by high concentrations of NaCl, CaCl2, or EDTA, or by decreasing the pH to 4.7.

Further characterization of the interaction between the cytoskeletal proteins talin and vinculin.

The cytoskeletal protein talin, which is thought to couple integrins to F-actin, contains three binding sites (VBS1-VBS3) for vinculin, a protein implicated in the negative regulation of cell motility and whose activity is modulated by an intramolecular interaction between the vinculin head (Vh) and vinculin tail (Vt) domains. In the present study we show that recombinant talin polypeptides containing the three VBSs (VBS1, residues 498-636; VBS2, residues 727-965; and VBS3, residues 1943-2157) each bind tightly to the same or overlapping sites within vinculin(1-258). A short synthetic talin VBS3 peptide (residues 1944-1969) was sufficient to inhibit binding of a (125)I-labelled talin VBS3 polypeptide to vinculin(1-258), and NMR spectroscopy confirmed that this peptide forms a 1:1 complex in slow exchange with vinculin(1-258).

Genomic screen and follow-up analysis for autistic disorder.

Autistic disorder (AutD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by significant impairment in social, communicative, and behavioral functioning. A genetic basis for AutD is well established with as many as 10 genes postulated to contribute to its underlying etiology. We have completed a genomic screen and follow-up analysis to identify potential AutD susceptibility loci.

Counseling female athletes: application of the stages of change model to avoid disordered eating, amenorrhea, and osteoporosis.

Research indicates that female athletes from all sports are at risk for developing disordered eating. amenorrhea, and resulting complications. These disorders, termed the female athlete triad by the American College of Sports Medicine, may lead to significant morbidity and mortality as well as medical and psychological problems.