cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of a short-term diet and exercise intervention on metabolic syndrome in overweight children

Overweight and the metabolic syndrome are increasing radically in children. The present study was designed to examine the effects of lifestyle modification in 16 children who were placed on a high-fiber, low-fat diet in a 2-week residential program where food was provided ad libitum and daily aerobic exercise was performed. In each subject, pre- and postintervention fasting blood was drawn. Insulin (27.2 +/- 3.5 vs 18.3 +/- 1.7 microU/mL, P < .01), homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (5.79 +/- 0.81 vs 4.13 +/- 0.38, P < .05), and body weight (92.0 +/- 7.0 vs 88.0 +/- 6.8 kg, P < .01) were reduced significantly. Total cholesterol (165 +/- 7.8 vs 127 +/- 7.4 mg/dL, P < .01), low-density lipoprotein (94.1 +/- 8.2 vs 68.5 +/- 6.7 mg/dL, P < .01), triglycerides (146 +/- 16.2 vs 88.1 +/- 8.1 mg/dL, P < .01), and total cholesterol-high-density lipoprotein (4.16 +/- 0.30 vs 3.34 +/- 0.30, P < .01) and low-density lipoprotein-high-density lipoprotein ratios (2.41 +/- 0.3 vs 1.86 +/- 0.2, P < .01) were reduced, with no change in high-density lipoprotein observed (42.3 +/- 2.4 vs 40.8 +/- 3.0 mg/dL). Systolic blood pressure (130 +/- 3.1 vs 117 +/- 1.8 mm Hg, P < .001) and diastolic blood pressure (74.3 +/- 3.0 vs 67.2 +/- 2.3 mm Hg, P = .01) also decreased. Most notably, before the intervention, 7 of the 16 subjects were classified with metabolic syndrome. After the 2-week intervention, despite remaining overweight, reversal of metabolic syndrome was noted in all 7 subjects. All of these changes occurred despite only modest improvements in the percentage of body fat (37.5% +/- 1.1% vs 36.4% +/- 1.2%, P < .01) and body mass index (33.2 +/- 1.9 vs 31.8 +/- 1.9 kg/m(2), P < .01). These results indicate that a short-term rigorous diet and exercise regimen can reverse metabolic syndrome, even in youth without documented atherosclerosis.
Normicity, a general jet measure

A general jet measure for identifying multi-jet final states ine+e− annihilations is introduced and discussed. It is a single valued quantity characterizing jet topologies and it is mostly free of nonperturbative effects. Using this test measure we present a new and simple algorithm to find multijet structures. Tests on simulated events show that this method forms a powerful tool to investigate hard gluon radiation.
The Social Origins of Environmental Determinism

Abstract Three elements of late nineteenth century society are examined: imperialism as the urgent moment of sociopolitical necessity, Social Darwinism as compelling ideology of an imperial capitalism, and environmental determinism as first version of modern geography. To legitimate imperial conflict and conquest, sociological principles were derived from biology using the methodological linking device of the organismic analogy. Fundamental differences between humans and the rest of nature could not be comprehended within this methodology. Though aimed at a science of society. Social Darwinism in general and environmental determinism as its geographic version were forced to assume a quasi-scientific form in racism, and nature was given a causal power that could not be scientifically justified. Marxism, by comparison, provides a theoretical basis for scientifically comprehending the relations between nature, production, and society. Following Social Darwinism rather than Marxism prevented geography from ac...
Brain-targeting gene delivery using a rabies virus glycoprotein peptide modulated hollow liposome: bio-behavioral study

In this study, a novel hollow liposome modified with a rabies virus glycoprotein peptide (RVG-liposome) was designed and synthesized for siRNA delivery to the brain. The resultant RVG-liposome was about 91 nm in diameter with a regular globular shape and hollow structure. siRNA was successfully encapsulated into the hollow cores of the RVG-liposome, achieving ∼75% entrapment efficacy while maintaining the nanodimensions of the RVG-liposome. The siRNA-loaded RVG-liposome can be effectively internalized and subsequently releases siRNA in bone marrow macrophages. With siRNA loading, the RVG-liposome mediated effective siRNA delivery and resulted in high transfection efficiency in U87 cells. MTT assay demonstrated that neither the RVG-liposomes themselves nor siRNA-loaded RVG-liposome showed cytotoxicity, even at high concentrations. Moreover, in vivo live imaging and fresh frozen sections showed that the RVG-liposome has the ability to cross the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and was preferably accumulated in the brain. Such a hollow RVG-liposome holds great promise as a non-viral vector for efficient and brain-targeting gene delivery.
Use of Endoscopic Ultrasound in the Preoperative Staging of Gastric Cancer: A Multi-Institutional Study of the US Gastric Cancer Collaborative

