cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Regional distribution of cytosolic and particulate 5α-dihydroprogesterone 3α-hydroxysteroid oxidoreductases in female rat brain

Numerous studies have indicated that progesterone metabolites, particularly 3alpha,5alpha-tetrahydroprogesterone, can potently influence multiple brain functions, e.g. they have the capacity to mediate gonadotropin regulation and various anticonvulsive, anesthetic and anxiolytic effects. These circulating progesterone metabolites are likely to represent only a fraction of the bioavailable pool of these steroids in that the central nervous system (CNS) also possesses enzymes that can synthesize these metabolites in situ. Therefore, because the ability of the CNS to produce these neuroactive progestins is an important consideration when assessing overall progestin function and metabolism, we measured the major progesterone metabolizing enzyme activities, namely the cytosolic NADPH and particulate NADH 5alpha-dihydroprogesterone 3alpha-hydroxysteroid oxidoreductase (3alpha-HSOR) and progesterone 5alpha-reductase activities in nine brain regions from random cycling and ovariectomized rats. These assays entailed the use of reverse isotopic dilution analysis and revealed that all three enzymic activities were present in each of the brain regions examined, but that these regions displayed differential patterns with regard to their levels of cytosolic and particulate 3alpha-HSOR activity. The cytosolic 3alpha-HSOR activity was highest in the olfactory bulb/tubercle and colliculi regions which were greater than levels in the hypothalamus/preoptic area and cerebellum which were greater than levels in the amygdala/striatum and hippocampus/dentate gyrus. Midbrain/thalamus, cerebral cortex and pons/medulla were different only from the olfactory bulb/tubercle and colliculi regions. The particulate 3alpha-HSOR activity was highest in the olfactory bulb/tubercle region followed by colliculi, hippocampus/dentate gyrus and pons/medulla which were greater than levels in the hypothalamus/preoptic area, cerebellum and amygdala/striatum. Cerebral cortex and midbrain/thalamus were different only from the olfactory bulb/tubercle area. The highest levels of 5alpha-reductase activity were found in the pons/medulla region followed by the colliculi, midbrain/thalamus, cerebellum and olfactory bulb/tubercle which were greater than levels in the amygdala/striatum, hippocampus/dentate gyrus, hypothalamus/preoptic area and cerebral cortex. It is interesting to note that although 5alpha-reductase may control, at least in part, substrate levels for the 3alpha-HSORs, the distribution of 5alpha-reductase activity in these nine brain regions did not correlate with 3alpha-HSOR levels. The differences in the levels of activity of these three enzymes in various brain regions suggests a role in maintaining a differential balance of the neuroactive steroid, 3alpha,5alpha-tetrahydroprogesterone, and its precursor, 5alpha-dihydroprogesterone, in various regions of the CNS.
Scattering of skyrmions in an axially symmetric system

Abstract In the Skyrme model for strong interactions we study the exact time evolution of classical field configurations. We find that the skyrmion-skyrmion scattering (skyrmion-antiskyrmion scattering, in the channel in which they do not annihilate) is an essentially elastic process up to center-of-mass energies of roughly 150 MeV (75 MeV). Above this energy internal degrees of freedom of the skyrmion configuration remain excited after the collision and a nuclear potential can no longer be defined. The frequencies excited during the collision coincide with the frequencies obtained by analyzing the time evolution of an initially deformed single skyrmion configuration.
Informed consent and general surgeons' attitudes toward the use of pain medication in the acute abdomen

To determine general surgeons' attitudes about the use of pain medications in the acute abdomen, a questionnaire was mailed to all practicing general surgeons in Iowa. The questionnaire sought to determine the frequency with which pain medications were administered either before informed consent was obtained or before the patient with an acute abdomen was examined, and, in cases when pain medications were withheld, the reasons for withholding. The response rate was 72% (131 of 182). Seven percent of patients with an acute abdomen received pain medications by a general surgeon before being seen and 22% received pain medication by another physician in the emergency department (ED). Fifty-three percent of general surgeons responded that they believe pain medications preclude a patient from signing a valid informed consent; 78% reported that concerns about informed consent enter into their decision to withhold pain medications. Sixty-seven percent agreed that pain medications interfere with diagnostic accuracy, and 82% consider diagnostic accuracy when deciding to withhold pain medication.
A Fast Method for Local Penetration Depth Computation

This paper presents a fast method for determining an approximation of the local penetration information for intersecting polyhedral models. As opposed to most techniques, this algorithm requires no specific knowledge of the object's geometry or topology, or any preprocessing computations. In order to achieve real-time performance even for complex, nonconvex models, we decouple the computation of the local penetration directions from the computation of the corresponding local penetration depths: for any pair of intersecting objects, we partition the penetrating zones into coherent regions, and we determine for each of these regions a local penetration direction. Then, for each of these regions, we estimate a local penetration depth in the previously computed penetration direction. This method has been implemented and tested on a 2.0 GHz Pentium PC with a NVIDIA GeForce FX 5900 graphics card with AGP 4× and 768MB of RAM. The examples indicate that meaningful local penetration information can be computed for...
Three-dimensional structure of a wholly aromatic copoly(ester carbonate)

