cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Perception of risk for coronary heart disease in women undergoing coronary angiography.

Abstract Background: Even though coronary heart disease (CHD) is the leading cause of death among women in the United States, most women underestimate their risk of developing CHD. Design: Survey to examine the relationship between women's recollection of being told they were at risk for CHD and the presence of risk factors. Setting/Participants: A convenience sample of 450 women undergoing coronary angiography at 1 university hospital. Main Outcome Measures: Self-recollection of being told one was at risk for CHD and presence of CHD risk factors. Results: Most women (83.6%) had 3 or more risk factors, 12.2% had 1 or 2 risk factors, and 0.9% had no risk factors. Only 35% of women recalled being told that they were at risk for CHD. Few relationships were found between being told one was at risk for CHD and the presence of individual risk factors. No difference was found in the mean number of risk factors among women who did and did not recall being told they were at risk. In logistic regression analysis, only 5% of the variance in recollection of being told one was at risk was predicted, with only age, education, and having a high cholesterol level significantly contributing to the equation. Conclusions: Even though women may not remember conversations with their health care provider about CHD risk, the possibility that risk factors were not adequately assessed cannot be discounted. Patient-provider conversations about CHD risk factors should be encouraged as the first step toward successful risk reduction. (Heart Lung® 2002;31:246-52.)
High-resolution residential feeder load characterization and variability modelling

Data from of a highly instrumented residential feeder in Ota City, Japan was used to determine 1 second load variability for the aggregation of 50, 100, 250, and 500 homes. The load variability is categorized by binning the data into seasons, weekdays vs. weekends, and time of day to create artificial sub-15-minute variability estimates for modeling dynamic load profiles. An autoregressive, AR(1) function along with a high pass filter was used to simulate the high resolution variability. The simulated data were validated against the original 1-second measured data.
Ion transport in LiISiO2 composites

Abstract The enhanced ionic conductivity observed when ceramic particles are added to LiI prompted this study of ionic transport along the LiI-SiO 2 interface. The results of a previous study of interfacial ion transport are reviewed and a possible mechanism for enhanced interfacial conduction is presented. The effects of interfacial roughness, aliovalent doping (MgI 2 ) and homovalent doping (KI) of LiI on the LiI SiO 2 interfacial conductivity are discussed. It is concluded that the enhanced conductivity observed for LiI-ceramic particle composites results from rapid ion transport along the core of the interfacial region.
Midwest auto transplants: Japanese investment strategies and policies

) vet the past decade a significant amount of money has f lowed from Japan into the United States. Japanese accumulation of U.S. debt has been enormous, and investmerits in real estate have also been extensive. For the most part, these have been passive investments; the Japanese were content to allow American management to handle operations. But this scenario is changing with the new wave of automobile assembly plants being constructed. Beginning with the famed Honda plant in Marysville, Ohl.o in 1978, the Japanese now have seven plants already built or under construction. Six, located in the Midwest and South, have gained the nickname "Auto Alley." The total investment will be in excess of $4 billion with the projected output at 1.7 million vehicles per year. However, the arrival of these plants has not been without controversy. A portion of the concern by domestic manufacturers is that the new plants will be "green field" facilities. With existing plants available, the Japanese have chosen to start from scratch except for the Fremont, California facility. In all cases the latest manufacturing technology will be incorporated into the plant and productivity will be high. With the "green field" approach, the time be tween announcement and the start of production can be in the twoto four-year range. The implied promises of instant employment and overnight prosperity for the area concerned are not immediately realized. Another source of the controversy lies in the extensive efforts undertaken by states to attract the Japanese auto assemblers. Prodigious sums are expended to lure these automotive giants. State governments actively seek industrial development. The creation of economic prosperity :in the state is viewed as a basic responsibility by many elected officeholders. Current data show that these states are willing to spend hundreds of millions of dollars to attract these plants. States are fiscally obligating their taxpayers for decades to lure the automakers. The major questions being asked are: • What is really being created? • Are the jobs simply low-skilled assembly jobs that will contribute little to economic prosperity? A look at Japanese transplants shows they have much in common, and American policymakers need to take heed in preparation for the next round.
Tumor necrosis factor-α gene expression in the tissues of normal mice

Although TNF-alpha is traditionally associated with macrophage activation during neoplasia and acute inflammation, recent Northern blot hybridization studies indicate that gene expression occurs in the absence of pathology. In order to identify the cellular sources of endogenous message and protein, normal mouse tissues were tested for TNF-alpha mRNA using in situ hybridization and for the corresponding protein by immunocytochemistry. Unexpectedly, specific TNF-alpha message was readily detected in hepatocytes, kidney tubule epithelial cells, various populations of spleen cells and neurons. TNF-alpha protein was present in the same liver and kidney cells as those that contained TNF-alpha mRNA, was low in spleen cells, and was absent in neurons. These results suggest that cells other than macrophages are the major sources of TNF-alpha gene products in normal tissues, indicate that regulation is accomplished by more than one mechanism, and are consistent with the postulate that products of this gene contribute to normal physiological processes.
Evaluation of initial hepatic allograft function with changes of free plasma amino acids in canine orthotopic liver transplantation.

