cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
MYCN RNA interference decreases anti-apoptotic gene expression and proliferation of neuroblastomas

Abstract Introduction: MYCN amplification is the most reliable prognostic predictor for neuroblastomas (NB); dysregulation of MYCN expression is critical for NB pathogenesis. Neuroblastomas with MYCN amplification are often resistant to chemotherapeutic drugs and irradiation-induced apoptosis. This process, in part, involves alterations in the regulation of Bcl-2 proteins. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine whether MYCN gene silencing alters expression of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family proteins and, ultimately, decreases NB proliferation. Methods: Human neuroblastoma cell lines, BE(2)-C, IMR-32, Lan-1, were transiently transfected with small interference (si)RNA against MYCN or control vector (GFP siRNA) over a time-course. Proteins were extracted to determine expression of anti-apoptotic proteins (Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, Mcl-1) by Western blot. To assess changes in cell proliferation, colorimetric bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) immunoassays were performed. Results: Transfection with MYCN siRNA significantly decreased MYCN protein expression in a time-dependent manner in all three NB cell lines. MYCN siRNA also decreased expression of Bcl-2 family proteins (Bcl-2, Bcl-xL and Mcl-1) and significantly decreased DNA synthesis, as measured by BrdU incorporation, in all NB cell lines. Conclusions: Our data demonstrate that MYCN gene silencing down-regulates Bcl-2 family protein expression and subsequent DNA synthesis in NB. Selective targeting of MYCN by RNA interference may be a useful adjunct in the treatment of NB with high MYCN amplification.
Bullying: Why All the Fuss?

“Why is there such a fuss being made about bullying? Bullying is commonplace, normal, and part of growing up.” This was a comment made with frustration and more than a bit of annoyance to me by an experienced and, as best I can judge, highly qualified 4th-grade teacher several years ago after the publication of an article by Nansel et al.1 That article received considerable media attention and press coverage, raising the issue of bullying to a more prominent level in violence prevention efforts.2 Interestingly, this teacher was unaware that I had, in fact, written a commentary for that article emphasizing the need to address bullying as part of a comprehensive approach to youth violence prevention.3 However, his sentiment has been repeated to me by many others, especially teachers, since then and reflects a concerning problem with respect to people’s understanding of this issue and its importance. Yet, although the Nansel et al article was among the first studies to report on the prevalence of bullying and its associated psychosocial concerns in this country, there was already a considerable body of work on this subject from other countries that reflected the extent and seriousness of the problem as well as well-evaluated strategies for …
A least upper bound on the superconducting transition temperature

Abstract It is rigorously shown that the superconducting transition temperature of any material for which the Eliashberg theory is valid must satisfy kBTc ⩽ 0.2309 A, where A is the area under its electron-phonon spectral function α2F(ω). This relation is a least upper bound, not just an upper bound, in the sense that there is an optimal situation in which the equality holds. This occurs when the Coulomb pseudopotential parameter μ ∗ is zero and the spectral function is the Einstein spectrum Aδ(ω − 1.750 A). These results are generalized in an approximate, but sufficiently accurate, way to the case μ ∗ ≠ 0 to obtain the more useful least upper bound k B T c ⩽ c(μ ∗ ) A and the corresponding optimal spectrum Aδ[ω − d(μ ∗ )A] . Numerical results for the functions c(μ ∗ ) and d(μ∗) are presented for 0 ⩽ μ ∗ ⩽ 0.20 . It is shown that the Tc's of many materials (including Nb3Sn), for which experimental values of A and μ ∗ are available, do not lie very far below the upper bound.
Carrying the Weight of Self-Derogation?Disordered Eating Practices as Social Deviance in Young Adults

ABSTRACT This study asks if self-derogation in early adolescence increases the odds of adopting disordered eating practices (DEPs) in young adulthood. Using a racially/ethnically diverse random sample of 1,209 youth, our (longitudinal) data show that both boys and girls who disliked themselves at age 13 were more likely to adopt disordered eating practices at age 22. Following Kaplan's theory of deviance, we view disordered eating as a form of internally directed deviance that youth may adopt in an effort to “correct” for negative self-feelings. We find that girls/women adopt DEPs more than boys/men do, although this is not true for African Americans. Family socioeconomic status fails to predict DEPs. Exploratory analyses aimed at understanding connections between self-derogation and DEPs show that perceptions about weight matter. In particular, women who are more anxious about their weight are more apt to engage in DEPs (compared to less anxious women). Our study contributes to debates about theories of ...
Stem cell expansion during carcinogenesis in stem cell-depleted conditional telomeric repeat factor 2 null mutant mice

