Showing papers by "Stony Brook University published in 1986"

Development of criteria for the classification and reporting of osteoarthritis: Classification of osteoarthritis of the knee

Abstract: For the purposes of classification, it should be specified whether osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee is of unknown origin (idiopathic, primary) or is related to a known medical condition or event (secondary). Clinical criteria for the classification of idiopathic OA of the knee were developed through a multicenter study group. Comparison diagnoses included rheumatoid arthritis and other painful conditions of the knee, exclusive of referred or para-articular pain. Variables from the medical history, physical examination, laboratory tests, and radiographs were used to develop sets of criteria that serve different investigative purposes. In contrast to prior criteria, these proposed criteria utilize classification trees, or algorithms.

The c-erb-A protein is a high-affinity receptor for thyroid hormone

Abstract: Hormone binding and localization of the c-erb-A protein suggest that it is a receptor for thyroid hormone, a nuclear protein that binds to DNA and activates transcription. In contrast, the product of the viral oncogene v-erb-A is defective in binding the hormone but is still located in the nucleus.

The role of the mass media in promoting a thin standard of bodily attractiveness for women

Abstract: Eating disorders appear to be more common among women than among men and more common now than they were in the past. Recent speculation has focused upon the role played by an unrealistically thin standard of bodily attractiveness for women in the promotion of these disorders. To demonstrate that this standard does play such a role, and to implicate the mass media in the promotion of this standard, it is first necessary to demonstrate that the current standard of attractiveness for women portrayed in the media is slimmer than that for men, that the portrayed standard is slimmer now than it has been in the past, and that these findings apply to many of the major media. The four studies presented here demonstrate that the current standard of attractiveness portrayed on television and in magazines is slimmer for women than for men and that the recent standard for women portrayed in magazines and in movies is slimmer than it was in the past.

Reaching approximate agreement in the presence of faults

Abstract: This paper considers a variant of the Byzantine Generals problem, in which processes start with arbitrary real values rather than Boolean values or values from some bounded range, and in which approximate, rather than exact, agreement is the desired goal. Algorithms are presented to reach approximate agreement in asynchronous, as well as synchronous systems. The asynchronous agreement algorithm is an interesting contrast to a result of Fischer et al, who show that exact agreement with guaranteed termination is not attainable in an asynchronous system with as few as one faulty process. The algorithms work by successive approximation, with a provable convergence rate that depends on the ratio between the number of faulty processes and the total number of processes. Lower bounds on the convergence rate for algorithms of this form are proved, and the algorithms presented are shown to be optimal.

The role of antisense RNA in gene regulation.

Abstract: PERSPECTIVES AND SUMMARY ... ... 569 PROKARYOTIC ANTISENSE REGULATORY SYSTEMS 570 Plasmid Replication 570 TnlO Transposition ... ... ... ... 574 Bacterial and Phage Gene Expression 576 Artificial Antisense RNA (micRNA) 579 mic Immune System 582 ANTISENSE RNA IN EUKARYOTIC SySTEMS 584 Antisense Genes 584 Microinjection of Antisense RNA 588 Possible Existence of Antisense RNA in Eukaryotic Cells 590 PROSPECTS 592

Inhibition of growth factor-induced differentiation of PC12 cells by microinjection of antibody to ras p21

Abstract: The protein products (p21) of the ras cellular proto-oncogenes are thought to transduce membrane signals necessary for the induction of cell division. However, there is uncertainty as to the precise role of ras p21 in mediating ligand-membrane receptor signals leading to cell differentiation. Treatment of rat phaeochromocytoma cells (PC12) with nerve growth factor (NGF) results in the induction of a number of phenotypic characteristics of sympathetic neurones, including cessation of cell division and outgrowth of neuronal processes (neurites). Here we report that microinjection of antibody to ras p21 into PC12 cells inhibited neurite formation and resulted in temporary regression of partially extended neurites, an effect which was observed up to 36 h after initiation of NGF treatment. Neurite formation induced by cyclic AMP was unaffected by injection of anti-p21 antibody. These results indicate that p21 is involved in the initiation phase of NGF-induced neurite formation in PC12 cells and has a role in hormone-mediated cellular responses distinct from cell proliferation.

