cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Who Is No Child Left Behind Leaving Behind

More than six years after the election of our current president, the nation is analyzing the effects of the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) federal legislation. Educators are discovering that the plan is flawed, developmentally inappropriate, ill funded, and leaving more students, teachers, and schools behind than ever before. In this article, the author offers a brief history of educational testing, delves into the debate of teaching to the test, analyzes the side effects of testing, and focuses on subgroups of school populations that are negatively affected by NCLB, specifically students from low socioeconomic backgrounds, minorities, students with special needs, and second-language learners.
The Uses of Radiolabeled Red Cells in Transfusion Medicine

HE ABILITY to label red blood cells with radioactive compounds has facilitated clini­ cal and research studies of these cells in health and disease. This technique has long been useful in general hematology for studies such as the deter­ mination of red cell mass in the diagnosis of poly­ cythemia vera. Radiolabeled red cell studies have also come into routine use in several areas oftrans­ fusion medicine. Applications include evaluation of transfusion compatibility in patients with un­ usual or multiple red cell antibodies, studies of the in vivo survival of red cells stored in new contain­ ers or preservative solutions, and investigation of the role of immune mechanisms in accelerated red cell destruction. This review will begin with a brief summary of the initial studies and major historical advances in the use of radionuclides in transfusion medicine. A discussion of the characteristics of the currently used red cell radiolabels will follow, with the ad­ vantages and disadvantages of each radionuclide compared to the "ideal" red cell radiolabel. After a brief review of technical considerations in red cell radiolabeling, specific clinical and research applications of this technology will be discussed in more detail, followed by a summary of new devel­ opmental directions in this field.
Lattice polarization effects in electrochromic switching in WO3−x films studied by pulse-nanogravimetric technique

The interactions of various types of cations with the tungsten trioxide lattice have been investigated to evaluate possible intercalation of these cations and the occurrence of lattice polarization leading to the near-surface structural lattice damage. The interactions of cations, such as the large monovalent cations (K+, Et4N+, CtMe3N+ cations), transition metal dications (Ni2+), heavy metal ions (Cd2+), and representative lanthanides (La3+) and actinides (Th4+), in competition with intercalation of H+ ions have been investigated using pulse-nanogravimetric technique. The effects of these cations in electrochromic processes of WO3 proceeding during cathodic reduction have been assessed. For all of the metal ions studied, a large increase in the apparent mass uptake (up to eightfold) in comparison to pure H+ ion ingress was observed upon the film coloration induced by a cathodic potential pulse. The experiments indicate that the apparent mass gains, although large, are insufficient to confirm predominant contribution of metal ions in the ion transport along the channels in WO3 lattice. The lower decoloration rate in the case of Ni2+ ions, in comparison to H+ and other transition metal cations (Cd2+), has been attributed to a slow dissociation of Ni2+ ions from lattice-bound oxygen atoms. For et4N+ cation, which is too large to enter channels in WO3, a dissociative reduction of the WO3 and severe lattice damage was observed. Among the metal ions investigated, only K+ ions have been found to cause a dissociative reduction of WO3 and near-surface lattice damage. Strong lattice polarization effects and irreversible binding have been found for La3+ and Th4+ cations.
Preventable Infections in Children with Leukodystrophy.

Children with inherited leukodystrophies have high hospitalization rates, often associated with infection. We studied whether potentially modifiable risk factors (preexisting indwelling central intravenous access, urinary catheter, hardware, or mechanical ventilation; and influenza vaccine) were associated with infection-related hospitalization in children with leukodystrophy. Central intravenous access was associated with sepsis (odds ratio [OR] 9.8); urinary catheter was associated with urinary tract infections (OR 9.0); lack of seasonal vaccination was associated with influenza (OR 6.4); and mechanical ventilation was associated with pneumonia (OR 2.7). We conclude that potentially modifiable risk factors are significantly associated with infection and hospitalization in children with leukodystrophies.
Advanced computer programs for drug dosing that combine pharmacokinetic and symbolic modeling of patients

In this paper, we describe our design for advanced drug dosing programs that “reason” using a combination of Bayesian pharmacokinetic modeling and symbolic modeling of patient status and drug response. Our design is similar to the design of the Digitalis Therapy Advisor program, but extends this previous work by incorporating a Bayesian pharmacokinetic model, performing a “meta-level” analysis of drug concentrations to identify sampling errors and changes in pharmacokinetics, and including the results of this analysis in reasoning for dosing and therapeutic monitoring recommendations. The design has been implemented in a program for aminoglycoside antibiotics called Aminoglycoside Therapy Manager. The program is user-friendly and runs on low-cost general-purpose hardware. The initial validation study showed that the program was as accurate in predicting future drug concentrations as an expert using commercial Bayesian forecasting software and that its dosing recommendations were similar to those of an expert.
The effects of ingesting plant hormones on schistosomiasis in mice: An experimental study

