cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Potent glycan inhibitors of myelin-associated glycoprotein enhance axon outgrowth in vitro.

Myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG, Siglec-4) is one of several endogenous axon regeneration inhibitors that limit recovery from central nervous system injury and disease. Molecules that block such inhibitors may enhance axon regeneration and functional recovery. MAG, a member of the Siglec family of sialic acid-binding lectins, binds to sialoglycoconjugates on axons and particularly to gangliosides GD1a and GT1b, which may mediate some of the inhibitory effects of MAG. In a prior study (Blixt, O., Collins, B. E., van den Nieuwenhof, I. M., Crocker, P. R., and Paulson, J. C. (2003) J. Biol. Chem. 278, 31007-31019), we identified potent monovalent sialoside inhibitors of MAG using a novel screening platform. In the current study, the most potent of these were tested for their ability to reverse MAG-mediated inhibition of axon outgrowth from rat cerebellar granule neurons in vitro. Monovalent sialoglycans enhanced axon regeneration in proportion to their MAG binding affinities. The most potent glycoside was disialyl T antigen (NeuAcα2–3Galβ1–3[NeuAcα2–6]GalNAc-R), followed by 3-sialyl T antigen (NeuAcα2–3Galβ1–3GalNAc-R), structures expressed on O-linked glycoproteins as well as on gangliosides. Prior studies indicated that blocking gangliosides reversed MAG inhibition (Vyas, A. A., Patel, H. V., Fromholt, S. E., Heffer-Lauc, M., Vyas, K. A., Dang, J., Schachner, M., and Schnaar, R. L. (2002) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 99, 8412–8417). In the current study, blocking O-linked glycoprotein sialylation with benzyl-α-GalNAc had no effect. The ability to reverse MAG inhibition with monovalent glycosides encourages further exploration of glycans and glycan mimetics as blockers of MAG-mediated axon outgrowth inhibition.
Adverse Drug Reactions Among the Elderly: A Reassessment

: The elderly are widely believed to be predisposed to adverse drug reactions, chiefly because of the large quantities of drugs they consume, combined with the effects of aging on distribution, metabolism, and the patterns of drug usage. These beliefs affect the physician's prescribing behavior. To study the validity of these concepts, the supporting medical literature was reviewed. Existing studies of the rates of adverse drug reactions have several methodologic limitations, including inadequate control for disease severity, the use of calculation denominators which overestimate incidence, and dependence upon definitions of medication error rates which do not adequately reflect the potential for adverse outcome. Further studies are needed for clarification of drug-use patterns and problems among the elderly.
Linear low density polyethylenes and their blends: Part 4 shear flow of LLDPE blends with LLDPE and LDPE

The steady state and dynamic shear behavior of linear low density polyethylenes (LLDPE) blended with low density polyethylene (LDPE) and with another LLDPE resin were measured in capillary and parallel plate geometries at T = 150, 190, and 230°C. The extrudate swell and the Bagley correction were determined. It was observed that the pressure correction plays a significant role in capillary flow of LLDPE/LDPE blends–an indication of immiscibility. Several other rheological functions also suggested a phase separation for the system. Nevertheless, the blend behaved as a “compatible” mixture of emulsion type. By contrast, blends of two LLDPE resins show expected miscibility. However, even in this case additivity was not always observed. A new simple method of calculating the relaxation spectrum was developed. The method is analytical and its accuracy depends on adequacy of the semiempirical relation (proposed previously) to describe dynamic viscosity dependence on the test frequency. For all samples the spectrum allowed computation of storage modulus in good agreement with experimental findings.
Electrogenerated chemiluminescence and interfacial charge transfer dynamics of poly(3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl) (P3HT)–TiO2 nanoparticle thin film

We present electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL) and photoluminescence (PL) characteristics of poly(3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl) (P3HT) thin films incorporated with monodisperse TiO2 nanoparticles prepared using a hydrothermal reaction in the presence of oleylamine and oleic acid. The ECL turn-on potential decreases in the presence of TiO2 nanocrystals, accompanied with an increase in ECL intensity. Only a minor ECL quantum efficiency decrease is obtained in the presence of 1000 ps in contrast to the neat P3HT film. The absorption of polarons created at the P3HT–TiO2 interface is found to increase with the P3HT–TiO2 interfacial area per unit volume.
In vitro activity of silver sulfadiazine against Herpesvirus hominis.

Silver sulfadiazine, at a concentration of 10 A g/ml, inhibits Herpesvirus hominis types 1 and 2 in vitro. The antiviral effect is directly related to concentration of the drug and duration of exposure. Silver sulfadiazine, an antibacterial agent, has been used successfully in the prevention and treatment of burn sepsis in humans [1-6]. It has also been demonstrated to possess antifungal [7] and antitreponemal activities [8]. The present communication presents evidence that this drug also inhibits Herpesvirus hominis.
Neuroprotective effects of Kv7 channel agonist, retigabine, for cisplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy.