Background Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) can be used to guide the therapeutic plan for patients with gastric adenocarcinoma (GAC), but data on its use and accuracy remain poorly defined. We sought to define the use of EUS, as well as characterize the diagnostic accuracy of EUS among patients with GAC. Study Design We identified 960 patients who underwent resection of GAC between 2000 and 2012 from 7 major academic institutions participating in the US Gastric Cancer Collaborative. Clinicopathologic and EUS data were collected and analyzed using chi and kappa statistics. Results Of 960 patients, 223 (23.2%) underwent evaluation with preoperative EUS. Among patients who underwent EUS, 74 (33.2%) received neoadjuvant chemotherapy; 149 (66.8%) proceeded directly to resection. Among patients who did not receive neoadjuvant therapy and received curative intent gastric resection, the EUS T classifications were T1 (33.3%), T2 (35.6%), T3 (18.9%), T4 (12.1%) and the N classifications were N0 (68.1%) and N ≥ 1 (31.9%). In contrast, when tumor stage was based on the final surgical specimen, there was a higher proportion of cases with more advanced T stage (T1, 36.4%; T2, 14.4%; T3, 23.5%; T4, 25.7%) and N stage (N0, 51.3%; N ≥ 1, 48.7%). The agreement of preoperative EUS compared with surgical staging for T (kappa = 0.28, p Conclusions Less than one-quarter of patients with GAC underwent preoperative EUS staging. In patients who did not receive preoperative chemotherapy, tumor stage on EUS often did not correlate with T stage and N stage on final pathologic analysis. Endoscopic ultrasound should be combined with other staging modalities to optimize staging of patients with GAC.
1027. DNase II Knockdown in Human Endothelial Cells Does Not Improve Non-Viral Transfection Efficiency

Endocytosis of non-viral vectors delivers them first to early endosomal compartments followed quickly by late endosomes. Vectors are then subject to possible sequestration to lysosomes. The acidic environment within lysosomes activates acidic nucleases which cause vector degradation. Deoxyribonuclease II (DNase II) is an acidic endonuclease most active at pH 4.5, which is primarily active in lysosomal compartments due to their low pH. DNase II has been identified as a lysosomal barrier to transfection, due to vector degradation upon lysosomal sequestration. However, the significance of this barrier on cationic gene transfer in nondividing endothelium has yet to be determined. Also, previous research has relied on techniques such as knock out models or chemical inhibitors, which could have non-specific effects on other proteins. RNA interference (RNAi) is a useful tool to knock down specific targets with control for off-targeting effects. Hence, to determine the significance of DNase II in nondividing human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs), we utilized RNA interference (RNAi) to knock down DNase II in vitro.
Activation of Ca2+ release by caffeine and voltage in frog skeletal muscle

1. Using a fast flow, computer-controlled, two-Vaseline-gap chamber, single muscle fibres were subjected to 'pulses' of caffeine at Ca2+ releasing concentrations, combined with voltage-clamp depolarizations, while monitoring intracellular [Ca2+]. 2. Ca2+ release flux elicited by caffeine reached 2.5 mM s-1, or less, after 3 s of exposure, then decayed to zero. The caffeine-releasable pool of sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ was 2.9 +/- 0.4 mM (mean +/- S.E.M., n = 10). 3. In parallel with release induced by caffeine, release induced by voltage pulses applied during a caffeine exposure increased in the first second of exposure, then decreased, to abolition after 5 s. 4. The amount of Ca2+ releasable by depolarizing pulses was always equal to the amount of Ca2+ in the caffeine-releasable pool. Therefore, there is a single releasable Ca2+ pool. This pool is well stirred-it takes much more time to lose its Ca2+ by release than to diffusionally homogenize its [Ca2+]. Its depletion explains quantitatively the decay of release induced by caffeine or voltage during an exposure to caffeine. 5. A 1.5 s pulse to 10 mV, applied during exposure to caffeine, resulted in large Ca2+ release and, upon repolarization, termination of the caffeine-induced release. This is similar to repolarization-induced stop of caffeine contracture (RISC) in embryonic murine myoballs. The permeability elicited by caffeine (ratio of flux to calcium in the releasable pool) was not affected by depolarizing pulses. Therefore, the mechanism of the RISC-like effect was Ca2+ depletion. 6. Caffeine-induced release did not depend on the holding potential. 7. Whether caffeine was present or not, release activated by voltage remained always under voltage control, ending rapidly upon repolarization. A depolarizing pulse induced a release permeability with an early peak, followed by decay to a steady level. Caffeine (10 mM) shifted the mid-activation voltage of both peak and steady components by -15 mV and increased the steepness of their voltage dependence by 15%. The maximum permeability increased by 30% for the peak and 25% for the steady component (n = 5). These results neither support nor disprove the hypothesis that the peak of Ca2+ release is activated by Ca2+. 8. The similar potentiation by caffeine of both components of release, the continued ability of voltage to control release in the presence of caffeine, and its failure to alter caffeine-induced permeability indicate that caffeine and the voltage sensor enhance independently the channel's tendency to open.
Attraction toward a stranger as a function of direct and associated reinforcement

The experiment was designed to examine the effects of reinforcement directly attributable to a stranger and reinforcement associated in time with a stranger on the determination of attraction toward the individual. It was found that attraction varies positively (p <.001) with the proportion of similar attitudes expressed by the stranger (direct reinforcement) and positively with the amount of reinforcement associated in time with the stranger (p <.001). Attraction was found to be a linear function of weighted positive reinforcements.
RKH Space Methods for Low Level Monitoring and Control of Nonlinear Systems II. A Vector-Case Example: The Lorenz System

