cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Glucocorticoid regulation of parathyroid hormone-related peptide gene transcription in a human neuroendocrine cell line

A PTH-related peptide (PTHRP) has been identified and its cDNA cloned from tumors associated with the syndrome of humoral hypercalcemia of malignancy. The PTHRP and PTH genes appear to represent members of a gene family. Whereas the PTH gene is expressed exclusively in the parathyroids, the PTHRP gene appears to be widely expressed, but little is known concerning the regulation of its expression in any site. We studied the regulation of PTHRP gene expression in a human carcinoid cell line (NCI-H727) which has neuroendocrine features and also produces calcitonin, calcitonin gene-related peptide, and chromogranin-A. We found that the synthetic glucocorticoid triamcinolone produced time- and dose-dependent decreases in steady state PTHRP and calcitonin mRNA levels in NCI-H727 cells. This effect was blocked by the competitive glucocorticoid inhibitor RU-486. Messenger RNA stability and transcription run-off experiments revealed that triamcinolone decreased PTHRP and calcitonin expression by repressing the transcription rates of both genes.
A global climatology of extreme rainfall rates in the inner core of intense tropical cyclones

The localized rain rate maxima (RM) of the inner core region of intense tropical cyclones (TCs) are investigated using Version 6 of the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission Multi-satellite Precipitation Analysis data-set from 1998 to 2010. Specifically, this study examines the probabilities of RM exceeding 25 mm h−1 (P25) in intense TCs. The 25 mm h−1 RM is the 90th percentile of all RM observations during the study period. The descending order of P25 observed from intense TCs for the six major ocean basins is: the North Indian Ocean, the Atlantic Ocean, the Northwest Pacific Ocean, the South Pacific Ocean, the South Indian Ocean, and the East-central Pacific Ocean. The six major basins have been subdivided into 29 sub-basins to discern regional variability of RM. P25 increases with increasing TC category in all major basins, except for the South Pacific. Sub-basins with intense TCs that produce extreme rainfall rate maxima include the Bay of Bengal, the South Philippine Sea, the East China Sea, the north ...
Artificial neural networks capable of learning spatiotemporal chemical diffusion in the cortical brain

Neurochemical and pharmacological studies of the central nervous system are important in understanding normal brain function and discovering effective treatments for brain diseases. Imaging systems are capable of providing large spatiotemporal chemical information, but they require the subject to remain still during recording. Implantable chemical sensors can be used in freely behaving animals and are able to provide higher resolution than imaging systems, but only in close proximity to the sensor. The aim of this research was to design and evaluate an artificial neural network capable of generating 3D chemical information over time using data acquired from a limited number of chemical sensors that could eventually be recorded from a freely behaving animal. The results show that the spatiotemporal neural network is capable of learning ion diffusion in a model of the cortical brain, in ideal or noisy conditions, and that network simulations of sensor data are as accurate as mathematical simulations.
The impact of extra-esophageal reflux upon diseases of the upper respiratory tract

Purpose of review The present paper examines the recent literature on extra-esophageal reflux and discusses how it affects patient testing and treatment of upper respiratory track inflammatory disease. Recent findings Assays for pepsin have been developed casting more insight into the pathophysiology of extra-esophageal reflux as well as looking at the role of protective factors in upper respiratory mucosa. Similarities and differences in esophageal and extra-esophageal reflux continue to be explored. Acid suppression in extra-esophageal reflux improves symptoms before physical findings, but some patients do not respond. Mildly acidic (pH > 4) and alkaline reflux are being examined more in extra-esophageal reflux with impedance testing playing a more prominent role. Recent studies have also focused on whether extra-esophageal reflux could affect tissues of the nasopharynx, sinuses, or middle ear. Caution has been issued as acid suppressive therapies have been associated with hip fracture in older patients. Summary Symptoms caused by reflux may reflect underlying weaknesses in mucosal resilience to acid and pepsin in addition to the variations in exposure to gastric contents. In some patients mildly acidic or alkaline reflux may be important and gastric contents may reach the nasopharynx or middle ear. Carefully designed placebo-controlled trials are needed.
Effect of Dipyridamole on the Incidence of Arterial Emboli After Cardiac Valve Replacement

Dipyridamole is a vasodilator known to reduce platelet adhesiveness and aggregation. Either dipyridamole or a placebo was given in a daily dose of 400 mg as a random, blind trial to 100 patients who had undergone prosthetic cardiac valve replacement. Patients in both groups were anticoagulated with warfarin sodium. Fifty patients of the placebo group followed for 695 months had 18% incidence of systemic arterial embolism. Forty-two patients in the dipyridamole group were followed for 553 months. One patient exhibited clinical evidence of arterial embolism. Dipyridamole was discontinued shortly after surgery in eight patients followed for 119 months. Two of these patients developed cerebral emboli six months after discontinuation of treatment. It is tentatively concluded that the addition of dipyridamole to a program of anticoagulation reduces the incidence of postoperative arterial emboli originating on prosthetic cardiac valves in those patients who can tolerate the drug.
Determining baselines and variability of elements in plants and soils near the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska

Recent investigations on the Kenai Peninsula had two major objectives: (1) to establish elemental baseline concentrations ranges for native vegetation and soils; and, (2) to determine the sampling density required for preparing stable regional geochemical maps for various elements in native plants and soils. These objectives were accomplished using an unbalanced, nested analysis-of-variance (ANOVA) barbell sampling design. Hylocomium splendens (Hedw.) BSG (feather moss, whole plant), Picea glauca (Moench) Voss (white spruce, twigs and needles), and soil horizons (02 and C) were collected and analyzed for major and trace total element concentrations. Using geometric means and geometric deviations, expected baseline ranges for elements were calculated. Results of the ANOVA show that intensive soil or plant sampling is needed to reliably map the geochemistry of the area, due to large local variability. For example, producing reliable element maps of feather moss using a 50 km cell (at 95% probability) would require sampling densities of from 4 samples per cell for Al, Co, Fe, La, Li, and V, to more than 15 samples per cell for Cu, Pb, Se, and Zn.
Research on Congestion Control Routing Algorithm Based on Soft Preemption in Intelligent Optical Networks

Studied the congestion control routing algorithm in the IONs, and proposed a novel algorithm called Novel Dynamic Weight based on Traffic Balance (N_DWTB) algorithm based on soft preemption. Simulation results show that these designs can improve the rate of resource utilization and decrease the blocking probability of the IONs.
Reactions to stigmatized others: Response amplification vs sympathy

Abstract Four experiments examined the conditions under which responses to handicapped persons are characterized by sympathy or response amplification. The first two experiments tested the hypothesis that contact with a handicapped person would lead to amplified positive and negative responses in comparison to contact with a nonhandicapped person. The results indicated that mere contact was not sufficient to elicit response amplification. Instead, contact led to more positive evaluations of the handicapped than of the nonhandicapped other, regardless of whether she behaved in a positive or negative manner—a “sympathy” effect. The third and fourth experiments indicated that amplified positive and negative responses to the handicapped will occur when the behavior of a handicapped person is highly relevant to the evaluator. A two-stage model of responses to stigmatized others is proposed to account for these results.
INFORMAL DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES FOR CLASSROOM TEACHERS

We first propose principles on which classroom diagnosis can be based: considering diagnosis as an integral part of instruction; basing diagnoses on natural‐language evidence gathered in real learning situations; and using the needs of individual students in performing academic tasks as the standard for determining the existence of problems. We then describe a model for reading diagnosis and instructional planning and give detailed examples of diagnostic instruction based on this model.
Keratinization of the Sulcular Epithelium—A Pointless Pursuit?

A considerable amount of effort has been directed at finding methods for modifying the nonkeratinized sulcular epithelium on the assumption that a keratinized surface may offer a better barrier to antigens and bacterial products present in the gingival sulcus. It is argued here that keratinization in itself may not confer greater impermeability, for nonkeratinized epithelia also have been shown to resist the penetration of certain substances. Moreover, few workers have considered the role of junctional epithelium in the initiation of periodontal disease although experimental evidence suggests that this may be a permeable tissue. As formation of a surface with barrier properties seems to be a concomitant of epithelial differentiation while attachment is a property of relatively undifferentiated epithelial cells, attempts to induce junctional epithelium to differentiate could result in a loss of epithelial attachment to the tooth. It is suggested that attempts to keratinize the sulcular region, on theoretic...
Management of Neonatal Ovarian Cysts and its Effect on Ovarian Preservation

Abstract Background/Purpose Management of asymptomatic neonatal ovarian cysts varies. Some surgeons advocate initial observation, while others recommend immediate operation depending on cyst size and complexity. This study aims to compare outcomes of initial observation versus primary surgery, focusing on incidence of postnatal torsion and ovarian preservation. Methods A retrospective study (1997–2012) of neonates with an ovarian mass was performed. Data on cyst size, ultrasound characteristics, clinical course, complications, and pathology were extracted. Results Thirty-seven neonates with asymptomatic ovarian cysts were identified (N=25 observed, N=12 primary surgery). Overall, 12/25 (48%) observed had successful cyst regression, including 3/8 (38%) cysts ≥50mm and 6/15 (40%) complex. 13/25 patients (52%) underwent surgery for failure of cyst regression (11/13) or concern for interval torsion (2/13). Postnatal torsion occurred in 1/25 observation patients (4%), or 1/8 (13%) with cysts≥50mm. Overall rate of ovarian preservation between groups was not statistically different [6/8 (75%) observed versus 8/9 (89%) primary surgery; P=0.577]. Pathology found viable ovarian tissue in all oophorectomy specimens (N=3). Conclusions Postnatal torsion is rare. A period of observation spares half of neonates from an operation, without decreasing ovarian salvage. Initial management should consist of observation, regardless of size or complex characteristics. If operative intervention is necessary, ovary preserving techniques should be utilized.
Advanced coal technologies for a carbon-constrained world (Abstract only)