To examine the role of telomeric repeat-binding factor 2 (TRF2) in epithelial tumorigenesis, we characterized conditional loss of TRF2 expression in the basal layer of mouse epidermis. These mice exhibit some characteristics of dyskeratosis congenita, a human stem cell depletion syndrome caused by telomere dysfunction. The epidermis in conditional TRF2 null mice exhibited DNA damage response and apoptosis, which correlated with stem cell depletion. The stem cell population in conditional TRF2 null epidermis exhibited shorter telomeres than those in control mice. Squamous cell carcinomas induced in conditional TRF2 null mice developed with increased latency and slower growth due to reduced numbers of proliferating cells as the result of increased apoptosis. TRF2 null epidermal stem cells were found in both primary and metastatic tumors. Despite the low-grade phenotype of the conditional TRF2 null primary tumors, the number of metastatic lesions was similar to control cancers. Basal cells from TRF2 null tumors demonstrated extreme telomere shortening and dramatically increased numbers of telomeric signals by fluorescence in situ hybridization due to increased genomic instability and aneuploidy in these cancers. DNA damage response signals were detected at telomeres in TRF2 null tumor cells from these mice. The increased genomic instability in these tumors correlated with eightfold expansion of the transformed stem cell population compared with that in control cancers. We concluded that genomic instability resulting from loss of TRF2 expression provides biological advantages to the cancer stem cell population.
3D femtosecond laser patterning of collagen for directed cell attachment.

Abstract Three-dimensional micropatterned collagen scaffolds were fabricated by femtosecond laser ablation. An 800 nm, 45 fs Ti:Sapphire laser was used to create various 3D patterns in a collagen gel, including holes, lines and grids. An optimal collagen concentration was found for both substrate patterning and cell compatibility. The threshold fluence for ablation of the scaffold was found to be 0.06 J/cm 2 , and the morphology of the ablation craters was measured as a function of fluence. Mesenchymal stem cells from rat bone marrow and human fibroblasts were seeded within the ablated patterns and were shown to be viable for at least 10 days.
Homolgation of β-silyl-α,β-unsaturated esters

Abstract Treatment of β-trimethylsilyl-α,β-unsaturated esters with diazomethane results in a stereospecific homolgation to the corresponding γ-trimethylsilyl-α,β-unsaturated esters.
Central Hypothyroidism and Sturge- Weber Syndrome

Sturge-Weber syndrome is a rare disorder manifesting with a facial port-wine birthmark and a vascular malformation of the brain. Infants and children present with seizures and stroke-like episodes with focal neurologic deficits. Our previous investigations revealed that growth-hormone deficiency occurs with an increased prevalence in Sturge-Weber syndrome, presumably secondary to involvement of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis. We have continued to screen for hormonal abnormalities in patients with Sturge-Weber syndrome, specifically those from our multidisciplinary center for patients with this condition. We describe 2 children out of 83 (2.4%) with Sturge-Weber syndrome and brain involvement who were evaluated at our center and diagnosed with central hypothyroidism, based on clinical signs and laboratory findings. This prevalence is much higher than that of central hypothyroidism in the general population. Although it is well-known that anticonvulsants can lead to abnormalities in thyroid function tests, including central hypothyroidism, patients with Sturge-Weber syndrome carry the additional risk of developing hypothalamic-pituitary dysfunction, secondary to their central nervous system dysfunction. Therefore, it is important that patients with Sturge-Weber syndrome undergo routine thyroid-function testing, especially in the face of any clinical manifestations.
Coherent states for the time-dependent harmonic oscillator

Exact coherent states for the time-dependent harmonic oscillator are constructed. These new coherent states have most, but not all, of the properties of the coherent states for the time-independent oscillator. For example, these coherent states give the exact classical motion, but they are not minimum-uncertainty states.
Gas-flame guniting of the lining of intermediate continuous steel-casting ladles

As a result of laboratory investigations and rig testing of the flame guniting of intermediate ladles for continuous steel-casting plant we recommend the following bodies: 90% corundum, 10% sodium tripolyphosphate; 80–90% corundum, 20−10% chamotte; 80–90% high-alumina chamotte, 20−10% chamotte. The particle size of the corundum body is <0.088 mm, high-alumina <0.25 mm.
Exchange lemmas 2: General Exchange Lemma

Abstract Exchange lemmas are used in geometric singular perturbation theory to track flows near normally hyperbolic invariant manifolds. We prove a General Exchange Lemma, and show that it implies versions of existing exchange lemmas for rectifiable slow flows and loss-of-stability turning points.
A Class of Gorenstein Artin Algebras of Embedding Dimension Four

In this article, we study height four graded Gorenstein ideals I in k[x, y, z, w] such that I 2 is of height one and generated by three quadrics. After a suitable linear change of variables, I ∩ k[x, y, z] is either Gorenstein or of type two. The former case was studied by Iarrobino and Srinivasan [8] where they give the structure of the ideal and its resolution. We study the latter case and give the structure of these ideals and their minimal resolution. We also explicitly write the form of the generators of I and the maps in the free resolution of R/I.
Searching for evidence in augmentative and alternative communication: Navigating a scattered literature