A number of studies have shown that primates monitor and select plant species in their diet as a function of their secondary compound composition. The possibility also exists that secondary compounds, when used in appropriate concentrations, may have a beneficial, medicinal aspect. In this regard, synthesis of a variety of data suggested a connection between selection of Balanites by Ethiopian baboons, and the distribution of schistosomiasis. To test the hypothesis that the secondary compounds in Balanites might be selected for ‘medicinal purposes’, we conducted an experiment on the effect of adding the active principle, diosgenin, to the food of schistosome-infected mice. The hypothesis was that this steroidal saponin might alter the host's hormonal milieu, making a less hospitable environment for the adult schistosomes. Sacrifice of the mice showed diosgenin-fed animals to have an augmented rather than decreased response to the disease. However, the data support the developing literature that shows that the host's hormonal environment has a major effect on the parasitic diseases they are subject to, and that the hormonal environment can be dramatically influenced by the secondary compounds in the diet.
Predicting Geographical and Within-Season Variation in Male Flights of Four Fruit Pests

Significant spatial or temporal variability (or both) is shown in the physiological time (degree-days) needed for males of the tufted apple bud moth, Platynota idaeusalis (Walker), redbanded leafroller, Argyrotaenia velutinana (Walker), codling moth, Cydia pomonella (L.), and spotted tentiform leafminer, Phyllonorycter blancardella (F.) to complete one generation. For the four insect species at all geographic locations (North Carolina, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Michigan), the degree-day requirement for a generation is significantly smaller if the requirement is measured between the beginning of flight periods rather than between flight peaks. The degree-day requirement per seasonal generation significantly increases from spring to autumn for redbanded leafroller and spotted tentiform leafminer. Latitudinal effects on generation time for the tufted apple bud moth and redbanded leafroller show that the insects develop significantly faster and exhibit more synchronized flight periods with increasing latitude. Similar elevational effects are shown for tufted apple bud moth. Laboratory data do not give developmental parameter estimates that yield accurate phenology model predictions for three of the four species, and tufted apple bud moth developmental data from field cage rearings likewise give inaccurate parameter estimates for phenology model predictions. Model predictions of seasonal male flights are most accurate if model developmental parameters are estimated from monitoring field populations and these parameters are specific both spatially and temporally.
AN APPROACH TO MEASURE THE SHAPES OF THREE‐DIMENSIONAL SURFACE CRACKS DURING FATIGUE CRACK GROWTH

This study presents a technique for measuring shapes of three dimensional surface cracks continuously during fatigue crack growth. The technique uses a laser interferometric system to measure crack compliance and a photomicroscopic system to measure surface crack length. Using a compliance expression for surface cracks, valid for the range of crack aspect ratios (a/c) of 0.2 to 2.0, aspect ratio calculations employing compliance and surface crack length measurements are demonstrated for cracks growing from EDM notches of different geometries (shallow or deep). The experimentally determined aspect ratio variations during cyclic crack growth are shown to be in good agreement with the expected variations in aspect ratio, predicted using the stress intensity factor equations for surface cracks. The effects of deviations in the compliance measurement location from the center of the surface crack due to assymetric crack growth are also accounted for through corrections of compliance measurements for crack-asymmetry. The fatigue crack growth rates of surface cracks, after incorporating the variations in aspect ratio in the calculations, agreed with the large-crack growth data for all crack geometries.
The interaction of external and internal controls on enzyme levels in liver and hepatoma

In considering the mechanisms controlling the expression of genetic information in mammalian cells, one is faced with the consideration that the multi-cellular organism exists in two environments. The external environment requires controls for the maintenance of nutrition and respiration. The internal environment must be maintained constant for the survival of the organism as a whole. The liver is in a unique position, with its cells subject to pressures from both internal and external environment. Several mechanisms of enzyme regulation in which one enzyme demonstrates both controls are discussed. Elimination of the portal system, the liver's direct contact with the external environment, does not alter the basic control mechanisms. However, neoplastic transformation of hepatic cells radically alters both internal and external controls. Most external controls are lost, and those that remain are in part dependent on internal control mechanisms. On the basis of previous findings, the membrane of the endoplasmic reticulum is suggested as being the site of action of the steroid hormones.
TV system considerations for the Space Telescope

The Space Telescope, designed as a permanent observatory in space, will be launched into orbit, maintained, and refurbished by the Space Shuttle. One of the primary instruments to fly with the telescope is the f/24 Camera. The camera's mission requirements and their impact on the choice and design of a television system are discussed, along with the system engineering aspects of the TV system design and spacecraft design. An SEC type television camera tube was selected as the primary data acquisition sensor, because of its ability to accommodate exposure times of several hours with only modest cooling.
Swept Arc Length Measure of Abrasive Wear

A geometric theory is presented to enhance understanding of part wear and lay patterns generated during surface grinding, such as when a part is fed through a machine with a rotating circular abrasive disk. This theory uses the integrated relative speed between the part and the abrasive wheel, the swept arc length, as a wear measure. A dynamic simulation model was created in SIMULINK™ to evaluate the swept arc length computation at a single point, and a MATLAB™ script was used to provide initial conditions, spatially loop through the entire part surface, and evaluate the resultant part wear. Three common machine configurations have been dynamically modeled and evaluated using the swept arc length theory. Additionally, simulation results have been validated through comparison with industry professionals using the swept arc length as a wear measure.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
The cohesion of ionic crystals of alkali metal and noble gas atoms