A Bipolar Model of the Passivity of Stainless Steel: The Role of Mo Addition

Abstract: The passive films formed on the surface of and alloys in have been characterized by AES and variable angle XPS. It is found that additions of Mo to results in the formation of a passive film with a more highly developed interfacial barrier film composed mainly of , containing in solid solution which forms a glassy phase. In addition, the passive films were found to contain more Fe. Molybdenum appears to be present as Mo4+ and Mo6+ identified as hydrated and , apparently as . It is proposed that anions are formed in the solid state along with , which together are responsible for producing, in , a bipolar film consisting of a cation selective outer layer containing and and an intrinsically anion selective inner layer. The ion selective property of this duplex film is considered to be largely responsible for the development of the barrier layer and resisting Cl− and OH− ingress. Both of these properties provide greater resistance to break down of passivity in Cl− ion media.

Threshold models of interpersonal effects in consumer demand

Abstract: Whether one buys may be determined in part by how many others have. When the correlation is positive we refer to ‘bandwagon’ effects, and when negative, ‘reverse bandwagons’. We construct demand schedules in the presence of such effects and, with simple assumptions about supply, investigate the existence of and approach to equilibrium. Stable price-quantity equilibria exist, but for many plausible parameter values, equilibria are asymptotically unstable, and system trajectories consist of cycles that can move, with slight parameter changes, via successive bifurcations into what has been called ‘chaotic’ dynamics, essentially indistinguishable from random noise. These conditions occur despite assumptions of [erfect information, profit maximizing firms and utility maximizing individuals.

Evidence for localized enhancement of biological associated with tube and burrow structures in deep-sea sediments at the HEEBLE site, western North Atlantic

Abstract: Relict burrows on the Nova Scotian Rise act as traps for highly reactive, relatively fresh organic matter from recent diatom blooms in surface waters. As such, the burrows are sites of enhanced biological activity and intensive decomposition in otherwise organic-poor sediment. These infilled burrows, as well as normally inhabited structures significantly influence sediment chemistry and the three-dimensional distributions and abundances of sediment microorganisms, meio- and macroinfauna. A tube dwelling of Amphicteis sp. (an ampharetid polychaete) and 5 burrows of various configurations were examined from box cores from a depth of ∼4820 m at the HEEBLE site. Bacterial abundances were significantly greater (P < 0.05) in sediment immediately surrounding the burrows than in ambient sediment (12 vs 7 × 109g1). Organic carbon and nitrogen concentrations were also slightly higher near burrows. Meiofauna, particularly nematodes and foraminifera, double or even triple their densities around burrows compared with ambient sediment possibly responding to enhanced microorganism standing stocks. Total sediment ATP concentrations mirror the patterns of bacterial and meiofaunal abundances and show highest concentrations in the innermost radial zone around burrows. Sedimentary Mn and Fe distributions imply more reducing conditions and metabolically reactive organic matter near burrows. The existence of detectable, solid-phase Mn and Fe gradients associated with burrows indicate that these structures had been stable for periods of at least several weeks. At the HEBBLE site, 30–120 burrows of diameter 0.2–5 cm were visible per m2 of seafloor, with substantially greater numbers of smaller-diameter burrows evident from X-radiographs. Although only ∼1% of the total exposed bottom surface is covered by the large-diameter burrows, each burrow can influence a surrounding radius of ∼3 cm, and thus affect sedimentary characteristics of 10–34% of the bottom (at steady state). Despite periodic erosion of the seafloor by strong near-bottom currents, filled and unfilled burrow structures are sufficiently long lived and the response of the associated organisms sufficiently rapid that distinct biogeochemical properties develop around them.