Abstract We investigated the correlation between amino acid level and hepatic graft function. Plasma amino acid levels were measured at three time periods during canine orthotopic liver transplantation. During the anhepatic phase, plasma amino acid levels rose except for tryptophan. Cystine and alanine (Ala) increased significantly to 210 ± 28% (n = 20, mean ± SEM) and 203 ± 11% from preoperative values (100%), respectively. In animals successfully surviving without hepatic insufficiency after transplantation of fresh livers (n = 7), plasma amino acid levels were restored to preoperative values within 3 hr following reperfusion. On the other hand, in animals that died from hepatic insufficiency within 5 days after grafting of warm ischemically damaged livers (n = 8), plasma amino acids, especially Ala, phenylalanine, total free plasma amino acids, and aromatic amino acids progressively increased to 216 ± 25, 274 ± 36, 152 ± 15, and 152 ± 15% at 3 hr after reperfusion. These were significantly higher compared to those of the group of animals transplanted with fresh livers (P
Fitness, Fatness, and Cardiovascular Disease Risk and Outcomes

There is a high prevalence of both overweight and obesity in the United States and other developed countries. There is strong evidence of the association between higher levels of body mass index and other measures of body fatness and negative health consequences. However, there is also strong evidence to support that low levels of cardiorespiratory fitness and physical activity contribute to these same negative health consequences. Thus, there is significant interest in the independent and combined effects of fitness and fatness on health-related outcomes that include cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality, as well as all-cause mortality. A review of the current evidence suggests that there are both independent and combined effects of fitness and fatness on these outcomes. Health care providers should promote both weight loss and increased fitness, resulting from physical activity, to optimize the health benefits for patients at increased risk for chronic diseases.
Role of Hsp-70 in Triptolide-Mediated Cell Death of Neuroblastoma

Background Our recent work demonstrated that treatment of neurobastoma with triptolide causes apoptotic cell death in vitro and decreases tumor size in vivo. Triptolide therapy has been associated with reduced expression of Hsp-70, suggesting a mechanism of cell killing involving Hsp-70 inhibition. The principal objective of this study was to investigate the role of Hsp-70 in triptolide-mediated cell death in neuroblastoma. Materials and Methods Neuroblastoma cells were transfected with Hsp-70-specific siRNA. Viability, caspase activity, and phosphatidylserine externalization were subsequently measured. An orthotopic, syngeneic murine tumor model was developed, and randomized mice received daily injections of triptolide or vehicle. At 21 d, mice were sacrificed. Immunohistochemisty was used to characterize Hsp-70 levels in residual tumors, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) was performed to identify cells undergoing apoptosis. Results Targeted silencing of Hsp-70 with siRNA significantly decreased cellular viability, augmented caspase-3 activity, and resulted in increased annexin-V staining. These effects parallel those findings obtained following treatment with triptolide. Residual tumors from triptolide-treated mice showed minimal staining with Hsp-70 immunohistochemistry, while control tumors stained prominently. Tumors from treated mice demonstrated marked staining with the TUNEL assay, while control tumors showed no evidence of apoptosis. Conclusions Use of siRNA to suppress Hsp-70 expression in neuroblastoma resulted in apoptotic cell death, similar to the effects of triptolide. Residual tumors from triptolide-treated mice expressed decreased levels of Hsp-70 and demonstrated significant apoptosis. These findings support the hypothesis that Hsp-70 inhibition plays a significant role in triptolide-mediated neuroblastoma cell death
Obstructive sleep apnea and neurocognitive function in a Hispanic/Latino population

Objective: We evaluated the association between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and neurocognitive function among community-dwelling Hispanic/Latino individuals in the United States. Methods: Cross-sectional analysis of the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos middle-aged and older adults, aged 45 to 74 years, with neurocognitive test scores at baseline measurements from 2008 to 2011. Neurocognitive scores were measured using the Word Fluency (WF) Test, the Brief–Spanish English Verbal Learning Test (SEVLT), and the Digit Symbol Substitution (DSS) Test. OSA was defined by the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI). Multivariable linear regression models were fit to evaluate relations between OSA and neurocognitive scores. Results: The analysis consisted of 8,059 participants, mean age of 56 years, 55% women, and 41% with less than high school education. The mean AHI was 9.0 (range 0–142; normal AHI p p p Conclusion: OSA was associated with worse neurocognitive function in a representative sample of Hispanic/Latino women in the United States.
Stimulation of growth hormone release by anterior pituitary perfusion in the rat.