The three-dimensional structure of the thermotropic copoly(ester carbonate) comprised of p-hydroxybenzoic acid (HBA), hydroquinone (HQ) and carbonate units has been investigated by X-ray methods, focusing on the copolymer containing a 75/25 HBA/HQ mole ratio. The fibre diagrams contain nonperiodic layer lines, and we have previously shown that these arise from a structure consisting of arrays of parallel chains with a completely random comonomer sequence. The chains have highly extended conformations, in which the carbonate groups are distorted from the minimum-energy planar structure. such that the 1,4-axes of the phenylene groups are all approximately parallel to the fibre axis. The X-ray data also contain a number of sharp equatorial and off-equatorial Bragg maxima due to the presence of three-dimensional order. We have first addressed the determination of the structure by calculation of the cylindrically averaged intensity transforms of single chains averaged overall possible sequences. We then considered the interference effects due to packing of the copolymer chains. The results show that the planes of successive phenylene rings, linked either by ester or carbonate groups, are mutually inclined by ∼60°. This leads to a pseudo-dimer repeat unit, which explains the existence of the layer line at Z = 1/13.1 A, between the equator and the first observed meridional maximum. The off-equatorial maxima are predicted when we require that short, random segments form ‘crystallites’ by registration of the central monomer units. This registration is relatively minimal, in that there is a distribution of the centre of the sequences about the registry plane, with a standard deviation of ≈ 1 A. It is seen that copoly(ester carbonate) chains with distorted carbonate groups can pack in a more ordered structure than is possible in the wholly aromatic copolyesters prepared from HBA and 2-hydroxy-6-naphthoic acid (HNA).
Coping behavior in depression: report on a new scale.

Abstract The Coping Strategies Scales (COSTS) were developed to provide a means of measuring how depressed persons cope with depression and to identify the behavior which they find to be most or least helpful. Items were rated by eight psychologists, psychiatrists and social workers. Those items achieving 75% level of agreement on scale assignments were included. The COSTS was then administered to 100 depressed outpatients and inpatients currently in psychotherapy. A replication study of 64 patients was also completed. Nine of the 10 scales had acceptable internal reliability, ranging from 0.70 to 0.86. An initial factor analysis of the 10 scale scores showed there to be three primary factors. Internal reliability coefficients for these three factorially-derived scales ranged from 0.86 to 0.91.
Self-politeness: A proposal☆

Research in linguistic politeness in the past two decades has been fruitful but incomplete: it has focused exclusively on other-oriented politeness while no attention has been paid to the fact that speakers' need to save their own face also has a bearing on their linguistic behavior. In this paper, I build a model of self-politeness within the framework of Brown and Levinson's (1987) theory. This model includes a set of superstrategies, each of which has its output strategies. I will also discuss factors that influence speakers' choices of strategies and illustrate these strategies with examples.
Mass Transport across the Porous Oxide Shells of Core−Shell and Yolk−Shell Nanostructures in Liquid Phase

The mass transport of a number of molecules dissolved in a liquid solvent through the shells of Pt@SiO2 core–shell and Pt@Void@TiO2 yolk–shell nanostructures was characterized in situ by infrared absorption spectroscopy. Our samples, which were used here to represent the core–shell and yolk–shell nanostructures that have become so popular in recent times, were determined to exhibit a dual distribution of pore sizes, with a majority of micropores with diameters of less than 1 nm and a second group of mesopores with windows approximately 4 nm in diameter. The uptake of carbon monoxide from CCl4 or ethanol solutions onto the surface of the metal of these nanostructures was characterized first. It was determined that adsorption is possible with both samples, and that saturation on the metal surface precedes saturation on the oxide shell. This latter observation suggests that the access of the CO molecules (and all other molecules studied here) to the inside of the yolk–shell structures may be controlled by th...
The Benefits of Solar Thermal Energy

The article “Is it time to shoot for the sun?” (R. F. Service, News Focus, 22 July, p. [548][1]) on solar energy overlooked a proven and affordable energy source that is already available, solar thermal energy with storage via heat transfer fluid. A recent National Research Council report ([1][2]) put the cost of a large plant at $0.08/kWh, not competitive with conventional coal ($0.04/kWh), but cheaper than electricity from clean coal power plants equipped for CO2 sequestration [$0.07/kWh plus the cost of CO2 sequestration ([2][3])]. Solar thermal energy has an unacknowledged, unique feature ([3][4]). A solar-concentrating collector and its associated heat storage can be regarded as a fuel plant, which feeds a conventional steam power plant. As the investment for the power plant is less than 14% of the total, it can be overdesigned by a factor of three. This gives the system control capabilities not affordable or available in any clean power plant technology. For intermediate loads (8:00 AM to 9:00 PM), 50% of our electricity requirements, the cost remains $0.08/kWh, cheaper than nuclear energy or clean coal ($0.11/kWh and $0.10/kWh, respectively). All solar thermal power plants need to be competitive is a government subsidy for a few large demonstration plants, as were available for the development of nuclear and clean coal plants. The cost of generating power with solar cells is now three to six times more expensive than with a solar thermal plant. Should solar cells ever become really cheap, instantaneously dispatchable solar thermal energy could compensate for their lack of storage capacity and they could become attractive for large-scale use and merit a large research effort. 1. 1.[↵][5] National Research Council, “Critique of the Sargent and Lundy Assessment of Cost and Performance. Forecasts for Concentrating Solar Power” (National Academies Press, Washington, DC, Dec. 2002). 2. 2.[↵][6] 1. N. Holt , paper presented at the Gasification Technologies Conference, Washington, DC, 4 to 6 Oct. 2004. 3. 3.[↵][7] 1. R. Shinnar, 2. F. Citro , in preparation (available at ). [1]: /lookup/doi/10.1126/science.309.5734.548 [2]: #ref-1 [3]: #ref-2 [4]: #ref-3 [5]: #xref-ref-1-1 "View reference 1. in text" [6]: #xref-ref-2-1 "View reference 2. in text" [7]: #xref-ref-3-1 "View reference 3. in text"
Plasma fluctuations in crossed electric and magnetic fields

