cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Genetic factors affecting statin concentrations and subsequent myopathy: a HuGENet systematic review.

Statins, 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitors, have proven efficacy in both lowering low-density-lipoprotein levels and preventing major coronary events, making them one of the most commonly prescribed drugs in the United States. Statins exhibit a class-wide side effect of muscle toxicity and weakness, which has led regulators to impose both dosage limitations and a recall. This review focuses on the best-characterized genetic factors associated with increased statin muscle concentrations, including the genes encoding cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYP2D6, CYP3A4, and CYP3A5), a mitochondrial enzyme (GATM), an influx transporter (SLCO1B1), and efflux transporters (ABCB1 and ABCG2). A systematic literature review was conducted to identify relevant research evaluating the significance of genetic variants predictive of altered statin concentrations and subsequent statin-related myopathy. Studies eligible for inclusion must have incorporated genotype information and must have associated it with some measure of myopathy, either creatine kinase levels or self-reported muscle aches and pains. After an initial review, focus was placed on seven genes that were adequately characterized to provide a substantive review: CYP2D6, CYP3A4, CYP3A5, GATM, SLCO1B1, ABCB1, and ABCG2. All statins were included in this review. Among the genetic factors evaluated, statin-related myopathy appears to be most strongly associated with variants in SLCO1B1. Genet Med 16 11, 810–819.
Translational toxicology: a developmental focus for integrated research strategies

Given that toxicology studies the potential adverse effects of environmental exposures on various forms of life and that clinical toxicology typically focuses on human health effects, what can and should the relatively new term of "translational toxicology" be taken to mean? Our assertion is that the core concept of translational toxicology must incorporate existing principles of toxicology and epidemiology, but be driven by the aim of developing safe and effective interventions beyond simple reduction or avoidance of exposure to prevent, mitigate or reverse adverse human health effects of exposures. The field of toxicology has now reached a point where advances in multiple areas of biomedical research and information technologies empower us to make fundamental transitions in directly impacting human health. Translational toxicology must encompass four action elements as follows: The discussion focuses on the critical window of in-utero development. Exposure assessment, basic toxicology and development of certain categories of mathematical models are not new areas of research; however overtly integrating these in order to conceive, assess and validate effective interventions to mitigate or reverse adverse effects of environmental exposures is our novel opportunity. This is what we should do in translational toxicology so that we have a portfolio of interventional options to improve human health that include both minimizing exposures and specific preventative/restorative/mitigative therapeutics.
Does glycemic control affect growth velocity in children with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.

To determine the effect of glycemic control on linear growth in children with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus type 1, we studied 82 patients (40 male, 42 female) over a 6-year period. The mean ±SD for age of onset and duration of IDDM were 7.3±3.9 years and 4.8±3.5 years, respectively. At each clinic visit, glycemic control was assessed by measuring glycosylated hemoglobin (GHb). For a total of 751 clinic visits, the mean ±SD for chronologic age and GHb were 11.5±3.8 years and 10.2%±2.3%, respectively. Good glycemic control was correlated with more frequent clinic visits (r=−0.219,P<0.05). Growth was assessed by determining both weight and height, which were normalized for age and sex by calculating Z scores using Hanes I reference data. Differences in Z score between clinic visits (ΔZ) were calculated for both weight and height to determine changes in — growth velocity. The mean Z scores for weight and height were not attenuated in type 1 children compared with healthy children (0.56±1.00 and 0.25±0.99, respectively). There was no correlation between either mean Z scores for weight or height and GHb. Moreover, regression analysis revealed no significant correlation between GHb levels and ΔZ for either weight or height. While a significant correlation was observed between ΔZ for weight and height (r=0.30,P<0.01), the relationship was not affected by glycemic control. Therefore, these data demonstrate that weight gain and growth rate do not seem to be significantly affected by glycemic control. This study also confirms that linear growth velocity is dependent on weight gain and suggests that in type 1 children, weight gain and level of growth-promoting hormones such as insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) are more important regulators of linear growth than glycemic control.
Effects of Videocase Construction on Preservice Teachers' Observations of Teaching

Abstract Preservice teachers were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 observation conditions: technology-supported practice in observation (TSPO) plus standard classroom placement observation, n = 31, and classroom placement observation (control), n = 31. Over a 10-week term, TSPO students augmented their classroom placement observations of their mentor teachers by engaging in technology-supported construction and video analysis of those mentors' teaching, while control students engaged in only the classroom placement observations. The authors used an online, computer-supported instrument that elicited written responses during observation of 3 different teaching videos to assess the participants' ability to identify, interpret, and analyze evidence of exemplary teaching. TSPO students significantly outperformed controls on all 3 video tests. Implications of these findings for teacher training in both traditional and online education programs are discussed.
Genomic organization of a mouse glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase gene (Gapd-s) expressed in post-meiotic spermatogenic cells.