By using techniques from the theory of reproducing kernel Hilbert (RKH) spaces, we continue the exploration of the stochastic linearization method for possibly unknown and/or noise corrupted nonlinear systems. The aim of this paper is twofold: (a) the stochastic linearization formalism is explicitly extended to the vector case; and (b) as an illustration, the performance of the stochastic linearization for monitoring and control is assessed in the case of the Lorenz system for which the dynamic behavior is known independently.
Solid-phase edman degradation: A new method for attaching peptides to insoluble resins using trifluoroacetic anhydride

Abstract A method has been developed for attaching peptides to solid supports through their carboxyl groups. The carboxyl groups are activated by mixed anhydride formation in the presence of trifluoroacetic acid and trifluoroacetic anhydride. The activated peptides are then attached to an insoluble resin and subjected to the usual procedures for solid-phase sequencing.
MO‐D‐110‐02: Calculating Patient‐Specific Skin Dose

Records of radiation exposure with fluoroscopic guided interventional (FGI) exposures commonly include fluoroscopy duration, KAP, cumulative AK at the RP but may or may not include fluoroscopic exposure location information. Newer equipment use DICOM Radiation Dose SR (RDSR) which if coupled with simulation tools can re‐create an entire exposure history to calculate patient skin dose distributions and locate the regions of peak skin dose (PSD). A software tool will be described that automatically captures RDSR data to a database. A separate physicist screen (web enabled or laptop) provides prompts to set up a new or upgraded FGI lab. This task would be similair to acceptance testing a complex imaging device. This activity permits corrections for vendor specified AK at the RP, inclusion of backscatter factors, table and pad attenuation, specifying distance from the x‐ray tube, field size corrections, patient positioning (supine or prone, left or right sided, head or feet first), table movement, patient location on the table and field shape. Other fields that address QA are set by the physicist and include the list of authorized users, email alerts and action levels. A separate technologist web screen is used for each patient to choose a correct simulated patient size, positioning on the table and the individuals performing the procedure. At the end of the procedure the technologist receives a record of skin dose mapping, including an Alert if the reference values are exceeded. As the data are stored in the DICOM Tracker database, a number of QA tools can be applied including the ability monitor individual types of procedures and fluoroscopists comparative values. For legacy FGI equipment (having some, but not all of the required DICOM fields) it is possible to estimate PSD by making assumptions about the proportion of fluoroscopic exposure relative to acquistions (digital spots and cine).
AP-1 DNA binding activity induced by hyperosmolality in the rat hypothalamic supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei

Immediate early gene products (c-fos, c-jun and their cognates) act as transcription factors coupling physiologically relevant stimuli to long-term responses by binding to the AP-1 site in the promoter region of target genes. The induction of c-fos has been identified in the paraventricular (PVN) and supraoptic (SON) hypothalamic magnocellular nuclei after hyperosmotic stimulation by using in situ hybridization and immunocytochemistry. In this study, AP-1 DNA binding activity, an indicator of the functional form of the c-fos transcription factor, was examined in nuclear extracts prepared from these brain regions using an electrophoretic mobility shift assay and a labeled oligonucleotide containing the AP-1 consensus sequence. Two hours after hypertonic saline injection (i.p.), rats were killed and nuclear proteins were extracted from tissue punches of brain regions to assess AP-1 binding activity. Hyperosmolality induced an increase of AP-1 binding activity in nuclear protein from SON and PVN, but not striatum. This binding was competitively displaced by excess unlabeled AP-1 oligonucleotide whereas addition of increasing amounts of unlabeled SP-1 oligonucleotide (promoter site on housekeeping genes for the ubiquitous SP-1 transcription factor) did not decrease the binding. The binding protein was shown to contain c-Fos/Fra and c-Jun since addition of c-Fos/Fra antiserum formed a supershift of the DNA, protein and antibody complex, and c-Jun antibody blocked the protein DNA binding. These data suggest that hyperosmolality leads to a selective and specific increase in AP-1 DNA binding activity which may be responsible for regulating secondary target gene expression in the hypothalamic SON and PVN.
IGF-I Treatment Increases Growth Velocity in Children with Non-Growth Hormone-Deficient Short Stature • 451

IGF-I Treatment Increases Growth Velocity in Children with Non-Growth Hormone-Deficient Short Stature • 451
Pharmacokinetics of 1-β-d-arabinofuranosylcytosine (Ara-C) deamination in several species

Abstract The pharmacokinetics of 1-β- d -arabinofuranosylcytosine (Ara-C) and 1-β- d -arabinofuranosyluracil (Ara-U) are related to enzyme kinetics in vitro in mice, monkeys, dogs and humans by means of a mathematical model. The model is physiologic and permits the incorporation of chemical reactions in appropriate anatomic sites with kinetic characteristics of their local environment. A lean tissue compartment plays an important role as a reservoir. The kidney clearance of Ara-C exhibits essentially the same variation with body weight as inulin.
Effects of gender and gonadal hormones on nociceptive responses to intraplantar carrageenan in the rat