With increasing emphasis on evidence-based practice (EBP) as the preferred approach to practice in augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), knowledge of and skills in the EBP process have become critical to practitioners. The efficient searching of best and current research evidence to aid with clinical or educational practice is one of the core skills in the EBP process. Because of its interdisciplinary nature, evidence pertaining to AAC is scattered across numerous sources in a variety of larger fields. In this article, we aim to (a) establish assumptions and underpinnings for the search of research evidence in support of EBP in AAC, (b) identify informational databases, (c) review search terminology, (d) suggest practical strategies for successful searches in support of EBP, and (e) exemplify these strategies with several search illustrations.
Relationship of physician behavior to patient compliance.

Abstract The authors investigated patients' perception of two aspects of physician behavior during patient-physician interaction, namely, explanation given to the patient and concern for the patient. The relationship between these factors and patient compliance with the therapeutic regimen was then determined. Results showed a statistically significant relationship between these two aspects of physician behavior and patient complicance: the more patients perceived the physician as giving explanations and showing concern, the better was patient compliance.
On the Steiner ratio in 3-space

Abstract The “Steiner minimal tree” (SMT) of a point set P is the shortest network of “wires” which will suffice to electrically interconnnect P. The “minimum spanning tree” (MST) is the shortest such network when only intersite line segments are permitted. The “Steiner ratio” ρ(P) of a point set P is the length of its SMT divided by the length of its MST. It is of interest to understand which point set (or point sets) in Rd has minimal Steiner ratio. In this paper, we introduce a point set in Rd which we call the “d-dimensional sausage.” The one- and two-dimensional sausages have minimal Steiner ratios 1 and √ 3 2 , respectively. (The 2-sausage is the vertex set of an infinite strip of abutting equilateral triangles. The 3-sausage is an infinite number of points evenly spaced along a helix.) We present extensive heuristic evidence to support the conjecture that the 3-sausage also has minimal Steiner ratio (≈ 0.784190373377122). Also, we prove that the regular tetrahedron minimizes ρ among 4-point sets to at least 12 decimal places of accuracy. This is a companion paper to D-Z. Du and W. D. Smith, “Three Disproofs of the Gilbert-Pollak Steiner Ratio Conjecture in Three or More Dimensions,” to be published in the Journal of Combinatorial Theory. We have tried to devote this paper more to 3D and the other paper more to general dimensions, but the split is not clean.
Characterization of the malaria pigment (hemozoin) from the avian malaria parasite Plasmodium lophurae.

SYNOPSIS. Plasmodium lophurae hemozoin (malaria pigment) is a heme-containing protein which is distinctly different from hemoglobin and hematin by immunologic, spectrophotometric, fingerprint, heme-iron, gel filtration, and starch gel electrophoretic analyses. The calculated average molecular weight of P. lophurae hemozoin is ca. 40,000. Hemozoin contains at least 3 antigenic components and shows some indication of cross-reaction with hemoglobin.
Dispositional correlates of perceived work entitlement

Purpose – Drawing on an equity theory framework, the purpose of this paper is to examine the degree to which dispositional correlates – Machiavellianism and Protestant work ethic (PWE) – predict perceived work entitlement in employed persons. Design/methodology/approach – In two independent samples (n=270 and n=214), currently employed participants completed self-report surveys. Multiple regression analyses were used to test the hypotheses and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted to assess common method variance and provide evidence of construct validity. Findings – In Study 1, a general measure of Machiavellianism was positively related to perceived work entitlement, but PWE was not significantly related to the criterion. In Study 2, three sub-scales of Machiavellianism, as well as a different measure of the PWE, were positively related to perceived work entitlement. However, the fourth sub-scale of Machiavellianism was negatively related and therefore in the opposite direction of that which was h...
NPS comparison of anatomical noise characteristics in mammography, tomosynthesis, and breast CT images using power law metrics