Coal provided about one quarter of total commercial energy consumption in the world in 2004. This share will remain relatively stable in the next two decades, and coal will continue to be a significant part in foreseeable future because of its abundance and low cost, particularly in major energy consuming countries including the United States, China, and India. Coal, however, is the most carbon-intensive fossil fuel. Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions associated with coal use, which is projected to increase by 60 percent from 2002 to 2025, have to be reduced in any credible climate change policy. How to fuel a carbon-conscious or carbon-constrained world with coal? What are the appropriate technologies? What are the key factors that affect their research, development, demonstration, and early deployment? And, what business and government strategies are needed to facilitate this innovation process? To address these questions, this paper will review and compare the leading technology candidates for coal-fired power generation. They include gasification-based technologies (integrated gasification combined cycle or IGCC, poly-generation, biomass-coal co-gasification), combustion-based technologies (oxy-fuel, etc), and their carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies. They will also be compared with renewable energies on criteria including resource, cost, and environmental impacts. Many of these advanced coal technologies (ACTs) are not commercially ready for wide deployment. Their assessments are mainly based on projections or assumptions on their performance, especially for technologies at conceptual or prototype stages. A great challenge is to turn these projections or assumptions into realities. This paper will assess the innovation needs of major ACTs including IGCC, oxy-fuel, and CCS. It is followed by an assessment of the capabilities of technology delivery system with a focus on China, and their implications for the innovation and use of advanced coal technologies. (1 page)
PURIFICATION AND PRELIMINARY CRYSTALLOGRAPHIC STUDIES ON THE SPORULATION RESPONSE REGULATORY PHOSPHOTRANSFERASE PROTEIN, SPO0B, FROM BACILLUS SUBTILIS

The phosphotransferase protein Spo0B, a component of the sporulation signal transduction system in Bacillus subtilis was expressed from the Escherichia coli strain BL21DE3. It was purified, crystallized, and 2.25 A data measured using the synchrotron source at the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center. The search for heavy atom derivatives is in progress.
MO-G-BRE-09: Validating FMEA Against Incident Learning Data: A Study in Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy

Purpose: Though FMEA (Failure Mode and Effects Analysis) is becoming more widely adopted for risk assessment in radiation therapy, to our knowledge it has never been validated against actual incident learning data. The objective of this study was to perform an FMEA analysis of an SBRT (Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy) treatment planning process and validate this against data recorded within an incident learning system. Methods: FMEA on the SBRT treatment planning process was carried out by a multidisciplinary group including radiation oncologists, medical physicists, and dosimetrists. Potential failure modes were identified through a systematic review of the workflow process. Failure modes were rated for severity, occurrence, and detectability on a scale of 1 to 10 and RPN (Risk Priority Number) was computed. Failure modes were then compared with historical reports identified as relevant to SBRT planning within a departmental incident learning system that had been active for two years. Differences were identified. Results: FMEA identified 63 failure modes. RPN values for the top 25% of failure modes ranged from 60 to 336. Analysis of the incident learning database identified 33 reported near-miss events related to SBRT planning. FMEA failed to anticipate 13 of these events, among which 3 were registeredmore » with severity ratings of severe or critical in the incident learning system. Combining both methods yielded a total of 76 failure modes, and when scored for RPN the 13 events missed by FMEA ranked within the middle half of all failure modes. Conclusion: FMEA, though valuable, is subject to certain limitations, among them the limited ability to anticipate all potential errors for a given process. This FMEA exercise failed to identify a significant number of possible errors (17%). Integration of FMEA with retrospective incident data may be able to render an improved overview of risks within a process.« less
Mythos and logos in platonic politeiai

A close reading of the Platonic dialogs, especially of « Republic » and the « Timaeus », reveals that at the source of Western philosophy there resides a tension in the very nature of a polis (or political unit)
The intensive care unit of Coney Island Hospital: analysis of results in a twelve-month period.

737 patients were admitted to the intensive care unit of Coney Island Hospital during a twelve-month period, at the rate of about 60 per month. The data are analyzed regarding sex, age, race, duration of illness, monthly admission rate, condition of the patient on admission, working diagnoses, length of hospital stay, effectiveness of treatment, final disposition, mortality rate, hour of death, and number of consultations. Of the 737 patients admitted, 269 died (130 of them being classified for the purposes of this study as D.O.A. because they were in the unit for less than twelve hours before death). For the remaining 468 patients, records of disposition were available on only 453; of these, 444 were transferred to the wards after improvement, and 9 were discharged. Contrary to the general impression, the number of deaths was no greater during the 11:00 p.m.–7:00 a.m. shift than at other times. For the patients receiving treatment in this intensive care unit, the mortality rate was 18.7 per cent—which seems quite low in view of the severity of the diseases, the poor prognosis, and the relatively advanced age of the patient (average age, 66 years). The medical intensive care unit, though handicapped by the scarcity of qualified physicians and nurses, is an important element in good hospital care. Every effort should be made to improve and enhance such facilities.
Washing urban water: diplomacy in environmental art in the Bronx, New York City