Abstract Use is made of the simplest version of the Born theory of ionic crystals, together with relatively recent work on electron affinities and lattice parameters, to show that noble gas salts of the alkali metals should exist.
Ultrafast Laser Fabrication of Bragg Waveguides in GLS Chalcogenide Glass

We present work on the fabrication of Bragg waveguides in gallium-lanthanum-sulfide chalcogenide glass using an ultrafast laser. Waveguides were written with a single pass while modulating the writing beam. The spatial and temporal profile of the writing beam was ontrolled during waveguide fabrication in order to control the shape and size of the waveguide cross-section.
Generation of 3.5 nJ femtosecond pulses from a continuous-wave laser without mode locking.

Using time-lens compression in a loop configuration, we generate 516 fs pulses at 3.5 nJ pulse energy from a continuous-wave 1.55 μm source without mode locking. Just as a spatial lens can expand or focus a beam in space, so can a time-lens broaden or compress a pulse in time. By placing a time-lens in a loop, we maximize the efficiency of bandwidth generation by using one time-lens driven at low power to emulate a stack of many lenses. Our system is compact, is all fiber, and allows large tuning of the repetition rate and continuous tuning of the pulse width and center wavelength.
Induction of F1/GAP-43 gene: expression in hippocampal granule cells after seizures

Abstract In the adult rat hippocampus mRNA of F1/GAP-43, an axonal growth-associated protein, is highly expressed in pyramidal cells, but is absent in granule cells. To determine whether granule cells can be induced to express mRNA of F1/GAP-43, transcript levels were studied after limbic seizures, which can induce sprouting of granule cell mossy fibers. Seizure-inducing electrolytic lesions were made in the dentate gyrus hilus with stainless-steel electrodes and mRNA levels were measured in contralateral hippocampus by quantitative in situ hybridization. Induction of F1/GAP-43 mRNA expression was observed in granule cells at 24 h, but not at 6 or 12 h, after the hilar lesion. When equivalent sized hilar lesions were made with platinum electrodes, which do not induce seizures, no hybridization was apparent over the granule cells. Hybridization over granule cells had declined by 48 h post-lesion, but even at 10 days it was still slightly higher than in control rats. F1/GAP-43 mRNA expression was also increased 2-fold in CA1 pyramidal cells with peak expression at 48 h post-lesion. These are the first data to our knowledge that demonstrate that F1/GAP-43 gene expression can be altered in neurons located within the adult brain. Induction of F1/GAP-43 mRNA expression in the granule cells may be important for the sprouting of mossy fibers and could be triggered by the elevated levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in CA3 cells which precede the increased F1/GAP-3 gene expression in granule cells.
The locus of semantic interference in the “Stroop” color-naming task

In two experiments, introductory psychology students responded in two ways to three lists of 60 words printed in different colors. The lists consisted of color words and two sets of words associated with the colors (e.g., SKY, BLOOD, etc.). When the subjects responded by naming the color in which each word was printed, it took longer for the color word list than for either list of associates, i.e., the classical Stroop interference effect. The other response required the subjects to say words from one of the association lists which corresponded to the color in which each word was printed, e.g., they saw the word BLACK (or NIGHT, or COAL) printed inred ink, and had to respond by saying “blood.” Using this response, it took longest for the subjects to complete the list of words which were the same as those required as responses. Color words were somewhat less difficult, and the other association words were completed most quickly. The results do not pinpoint the locus of interference, but clarify additional assumptions which must be accepted to maintain alternative hypotheses.
Total Process Lethality as Related to Residual Catalase Activity in Cooked Chicken Breast

We investigated the effects of total process lethality on the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide, presumably due to catalase activity. Ground chicken breast meat was heated to various end-point temperatures (EPTs) in 10 heating treatments varying heating time and rate. Within each treatment, residual catalase activity was affected by the product EPT. However, samples heated to the same EPT under different treatments retained less enzymatic activity as heating time increased. Total process lethality was calculated to assess the severity of heating at each EPT under each heating condition. Residual enzymatic activity was directly related to the total lethality.
Single Catheter Determination of Local Electrogram Prematurity Using Simultaneous Unipolar and Bipolar Recordings to Replace the Surface ECG as a Timing Reference