Regulatory Enforcement in a Federalist System

Abstract: Federal agencies integrate federal, state, and local political demands at the operational level of service delivery. They balance conflicting political demands and task requirements as they attempt to develop feasible enforcement routines capable of attracting support and resources in multiple arenas without undermining central support for budgetary resources and statutory authority. Our regression analysis of annual enforcement data from 1976 through 1983 for all 50 states indicates that even the relatively isolated enforcement procedures of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration respond significantly to state-level political and task differences. Enforcement activities responded most consistently to daily enforcement contacts with interest groups. State differences in task conditions—particularly workplace accident and unemployment rates—also elicited instrumental responses, while differences in the party and ideology of elected officials elicited more symbolic actions. State agencies, with their smaller size and greater flexibility, were even more responsive than the federal agency to political and task differences. This integrative function of bureaucracy needs further attention in democratic theory.

The role of platelet membrane glycoproteins Ib and IIb-IIIa in platelet adherence to human artery subendothelium

Abstract: Platelet adherence to human artery subendothelium in blood from eight normal subjects, four patients with Glanzmann's thrombasthenia (deficiency of platelet membrane glycoproteins IIb and IIIa: GPIIb-IIIa), two patients with Bernard-Soulier syndrome (deficiency of platelet membrane glycoprotein Ib: GPIb) and one patient with von Willebrand's disease (VWD subtype III. deficient in factor VIII-von Willebrand factor: FVIII-VWF) was compared at various wall shear rates (300, 500, 1000, 1800 and 2500 s-1). Platelet adherence in blood from the patients with Glanzmann's thrombasthenia was within the normal range at shear rates below 1000 s-1. There was some decrease in adhesion at higher shear rates and platelets were less spread out on the subendothelium than normally at all shear rates. Platelet aggregate formation was almost totally absent. Platelet adherence in blood from patients with the Bernard-Soulier syndrome was strongly impaired at all shear rates. Platelet adherence in blood from the patient with VWD subtype III was normal at shear rates of 300 and 500 s-1, but impaired at shear rates above 1000 s-1. Aggregate formation was also decreased at these shear rates. Platelet adhesion was strongly inhibited by a monoclonal antibody against glycoprotein Ib, which had previously been shown to inhibit ristocetin-induced aggregation, at shear rates of 500 and 1800 s-1 but not at 300 s-1. Platelet adhesion at 1800 s-1 was also inhibited, though to a lesser extent, by two antibodies against GPIIb-IIIa. These antibodies also inhibited platelet aggregate formation. The data indicates that GPIb is involved in adhesion at the same shear rates as von Willebrand factor. Absence or inhibition of GPIIb-IIIa primarily causes a defect of aggregate formation but GPIIb-IIIa may also play a role in adhesion, particularly at high shear rates. The defect of adhesion in the Bernard-Soulier syndrome may be dependent on factors other than a deficiency of GPIb alone.

Interaction of the Rous sarcoma virus protein pp60src with the cellular proteins pp50 and pp90.

Abstract: Oncogenic retroviruses cause multiple and profound alterations in the morphology, metabolism, and growth control of cells. In most retrovirus infected cells, all of these complex changes in the cellular phenotype are mediated by a single virus-encoded gene product, referred to as the transforming protein. Rous sarcoma virus (RSV) has proven to be an ideal system for the analysis of events which occur following oncogenic transformation by retroviruses. RSV induces rapid sarcoma production after injection of virus in vivo and efficient and rapid transformation of cells in culture (HANAFUSA 1977). The transforming gene of RSV encodes a protein of Mr 60 000 which has been designated pp60 src (Brugge and Erikson 1977; Purchio et al. 1978). Genetic studies of viruses encoding mutant src gene products which induce a partially transformed phenotype suggest that interactions between pp60 src and multiple cellular targets are required to elicit a fully transformed phenotype (review, Sefton and Hunter 1984). This review will discuss one such interaction between pp60 src and host cell proteins. This interaction occurs between newly synthesized molecules of pp60 src and two cellular proteins of Mr 90 000 (pp90) and 50 000 (pp50). The kinetics and localization of this interaction suggest that the cellular pp90 and pp50 proteins are involved in some aspect of the processing of pp60 src before it reaches its residence in the plasma membrane (Courtneidge and Bishop 1982; BRUGGE et al. 1983). pp90 and pp50 have also been shown to associate with many retrovirus-encoded transforming proteins other than pp60 src (Lipsich et al. 1982; Adkins et al. 1982). This suggests that pp50 and pp90 may play a common role in the events which take place after transformation by at least one class of retrovirus transforming proteins.