Lillian Ball's art project WATERWASH creates a new ecological imaginary in the South Bronx. Building on a tradition of ‘maintenance art’, the work exhibits the power of soil, plants and microorganisms to clean water – in effect maintaining urban water. An overarching goal of WATERWASH is to educate local people about the metabolism of urban water, causes of river pollution, and to familiarize them with the capacity of soil and plants to respond to that problem. As part of its creation, the project provided diverse groups of people with opportunities to participate, including a group of Bronx youth who assisted in planting the wetland. Several of these apprentices will be involved in future monitoring of the effectiveness of the wetland in mitigating parking lot runoff. I use Isabelle Stengers' notion of ‘diplomacy’ to interrogate the efforts of the artist in negotiating and creating an occasion in which people with divergent interests can both recognize and maintain the relationships of care that sustain ...
Physics of saltation and sand transport on Titan: A brief review

Abstract Key physical aspects of saltation and sand transport on Titan are reviewed, and the sensitivity of saltation parameters to assumptions about sand composition (most likely of ‘heavy’ organics) is explored. The possibility of significant triboelectric charging of sediments in Titan’s low-conductivity environment is noted, and given Titan’s low gravity electrostatic forces could substantially influence the saltation mechanics. Saltation paths are likely too short to permit observable ripples, while dunes may grow from an elemental size of ∼1.5 m to a spacing of ∼3 km, limited by the thickness of the atmospheric boundary layer. Most of Titan’s dunes are of this size, indicating completed growth and that dividing sand volume by sand fluxes will yield only a lower limit on the dune age. Sand fluxes are estimated.
Neuroprotective effects of leptin following kainic acid-induced status epilepticus

Abstract We investigated the potential neuroprotective effects of leptin (LEP) against cellular damage, long-term recurrent spontaneous seizures, and behavioral changes associated with kainate (KA)-induced status epilepticus (SE). Adult Sprague–Dawley rats were sacrificed 24 hours after KA injections, and hippocampi were subjected to histological analysis. In the acute condition, one group received 12 mg/kg KA intraperitoneally (KAac group), and another group received 12 mg/kg KA intraperitoneally, followed by two intraperitoneal LEP injections of 4 mg/kg each, 1 and 13 hours after KA (KALEPac group). For long-term outcomes, one group received KA (KA group), and the other group received three intraperitoneal LEP injections (4 mg/kg at 1 hour, and 2 mg/kg at 13 and 24 hours) after KA (KALEP group). Controls were sham manipulated. Behavioral tests started 6 weeks after SE. All rats that received KA underwent behavioral seizures of comparable severity. Compared with the KAac group, the KALEPac group had significantly larger pyramidal cell surface areas and fewer black-stained degenerating neurons with silver stain. The KALEP and KA groups were comparable with respect to recurrent spontaneous seizures, aggression, hyperactivity, and impaired memory. We show that leptin reduces cellular injury associated with KA-induced SE, but does not prevent long-term recurrent spontaneous seizures and behavioral deficits.
Construct Validity of Childhood Bipolar Disorder: A Developmental Perspective

The assessment and diagnosis of bipolar disorder in children remains challenging and controversial. How can the debate be resolved? This article highlights the components of a nomological network that can be applied to the validation of the construct of child-onset bipolar disorder, including phenomenology, course and prognosis, etiology, and treatment response. That is, if a particular set of symptoms coheres, has a similar time course and outcome, is explained by the same etiological mechanisms, and responds similarly to treatment, then it is reasonable to conclude that the construct is a valid representation of the disorder. Additionally, developmental issues relevant to each aspect of the network (e.g., continuity over time and between typical and atypical development) are discussed.
Stereotactic radiotherapy for vestibular schwannomas: favorable outcome with minimal toxicity.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the outcome and toxicity in patients with vestibular schwannomas treated with conventionally fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) and to identify prognostic factors that are predictive of outcome. METHODS: Between 1992 and 2001, 70 patients with vestibular schwannomas were treated with linear accelerator-based SRT in our institutions. Eleven patients had neurofibromatosis Type II (NF2). The median age was 53 years (range, 17-82 yrs). The median tumor volume was 2.4 cm 3 (range, 0.05-21.1 cm 3 ). The indications for SRT were distributed as follows: 47% newly diagnosed, 31% progressive tumors after watchful waiting, 3% adjuvant postoperative radiation, and 19% recurrent tumors after surgical resection. The median dose was 54 Gy in 1.8 Gy per fraction, prescribed to 95% of the isodose line. Relocatable stereotactic frames were used for daily treatments. The median follow-up was 45.3 months. RESULTS: Tumor recurrence was defined as progressive enlargement of tumor on follow-up magnetic resonance imaging studies. One patient had a tumor recurrence at 38 months after SRT. The actuarial tumor control rates were 100 and 98% at 3 and 5 years, respectively. Three patients with a median tumor volume of 16.2 cm 3 required surgical resection for persistent or increasing symptoms at a median of 37 months. The actuarial freedom from resection rates were 98 and 92% at 3 and 5 years, respectively. In multivariate analysis, tumor volume at time of treatment was predictive for neurosurgical intervention (surgical resection or shunt placement) after SRT (P = 0.001). The 3- and 5-year actuarial rates of freedom from any neurosurgical intervention were 100 and 97% for patients with tumor volume less than 8 cm 3 and 74 and 47% respectively for patients with tumor of at least 8 cm 3 (P < 0.0001). The 3-year actuarial rates of facial and trigeminal nerve preservation were 99 and 96%, respectively. Surgery before SRT was predictive of posttreatment trigeminal neuropathy. The 3-year actuarial rates of freedom from trigeminal neuropathy were 86 and 98% for patients with and without previous resection, respectively (P = 0.04). There was no difference in tumor control and cranial nerve function preservation rates seen in NF2 patients compared with non-NF2 patients. No second primary cancer or malignant transformation was observed. CONCLUSION: SRT in the conventionally fractionated approach results in a very favorable outcome with minimal toxicity, with results comparable to those of the best of the radiosurgery series. Patients with large tumors are more likely to undergo neurosurgical interventions after SRT. Patients who have undergone previous surgery are at increased risk of developing trigeminal neuropathy.
Solution NMR study of the structural basis of the Bohr effect in the monomeric hemoglobins from Chironomus thummi thummi.