The Gapd-s gene encodes an isoform of the glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehy-drogenase enzyme expressed only in post-meiotic spermatogenic cells. Two clones containing the Gapd-s gene were isolated from a mouse genomic library. Sequencing and restriction enzyme analysis demonstrated that this single-copy gene contains 11 exons and spans 9596 base pairs. The locations of Gapd-s exons and introns are conserved when compared to the corresponding portions of the chicken and human somatic Gapd genes. The promoter region contains no TATA box, although there is a potential SP1 recognition site within exon 1. Like other TATA-less genes, primer extension analysis reveals some heterogeneity in the site of transcription initiation with Gapd-s transcripts initiating from three discrete sites. Northern analysis demonstrated that a 1.5-kb Gapd-s mRNA is expressed in the testis in at least three mammalian orders, indicating that the Gapd-s gene appeared early in mammalian evolution. Using GAPD-deficient bacteria, mouse GAPD-S was shown to be capable of functioning as a glycolytic enzyme. Since GAPD has been proposed to be a key enzyme regulating glycolysis in spermatogenic cells, GAPD-S may represent a potential target for toxicological or contraceptive agents affecting fertility by interfering with glycolysis. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Charge transfer and encapsulation in a synthetic, self-assembled receptor

Tetrathiafulvalene derivatives show charge transfer and exceptional binding within a self-assembled molecular capsule.
The isolation and characterization of intact polyribosomes from a cell wall mutant of Chlamydomonas reinhardi.

Abstract A technique is described for obtaining intact polyribosomes from a cell-wall mutant of Chlamydomonas reinhardi . When cells were lysed by nonionic detergent in buffers containing high salt and Mg 2+ -EDTA, polyribosomes of up to 25 ribosomes per polyribosome were obtained on sucrose density gradients. Under these conditions, nascent polypeptide radioactivity was associated with the polyribosomes and not with monoribosomes, and inactive monoribosomes were dissociated to ribosomal subunits. Whole cell lysates contain a mixture of cytoplasmic and chloroplastic polyribosomes. The relative contribution of the two types of polyribosomes was evaluated by polyacrylamide gel electrophoretic analysis of ribosomal RNA extracted from polyribosomes. This analysis showed that less than 15% of the polyribosomes from detergent-lysed cells were from chloroplasts. The contribution of chloroplast polyribosomes to total polyribosomes was increased to about 30% by incubation of the cells in chloramphenicol. When cells were disrupted mechanically (in a French pressure cell), only about 10% of the resulting free polyribosomes were chloroplastic.
Representative Bureaucracy Examining the Linkage between Passive and Active Representation in the Farmers Home Administration

Despite the extensive literature on representative bureaucracy, only a few studies have examined empirically whether bureaucracies with different levels of representativeness produce different poli...
Frame-based stereotactic biopsy remains an important diagnostic tool with distinct advantages over frameless stereotactic biopsy.

Object: As the availability of image-guided surgical navigation systems has increased, the application of frame-based biopsy has declined at our institution, despite equivalent accuracy and safety. There are several cost issues separating the use of surgical navigation systems and stereotactic frames for simple biopsy which may have implications in this era of health care cost control. We retrospectively reviewed the UCSF experience with stereotactic brain biopsy from a 9 year period. Methods: Data were collected for 213 consecutive stereotactic brain biopsies performed at UCSF (139 frame-based and 74 frameless). There were no significant differences between the frame-based and frameless biopsy groups with regard to patient demographics, overall histopathology, proportion of nondiagnostic biopsies, or incidence of complications. General anesthesia was used for 9 (6%) and 70 (95%) of the frame-based and frameless biopsy cases, respectively. Frame-based biopsies required a mean of 114 ± 3 min of operating room time, while frameless biopsies required 185 ± 6 min (P < 0.0001). For patients admitted to our neurosurgery service who underwent frame-based (n=110) or frameless (n=52) biopsy within 24 h of admission, the mean lengths of hospital stay were 1.8 ± 0.2 and 3.2 ± 0.6 days, respectively (P=0.007). Conclusion: Frame-based and frameless stereotactic biopsy approaches were equally effective at providing a tissue diagnosis with minimum morbidity and mortality. The frame-based approach, however, required significantly less anesthesia resources, less operating room time and shorter hospital stays, and thus should still be considered a first-line approach for stereotactic brain biopsy.
Pubic Symphysis Osteomyelitis in the Prostate Cancer Survivor: Clinical Presentation, Evaluation, and Management

Objective To describe pelvic bone osteomyelitis in the prostate cancer survivor, to report on clinical presentation and treatment, and to suggest an algorithmic approach to managing this syndrome complex. Materials and Methods A retrospective chart review from January 2011 to June 2014 was performed to identify prostate cancer patients with pubic symphysis osteomyelitis at a tertiary-care academic medical center with emphasis on genitourinary cancer survivorship. Data on clinical presentation and outcomes were reviewed. Results Ten patients were diagnosed with having osteomyelitis of the pubic symphysis with or without extension into the pubic rami. Three patients had associated rectal fistulas. Four patients had radical prostatectomy, 5 patients received radiotherapy, and 1 patient received high-intensity focused ultrasound as the primary treatment for prostate cancer. The most common presenting symptoms were pelvic and suprapubic pain, difficulty in walking, and recurrent urinary infections at a median of 7 years after prostate cancer treatment (range, 1.5-16 years). Eight of the 10 patients underwent pubic bone debridement with urinary and fecal diversion when needed. Two patients continue to be managed conservatively with suppressive antibiotics owing to low disease burden. Complete resolution of symptoms was noted in patients undergoing operative intervention, without any pelvic ring instability due to pubic bone resection. Conclusion The combination of pelvic pain, difficulty with ambulation, and recurrent infections in a prostate cancer survivor should prompt investigation for pubic bone osteomyelitis—a poorly recognized syndrome complex that is best managed in a multidisciplinary setting.
A Physiologic Approach to Identifying Neonates at Risk for Kernicterus