The technique described by Porter, Kamberi et al. (1) for perfusion of the anterior pituitary via a microcannula inserted into a hypophyseal portal vessel was used for testing growth hormone-releasing hormone (GH-RH) activity in extracts of rat stalk-median eminence in urethaneanesthetized male rats. Plasma GH levels were measured by radioimmunoassay. Various amounts of stalk median eminence (SME) or cerebral cortex (CC) extract from intact male rats were infused into a hypophyseal stalk vessel. Arginine vasopressin, 8 mU, as contained in 6/10 of rat SME served as a control for vasopressin contamination in the crude material. All infusions were made in 60 μl of isotonic saline over 30 min. After 0.3 and 0.6 SME, radioimmunoassayable GH in plasma increased by 85.3 ± 33.5 ng/ml and 254.9 ± 25.8 ng/ml, respectively. Infusion of 0.3 CC was ineffective, but after 0.6 CC equivalent to 0.6 SME, a moderate increase of 46.3 ±11.3 ng/ml occurred within 30 min. Sham operation, saline infusion, and infusion of 8 mU o...
Sparse sensing in colocated MIMO radar: A matrix completion approach

In this paper, we investigate a novel networked colocated MIMO radar approach that relies on sparse sensing and matrix completion, and enables significant reduction of the volume of data required for accurate target detection and estimation. More specifically, the receive antennas sample the target returns via two sparse sensing schemes, and forward the obtained samples to a fusion center. Based on the data from multiple antennas, the fusion center can formulate and solve a low rank matrix completion problem, which allows for the recovery of all information needed for target parameters estimation. Both the cases of uniform linear and general 2D arrays are considered. The effectiveness of the proposed approach is justified both theoretically and through numerical simulations.
Freeze tolerance in the gray treefrog: cryoprotectant mobilization and organ dehydration.

Freeze tolerance in the frog Rana sylvatica is supported by nonanticipatory mobilization of cryoprotectant (glucose) and redistribution of organ water. Other freeze-tolerant frogs may manifest these responses but differences exist. For example, the gray treefrog (Hyla versicolor) accumulates mostly glycerol as opposed to glucose. The current study reports additional novel features about cryoprotection in H. versicolor. Frogs were acclimated to low temperature for 12 weeks and frozen for 3 days at -2.4 degrees C. Some frogs were then thawed at 3 degrees C for 4 hr. Calorimetry revealed that frozen frogs had 53.9% +/- 11.1% of their body water in ice, and all frogs recovered following this procedure. Plasma glucose was low prior to the onset of freezing (1.1 +/- 0.9 micromol/ml) and it was 20x higher in postfreeze frogs. Constituting nearly 30% of plasma solute, glycerol was 117.2 +/- 13.6 micromol/ml prior to freezing and it remained equally high in postfreeze frogs. Liver water content was moderately lower in frozen frogs when compared to controls (62.9% +/- 3.7% vs. 68.6% +/- 1.7%), whereas postfreeze frogs excessively hydrated their livers (75.7% +/- 2.1%). Less-pronounced changes were seen in muscle water content. H. versicolor can mobilize its major cryoprotectant, glycerol, in response to extended cold acclimation, which is unique in comparison to other freeze-tolerant frogs, and it experiences only moderate organ dehydration during freezing. This species conforms with other freeze-tolerant frogs, however, by mobilizing glucose as a direct response to tissue freezing.
Second-Generation Synthesis of the Polypropionate Subunit of Callystatin A Based on Regioselective Internal Alkyne Hydrostannation

An improved route to the polypropionate segment of callystatin A is described in which the efficient directed hydrostannation of an internal alkyne and subsequent iodinolysis provides a key vinylic iodide intermediate.
Poly(L‐lysine)/microcrystalline cellulose biocomposites for porous scaffolds

The need for tissue engineered scaffolds is growing due to a shortage in organ donation, potential immunoreactions to allotransplants, and high cost associated with transplantation. The main focus of this research is concerned with material selection and processing which are key for a successful design of any tissue engineered structure. This work investigates the possibility of reinforcing a weak polypeptide [poly(L-lysine)] with a stronger polysaccharide (cellulose) and processing the resulting composite into a porous structure. As the main processing parameters, the effect of pH on the secondary structure of the polypeptide and the effect of the hydrolysis conditions on the properties of commercially available microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) were studied. The significance of the cellulose content as well as the scaffold fabrication conditions on the properties of the composite system was assessed. Overall, PLL/MCC composites showed a lower crystallinity compared to the PLL alone while further hydrolyzed MCC particles (HMCC) showed surface erosion and resulted in a crystallinity increase when incorporated into a composite structure. POLYM. COMPOS., 2011. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
The Healer's art: education in meaning and service.