Abstract An experimental study has been made of the high-amplitude electrical fluctuations associated with a gas discharge in a strong magnetic field.Hydrogen, helium, argon, and nitrogen gas were used at pressures from 0.3 to 100 micronsThe power spectrum on plasma probes was investigated for various values of magnetic field, gas pressure, and power input to the discharge.For the range of frequencies studied (0.5 to 4000 megacycles per second), the spectrum shows a continuous high level that increases in amplitude with decreasing pressures at all frequencies and increases with increasing magnetic field at low frequencies.A sharp dip in the spectrum was observed near the ion cyclotron frequency for discharges in hydrogen and helium. The velocity and direction of propagation for the low frequency fluctuations were determined by cross-correlating the potential variations on two neighboring probes. These fluctuations appear to propagate in the direction of the electron drift and at a velocity somewhat less than the Lorentz drift velocity.
Relationships Among Flag f-Vector Inequalities for Polytopes

We examine linear inequalities satisfied by the flag $f$-vectors of polytopes. One source of these inequalities is the toric $g$-vector; convolutions of its entries are non-negative for rational polytopes. We prove a conjecture of Meisinger about a redundancy in these inequalities. Another source of inequalities is the {\bf cd}-index; among all $d$-polytopes, each {\bf cd}-index coefficient is minimized on the $d$-simplex. We show that not all of the {\bf cd}-index inequalities are implied by the toric $g$-vector inequalities, and that not all of the toric $g$-vector inequalities are implied by the {\bf cd}-index inequalities. Finally, we show that some inequalities from convolutions of {\bf cd}-index coefficients are implied by other {\bf cd}-index inequalities.
A modal α2-dynamo in the limit of asymptotically small viscosity

Abstract A spherical α2-dynamo is presented as an expansion in the free decay modes of the magnetic field. In the limit of vanishing viscosity the momentum equation yields various asymptotic expansions for the flow, depending on the precise form of the dissipation and boundary conditions applied. A new form for the dissipation is introduced that greatly simplifies this asymptotic expansion. When these expansions are substituted back into the induction equation, a set of modal amplitude equations is derived, and solved for various distributions of the α-effect. For all choices of α the solutions approach the Taylor state, but the manner in which this occurs can vary, as previously found by Soward and Jones (1983). Furthermore, as hypothesized by Malkus and Proctor (1975), but not previously demonstrated, the post-Taylor equilibration is indeed independent of the viscosity in the asymptotic limit, and depending on the choice of a may be either steady-state or oscillatory.
Estrogen Protection in Friedreich's Ataxia Skin Fibroblasts

Estrogens have been shown to have protective effects on a wide range of cell types and animal models for many neurodegenerative diseases. The present study demonstrates the cytoprotective effects of 17β-estradiol (E2) and estrogen-like compounds in an in vitro model of Friedreich's ataxia (FRDA) using human donor FRDA skin fibroblasts. FRDA fibroblasts are extremely sensitive to free radical damage and oxidative stress, produced here using l-buthionine (S,R)-sulfoximine to inhibit de novo glutathione synthesis. We have shown that the protective effect of E2 in the face of l-buthionine (S,R)-sulfoximine -induced oxidative stress is independent of estrogen receptor-α, estrogen receptor-β or G protein-coupled receptor 30 as shown by the inability of either ICI 182,780 or G15 to inhibit the E2-mediated protection. These cytoprotective effects appear to be dependent on antioxidant properties and the phenolic structure of estradiol as demonstrated by the observation that all phenolic compounds tested were protective, whereas all nonphenolic compounds were inactive, and the observation that the phenolic compounds reduced the levels of reactive oxygen species, whereas the nonphenolic compounds did not. These data show for the first time that phenolic E2-like compounds are potent protectors against oxidative stress-induced cell death in FRDA fibroblasts and are possible candidate drugs for the treatment and prevention of FRDA symptoms.
Miracles are not immoral: a response to James Keller's moral argument against miracles