Bipolar recordings eliminate much of the far-field signal, while minimally filtered unipolar recordings contain substantial far-field signal components. These properties may allow the onset of the unipolar recording to serve as a timing reference for the bipolar recording obtained from the same electrode catheter during mapping of focal atrial or ventricular tachycardias. Mapping and RF ablation were performed in 26 patients with focal ventricular tachycardia and 14 patients with focal atrial tachycardia. At 205 mapping sites, simultaneous recordings of (1) minimally filtered unipolar electrograms (0.5-500 Hz), (2) high pass filtered unipolar electrograms (100 Hz), and (3) filtered bipolar recordings (30-500 Hz) were analyzed. The interval between the onset of the minimally filtered unipolar electrogram and the first peak of the bipolar electrogram (UniOn-BiP) correlated closely with the timing of the local electrogram referenced to the surface ECG (r = 0.85, P < 0.001). Of 53 sites where RF ablation was performed, UniOn-BiP was shorter at successful compared to unsuccessful sites (3.8 +/- 3.5 vs 9.2 +/- 5.2 ms, P < 0.001) and was < 15 ms at all successful sites. In conclusion, the comparison of simultaneous unipolar and bipolar electrograms from a single catheter allows assessment of the prematurity of local electrograms from a focal source without the use of the P wave or QRS onset as a timing reference.
Statin use and the incidence of advanced age-related macular degeneration in the Complications of Age-related Macular Degeneration Prevention Trial.

Objective To evaluate the impact of statin use on the incidence of advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and its components, choroidal neovascularization (CNV) and geographic atrophy (GA), among patients with bilateral large drusen. Design Cohort study within a multicenter, randomized, clinical trial. Participants Patients enrolled in the Complications of Age-related Macular Degeneration Prevention Trial (CAPT). Methods Eligibility criteria for the clinical trial required that participants have ≥10 large (>125 μm) drusen and visual acuity ≥20/40 in each eye. Patients scheduled for their final CAPT visit after May 2005 were interviewed on their history of use of cholesterol-lowering medications, including statins. Trained readers identified CNV and end point GA (>1 Macular Photocoagulation Study disc area of GA) based on review of fluorescein angiograms and fundus photographs taken at annual follow-up visits and when patients reported symptoms. The risk ratio for participants developing CNV or developing GA associated with statin use was estimated with time-dependent Cox proportional hazards models. Main Outcome Measures Development of advanced AMD, CNV, and end point GA. Results Among 764 patients eligible for the interview, 744 (97.4%) patients completed the interview on medication use. Statin use was reported by 296 (39.8%) of those interviewed, with the majority, 187 (63.2%) of the 296, beginning use after enrollment in CAPT. Among 744 patients, advanced AMD developed in 332 (22.5%) eyes of 242 (32.5%) patients, CNV in 222 (15%) eyes of 176 (23.7%) patients, and GA in 114 (7.7%) eyes of 80 (10.8%) patients. With adjustment for other risk factors, the estimated risk ratio for eyes (95% confidence interval) associated with statin use was 1.15 (0.87–1.52) for advanced AMD, 1.35 (0.99–1.83) for CNV, and 0.80 (0.46–1.39) for GA. Conclusions The CAPT data are not consistent with a strong protective effect (risk ratio, ≤0.85) of statins on the development of advanced AMD among patients with bilateral large drusen. Financial Disclosure(s) The authors have no proprietary or commercial interest in any of the materials discussed in this article.
Post-traumatic epilepsy: an overview

Post-traumatic seizures (PTS) and post-traumatic epilepsy (PTE) are complications from traumatic brain injury (TBI). PTE refers to recurrent and unprovoked PTS that occur at least 1 week after TBI. Seizures during the first week after TBI are considered provoked, an acute complication from head injury, while seizures occurring 1 week after TBI are considered a manifestation of PTE and if only a single seizure occurs it is known as late PTS. EEG and neuroimaging help in the diagnosis of PTE. Predictors for PTE include TBI severity, presence of intracranial bleeding and early PTS. Several clinical trials have demonstrated that antiepileptic drugs are effective in reducing the frequency of acute PTS, but do not appear to alter the natural history of late PTS or PTE.
Derivation and immunological characterization of mesenchymal stromal cells from human embryonic stem cells

Objective We have previously shown the simultaneous generation of CD73 + mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) along with CD34 + hematopoietic cells from human embryonic stem cells (ESCs) when they are cocultured with OP9 murine stromal cells. We investigated whether MSCs can be derived from human ESCs without coculturing with OP9 cells, and if such cells exhibit immunological properties similar to MSCs derived from adult human bone marrow (BM). Materials and Methods Our starting populations were undifferentiated human ESCs cultured on Matrigel-coated plates without feeder cells. The differentiated fibroblast-looking cells were tested for expression of MSC markers and their potential for multilineage differentiation. We investigated surface expression of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) molecules on these MSCs before and after treatment with interferon-γ (IFN-γ). We also tested the proliferative response of T-lymphocytes toward MSCs and the effects of MSCs in mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) assays. Results We derived populations of MSCs from human ESCs with morphology, cell surface marker characteristics, and differentiation potential similar to adult BM–derived MSCs. Similar to BM-derived MSCs, human ESC–derived MSCs express cell surface HLA class I (HLA-ABC) but not HLA class II (HLA-DR) molecules. However, stimulation with IFN-γ induced the expression of HLD-DR molecules. Human ESC–derived MSCs did not induce proliferation of T-lymphocytes when cocultured with peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Furthermore, ESC-derived MSCs suppressed proliferation of responder T-lymphocytes in MLR assays. Conclusions MSCs can be derived from human ESCs without feeder cells. These human ESC–derived MSCs have cell surface markers, differentiation potentials, and immunological properties in vitro that are similar to adult BM–derived MSCs.
BALLOON INJURY ALTERS α‐ADRENOCEPTOR EXPRESSION ACROSS RAT CAROTID ARTERY WALL