he Healer’s Art is a medical school elective developed by Rachel Naomi Remen, MD, of the Institute for the Study of Health and Illness (ISHI) with 4 goals in mind: (1) to provide support for medical students in recognizing, valuing, enhancing and preserving the human dimension of their work; (2) to enable students and physicians to experience and affiliate with the core values of the Hippocratic Oath: compassion, service, harmlessness, love, and justice as a way of life; (3) to enable students and physicians to experience the support of an egalitarian and collegial relationship that is nonjudgmental, noncompetitive, and “harmless”; and (4) to enable students and faculty to explore the concept of healing in Medicine and participate in relationships that promote healing. The Healer’s Art includes five 3-hour experiential and contemplative modules: Discovering and Nurturing Your Wholeness, Sharing Loss and Honoring Grief (2 sessions), Beyond Analysis: Allowing Awe in Medicine, and the Care of the Soul: Service as a Way of Life. These topics are core experiences of professionalism that physicians rarely discuss among themselves. In addition to the original 15-hour course curriculum designed for 1stand 2nd-year medical students, an advanced 6-hour curriculum offered as a day retreat or 2 sequential sessions is now available for 3rdand 4th-year students and residents. The Healer’s Art curriculum is both didactic and experiential—about 10% of course time uses a didactic approach. Noncognitive methodologies such as reflection on life experience or personal values comprise 90% of the course; students successfully participate in such holistic approaches as imagery, ritual, poetry writing, and journal keeping. Each session begins with a “seed talk” in the large group by a faculty member, followed by a guided reflection, and finally the sharing of student and faculty reflections and insights in small groups. Small groups consist of 5 students and a faculty and membership is held constant through each session of the course.
In vitro synthesis of the Bowman-Birk and related soybean protease inhibitors.

Poly (A)+ RNAs from immature soybean seeds were size fractionated in denaturing sucrose gradients to identify mRNA that directs the cell-free synthesis of the Bowman-Birk protease inhibitor and the related inhibitors PI I–IV. Polypeptides synthesized in vitro were labeled with (35S)-cysteine and (3H)-serine and detected by immunoprecipitation with anti Bowman-Birk and anti PI I–IV sera. Immunoprecipitates of the translation products comigrated on SDS-polyacrylamide gels with the dimeric or trimeric aggregates of the authentic inhibitor proteins, which self-associate under certain conditions. Further evidence that these immunoprecipitates contained authentic polypeptides corresponding to the Bowman-Birk or PI IV inhibitor was shown by sequential amino acid analyses of peptides generated by cleavage with cyanogen bromide.
Association of tetramers of human butyrylcholinesterase is mediated by conserved aromatic residues of the carboxy terminus

Human butyrylcholinesterase is composed predominantly of tetramers. Our laboratory has previously shown that up to 40 carboxy terminal residues of each subunit contribute to the stabilization of tetramers [Blong et al. (1997) Biochem. J. 327, 747–57]. To better define the residues which participate in tetramer stabilization, the in vivo interaction of the BChE C-terminus 46 residue peptide was quantitated for the wild type and mutant BChE using the yeast two-hybrid system. The wild type C-terminal peptides interacted with one another in this system. The C-terminal peptide mutants altering Cys 571 to Ala (C571A) or Ala 539 to Thr (the K-variant mutation) interacted to a similar degree as the wild type peptides. However, the mutant in which seven conserved aromatic residues (Trp 543, Phe 547, Trp 550, Tyr 553, Trp 557, Phe 561, and Tyr 564) had been altered to alanines (aromatics off mutant) showed only 11.7% of the interaction seen with the wild type peptide. To determine the effect of these C-terminal aromatic mutations on the oligomeric composition of BChE, the seven mutations were incorporated into the complete BChE molecule, with or without the C571A mutation and these mutants were expressed transiently in 293T cells. The aromatics off mutant contained no tetramers but was composed solely of dimers and monomers. In addition, the aromatics off mutant with the C571A mutation was composed of only monomers. Since Bon et al. [(1997) JBC 272: 3016–21] have observed that the addition of poly-L-proline to culture medium of cells expressing acetyl-cholinesterase increased the proportion of the tetrameric form, poly-L-proline was added to the media of transiently transfected 293T cells expressing wild type, G534stop (40 residues deleted from the C-terminus) or aromatics off BChE. For the wild type BChE, an increase in the tetrameric form and a corresponding decrease in the dimeric and monomeric forms were observed as the poly-L-proline concentration was increased.
A longitudinal study of caries onset in initially caries‐free children and baseline salivary mutans streptococci levels: a Kaplan–Meier survival analysis

Objectives To apply survival analysis to a longitudinal study of the relationship between salivary mutans streptococci (MS) levels at baseline in initially caries-free children and caries onset in deciduous, mixed, and permanent dentition. Methods The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis method was used to compare survival times to caries onset for initially caries-free children with low levels of MS at baseline with survival times to caries onset for initially caries-free children with high levels of MS at baseline. Results Data from a 6-year longitudinal study of caries risk in initially caries-free children in Rochester and the Finger Lakes Region of western New York were utilized for this study. Of 464 children analyzed, 327 had a low level of MS and 137 had a high level of MS at baseline. Survival analyses showed that children with a low level of MS at baseline remained caries-free for a longer period than children with a high level of MS at baseline. Statistically significant relationships [hazard ratios (HR)] with onset of caries in deciduous, mixed and permanent teeth were found with high and low levels of salivary MS. Conclusions Based on our analysis, we concluded that children who were caries-free at baseline and who had high salivary MS levels at baseline would be at greater risk, i.e. more susceptible to caries onset, at any given time than caries-free children who had low salivary MS levels at baseline. Survival functions for deciduous, mixed and permanent dentitions with their 95% confidence limits have been calculated. Survival analysis for the exploration of longitudinal caries studies has an advantage over traditional statistical methods, as it takes into account censored observations and incorporates the concept of risk over time. Hence, survival analysis is well suited for studying transitions from one health state to another, in this case, from a caries-free state to a caries-active state.
On the Connection Assignment Problem of Diagnosable Systems