Abstract Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy is a major dose-limiting side effect of many commonly used chemotherapeutic agents. One mechanism underlying this neuronal damage is via drug-induced membrane depolarization. Accordingly, one potential approach for preventing chemotherapy-induced neuropathy is via the forced maintenance of normal membrane potential during exposure to the toxic drug. More specifically, intentional elevation of the slow K + current, via activation of Kv7 channels with a resultant hyperpolarizing shift, could be theoretically neuroprotective. In this study, in vivo nerve excitability testing in sensory nerves in mice was used to evaluate the potential therapeutic role of retigabine, a Kv7 channel activator, in the prevention of cisplatin-induced neurodegeneration. It was found that cisplatin caused membrane depolarization and peripheral axon loss that were partially prevented by retigabine pretreatment. These results support the general concept that chemotherapy-induced neuropathy can be partially inhibited via Kv7 channel activation.
Silymarin Prevents Palmitate‐Induced Lipotoxicity in HepG2 Cells: Involvement of Maintenance of Akt Kinase Activation

Whereas adipocytes have a unique capacity to store excess free fatty acids in the form of triglyceride in lipid droplets, non-adipose tissues, such as liver, have a limited capacity for storage of lipids. Saturated long-chain fatty acids, such as palmitate, are the major contributors to lipotoxicity. Silymarin is a mixture of flavonolignans, extracted from the milk thistle (Silibum marianum). Its hepatoprotective properties have been studied both in vitro and in vivo; however, its effect on palmitate-induced lipotoxicity has not been investigated. The objective of this study was to investigate (i) whether silymarin could protect HepG2 cells from palmitate-induced cell death in an in vitro model, and (ii) possible mechanisms involved in this hepatoprotective role of silymarin. HepG2 cells were treated with palmitate in the absence or presence of silymarin and supernatants or cell lysates were collected at varying time-points. Cell death was assayed by measuring DNA fragmentation, caspase-3 activity and lactate dehydrogenase release. Lipid peroxidation was assessed by measuring malondialdehyde and 4-hydroxyalkenals. Akt kinase activity was also measured. Incubation with palmitate caused significant death in HepG2 cells. Palmitate incubation did not cause significant changes in reactive oxygen species production or intracellular glutathione content, but markedly inhibited Akt kinase activity. Pre-treatment of HepG2 cells with silymarin prevented palmitate-induced inhibition of Akt kinase activity and attenuated cell death. Our results suggest that silymarin may be an effective agent in protecting hepatocytes from saturated fatty acids-induced cell death. These data also provide a further rationale for exploration of the use of silymarin in the treatment of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.
Remarkable progress towards a practical synthesis of codeine Discovery of novel and highly active morphinan analgesics

Abstract Total synthesis of (−)-dihydrocodeinone has been accomplished and will ultimately lead to an efficient synthesis of (−)-codeine. Unnatural opioids can also be prepared by this approach discovered by Rice. Partial synthesis of (−)-3-deoxydihydromorphine from natural morphine, and further modification of this molecule, has led to the finding of optically active 6-ketomorphinans with high antinociceptive activity.
SUPPRESSION OF IMMUNOGLOBULIN CLASS SYNTHESIS IN MICE I. EFFECTS OF TREATMENT WITH ANTIBODY TO µ-CHAIN

Germfree BALB/c mice have been treated from birth with intraperitoneal injections of purified goat antibodies to mouse IgM. The treated mice, and controls which had received an equivalent amount of goat γ-globulin, were sacrificed at 8 or 13 wk of age. Compared to controls, mice given anti-µ ( a ) had very few germinal centers in spleen and lymph node, ( b ) had decreased numbers of mature plasma cells synthesizing IgM and IgG1 in spleen, and virtual absence of IgA-synthesizing plasma cells in the gut, ( c ) had greatly diminished numbers of B lymphocytes bearing membrane-bound immunoglobulins of the IgM, IgG1, IgG2, and IgA classes in spleen, ( d ) had reduced synthesis of IgM, IgG2, and IgA by in vitro spleen cultures, and ( e ) had significant decreases in serum levels of IgM, IgG1, IgG2, and IgA. The treated animals failed to make antibodies to ferritin after hyperimmunization, and lacked natural antibodies to sheep erythrocytes. These results indicate that cells ultimately committed to synthesis of IgG1, IgG2, and IgA immunoglobulins are derived from cells which have expressed IgM determinants at an earlier stage of differentiation. They are consistent with a proposed two-stage model for plasma cell differentiation. The first stage is antigen independent, involves sequential activation of Cµ, Cγ, and Cα genes by progeny of a single stem cell, and results in the formation of B lymphocytes bearing membrane-bound recognition antibodies of each class. The second, antigen-dependent, stage results in formation of mature plasmacytes and memory cells.
Stochastic simulation of cardiac ventricular myocyte calcium dynamics and waves

A three dimensional model of calcium dynamics in the rat ventricular myocyte was developed to study the mechanism of calcium homeostasis and pathological calcium dynamics during calcium overload. The model contains 20,000 calcium release units (CRUs) each containing 49 ryanodine receptors. The model simulates calcium sparks with a realistic spontaneous calcium spark rate. It suggests that in addition to the calcium spark-based leak, there is an invisible calcium leak caused by the stochastic opening of a small number of ryanodine receptors in each CRU without triggering a calcium spark. The model also explores the mechanism of calcium wave propagation between release sites under the conditions of calcium overload.
Intransitive social indifference and the Arrow dilemma

This paper deals with a proposal by Frederic Schick for resolving Arrow’s dilemma of social choice. Schick challenges Arrow’s assumption that rational social indifference is transitive. It turns out, however, that even if we drop this assumption, we still face a dilemma as embarrassing as Arrow’s. Any constitution which satisfies the remaining conditions is a liberum veto oligarchy. This means a unique set of individuals carries any issue on which it is unanimous, and engenders social indifference on any issue which divides it. A formal statement and proof of this theorem follows an informal presentation of the result.
Potentiation of the expression of nitrogen dioxide-induced lung injury by postexposure exercise.

