bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
DID CEASEFIRE, COMPSTAT, AND EXILE REDUCE HOMICIDE?*
Authors: ROSENFELD RICHARD , FORNANGO ROBERT , BAUMER ERIC 
Published: October 2005

Research Summary:Police officials across the United States often claimed credit for crime reductions during the 1990s. In this article, we examine homicide trends in three cities that mounted widely publicized policing interventions during the 1990s: Boston's Operation Ceasefire, New York's Compstat, and Richmond, Virginia's Project Exile. Applying growth‐curve analysis to data from the 95 largest U.S. cities and controlling for conditions known to be associated with violent crime rates, we find that New York's homicide trend during the 1990s did not differ significantly from those of other large cities. We find some indication of a sharper homicide drop in Boston than elsewhere, but the small number of incidents precludes strong conclusions. By contrast, Richmond's homicide reduction was significantly greater than the decline in other large cities after the implementation of Project Exile, which is consistent with claims of an intervention effect, although the effect may have been small.Policy Implications:Criminologists gave police and other public officials something of a free ride as they claimed credit for the 1990s crime drop. We propose that researchers employ comparable data and methods to evaluate such claims‐making, with the current analysis intended as a departure point for ongoing research. The use of common evaluation criteria is especially urgent for assessing the effects of the multiple interventions to reduce violent crime launched under the nation's primary domestic crime‐control initiative, Project Safe Neighborhoods.
Computation of Parameters of a Form Grinding Wheel for Grinding of Shaving Cutter for Plunge Shaving of Topologically Modified Involute Pinion
Authors: Radzevich Stephen P. 
Published: October 2005

Abstract
The paper is targeting on the finishing of precision gears for low-noise/noiseless transmission for cars and light trucks. Transmission error is the predominant cause of gear noise. The application of a topologically modified pinion results in reduction of transmission error up to two times. The required modification of the pinion tooth surface is provided on a plunge shaving operation with application of a shaving cutter of an appropriate design. A novel approach for computation of parameters of a form grinding wheel for grinding of the shaving cutter for plunge shaving of a precision involute pinion with topologically modified tooth surface is reported in the paper. The developed approach for computation of parameters of the form grinding wheel is focused on application of the shaving cutter grinder with a lack of CNC articulation. The problem under consideration is solved using the DG/K-based approach of part surface machining earlier developed by the author. (The DG/K-approach is based on fundamental results obtained in differential geometry of surfaces, and in kinematics of multi-parametric motion of a rigid body in E3 space (See Radzevich, S.P., Sculptured Surface Machining on Multi-Axis CNC Machine. Monograph, 1991, Vishcha Shkola Publishers, Kiev (in Russian). See also Radzevich, S.P., 2001, Fundamentals of Surface Machining. Monograph, Rastan, Kiev (in Russian).) An analytical solution to the problem is discussed in the paper. The solution has been used for developing software for the Mitsubishi ZA30CNC shaving cutter grinder for the needs of the automotive industry. Computer simulation reveals high accuracy of the ground shaving cutter.
Nicotine Induces Proinflammatory Responses in Macrophages and the Aorta Leading to Acceleration of Atherosclerosis in Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor−/−Mice
Authors: Lau Paul P. , Li Lan , Merched Aksam J. , Zhang Alan L. , Ko Kerry W.S. , Chan Lawrence 
Published: October 2005

Objective—We investigated the molecular mechanism of nicotine-accelerated atherosclerosis in a hyperlipidemic low-density lipoprotein receptor−/−mouse model.Methods and Results—Low-density lipoprotein receptor−/−mice received time-release nicotine or placebo pellets for 90 days. Aortic lesion size was 2.5 times larger in nicotine-treated than in placebo-treated mice (P<0.001). A mild increase in lipids was seen in treated mice. We quantified 18 different serum cytokines and found a significant increase of tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin 1β, and keratinocyte-derived chemokine in nicotine-treated mice. Among 107 nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) target genes screened from the aorta, we found that nicotine treatment upregulated only 4 atherogenic genes including vascular adhesion molecule 1 and cyclooxygenase 2 on day 60 and platelet-derived growth factor B and platelet 12-lipoxygenase on day 90. At the cellular level, nicotine induced tumor necrosis factor α and inducible nitric oxide synthase expression in RAW264.7 cells via the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Induction was confirmed in peritoneal macrophages isolated from nicotine-treated mice. Finally, we showed that preconditioned medium from nicotine-treated RAW264.7 cells activated NF-κB in human smooth muscle cells and vascular endothelial cells as evidenced by nuclear localization and electromobility shift assay.Conclusions—Chronic nicotine exposure augments atherosclerosis by enhancing the production of proinflammatory cytokines by macrophages, which, in turn, activate atherogenic NF-κB target genes in the aortic lesions.
Expression of Neutrophil Gelatinase–Associated Lipocalin in Atherosclerosis and Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Hemdahl Anne-Louise , Gabrielsen Anders , Zhu Chaoyong , Eriksson Per , Hedin Ulf , Kastrup Jens , Thorén Peter , Hansson Göran K. 
Published: October 2005

