cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Acute topical steroid administration blocks mast cell increase and the late asthmatic response of the canine peripheral airways.

Previous studies indicated that mast cell number increased after airway exposure to Ascaris suum antigen (Ag). The following two series of experiments were performed to test the hypothesis that this phenomenon may be associated with the Ag-induced late-phase bronchoconstriction (LAR). In the first, two bronchoscopes wedged in airway segments of two contralateral lobes of 16 dogs were used to deliver 0.26, 2.6, or 26 µg of Ag to one lobe; the other served as a control. After the observation of a LAR, Ag and control lobes plus one unexposed tissue sample were collected and prepared for histologic examination. The data showed that the incidence, time of onset, and magnitude of the LAR were dose-related. In the second series of experiments, performed in 14 dogs, the tracheal mucosal surface was surgically exposed to allow 80 µg of beclomethasone dipropionate to be sprayed on one half while the other half was left untreated. Pledgets saturated with 0.2 µg of Ag were placed on both sides 1 h later. Then two bro...
The Influence of Electropositive and Electronegative Elements on Proton Binding to Gamma Al2O3 in Aqueous Suspensions

The effect of electronegative (F) and electropositive (Na) dopants on the proton affinity distribution (PAD) of surface hydroxyls at the alumina/water interface was determined and compared with the changes in the hydroxyl region of infrared spectra collected after dehydration of the same samples. The comparison between the two is based on the assumption that the local configuration of OH groups at the oxide/solution interface is similar to that used in the assignment of IR bands for hydroxyls on partially dehydrated surfaces, i.e., assignments from models assuming perfect crystal planes. A common structural model is used to correlate the changes observed in proton affinity distributions with those recorded in IR spectra after doping alumina with either F or Na.
905-56 Dobutamine Stress Echocardiography in the Detection of Significant Stenosis of the Infarct Related Artery Following Acute Myocardial Infarction: Comparison of Wall Motion Changes, Symptoms, and ECG Changes

Patency of the infarct related coronary artery (IRA) following acute myocardial infarction (MI) has prognostic implications. The noninvasive detection of IRA stenosis, however, has remained a problem. The objective of this study was to determine the relative accuracy of chest pain, ECG changes, and an inducible wall motion abnormality within the infarct zone (IWMA) during dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) to detect significant IRA stenosis. DSE (peak dose 25 ± 10 μg/kg/min, peak heart rate 109 ± 21 bpm) and coronary angiography were performed on 130 patients (mean age 56 ± 12 years, 107 males) with ML. IRA stenosis: ≥ 70% was noted in 111/130 (85%) patients. Thrombolysis was used in 90/130 (69%) patients. Chest pain during DSE was noted in 21/130 (16%), ST elevation in 56/130 (43%), ST depression in 22/130 (17%), algorithm of chest pain/ECG changes in 79/130 (61%), and IWMA in 95/130 (73%). Download : Download high-res image (144KB) Download : Download full-size image While chest pain and ECG changes were specific, an inducible wall motion abnormality within the infarct zone during DSE was the most accurate means for identifying significant stenosis of the infarct related artery following acute myocardial infarction.
Faculty physicians and new physicians disagree about which procedures are essential to learn in medical school.

Background: Clinical procedures taught in the undergraduate medical curriculum are important for subsequent residency training and clinical practice. Published reports suggest that medical schools may not be adequately teaching procedures. This study identifies procedures considered essential by residents completing internship and by medical school faculty, and determines agreement on their importance for medical student education.Methods: Two hundred and thirty-five physicians (184 new physicians who recently completed internship and 51 medical school teaching faculty) categorized 31 clinical procedures based on the importance for internship. New physicians who had completed internship reported the level of training received in medical school for each procedure.Results: Survey responses were 76% (faculty) and 70% (new physicians who had completed internship). The faculty majority identified 14 procedures as ‘Must Know.’ New physicians disagreed on 8 of these and categorized an additional 5 as essential. ...
Examination of prebiotic adaptor models

Some models of the prebiotic protein synthesizing mechanism involve hairpin helices as adaptor molecules (Hopfield, 1978: Kuhn and Waser, 1981: Crothers, 1982). We examined the feasibility of hairpin strands to act as primitive adaptor molecules (Kuhn and Waser, 1981). Both right and left handed helices were used in the analysis of the stereochemical feasibility of the simultaneous recognition of the anticodon by the codons on messenger RNA and peptide condensation between two amino acids carried by adjacent hairpin strands. Initially right handed hairpin helices were constructed using the anticodon loop of the crystal structure of tRNA (Sussman et al., 1978). A complex of two such hairpin strands aligned on a messenger RNA was constructed, such that the anticodons recognize the codons by the normal Watson-Crick base pairing scheme. The dihedral angles in the junction region of the nucleotide chain between the two codons were varied to bring the two hairpin strands together for peptide bond condensation. The conformation corresponding to the closest approach of the two hairpin helices corresponds to a distance between the 2'hydroxyl oxygens on the 3'-end nucleotides in the two hairpins, (where the amino acid gets attached) of 26.5A. It is evident that if two amino acids are attached to the 2' oxygens of the adjacent hairpin helices, peptide bond condensation between the two amino acids is not possible. In the second instance, we examined the feasibility of hairpin strands with left handed helices making use of the crystal structure of Z-DNA (Wang et al., 1979). Kuhn and his co-workers in a series of papers (Kuhn and Waser, 1981: Lehmann and Kuhn, 1984) suggest a sequence of three (anticodon) nucleotides to be in the loop region of the hairpin helices. Gralla and Crothers (1973) suggest that a hairpin loop of three nucleotides is destabilizing thermodynamically. They further propose that a loop of three nucleotides will exist when the bases flanking the loop are not in a base pairing configuration. Marky and Olson (1982) suggest that even a loop length of four will be possible only when there is a lot of flexibility in the chain. From energy minimization studies of dApdApdAp, Ponnuswamy and
A pilot study of Wii Fit exergames to improve balance in older adults