Previous investigations have indicated that postexposure exercise (E) can potentiate nitrogen dioxide (NO2)-induced lung injury. In this report, we (1) further characterize the potentiation of expression of NO2-induced lung injury in the rat by E; (2) characterize the postexposure period during which such potentiation by E can occur, i.e., “window of susceptibility”; (3) assess whether two E bouts performed during the “window of susceptibility” have even greater potentiating effects; and (4) determine if early postexposure E can extend the window of susceptibility. Groups of Fischer-344 rats were exposed to 100 ppm NO2 for 15 min, exercised at times ranging from 30 min to 24 hr thereafter, and sacrificed during a 24-hr postexposure period. Other exposed rats were exercised 30 min to 24 hr thereafter and sacrificed for lung studies 30 min following the E runs. Still other exposed animals were exercised immediately and at 8 or 24 hr postexposure and sacrificed 30 min after the last E run. NO2-exposed but rested rats, and sham-air-exposed and rested or exercised rats served as controls. E immediately or at 8 hr post-NO2 exposure caused marked increases in lung wet weight (LWW) and right cranial lobe dry weights (RCLDW) and more pronounced histopathologic disturbances beyond those following NO2 exposure and rest only. Potentiation of injury was not observed in rats exercised 24 hr after exposure. The pattern of subsidence of the LWW and RCLDW increases after immediate or 8 hr E differed with the increases in the former being more persistent. Two E bouts (30 min and 8 hr postexposure) caused lung changes consistent with an additive effect. E performed immediately after NO2 exposure extended the window of susceptibility to E beyond 24 hr.
Barriers to Nursing Advocacy: A Concept Analysis

Advocacy for clients is viewed as an essential function of nursing; however, to be effective advocates for patients, the nurse must often overcome barriers to being an effective advocate. This concept analysis of barriers to nursing advocacy uses the Walker and Avant method of concept analysis. By analyzing the barriers to effective nursing advocacy for clients, nursing can then find strategies to manage those barriers and maximize the nurse's advocacy efforts.
Polycrystalline Silicon Solar Cells

The potential of polycrystalline silicon for large scale terrestrial photovoltaic device application is well recognized. It shares with single-crystal silicon numerous desirable physical and chemical properties, while also showing great promise of reduced cost by circumventing many of the complex and energy intensive steps associated with growth of single crystals. These facts have prompted many scientists to investigate various forms and shapes of polycrystalline silicon. The results involving SIS, MIS and p/n junction devices will be reviewed. Results will also be presented to show how grain boundaries play a dominant role in determining the electrical and photovoltaic properties of polycrystalline silicon.
Automatic field light termination device.

Abstract A simple device containing an electronic timer and automatic reset has been designed and installed in our simulator. ∗ ∗AECL Therasim. This device turns the field lamp on and then automatically turns it off after approximately 5 minutes.
Population growth of the blackmargined aphid on pecan in the field

Abstract Caged populations of Monellia caryella (Fitch) were observed to condition pecan leaves throughout the season resulting in the leaves being unsuitable for subsequent colonization. Aphid populations were greatest (peak of 70 aphids/leaf) and occurred for a longer period (25 days) compared to late season activity (peak of 37 aphids/leaf, lasting 11 days) before conditioning occurred in closed cages. Intrinsic rates of increase per day or per degree-day declined during the season. Population growth was best described using an exponential increase equation compared to a logistic equation. These results indicated that as pecan leaves aged they were a poorer substrate for M. caryella and more easily made unsuitable for subsequent colonization.
Some Forms of Gill Disease in Penaeid Shrimp1

Gill disease in penaeid shrimp is a complex of several afflictions, any of which may result in death of affected animals either by outright destruction of the gills or by suffocation resulting from mechanical blockage of gas exchange across the surface of the gill lamellae. Organisms demonstrated to cause gill disease in penaeids include an imperfect fungus that belongs to the genus Fusarium, at least two types of epicommensal peritrichs that belong to the genera Zoothamnium and Lagenophrys, and a filamentous bacterium that superficially resembles Leucothrix mucor. “Black gills” or melanization of the gill process is a sign of several forms of gill disease and is not a disease in itself. “Black gills” occur in shrimp with heavy infestations of Lagenophrys. “Black gills” are not usually seen in animals that have heavy infestations on the surface of the gills of either the epicommensal peritrich Zoothamnium or the filamentous bacterium. Detritus and algae are often trapped by these epicommensals, and this results in gills that range in color from green to dark brown. Demonstrable histological damage to the gills does not occur in shrimp dying from heavy infestations of the filamentous bacterium or Zoothamnium. Histopathological changes are readily demonstrated in animals having Fusarium infections and in animals with the epicommensal Lagenophrys sp.
Phosphodiesterase inhibitors potentiate opiate-antagonist discrimination by morphine-dependent rats