Digital mammography is the current standard for breast cancer screening, however breast tomosynthesis and breast CT (bCT) have been studied in clinical trials. At our institution, 30 women (BIRADS 4 and 5) underwent IRB-approved imaging by mammography, breast tomosynthesis, and bCT on the same day. Twenty three data sets were used for analysis. The 2D noise power spectrum (NPS) was computed and averaged for each data set. The NPS was computed for different slice thicknesses of dx × N, where dx ≈ 0.3 mm and N=1-64, on the bCT data. Each 2D NPS was radially averaged, and the 1D data were fit using a power law function as proposed by Burgess: NPS(f) = αf-β. The value of β was determined over a range of frequencies corresponding to anatomical noise, for each patient and each modality. Averaged over the 30 women (26 for bCT, 28 for tomosynthesis, 28 for mammography), for mammography β=3.06 (0.25), for CC tomosynthesis β=2.91 (0.35), and for axial bCT β=1.72 (0.47). For sagittal bCT β=1.77 (0.36) and for coronal bCT, β=1.88 (0.45). The computation of β versus slice thickness on the coronal bCT data set led to β≈1.7 for N=1, asymptotically reaching β ≈ 3 for larger slice thickness. These results suggest that there is a fundamental difference in breast anatomic noise as characterized by β, between thin slices (<2 mm) and thicker slices. Tomosynthesis was found to have anatomic noise properties closer to mammography than breast CT, most likely due to the relatively thick slice sensitivity profile of tomosynthesis.
Bladder emptying by intermittent electrical stimulation of the pudendal nerve

Persons with a suprasacral spinal cord injury cannot empty their bladder voluntarily. Bladder emptying can be restored by intermittent electrical stimulation of the sacral nerve roots (SR) to cause bladder contraction. However, this therapy requires sensory nerve transection to prevent dyssynergic contraction of the external urethral sphincter (EUS). Stimulation of the compound pudendal nerve trunk (PN) activates spinal micturition circuitry, leading to a reflex bladder contraction without a reflex EUS contraction. The present study determined if PN stimulation could produce bladder emptying without nerve transection in cats anesthetized with alpha-chloralose. With all nerves intact, intermittent PN stimulation emptied the bladder (64 +/- 14% of initial volume, n = 37 across six cats) more effectively than either distention-evoked micturition (40 +/- 19%, p 0.10), indicating that PN stimulation was not limited by bladder-sphincter dyssynergia. Intermittent PN stimulation holds promise for restoring bladder emptying following spinal injury without requiring nerve transection.
Towards diagnosing and treating cultural dependency: The case of the African university

Abstract The paper examines the nature, extent and impact of the dependency of African universities in the light of a theoretical framework relating to the functions of culture. Ways of decolonising the African university are articulated with reference to the three ‘therapies’ of domestication, diversification and counter-penetration.
The Role of Marine Cementation in the Preservation of Lower Palaeozoic Assemblages

Many workers have emphasized recently the taphonomic processes involved in the preservation of fossil assemblages, and some have doubted that invertebrate assemblages have ever been preserved that reflect closely the living community. Yet there are many examples in the literature in which invertebrate assemblages have been interpreted in just such a fashion. Many of the most confident reconstructions have been based upon assemblages in early Palaeozoic limestones. What was it about some early Palaeozoic environments that led at times to such exquisite preservation? Carbonate petrologists have stressed the importance of marine cements in some modern environments (especially reefs). Our observations in Ordovician shelf carbonates suggest that such marine cementation may have been more common in a wider range of environments in the early Palaeozoic. The reason was a sufficiently different marine water chemistry at that time. Marine cementation effects accumulating biotic assemblages in three ways: (i) the formation of true hardgrounds with establishment of a specialized biota on the completely lithified surface; (ii) production of peculiar ‘mixed’ assemblages by incremental, patchy hardground formation during accumulation leading to a mixture of encrusting forms in the same bed as loose-sediment forms; and (iii) preservation of fossils in life position, or retardation of transportation and mixing, caused by early immobilization of skeletons by cement fringes. Our thesis is that early Palaeozoic carbonate shelf communities are better preserved than those of other environments and other times because the fossils were more often ‘locked’ in place by very early, marine cements.
The control of cyclin B1 mRNA translation during mouse oocyte maturation.

Abstract In maturing mouse oocytes, protein synthesis is required for meiotic maturation subsequent to germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD). While the number of different proteins that must be synthesized for this progression to occur is unknown, at least one of them appears to be cyclin B1, the regulatory subunit of M-phase-promoting factor. Here, we investigate the mechanism of cyclin B1 mRNA translational control during mouse oocyte maturation. We show that the U-rich cytoplasmic polyadenylation element (CPE), a cis element in the 3′ UTR of cyclin B1 mRNA, mediates translational repression in GV-stage oocytes. The CPE is also necessary for cytoplasmic polyadenylation, which stimulates translation during oocyte maturation. The injection of oocytes with a cyclin B1 antisense RNA, which probably precludes the binding of a factor to the CPE, delays cytoplasmic polyadenylation as well as the transition from GVBD to metaphase II. CPEB, which interacts with the cyclin B1 CPE and is present throughout meiotic maturation, becomes phosphorylated at metaphase I. These data indicate that CPEB is involved in both the repression and the stimulation of cyclin B1 mRNA and suggest that the phosphorylation of this protein could be involved in regulating its activity.
Dynamics of excited states in nanoscale materials