James Keller recently argued that miracles in the sense of divine intervention are immoral because in such acts God would unfairly choose to help the beneficiary of the miracle over others who may be equally in need and just as deserving. I respond generally by arguing that his analysis overlooks the possibility that those who do not receive the miraculous intervention may receive other benefits of equal or greater value and that there may be purposes for miraculous intervention which transcend individual benefit. More specifically, I argue that Keller's understanding of miracles does not accommodate the Christian doctrine of grace, that he does not come to grips with the evangelical purpose of miracles depicted in Christian apologetics, that his view of the context in which miracles occur is abstract and sterile in light of charismatic experience, and finally that his argument leads to the counterintuitive conclusion that the Resurrection of Christ is somehow immoral. In the light of these considerations, I argue that miracles are not immoral.
The influence of temperature and precipitation on spring dispersal of Frankliniella fusca changes as the season progresses.

Effects of temperature and precipitation on spring dispersal patterns of Frankliniella fusca (Hinds) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) caught on yellow sticky traps were estimated in central and eastern North Carolina and eastern Virginia, USA, from 1997 to 2001, and in 2004 and 2007. Data were collected from 44 sites within 14 locations over 7 years, resulting in 30 location-year data combinations. The following independent variables were examined to determine their relationship to the number of F. fusca caught on sticky traps during specified time intervals: cumulative degree days (base 10.5 � C) from 1 November to the start of each trapping interval (DD), number of days with temperatures favorable for flight during each trapping interval (DTFF), and an index of rainfall during specific intervals prior to and during the trapping interval (RI). Regression models that contained various combinations of these variables explained 62, 79, 74, and 68% of the variation in the number of dispersing F. fusca captured during 1‐15 April, 16‐30 April, 1‐15 May, and 16‐31 May, respectively. The results provide strong evidence that the suppressive effects of precipitation on growth of local populationsdevelopingduringlatewinterandearlyspringaresubsequentlymanifestatthelandscape scale as reductions in the populations of dispersing adults that may persist for as long as 5‐6 weeks after the precipitation occurs.
On-line condition monitoring for MOSFET and IGBT switches in digitally controlled drives

The early detection of incipient faults is desirable in mission-critical applications such as shipboard propulsion drives. This paper presents an on-line condition-monitoring approach for detecting incipient faults in IGBTs and MOSFETs. The proposed algorithm extracts important device features (i.e V CE,ON and R DS,ON ) and compares them to healthy values recorded over a range of operating conditions. The algorithm is based on principal-components analysis (PCA). An experimental implementation in an IGBT-based drive is described. An on-line feature extraction scheme for MOSFETs is also proposed and demonstrated. This scheme exploits the nature of carrier-based PWM in order simplify the measurement process.
An efficient path selection algorithm for on-demand link-state hop-by-hop routing

Traditional routing protocols based on link-state information form a network topology through the exchange of link-state information by flooding or by reporting partial topology information and compute shortest routes to each reachable destination using a path-selection algorithm like Dijkstra's algorithm or the Bellman-Ford algorithm. However, in an on-demand link-state routing protocol, no one node needs to know the paths to every other node in the network. Accordingly, when a node chooses a next hop for a given destination, it must be true that the next hop has reported a path to the same destination; otherwise, packets sent through that node would be dropped. We present a new path-selection algorithm that unlike traditional shortest path algorithms, computes shortest paths with the above on-demand routing constraint.
Application of a Fracture Risk Algorithm to Men Treated With Androgen Deprivation Therapy for Prostate Cancer

Purpose: Osteoporosis causes morbidity and mortality in men. The National Osteoporosis Foundation recommends fracture risk assessment with the online WHO/FRAX® tool. Although androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer increases fracture risk, there is limited information about which men require preventative drug therapy. We applied the WHO/FRAX tool to men treated with androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer.Materials and Methods: Information was collected from a practice cohort of men treated with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists, and included age, height, weight, history of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist treatment, dual energy x-ray absorptiometry results, prior bone targeted therapy and clinical risk factors for fracture. Subjects were evaluated with the WHO/FRAX algorithm (http://www.shef.ac.uk/FRAX/).Results: A total of 363 men treated with androgen deprivation therapy (median age 72 years) were evaluated. By the FRAX algorithm with clinical information (no dual energy x...
Employee Ownership and Older Workers

This paper examines the response of older workers to an employee ownership alternative when A&P shut down all supermarkets in one geographic area of the United States. Older workers lost more benefits and were more dissatisfied with the contract negotiations that resulted in employee ownership but this dissatisfaction was not related to willingness to pledge money to become an employee owner. Older workers who were not old enough to retire, who were willing to take risks, and who believed in entrpreneurism were most likely to want to become employee owners, but, in general, employee ownership does not appear to be a particularly desirable solution to problems of unemployment among older workers.
Mean-Variance Hedging When There Are Jumps