The larva of the midge Chironomus thummi thummi possesses two monomeric hemoglobins, HbIII and HbIV, with extensive sequence homology, which exhibit marked but differential Bohr effects (pH influence on ligand affinity). These Hbs serve as ideal models for allosteric control of ligand affinity via tertiary-only structural changes. The cyanomet derivatives of these two Hbs have been shown to possess essentially indistinguishable heme cavity structures in solution at low pH (Zhang et al., 1996) that are also very similar to that of the low pH form of HbIII in the crystal (Steigemann & Weber, 1979). 2D 1H NMR has been utilized to elucidate the solution heme cavity structure of the alkaline form of the cyanomet derivatives of HbIII and HbIV to identify the Bohr proton binding site and characterize the nature of the structural changes that accompany the allosteric transition. Significant structural changes with pH have been identified in two regions of the heme cavity, near the axial His and at the junction of...
Transverse Beam Blow-Up in a Standing Wave Linac Cavity

The theory of the interaction of a beam with transverse modes in a standing wave linear accelerator is summarized and applied to the design parameters for recently proposed proton linacs. Approximate results are derived for the limiting current and these are checked and extended by detailed numerical calculation of the build-up of transverse fields. For the contemplated linacs, the current limit is of the order of 10 amperes, safely above the design values.
Lie algebras of infinitesimal norm isometries

Abstract Given a norm on a finite dimensional vector space V , we may consider the group of all linear automorphisms which preserve it. The Lie algebra of this group is a Lie subalgebra of the endomorphism algebra of V having two properties: (1) it is the Lie algebra of a compact subgroup, and (2) it is “saturated” in a sence made precise below. We show that any Lie subalgebra satisfying these conditions is the Lie algebra of the group of linear automorphisms preserving some norm. There is an appendix on elementary Lie group theory.
Laparoscopy-assisted resection of proximal gastric cancer: is less than all more or less complete, or is all more, nonetheless?

The International Gastric Cancer Association and The Japanese Gastric Cancer Association 2012 In this issue of Gastric Cancer, Ahn et al. [1] present a series of 131 patients with early-stage proximal gastric cancer who underwent laparoscopic resection, either in the form of laparoscopy-assisted total gastrectomy (LATG) or that of laparoscopy-assisted proximal gastrectomy (LAPG). The comparison of these two minimally invasive techniques with assessment of multiple early and late measures of outcomes is intriguing, and although not being based on a randomized trial deserves careful recognition and analysis. Fifty LAPG patients had lower intraoperative blood loss and operative times than 81 patients after LATG, but no obvious differences of early postoperative recovery or longer-term survival outcomes were found, with the main group differences consisting of delayed complications and functional parameters. The results generally appear to be excellent, with good postoperative outcomes indicative of proper patient selection and appropriate conduct of the operative procedures. With respect to a comparison of proximal versus total gastrectomy in a laparoscopy-assisted approach, these findings seem to resemble those results found after an open approach to total and proximal gastrectomy that showed no differences between the techniques regarding early postoperative and late oncological outcomes, but indicated possible functional differences between these groups [2]. Are the authors just wrapping the old debate on total versus proximal gastrectomy for proximal gastric cancer into a minimally invasive package here, or is their experience telling us more? We think that this series highlights several relevant aspects and poses some questions that deserve further comment.
Cold acclimatization in hairless mice measured by behavioral thermoregulation