This tutorial provides a broad perspective on the synthesis, characterization, and size-dependent dynamics of nanoscale materials. Synthetic strategies include bottom-up, top-down, and hybrid strategies in gas and condensed phases. Advances in imaging and structure analysis provide the spatial information to correlate dynamic phenomena to structure in complex nanocomposites. Excited-state dynamics can change with material dimensions due to changes in the properties of the host and due to unique nanoscale phenomena such as plasmon resonance in metals and quantum confinement in semiconductors.
A comparative study of air carrier and business jet TCAS RA experiences

The Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS II), a critical aviation safety system, uses onboard surveillance to automatically detect potential airborne threats and issue vertical maneuvering guidance, or Resolution Advisories (RAs), to help pilots resolve conflicts. These RAs and relevant encounter details are recorded by the Federal Aviation Administration's TCAS Operational Performance Assessment (TOPA) program to facilitate characterization and assessment of TCAS performance in U.S. airspace. This paper summarizes a comparison of TCAS experiences among major air carriers, regional air carriers, and business jets. It found that RA rates for business jets were 4.5 times higher than major air carriers and 2.5 times higher than regional air carriers. Most significantly, business jets were 14 times more likely to be involved in low-separation encounters. The differences in operating environments was identified as a key factor: air carriers typically operate at commercial airports within strictly controlled airspace, whereas business jets more often operate at low altitudes in airspace where air traffic control separation is not mandatory between all aircraft, and the use of visual separation procedures is prevalent, often in proximity to small, non-commercial airports. Another noteworthy finding revealed non-compliance with TCAS RAs was a common factor in many low separation encounters. These results suggest current TCAS training and the design of future collision avoidance systems should explicitly consider the different environments in which TCAS-equipped aircraft may operate.
NADPH Oxidase-Driven Phagocyte Recruitment Controls Candida albicans Filamentous Growth and Prevents Mortality

Candida albicans is a human commensal and clinically important fungal pathogen that grows as both yeast and hyphal forms during human, mouse and zebrafish infection. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced by NADPH oxidases play diverse roles in immunity, including their long-appreciated function as microbicidal oxidants. Here we demonstrate a non-traditional mechanistic role of NADPH oxidase in promoting phagocyte chemotaxis and intracellular containment of fungi to limit filamentous growth. We exploit the transparent zebrafish model to show that failed NADPH oxidase-dependent phagocyte recruitment to C. albicans in the first four hours post-infection permits fungi to germinate extracellularly and kill the host. We combine chemical and genetic tools with high-resolution time-lapse microscopy to implicate both phagocyte oxidase and dual-specific oxidase in recruitment, suggesting that both myeloid and non-myeloid cells promote chemotaxis. We show that early non-invasive imaging provides a robust tool for prognosis, strongly connecting effective early immune response with survival. Finally, we demonstrate a new role of a key regulator of the yeast-to-hyphal switching program in phagocyte-mediated containment, suggesting that there are species-specific methods for modulation of NADPH oxidase-independent immune responses. These novel links between ROS-driven chemotaxis and fungal dimorphism expand our view of a key host defense mechanism and have important implications for pathogenesis.
Designing Classrooms to Maximize Student Achievement

Improving student achievement is vital for our nation's competitiveness. Scientific research shows how the physical classroom environment influences student achievement. Two findings are key: First, the building's structural facilities profoundly influence learning. Inadequate lighting, noise, low air quality, and deficient heating in the classroom are significantly related to worse student achievement. Over half of U.S. schools have inadequate structural facilities, and students of color and lower income students are more likely to attend schools with inadequate structural facilities. Second, scientific studies reveal the unexpected importance of a classroom's symbolic features, such as objects and wall decor, in influencing student learning and achievement in that environment. Symbols inform students whether they are valued learners and belong within the classroom, with far-reaching consequences for students' educational choices and achievement. We outline policy implications of the scientific findings—noting relevant policy audiences—and specify critical features of classroom design that can improve student achievement, especially for the most vulnerable students.
Dynamic analysis of impact pinning AL203 ceramic substrates

Impact pinning is used to stake pins into a ceramic substrate by striking cylindrical pins with a ballistic piston to cold-form a head and a bulge on opposite sides of the substrate. The dynamics and controlling mechanisms of this process are elucidated. The deformation of the pins is the result of the competing mechanisms of simple axial compression and dynamic buckling induced by the applied force. Sinusoidal buckling wave modes are set up initially in each pin, but are relatively unimportant until after the pins fill the holding die cavities. The pins next impinge the substrate through-holes' walls, and head formation commences. Continued pin buckling causes impingement to become more severe, and the pins capture the substrate. The substrate abruptly accelerates, causing the bulge to form. The development of the bulge stops the motion of the substrate. Head formation is completed. The entire sequence of events takes less than 100 mu s (in the case of interest). Quantitative analysis and modeling reveal the details of process evolution. Theoretical calculations were verified experimentally. >
Early window of diabetes determinism in NOD mice, dependent on the complement receptor CRIg, identified by noninvasive imaging