PURPOSE To determine the safety and feasibility of using Nintendo Wii Fit exergames to improve balance in older adults. METHODS Seven older adults aged 84 (5) years with impaired balance (Berg Balance Scale [BBS] score < 52 points) were recruited from 4 continuing care retirement communities to participate in a single group pre- and postevaluation of Wii Fit exergames. Participants received individualized instructions (at least 5 home visits) on playing 4 exergames (basic step, soccer heading, ski slalom, and table tilt) and were asked to play these games in their homes at least 30 minutes 3 times per week for 3 months and received weekly telephone follow-up. They also completed a paper log of their exergame play and rated their enjoyment immediately after each session. Participants completed the BBS, 4-Meter Timed Walk test, and the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale at baseline and 3 months. Semistructured interviews were conducted at the 3-month evaluation. RESULTS Participants safely and independently played a mean of 50 sessions, median session duration of 31 minutes. Two of the games were modified to ensure participants' safety. Participants rated high enjoyment immediately after exergame play and expressed experiencing improved balance with daily activities and desire to play exergames with their grandchildren. Berg Balance Scores increased from 49 (2.1) to 53 (1.8) points (P = .017). Walking speed increased from 1.04 (0.2) to 1.33 (0.84) m/s (P = .018). CONCLUSIONS Use of Wii Fit for limited supervised balance training in the home was safe and feasible for a selected sample of older adults. Further research is needed to determine clinical efficacy in a larger, diverse sample and ascertain whether Wii Fit exergames can be integrated into physical therapy practice to promote health in older adults.
The effect of gate metal and SiO2 thickness on the generation of donor states at the Si‐SiO2 interface

Two experimental observations are reported concerning the degradation of the Si–SiO2 interface during electron injection in metal‐oxide‐semiconductor structures. First, the generation of the interfacial positive charge during avalanche injection can be strongly inhibited by employing magnesium, instead of aluminum, as gate metal, or enhanced by employing gold. This correlates with the different work functions of the metals. Second, during negative bias high‐field injection in Al‐gate capacitors with thin oxides (≲100 A), a threshold in gate voltage, of 7–8 V, is found for the generation of the positive charge. Both observations are consistent with a model which assumes that holes generated in the anode by hot electrons, via emission of surface plasmons, are injected into the SiO2 and are subsequently trapped at the Si–SiO2 interface. Other possible mechanisms are also discussed.
Un souvenir d’amour

Cet article traite du cinema et de la culture contemporaine de Hongkong. Il est oriente sur le film Rouge (1987), de Stanley Kwan, adapte de la nouvelle Yanzhi kou (1986) de Li Bihua. La femme Ruhua revient du monde des esprits dans les annees 80, a la recherche de son amant, des decennies apres leur suicide commun. Sa recherche met en valeur les details d’un romantisme qui semble avoir disparu du monde contemporain. L’article examine le sens profond de la nostalgie, emanant de cette histoire d’amour melancolique, selon plusieurs perspectives : l’image filmique, l’ethnographie, le hasard comme agent, et le fantasme d’une communaute en pleine crise d’identite dans le Hongkong d’aujourd’hui avec son imminent « retour » a la Chine en 1997.
The Pocketed Freetail Bat, Tadarida femerosacca, in Arizona

The pocketed freetail bat is apparently rare in collections. Shamel (Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 78: 13, 1931), when he made a survey of the American members of the genus Tadarida , had only nine specimens available from seven localities in the United States and Mexico. These were: Arizona—Fort Huachuca, 1; Coyote Mountains, 1. California— Agua Caliente, 1; mouth of Colorado River, 1 (=Baja California, see Neil, Jour. Mamm., 21: 356, 1940). Baja California—Santa Anita, 1; San Pedro Mountains, 1. Jalisco—Zacoalco, 3. Since Shamel's report the pocketed freetail bat has been reported from four additional localities, two in Mexico and two in southern California. Benson (Jour. Mamm., 21: 26–29, 1940) reported a series of 11 specimens (six males, five females) taken by him the …
Comparison of three ternary lipid bilayer mixtures: FRET and ESR reveal nanodomains.