The effects of gender and gonadal hormones on nociceptive responses to intraplantar carrageenan in the rat were investigated. A plantar analgesic meter was used to measure carrageenan-induced changes in paw withdrawal latency (PWL) values, and von Frey monofilaments were used to assess changes in paw withdrawal threshold (PWT) values in response to tactile-evoked (mechanical) stimuli. The data revealed that PWL values were significantly greater in gonadally-intact females than in gonadally-intact males, and this response was abolished by surgical gonadectomies. Gonadally-intact as well as gonadectomized male and female rats also exhibited significant carrageenan-induced decreases in PWT, but neither sex- nor gonadectomy-related differences were detected in the development of mechanical allodynia. These findings demonstrate that intraplantar carrageenan induces nociceptive behaviors in rats that are differentially affected by sex and gonadal hormones.
Deterministic Computer Physics

Completely arithmetic formulations, which possess exactly the same conservation laws and symmetry as their continuum counterparts, are given for both Newtonian and special relativistic mechanics. Applications are made to new models of fluid flow, vibration, diffusion, planetary evolution, biological self-reorganization, and relativistic oscillation. Computer examples are described and discussed.
An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the detection of monoclonal antibodies recognizing surface antigens expressed on viable cells

A solid-phase enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) has been developed for detecting monoclonal antibodies binding to surface antigens expressed on viable adherent cells of tumor cell lines. This assay utilizes a sheep anti-mouse IgG to which a beta-galactosidase is linked. It is highly sensitive and permits quantification of IgG monoclonal antibody levels. In studies of monoclonal antibodies prepared against human tumors, the ELISA assay revealed the presence of antigens which were not seen using acetone-fixed cell immunofluorescence methods. This assay is safe, rapid, low cost, and gives reproducible quantitative results. As such it should prove useful to laboratories engaged in the study of antigens expressed on cell membranes.
Attractive inverse square potential, U(1) gauge, and winding transitions.

The inverse square potential arises in a variety of different quantum phenomena, yet notoriously it must be handled with care: it suffers from pathologies rooted in the mathematical foundations of quantum mechanics. We show that its recently studied conformality breaking corresponds to an infinitely smooth winding-unwinding topological transition for the classical statistical mechanics of a one-dimensional system: this describes the tangling or untangling of floppy polymers under a biasing torque. When the ratio between torque and temperature exceeds a critical value the polymer undergoes tangled oscillations, with an extensive winding number. At lower torque or higher temperature the winding number per unit length is zero. Approaching criticality, the correlation length of the order parameter---the extensive winding number---follows a Kosterlitz-Thouless-type law. The model is described by the Wilson line of a ($0+1$) $U(1)$ gauge theory, and applies to the tangling or untangling of floppy polymers and to the winding or diffusing kinetics in diffusion-convection reactions.
Quantitative Radiological Diagnosis Of The Temporomandibular Joint

Recent impressive technological advances in imaging techniques for the human temporomandibular (tm) joint, and in enabling geometric algorithms have outpaced diagnostic analyses. The authors present a basis for systematic quantitative diagnoses that exploit the imaging advancements. A reference line, coordinate system, and transformations are described that are appropriate for tomography of the tm joint. These yield radiographic measurements (disk displacement) and observations (beaking of radiopaque dye and disk shape) that refine diagnostic classifications of anterior displacement of the condylar disk. The relevance of these techniques has been clinically confirmed. Additional geometric invariants and procedures are proposed for future clinical verification.
Knowledge acquisition in a machine fault diagnosis shell

The knowledge acquisition tools and techniques discussed in the literature deal primarily with the acquisition of human expertise applied in a particular problem domain. The acquired expertise generally includes both the decision making strategies of the human expert and the descriptions of the application problem. This acquisition process can become quite repetitive and time consuming when developing a number of application expert systems which use similar problem solving expertise but differ only in their application details. In this paper, we address this issue by discussing the details of the knowledge acquisition system we have designed and developed for use in a customized machine fault diagnosis shell. The knowledge acquisition system functions as a module of the diagnosis shell and acquires details of application machinery for which diagnosis expert systems are to be developed. The acquired application specific knowledge is combined in the shell with predefined generalized diagnosis strategies and application diagnosis expert systems are rapidly generated. The designed knowledge acquisition system has been implemented using Lisp on the Symbolic Lisp machine and has been validated by acquiring and verifying the design descriptions of a Cincinnati Milacron 786 robot. In this paper, the issues related to the development of a knowledge acquisition system for a customized problem solving shell, such as the machine fault diagnosis shell, and the details of the implemented knowledge acquisition system are discussed.
The Charge on Beta-Lactoglobulin A and B under Self-associating Conditions