Objective—Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) modulates the activity of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 9, an important mediator of vascular remodeling and plaque instability in atherosclerosis. This study aimed to analyze the expression of NGAL in atherosclerotic plaques and myocardial infarction (MI).Methods and Results—Atherosclerotic apolipoprotein E (apoE)−/−× low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR)−/−and C57BL/6J control mice were exposed to brief hypoxic stress (10 minutes of 10% oxygen). Expression of the mouse NGAL homolog (24p3) and MMP-9 was analyzed 48 hours later by quantitative RT-PCR, immunohistochemistry, and zymography. Hypoxic stress increased NGAL/24p3 mRNA in the cardiac vasculature. NGAL/24p3 was also increased in atherosclerotic plaques of apolipoprotein E−/−× LDLR−/−mice compared with C57BL/6J mice. Mice developing MI exhibited the highest plaque mRNA expression of NGAL/24p3 and MMP-9. Zymography revealed strong proteolytic activity in areas rich in 24p3 and MMP-9 protein. Immunohistochemistry performed on human carotid endarterectomy specimens and control tissue from the internal mammary artery showed colocalization of MMP-9 and NGAL with macrophages in the atherosclerotic plaques.Conclusions—NGAL/24p3 is increased in atherosclerotic plaques and MI. Colocalization with MMP-9 in areas with high-proteolytic activity suggests a role for NGAL/24p3 in modulating the MMP-9-mediated remodeling of plaques and infarcted hearts.
Compliance of a cobalt chromium coronary stent alloy – the COVIS trial
Authors: Hagemeister Jens , Baer Frank M , Schwinger Robert HG , Höpp Hans W 
Published: October 2005

Abstract

Background
Cobalt chromium coronary stents are increasingly being used in percutaneous coronary interventions. There are, however, no reliable data about the characteristics of unfolding and visibility of this stent alloy in vivo. The aim of this study is to compare cobalt chromium coronary stents with conventional stainless steel stents using intracoronary ultrasound.

Methods
Twenty de novo native coronary stenoses ≤ 20 mm in length (target vessel reference diameter ≥ 2.5 and ≤ 4.0 mm) received under sequential intracoronary ultrasound either a cobalt chromium stent (Multi-Link Vision®; n = 10) or a stainless steel stent (Multi-Link Zeta®; n = 10).

Results
For optimal unfolding, the cobalt chromium stent requires a higher balloon deployment pressure (13.90 ± 2.03 atm) than the stainless steel stent (11.50 ± 2.12 atm). Furthermore, the achieved target vessel diameter of the cobalt chromium stent (Visibility-Index QCA/IVUS Multi-Link Vision®1.13 / Multi-Link Zeta® 1.04) is more easily overrated by Quantitative Coronary Analysis.

Conclusion
These data indicate that stent material-specific recommendations for optimal implantation pressure and different stent material with an equal design should both be considered in interpreting QCA-analysis.
Using hexamers to predict cis-regulatory motifs in Drosophila
Authors: Chan Bob Y , Kibler Dennis 
Published: October 2005

Abstract
Background
Cis-regulatory modules (CRMs) are short stretches of DNA that help regulate gene expression in higher eukaryotes. They have been found up to 1 megabase away from the genes they regulate and can be located upstream, downstream, and even within their target genes. Due to the difficulty of finding CRMs using biological and computational techniques, even well-studied regulatory systems may contain CRMs that have not yet been discovered.