All juvenile mice of the nonobese diabetic (NOD) strain develop insulitis, but there is considerable variation in their progression to diabetes. Here we used a strategy based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of magnetic nanoparticles to noninvasively visualize local effects of pancreatic-islet inflammation to predict the onset of diabetes in NOD mice. MRI signals acquired during a narrow early time window allowed us to sort mice into groups that would progress to clinical disease or not and to estimate the time to diabetes development. We exploited this approach to identify previously unknown molecular and cellular elements correlated with disease protection, including the complement receptor of the immunoglobulin superfamily (CRIg), which marked a subset of macrophages associated with diabetes resistance. Administration of a fusion of CRIg and the Fc portion of immunoglobulin resulted in lower MRI signals and diabetes incidence. In addition to identifying regulators of disease progression, we show here that diabetes is set at an early age in NOD mice.
Response to Letter Regarding Article, “Impact of Femoral Vascular Closure Devices and Antithrombotic Therapy on Access Site Bleeding in Acute Coronary Syndromes: The Acute Catheterization and Urgent Intervention Triage Strategy (ACUITY) Trial”

Response: We thank Dr Dregelid for his letter regarding our report on the impact of femoral vascular closure devices (VCDs) on major access site bleeding (ASB) in the contemporary ACUITY trial.1 We agree that the main advantage in the VCD group is the significant reduction in large hematomas with a trend toward reduced surgical or percutaneous correction of vascular injury. We would emphasize that large hematomas are not inconsequential because they may cause considerable patient discomfort and prolong hospital stay. We also agree with Dr Dregelid's concern of a high false discovery rate from secondary post hoc analyses. We therefore stated in the Discussion section that this report was a “nonrandomized, …
Is FDG-PET indicated for superficial esophageal cancer?

Objective: To ascertain whether fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography is indicated for clinical staging of superficial cancer, we sought to determine if it accurately classifies tumor (T), regional nodal (N), and distant metastases (M), including distinguishing high-grade dysplasia (Tis) from invasive cancer (T1). Methods: Fifty-eight superficial esophageal cancer patients had preoperative positron emission tomography, 53 (91%) fused with computed tomography. Tumor characteristics, esophagoscopy findings, and pTNM were compared with positron emission tomography cTNM. pT1 was subdivided into intramucosal cancers with lamina propria or muscularis mucosa invasion and submucosal cancerswithinnerorouterinvasion.Results:Fluorodeoxyglucose uptakeincreasedwithpT,from5/11(45%)forpTisto11/16(69%)forpT1(outer submucosa), P = 0.07, as it did for standardized uptake value, median 0 for pTis to 2.7 for pT1 (outer submucosa), P = 0.06. Positron emission tomography could not differentiate Tis (5/11, 45%) from T1 (26/47, 55%; P= 0.03). Regional nodal fluorodeoxyglucose uptake in three patients (standardized uptake value 2.8, 4.9, 11) was false positive; in six pN1 patients, it was false negative. Positron emission tomography had 0% sensitivity and positive predictive value for N1. There were no distant metastases; one patient developed a pulmonary metastasis 15 months postoperatively. Positron emission tomography detected three (5%) distant hypermetabolic sites, all synchronous tumors (papillary thyroid cancer, adrenalpheochromocytoma,rectaladenoma).Onlyincreasingtumor lengthwasrelatedto greaterfluorodeoxyglucoseuptake( P= 0.004) and higher standardized uptake value ( P= 0.001). Conclusions: Because positron emission tomography can neither differentiate pTis from T1 nor classify T, N, and M, it is not indicated in staging superficial esophageal cancer. Finding a synchronous primary tumor in approximately every 20th patient is its only benefit. Better, less expensive screening tools are available for common synchronous malignancies. # 2007 European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Ethical and legal issues in intensive care.

The findings of the SUPPORT study, the largest, most comprehensive and costly study ever undertaken on decision making for critically ill patients, revealed a wide ranging gap between patient preferences and physician behavior with regard to treatment decisions for seriously ill patients. The ethical issues raised by that disparity are intensified as we enter into a market-driven managed care delivery system. This essay explores recent ethical and legal developments on several emerging issues: the decision making process; DNR orders; brain death; withdrawal of treatment; physician assisted suicide; and the constraints of managed care.
Development of neural mechanisms for machine learning.