Nurses routinely assess skin color and serum bilirubin levels to identify newborns at risk for kernicterus. High serum bilirubin levels can be toxic to the central nervous system. Through careful evaluation, nurses can help prevent the occurrence of adverse consequences from hyperbilirubinemia. By understanding the physiologic principles involved in bilirubin metabolism and the transition that must be made at birth, nurses can help in identifying and assessing risk factors in the newborn.
Rethinking the EU: Why Washington needs to support European integration

It is time for the United States to rethink its policy toward the European Union and European integration more broadly. The new challenges of the twenty-first century and America's changing priorities and strategic needs are making America more rather than less dependent on the European Union and its success. The United States' ability to reach its own top foreign policy objectives – defending the US homeland, winning the war on terror and promoting the spread of freedom and democracy around the world – increasingly require a strong, politically cohesive and outward-looking Europe that can act as a partner around the world. Today America needs a functioning EU as much as an effective NATO.
Nephropathy and Other Topics

This is the eighth of a series of articles based on presentations at the American Diabetes Association (ADA) Scientific Sessions held 6−10 June 2008 in San Francisco, California. ### Nephropathy and blood pressure Burrows et al. (abstract 266) analyzed the incidence of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in individuals with diabetes, using data from the U.S. Renal Data System and estimates of the U.S. population with diabetes from the National Health Interview Survey, and found that although the number of diabetic individuals beginning treatment for ESRD increased from 17,728 in 1990 to 45,951 in 2005, the age-adjusted incidences were 299, 343, and 201 per 100,000 diabetic population in 1990, 1996, and 2005, respectively, with decreases in incidence consistently seen in 2005 among diabetic individuals aged 75 years—perhaps an indication that ESRD is being successfully prevented. There remain important areas for intervention. Kim et al. (abstract 748) studied 3,239 Pima Indians aged 5–19 years. Microalbuminuria and macroalbuminuria were found in 7 and 1% of nondiabetic and in 29 and 2% of diabetic children, respectively. Regression to normoalbuminuria was found in 76% of nondiabetic but only 20% of diabetic youth, whereas progression to macroalbuminuria was seen at annual rates <1% in nondiabetic youth with microalbuminuria but 4 and 12% in diabetic patients with albumin-to-creatinine ratios 30–100 and 100–300 mg/g, respectively. Orchard and Costacou (abstract 973) compared 208 type 1 diabetic patients with intermittent versus persistent microalbuminuria and found the latter group to be 14 times more likely to progress to macroalbuminuria. Persistent microalbuminuria was associated with higher A1C, systolic blood pressure, and pulse. Cignarelli et al. (abstract 734) reported that among 407 type 2 diabetic patients, there were 55 subjects with glomerular filtration rate (GFR) <60 ml/min of whom 76% were normoalbuminuric. Although A1C, lipids, statin use, and glycemic treatment were similar in those …
Response to 'Autoantibodies to GPI and creatine kinase in RA' and 'Few human autoimmune sera detect GPI'

Response to 'Autoantibodies to GPI and creatine kinase in RA' and 'Few human autoimmune sera detect GPI'
Benefits and barriers to perennial forage crops in Iowa corn and soybean rotations

The transition away from forage-based cropping systems in Iowa to corn and soybean rotations since World War II has corresponded with degraded economic and environmental conditions in the state. Falling net incomes for farmers and concern over global warming and the effects of agriculture-related pollution on water, wildlife and human health have increased interest in diversified cropping systems. This paper reviews the benefits of diversifying Iowa corn and soybean rotations with perennial forage species such as alfalfa and red clover. Perennial forage crops improve soil quality, decrease NO3-N leaching and soil erosion, increase carbon sequestration and decrease pesticide and herbicide needs by controlling weed and insect pests. Forage legumes reduce N fertilizer needs for succeeding corn crops at a higher rate than soybeans, and corn crops following forages have higher yields than after corn or soybeans. Farmers who add alfalfa to corn and soybean rotations could realize significant economic gains. A simulated 5-year rotation in Iowa including corn-soybeans-oats/alfalfa-alfalfa-alfalfa would result in a 24% net income increase over 5 years of corn-soybean-corn-soybean-corn, even with government farm support payments for the row crops. Farm policies that encourage commodity production create little incentive for Iowa farmers to diversify their cropping systems beyond corn and soybeans, despite the clear economic and ecological benefits. We recommend increasing federal support for conservation programs that reward environmentally beneficial farm practices such as the Conservation Securities Program and we encourage land grant universities to hire researchers interested in alternative agricultural systems.
Generalizing Pancyclic and k -Ordered Graphs