This study was performed to examine the relevance of the quasi-withdrawal syndrome in nondependent rats to the syndrome precipitated by naltrexone in rats physically dependent upon morphine. Morphine-dependent rats trained to discriminate between SC injections of naltrexone (0.1 mg/kg) and saline were pretreated with 10 mg/kg of a phosphodiesterase inhibitor: 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX), Ro 20-1724, or papaverine. The naltrexone stimulus-generalization curve and dose-response curve for loss of body weight were shifted to the left by IBMX and Ro 20-1724, which produce quasi-withdrawal, but not by papaverine, which does not. IBMX also potentiated the naltrexone-like discriminative effects and loss of body weight induced by cyclazocine, an opioid agonist-antagonist. Butorphanol, another agonist-antagonist, occasioned choice responding appropriate for saline when tested alone but engendered more than 50% naltrexone-appropriate choice responses in rats pretreated with IBMX. Thus, phosphodiesterase inhibitors that produce an opiate quasi-withdrawal syndrome potentiate interoceptive stimuli and weight loss associated with the withdrawal syndrome precipitated by naltrexone in morphine-dependent rats. Furthermore, they appear to enhance the opiate-antagonist activity of opioids with mixed agonist and antagonist properties.
Defining the Shoah: An Opening Lesson for a Holocaust Unit

Students often bring considerable prior information about the Holocaust to their study of the event, with much of that knowledge being inaccurate or incomplete. In addition, the Shoah's complexity necessitates that teachers establish a well-defined framework as they introduce the topic to their students. This article outlines an opening lesson for a Holocaust unit in which students develop a definition of the event by completing a multistep process that deconstructs the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum's definition of the Shoah. Through this process, teachers gain valuable information about students’ prior knowledge while establishing a structured approach to the teaching of the event. In addition, students’ content knowledge of the Shoah is expanded as critical topics about the event are introduced at the start of their study of the topic.
Democratic Processes and Financial Markets: Pricing Politics

Democratic Processes and Financial Markets: Pricing Politics. By William Bernhard and David Leblang. New York: Cambridge University Press 2006. 260p. 24.99.Imagine contemporary political economy as the electromagnetic spectrum. At one end are very long-run processes, such as the emergence of the political institutions that generate divergence between rich and poor countries in the world economy. At the other end are short-run phenomena, such as the movements in financial markets that we ponder while reading the stock pages with our morning coffee. For the last 10 years, William Bernhard and David Leblang have been exploring this latter end of the spectrum with clarity and rigor, and between them have pretty much defined the standards for the field.
Effects of exogenous recombinant ovine interferon tau on circulating concentrations of progesterone, cortisol, luteinizing hormone, and antiviral activity; interestrous interval; rectal temperature; and uterine response to oxytocin in cyclic ewes.

Interferon tau (IFN tau) is the conceptus-produced antiluteolytic signal in ruminants. Three experiments examined the effects of s.c. administration of recombinant ovine (ro)IFN tau on interestrous interval (IEI), oxytocin (OT)-induced uterine prostaglandin F2alpha metabolite (PGFM) production, rectal temperature (RT), respiration rate (RR), and plasma concentrations of progesterone, cortisol, LH, and antiviral activity (AVA) in plasma and uterine flushings. In experiment I, 20 ewes were treated s.c. with either 0, 1, 2, or 4 mg/day roIFN tau (0.7 x 10(8) U/mg; 5 ewes/dosage) from Days 11 to 15 of the estrous cycle (estrus = Day 0) and were challenged with OT (30 IU) on Day 15. Jugular blood samples were collected at -10, 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 min relative to the OT challenge and assayed for PGFM. Recombinant oIFN tau increased IEI (16.7, 18.7, and 22.6 +/- 0.6 days for 0, 2, and 4 mg roIFN tau, respectively, p 0.1). However, the 4 mg/day dosage delayed the time to peak PGFM (32.4 vs. 47.5 +/- 3.4 min; p < 0.01, 0 vs. 4 mg) and resulted in approximately 200% higher concentrations of PGFM at 60 min post-OT (0 vs. 4 mg/day, p < 0.07). Experiment II was similar to experiment I, except that only the 0- and 4-mg/day dosages of roIFN tau were administered. Ewes were hysterectomized on Day 16, and assay of uterine flushes detected no AVA from ewes treated with either 0 or 4 mg/day roIFN tau. In experiment III, 20 ewes were treated s.c. with either 0, 2, 4, or 6 mg roIFN tau on Day 12. Blood samples, RT, and RR were obtained at frequent intervals for 24 h, and plasma was assayed for progesterone, cortisol, LH, and AVA. Plasma AVA, which increased in a dose-dependent manner, was detectable within 60 min and remained elevated at 24 h compared to control values. RT (elevated 0.5-1.0 degrees C), RR, and cortisol increased in response to all dosages of roIFN tau, with peak values occurring 150-180 min postinjection. For all dosages of roIFN tau, plasma progesterone declined from 120 to 360 min posttreatment and then returned to pretreatment values by 24 h (p < 0.01) as compared to controls. Overall, exogenous roIFN tau altered uterine PGFM response to OT from a pulse to a gradual and sustained elevation and extended IEI with only a transient decline in progesterone and mild hyperthermia, effects that are not expected to compromise pregnancy.
Bredon-style homology, cohomology and Riemann-Roch for algebraic stacks