Results
We present a simple, efficient method (HexDiff) based only on hexamer frequencies of known CRMs and non-CRM sequence to predict novel CRMs in regulatory systems. On a data set of 16 gap and pair-rule genes containing 52 known CRMs, predictions made by HexDiff had a higher correlation with the known CRMs than several existing CRM prediction algorithms: Ahab, Cluster Buster, MSCAN, MCAST, and LWF. After combining the results of the different algorithms, 10 putative CRMs were identified and are strong candidates for future study. The hexamers used by HexDiff to distinguish between CRMs and non-CRM sequence were also analyzed and were shown to be enriched in regulatory elements.

Conclusion
HexDiff provides an efficient and effective means for finding new CRMs based on known CRMs, rather than known binding sites.
Specificity and overlap in gene segment-defined antibody repertoires
Authors: Arnaout Ramy A 
Published: October 2005

Abstract

Background
To date several studies have sought to catalog the full suite of antibodies that humans naturally produce against single antigens or other specificities (repertoire). Here we analyze the properties of all sequenced repertoires in order to better understand the specificity of antibody responses. Specifically, we ask whether the large-scale sequencing of antibody repertoires might provide a diagnostic tool for detecting antigen exposure. We do this by examining the overlap in V
H
-, D-, and J
H
- segment usage among sequenced repertoires.

Results
We find that repertoire overlap in V
H
-, D-, and J
H
-segment use is least for V
H
segments and greatest for J
H
segments, consistent with there being more V
H
than J
H
segments in the human genome. We find that for any two antigens chosen at random, chances are 90 percent that their repertoires' V
H
segments will overlap by less than half, and 98 percent that their VDJ
H
combinations will overlap by ≤10 percent. We ran computer simulations to test whether enrichment for specific VDJ
H
combinations could be detected in "antigen-exposed" populations, and found that enrichment is detectable with moderate-to-high sensitivity and high specificity, even when some VDJ
H
combinations are not represented at all in some test sets.

Conclusion
Thus, as large-scale sequencing becomes cost-effective for clinical testing, we suggest that sequencing an individual's expressed antibody repertoire has the potential to become a useful diagnostic modality.
Early B-cell Factor gene association with multiple sclerosis in the Spanish population
Authors: Martínez Alfonso , Mas Ana , de las Heras Virginia , Arroyo Rafael , Fernández-Arquero Miguel , de la Concha Emilio G , Urcelay Elena 
Published: October 2005

Abstract

Background
The etiology of multiple sclerosis (MS) is at present not fully elucidated, although it is considered to result from the interaction of environmental and genetic susceptibility factors. In this work we aimed at testing the Early B-cell Factor (EBF1) gene as a functional and positional candidate risk factor for this neurological disease. Axonal damage is a hallmark for multiple sclerosis clinical disability and EBF plays an evolutionarily conserved role in the expression of proteins essential for axonal pathfinding. Failure of B-cell differentiation was found in EBF-deficient mice and involvement of B-lymphocytes in MS has been suggested from their presence in cerebrospinal fluid and lesions of patients.

Methods
The role of the EBF1 gene in multiple sclerosis susceptibility was analyzed by performing a case-control study with 356 multiple sclerosis patients and 540 ethnically matched controls comparing the EBF1 polymorphism rs1368297 and the microsatellite D5S2038.

Results
Significant association of an EBF1-intronic polymorphism (rs1368297, A vs. T: p = 0.02; OR = 1.26 and AA vs. [TA+TT]: p = 0.02; OR = 1.39) was discovered. This association was even stronger after stratification for the well-established risk factor of multiple sclerosis in the Major Histocompatibility Complex, DRB1*1501 (AA vs. [TA+TT]: p = 0.005; OR = 1.78). A trend for association in the case-control study of another EBF1 marker, the allele 5 of the very informative microsatellite D5S2038, was corroborated by Transmission Disequilibrium Test of 53 trios (p = 0.03).