From electrophoretic and hydrodynamic measurements, the charge on monomeric proteins may be calculated accurately. It is not clear, though, how to analyze data from a self associating system. β-Lactoglobulin (β-LG) is a major whey protein abundant in cow milk. It has several genetic variants, is stable and self-associates under well characterized conditions. These factors make β-LG a good model to be used in the study of net charge and self-association. Both β-LG A and β-LG B were analyzed at pH 3, in a range of salt concentrations and protein concentrations. Under these conditions, self association is favored by higher salt concentrations. The mobility of β-LG was determined using capillary electrophoresis, with the Stokes radius determined using analytical ultracentrifugation. Self-association of β-LG A was characterized using sedimentation equilibrium. For both β-LG A and β-LG B, as ionic strength increased the mobility of the faster-moving peak decreased. With increased concentrations of β-LG A and β-LG B, the apparent mobility of this peak stayed the same. However, the boundary shapes observed in capillary electrophoresis were consistent with β-LG undergoing a mass-action association. It is difficult to interpret the capillary electrophoresis data quantitatively. Accordingly, membrane confined electrophoresis experiments are being used to determine the charge change on association.
Characterization and chromosomal localization of ELANH2, the gene encoding human monocyte/neutrophil elastase inhibitor

Human monocyte/neutrophil elastase inhibitor (HEI) is a protease inhibitor of the serpin superfamily that rapidly inactivates neutrophil elastase, proteinase-3, and possibly cathepsin-G in vitro and, by regulating these potent proteases, is thought to prevent tissue damage at inflammatory sites. The HEI gene (ELANH2) was characterized by amplifying intron regions using cDNA-specific primers. Intron positions of ELANH2 were found to be homologous to intron positions in the genes for the serpin molecules chicken ovalbumin and human plasminogen activator inhibitor-2 (PLANH2). Because serpin superfamily genes in general have widely different organizational patterns, the shared organization of these genes strengthens the evidence that they form a subgroup or family, the "ovalbumin-related serpin" ("Ov-serpin") family. By amplifying DNA of a somatic cell hybrid panel, ELANH2 was unambiguously localized to chromosome 6. The use of a panel of radiation and somatic cell hybrids specific for chromosome 6 refined the localization of ELANH2 to the short arm telomeric of D6S89, F13A, and D6S202 at 6p24-pter. Another Ov-serpin gene PI6 (placental thrombin inhibitor) was colocalized to the same region, thus defining an Ov-serpin locus on chromosome 6 in addition to the previously defined PLANH2-containing Ov-serpin locus on chromosome 18.
Adiabatic demagnetization of Ce(PO3)3 Glass

Abstract A cylindrical powdered specimen of nominally equal weights of Ce(PO3)2 and Ba(PO3)3 glass was successfully adiabatically demagnetized to produce temperatures below 1 K. Absolute temperatures as low as 0·02 K were observed using a cerous magnesium nitrate magnetic thermometer. The Curie constant for this material was found experimentally to lie between the extremes 0·00189 ≤ λ ≤ 0·00224 by a comparison technique. The stability of cerium-barium metaphosphate glass against dehydration and attack by glycerine as well as its magnetic dilution capability (0 to 5·65 × 1021 Ce3− ions/cm3) makes this substance attractive as a coolant material.
Effects of faith and secular factors on locus of control in middle-aged and older cardiac patients.

The complex relationships between faith factors and health locus of control were explored. Different from general expectancy, internal control was conceptualized as event-specific self-efficacy. Both control and faith are multidimensional phenomena and affect an individual's health and wellbeing. Yet, how faith and secular factors (e.g., demographic variables) are jointly related to personal control of patients in the face of medical crises remains empirically under-examined. Based on a comprehensive review of different aspects of perceived personal control, spiritual surrender, and faith factors, we presumed a multivariate association among them. Using data from two sequential interviews and the Society of Thoracic Surgeons' Adult Cardiac Database, the study examined the association between these faith factors and different health loci of control among 224 middle-aged and older patients 1 day prior to major cardiac surgery. Primary findings from multiple regression analyses generally supported our hypoth...
Automated Calibration of Blood Pressure Signal Conditioners

A system for automatic calibration of blood pressure transducers is described. Automatic calibration is accomplished by activation of an analog-controlled servo system that sets the zero balance and gain in a single sequence. An unlimited number of transducers may be calibrated simultaneously, and calibration is completed within a period of less than 1 min. Accuracy and repeatability are assured without dependence on the operator's judgment.
Branched peptide boronic acids (BPBAs): a novel mode of binding towards RNA.

We report branched peptideboronic acids (BPBAs) that bind to RRE IIB from an on-bead high-throughput screening of a 3.3.4-library (46 656 compounds). We demonstrate that boronic acids are tunable moieties that afford a novel binding mode towards RNA.
Use of Cilostazol for Secondary Stroke Prevention: An Old Dog with New Tricks?

Objective:To evaluate the safety and efficacy of cilostazol for secondary prevention of non-cardioembolic ischemic stroke.Data Sources:PubMed and MEDLINE searches were performed (January 1970-September 2011) using the key words cilostazol, antiplatelet, aspirin, acetylsalicylic acid, secondary stroke prevention, ischemic stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage, intracranial, cerebrovascular accident, and transient ischemic attack. Additionally, reference citations from publications identified were reviewed.Study Selection and Data Extraction:Articles published in English and relevant primary literature evaluating the efficacy and safety of cilostazol in the secondary prevention of atherosclerotic ischemic stroke were included.Data Synthesis:Antiplatelet therapy plays a vital role in the multifaceted approach to secondary stroke prevention. Current American Heart Association/American Stroke Association clinical guidelines for secondary stroke prevention support the use of aspirin, Clopidogrel, and combination asp...
Hypogonadism and renal failure: An update