Phase diagrams of ternary lipid mixtures containing cholesterol have provided valuable insight into cell membrane behaviors, especially by describing regions of coexisting liquid-disordered (Ld) and liquid-ordered (Lo) phases. Fluorescence microscopy imaging of giant unilamellar vesicles has greatly assisted the determination of phase behavior in these systems. However, the requirement for optically resolved Ld + Lo domains can lead to the incorrect inference that in lipid-only mixtures, Ld + Lo domain coexistence generally shows macroscopic domains. Here we show this inference is incorrect for the low melting temperature phosphatidylcholines abundant in mammalian plasma membranes. By use of high compositional resolution Forster resonance energy transfer measurements, together with electron spin resonance data and spectral simulation, we find that ternary mixtures of DSPC and cholesterol together with either POPC or SOPC, do indeed have regions of Ld + Lo coexistence. However, phase domains are much smaller than the optical resolution limit, likely on the order of the Forster distance for energy transfer (R0, ∼2–8 nm).
Introduction of pro-interleukin-16 inhibits T-lymphoblastic leukemia growth in mice

Purpose Pro-interleukin-16 (pro-IL-16) is the precursor to mature interleukin-16 (IL-16) protein. Previous studies have demonstrated that pro-IL-16 can function as a regulator of cell cycle. A number of human T-cell leukemia and lymphoma cell lines are pro-IL-16 deficient. Intracellular expression of pro-IL-16 causes these cell lines to become quiescent, implicating loss of pro-IL-16 as a contributory step in T-cell malignancy. Therefore, we tested whether or not reintroduction of pro-IL-16 into solid tumors in mice could halt tumor growth.
Efficacy and safety of echinacea in treating upper respiratory tract infections in children: a randomized controlled trial.

ContextEchinacea is a widely used herbal remedy for treatment of upper respiratory tract infections (URIs). However, there are few data on the efficacy and safety of echinacea in treating URIs in children.ObjectivesTo determine if Echinacea purpurea is effective in reducing the duration and/or severity of URI symptoms in children and to assess its safety in this population.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsRandomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of healthy children 2 to 11 years old recruited from a regional practice-based network and an alternative medical center in 4-month periods from 2000 through 2002.InterventionsStudy patients were randomized to receive either echinacea or placebo for up to 3 URIs over a 4-month period. Study medication was begun at the onset of symptoms and continued throughout the URI, for a maximum of 10 days.Main Outcome MeasuresPrimary outcomes were duration and severity of symptoms and adverse events recorded by parents; secondary outcomes included peak severity of symptoms, number of days of peak severity, number of days of fever, and a global assessment of severity of symptoms by parents of study children.ResultsData were analyzed on 707 URIs that occurred in 407 children, including 337 URIs treated with echinacea and 370 with placebo. There were 79 children who completed their study period without having a URI. The median duration of URIs was 9 days (95% confidence interval, 8-10 days); there was no difference in duration between URIs treated with echinacea or placebo (P = .89). There was also no difference in the overall estimate of severity of URI symptoms between the 2 treatment groups (median, 33 in both groups; P = .69). In addition, there were no statistically significant differences between the 2 groups for peak severity of symptoms (P = .68), number of days of peak symptoms (1.60 in the echinacea group and 1.64 in the placebo group; P = .97), number of days of fever (0.81 in the echinacea group vs 0.64 in the placebo group; P = .09), or parental global assessment of severity of the URI (P = .67). Overall, there was no difference in the rate of adverse events reported in the 2 treatment groups; however, rash occurred during 7.1% of the URIs treated with echinacea and 2.7% of those treated with placebo (P = .008).ConclusionsEchinacea purpurea, as dosed in this study, was not effective in treating URI symptoms in patients 2 to 11 years old, and its use was associated with an increased risk of rash.
Direct and indirect effects of multiple enemies on water strider mating dynamics.

Previous studies have shown that green sunfish, Lepomis cyanellus, have strong effects on the activity, habitat use, social interactions and mating dynamics of a stream-dwelling water strider, Aquarius remigis (family Gerridae, hence, gerrids). In nature, however, stream pools often contain not just sunfish and water striders, but also smaller fish such as minnows. Here, we used factorial experiments in seminatural streams to document the direct and indirect effects of sunfish and fathead minnows, Pimephales promelas, on water strider survival and behavior. Sunfish, minnows and gerrids all consume surface prey (here, crickets); thus these three species are potential food competitors. Sunfish eat minnows. Accordingly, the presence of sunfish caused minnows to increase their schooling behavior and shift their activity from the surface toward the bottom substrate. The presence of sunfish was also associated with an increase in the number of missing gerrids, whereas minnows caused relatively little gerrid disappearance. Most interestingly, the presence of minnows decreased the effect of sunfish on gerrid disappearance rates; that is, minnows apparently had an indirect positive effect on water strider survival. We suggest that this indirect positive effect reflects the fact that minnows are alternative prey for sunfish. The effects of sunfish and minnows on gerrid mortality explained the influence of these fish on gerrid behavior. Sunfish caused decreases in male gerrid activity, female availability, mating activity, mating frequency and mating duration. Larger males had a mating advantage over smaller males only in pools with sunfish and no minnows. Sunfish also caused a borderline significant decrease in the large female mating advantage. These results were all observed in previous studies and can be viewed as adaptive responses to predation risk. These patterns were not consistent with the expected effects of sunfish as food competitors with water striders. In contrast, minnows had relatively little influence on water strider behavior and the few significant effects were the opposite of those of sunfish. Minnows caused increases in female activity and in mating duration, a decrease in the large male mating advantage and an increase in the large female mating advantage. These patterns fit the view that minnows caused an increase in gerrid hunger, i.e., that minnows acted as food competitors with gerrids. Finally, planned contrasts against controls showed that, in the presence of both sunfish and minnows, water striders showed no significant behavioral responses to fish (i.e., gerrid behavior in pools with sunfish and minnows did not significantly differ from behavior in fishless pools). The most likely mechanism explaining this pattern is a dilution of sunfish predation risk due to the presence of minnows serving as alternative prey for sunfish.
Separation of n-octadecane-1-C14 from asphaltic* mixtures by elution chromatography