This paper treats the problem of automatic fault diagnosis for systems with multiple faults. The system is decomposed into n units u 1 , u 2 , . . . , u n , where a unit is a well-identifiable portion of the system which cannot be further decomposed for the purpose of diagnosis. By means of a given arrangement of testing links (connection assignment) each unit of the system tests a subset of units, and a proper diagnosis can be arrived at for any diagnosable fault pattern. Methods for optimal assignments are given for instantaneous and sequential diagnosis procedures.
Introduction to the Special Issue on Tournaments and Contests

The papers in this special issue represent several of the directions taken by current research on tournaments and contests. Two surveys provide useful insight into promotion contests and into contest functions. Other papers analyze the implications of limited liability, incomplete information, cross-shareholding, and non-binding side payments. And two papers investigate dynamic incentives and momentum.
The durability of student behavior change: A comparative analysis at follow-up

This study investigated the maintenance of classroom behavior changes produced by the Program for Academic Survival Skills (PASS). The PASS program only and two maintenance enhancement conditions were contrasted to a notreatment control group at 1 week following the program, 3 weeks following the enhancement conditions, and at 6 weeks following termination of all procedures. Results indicated the procedures contained in the PASS program were sufficient to produce maintenance over a 9-week period.
Structural organization of ultrarapidly frozen barley aleurone cells actively involved in protein secretion

The ultrastructural organization of actively secreting barley (Hordeum vulgare L. cv. Himalaya) aleurone cells was examined using ultrarapid-freezing (<-10 000°C s-1) followed by freeze-fracture and freeze-substitution. Our analysis indicates that much of the evidence supporting a direct pathway from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to the plasma membrane (i.e. bypassing the Golgi apparatus) for the secretion of α-amylase (EC 3.2.1.1) may not be valid. Cryofixed ER cisternae show no sign of vesiculation during active α-amylase secretion in gibberellic acid (GA3)-treated cells. At the same time, Golgi complexes are abundant and numerous small vesicles are associated with the edges of the cisternae. Vesicles appear to be involved in the delivery of secretory products to the plasma membrane since depressions containing excess membrane material appear there. Treatment with GA3 also induces changes in the composition of Golgi membranes; most notably, the density of intramembrane particles increases from 2700 μm-2 to 3800 μm-2 because of an increase of particles in the 3–8.5-nm size range. A slight decrease in 9–11-nm particles also occurs. These changes in membrane structure appear to occur as the Golgi complex becomes committed to the processing and packaging of secretory proteins. We suggest that secretory proteins in this tissue are synthesized in the abundant rough ER, packaged in the Golgi apparatus, and transported to the plasma membrane via Golgi-derived secretory vesicles. Mobilization of reserves is also accompanied by dynamic membrane events. Our micrographs show that the surface monolayer of the lipid bodies fuses with the outer leaflet of the bilayer of protein-body membranes during the mobilization of lipid reserves. Following the breakdown of the protein reserves, the protein bodies assume a variety of configurations.
Adrenergic neuroplasticity is maintained in the nutritional rehabilitated adult rat

This work examined the capacity of intact catecholaminergic axons to grow, in response to lesions, in the brain of adult rats following nutritional rehabilitation. The partially deafferented epithalamic habenula was used as a model to study neuronal plasticity. Noradrenergic neurons appear to maintain their plasticity in rats recovered from their postnatal undernutrition.
Does prior transurethral resection of prostate compromise brachytherapy quality: a dosimetric analysis.

Purpose To evaluate, in a retrospective review, prostate brachytherapy dosimetry outcomes relative to the transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) cavity size to address the theoretical concern that an intraprostatic cavity may hinder adequate radioactive source placement. Methods and materials A total of 73 patients who underwent prostate brachytherapy as part of their treatment of localized prostate cancer had a history of a prior TURP. Of these 73 patients, 37 underwent 125 I implantation, 19 103 Pd implantation, and 17 partial 103 Pd implantation. The dose was calculated using the dose to 90% of the prostate gland (D 90 ) from the 1-month post-implant dosimetric analysis. The doses were normalized relative to 100% of the prescription dose. Archived transrectal ultrasound images were used to determine the maximal length and width of the visible residual TURP cavities. The prolate spheroid or symmetric egg shape was used to calculate each residual cavity volume. The derived volume of the TURP cavity was divided by the measured ultrasound volume of the prostate at brachytherapy, creating a percentage of volume measurement for each prostate. All p values, unless otherwise specified, were generated by comparing patients without a visible TURP defect with the subgroups of patients with a visible defect using the Student t test. Results A visible residual TURP defect was noted on the operative transrectal ultrasound images of 55 (75%) of the 73 patients with a history of TURP before brachytherapy. The 18 patients without a visible TURP defect had a median D 90 of 96% and were used for subsequent statistical comparison. Thirty-six patients with a TURP defect 90 of 109% ( p = 0.02). Thirteen patients with a TURP defect between 10% and 20% of the prostate volume had a median D 90 of 112% ( p = 0.03). Six patients with a TURP defect >20% of the prostate volume had a D 90 of 89% ( p = 0.43). Conclusion A visible residual TURP cavity that is assumed to have a prolate spheroid shape and occupy ≥10% of a prostate volume did not appear to be a statistically significant hindrance to proper dosimetric outcome.
Insertion loss characterization of tightly spaced interconnects with an embedded patterned layer