The prevalence of both hypogonadism and renal failure is increasing. Hypogonadism in men with renal failure carries with it significant morbidity, including anemia and premature cardiovascular disease. It remains unclear whether testosterone therapy can affect the morbidity and mortality associated with renal failure. As such, in this review, we sought to evaluate the current literature addressing hypogonadism and testosterone replacement, specifically in men with renal failure. The articles chosen for this review were selected by performing a broad search using Pubmed, Embase and Scopus including the terms hypogonadism and renal failure from 1990 to the present. This review is based on both primary sources as well as review articles. Hypogonadism in renal failure has a multifactorial etiology, including co-morbid conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, old age and obesity. Renal failure can lead to decreased luteinizing hormone production and decreased prolactin clearance that could impair testosterone production. Given the increasing prevalence of hypogonadism and the potential morbidity associated with hypogonadism in men with renal failure, careful evaluation of serum testosterone would be valuable. Testosterone replacement therapy should be considered in men with symptomatic hypogonadism and renal failure, and may ameliorate some of the morbidity associated with renal failure. Patients with all stages of renal disease are at an increased risk of hypogonadism that could be associated with significant morbidity. Testosterone replacement therapy may reduce some of the morbidity of renal failure, although it carries risk.
A mode-matched 0.9 MHZ single proof-mass dual-axis gyroscope

This paper reports on the design, fabrication, and characterization of a high-frequency single proof-mass dual-axis gyroscope. The hollow-disk pitch-and-roll resonant gyroscope has electrostatically tunable in-plane and out-of-plane resonance modes to enable mode-matched operation at ∼ 0.9MHz in the presence of process non-idealities such as thickness variations of the SOI wafer. A prototype device demonstrates x- and yaxis rate sensitivity of 127µV/deg/sec and 214µV/deg/sec, respectively. High quality factors (Q) of ∼ 10,000 are observed in vacuum for the in-plane drive and out-of-plane sense resonance modes. The device is implemented using a revised version of the HARPSS™ process, thereby enabling a single-chip tri-axial implementation when integrated with a yaw disk gyroscope.
A Mathematical Analysis of the Substrate Effect Observed in 3β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Reactions of Rat Testicular Microsomes

The substrate effect in enzyme reactions has been explained mostly in terms of an additional substrate binding site on the enzyme other than the catalytic site. A rate equation for the reaction is introduced according to the steady state mechanism as follows: v = (Ps3+Qs2+Rs)/(s3+Ls2+Ms+N), were the six parameters, L,M,N,P,Q, and R, can be determined by the least-squares method from the experimental points. The v vs. s curve has an asymptote parallel to the s abscissa, and can be classified into one of four types. The type A curve has an intersection with the asymptote and an apparent maximum velocity; the curve descends toward the asymptote. Type B has no intersection and no stationary point; the curve ascends toward the asymptote. Type C has two intersections and two stationary points, an apparent maximum velocity and a minimum velocity; the curve ascends toward the asymptote. Type D has no intersection and two stationary points; the curve ascends toward the asymptote. The equation was applied to the 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase [EC 1.1.1.145] reaction of rat testicular microsomes. The conversion of 3beta-hydroxyandrost-5-ene-17-one was represented by type C, with an apparent maximum velocity of 0.338 nmole/min/mg protein at 0.912 muM of the substrate concentration, minimum velocity of 0.108 nmole/min at 16.6 muM, and saturating velocity of 0.169 nmole/min at infinite concentration of the substrate. The converson of 3beta-hydroxypregn-5-ene-20-one was of type B, having two inflexion points, 0.320 nmole/min at 2.735 muM and 0.814 nmole/min at 12.39 muM, and a saturating velocity of 3.80 nmoles/min at infinite concentration of the substrate.
Diagnosis based on reliability analysis using monitors and sensors

We develop a process for using monitors or sensors to optimize diagnostic decision trees (DDTs) generated for large systems. We present algorithms for optimizing the diagnosis process, which combines evidence data captured from monitors or sensors into the diagnostic tree generation process to produce DDTs. Since evidence data can be extracted from monitors and sensors, we developed a method for sensor modeling. Our method allows modeling monitors or sensors as an abstract layer on top of a systems fault tree model. This method of modeling allows the designer to graphically link monitors or sensors to the components that they monitor, without impacting the reliability analysis. We use a real system from the industry to demonstrate the practicality and effectiveness of our algorithms and methods.
Failure of sentinel lymph node mapping in patients with breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: Lymphatic mapping with sentinel lymphadenectomy (SL) has become more widely used as an alternative to axillary dissection for the staging of breast cancer. This study was conducted to evaluate the potential associations of patient and tumor characteristics with the lymphatic mapping failure rate. STUDY DESIGN: Between September 1996 and April 2003, 1,094 breast cancer patients participated in a single-institution prospective SL protocol, which was conducted using technetium 99 m sulfur colloid alone to identify sentinel lymph nodes. During the validation phase, consisting of the first 80 patients, all patients had SL followed by axillary dissection. Beginning with the 81st patient, the standard technique consisted of radiolabeled colloid injection in a peritumoral distribution 16 to 24 hours before the operation, followed by SL alone for node-negative patients. RESULTS: Of 1,094 consecutive patients, 62 (5.7%) did not map. Patients having more than 10 involved lymph nodes had a significantly higher incidence of mapping failure (40.9%) than those who were node-negative (5.3%) (odds ratio = 9.19, p = 0.002). Age was a factor predictive of mapping failure for node-negative patients 70+ years of age (odds ratio = 3.14, p = 0.018). Biopsy technique, tumor size, tumor location, cell type, and surgeon experience were not predictors of mapping failure, regardless of node status. CONCLUSIONS: The lymphatic mapping failure rate was associated with both anatomic and pathologic factors. Patients with extensive nodal involvement had a significantly greater chance of mapping failure. Among node-negative patients, those who were older were more likely to have mapping failure than those who were younger, suggesting that decreased breast density in postmenopausal women might provide an anatomic explanation for nonmapping.
Translational research in infectious disease: current paradigms and challenges ahead