Abstract It is often assumed that the n-heptane chromatographic fraction represents the total saturated hydrocarbon content of asphaltic matter. This assumption, however, is based on an approximation rather than on an analytically rigorous finding. C14-labelled n-octadecane was mixed with the semi-solid Athabasca petroleum and the mixture was eluted with a series of solvents. The majority, but not all, of the radioactive material was recovered with n-heptane from aluminium oxide and silica gel columns. For example, combined counts equivalent to 2·32 per cent of the n-heptane eluate counts were recorded in consecutive eluate fractions, (such as in the pyridine fractions) from a Fisher alumina column. It is recommended in routine geological studies that the chromatographic fractions be analysed by suitable means to ascertain their composition and to identify their impurities.
What Can a JM3er Do for the Green Earth

This PDF file contains the editorial “What Can a JM3er Do for the Green Earth?” for JM3 Vol. 7 Issue 01
Anterior segment optical coherence tomography of conjunctival nevus.

Purpose To evaluate conjunctival nevi using anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT). Design Retrospective interventional case series. Participants There were 22 eyes of 21 patients with conjunctival nevus imaged with AS-OCT for evaluation and detection of cysts within conjunctival nevi. Intervention Anterior segment OCT. Main Outcome Measures Evaluation and detection of intralesional cysts. Results All margins of the nevus, including the deep margin, could be visualized on AS-OCT with high resolution of the anterior margin in 100% of cases, posterior margin in 82% of cases, and lateral margin in 86% of cases. The nevus was optically dense with homogeneous pattern in all cases. Some degree of deep optical shadowing, mostly from pigmented nevi, was noted in 86%. Intrinsic cysts within the nevus were detected by slit-lamp biomicroscopy in 18 cases (82%) and by AS-OCT in 17 cases (77%). In comparison with histopathologic findings, AS-OCT detected intrinsic cysts with a sensitivity of 80%, specificity of 100%, positive predictive value (PPV) of 100%, and negative predictive value (NPV) of 60%. Slit-lamp biomicroscopy (by experienced observers) compared with histopathology revealed detection of cysts with a sensitivity of 100%, a specificity of 100%, a PPV of 100%, and an NPV of 100%. Conclusions Anterior segment OCT provides high-resolution imaging of conjunctival nevi with the ability to demonstrate all margins and to provide information on the presence of intralesional cysts, which are important in the diagnosis. The main drawback is optical shadowing of deeper structures from pigment within nevi. Financial Disclosure(s) The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.
EMBRYOGENY IN THE CALIFORNIA PEONIES WITH REFERENCE TO THEIR TAXONOMIC POSITION

CAVE, MARION S. (U. California, Berkeley), HOWARD J. ARNOTT, and STANTON A. COOK. Embryogeny in the California peonies with reference to their taxonomic position. Amer. Jour. Bot. 48(5): 397-404. Illus. 1961.-The embryogeny of Paeonia californica Nutt. ex T. and G. and P. brownii Dougl. ex Hook. is described. No cell wall is formed at the end of the first division of the zygote nucleus, but instead, a massive coenocytic proembryo is produced. This structure becomes cellular, and numerous embryo primordia form on its surface, one of which gains ascendancy over the others to form the embryo proper, consisting of root, shoot apex, epicotylar leaf primordium, and 2 cotyledons. The embryogeny of the California peonies is essentially similar to that of P. anomala, P. moutan, and P. wittmanniana described by Yakovlev and Yoffe, and does not support the contention of Murgai that in P. albiflora, P. actiflora, P. delavayi, and P. suffruticosa the coenocyte is a suspensor. It is suggested that the coenocytic embryos of gymnosperms and Paeonia represent a case of parallel evolution rather than that there is any implication of phylogenetic relationships between them.
Blending activity and participation sub-domains of the ICF

Objective. The objective of the study was to test the supposition that distinct Activity and Participation sub-domains of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) could be identified using physical function questionnaire items drawn from the Activity and Participation Measures for Post Acute Care.Design. A cross-sectional survey design was employed.Subjects. The sample consisted of 272 patients who had received post acute care across inpatient and community care settings during the previous year.Methods. Exploratory factor analysis with oblique rotation was used to identify interpretable dimensions underlying 83 physical functioning questionnaire items.Results. Factor analysis findings revealed five distinct ICF conceptual sub-domains that explained 61% of the total variance of the data, with root mean square residual equal to 0.089. These domains were labeled: (i) Daily activity, (ii) Applied cognitive, (iii) Role participation, (iv) Mobility, and (v) Social participa...
Characterization of a new chronic lymphocytic leukemia cell line for mechanistic in vitro and in vivo studies relevant to disease.