As smaller packaging footprints and faster data rates are pursued, signal integrity suffers as a result of interconnects routed in close proximity to one another. This paper focuses on two tightly spaced microstrips and highlights the use of an embedded patterned layer (EPL) of conductive elements to improve insertion loss and far end crosstalk. The frequency domain S-parameter performance is characterized with a commercial full wave solver and effective permittivity is extracted. The effect of relative permittivity on insertion loss is investigated. The largest improvement is seen for the permittivity of 10, with insertion loss improving from -6.3dB to -2.3dB at 67GHz. The same case shows a far end crosstalk improvement from -1.5dB to -4.8dB at 67GHz. However, a tradeoff with return loss and near end crosstalk is observed.
Abstract 2820: LY2784544, a small molecule JAK2 inhibitor, induces apoptosis in inflammatory breast cancer spheres through targeting IL-6-JAK-STAT3 pathway

Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is more aggressive and deadly than other breast cancers (K Rowan. JNCI. 2009;101(19):1302-1304). IBC cells secrete angiogenic and vasculogenic growth factors, such as VEGF, bFGF, IL-6 and IL-8, resulting in a cluster of tumor cells, termed anembolus. Through maintaining cell-cell interactions, the IBC emboli can become resistant to “anoikis”, a cell death process following the loss of contact from their neighboring cells. It is hypothesized that this resistance may allow IBC cells to survive the migration through lymphatic vessels and facilitate development of skin and lymph node metastasis. With current therapy, the disease-free survival for IBC patients is only about 35% (SD Merajver et al. J Clin Oncol. 1997;15(8):2873-81). Clearly better therapy is needed for patients with IBC and insights may be gained from exploration of and subsequent interventions in the roles these growth factors play in the biology of IBC. In this study, we investigated the role of IL-6 in activating the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), conferring resistance to anoikis, and promoting cell proliferation in IBC SUM-149 tumor spheres. Moreover, we targeted JAK2, a transducer of IL-6 signaling to STAT3, by a small molecule JAK2 inhibitor, LY2784544, to inhibit the IL-6-Stat3 pathway and induce apoptosis in SUM-149 tumor spheres. In brief, SUM-149 cells were grown to form tumor spheres under low adherence culture conditions. IL-6 mediated-Stat3 activation and the induction of the cleavage of PARP were evaluated by Western Blotting. Anoikis and cell viability were measured by calcein-AM accumulation and the expression of IL-6 was examined by RT-PCR. We found that exogenous IL-6 activated STAT3, conferred resistance to anoikis and promoted the cell proliferation in SUM-149 cells under the low adherent culture condition. Furthermore, the expression of IL-6 was increased by 50-fold in IBC tumor spheres as measured by RT-PCR. The autocrine production of IL-6 activated STAT3 and inhibited anoikis- induced apoptosis in SUM-149 tumor spheres. Very importantly, we showed that targeting JAK2 by LY2784544 potently inhibited the phosphorylation of STAT3 in a dose dependent manner with an IC50 of 0.25 µM. Blockage of this signal pathway by LY2784544 resulted in potent induction of apoptosis (EC50=0.49 µM). Taken together, these studies suggest the IL-6-JAK-STAT3 pathway may serve as a molecular signature of IBC and as a potential therapeutic target. LY2784544 is currently in clinical studies for the treatment of myeloid proliferative neoplasm indications and the results reported here support clinical investigation for the treatment of IBC. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2820. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-2820
The response of solar radiation in Jubail, Saudi Arabia, to smoke from oil field fires in Kuwait

The relative monthly solar radiation in Jubail Industrial City, Saudi Arabia (300 km southeast of Kuwait City) was reduced to 75% of the recent 10-year mean value by the torching of the first 50 of many oil wells and production facilities in Kuwait in mid-January 1991. The value was reduced further when an additional 600 wells were ignited in late February. Solar radiation continued at 55–65% of normal levels during March to August, when 341 oil wells were still burning. Recovery was rapid as the fires in oil fields located directly upwind of Jubail were extinguished, with the solar radiation reaching 95% of the long-term mean in October.
UPDATE IN PHARMACOLOGIC TREATMENT OF HYPERTENSION