Given positive integers k≤m≤n, a graph G of order n is (k,m)-pancyclic if for any set of k vertices of G and any integer r with m≤r≤n, there is a cycle of length r containing the k vertices. Minimum degree conditions and minimum sum of degree conditions of nonadjacent vertices that imply a graph is (k,m)-pancylic are proved. If the additional property that the k vertices must appear on the cycle in a specified order is required, then the graph is said to be (k,m)-pancyclic ordered. Minimum degree conditions and minimum sum of degree conditions for nonadjacent vertices that imply a graph is (k,m)-pancylic ordered are also proved. Examples showing that these constraints are best possible are provided.
RNA turnover in cultured hamster embryo cells: Identification of modified nucleoside end products

Fourteen methylated nucleosides (N-2-dimethylGuo, N-2-methylGuo, N-1-methylGuo, N-5-methylUrd, N-3-methylUrd, N-1-methylAdo, N-3-methylCyd, N-5-methylCyd, N-1-methylIno, 2'-0-methyl-Cyd, 2'-0-methylUrd, 2'-0-methylGuo, 2'-0-methylino, and thymidine) and one methylated base (m/sup 7/Gua) have been identified as normal excretion products of cultured hamster embryo cells. The methylated nucleosides are excreted in the culture media subsequent to RNA turnover. The excretion pattern of the base-methylated nucleosides was determined by continuous labeling of serum-stimulated quiescent hamster embryo cells with (/sup 3/H-CH/sub 3/)methionine and measurement of radioactivity in the excreted nucleosides between 23 and 81 1/2 hours after the label was added. These nucleosides accumulate exponentially until a maximum level is reached after 60 hours. These maximum levels were maintained for at least an additional 20 hours.
Currency substitution and the optimal inflation tax

Abstract There exist conflicting results on the optimal inflation tax in open economies subject to currency substitution. This paper reconciles the different results and concludes that, except in very special cases, the optimal inflation tax is positive.
Neurocysticercosis. Two hundred thirty-eight cases from a California hospital.

• Neurocysticercosis is no longer a medical curiosity in the United States. Two hundred thirty-eight patients with neurocysticercosis were studied between 1981 and 1986 at the Los Angeles County-University of Southern California Medical Center, Los Angeles. Presenting signs and symptoms were protean—ranging from a single convulsion to coma and death. Fifty-one patients (21%) presented with an acute increase in intracranial pressure. There were 71 patients who ultimately required a shunting procedure or craniotomy. Presentation, diagnosis, management, and laboratory adjuncts (the role of cysticercosis titers and the electroencephalogram) are discussed. Mortality and morbidity can be reduced by maintaining a high degree of suspicion in populations at increased risk for cysticercosis.
Decision-making in the Management of Microbial Keratitis

The successful management of suppurative microbial keratitis requires five steps: (1) make the clinical diagnosis, (2) perform the proper laboratory procedures, (3) initiate antimicrobial therapy, (4) modify the initial therapy, and (5) terminate therapy. The most helpful guidelines to decision-making in these steps are: (1) the clinical impression, (2) severity of keratitis, (3) results of laboratory studies, (4) disease potential of the responsible organism, and (5) effectiveness and toxicity of various antimicrobial agents. Selection of initial antibiotics ideally should be directed by interpretation of the corneal smears. The preferred initial antibiotic for keratitis caused by a Gram-positive coccus is cefazolin; for a Gram-negative rod, gentamicin; and for a filamentous fungi or yeast, natamycin. Broad, antibacterial therapy should be reserved for suspected bacterial keratitis with negative smears or for severe infections with antecedent treatment. Miconazole may be an effective, alternate agent in fungal keratitis. The safety and efficacy of corticosteroids in microbial keratitis have not been established.
A Method for Measuring Oxygen in Aquatic Microzones

Abstract A method to obtain accurate dissolved oxygen concentration (DO) measurements within a 16-mm microzone was developed using oxygen-permeable dialysis tubing with a 12-ml water sample and a modification of the micro-Winkler technique. Controlled experiments showed that W within tubes reached 99% equilibrium with ambient water in less than 3 hours in lotic waters and in less than 5 hours in lentic waters with experimental error of 0.05 mg/liter. A kit to perform the DO measures can be assembled for about $150, and samples can be run in less than 10 minutes.
Managing the millennials

In this issue of EMR are included a selection of papers devoted to describing the generation of young people we call "Millennials". This generation, born in the interval from 1980 to 2000, have rapidly influenced companies, colleges, and society. Often referred to as Generation Y, the ?digital generation?, or the Gen F(acebook), it is apparent that this group is large, highly educated, creative, work in teams, and are comfortable with technology. They also seek immediate recognition and rewards for their efforts and expect a work-life balance unlike what we have seen before. Their teamwork and creative energy is typically not organized well. This generation has the potential to refresh the thinking and core passions that drive just about everything society does in a similar way that large demographic groups like the Baby Boomers continue to do as they now retire and leave the workplace. Sandwiched in between these two large groups of people are the Gen-Xers who, though much smaller in number, also represent a shift in attitudes and thinking quite unlike their millennial children.
The Best Gastric Site for Obtaining a Positive Rapid Urease Test