One of the main obstacles for proving Riemann–Roch for algebraic stacks is the lack of cohomology and homology theories that are closer to the K-theory and G-theory of algebraic stacks than the traditional cohomology and homology theories for algebraic stacks. In this paper we study in detail a family of cohomology and homology theories which we call Bredon-style theories that are of this type and in the spirit of the classical Bredon cohomology and homology theories defined for the actions of compact topological groups on topological spaces. We establish Riemann–Roch theorems in this setting: it is shown elsewhere that such Riemann–Roch theorems provide a powerful tool for deriving formulae involving virtual fundamental classes associated to dg-stacks, for example, moduli stacks of stable curves provided with a virtual structure sheaf associated to a perfect obstruction theory. We conclude the present paper with a brief application of this nature.
18F-Fluorobenzoate–Labeled Cystine Knot Peptides for PET Imaging of Integrin αvβ6

Integrin αvβ6 is a cell surface receptor minimally expressed by healthy tissue but elevated in lung, colon, skin, ovarian, cervical, and pancreatic cancers. A molecular PET agent for integrin αvβ6 could provide significant clinical utility by facilitating both cancer staging and treatment monitoring to more rapidly identify an effective therapeutic approach. Methods: Here, we evaluated 2 cystine knot peptides, R01 and S02, previously engineered with a 3–6 nM affinity for integrin αvβ6, for 18F radiolabeling and PET imaging of BxPC3 pancreatic adenocarcinoma xenografts in mice. Cystine knot peptides were labeled with N-succinimidyl-4-18F-fluorobenzoate and evaluated for binding affinity and serum stability. Peptides conjugated with 18F-fluorobenzoate (2–3 MBq) were injected via the tail vein into nude mice xenografted with BxPC3 (integrin αvβ6–positive) or 293 (integrin αvβ6–negative) tumors. Small-animal PET scans were acquired at 0.5, 1, and 2 h after injection. Ex vivo γ-counting of dissected tissues was performed at 0.5 and 2 h. Results:18F-fluorobenzoate peptides were produced in 93% (18F-fluorobenzoate-R01) and 99% (18F-fluorobenzoate-S02) purity. 18F-fluorobenzoate-R01 and 18F-fluorobenzoate-S02 had affinities of 1.1 ± 0.2 and 0.7 ± 0.4 nM, respectively, and were 87% and 94%, respectively, stable in human serum at 37°C for 2 h. 18F-fluorobenzoate-R01 and 18F-fluorobenzoate-S02 exhibited 2.3 ± 0.6 and 1.3 ± 0.4 percentage injected dose per gram (%ID/g), respectively, in BxPC3 xenografted tumors at 0.5 h (n = 4–5). Target specificity was confirmed by low tumor uptake in integrin αvβ6–negative 293 tumors (1.4 ± 0.6 and 0.5 ± 0.2 %ID/g, respectively, for 18F-fluorobenzoate-R01 and 18F-fluorobenzoate-S02; both P
RENAL nephrometry score predicts surgery type independent of individual surgeon's use of nephron-sparing surgery.

Objective To evaluate whether surgeon factors, such as training and experience, have a strong impact on selection of surgical approach for treating renal cancers. Nephron-sparing surgery (NSS) has become the reference standard for tumors that are amenable to such an approach. Tumor size and configuration are important predictors of usage of NSS. The RENAL nephrometry score (RNS) has been developed to standardize reporting of tumor complexity, but the performance of this method within individual surgeons' practices, particularly in the community-based setting, has not been evaluated previously. Methods Clinical data and RNS were collected retrospectively for 300 cases performed by 5 different surgeons with varying NSS usage rates (31-74%). Results Mean RNS for patients undergoing NSS (6.0) and radical nephrectomy (RN) (9.3) differed significantly ( P P R 2 = .55) than was tumor size ( R 2 = .43) for all 5 surgeons. In univariable analysis, individual surgeon, surgery year, glomerular filtration rate, tumor size, RNS, and each RNS component predicted NSS vs RN (each P P Conclusion Despite significant variation in NSS usage by individual surgeons at a community-based health system, RNS appears to be valid for both low and high usage. With increasing usage of NSS worldwide, RNS appears to reflect current patterns and may inform future practice for surgeons of all backgrounds.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a major cause of death and disability in the United States. The most important risk factor for COPD is cigarette smoking. Thus, COPD is largely a preventable condition. Other risk factors may include air pollution, childhood infections, heredity, advanced age, airway hyperresponsiveness, and occupational exposures. Some risk factors, including male sex and socioeconomic status, may gain their influence through associations with cigarette smoking or living conditions. More attention to primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention of COPD is required. In order to reduce the burden of illness associated with COPD, greater efforts in smoking prevention and smoking cessation are required. Other measures include reductions in air pollution, influenza vaccination programs, and augmentation therapy for those with severe alpha-antitrypsin deficiencies. Once persons are afflicted with COPD, high quality medical care is essential. Improved efforts in the prevention and management of COPD will require education directed toward patients, the general public, and health care providers. Considerably more research in education and prevention is necessary; this includes epidemiologic research to clarify the risk factors for dysfunction, biomedical research to substantiate information on the chemical markers of lung injury, expansion of the protease-inhibitor hypothesis, and evaluation of genetic predisposition toward the disease. Health services research will be required in order to create improved measures of health outcome, evaluate the cost-effectiveness of treatment programs, and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of both preventive and tertiary treatment programs. More research is necessary on cigarette use, access to care, and occupational exposures among members of underrepresented minority groups. Finally, it will be necessary to conduct more research to identify methods to help the general public adhere to preventive measures and to help COPD patients adhere to prescribed therapies.
Early vancomycin therapy and adverse outcomes in children with pneumococcal meningitis