In recent years, the biomedical community has witnessed a rapid scientific and technologic evolution after the development and refinement of high-throughput methodologies. Concurrently and consequentially, the scientific perspective has changed from the reductionist approach of meticulously analyzing the fine details of a single component of biology to the "holistic" approach of broadmindedly examining the globally interacting elements of biological systems. The emergence of this new way of thinking has brought about a scientific revolution in which genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and other "omics" have become the predominant tools by which large amounts of data are amassed, analyzed, and applied to complex questions of biology that were previously unsolvable. This enormous transformation of basic science research and the ensuing plethora of promising data, especially in the realm of human health and disease, have unfortunately not been followed by a parallel increase in the clinical application of this information. On the contrary, the number of new potential drugs in development has been decreasing steadily, suggesting the existence of roadblocks that prevent the translation of promising research into medically relevant therapeutic or diagnostic application. In this article, we will review, in a noninclusive fashion, several recent scientific advancements in the field of translational research, with a specific focus on how they relate to infectious disease. We will also present a current picture of the limitations and challenges that exist for translational research, as well as ways that have been proposed by the National Institutes of Health to improve the state of this field.
Clinician's use of automated reports of estimated glomerular filtration rate: a qualitative study.

There is a growing awareness in primary care of the importance of identifying patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) so that they can receive appropriate clinical care; one method that has been widely embraced is the use of automated reporting of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) by clinical laboratories. We undertook a qualitative study to examine how clinicians use eGFR in clinical decision making, patient communication issues, barriers to use of eGFR, and suggestions to improve the clinical usefulness of eGFR reports. Our study used qualitative methods with structured interviews among primary care clinicians including both physicians and allied health providers, recruited from Kaiser Permanente Northwest, a non-profit health maintenance organization. We found that clinicians generally held favorable views toward eGFR reporting but did not use eGFR to replace serum creatinine in their clinical decision-making. Clinicians used eGFR as a tool to help identify CKD, educate patients about their kidney function and make treatment decisions. Barriers noted by several clinicians included a desire for greater education regarding care for patients with CKD and tools to facilitate discussion of eGFR findings with patients. The manner in which clinicians use eGFRs appears to be more complex than previously understood, and our study illustrates some of the efforts that might be usefully undertaken (e.g. specific clinician education) when encouraging further promulgation of eGFR reporting and usage.
Shocks in vertically oscillated granular layers

We study shock formation in vertically oscillated granular layers, using both molecular dynamics simulations and numerical solutions of continuum equations to Navier-Stokes order. A flat layer of grains is thrown up from an oscillating plate during each oscillation cycle and collides with the plate later in the cycle. The collisions produce layer compaction near the plate and a high temperature shock front that rapidly propagates upward through the layer. The shock is highly time dependent, propagating through the layer in only a quarter of the cycle. We compare numerical solutions of the continuum equations to molecular dynamics simulations that assume binary, instantaneous collisions between frictionless, inelastic hard spheres. The two simulations yield results for the shock position, shape, and speed that agree well. An investigation of the effect of inelasticity shows that the shock velocity increases continuously with decreasing inelasticity; the elastic limit is not singular.
The Complicated Conversation of Class and Race in Social and Curricular Analysis: An examination of Pierre Bourdieu's interpretative framework in relation to race

As a means to challenge and diminish the hold of mainstream curriculum's claim of being a colorblind, politically neutral text, we will address two particular features that partially, though significantly, constitute the hidden curriculum in the United States—race and class—historically studied as separate social issues. Race and class have been embedded within the institutional curriculum from the beginning in the US; though rarely acknowledged as intertwined issues. We illustrate how the theoretical and interpretive structure of French philosopher and sociologist Pierre Bourdieu can productively subsume the insights of critical race theory into its framework in a way that provides a more robust understanding of how race and class continue to be socially reproduced in schools. To perform this task we examine, through Bourdieu's constructs of habitus, field, capital, symbolic violence and misrecognition, the ways in which race, in general, and whiteness, specifically, influences pedagogical and curricular existence within the institutional superstructure of school.
Diversification Strategies and the Performance of Funds of Hedge Funds