Conclusion
Our data support EBF1 gene association with MS pathogenesis in the Spanish white population. Two genetic markers within the EBF1 gene have been found associated with this neurological disease, indicative either of their causative role or that of some other polymorphism in linkage disequilibrium with them.
Antimetastatic gene expression profiles mediated by retinoic acid receptor beta 2 in MDA-MB-435 breast cancer cells
Authors: Wallden Brett , Emond Mary , Swift Mari E , Disis Mary L , Swisshelm Karen 
Published: October 2005

Abstract

Background
The retinoic acid receptor beta 2 (RARβ2) gene modulates proliferation and survival of cultured human breast cancer cells. Previously we showed that ectopic expression of RARβ2 in a mouse xenograft model prevented metastasis, even in the absence of the ligand, all-trans retinoic acid. We investigated both cultured cells and xenograft tumors in order to delineate the gene expression profiles responsible for an antimetastatic phenotype.

Methods
RNA from MDA-MB-435 human breast cancer cells transduced with RARβ2 or empty retroviral vector (LXSN) was analyzed using Agilent Human 1A Oligo microarrays. The one hundred probes with the greatest differential intensity (p < 0.004, jointly) were determined by selecting the top median log ratios from eight-paired microarrays. Validation of differences in expression was done using Northern blot analysis and quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR). We determined expression of selected genes in xenograft tumors.

Results
RARβ2 cells exhibit gene profiles with overrepresentation of genes from Xq28 (p = 2 × 10-8), a cytogenetic region that contains a large portion of the cancer/testis antigen gene family. Other functions or factors impacted by the presence of exogenous RARβ2 include mediators of the immune response and transcriptional regulatory mechanisms. Thirteen of fifteen (87%) of the genes evaluated in xenograft tumors were consistent with differences we found in the cell cultures (p = 0.007).

Conclusion
Antimetastatic RARβ2 signalling, direct or indirect, results in an elevation of expression for genes such as tumor-cell antigens (CTAG1 and CTAG2), those involved in innate immune response (e.g., RIG-I/DDX58), and tumor suppressor functions (e.g., TYRP1). Genes whose expression is diminished by RARβ2 signalling include cell adhesion functions (e.g, CD164) nutritional or metabolic processes (e.g., FABP6), and the transcription factor, JUN.
Treatment of dyslipidemia with lovastatin and ezetimibe in an adolescent with cholesterol ester storage disease
Authors: Tadiboyina Venu T , Liu Dora M , Miskie Brooke A , Wang Jian , Hegele Robert A 
Published: October 2005

Abstract

Background
Cholesterol ester storage disease (CESD) is an autosomal recessive illness that results from mutations in the LIPA gene encoding lysosomal acid lipase. CESD patients present in childhood with hepatomegaly and dyslipidemia characterized by elevated total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), with elevated triglycerides and depressed high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Usual treatment includes a low fat diet and a statin drug.

Results
In an 18-year old with CESD, we documented compound heterozygosity for two LIPA mutations: a novel frameshift nonsense mutation and a deletion of exon 8. The patient had been treated with escalating doses of lovastatin for ~80 months, with ~15% decline in mean LDL-C. The addition of ezetimibe 10 mg to lovastatin 40 mg resulted in an additional ~16% decline in mean LDL-C.

Conclusion
These preliminary anecdotal findings in a CESD patient with novel LIPA mutations support the longer term safety of statins in an adolescent patient and provide new data about the potential efficacy and tolerability of ezetimibe in this patient group.
Changes in infant segment inertias during the first three months of independent walking
Authors: Chester Victoria L , Jensen Robert K 
Published: October 2005

Abstract

Background
During infancy, rapid changes in physical growth affect the size and shape of the body segments. To understand the effects of growth on movement, it is first necessary to quantify rates of development during the acquisition of important motor milestones. The goal of this longitudinal study was to quantify the physical growth of infant body segments during the initial stages of independent walking.

Methods
Ten infants (N = 10) aged between 28 and 55 weeks at the beginning of the study were tested biweekly (every two weeks) for three months. A 13-segment mathematical model of the human body was used to estimate the inertial parameters of the infant body segments at each session. An analysis of variance was used to test for significant differences in segment masses between biweekly measures. Polynomial contrasts were used to test for linear trends in the growth data.