alpha(1)-Adrenoceptors (AR) mediate growth factor-like activity of catecholamines on vascular smooth muscle cells (SMC) and adventitial fibroblasts. This trophic activity is strongly augmented by balloon injury, contributes significantly to subsequent proliferation, wall hypertrophy and lumen loss and is mediated by alpha(1A)- and alpha(1B)-AR. However, it is not known how injury augments adrenergic trophic activity. The aim of the present study was to examine alpha-AR expression in rat carotid artery and to test the hypothesis that balloon injury augments a(1)-AR expression. 2. Neointima, media and adventitia were isolated at various days after balloon injury of rat carotid artery and subjected to quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and radioligand binding. Cultured SMC were also studied. 3. Transcripts for alpha(1A)-, alpha(1B)-, alpha(1D)- and alpha(2D)-AR were expressed in different proportions in media and adventitia from uninjured carotid artery. Injury caused a reduction by as much as 85% at day 4 in all alpha-AR mRNA (but not cyclophilin) in both the media and adventitia. In both layers, expression returned to control by day 21 for alpha(2D)-AR and by day 42 for alpha(1A)-AR, but remained reduced by 25-50% for alpha(1B)- and alpha(1D)-AR at 42 days. alpha(1)-Adrenoceptor transcripts in the neointima at 21 and 42 days after injury were expressed at levels more than 80% lower than in the media or adventitia of uninjured carotid; alpha(2D)-AR mRNA was undetectable. The density of total alpha(1)-AR binding sites was similar in the media and adventitia of uninjured carotid. Density was reduced by approximately 60% in the intima-media and adventitia 21 days after injury. To examine possible mechanisms, early passaged cultured SMC were studied that express alpha(1D)- and alpha(1B)-AR at levels similar to in vivo but that do not express other alpha-AR. Basic fibroblast growth factor caused downregulation of alpha(1D)-AR mRNA and alpha(1)-AR density, without affecting mRNA half-life, whereas transforming growth factor-beta1 had no effect. Neither growth factor altered alpha(1B)-AR message expression. 4. These data demonstrate that: (i) carotid artery expresses the same four alpha-AR genes and similar total alpha(1)-AR density in the SMC media and fibroblast-rich adventitia; and (ii) injury induced enhancement of adrenergic trophic activity is not caused by upregulation of alpha(1)-AR, but, instead, is associated with a generalized reduction in alpha-AR expression.
Flare build up: 21 May 1980

Abstract The decaying solar active region that crossed the central meridian on May 20, 1980 at latitude S13° produced a major flare (2B/X1) at 2054 on May 21. This region was a target of the international Flare Buildup Study and was well observed. The buildup was characterized by little flare activity during two days prior to the major flare but a great deal of activity in the filament that separated the opposite magnetic polarities of the active region. Large proper motions of sunspots and magnetic fields suggest that the magnetic field was stressed prior to the flare. The immediate trigger of the flare appears to have been an eruption of new magnetic flux in the center of the active region. The new flux erupted in a configuration that decreased the net flux of the active region and contributed to the decay of the region.
The new knighthood: Terrorism and the medieval

Norwegian terrorist Anders Behring Breivik describes himself as a member of a neomedieval, underground paramilitary group known as the Knights Templar. This essay addresses Breivik’s manifesto’s use of the medieval as a vehicle for understanding the continued importance of the Middle Ages to the formation of modern political ideas.
Quantifying the Solubility of Boron Nitride Nanotubes and Sheets with Static Light Scattering and Refractometry

The dissolution of nanoparticles, particularly those containing boron, is an important area of interest for polymer nanocomposite formation and material development. In this work, the solubility of boron nitride nanotubes (BNNT), functionalized boron nitride nanotubes (FBNNT), and boron nitride sheets (BN-ZG) is quantified in toluene and THF with static light scattering, refractometry, UV–vis spectroscopy, and physical observations. UV–vis spectroscopy provides a method to determine the concentration and solubility limits of the solutions tested. Using light scattering, the second virial coefficient, A2, is determined and used to calculate χ, the solute–solvent interaction parameter. The Hildebrand solubility parameter, δ, is then extracted from this data using the Hildebrand–Scatchard Solution Theory. A list of potential good solvents based on the estimated δ value is provided for each nanoparticle. Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) and prepolymers (EN4 and EN8) used to synthesize polyurethanes were...
Insights from recent meta-analysis: role of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in reducing cardiovascular events and rates of atherosclerotic disease progression.