BACKGROUND. Experts recommend that children with suspected pneumococcal meningitis should empirically receive combination therapy with vancomycin plus either ceftriaxone or cefotaxime. The relationship between timing of the first dose of vancomycin relative to other antibiotics and outcome in these children, however, has not been addressed. METHODS. Medical records of children with pneumococcal meningitis at a single institution from 1991–2001 were retrospectively reviewed. Vancomycin start time was defined as the number of hours from initiation of cefotaxime or ceftriaxone therapy until the administration of vancomycin therapy. Outcome variables were death, sensorineural hearing loss, and other neurologic deficits at discharge. Associations between independent variables and outcome variables were assessed in univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses. RESULTS. Of 114 subjects, 109 received empiric vancomycin therapy in combination with cefotaxime or ceftriaxone. Ten subjects (9%) died, whereas 37 (55%) of 67 survivors who underwent audiometry had documented hearing loss, and 14 (13%) of 104 survivors were discharged with other neurologic deficits. Subjects with hearing loss had a significantly shorter median vancomycin start time than did those with normal hearing ( CONCLUSIONS. Early empiric vancomycin therapy was not clinically beneficial in children with pneumococcal meningitis but was associated with a substantially increased risk of hearing loss. It may be prudent to consider delaying the first dose of vancomycin therapy until ≥2 hours after the first dose of parenteral cephalosporin in children beginning therapy for suspected or confirmed pneumococcal meningitis.
Warming and drying suppress microbial activity and carbon cycling in boreal forest soils

Climate warming is expected to have particularly strong effects on tundra and boreal ecosystems, yet relatively few studies have examined soil responses to temperature change in these systems. We used closed-top greenhouses to examine the response of soil respiration, nutrient availability, microbial abundance, and active fungal communities to soil warming in an Alaskan boreal forest dominated by mature black spruce. This treatment raised soil temperature by 0.5 °C and also resulted in a 22% decline in soil water content. We hypothesized that microbial abundance and activity would increase with the greenhouse treatment. Instead, we found that bacterial and fungal abundance declined by over 50%, and there was a trend toward lower activity of the chitin-degrading enzyme N-acetyl-glucosaminidase. Soil respiration also declined by up to 50%, but only late in the growing season. These changes were accompanied by significant shifts in the community structure of active fungi, with decreased relative abundance of a dominant Thelephoroid fungus and increased relative abundance of Ascomycetes and Zygomycetes in response to warming. In line with our hypothesis, we found that warming marginally increased soil ammonium and nitrate availability as well as the overall diversity of active fungi. Our results indicate that rising temperatures in northern-latitude ecosystems may not always cause a positive feedback to the soil carbon cycle, particularly in boreal forests with drier soils. Models of carbon cycle-climate feedbacks could increase their predictive power by incorporating heterogeneity in soil properties and microbial communities across the boreal zone.
Rhode Island's Last Holdout: Tenure and Married Women Teachers at the Brink of the Women's Movement

On 24 April 1946, Rhode Island Governor John O. Pastore signed “An Act to Guarantee and to Improve the Education of Children and Youth in This State by Providing Continuing Teaching Service.” The law stated that “three successive annual contracts shall be considered evidence of satisfactory teaching and shall constitute a probationary period” after which teachers would be granted tenure. Teachers could be dismissed only “for good and just cause” after they received tenure. However, the law contained one big loophole: it did not “prevent the retirement of any teacher under a rule of the school committee affecting marriage,” in effect leaving local school committees with the authority to fire women teachers as soon as they got married.
Increased composite maternal and neonatal morbidity associated with ultrasonographically suspected fetal macrosomia.