BackgroundRapid urease tests (RUTs) provide a simple, sensitive method of detecting Helicobacter pylori infection. Objectives.Our aim, therefore, was to determine whether the yield of detecting H. pylori infection by RUT varied depending on the site of gastric biopsy. Materials and Methods.Gastric biopsies were obtained from 50 patients for RUT by use of hpfast (GI Supply, Camp Hill, PA). Biopsies were taken from the prepyloric greater curve antrum, from the gastric angle, and from the greater curve in mid-corpus. One biopsy specimen was placed in the RUT gel, and the biopsy from the adjacent mucosa was placed in formalin for subsequent histological evaluation by using the Genta stain. RUTs were examined and scored at intervals of 5, 10, 15, 30, and 45 minutes and after 1, 2, 4, and 24 hours. Results.Fifty patients were entered in the test (150 RUTs), 32 having H. pylori infection. There were no false-positive RUTs (specificity, 100%). The gastric angle site was positive in 100%. The prepyloric site was positive in 87%, and the corpus site was positive in 84.4% (p < .052 for angle or prepyloric antrum versus corpus). The most common pattern was for all to be positive (74%). The median time to positivity was similar with angle and prepyloric sites (37.5 and 60 minutes, respectively, p= not significant) and shorter than the corpus biopsy (180 minutes); (p < .05 for angle or prepyloric antrum versus corpus). Conclusion.The maximum probability for detecting H. pylori infection using a RUT is to obtain a biopsy from the gastric angle. To prevent missing a positive result when intestinal metaplasia is present, we recommend that (at a minimum) biopsies be taken from both the angle and the corpus.
ON THE STRUCTURE OF, AND GAINS FROM, INTERNATIONAL TRADE*

SUMMARY The first part of the paper was concerned with consideration of the basic theorem on trade patterns when we move outside the usual ‘double model’. Two main cases were considered: (a) a situation where we have three of all relevant variables and, (b) a situation where we have three factors of production and two of each of the other variables. The nature of the discussion was such that we had to give full consideration to the definition and meaning of relative, factor-intensities of the commodities and factor-endowment positions. It was shown that in both (a) and (b) it is possible, contrary to some opinions, to derive meaningful statements of those relative positions. Given the relevant conditions it was observed that under both (a) and (b) the basic theorem could still be ‘valid’. The second part of the paper was concerned with the gains from trade in the usual ‘double model’. The recent work of Samuelson and of Kemp was extended, in general terms, in considering the gains from free trade.
Overwinter Survival of Juvenile Lake Herring in Relation to Body Size, Physiological Condition, Energy Stores, and Food Ration

Abstract Populations of lake herring Coregonus artedi in Lake Superior have exhibited high recruitment variability over the past three decades. To improve our understanding of the mechanisms which influence year-class strength, we conducted a 225-d laboratory experiment to evaluate the effects of body size, physiological condition, energy stores, and food ration on the winter survival of age-0 lake herring. Small (total length (TL) range = 60–85 mm) and large (TL range = 86–110 mm) fish were maintained under thermal and photoperiod regimes that mimicked those in Lake Superior from October through May. Fish in each size-class were maintained at two feeding treatments: brine shrimp Artemia spp. ad libitum and no food. The mortality of large lake herring (fed, 3.8%; starved, 20.1%) was significantly less than that of small fish (fed, 11.7%; starved, 32.0%). Body condition and crude lipid content declined for all fish over the experiment; however, these variables were significantly greater for large fed (0.68...
Preparation of whole-fiber cotton gel-filtration chromatography columns

Abstract Methods of preparing whole-fiber gel-filtration columns are described. Reproducible results were obtained with columns prepared by packing with randomized fiber mat type discs (such as cut from absorbent cotton mat rolls). Results from these columns compared favorably with Sephadex columns. The columns had a useful life exceeding one year. Techniques for reducing void volume and increasing the accessible pore volume are described.
Narcolepsy and immunity.

Abstract Narcolepsy is a neurological disorder known to be associated with human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DQB1 ∗0602 in humans. In a canine model, the disorder is also genetically linked to a gene of high homology with the human μ-switch-like immunoglobulin (Ig) gene (current LOD score 13.6 at 0% recombination). Since association with HLA or other immune function polymorphic genes (T cell receptor of Ig, mainly) is a hallmark of most autoimmune diseases, it is proposed that autoimmunity may also play a role in the development of narcolepsy. Arguments for and against this hypothesis are reviewed. It is shown that both on the basis of the most recent molecular studies, and because of some of its clinical features, narcolepsy may be an autoimmune disorder. However, neither systemic nor central nervous system (CNS) evidence of any autoimmune abnormality have ever been found. To reconcile this discrepancy, it is suggested that the pathological immune process involved in narcolepsy could be difficult to detect because it is restricted to a very small region of the brain or targets a low abundance neuroeffector. Alternatively, it is possible that a more fundamental relationship is involved between sleep generation and immune regulation. The pathophysiology of narcolepsy may then involve new CNS-immune mechanisms that may shed new light on the sleep process itself.
Pachytesta crenulata, a new medullosan ovule from the Pennsylvanian of Iowa