In this paper, we consider the problem of mean-variance hedging in an incomplete market where the underlying assets are jump diffusion processes which are driven by Brownian motion and doubly stochastic Poisson processes. This problem is formulated as a stochastic control problem, and closed form expressions for the optimal hedging policy are obtained using methods from stochastic control and the theory of backward stochastic differential equations. The results we have obtained show how backward stochastic differential equations can be used to obtain solutions to optimal investment and hedging problems when discontinuities in the underlying price processes are modeled by the arrivals of Poisson processes with stochastic intensities. Applications to the problem of hedging default risk are also discussed.
CHEMICAL STUDIES ON BACTERIAL AGGLUTINATION : II. THE IDENTITY OF PRECIPITIN AND AGGLUTININ

1. The absolute, quantitative agglutinin method has been used for the determination of the presence or absence of small amounts of specific polysaccharide in pneumococcus variants. 2. A technique is described for the removal of group specific antibody from antipneumococcus horse serum. 3. The type specific anticarbohydrate agglutinin and precipitin are not only present in identical amounts in Type I antipneumococcus horse serum, but a reduction in one is also accompanied by a quantitatively identical reduction in the other, providing evidence for their actual identity. In purified antibody solutions somewhat more agglutinin than precipitin is found, possibly owing to alteration of a portion of the antibody in the process of purification.
Origin of magnetization in the Phosphoria Formation at Sheep Mountain, Wyoming: A possible relationship with hydrocarbons

Hydrocarbon impregnated fenestral dolomites of the Phosphoria Formation were sampled on both flanks of Sheep Mountain Anticline, Wyoming. Demagnetization results indicate one dominant component that is either synfolding (Laramide in age) or predates folding (Cretaceous in age). Thermal demagnetization yields stable decay to temperatures between 500°C and 550°C and rock magnetic experiments suggest that the magnetization is dominated by a low coercivity component. Magnetic extracts contain spheres (<15 µ diameter) as well as other authigenic forms. Energy dispersive analysis demonstrates that Fe is the only detectable element present in the spheres and X-ray diffraction analysis indicates that magnetite is present in the extracts; the spheres are interpreted to be authigenic magnetite. The magnetization is interpreted as a chemical remanent magnetization (CRM) residing in this authigenic magnetite. Chemical conditions created by the hydrocarbons may have caused precipitation of the authigenic magnetite and acquisition of the associated CRM.
Lipid Mediators in the Resolution of Inflammation

Mounting of the acute inflammatory response is crucial for host defense and pivotal to the development of chronic inflammation, fibrosis, or abscess formation versus the protective response and the need of the host tissues to return to homeostasis. Within self-limited acute inflammatory exudates, novel families of lipid mediators are identified, named resolvins (Rv), protectins, and maresins, which actively stimulate cardinal signs of resolution, namely, cessation of leukocytic infiltration, counterregulation of proinflammatory mediators, and the uptake of apoptotic neutrophils and cellular debris. The biosynthesis of these resolution-phase mediators in sensu stricto is initiated during lipid-mediator class switching, in which the classic initiators of acute inflammation, prostaglandins and leukotrienes (LTs), switch to produce specialized proresolving mediators (SPMs). In this work, we review recent evidence on the structure and functional roles of these novel lipid mediators of resolution. Together, these show that leukocyte trafficking and temporal spatial signals govern the resolution of self-limited inflammation and stimulate homeostasis.
Evidence for a role of the PD-1:PD-L1 pathway in immune resistance of HPV-associated head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Human papillomavirus-associated head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HPV-HNSCC) originate in the tonsils, the major lymphoid organ that orchestrates immunity to oral infections. Despite its location, the virus escapes immune elimination during malignant transformation and progression. Here, we provide evidence for the role of the PD-1:PD-L1 pathway in HPV-HNSCC immune resistance. We show membranous expression of PD-L1 in the tonsillar crypts, the site of initial HPV infection. In HPV-HNSCCs that are highly infiltrated with lymphocytes, PD-L1 expression on both tumor cells and CD68+ tumor-associated macrophages is geographically localized to sites of lymphocyte fronts, whereas the majority of CD8+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes express high levels of PD-1, the inhibitory PD-L1 receptor. Significant levels of mRNA for IFN-γ, a major cytokine inducer of PD-L1 expression, were found in HPV+ PD-L1(+) tumors. Our findings support the role of the PD-1:PD-L1 interaction in creating an "immune-privileged" site for initial viral infection and subsequent adaptive immune resistance once tumors are established and suggest a rationale for therapeutic blockade of this pathway in patients with HPV-HNSCC.
Grain Boundary Sliding Microdisplacement Measurements During the Creep of Alumina

Grain boundary sliding (GBS) is thought to be the principal driving force for the nucleation, growth, and coalescence of grain boundary cavities during compressive creep of polycrystalline ceramics. It has been shown theoretically that stochastic GBS gives rise to continuous cavity nucleation and transient cavity growth and coalescence, eventually leading to crack formation and failure. This paper will show through experimental measurements, using stereoimaging techniques, that GBS is in fact stochastic. Also, mode II GBS, in-plane grain rotation, and in-grain shear displacements, strains, and strain rate measurements during creep of Lucalox Al2O3 will be presented. These displacements, measured on a machine vision system, will be presented in terms of the surrounding microstructural constraint and their lack of angular relation to the compressive load axis.
Survey of nationally registered emergency medical services providers: pediatric education.