Background Although low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) traditionally has been the focus of treatment guidelines and clinical trials of lipid therapy, patients continue to have cardiovascular disease (CVD) events despite effective lowering of their LDL-C levels, suggesting the influence of other risk factors. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels have been shown to be inversely associated with CVD risk in epidemiological studies. Methods Meta-analyses and clinical trials that reported on the potential relation between HDL-C and CVD were reviewed. Results Low HDL-C level is associated with increased CVD risk. Statins reduce CVD events in patients with low HDL-C, and fibrates benefit patients with low HDL-C and high triglyceride levels. The benefit of statins on event reduction may be related to their effects on HDL-C. However, not all therapies that increase HDL-C reduce CVD events. Imaging trials have provided evidence of the combined influence of HDL-C and LDL-C on surrogate end points. Conclusion Drugs in the same class may have different effects on HDL-C, and these different lipid effects may translate into different effects on atherosclerosis and CVD events. A new class of agents, cholesteryl ester transfer protein inhibitors, is being examined in ongoing trials to determine whether dalcetrapib may have different effects than torcetrapib, which increased levels of HDL-C but was associated with increased adverse events. In addition, ongoing trials are examining whether targeting both HDL-C and LDL-C, by combining a second agent such as niacin with a statin, leads to greater benefit on CVD and clinical events.
Identification of Rational Functions using two-degree-of-freedom model by forced vibration method

In prediction of self-excited forces and flutter instability of flexible structures, time domain method has distinct advantages. Rational Functions that are used to formulate self-excited aerodynamic forces in time domain were indirectly extracted from experimentally obtained flutter derivatives in the past. Recently, an algorithm was published to directly extract the Rational Functions from wind tunnel section model tests in free vibration. To overcome the limitations of free vibration technique, a new algorithm that is developed for direct extraction of the Rational Functions from section model tests using a forced vibration technique is presented here. The new algorithm can be used to extract all the Rational Functions associated with one, two or three degree-of-freedom motion (vertical, lateral and torsional) of a section model. To validate the new algorithm, forced vibration wind tunnel tests in two degrees of freedom (vertical and torsional) were performed on a streamlined bridge deck section model with width-to-depth ratio B/D = 15:1 and also a bluff rectangular section model with B/D = 5:1. This is a significant improvement from other forced vibration methods that require separate one-degree-of-freedom model tests which are dependent on phase angle difference between aerodynamic loads and displacements.
An anti-p24 monoclonal antibody shows cross-reactivity with multiple HIV-1 proteins

Abstract We produced three murine monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against the HIV-1 proteins. These three mAbs, namely CA-1, CA-2, CA-4, were IgG1 and all reacted with p24 on the HIV-1 Western blot. One of the mAbs, CA-4, also recognized p13, p21, p28, p29, p32, p39, p47, p55 on the Biotech/Du Pont HIV-1 Western blot strips and p21, p24, p28, p29, p39, p47, p55, p68, p80, p96, p110 on the Bio-Rad strips. CA-4 did not react with H-9 cell lysate nor with other retroviral antigens such as HTLV-1 or HIV-2 proteins. The binding of CA-4 to HIV-1 proteins was not blocked by deglycosylation. All three mAbs reacted with recombinant DNA derived capsid protein (p24) of HIV-1. These results suggest that many proteins in the HIV-1 Western blot contain antigenic epitope(s) similar to that of p24.
Algebraic integers and distributions on the N-torus

Let D(TN) be the class of real-valued, infinitely differentiable, periodic functions, and let D′(TN) be the class of real-valued distributions on TN having D(TN) as its test functions. Define A(TN) ⊂ D(TN) as follows: S is in A(TN) if there is a constant K such that ¦ S^(m)¦ ⩽ K for all m, and, furthermore, limmin(|m1|,…,|mN|)←∞|S^(m)|=0. For 0 < ξ < 12, let C(ξ) be the familiar Cantor set with constant ratio of dissection ξ, constructed on the interval [−π, π). The following result is established: A necessary and sufficient condition thatC(ξ1) × … × C(ξN)be a set of uniqueness for the classA(TN)is that eachξj−1be anJnumber forj = 1,…, N.
Quality evaluation of cancer study Common Data Elements using the UMLS Semantic Network

The binding of controlled terminology has been regarded as important for standardization of Common Data Elements (CDEs) in cancer research. However, the potential of such binding has not yet been fully explored, especially its quality assurance aspect. The objective of this study is to explore whether there is a relationship between terminological annotations and the UMLS Semantic Network (SN) that can be exploited to improve those annotations. We profiled the terminological concepts associated with the standard structure of the CDEs of the NCI Cancer Data Standards Repository (caDSR) using the UMLS SN. We processed 17798 data elements and extracted 17526 primary object class/property concept pairs. We identified dominant semantic types for the categories ''object class'' and ''property'' and determined that the preponderance of the instances were disjoint (i.e. the intersection of semantic types between the two categories is empty). We then performed a preliminary evaluation on the data elements whose asserted primary object class/property concept pairs conflict with this observation - where the semantic type of the object class fell into a SN category typically used by property or visa-versa. In conclusion, the UMLS SN based profiling approach is feasible for the quality assurance and accessibility of the cancer study CDEs. This approach could provide useful insight about how to build mechanisms of quality assurance in a meta-data repository.
Hypertonic Versus Isotonic Crystalloid for Fluid Resuscitation in Critically Ill Patients