Results
Significant differences between biweekly measures of segment mass were found only for the head/neck (F(5,45) = 3.42, p < 0.05), upper trunk (F(5,45) = 4.04, p < 0.01), and lower trunk (F(5,45) = 3.49, p < 0.01). The lower trunk demonstrated a linear increase in mass (F(1,9) = 4.56, p < 0.05). However, the upper trunk demonstrated a quadratic trend in growth (F(1,9) = 9.13, p < 0.01), while the head/neck segment showed a cubic trend in growth (F(1,9) = 3.80, p < 0.05). Significant differences in axial segment masses were also found between subjects (F(9,45) = 5.92, p < 0.001).

Conclusion
Given that postural control proceeds in a cephalocaudal manner, the lower trunk segment would be brought under control last, in terms of the axial segments. Increases in the mass of this segment could constrain the system, thereby acting as a control parameter for the onset and development of motor patterns.
Cultural Approach to HIV/AIDS Harm Reduction in Muslim Countries
Authors: Hasnain Memoona 
Published: October 2005

AbstractMuslim countries, previously considered protected from HIV/AIDS due to religious and cultural norms, are facing a rapidly rising threat. Despite the evidence of an advancing epidemic, the usual response from the policy makers in Muslim countries, for protection against HIV infection, is a major focus on propagating abstention from illicit drug and sexual practices. Sexuality, considered a private matter, is a taboo topic for discussion. Harm reduction, a pragmatic approach for HIV prevention, is underutilized. The social stigma attached to HIV/AIDS, that exists in all societies is much more pronounced in Muslim cultures. This stigma prevents those at risk from coming forward for appropriate counseling, testing, and treatment, as it involves disclosure of risky practices. The purpose of this paper is to define the extent of the HIV/AIDS problem in Muslim countries, outline the major challenges to HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment, and discuss the concept of harm reduction, with a cultural approach, as a strategy to prevent further spread of the disease. Recommendations include integrating HIV prevention and treatment strategies within existing social, cultural and religious frameworks, working with religious leaders as key collaborators, and provision of appropriate healthcare resources and infrastructure for successful HIV prevention and treatment programs in Muslim countries.
Synergistic inhibition of human melanoma proliferation by combination treatment with B-Raf inhibitor BAY43-9006 and mTOR inhibitor Rapamycin
Authors: Molhoek Kerrington R , Brautigan David L , Slingluff Craig L 
Published: October 2005

AbstractBackgroundTargeted inhibition of protein kinases is now acknowledged as an effective approach for cancer therapy. However, targeted therapies probably have limited success because cancer cells have alternate pathways for survival and proliferation thereby avoiding inhibition. We tested the hypothesis that combination of targeted agents would be more effective than single agents in arresting melanoma cell proliferation.MethodsWe evaluated whether BAY43-9006, an inhibitor of the B-Raf kinase, and rapamycin, an inhibitor of the mTOR kinase, would inhibit serum-stimulated proliferation of human melanoma cell lines, either alone or in combination. Proliferation was measured by quantitating melanoma cell numbers with a luciferase for ATP. Phosphorylation of proteins downstream of targeted kinase(s) was assayed by immunoblots. Statistical significance was determined with the Student-T test. Isobologram analysis was performed to distinguish additive versus synergistic effects of combinations of drugs.ResultsSerum-stimulated proliferation of multiple human melanoma cell lines was inhibited by BAY43-9006 and by rapamycin. Melanoma cells containing the B-Raf mutation V599E were more sensitive than cells with wild-type B-raf to 10 nM doses of both BAY43-9006 and rapamycin. Regardless of B-Raf mutational status, the combination of low dose rapamycin and BAY43-9006 synergistically inhibited melanoma cell proliferation. As expected, rapamycin inhibited the phosphorylation of mTOR substrates, p70S6K and 4EBP1, and BAY43-9006 inhibited phosphorylation of ERK, which is dependent on B-Raf activity. We also observed unexpected rapamycin inhibition of the phosphorylation of ERK, as well as BAY43-9006 inhibition of the phosphorylation of mTOR substrates, p70S6K and 4EBP1.ConclusionThere was synergistic inhibition of melanoma cell proliferation by the combination of rapamycin and BAY 43-9006, and unexpected inhibition of two signaling pathways by agents thought to target only one of those pathways. These results indicate that combinations of inhibitors of mTOR and of the B-raf signaling pathways may be more effective as a treatment for melanoma than use of either agent alone.