Initial pharmacologic therapy for hypertension is low-dose thiazide diuretics, beta-blockers, and ACE inhibitors. Increasing data have confirmed that ACE inhibitors have specific benefit in patients with diabetes, atherosclerosis, left ventricular dysfunction, and renal insufficiency. CCBs are alternative agents for ISH in the elderly and appear to decrease stroke with perhaps less protection against progression of renal insufficiency and proteinuria, CAD mortality and new onset heart failure versus other initial agents, especially ACE inhibitors. ARBs are well tolerated and effective blood pressure lowering agents but have not been confirmed as effective as ACE inhibitors for reducing renal progression, clinical events, or mortality from heart failure. Effective pharmacologic antihypertensive therapy may avoid disabling and undetected cerebrovascular disease, cognitive dysfunction, and disturbing symptoms of elevated blood pressure. Vasopeptidase inhibitor, such as omapatrilat, and endothelin-1 antagonist, such as bosentan, may become future agents approved for the reduction of morbidity and mortality with hypertension. The ALLHAT trial continues to examine the potential benefits and harms of amlodipine versus chlorthalidone and lisinopril in a diverse high-risk population. Based on ALLHAT data, however, doxazosin is no longer an acceptable initial pharmacological agent. Intensive pharmacologic treatment with blood pressure lowering to less than 130/85 mm Hg is recommended with diabetes, renal insufficiency, and heart failure with additional goal of less than 125/75 mm Hg with renal failure and proteinuria greater than 1 g/24 h, based on multiple outcome studies.
Compatibility and conflict among outcomes of organizational entry strategies: Mechanistic and social systems perspectives

This article deals with living systems at the organizational and individual levels of analysis. We examine compatibility and conflict among outcomes of three organizational entry strategies—personnel selection, vocational guidance, and realistic job previews. Mechanistic and social systems perspectives of organizational entry strategies have different implications for single versus multiple outcomes, conflict among outcomes, and compatibility among strategies. We use experimental and correlational procedures with 164 newly hired bank employees to examine these issues. The results show that strategies have multiple outcomes, outcomes of a single strategy can conflict, and multiple strategies can have incompatible outcomes. The study suggests that organizational entry is a complex process that is best approached from a social systems perspective. Implications of a social systems perspective on organizational entry include shifting the focus of organizational entry from techniques to goals, reconciling multiple and conflicting goals, and adapting strategies to changes in the environment.
Controls on geomagnetic reversals and core evolution by mantle convection in the Phanerozoic

Abstract Numerical dynamos driven by non-uniform heat flux at the core-mantle boundary are used to investigate the connections between geomagnetic field structure, geomagnetic reversal frequency, core evolution, and mantle convection through Phanerozoic time. Polarity reversal sequences and time average magnetic field structures are calculated using dynamos driven by two representations of lower mantle history: a reconstruction of mantle convection with plate motions by Zhang and Zhong (2011) that produces time variable core-mantle boundary (CMB) heat flux and an irregular evolution of the core, and a second model based on hotspot locations with a time independent pattern of CMB heat flux derived from the present-day seismic shear wave heterogeneity of the lower mantle that produces a monotonic evolution of the core. For both mantle histories, present-day values of the dynamo control parameters are tuned to match Geomagnetic Polarity Time Scale reversal statistics for 0–5 Ma, and the time dependences of the dynamo control parameters are determined from the thermal evolution of the core, including time variability of CMB heat flow, inner core size, inner core chemical buoyancy flux, and rotation rate. The dynamo with time independent CMB heat flux shows minor fluctuations in reversal frequency with age, whereas the dynamo with time variable CMB heat flux shows reversal rate fluctuations including stable polarity at 275 and 475 Ma and frequent reversals at other times. This dynamo also produces departures from geocentric axial dipole symmetry during the time of supercontinent Pangaea and a heterogeneous growth history of the inner core.
Changes to medication-use processes after overdose of U-500 regular insulin.

Purpose Modifications made to medication-use processes after an overdose of U-500 regular insulin are described. Summary After a medication error occurred with U-500 regular insulin, a multidisciplinary team of physicians, nurses, advanced-practice nurses, and pharmacists was created to review and improve the ordering, dispensing, and administration processes associated with U-500 regular insulin. The group determined that current safety practices for managing insulin were inadequate. New safety processes specific to U-500 regular insulin were developed and implemented. Vials of U-500 regular insulin are no longer dispensed to nursing units and are stored only in the pharmacy and separated from other insulins. The ordering of U-500 regular insulin is limited to the endocrinology service, and all orders are written using a specialized U-500 regular insulin order set. The option for i.v. administration for U-500 regular insulin was removed from the pharmacy order-entry system; thus, only the subcutaneous route is entered by the pharmacist. In addition, patient-specific doses of U-500 regular insulin are prepared in the pharmacy using only tuberculin syringes that require a double check by two pharmacists. These syringes are delivered to patient care areas in a bag distinguishing the medication as “high alert.” One last safety check involving a two-nurse check at the bedside to confirm correct medication administration is performed. Lastly, patient education material specifically for U-500 regular insulin is available online. Conclusion A multidisciplinary team recommended modifications to the medication-use system regarding U-500 regular insulin after review of a medication error. No errors involving U-500 regular insulin have been reported since implementation of the changes.
Distribution of airborne influenza virus and respiratory syncytial virus in an urgent care medical clinic.