Abstract A new species of medullosan ovule, Pachytesta crenulata , is described from the latest Atokan–earliest Desmoinesian (early Moscovian) of Iowa. The ovule is approximately 5.5–6 cm long and 2.4–3 cm wide at the mid-point with three commissured primary ribs, three secondary ribs expressed at the apex, and a large number of sclerotesta ridges (18–24 between each primary rib-secondary rib pair), formed from interwoven bands of fibers. The micropyle, defined by the epidermal cuticle of the endotesta, is flared at the tip and triangular in cross section. A collar of sclerotesta and sarcotesta, 10 mm tall surrounds the micropyle. The space enclosed by the collar is a triangular prism, with a primary rib at each edge and sides approximately 2.3 mm in length. The space between the micropyle and the sclerotesta–sarcotesta collar appears to have been filled with thin-walled endotesta cells. At the ovule apex, lobes of sarcotesta associated with the primary ribs partially occlude the top of the collar, forming a triangular opening with the flared tip of the micropyle in the center. Pachytesta crenulata appears most similar to P. composita and P. illinoensis . All three ovules have tertiary ribs or ridges and secretory fibers in the sclerotesta; in both P. illinoensis and P. crenulata a collar of sclerotesta and sarcotesta surrounds the micropyle. Based on these similarities, we place P. crenulata in Taylor's [Taylor, T.N., 1965. Paleozoic seed studies: a monograph of the American species of Pachytesta. Palaeontographica, Stuttgart] P. composita – P. illinoensis group . The condition of the sclerotesta and nucellar stalk of P. crenulata may indicate its developmental stage. Ovules having hollow fibers in the sclerotesta and nucellar stalks with a convex profile appear immature relative to ovules with filled fibers in the sclerotesta and deeply invaginated nucellar stalks. Although the pollination and fertilization status of most P. crenulata ovules remains equivocal, one mature ovule probably was pollinated. All of the immature ovules showed signs of seed predation.
Beyond Dollars and Cents: Using Civic Capital to Fashion Urban Improvements

I propose a new way for thinking about the decisions that cities make to improve the quality of life for their citizens. I argue that cities differ in the amount of civic capital they possess. Cities with more civic capital are better able to make quality-of-life decisions than cities with less civic capital. I test this argument by providing measures of civic capital and quality-of-life resolutions, alike, and by analyzing the differences among five major cities. The final test, which assesses the impact of civic capital on quality-of-life resolutions over a long span of years, uncovers a strong and decisive relationship between civic capital and quality-of-life resolutions: where there is an increase in civic capital there is a somewhat later increase as well in the number of quality-of-life resolutions made by cities.
Age-related macular degeneration is associated with incident myocardial infarction among elderly Americans.

Objective To investigate whether age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is associated with the development of myocardial infarction (MI) among elderly Americans. Design Population-based cross-sectional and cohort study. Participants Five percent random sample of 2000 to 2003 Medicare enrollees. Methods The cross-sectional study included the first 2-year (2000 and 2001) enrollees who were aged ≥65 years (n = 1519086). The cohort study included only baseline MI-free enrollees (n = 1445677). Main Outcome Measures Chronic conditions (AMD and type, history of MI, hypertension, and diabetes) were defined based on any occurrence of relevant International Classification of Diseases 9 codes in relevant diagnosis fields of the baseline Medicare claim files. A total of 56611 incident MI cases were identified from the follow-up data (2002 and 2003). Results Baseline mean age was 76 years, with 60% women and 88% whites. The prevalence of neovascular AMD was 2.2% (2.3% in women vs. 1.7% in men and 2.3% in whites vs. 1.2% in blacks; P P P Conclusions AMD is associated with older age, female gender, being white, and having a history of MI, hypertension, and diabetes. Furthermore, presence of AMD, especially neovascular AMD, is prospectively associated with a higher risk of incident MI. These findings, if confirmed by other studies that control for smoking and other lifestyle covariables, suggest the possibility of shared common antecedents between MI and AMD.
Surgery of the mediastinum: historical notes.

Surgical management of diseases of the mediastinum ushered in the era of chest surgery, as the risks of exploration of the pleural spaces were prohibitive until the advent of positive-pressure ventilation. Early procedures were undertaken for suppurative and tuberculous bacterial infections. These approaches were subsequently applied for extirpation of primary and secondary neoplasms of the mediastinum. Finally, less invasive techniques for the diagnosis of mediastinal processes and the staging of bronchogenic carcinoma were developed. This article discusses the historical perspectives of mediastinal surgery.
Deep Posterior Compartment Strength and Foot Kinematics in Subjects With Stage II Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction

Background: Tibialis posterior muscle weakness has been documented in subjects with Stage II posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD) but the effect of weakness on foot structure remains unclear....
The relationship between surface kinematics and deformation of the whole lithosphere