Objective: To determine the composite risk of maternal and neonatal morbidity in pregnancies with suspected fetal macrosomia. Methods: In a retrospective study of laboring women delivering singleton, term neonates, we defined 3 groups of patients by estimated fetal weight (EFW) in grams, using ultrasound: (1) <4000, (2) 4000–4499, and (3) 4500+, and tested them for association with a composite outcome using multivariable logistic regression models. The measure of composite morbidity included: shoulder dystocia, third/fourth degree perineal laceration, postpartum hemorrhage, maternal length of stay (LOS)≥ 5 days, neonatal birth trauma, meconium aspiration syndrome, perinatal infection, and neonatal LOS ≥ 5 days. Because of potential interactions between diabetes and birthweight, women with maternal diabetes were examined separately. Results: Of 8,843 deliveries, the proportion with composite morbidity by group was: (1): 26.2%, (2): 41.2%, and (3): 63.6% (p < 0.0001). The OR (95% CI) for groups (2) and (3) ...
Advancing the manufacturing of CdTe modules

An overview of some of the research in our laboratories to advance the manufacturing of CdTe modules is discussed. These include collaborative efforts with PPG Industries to develop an advanced glass product for CdTe modules with a low soiling anti-reflective (LSAR) coating, transparent conducting oxide (TCO) with improved transmission and high resistive buffer layers. The aim is to develop these coatings such that they can be manufactured with existing production methods in the glass industry. These substrates are being processed into devices utilizing research systems that simulate industrial processes. In order to improve the manufacturing of the semiconductor films for CdTe modules, a computer system (hardware and software) utilizing computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling has been developed. This system has been successfully used to model the thermal and flow characteristics of industrial manufacturing systems. The prediction of the CFD models and actual measurements are within 2.5% or less. The use of plasma and co-sublimation to improve the CdTe modules are part of other presentations at this conference. The viability of a simple XRF system for in-line thickness measurements for quality control has been demonstrated.
Familial Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm with Dissection Presenting as Flash Pulmonary Edema in a 26-Year-Old Man

We are reporting a case of familial thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection in a 26-year-old man with no significant past medical history and a family history of dissecting aortic aneurysm in his mother at the age of 40. The patient presented with cough, shortness of breath, and chest pain. Chest X-ray showed bilateral pulmonary infiltrates. CT scan of the chest showed a dissection of the ascending aorta. The patient underwent aortic dissection repair and three months later he returned to our hospital with new complaints of back pain. CT angiography showed a new aortic dissection extending from the left carotid artery through the bifurcation and into the iliac arteries. The patient underwent replacement of the aortic root, ascending aorta, total aortic arch, and aortic valve. The patient recovered well postoperatively. Genetic studies of the patient and his children revealed no mutations in ACTA2, TGFBR1, TGFBR2, TGFB2, MYH11, MYLK, SMAD3, or FBN1. This case report focuses on a patient with familial TAAD and discusses the associated genetic loci and available screening methods. It is important to recognize potential cases of familial TAAD and understand the available screening methods since early diagnosis allows appropriate management of risk factors and treatment when necessary.
Family factors associated with aggressive symptomatology in boys with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (a research note)

This study tested whether parent and child affective attitudes and interactional behavior co-varied with the presence or absence of associated aggressive symptomatology in families with an attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) child. Affective attitudes of both parents and their ADHD sons were studied using a modified measure of expressed emotion, the five minute speech sample (FMSS-EE), in 29 families. A direct interaction task was also used to measure verbal and non-verbal communication. FMSS-EE status predicted parental interactional behavior, but the degree of child aggressiveness did not. The child's behavior towards parents, however, was highly correlated with their aggressiveness but not their EE status regarding their parents, despite the fact that child and parent EE were highly correlated. The study supports the notion that aggressiveness and a negative family climate may be independent factors in determining the long-term course of ADHD children.
Heuristic approach to deriving models for gene finding

Computer methods of accurate gene finding in DNA sequences require models of protein coding and non-coding regions derived either from experimentally validated training sets or from large amounts of anonymous DNA sequence. Here we propose a new, heuristic method producing fairly accurate inhomogeneous Markov models of protein coding regions. The new method needs such a small amount of DNA sequence data that the model can be built 'on the fly' by a web server for any DNA sequence >400 nt. Tests on 10 complete bacterial genomes performed with the GeneMark.hmm program demonstrated the ability of the new models to detect 93.1% of annotated genes on average, while models built by traditional training predict an average of 93.9% of genes. Models built by the heuristic approach could be used to find genes in small fragments of anonymous prokaryotic genomes and in genomes of organelles, viruses, phages and plasmids, as well as in highly inhomogeneous genomes where adjustment of models to local DNA composition is needed. The heuristic method also gives an insight into the mechanism of codon usage pattern evolution.
Review: some preschool children develop complications after presenting to primary care with acute cough.