Funds of hedge funds are diversified investment vehicles that provide investors with diversification either across managers within a specific hedge fund strategy or across a wide range of hedge fund strategies. In this paper, we contrast the performance of funds of hedge funds that diversify across managers (but stay within a single hedge fund strategy) versus those that diversify across managers and hedge fund strategies. Our empirical results provide strong evidence in favor of the later. Funds of hedge funds that diversify across both managers and strategies outperform those funds that diversify across managers but stay within a single hedge fund strategy.
ClinicalKey: A Point-of-Care Search Engine

ClinicalKey is a new point-of-care resource for health care professionals. Through controlled vocabulary, ClinicalKey offers a cross section of resources on diseases and procedures, from journals to e-books and practice guidelines to patient education. A sample search was conducted to demonstrate the features of the database, and a comparison with similar tools is presented.
The voltage transfer curve and stability criteria in the theory of the AC plasma display

At an ac plasma display discharge site the voltage transfer curve and the locus of the equilibrium points establish conditions which govern the change of wall voltage toward or away from equilibrium levels. Analysis based on simple geometric ideas leads to a precise description of these conditions, and in the neighborhood of the equilibrium levels, the conditions reduce to known results.
Prioritizing Low Propensity Sample Members in a Survey: Implications for Nonresponse Bias

Many survey methodologists now agree that simply striving to increase the response rate is not an optimal approach for reducing nonresponse bias in the final survey estimates. Targeting sample cases that are underrepresented can help reduce nonresponse bias. However, the challenge lies in which cases to prioritize when resources are finite, and reducing the risk of nonresponse bias is the goal. We present an approach which identifies, prioritizes, and intervenes on low-propensity-to-respond cases during nonresponse follow-up. Targeted cases were assigned to in-person interviewing. Our results suggest that in-person interviewing can be an effective approach for gaining participation from lowpropensity cases. We also find that targeting low-propensity cases could improve representation and therefore should be considered by survey practitioners as a tool for nonresponse bias reduction.
A waveform strategy for detection of targets in multiplicative clutter

Conventional radar signal processing techniques approximate multipath as a linear process. Unfortunately, such an approach results in poor detection performance and because the model for the interference does not accurately represent the physical scattering process. We instead propose a method that uses the flexibility of waveform design for a given aperture to linearize the physical scattering phenomenon. This allows us to successfully detect targets using a Wiener matched filter approach in high multipath conditions.
Model checking SPKI/SDSI

SPKI/SDSI is a framework for expressing naming and authorization issues that arise in a distributed-computing environment. In this paper, we establish a connection between SPKI/SDSI and a formalism known as pushdown systems (PDSs). We show that the SPKI/SDSI-to-PDS connection provides a framework for formalizing a variety of certificate-analysis problems. Moreover, the connection has computational significance: many analysis problems can be solved efficiently (i.e., in time polynomial in the size of the certificate set) using existing algorithms for model checking pushdown systems.
Relative potencies of individual chlorinated and brominated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons for induction of aryl hydrocarbon receptor-mediated responses.

Chlorinated and brominated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (ClPAHs and BrPAHs) occur as pollutants in the environment. Nevertheless, there is little information available regarding the toxic effec...
Stochastic control for singular systems

A state-space formulation for singular linear stationary systems with stationary random inputs is presented. Some preliminary steps in the derivation of an optimum control strategy in the sense of minimum-error variance using a Drazin inverse is used to form a generalized covariance matrix equation. The necessary and sufficient conditions for the solution of this equation, along with a novel technique for solving it are included. An example is provided to illustrate the technique. >
Sensitization of ovarian cancer cells to cisplatin by genistein: the role of NF-kappaB

Platinum-resistance (PR) continues to be a major problem in the management of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). Response to various chemotherapeutic agents is poor in patients deemed PR. Genistein, a soy isoflavone has been shown to enhance the effect of chemotherapy in prostate and pancreatic cancer cells in vitro and in vivo by reversing chemo-resistance phenotype. The goal of this study was to investigate the effects of combination therapy with genistein and cisplatin as well as other cytotoxic conventional chemotherapeutic agents in platinum-sensitive (PS) and resistant EOC cells. The PS human ovarian cancer cell line A2780 and its PR clone C200 cells were pretreated with genistein, followed by the combination of genistein and either cisplatin, taxotere or gemcitabine. Cell survival and apoptosis was assessed by MTT and histone-DNA ELISA. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) was used to evaluate NF-κB DNA binding activity. Western blot analysis was performed with antibodies to Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, survivin, c-IAP and PARP. Reduction in cell viability, and corresponding induction of apoptosis was observed with genistein pretreatment followed by combination treatment with each of the drugs in both cell lines. The PS cell line was pretreated for 24 hours; in contrast, the PR cell line required 48 hours pretreatment to achieve a response. The anti-apoptotic genes c-IAP1, Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, survivin and NF-κB DNA binding activity were all found to be down-regulated in the combination groups. This study convincingly demonstrated that the current strategy can be translated in a pre-clinical animal model, and thus it should stimulate future clinical trial for the treatment of drug-resistant ovarian cancer.