Abstract [Brown MD. Hypertonic versus isotonic crystalloid for fluid resuscitation in critically ill patients. Ann Emerg Med. July 2002;40:113-114.]
Field experiments on egg production in the fresh-water Sponge Spongilla lacustris

Short (0.3 cm) and long (1.5–2.5 cm) lengths of laboratory-stored branches of gemmulated S. lacustris were implanted in the pond of origin on three dates approximately one, two, and three months after the time of normal gemmule hatching. The sponges derived from these implants produced eggs in both old and new tissue for three to four weeks following gemmule hatching. The significance of these results with respect to the control of egg production in natural populations is discussed.
Paternal genotype reconstruction reveals multiple paternity and sex ratios in a breeding population of leatherback turtles ( Dermochelys coriacea )

When animals are difficult to observe while breeding, insights into the mating system may be gained by using molecular techniques. Patterns of extra-pair copulation, multiple paternity and parental genotype analysis may elucidate population characteristics that help improve knowledge of life history while informing management decisions. During the course of a long-term study of leatherback turtles, we assessed the level of multiple paternity in successive clutches for 12 known females nesting at Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge (St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands). We used seven polymorphic microsatellite markers to genotype the females and 1,019 hatchlings representing 38 nests (3–4 clutches from each female). Using deductive genotype reconstruction and GERUD1.0, we identified the 12 mothers and 17 different fathers that were responsible for 38 nests. We found that seven females (58.3%) showed no evidence of multiple paternity in their clutches, while five females (41.7%) had mated with two males each. There was evidence of two fathers (polyandry) in successive clutches for these five females. Multiple fathers didn’t contribute to clutches equally. For clutches laid by an individual female, the primary father was responsible for 53.7 to 85.9% of the hatchlings. We demonstrate the feasibility of using male genotype reconstruction to characterize the male component of this breeding population and to assess operational sex ratios for breeding sea turtles.
Combining the multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor vandetanib with the antiestrogen fulvestrant enhances its antitumor effect in non-small cell lung cancer.

Introduction Estrogen is known to promote proliferation and to activate the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a known estrogen responsive gene in breast cancer. We sought to determine whether the VEGF pathway is also regulated by estrogen in lung cancer cells, and whether combining an inhibitor of the ER pathway with a dual vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR)/EGFR inhibitor would show enhanced antitumor effects. Methods We examined activation of EGFR and expression of VEGF in response to β-estradiol, and the antitumor activity of the multitargeted VEGFR/EGFR/RET inhibitor, vandetanib, when combined with the antiestrogen fulvestrant both in vitro and in vivo. Results NSCLC cells expressed VEGFR-3 and EGFR. Vandetanib treatment of NSCLC cells resulted in inhibition of EGFR and VEGFR-3 and inhibition of β-estradiol-induced P-MAPK activation, demonstrating that vandetanib blocks β-estradiol-induced EGFR signaling. Treatment with β-estradiol stimulated VEGFA mRNA and protein (p Conclusions Fulvestrant may enhance effects of vandetanib in NSCLC by blocking estrogen-driven activation of the EGFR pathway.
A novel class of trans-methylpyrazoline analogs of combretastatins: synthesis and in-vitro biological testing.

Abstract Thirteen methylpyrazoline analogs (1a-m) of combretastatin A-4 (CA-4, 2) were synthesized. The trans-geometry of the two substituted phenyl moieties was ascertained by a single crystal X-ray diffraction study of compound 1d. The cytotoxicities of the analogs against the growth of murine B16 melanoma and L1210 lymphoma cells in culture were measured using the MTT assay. One of the derivatives, 1j, which has the same substituents as CA-4 was the most active in the series with IC50 values of 3.3 μM and 6.8 μM against the growth of L1210 and B16 cells, respectively. The activity of this analog against human cancer cell lines was confirmed in the NCI 60 panel. The other active analogs against L1210 were 1b and 1f, which gave IC50 values in the 6–8 μM range. Compound 1j caused microtubule depolymerization with an EC50 value of 4.1 μM. This compound has good water solubility of 372 μM. Molecular modeling studies using DFT showed that compound 1j adopts a “twisted” conformation mimicking CA-4 that is optimal for binding to the colchicine site of tubulin.
Virtual inclusion via telepresence robots in the classroom

The recent development of telepresence robots provides the opportunity for virtual inclusion to students who are not able to attend school due to medical conditions. Every year, large numbers of K-12 students are not able to attend class due to illness. Extended absence from the classroom has negative and overlapping educational, social, and medical consequences as students may fall behind in instruction, feel isolated from their peers, and experience difficulties in their recovery due to loneliness and depression. The recent development of telepresence robots provides a possible means for addressing this situation. Preliminary results from a local case study on the use of these robots in a public school system indicate that virtual inclusion may provide significant improvements in the educational, social, and healthcare experiences of this vulnerable population.
A continuum thermo-inelastic model for damage and healing in self-healing glass materials