Responses of upper Chesapeake Bay to variations in discharge of the Susquehanna river

Abstract: Upper Chesapeake Bay can be defined as the segment of the bay extending from its head seaward to the mouth of the Potomac Estuary. The Susquehanna River Estuary provides approximately 87% of the total freshwater input to this reach of the bay. With infrequent exceptions, resulting from summer and early fall hurricanes, the Susquehanna River has a well-defined seasonal flow pattern typical of mid-latitude rivers: high discharge in late winter and early spring, followed by low-to-moderate discharge throughout the summer and autumn. Within this general seasonal framework, there are large year-to-year variations in the magnitude of the early spring freshet and of the summer-fall period of low flow. The large seasonal variations in river flow produce significant responses to this fluctuating signal which are manifested in variations in the milieu of upper Chesapeake Bay. Stratification, circulation, sedimentation, nutrient levels, dissolved oxygen levels, and a number of other important and characteristic properties and processes of the upper bay all are closely coupled to variations in discharge of the Susquehanna River. Effects are not limited to the bay proper. Renewal of the tributary estuaries of the upper bay is controlled by variations in flow of the Susquehanna River.

The Perceived Instructional Effectiveness of College Teachers as Related to Their Personality and Attitudinal Characteristics: A Review and Synthesis.

Abstract: In reviewing the extant research correlating college teachers' personality (and related attitudinal) characteristics with the teachers' effectiveness in the classroom (measured by the overall evaluations of the teachers' students), the wide variety of personality traits that have been studied were grouped into 14 clusters of traits. Considering those studies measuring the teacher's personality characteristics through the teacher's self-reporting (on personality inventories, self-description questionnaires, and the like), only 4 of 14 trait clusters showed statistically significantaverage correlations between the teacher's personality traits and students' overall evaluations; and 2 of these correlations were very small. By contrast, across those studies measuring personality traits by the perception of the teacher's students or colleagues, statistically significantaverage correlations between the traits and overall evaluations were found for 11 of the 14 clusters, and the correlations were moderate to large. Various considerations about either the lack or the weakness of the associations for the first set of studies are presented, followed by a discussion of some possible interpretations of the relatively strong associations found for the second set.

Self-control in adult humans: variation in positive reinforcer amount and delay.

Abstract: In five experiments, choice responding of female human adults was examined, as a function of variations in reinforcer amount and reinforcer delay. Experiment 1 used a discrete-trials procedure, and Experiments 2, 3, 4, and 5 used a concurrent variable-interval variable-interval schedule. Reinforcer amount and reinforcer delay were varied both separately and together. In contrast to results previously reported with pigeons, the subjects in the present experiments usually chose the larger reinforcers even when those reinforcers were delayed. Together, the results from all the experiments suggest that the subjects followed a maximization strategy in choosing reinforcers. Such behavior makes it easy to observe self-control and difficult to observe impulsiveness in traditional laboratory experiments that use adult human subjects.

AIDS: calcification of the basal ganglia in infants and children.

Abstract: CT or postmortem examination demonstrated calcification of the basal ganglia in eight infants and children with acquired immune deficiency syndrome. Serial CT studies documented progression of both bilateral symmetric calcium densities and cerebral atrophy. Clinical features included progressive encephalopathy with dementia, and pyramidal tract signs. Postmortem examination of four children revealed variable degrees of calcific vasopathy of the basal ganglia, involving predominantly the putamen and globus pallidus.

Some correlates of the thin standard of bodily attractiveness for women.

Abstract: Historical analyses were used to test the hypothesis that the recent outbreak of eating disorders among women may be due, in part, to the slim standard of bodily attractiveness for women that has become fashionable. Historical changes in the standard were estimated by means of a measurement of the curvaceousnes of women depicted in photographs appearing in Vogue and Ladies Home Journal since 1901. When variation in the standard is measured across time, adherence to a slim standard is associated with low body weight among college women, with preoccupation with obesity in popular magazines and with various symptoms of eating disorders reported by experts cited in the mass media.