For 30 successive days, mice were administered six-hour periods in the cold (48 °F) and permitted to switch on a heat lamp by means of a free operant response. In the course of this training, the magnitude of the fall in skin temperature in the course of a session declined. The frequency of heat rewards also declined, indicating the development of cold acclimatization.
Clinical Predictors of Plaque Progression Despite Very Low Levels of Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol

Objectives The purpose of this study was to characterize the determinants of plaque progression despite achieving very low levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Background Despite achieving very low levels of LDL-C, many patients continue to demonstrate disease progression and have clinical events. Methods A total of 3,437 patients with coronary artery disease underwent serial intravascular ultrasound examination in 7 clinical trials. Patients who achieved an on-treatment LDL-C level of ≤70 mg/dl (n = 951) were stratified as progressors (n = 200) and nonprogressors (n = 751) and compared. Results Despite achieving LDL-C ≤70 mg/dl, >20% of patients continued to progress. There were no demographic differences between groups. Progressors demonstrated higher baseline levels of glucose (117.1 ± 42.5 mg/dl vs. 112.1 ± 40.0 mg/dl, p = 0.02), triglycerides (157.5 mg/dl vs. 133.0 mg/dl, p = 0.004), and a smaller decrease of apolipoprotein B (−25.1 ± 3.4 mg/dl vs. −27.4 ± 3.35 mg/dl, p = 0.01) at follow-up. Multivariable analysis revealed that independently associated risk factors of progression in patients with LDL-C ≤70 mg/dl included baseline percent atheroma volume (p = 0.001), presence of diabetes mellitus (p = 0.02), increase in systolic blood pressure (p = 0.001), less increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p = 0.01), and a smaller decrease in apolipoprotein B levels (p = 0.001), but not changes in C-reactive protein (p = 0.78) or LDL-C (p = 0.84). Conclusions Residual risk factors are associated with the likelihood of disease progression in patients who achieve very low LDL-C levels. In addition, the association between apolipoprotein B and atheroma progression highlights the potential importance of LDL particle concentration in patients with optimal LDL-C control. This finding highlights the need for intensive modification of global risk in patients with coronary artery disease.
The posterior sagittal trans-sphincteric and trans-rectal approaches

Background: The posterior sagittal, transphincteric approach to treat different pelvic problems has been known since the last century. Although some surgeons have embraced it and have enthusiastically advocated it's use, it has never become an overly popular technique. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of the approach, both from a historical perspective and from the authors' experience. Methods: The international literature on the subject was reviewed since 1877 up to the present date. A retrospective evaluation of the authors' experience was conducted. Specific attention was paid to the final result obtained in the treatment of the original condition, surgical complications and the effect of the surgical approach. on bowel and urinary control. Results: The review included 114 patients divided into two groups. Group A included 85 patients who underwent a posterior sagittal trans-sphincteric approach. Group B included 29 patients who underwent a posterior sagittal transanorectal approach, in which the anterior wall of the rectum and the sphincter were divided. Postoperative bowel control was normal in all patients except in those whose basic condition had resulted in fecal incontinence, or who had sustained an irreversible injury prior to the operation. Urinary control was normal except in cases with pre-operative incontinence. Complications included recurrence of rectogenito-urinary fistulae in 3 cases, rectocutaneous fistula in 3 patients with Hirschsprung's disease, and 2 partial wound dehisences. Conclusions: The posterior sagittal trans-sphincteric approach represents a useful technical alternative. It seems to be particularly useful to treat complications after surgery for Hirschsprung's disease, presacral masses, acquired rectogenito-urinary fistulae and idiopathic rectal prolapse. The transanorectal approach provides excellent exposure to the posterior urethra and vagina. Bowel and urinary control are not compromised.
Oral contraceptives and neoplasia of the uterine corpus

Abstract Effects of oral contraception on neoplasia of the uterine corpus are reviewed on the basis of epidemiologic studies reported to date. A duration-related protective effect against endometrial cancer occurs from use of combined oral contraceptives, those in which each active pill contains both estrogen and progestogen. The risk before age 60 years is reduced by about 38% with two years of use; use of combined OCs for 4, 8, and 12 years, respectively, confers an estimated 51%, 64%, and 70% reduction in endometrial cancer risk. The protective effect appears not to be diminished by discontinued use, even 15 or more years after stopping. Whether protection continues throughout the entire postmenopausal period, even in the presence of long-term hormone replacement therapy, remains to be seen. Use of combined OCs may protect against uterine leiomyomas (“fibroids”), but the evidence is not conclusive. The few findings about effects of oral contraception on the risk of adenomatous hyperplasia are of uncertain validity. Only one study, with few patients, has considered oral contraception in relation to uterine sarcomas.
Hardware-oriented Modified Diamond Search for motion estimation in H.246/AVC

We present a new Hardware-oriented, Modified Diamond Search (HMDS) algorithm, for fast integer pel, motion estimation in H.264/AVC. This algorithm is particularly suitable for low bit rate applications and low power mobile devices. Our results show that our algorithm on average outperforms previous state-of-the-art fast motion estimation algorithms, while its losses in rate-distortion performance, when compared with Full Search Motion Estimation, are insignificant.
Modified Chrisman-Snook repair for the treatment of chronic ankle ligamentous instability in children and adolescents.