The goal of this work is to develop a humanoid robot's perceptual mechanisms through the use of learning aids. We describe methods to enable learning on a humanoid robot using learning aids such as books, drawing materials, boards, educational videos or other children toys. Visual properties of objects are learned and inserted into a recognition scheme, which is then applied to acquire new object representations — we propose learning through developmental stages. Inspired in infant development, we will also boost the robot's perceptual capabilities by having a human caregiver performing educational and play activities with the robot (such as drawing, painting or playing with a toy train on a railway). We describe original algorithms to extract meaningful percepts from such learning experiments. Experimental evaluation of the algorithms corroborates the theoretical framework.
Propofol versus midazolam/fentanyl for outpatient colonoscopy: administration by nurses supervised by endoscopists.

Abstract Background & Aims: Propofol is under evaluation as a sedative for endoscopic procedures. We compared nurse-administered propofol to midazolam plus fentanyl for outpatient colonoscopy. Methods: One hundred outpatients undergoing colonoscopy were randomized to receive propofol or midazolam plus fentanyl, administered by a registered nurse and supervised only by an endoscopist. Endpoints were patient satisfaction, procedure and recovery times, neuropsychologic function, and complications. Results: The mean dose of propofol administered was 277 mg; mean doses of midazolam and fentanyl were 7.2 mg and 117 μg, respectively. Mean time to sedation was faster with propofol (2.1 vs. 6.1 min; P 0.5). Conclusions: Nurse-administered propofol resulted in several advantages for outpatient colonoscopy compared with midazolam plus fentanyl, but did not improve patient satisfaction.
Broadcasting Info-Pages to Sensors: Efficiency vs. Energy Conservation

In sensor networks applied to monitoring applications, individual sensors may perform preassigned or on-demand tasks, or missions. Data updates (info-pages) may be sent to sensors from a command center, via a time-division broadcast channel. Sensors are normally put in sleep mode when not actively listening, in order to conserve energy in their batteries. Hence, a schedule is required that specifies when sensors should listen for updates and when they should sleep. The performance of such a schedule is evaluated based on data-related costs and sensor-related costs. Data-related costs reflect the obsoleteness of current sensor data, or the delay while sensors wait for updated instructions. Sensor-related costs reflect the energy that sensors consume while accessing the broadcast channel and while switching between the active and sleeping modes (rebooting). Our goal is a schedule with the minimum total cost. Previous related work has explored data-related costs, but listening cost has been addressed only under the assumption that the rebooting operation is free. This paper formulates a new cost model, which recognizes the cost of sensor rebooting. We derive an optimal schedule for the single-sensor setting. We proceed to consider schedules of multiple sensors, and formulate a mathematical program to find an optimal fractional schedule for this setting. Several heuristics for scheduling multiple sensors are introduced and analyzed, and various tradeoffs among the cost factors are demonstrated.
Limits of lipid-lowering therapy: the potential benefits of amlodipine as an antiatherosclerotic agent

Abstract Treatment of atherosclerosis has focused mainly on decreasing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). However, recent coronary angiography trials have revealed that aggressive lowering of LDL-C below 100 mg/dl arrests atherosclerosis progression in only 50% to 60% of patients. Furthermore, with quantitative coronary angiography, significant regression occurred only in advanced fibrous–fatty plaques (≥50% stenosis) and not in the younger, more cell-proliferative lesions (
Assessing Atmospheric Deposition of Mercury in Florida, USA: Local versus Global Sources and Models versus Measurements

We compare results from the CMAQ photochemical model for mercury deposition in Florida with measurements from 2009 associated with the Florida Mercury TMDL project, with focus on the question: can model predictions for the impact of local versus global emissions be validated versus measurements? Model wet deposition shows reasonable agreement with measurements, and the lack of variation between sites in Florida in both model and measurements is consistent with the model prediction for limited impact from local sources. Local sources have a larger impact on dry deposition. However, the model overestimates ambient RGM by a factor of 10 versus measured values.
Two-dimensional Riemann problems for the compressible Euler system

Riemann problems for the compressible Euler system in two space dimensions are complicated and difficult, but a viable alternative remains missing. The author lists merits of one-dimensional Riemann problems and compares them with those for the current two-dimensional Riemann problems, to illustrate their worthiness. Two-dimensional Riemann problems are approached via the methodology promoted by Andy Majda in the spirits of modern applied mathematics; that is, simplified model is built via asymptotic analysis, numerical simulation and theoretical analysis. A simplified model called the pressure gradient system is derived from the full Euler system via an asymptotic process. State-of-the-art numerical methods in numerical simulations are used to discern smallscale structures of the solutions, e.g., semi-hyperbolic patches. Analytical methods are used to establish the validity of the structure revealed in the numerical simulation. The entire process, used in many of Majda’s programs, is shown here for the two-dimensional Riemann problems for the compressible Euler systems of conservation laws.
Digital thermal hyperaemia impairment does not relate to skin fibrosis or macrovascular disease in systemic sclerosis