The variation of mechanical properties with depth in the lithosphere determines the relationship between surface deformation and whole-lithosphere deformation, hence between surface deformation and whole-lithosphere dynamics. Where viscosity (or elastic strength) is a continuous function with depth, surface deformation can be used to constrain both force balance and rheological parameters. Where viscosity is discontinuous, but the upper crust and mantle lithosphere have comparable maximum values, surface deformation can be used to approximate force balance and rheological parameters, but tradeoffs mean that estimates of stress and viscosity are effective equivalent values rather than actual values. Where viscosity is both discontinuous and differs by much more than an order of magnitude between the upper crust and mantle lithosphere, information about both force balance and rheology are absent from the surface deformation, so surface observations alone are insufficient to estimate either the dynamic or mechanical state of the lithosphere.
Dynamic buckling of long thin elastic plate under rapidly applied shear loading

The subject of this note is the analysis of dynamic buckling of long thin elastic plates under in-plane shear loading along the edges on the basis of the large deflection theory, taking into account the changes in the slope of the nodal lines and in the length of the half waves with the increase of loading. An ideal and isotropic plate is considered, but the analysis, employed herein, can be easily extended to anisotropic or imperfect plates
Ethnic differences in HIV risk behaviors, self-perceptions, and treatment outcomes among women in methadone maintenance treatment

Abstract This study examined the HIV risk profiles of White, African-American, and Latina women enrolled in the UCLA Enhanced Methadone Maintenance Project, a NIDA-funded research demonstration project with the goal of reducing risk of HIV infection and/or transmission. Each group demonstrated distinct patterns associated with family relationships, sources of income, sexual and injection behaviors, and self-perceptions, although they were similar in their employment, drug use, mental health, and criminal behavior histories. In general, Latinas were more likely to report familial influences and to display evidence of low self-esteem and self-efficacy, inconsistent condom use, and high-risk injection behavior. White women reponed the highest levels of regular condom use at follow-up; however, they were the least likely to report safer injection practices. African-American women expressed the highest levels self-esteem, yet they reponed more alcohol use at intake and crack cocaine use both before and after t...
Free amino acid patterns during development of Eurosta solidaginis (Fitch)

Abstract 1. 1. Variations in the levels of free amino acids during the life cycle of the goldenrod ball gall fly, Eurosta solidaginis (Fitch) have been assessed. 2. 2. The content and variety of amino acids present increases from a few detected in eggs to a maximal level in the third instar larvae. 3. 3. Among aromatic amino acids, the levels of histidine are relatively high but show fluctuations suggestive of coincidence with each metamorphic stage. Tyrosine is very low until late larval and early pupal stages when levels become quite high preceeding the main sclerotin and melanin forming processes; tryptophan is only detectable at low levels during the same period. 4. 4. The gall tissue surrounding the developing larva contains some, but not all, of the amino acids present in the insect. In addition, γ-aminobutyrate is present in the plant but not the larva, while β-alanine is more abundant in the insect.
Light-induced cytotoxicity of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons on the US EPA priority pollutant list in human skin HaCaT keratinocytes: Relationship between phototoxicity and excited state properties

The photocytotoxicity of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) on the priority pollutant list of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) were tested in human skin HaCaT keratinocytes. A selected PAH was mixed with HaCaT cells and irradiated with a solar simulator lamp for a dose equivalent to 5 min of outdoor sunlight and the cell viability was determined immediately and also after 24 h of incubation. For the cells without incubation after the treatments, it is found that all PAHs with three rings or less, except anthracene, are not photocytotoxic, while the four or five-ring PAHs (except chrysene), benz[a]anthracene, dibenzo[a,h]anthracene, benzo[ghi]perylene, benzo[a]pyrene, indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene, benzo[b]fluorenthene, fluorenthene, and pyrene, are photocytotoxic to the human skin HaCaT keratinocytes. If the cells were incubated for 24 h after the treatments, the photocytotoxic effect of the PAHs was greatly amplified in comparison to the nonincubated cells. For the 24 h incubated cells, all PAHs except naphthalene exhibit photocytotoxicity to some extent. Exposure to 5 μM of the 4- and 5-ring PAHs (except chrysene) and 3-ring anthracene more than 80% of the cells lose viability. The photocytotoxicity of the PAHs correlates well with several of their excited state properties: light absorption, excited singlet-state energy, excited triplet-state energy, and HOMO-LUMO energy gap. All the photocytotoxic PAHs absorb light at >300 nm, in the solar UVB and UVA region. There is a threshold for each of the three excited state descriptors of a photocytotoxic PAH: singlet energy <355 kJ/mol (corresponding to 337 nm light), triplet energy <230 kJ/mol (corresponding to 520 nm light), HOMO-LUMO gap <3.6 eV (corresponding to 344 nm light) obtained at the Density Functional Theory B3LYP/6-31G(d) level.
Inhibition of lordosis behavior in male and female rats by androgens and progesterone.