Purpose Chronic ankle ligamentous instability is not uncommonly encountered in children and adolescents. A number of operative procedures have been developed and described in the literature, including variations on the original Chrisman–Snook (CS) repair. The purpose of this study is to describe a modification of the CS repair and report the outcomes of this surgery for the treatment of chronic ankle ligamentous instability in children and adolescents.
Extracellular proteolysis of apolipoprotein E (apoE) by secreted serine neuronal protease.

Under normal conditions, brain apolipoprotein E (apoE) is secreted and lipidated by astrocytes, then taken up by neurons via receptor mediated endocytosis. Free apoE is either degraded in intraneuronal lysosomal compartments or released. Here we identified a novel way by which apoE undergoes proteolysis in the extracellular space via a secreted neuronal protease. We show that apoE is cleaved in neuronal conditioned media by a secreted serine protease. This apoE cleavage was inhibited by PMSF and α1-antichymotrypsin, but not neuroserpin-1 or inhibitors of thrombin and cathepsin G, supporting its identity as a chymotrypsin like protease. In addition, apoE incubation with purified chymotrypsin produced a similar pattern of apoE fragments. Analysis of apoE fragments by mass spectrometry showed cleavages occuring at the C-terminal side of apoE tryptophan residues, further supporting our identification of cleavage by chymotrypsin like protease. Hippocampal neurons were more efficient in mediating this apoE cleavage than cortical neurons. Proteolysis of apoE4 generated higher levels of low molecular weight fragments compared to apoE3. Primary glial cultures released an inhibitor of this proteolytic activity. Together, these studies reveal novel mechanism by which apoE can be regulated and therefore could be useful in designing apoE directed AD therapeutic approaches.
A Note on Noise Generation by Large Scale Turbulent Structures in Subsonic and Supersonic Jets

This paper describes a method to connect the measured spectral density in the acoustic far field with the wavenumber/frequency spectrum of the near field fluctuations that produce the noise. A relationship is first derived between the far field spectral density and the wavenumber/frequency spectrum of the pressure fluctuations on a cylindrical surface surrounding the jet in the near field. Measurements of the far field spectral density are then decomposed into contributions from the Large Scale Similarity (LSS) and Fine Scale Similarity (FSS) spectra. The near field wavenumber/frequency spectrum associated with the LSS spectral density alone is then determined. It is shown to have a very similar form for a range of jet operating conditions and Strouhal numbers. This form is consistent with an instability wave or wave packet model. Since both subsonic and supersonic jet exit conditions are examined, it is argued that the noise radiation in the peak radiation directions is controlled by the axial evolution ...
From Park-Centric Conservation to Whole-Landscape Conservation in the USA

America’s traditional parks like its national parks were a creation of a time when today’s environmental problems like climate change did not exist. It allowed for parks to be separate and apart from neighboring land holdings and inward looking in their management. Now park managers must be outward looking in order to protect park resources and to realize the ecological, social, and economic roles parks play in their entire ecosystem, nation, and world are parts of their responsibilities. This chapter traces the evolution of conservation from focusing on individual parks and features to addressing whole or large landscape conservation.
Fusion to Listeriolysin O and Delivery by Listeria monocytogenes Enhances the Immunogenicity of HER-2/neu and Reveals Subdominant Epitopes in the FVB/N Mouse

Five overlapping fragments of rat HER-2/neu have been expressed in recombinant Listeria monocytogenes. Each fragment of HER-2/neu is secreted as a fusion protein with a truncated, nonhemolytic form of listeriolysin O (LLO). Lm-LLO-EC1, Lm-LLO-EC2, and Lm-LLO-EC3 overlap the extracellular domain of HER-2/neu, whereas Lm-LLO-IC1 and Lm-LLO-IC2 span the intracellular domain. All five strains controlled the growth of established NT-2 tumors, a rat HER-2/neu-expressing tumor line derived from a spontaneously arising mammary tumor in a FVB/N HER-2/neu-transgenic mouse. The antitumor effect of each of these vaccine constructs was abrogated by the in vivo depletion of CD8(+) T cells, although only one known epitope has been defined previously and is present in Lm-LLO-EC2. Anti-HER-2/neu CTL responses were generated by each of the rLm vaccine constructs. With the use of a panel of 3T3 cell lines expressing overlapping fragments of HER-2/neu, regions of HER-2/neu with potential CD8(+) T cell epitopes have been defined. DNA vaccines expressing either a fragment or full-length HER-2/neu were constructed in LLO-fused and non-LLO-fused forms. CTL analysis of the DNA vaccines revealed a broadening in the regions of HER-2/neu recognizable as targets when the target Ag is fused to LLO. These studies show the efficacy of L. monocytogenes-based HER-2/neu vaccines in a murine model of breast cancer and also that the immunogenicity of self-Ags can be increased by fusion to LLO and delivery by L. monocytogenes revealing subdominant epitopes.
A technique for producing ordered arrays of metallic nanoclusters by electroless deposition in focused ion beam patterns