Abstract Study Objective: To survey emergency medical services (EMS) providers on a national level to determine and describe their perspective regarding their initial and continuing education (CE) needs in pediatrics. Methods: A 10-question survey was developed, pilot-tested, and sent to EMS providers as a part of their National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians reregistration materials. Results: Surveys were completed by 18,218 EMS providers, a response rate of 67%. During a typical month, 60% of emergency medical technician–paramedics (EMT-Ps), 84% of EMT-intermediates (EMT-Is), and 87% of basic EMTs (EMT-Bs) care for 0 to 3 pediatric patients. CE was identified by all provider levels as the main source of their pediatric knowledge and skills. A state or national mandate for required CE in pediatrics was supported by 76% of surveyed providers. More than 70% of all providers responded they were comfortable to some degree with their own ability and their EMS system's ability when confronted with a critical pediatric call. Cost, availability, and travel distance were identified by all levels as the primary barriers to obtaining pediatric CE. All levels identified infants as the age of greatest concern if the provider was called to manage a critical case. Conclusion: Surveyed practicing nationally registered EMS providers have infrequent contact with pediatric patients and have acquired most of their pediatric knowledge and skills from CE. In general, these providers are comfortable with their personal and their system's ability to care for children, but clearly support the need for required pediatric CE and identify the birth to 3-year age range as the priority for an educational focus. Cost, travel distance, and availability of pediatric CE are barriers that should be considered if pediatric CE is to be required of EMS providers. [Glaeser PW, Linzer J, Tunik MG, Henderson DP, Ball J. Survey of nationally registered emergency medical services providers: pediatric education. Ann Emerg Med. July 2000;36:33-38.]
Does It Matter Where You Read the News Story? Interaction of Incivility and News Frames in the Political Blogosphere

The political blogosphere is replete with uncivil discussions and is apt to examine the influence of incivility on news frames. The present study brings in literature from incivility and framing effects and uses two experiments to examine the influence of incivility on news frames for democratic outcomes such as willingness to participate, online participation, openmindedness, and attitude certainty. Primary findings indicate the detrimental effects of incivility causing less openmindedness and more attitude certainty. At the same time, incivility causes more willingness to participate and online participation. More importantly, the findings demonstrate how incivility interacts with news frames. Implications for news framing effects in the social media landscape are discussed.
Injury in the aged: Geriatric trauma care at the crossroads

In the 2010 US Census, the number of persons age 65 years and older constituted 13% of the population and is projected to constitute 22% of the population by 2020.1 As the US population ages, there is an increasing volume of GTPs; injury is now the seventh leading cause of death for those age 65 years.2 Geriatric trauma is increasing both in absolute number and as a proportion of annual volume presenting to trauma centers. Based on the National Trauma Data Bank, the proportion of trauma patients aged 65 years or older in Level I and II trauma centers increased from 23% in 2003 to 30% in 2009. This is likely a significant underestimate because most GTPs are treated at lower-level or nontrauma centers.3,4 In Washington State, for example, the annual number of GTPs in the state registry has increased from 4,266 in 2000 to 11,226 in 2012, an increase from 30% to 42% of the total trauma population. Clearly, the management of injury in geriatric patients will continue to be a major challenge for trauma care providers. In his presidential address to the AAST entitled “For the care of the undeserved,” Dr. Robert Mackersie identified the growing population of elderly injured patients as medically underserved in terms of limited trauma center access, age-related treatment biases, and as a result, deprived of many of the recent advances in modern trauma care.5 To specifically address these inequalities, he convened an Ad Hoc Geriatric Committee and charged it, “To advise the AAST regarding the problems, issues, and needs of the geriatric patient.” What follows is the work product of the Committee in responding to President Mackersie’s charge. The initial priority was to survey the membership of the AAST to better understand the current conditions under which hospitalized GTPs are receiving care. The second task of the Committee was to enumerate the major problems associated with the care of GTPs and to suggest potential solutions to the identified problems. While the Committee does not presume infallibility in its pronouncements, the material presented is intended to initiate discussion, stimulate research, and to ultimately result in evidence-based guidelines that will better serve this “underserved” segment of our population.
Computational models of cerebral aneurysms using intravascular hemodynamic measurements

The hemodynamic environment of intracranial aneurysms is considered an important promoter of aneurysmal formation, growth and rupture [1]. Flow-diverting stent technology [2] has been developed to reduce blood flow (and hence hemodynamic stress) inside the aneurysm, potentially lowering the rupture risk. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling of aneurysms and the surrounding cerebral vasculature allows investigators to calculate important hemodynamic characteristics such as wall shear stress (WSS), which have been implicated in aneurysm growth and rupture.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Prediction of Turbulent Secondary Flows in Ducts Using Equilibrium Wall-Modeled LES