(2002) Br J Gen Pract 52, 401. Hay AD, Wilson AD. . The natural history of acute cough in children aged 0 to 4 years in primary care: a systematic review. . ; . : . –9 . [OpenUrl][1][Abstract/FREE Full Text][2] QUESTION: In children 0–4 years of age presenting to primary care with the symptom of acute cough or an undifferentiated acute respiratory tract infection with cough (UARTIC), what is the natural history of illness duration and complications? Studies were identified by searching Medline (1966 to September 1998), EMBASE/Excerpta Medica (1988 to September 1998), the Cochrane Library databases, Bandolier, and the Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin using the content terms respiratory tract infection (RTI), cough, bronchitis, and chest infection; and by reviewing references of relevant articles. Studies published in English were selected if they were cohort studies, control or placebo arms of randomised controlled trials (RCTs), systematic reviews of RCTs, and if patients were preschool children 0–4 years of age presenting to primary care with acute cough. For study selection, the review used the symptom of cough or UARTIC defined as a cough that failed to differentiate into a recognised clinical picture with known associated bacterial or viral aetiology, such as croup, whooping cough, pneumonia, or bronchiolitis. UARTIC included conditions labelled upper … [1]: {openurl}?query=rft.jtitle%253DBritish%2BJournal%2Bof%2BGeneral%2BPractise%26rft.stitle%253Dbjgp%26rft.issn%253D0960-1643%26rft.aulast%253DHay%26rft.auinit1%253DA.%2BD.%26rft.volume%253D52%26rft.issue%253D478%26rft.spage%253D401%26rft.epage%253D409%26rft.atitle%253DThe%2Bnatural%2Bhistory%2Bof%2Bacute%2Bcough%2Bin%2Bchildren%2Baged%2B0%2Bto%2B4%2Byears%2Bin%2Bprimary%2Bcare%253A%2Ba%2Bsystematic%2Breview.%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Apmid%252F12014540%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx [2]: /lookup/ijlink?linkType=ABST&journalCode=bjgp&resid=52/478/401&atom=%2Febnurs%2F6%2F1%2F26.atom
Review: Sparse evidence supports lifestyle modifications for reducing symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease

Source Citation Kaltenbach T, Crockett S, Gerson LB. Are lifestyle measures effective in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease? An evidence-based approach. Arch Intern Med. 2006;166:965-71....
Usability of digital libraries: an evaluation model

This research proposes methods and instruments for assessing usability of academic digital libraries. Criteria in this study are effectiveness, efficiency, satisfaction, and learnability. It is found that there exist interlocking relationships among effectiveness, efficiency, and satisfaction.
Spread of invasive Phragmites australis in estuaries with differing degrees of development: genetic patterns, Allee effects and interpretation

Summary 1. The distribution of genetic variation can be interpreted to understand the timing and mechanisms of invasive species spread. Allee effects, positive relationships between fitness and density or number of conspecific individuals, can play a substantial role in determining the time lag between initial introduction and invasive spread and can produce genetic patterns in invading populations that can be interpreted to learn about factors affecting invasion mechanisms. 2. We examined the distribution of genetic variation in the invasive wetland grass Phragmites australis in the Chesapeake Bay, USA. We used microsatellite analysis to examine the reproductive mode (clonal vs. seed) by which the invasive haplotype of P. australis has spread and the distribution of genetic variation within and among brackish wetlands in nine subestuaries of the Chesapeake Bay. Watersheds associated with the subestuaries were dominated by forests, anthropogenic development or mixed forests and development. 3. Our results suggest that the invasive haplotype of P. australis has spread primarily sexually by seed, rather than clonally, and genetic diversity of patches within subestuaries increased while genetic similarity decreased with increasing development in the surrounding watershed. 4. This suggests a pattern whereby greater genetic diversity of patches may promote more rapid spread due to recruitment of multiple seedlings into a disturbed patch. 5. Synthesis. Evaluation of patterns of genetic distribution can help to identify factors affecting invasion in different environments and so inform management.
Observed Structure, Evolution, and Potential Intensity of Category 5 Hurricane Isabel (2003) from 12 to 14 September

Unprecedented observations of Hurricane Isabel (2003) at category 5 intensity were collected from 12 to 14 September. This study presents a detailed analysis of the inner-core structure, atmospheric boundary layer, sea surface temperature, and outflow layer of a superintense tropical cyclone using high-resolution in situ flight-level, NCAR GPS dropwindsonde, Doppler radar, and satellite measurements. The analysis of the dropwindsonde and in situ data includes a comprehensive discussion of the uncertainties associated with this observational dataset and provides an estimate of the storm-relative axisymmetric inner-core structure using Barnes objective analysis. An assessment of gradient and thermal wind balance in the inner core is also presented. The axisymmetric data composites presented in this study suggest that Isabel built a reservoir of high moist entropy air by sea-to-air latent heat flux inside the low-level eye that was utilized as an additional energy source to nearly maintain its extreme intensity even after crossing the cool wake of Hurricane Fabian. It is argued here that the combined mean and asymmetric eddy flux of high moist entropy air from the low-level eye into the eyewall represents an additional power source or “turbo boost” to the hurricane heat engine. Recent estimates of the ratio of sea-to-air enthalpy and momentum exchange at high wind speeds are used to suggest that Isabel utilized this extra power to exceed the previously assumed intensity upper bound for the given environmental conditions on all three days. This discrepancy between a priori potential intensity theory and observations may be as high as 35 m s 1 on 13 September.
Comparing and Combining Accommodation and Remediation Interventions to Improve the Written-Language Performance of Children With Asperger Syndrome

The relative effectiveness of two writing accommodations, word processing (WP) and speech-recognition (SR) technology, was examined relative to the writing skills of four boys with Asperger syndrome. The more effective accommodation was then combined with the Self-Regulated Strategy Development (SRSD) writing intervention and compared with SRSD and handwriting (HW) combined to determine whether participants’ writing skills would be further improved. Using a multiple-phase alternating-treatments design with a final treatment phase, outcomes indicated that the SR accommodation improved writing fluency and quality better than WP and HW. However, participants produced the most fluent and highest quality writing when SRSD intervention was combined with SR as compared with SRSD paired with HW, SR alone, and HW alone. Implications and future directions are discussed.