Studies of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) have yielded substantial progress, however a lack of immortalized cell lines representative of the primary disease has hampered a full understanding of disease pathogenesis and development of new treatments. Here we describe a novel CLL cell line (OSU-CLL) generated by EBV transformation, which displays a similar cytogenetic and immunophenotype observed in the patient’s CLL (CD5 positive with trisomy 12 and 19). A companion cell line was also generated from the same patient (OSU-NB). This cell line lacked typical CLL characteristics, and is likely derived from the patient’s normal B cells. In vitro migration assays demonstrated that OSU-CLL exhibits migratory properties similar to primary CLL cells whereas OSU-NB has significantly reduced ability to migrate spontaneously or towards chemokine. Microarray analysis demonstrated distinct gene expression patterns in the two cell lines, including genes on chromosomes 12 and 19, which is consistent with the cytogenetic profile in this cell line. Finally, OSU-CLL was readily transplantable into NOG mice, producing uniform engraftment by three weeks with leukemic cells detectable in the peripheral blood spleen and bone marrow. These studies describe a new CLL cell line that extends currently available models to study gene function in this disease.
Cation absorption by slices of stem tissue of bean and cotton

Stengelgewebe vonPhaseolus undGossypium wurden in einen extrakambialen Teil (Phloem, Rinde und Epidermis) und in einen Xylemteil (Xylem und Mark) getrennt. Die Aufnahme von K und Na in diese Gewebe ist beiGossypium sehr gering, ebenfalls die K-Aufnahme beiPhaseolus wegen des Na-Aufnahme-Vermogens der Xylemgewebe wesentlich hoher. Die Na-Aufnahme wird durch K nicht beeinflusst und verlauft metabolisch.
Several asymptotic cooling features in an arbitrary degenerate Λ system

The difference between excited and ground atomic-momentum distributions, in an arbitrary degenerate Λ-type atomic system interacting with two counterpropagating fields, is exploited to construct a set of analytical functions that have features similar to the long-time atomic-momentum distributions due to cooling by velocity-selective coherent population trapping [J. Opt. Soc. Am. B 6 (1989) 2112].
Medication error management around the globe: An overview

Medical mistakes that include medication errors have raised concerns about medication safety. Due to high consumption of medicines and self-treatment by all, especially the aging population, the issue of proper medication use and safety is at the forefront of public health concerns globally. Each country has a different approach towards medication event monitoring that is compliant with its own health care system. This paper focuses on the efforts and endeavors of some of the countries around the world to create an efficient error reporting systems to ensure public safety. Our analysis indicates that there are established and effective medication vigilance systems in many developed countries. The different countries undertake activities which range from collecting information about prescriptions, surveying physicians about adverse drug events, and conducting sophisticated post-marketing surveillance studies. There is still need for such sophisticated system in India; however recent promising developments are occurring towards building a medication vigilance system. Development of these systems may eventually contribute to a global medication vigilance system, which could reduce concern with medication errors and safety.
Towards an understanding of kinesin-1 dependent transport pathways through the study of protein–protein interactions

Kinesin-1 is the founding member of a superfamily of motor proteins that transport macromolecules along microtubules in an ATP-dependent manner. Classic studies show that kinesin-1 binds to intracellular cargos through non-covalent interactions with proteins on the cargo surface, that protein-protein interaction domains are present in the cargo-binding tail domain and that phosphorylation-dependent signal transduction pathways regulate kinesin-cargo interactions. A combination of genetics, biochemistry and proteomics has identified processes in which kinesin-1 has an important role, and helped reveal the mechanisms of kinesin-dependent transport events. These approaches have identified more than 35 proteins that bind to kinesin-1; these proteins act as cargos, cargo receptors and regulators of kinesin-1 activity. This review summarizes our current understanding of kinesin-1 associated proteins, and places those protein-protein interactions into the context of kinesin-1 in vivo function.
Rosuvastatin: a high-potency HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor.