For many practical applications, large eddy simulation (LES) and direct numerical simulation (DNS) are still too computationally expensive to be viable engineering tools. By modeling the small scales within the boundary layer, wall-modeled LES (WMLES) reduces this cost and enables high Reynolds number calculations. For a WMLES approach that relies on the assumption of an equilibrium boundary layer, however, a primary concern is the extent to which the set of simplified equations solved by the wall-model may be insufficient to predict boundary layer separation or three-dimensional behavior. Additionally, most equilibrium WMLES approaches rely on some type of eddy viscosity term to parameterize the effects of unresolved turbulence near the wall. In many flows of interest, however, the anisotropy of the Reynolds stress tensor violates the assumptions inherent to the most common eddy viscosity models. Hence, the accuracy of WMLES for these types of flows is not yet fully established. This research attempts to identify some of the potential deficiencies in the equilibrium WMLES methodology for turbulent flows through non-circular ducts and demonstrates how certain straightforward modifications can significantly improve the calculation of shear stress. The shear stress distributions are then shown to be influential in the development of the secondary vortices which can significantly alter the primary, axial flow. Several model variations are initially evaluated using two streamwise-periodic, incompressible test cases before being applied to a spatially-evolving, compressible flow. These modifications are shown to improve the prediction of the secondary flows found in turbulent ducts across a range of Reynolds and Mach numbers.
The Objective Reality of the Past: Some Further Reflections

Some Whiteheadians argue that past actual entities only exist and are available for prehension by later actual entities within the divine consequent nature. Others insist that past actual entities are objectively immortal and available for prehension within the extensive continuum. Based on an interpretation of Whiteheadian societies as structured fields of activity for their constituent actual occasions, this article proposes that the world has an objective reality even apart from the existence of God, and that past actual entities are reflected in the current structure of the cosmic process. Yet the world still needs God as its ultimate source of creativity.
Reviving the Memory of the Apostles: Apocryphal Tradition and Travel Literature in Late Antiquity

In this essay I aim to consider the association of place with apostolic personae. The imaginative worlds generated between the time of the apostles in the first century and the rise of the medieval Christian world in the seventh and eighth centuries can be seen as an integral part of what we now label ‘late antiquity’. The period of late antiquity, roughly from 300 to 600 AD (from Constantine to Mohammed), is substantively a period of consolidation and reorientation: knowledge from the ancient Greco-Roman civilizations was queried, repackaged, and disseminated; classical literature was copied, commented upon, and imitated; Roman law was collected, rearranged, and declared authoritative. What has been less studied in this period is the reception of the apostolic world as a realm of knowledge in its own right.
550 THE ROLE OF DYSLIPIDEMIA AND HMG-COA REDUCTASE INHIBITORS IN PREVENTING ADVERSE CARDIAC EVENTS IN PATIENTS WITH MODERATE AORTIC STENOSIS.

Background Evidence suggests that aortic stenosis (AS) may be related to atherosclerosis and dyslipidemia. This is supported by data demonstrating echocardiographic attenuation of AS progression by HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins). Unfortunately, not many data are available concerning the role of statin therapy in the clinical progression of AS. We attempted to clarify if dyslipidemia and statin therapy has any role in the clinical outcomes of patients with AS. Methods A review of 272 patients with moderate AS was performed. Data analyzed included current lipid profiles and use of statins. The primary end points examined included the major adverse cardiac events (MACE) such as angina, syncope, heart failure, strokes, and hospitalizations; In addition secondary end points such as all-cause mortality and aortic valve replacement (AVR) were also evaluated. Logistic regression analysis (LRA) was used to adjust for potential confounding factors including coronary artery disease (CAD), diabetes, renal insufficiency, hypertension, and current smoking. Results 272 patients, with a mean age of 74.8 and a mean AVA of 1.2 cm2 were included. 141 patients (51.8%) were on a statin. LRA revealed an adjusted odds ratio of 3.16 (p 100 mg/dL. There was no association between statin use and reduction in MACE (p = .82), aortic valve replacement (p = .94) as well as all-cause mortality (p = .46). Elevated LDL (p = .016), low HDL (p = .018), and high non-HDL cholesterol (p = .05) were all independent predictors of all-cause mortality and MACE. Conclusions In patients with AS there was no significant correlation between statin use and a reduction in event rates. Nevertheless, major markers of dyslipidemia were significantly associated with all-cause mortality and MACE in patients with AS. This suggests that in patients with AS, the clinical outcomes appear to be determined by the mechanical obstruction. The role of statin therapy may be limited to preventing development of AS in patients with aortic sclerosis.
Preclinical evaluation of olaparib and metformin combination in BRCA1 wildtype ovarian cancer

Abstract Objectives BRCA mutated ovarian cancers show increased responsiveness to PARP inhibitors. PARP inhibitors target DNA repair and provide a second hit to BRCA mutated tumors, resulting in "synthetic lethality". We investigated a combination of metformin and olaparib to provide "synthetic lethality" in BRCA intact ovarian cancer cells. Methods Ovarian cancer cell lines (UWB1.289, UWB1.289.BRCA, SKOV3, OVCAR5, A2780 and C200) were treated with a combination of metformin and olaparib. Cell viability was assessed by MTT and colony formation assays. Flow cytometry was used to detect cell cycle events. In vivo studies were performed in SKOV3 or A2780 xenografts in nude mice. Animals were treated with single agent, metformin or olaparib or combination. Molecular downstream effects were examined by immunohistochemistry. Results Compared to single drug treatment, combination of olaparib and metformin resulted in significant reduction of cell proliferation and colony formation ( p p p in vivo . Conclusion Combining PARP inhibitors with metformin enhances its anti-proliferative activity in BRCA mutant ovarian cancer cells. Furthermore, the combination showed significant activity in BRCA intact cancer cells in vitro and in vivo . This is a promising treatment regimen for women with epithelial ovarian cancer irrespective of BRCA status.
GG-01 Characterisation of a CD3+CD4+CD28+CD11AHIKIR+CD70+CD40Lhi T cell subset in patients with active lupus