BACKGROUND Considerable controversy exists with regard to whether influenza virus and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are spread by the inhalation of infectious airborne particles and about the importance of this route, compared with droplet or contact transmission. METHODS Airborne particles were collected in an urgent care clinic with use of stationary and personal aerosol samplers. The amounts of airborne influenza A, influenza B, and RSV RNA were determined using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Health care workers and patients participating in the study were tested for influenza. RESULTS Seventeen percent of the stationary samplers contained influenza A RNA, 1% contained influenza B RNA, and 32% contained RSV RNA. Nineteen percent of the personal samplers contained influenza A RNA, none contained influenza B RNA, and 38% contained RSV RNA. The number of samplers containing influenza RNA correlated well with the number and location of patients with influenza (r= 0.77). Forty-two percent of the influenza A RNA was in particles < or = 4.1 microm in aerodynamic diameter, and 9% of the RSV RNA was in particles < or = 4.1 microm. CONCLUSIONS Airborne particles containing influenza and RSV RNA were detected throughout a health care facility. The particles were small enough to remain airborne for an extended time and to be inhaled deeply into the respiratory tract. These results support the possibility that influenza and RSV can be transmitted by the airborne route and suggest that further investigation of the potential of these particles to transmit infection is warranted.
Versality for canonical curves and complete intersections

Let X be a smooth subvariety of Pr , over an algebraically closed eld k. In an attempt to understand the geometry of X , one would like to understand the singular hyperplane sections of X , and how the family of all hyperplane sections behave around a singular one. Classically this involved the study of in ection points on curves. If X is arbitrary nothing much can be said, so suppose that X is general, meaning that it belongs to an open subset of the Hilbert scheme of Pr . It is natural to expect the singularities of hyperplane sections are isolated and versally deformed by the nearby hyperplane sections. If this property holds, we shall call X hyperplane versal. Versality is de ned in (1.2), and roughly means that every possible deformation appears. Apart from the fact that versality is an interesting property in its own right, there is often a normal form for a versal deformation, and it is a useful property for enumerative questions. We are able to prove the following results:
Mitochondrial DNA Damage via Augmented Oxidative Stress Regulates Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Autophagy: Crosstalk, Links and Signaling

Saturated free fatty acids (FFAs) have been implicated in the increase of oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, autophagy, and insulin resistance (IR) observed in skeletal muscle. Previously, we have shown that palmitate-induced mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) damage triggers mitochondrial dysfunction, mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS) production, apoptosis and IR in L6 myotubes. The present study showed that mitochondrial overexpression of human 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase/AP lyase (hOGG1) decreased palmitate-induced carbonylation of proteins in mitochondria. Additionally, we found that protection of mtDNA from palmitate-induced damage significantly diminished markers of both ER stress and autophagy in L6 myotubes. Moreover, we observed that the addition of ROS scavenger, N-acetylcystein (NAC), to palmitate diminished both ER stress and autophagy markers mimicking the effect of mitochondrial overexpression of hOGG1. This is the first study to show that mtDNA damage is upstream of palmitate-induced ER stress and autophagy in skeletal muscle cells.
Quality of care and performance-based reimbursement: the contemporary landscape and implications for urologists.

s r h s ( i t e C I a o v 6 t t is increasingly apparent that the gap between ideal and actual clinical practice is pervasive hroughout the United States healthcare system.1,2 n the context of rising expenditures, insufficient ealthcare quality prompts legitimate concern, mong both patients and payers, regarding the alue of their healthcare dollars.3–6 Consequently, his apparent “quality gap” has fueled a multifaceted ffort to better understand, measure, and influence edical care quality.1,7,8 Although similar initiatives ave been previously advocated, the current environent is unique because of the leadership role asumed by consumers and payers.4 Most noteworthy s the rising support for differential, performanceased reimbursement (ie, value-based purchasing), hich seeks to positively change physician behavior hrough financial incentives, thereby enhancing the uality of care provided.3,4,9–11 Most quality-of-care research and performanceased reimbursement initiatives have focused on ommon, chronic medical conditions outside the rologic domain.2,12–14 For example, existing clincal “report cards,” including the Health Plan Emloyer Data and Information Set (HEDIS) meaures from the National Committee on Quality ssurance (NCQA), have included few urology-speific indicators in their assessment framework.15 As a esult, urologists have been largely insulated from the nancial and clinical implications of these ambiious initiatives. With time, such efforts will exand to include a broad spectrum of urologic iseases and therapies, resulting in substantial imlications for both the clinical and the administra-