Several studies suggest that when manipulated experimentally in adulthood, the lordosis response to estrogen can be increased dramatically in male rats. Because adult-gonadectomized (Gx) animals were used in these studies, the lack of testicular hormones in adulthood may have been a factor. To examine this possibility, adult-Gx rats were implanted with blank (Bk)-, testosterone (T)-, 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone (DHT)-, or progesterone (P)-filled capsules, alone or in combination. We report a new finding, that a combined treatment of T plus P (T+P) at physiological doses for the male, but not T or P alone, reduced lordosis significantly in males, with and without estrogen priming. T+P did not inhibit lordosis in females, nor did this specific treatment affect open field, aggressive, and male copulatory behaviors. In confirming studies done with much higher doses, DHT reduced lordosis in both sexes. DHT and T+P also reduced lordosis in adrenalectomized/Gx males. Mechanisms responsible for the T+P inhibition of lordosis in males are not known, but they may include an upregulation of androgen receptors by P, and this possibility is discussed.
Chinese Economic Restructuring: Enterprise Development through Employee Ownership

This article seeks to establish the factors and circumstances in China's rural and urban sectors that have prompted communitybased enterprises in the former and state-owned firms in the latter to undertake privatization through partial employee buyouts. Emergent employee ownership systems are briefly examined, and their unique features are analyzed in the context of local conditions. High and intermediate level official interventions are discussed. Research needs are considered.
The classification of sarcinae

Determinations of the guanine+cytosine content in the DNA ofSarcina ventriculi andSarcina maxima indicated that these organisms are phylogenetically distant from packet-forming cocci capable of aerobic growth.
Algorithmic approaches to reducing risk in power system operation

This paper identifies and describes algorithms of interest for reducing risk in power system operation. Risk is the probability of an event multiplied by the cost of the event's consequences. For a power system, the primary consequence is failure of the system to meet demand. Risk reduction is examined from three perspectives: protection, reduced consequences, and improved operation. In particular we examine distributed algorithms from a risk perspective. This work provides direction for algorithm R&D in the area of risk reduction and indicates underlying principles of algorithm utilization for distributed system operation. Our prior work identified a framework for distributed operation and described the framework tasks, but did not identify suitable algorithms, properties, and metrics. This paper addresses this need by pointing out algorithms of particular interest for power system operation and relating these to risk. Unifying principles for distributed power system operation are indicated. Future work will demonstrate functioning instantiations of the most relevant algorithms in a power system context.
Chordin and noggin promote organizing centers of forebrain development in the mouse.

In this study we investigate the roles of the organizer factors chordin and noggin, which are dedicated antagonists of the bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), in formation of the mammalian head. The mouse chordin and noggin genes (Chrd and Nog) are expressed in the organizer (the node) and its mesendodermal derivatives, including the prechordal plate, an organizing center for rostral development. They are also expressed at lower levels in and around the anterior neural ridge, another rostral organizing center. To elucidate roles of Chrd and Nog that are masked by the severe phenotype and early lethality of the double null, we have characterized embryos of the genotype Chrd-/-;Nog+/-. These animals display partially penetrant neonatal lethality, with defects restricted to the head. The variable phenotypes include cyclopia, holoprosencephaly, and rostral truncations of the brain and craniofacial skeleton. In situ hybridization reveals a loss of SHH expression and signaling by the prechordal plate, and a decrease in FGF8 expression and signaling by the anterior neural ridge at the five-somite stage. Defective Chrd-/-;Nog+/- embryos exhibit reduced cell proliferation in the rostral neuroepithelium at 10 somites, followed by increased cell death 1 day later. Because these phenotypes result from reduced levels of BMP antagonists, we hypothesized that they are due to increased BMP activity. Ectopic application of BMP2 to wild-type cephalic explants results in decreased FGF8 and SHH expression in rostral tissue, suggesting that the decreased expression of FGF8 and SHH observed in vivo is due to ectopic BMP activity. Cephalic explants isolated from Chrd;Nog double mutant embryos show an increased sensitivity to ectopic BMP protein, further supporting the hypothesis that these mutants are deficient in BMP antagonism. These results indicate that the BMP antagonists chordin and noggin promote the inductive and trophic activities of rostral organizing centers in early development of the mammalian head.
Beam cleanup using photorefractive two-wave mixing

Photorefractive two-wave mixing exhibits energy transfer without phase cross talk. Such a phenomenon can be used to clean up wave-front aberrations of laser beams. We report the cleanup of spatial and temporal phase aberration using photorefractive two-wave mixing in a strontium barium niobate crystal.
Virtuous leadership – insights for the 21st century

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explain the importance of virtuous leadership and identify six characteristics that are necessary for the modern leader to be effective in an increasingly challenging and competitive world market. Design/methodology/approach – Theory development. Findings – The authors suggest that virtuous leaders possess an uncommon level of commitment to those employees whom they serve, to their customers, to their shareholders, and to society at large, the authors extend the concept of the moral continuum and identify the importance of a virtuous perspective in honoring the obligation to optimize wealth creation and enriching outcomes and relationships, and the authors suggest ten propositions about virtuous leadership that may be empirically tested by both scholars and practitioners who are interested in studying and/or applying virtuous leadership to improve relationships and build organizations. Originality/value – Original article.