ABSTRACT Objective: To summarize the relevant pharmacologic, clinical, and safety data regarding rosuvastatin (Crestor—AstraZeneca), the most recently marketed 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitor approved for the treatment of dyslipidemia. Data Sources: Medline search from years 1990 thru 2005 using the keywords HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, hypercholesterolemia, lipid-lowering agents, rosuvastatin, and statins . Study Selection: Review articles, clinical trials, case reports, abstracts, and data on file from the manufacturer concerning rosuvastatin and other statins were considered for inclusion. Data Extraction: English-language studies were selected for inclusion. Data Synthesis: Multiple clinical trials have revealed that use of rosuvastatin is associated with greater reductions in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) across the dose range of 5–40 mg/day than any other currently available statins. Rosuvastatin also significantly increases high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and reduces triglycerides significantly as well. In clinical trials, rosuvastatin was well tolerated, with a low incidence of adverse events and a safety profile similar to that of the other marketed statins. At present, no largescale primary or secondary prevention clinical trials document either long-term safety of rosuvastatin or its effectiveness in preventing coronary events. Conclusion: Compared with other statins, rosuvastatin offers the greatest lipid-lowering efficacy at the lowest dose in treating patients with dyslipidemia and with a similar safety profile over the short-term. Rosuvastatin may allow more patients to achieve their LDL-C goals than any other statin and at a lower dose than other agents.
What's missing from undergrad science?

Andrew Lawler's article on undergraduate science education, “Harvard joins reform movement” (News of the Week, 7 May, p. [810][1]), is as important for what it doesn't say as for what it does. What is missing from the discussion of reforming undergraduate science education is a sense that science at the introductory level expected of nonscience majors should be more than just memorizing facts or learning about what scientific research is. One of the fundamental tenets of science is that the world is inherently understandable, and that we learn how it works by observing it, carrying out experiments, and applying logical thought to the results. One example of the problem can be seen in introductory astronomy textbooks. Almost all of them have a discussion of the history of astronomy, but almost none of them follow through with a discussion of its significance—that the Copernican Revolution is the best example we have of the concept that we can learn about the world by observing it. This approach is left out of almost all introductory textbooks and is taught by few faculty, yet it is central to the public's understanding of the difference between science and nonscience. We need to change the mindset of faculty to look at science as a way of thinking about the world (and to get beyond the cartoon caricature of the scientific method that is presented in most textbooks), and change the textbooks themselves to provide at least some discussion of the role of science in intellectual thought. And we need to do this throughout all levels of higher education. This change is central to creating a scientifically literate public. [1]: /lookup/doi/10.1126/science.304.5672.810b
Tracking SERS-active nanoprobe intracellular uptake for chemical and biological sensing

A critical aspect of the use of nanoprobes for intracellular studies in chemical and biological sensing involves a fundamental understanding of their uptake and trajectory in cells. In this study, we describe experiments using surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectroscopy and mapping to track cellular uptake of plasmonics-active labeled nanoparticles. Three different Raman-active labels with positive, negative, and neutral charges were conjugated to silver colloidal nanoparticles with the aim of spatially and temporally profiling intracellular delivery and tracking of nanoprobes during uptake in single mammalian cells. 1-D Raman spectra and 2-D Raman mapping are used to identify and locate the probes via their SERS signal intensities. Because Raman spectroscopy is very specific for identification of chemical and molecular signatures, the development of functionalized plasmonics-active nanoprobes capable of exploring intracellular spaces and processes has the ability to provide specific information on the effects of biological and chemical pollutants in the intracellular environment. The results indicate that this technique will allow study of when, where, and how these substances affect cells and living organisms.
Surgical treatment of achalasia.

Seventy-three patients treated for achalasia have been reviewed. Forty-four per cent of those treated by forceful esophageal dilation had a good result, but esophageal perforation during dilation occurred in 9.4 per cent with an over-all 3 per cent mortality rate. In contrast, almost 80 per cent of the patients who had a modified Heller procedure were judged to have a good result. There was no mortality after this operation. Those few who had dysphagia after esophagomyotomy have been critically analyzed. The reasons for failure and additional technics to help prevent postoperative reflux esophagitis are discussed. The indications for the surgical treatment of achalasia need to be re-evaluated. When properly performed, esophagomyotomy is safe, effective treatment for achalasia and deserves consideration as a primary method of therapy in selected patients.
Two-site equilibrium model for ion exchange between multi-valent cations and zeolite-A in a molten salt

A two-site model has been derived and tested against experimental data for monovalent species ion exchange in molten chloride salt/zeolite A. This system is of interest for the application of spent nuclear fuel treatment. Fission products and transuranics that accumulate in a molten salt electrorefining process can be preferentially removed and eventually stabilized in a waste form, using zeolite A. An excellent fit of Cs−Rb−Na−Li−K data to the model was found with different selectivity sequences for the two sites. Cesium was found to be the preferred cation in the α-cage sites, while lithium was preferred in the framework sites.
Rapid isolation of Escherichia coli minicells by glass-fiber filtration: study of plasmid-coded polypeptides.