Abstract Self-healing glass, a recent advancement in the class of smart sealing materials, has attracted great attention from both research and industrial communities because of its unique capability of repairing itself at elevated temperatures. However, further development and optimization of this material rely on a more fundamental and thorough understanding of its essential thermo-mechanical response characteristics, which is also pivotal in predicting the coupling and interactions between the nonlinear stress and temperature dependent damage and healing behaviors. In the current study, a continuum three-dimensional thermo-inelastic damage–healing constitutive framework has been developed for the compliant self-healing glass material with different damage mechanisms, i.e. micro-cracks and micro-pores, taken into account. The important feature of the present model is that different physically-driven evolution kinetics have been unified to represent the distinct inelastic, damage, and healing behaviors associated with the mechanical degradation processes. Coupled with the micro-crack and micro-void models reported in the literature, a continuum description of the healing behavior has been established based on the lower-length scale kinetic Monte Carlo simulations to characterize the local thermal–diffusional bond re-formation process across the fracture interface. The proposed formulations are implemented into finite element analyses and the effects of various loading conditions and material properties on the material’s mechanical resistance are investigated.
The role of different methods of nerve ablation in prevention of neuroma

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to compare the incidence of neuroma formation and neuropathic pain following different techniques of nerve ablation in a rat sural nerve model. METHODS Rat sural nerve was subjected to four different techniques of ablation with standardized creation of a 1-cm gap (n = 15 in each group). These included nerve avulsion, transection and burying in muscle, transection and folding of nerve, and transection alone. Animals were killed after 3 months. Explanted nerves were sectioned and stained with Masson trichrome and S-100 stain against neural tissue. The maximal neural cross-sectional area and neural-to-connective tissue ratio was quantified. Quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (n = 5) was used to analyze relative mRNA expression of ciliary neurotrophic factor and calcitonin gene-related peptide. RESULTS Neural cross-sectional area was statistically increased (p < 0.05) compared with controls in folded, muscle buried, and transected specimens but decreased in avulsed specimens. The neural-to-connective tissue ratio was statistically decreased in the avulsed group. Relative mRNA expression of ciliary neurotrophic factor was lowest in muscle buried (4 percent of control) (p < 0.05) and avulsed specimens (15 percent of control) (p < 0.05) and higher in folded (52 percent of control) and transected specimens (75 percent of control). Relative mRNA expression of calcitonin gene-related peptide was highest in folded specimens (302 percent of control) (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Folding and transection lead to increased histologic evidence of neuroma formation, whereas folding leads to neuropathic pain, assayed by calcitonin gene-related peptide expression. Avulsion and muscle burying are preferable techniques for nerve ablation and inhibit nerve regeneration, evidenced by decreased ciliary neurotrophic factor expression. Avulsion offers an alternative to muscle burying when there is no muscle in the vicinity to bury the transected nerve.
Radio programming: Station format and alternative models of the audience in the U.S.‐Mexico border region

Abstract The article analyzes the use of radio “classified‐ad” shows for the sale of goods and services. The article finds that in commercial radio, some Spanish language radio stations (SLRS) program communicative opportunities for listeners in the form of “classified‐ad” type shows on a regular basis. The article presents two significant finding: first, that program format decisions are organized by the “model of the audience” that station personnel hold. The SLRSs studied hold a “participatory model” of the audience. The article distinguishes different models of the audience and indicates how the models summarize radio station personnel perspectives and behaviors surrounding program choice. The second finding is that proximity to the U.S./Mexico border produces variation in “classified‐ad” type shows. The local variation (in El Paso, Texas, Tucson, Arizona and Albuquerque, New Mexico) in the organization of these programs is described and explained according to the mutual needs and purposes of the loca...
VisSheet redux: redesigning a visualization exploration spreadsheet for the web

The exploration of complex data sets requires interfaces to present and navigate through the visualization of the data. In recent work [Jankun-Kelly and Ma 2001], we produced a visualization exploration spreadsheet to address this issue. The developed application, however, was implemented for off-line use only. For data sets on remote sites, this approach is not appropriate. Thus, a web-based version of the visualization exploration spreadsheet is needed. This abstract discusses the process of transforming the interface from an off-line to an on-line design.
Simulation of board-level free-space optical interconnects for electronic processing

A simulation program for evaluating free-space optical interconnects at the board system level is described. The algorithm combines the interactive effects of component misalignment, beam expansion, propagation distance, and optical cross talk on system-bit error rate and packing density. The program is used to evaluate the conditions that are necessary for a board-level system to achieve a bit error rate of 10−17 with maximum signal-packing density for a source receiver separation of 10 cm and an alignment tolerance of ±0.27 deg. The design example incorporates substrate-mode holographic optical elements for lateral and longitudinal signal distribution.