Ordered arrays of Au nanoclusters have been prepared on Si substrates using a combination of focused ion beam (FIB) surface processing and electroless deposition. Particles varying in size from approximately 30 to 100 nm have been produced in regular grid patterns whose geometry is controlled to high precision by the FIB. Potential applications range from engineering of the surface plasmon resonance for numerous optical applications to building structures for tethering organic molecules in specific geometric arrangements.
When uncertainty is irrelevant to expected utility decision making

The author discusses the expected value of including uncertainty in decision making, and also normative bases of ambiguity aversion. It is shown that there are broad classes of utility functions for which uncertainty is irrelevant under expected utility theory, and only mean values are significant. Conversely, there are broad classes of utility functions for which preferences over ambiguity are normatively valid. Finally, preferences over ambiguity, even if valid, are not always relevant to decision making; decision makers may have lower expected utility when a probability is ambiguous than when it is certain, but have the same set of optimal decisions in either case. >
Association of gun-related measures in American states and child and adolescent firearm mortality

In 2000 over 38 states of America, several measures of gun ownership were intercorrelated. Factor scores assessing gun prevalence and socioeconomic status predicted child and adolescent firearm mortality.
The Role of Serotonin in Schizophrenia

Studies examining serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5HT) in schizophrenia show variable and inconsistent findings, which might reflect the heterogeneity of the disease. When these studies are reviewed in the light of Crow's "two-syndrome" paradigm of schizophrenia, a new trend emerges. It appears that 5HT findings may be related to certain features of Type II schizophrenia such as negative symptoms, degenerative brain changes, and chronicity in the following manner: (1) 5HT2 antagonists, which have recently become available, have been shown to have an antipsychotic effect, particularly on the negative symptom cluster. (2) Decreased levels of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid in cerebrospinal fluid have been found to be correlated with cortical atrophy or ventricular enlargement in schizophrenic patients. (3) A subgroup of chronic schizophrenic patients has been shown to have elevated levels of platelet or whole blood 5HT. We propose, then, that 5HT dysfunction might be related to Type II, or negative syndrome, schizophrenia, and that the nature of this dysfunction might involve 5HT postsynaptic receptor hypersensitivity. We further suggest that the pharmacotherapy of schizophrenia should include a 5HT-blocking component, as well as a dopamine-blocking component, and we propose that future research should address the role of selective 5HT receptor hypersensitivity in schizophrenia.
SUCCESSFUL AND FAILED SCREENING MECHANISMS IN THE TWO GULF WARS

The article addresses the question of how status-quo states can identify revisionist threats. After recasting the question within the collective security and social learning literatures, the article presents and models a new mechanism for the collective identification of threats – screening. It then identifies several conditions for the existence of screening mechanisms, among which states’ mutual dependence on one another’s support to enforce threats and promises, and restricted opportunities for moral hazard. The model’s predictions are then tested on two most similar cases – the two Gulf wars – with collective learning taking place during the former but not the latter. The paired comparison suggests that rather than being misinformed or irrational, Saddam, in 2003, was not offered the kinds of incentives that would have led him to reveal the truth about the state of Iraq’s nuclear weapons program.
Systemic complications of status epilepticus — An update

Systemic complications occur at every stage of status epilepticus, involve every organ system, and may worsen outcome. Initially, there is a massive catecholamine release and hyperadrenergic state that may result in neurocardiogenic, pulmonary, and, sometimes, musculoskeletal or renal injury. Further medical complications accompany the various treatments used to abort the seizures including the use of nonanesthetic antiseizure drugs and high-dose anesthetic infusions. Later, sequelae of prolonged immobility and critical illness occur and add to the cumulative morbidity of these patients. Clinicians should follow a protocol to guide screening for early markers of systemic injury, complications of specific pharmacologic and adjunctive treatments, and periodic surveillance for complications related to prolonged immobility. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled "Status Epilepticus".
A Training Needs Assessment Among Managers of Federally Subsidized Housing: Facilitating Support Service Use by Vulnerable Older Tenants

A mail survey of 248 upstate New York subsidized-housing managers explored the issue of housing-managerfacilitation of support service use among vulnerable older tenants. Data were collected pertinent to manager knowledge or perceived ability to facilitate tenant service access and their experience in doing so during the past year. Major findings were as follows: (a) Manager knowledge across a broad range of 25 health care and social services constituting the Manager Service Knowledge Index (MSKI) was low—62.1% scored zero (not knowledgeable or familiar with gaining access to any support services). (b) Manager-facilitated tenant service use, measured across the same services (Tenant Service Utilization Index [TSUI]), was also low—64.5% scored zero (had not facilitated tenant access to any of the 25 services during the past year). (c) A strong association was found between MSKI and TSUI, r = .89. (d) Nearly half (45.9%) of the managers had no previous support service network training, and of those who had,...