Abstract A filtration technique is described to purify Escherichia coliχ1488 minicells much more rapidly than the usual method involving sucrose gradient centrifugation, and to produce minicells that have not been subjected to osmotic stress. The minicells so prepared are metabolically active as indicated by the in vivo incorporation of [35S]methionine into plasmid-coded polypeptides.
Thinking Beyond Language: Intervention for Severe Aphasia

Abstract Purpose: This article addresses several intervention approaches that aim to improve life for individuals with severe aphasia. Because severe aphasia significantly compromises language, often for the long term, recommended approaches focus on additional domains that affect quality of life. Treatments are discussed that involve increasing participation in personally relevant life situations, enhancing environmental support for communication and participation, and improving communicative confidence. Methods: Interventions that have been suggested in the aphasia literature as particularly appropriate for people with severe aphasia include training in total communication, training of communication partners, and activity specific training. Conclusion: Several intervention approaches can be implemented to enhance life with severe aphasia.
Characterization of the 5′-flanking transcriptional regulatory region of the human Fcγ receptor gene, Fcγ RIIA

Abstract The human Fcγ receptor gene Fcγ RIIA is expressed in platelets, neutrophils, monocytes and macrophages. Understanding the regulation of expression of Fcγ RIIA will enhance our knowledge of regulated gene expression and immune function m these cells. We cloned a 3.65 kb region of the 5′ end of the Fcγ RIIA gene and characterized 3.4 kb of previously unreported sequence of the 5′-flanking region. Primer extension studies and RNase protection analyses of mRNA from HEL, K562 and U937 cells revealed multiple transcription start sites. One transcription start site mapped to a 5′-untranslated (5′UT) exon approximately 1 kb 5′ to the ATG translation initiation codon, while a second start site mapped near the ATG codon. Reverse transcription combined with PCR (RT-PCR) employing an oligonucleotide m the putative 5′UT exon and an antisense oligonucleotide in the translated region yielded products which confirm that transcription starts in this 5′UT exon 881 bp upstream of the ATG codon. Sequence analysis of the RT-PCR products showed two related RNA splice products which use alternative 3'-consensus AG splice acceptor sites. Fcγ RIIA mRNA thus has three distinct potential 5′UT regions, two alternatively spliced forms from the start site in the 5′UT exon and the third from the start site near the ATG codon. Comparisons of the human Fcγ RIIA 5′-flanking region whith human Fcγ RI and miouse Fcγ RIIβ genes as well as with other genes expressed in megakaryocytes, neutrophils and monocytes reveal structural similarities and shared promoter elements.
Application of the structured singular value theory for robust stability and control analysis in multimachine power systems. I. Framework development

In this paper a framework for robust stability assessment of controls in multimachine power systems is proposed. Variations in the operating conditions are modeled and then incorporated into a framework amenable for robust stability analysis. The structured singular value (SSV) tool is then applied in order to determine the stability for given variations in the operating conditions.
Complex fetal disorders: effect of MR imaging on management--preliminary clinical experience.

PURPOSE: To determine the effect of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging findings on management of complex fetal disorders. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MR imaging of the fetus was performed in 25 consecutive pregnant patients referred because of possible complex fetal disorders suspected on the basis of ultrasonographic (US) findings. Spoiled gradient-echo and single-shot rapid acquisition with relaxation enhancement MR imaging were performed in multiple planes anatomic to the fetus during maternal breath holding. RESULTS: In the fetuses in 24 of 25 women, MR studies were technically satisfactory. MR imaging directly influenced fetal care in four (17%) of 24 cases by demonstrating congenital high airway obstruction syndrome, congenital hemochromatosis, unilateral cerebellar deficiency in association with congenital diaphragmatic hernia, and severe facial disfigurement due to a giant anterior neck mass. In eight (33%) cases, MR imaging provided supplementary findings, but did not affect fetal care. In 12 (50%) cases...
Classroom spelling instruction: History, research, and practice

Abstract Currently there is no consensus on how best to teach spelling in a classroom setting. This article discusses three major positions regarding spelling instruction: the incidental, the developmental word study, and the basal speller approaches. Implications of these positions for classroom teaching are explored. The author presents an overview of nearly a century of research into spelling instruction. In addition, he reviews contemporary research on instructional level in spelling and on addressing the needs of low achieving spellers in a classroom setting. This research perspective helps to clarify and perhaps even to resolve some of the contentious issues and points of debate in contemporary discussion and practice. In light of this, the author argues that a modified basal speller approach can provide classroom teachers with an efficient and adaptable tool that can meet a variety of needs, provided that students are placed in spelling books based on an assessment of their prior knowledge and not ...
A comparison of a chaos-theoretic method for pre-attentive vision with traditional grayscale-based methods

Accurate and robust attention direction has been of substantial interest in the computer vision community, particularly for industrial surveillance systems that initiate recording at the onset of motion or an interesting contextual event. One key issue is minimizing false alarms to limit video record bandwidth and capacity. One issue that these systems face is high false alarm rates under sudden illumination change. In this paper we propose a system which applies measures from chaos theory and fractal analysis to provide a robust pre-attentive processing engine for motion detection. Results compare quite favorably in terms of probability of detection versus false detection rate against traditional methods for low-level change detection, namely Sum of Absolute Differences, and Gaussian Mixture Models. The proposed chaos-based method is shown to have superior performance. Additionally the proposed approach has an intuitive justification based on creation and flow of information between image frames, and consequently a very intuitive and problem-based threshold determination.
Pharmacological Characterization of the Discriminative Stimulus Effects of Clenbuterol in Rats