Background Inhibiting DNA methylation in human or mouse CD4+ T cells causes overexpression of methylation sensitive genes including CD11a, CD70, CD40L and the killer-cell immunoglobulin like receptor (KIR) gene family, and the epigenetically altered murine cells are sufficient to cause lupus-like autoimmunity in syngeneic mice. CD4+ T cells from patients with active lupus also have hypomethylated DNA and overexpress the same genes. Whether the methylation sensitive genes are expressed on different T cells or co-expressed on the same cell is unknown but important to determine, because antibodies to one of the proteins would deplete the subset if all are expressed on the same cell, providing a safer and more effective treatment than currently used medications. We have now used multicolor flow cytometry to test if all these genes are co-expressed on the same or different T cells, using CD4+ T cells experimentally demethylated in vitro and CD4+ T cells from patients with active lupus. Materials and methods Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were isolated from healthy women and women with lupus by density gradient centrifugation. PBMC from healthy women were stimulated with PHA then treated for 72 hours with the Dnmt1 inhibitor 5-azacytidine (5-azaC). Lupus disease activity was determined using the SLEDAI. T cells stained with fluorchrome conjugated antibodies biotin-CD40L/ PECY7-avidin, APC-CD11a, Pacific Blue-CD3, PECy5-CD28, FITC-CD70, APCCy7CD4, and a “cocktail” of anti-KIR antibodies including PE-anti- Kir2DL4/CD158D, PE-anti- CD158b, PE-anti- CD158i, PE-anti-CD158b1/b2,j, and PE-anti- CD158a,h were analyzed using a FACS ARIA IIIU flow cytometer and FACSDiva software or an iCyte Synergy flow cytometer and WINLIST software. Results The 5-azaC treated cells, but not untreated T cells, contained a CD3 + CD4 + CD28 + CD11a hi KIR + CD70 + CD40L hi subset representing a range of 3–6% of the 5 AzaC-treated total CD4+ T cells. Similarly, PBMC from patients with active but not inactive lupus also contained a CD3 + CD4 + CD28 + CD11a hi KIR + CD70 + CD40L hi subset, and the size of the subset was directly proportional to disease activity (Figure 1). Conclusion These results demonstrate that CD4+ T cells experimentally demethylated in vitro, and CD4+ T cells from women with active but not inactive lupus, contain a novel epigenetically altered subset that co-expresses the methylation sensitive genes. This subset may be a novel marker for lupus disease activity. Co-expression of the genes on the same cell also suggests that antibodies to a gene expressed on demethylated but not normal T cells may treat lupus flares. Footnotes Dept of Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbour MI
An invasive ant reduces diversity but does not disrupt a key ecosystem function in an African savanna

Understanding the consequences of anthropogenic biodiversity decline has become an increasingly urgent priority for ecologists. Biological invasions are a common result of anthropogenic habitat change, and numerous studies have established the negative impact of invasions on the diversity and abundance of native species. But fewer studies have directly examined the effect of biological invasions on ecosystem functions and services. We leveraged a recent invasion by the big-headed ant (Pheidole megacephala) in an East African savanna to evaluate the impact of invasion on arthropod diversity, and on dung decomposition, an ecosystem function provided by a subset of these arthropods. We found that invaded sites had lower overall arthropod diversity, but these diversity changes did not extend to a functional group of detritivorous insects (e.g., dung beetles and termites), which play key roles in dung decomposition. In a manipulative experiment, we found that rates of dung pile decomposition did not differ significantly in invaded vs. non-invaded sites. Our study provides evidence that these invaded savannas are undergoing large changes in arthropod diversity, while maintaining resilience in decomposition function, suggesting that diversity alone may be an insufficient impact assessment tool. By monitoring functional guilds and their attendant services, we may better understand the broader structural and functional consequences of invasion.
On the Compositional Nature of States

This monograph pursues a structural analogy between the availability of an existential interpretation in states and the telicity of events. Focusing on evidence from both verbal and adjectival predicates, it argues that quantization forms the basis of a unified theory of aktionsart and provides a theory in which the availability of an existential interpretation in states is, like the telicity of events, determined compositionally by the predicate and the quantization of its internal argument. Quantization is further argued to reflect the internal temporal constitution of the stages of an individual which is tied to the generation of an existential interpretation. This monograph will be of interest to syntacticians and semanticists who are specifically concerned with compositional approaches to eventualities, and to those who have a more general interest in the role linguistic theory can play in determining core properties of the mind.