Abstract O’DONNELL, J. M. Pharmacological characterization of the discriminative stimulus effects of clenbuterol in rats. PHARMACOL BIOCHEM BEHAV 58 (3) 813–818, 1997.—The beta-2 selective adrenergic agonist clenbuterol produces discriminative stimulus effects in rats. Administration of beta adrenergic agonists that do not cross the blood–brain barrier well following peripheral administration either failed to substitute for clenbuterol or resulted in chance levels of drug-appropriate responding; this suggested central mediation of the effects of clenbuterol. This interpretation was supported by the finding that the centrally acting beta adrenergic antagonist propranolol antagonized the discriminative stimulus effects of clenbuterol more potently than did CGP-12177, a hydrophilic beta adrenergic antagonist that has been shown to have very limited central activity. Antagonism experiments using subtype-selective antagonists showed that the beta-2 selective antagonist ICI 118,551 more potently antagonized the discriminative effects of the training dose of clenbuterol than did the beta-1 selective antagonist betaxolol. The present results indicate that the discriminative stimulus effects of clenbuterol provide an in vivo index of activation of central beta-2 adrenergic receptors.
The Data Analysis and Interactive Modeling System (DAIMS)

In recent years, our understanding of the global ocean circulation has increased dramatically. Progress in the area of global and mesoscale numerical ocean modeling has been particularly rapid [Evans et al., 1987]. For example, presently available models, taken together with both traditional and novel new sources of ocean data, are being used for the first time to make predictions of the evolution of currents in the deep ocean [Robinson et al., 1986]. On the basis of this experience, an operational ocean forecasting capability is a practical possibility within the next decade [Mooers et al., 1986].
Mechanism of shortened bones in mucopolysaccharidosis VII.

Mucopolysaccharidosis VII (MPS VII) is a lysosomal storage disease in which deficiency in b-glucuronidase results in glycosaminoglycan (GAG) accumulation in and around cells, causing shortened long bones through mechanisms that remain largely unclear. We demonstrate here that MPS VII mice accumulate massive amounts of the GAG chondroitin-4-sulfate (C4S) in their growth plates, the cartilaginous region near the ends of long bones responsible for growth. MPS VII mice also have only 60% of the normal number of chondrocytes in the growth plate and 55% of normal chondrocyte proliferation at 3 weeks of age. We hypothesized that this reduction in proliferation was due to C4S-mediated overactivation of fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3). However, MPS VII mice that were FGFR3-deficient still had shortened bones, suggesting that FGFR3 is not required for the bone defect. Further study revealed that MPS VII growth plates had reduced tyrosine phosphorylation of STAT3, a pro-proliferative transcription factor. This was accompanied by a decrease in expression of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) and other interleukin 6 family cytokines, and a reduction in phosphorylated tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2), Janus kinase 1 (JAK1), and JAK2, known activators of STAT3 phosphorylation. Intriguingly, loss of function mutations in LIF and its receptor leads to shortened bones. This suggests that accumulation of C4S in the growth plate leads to reduced expression of LIF and reduced STAT3 tyrosine phosphorylation, which results in reduced chondrocyte proliferation and ultimately shortened bones.
A study of surface motor unit action potentials in first dorsal interosseus (FDI) muscle

We studied the basic shapes of surface MUAPs of the FDI muscle using a wavelet matching technique. By averaging surface EMGs triggered by the intramuscular EMG, we found the surface MUAPs matched very well with the selected wavelets. It provides us a potential way to quantify the surface EMG by estimating the number of the action potentials contained within it.
Music artist style identification by semi-supervised learning from both lyrics and content

Efficient and intelligent music information retrieval is a very important topic of the 21st century. With the ultimate goal of building personal music information retrieval systems, this paper studies the problem of identifying "similar" artists using both lyrics and acoustic data. The approach for using a small set of labeled samples for the seed labeling to build classifiers that improve themselves using unlabeled data is presented. This approach is tested on a data set consisting of 43 artists and 56 albums using artist similarity provided by All Music Guide. Experimental results show that using such an approach the accuracy of artist similarity classifiers can be significantly improved and that artist similarity can be efficiently identified.
Support Vector Machines Approach to HMA Stiffness Prediction

The application of artificial intelligence (AI) techniques to engineering has increased tremendously over the last decade. Support vector machine (SVM) is one efficient AI technique based on statistical learning theory. This paper explores the SVM approach to model the mechanical behavior of hot-mix asphalt (HMA) owing to high degree of complexity and uncertainty inherent in HMA modeling. The dynamic modulus (|E*|), among HMA mechanical property parameters, not only is important for HMA pavement design but also in determining HMA pavement performance associated with pavement response. Previously employed approaches for development of the predictive |E*| models concentrated on multivariate regression analysis of database. In this paper, SVM-based |E*| prediction models were developed using the latest comprehensive |E*| database containing 7,400 data points from 346 HMA mixtures. The developed SVM models were compared with the existing multivariate regression-based |E*| model as well as the artificial neural networks (ANN) based |E*| models developed recently by the writers. The prediction performance of SVM model is better than multivariate regression-based model and comparable to the ANN. Fewer constraints in SVM compared to ANN can make it a promising alternative considering the availability of limited and nonrepresentative data frequently encountered in construction materials characterization.