OBJECTIVES Thermal hyperaemia is impaired in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). The objective of these studies was to determine whether this was consecutive to skin fibrosis, microangiopathy or macroangiopathy. METHODS Using laser Doppler flowmetry, we first compared the thermal hyperaemia on the third left finger pad and on the left forearm in 21 patients with non-diffuse systemic sclerosis (SSc), in comparison with primary Raynaud's phenomenon and healthy volunteers. Second, we tested whether the altered thermal hyperaemia correlated to the digital pressure index at baseline, and following the thermal challenge. RESULTS In the first study, thermal hyperaemia of the finger pad was impaired in terms of both amplitude and kinetics, but not on the forearm in patients with SSc. In the seven SSc patients without cutaneous fibrosis, the response was similarly altered in terms of amplitude and kinetics. In the second study, we observed a weak correlation between the digital systolic blood pressure index. However, in the 15 SSc patients tested at 44 degrees C, the median digital systolic blood pressure index was 1.04 (0.84-1.24) at baseline vs 1.08 (0.87-1.29) at 44 degrees C (NS), while seven of them had an abnormal response in terms of kinetic. Furthermore, only one patient showed a clear-cut decrease in digital systolic blood pressure at 44 degrees C. CONCLUSION In patients with SSc, digital thermal hyperaemia is impaired, but does not relate to the skin fibrosis or to an associated macroangiopathy in most cases. Further studies are required to determine whether its impairment reflects a functional or structural microvascular damage.
The oxime pro-2-PAM provides minimal protection against the CNS effects of the nerve agents sarin, cyclosarin, and VX in guinea pigs

This study examined whether pro-2-PAM, a pro-drug dihydropyridine derivative of the oxime 2-pralidoxime (2-PAM) that can penetrate the brain, could prevent or reverse the central toxic effects of three nerve agents; sarin, cyclosarin, and VX. The first experiment tested whether pro-2-PAM could reactivate guinea pig cholinesterase (ChE) in vivo in central and peripheral tissues inhibited by these nerve agents. Pro-2-PAM produced a dose-dependent reactivation of sarin- or VX-inhibited ChE in both peripheral and brain tissues, but with substantially greater reactivation in peripheral tissues compared to brain. Pro-2-PAM produced 9-25% reactivation of cyclosarin-inhibited ChE in blood, heart, and spinal cord, but no reactivation in brain or muscle tissues. In a second experiment, the ability of pro-2-PAM to block or terminate nerve agent-induced electroencephalographic seizure activity was evaluated. Pro-2-PAM was able to block sarin- or VX-induced seizures (16-33%) over a dose range of 24-32 mg/kg, but was ineffective against cyclosarin-induced seizures. Animals that were protected from seizures showed significantly less weight loss and greater behavioral function 24 h after exposure than those animals that were not protected. Additionally, brains were free from neuropathology when pro-2-PAM prevented seizures. In summary, pro-2-PAM provided modest reactivation of sarin- and VX-inhibited ChE in the brain and periphery, which was reflected by a limited ability to block or terminate seizures elicited by these agents. Pro-2-PAM was able to reactivate blood, heart, and spinal cord ChE inhibited by cyclosarin, but was not effective against cyclosarin-induced seizures.
Omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acid ratio and higher-order cognitive functions in 7- to 9-y-olds: a cross-sectional study

Background: Biochemical and behavioral evidence has suggested that the ratio of n26 (omega-6) to n23 (omega-3) could be an important predictor of executive function abilities in children. Objective: We determined the relation between the ratio of n2 6t o n23 and cognitive function in children. We hypothesized that children with lower ratios of n2 6t o n23 fatty acids would perform better on tests of planning and working memory. Design: Seventy 7- to 9-y-old children completed three 24-h diet recalls and a subset of the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Assessment Battery. Parents provided information on their demographics and children’s diet histories. Results: Mean n23 and mean n26 intakes were related to the mean time spent on each action taken in the planning problem. The ratio of n2 6t o n23 significantly predicted performance on the working memory and planning problems. There was a significant interaction between the ratio and fatty acid intake; when children had high ratios, a higher intake of n23 fatty acids predicted a better performance on the planning task than when children had lower n23 intakes. When children had low ratios, a lower intake of n23 and lower intake of n26 predicted better performance than when intakes were higher. Conclusions: The relation between cognitive abilities and the ratio of n2 6t o n23 may be mediated by an enzymatic affinity for n23 fatty acids. The ratio of n2 6t o n23 should be considered an important factor in the study of fatty acids and cognitive development. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01823419. Am J Clin Nutr doi: 10.3945/ajcn.113.058719.
Morality, Reason, and Management Science: The Rationale of Cost-Benefit Analysis

The ProblemEconomic efficiency is naturally thought to be a virtue of social policies and decisions, and cost-benefit (CB) analysis is commonly regarded as a technique for measuring economic efficiency. It is not surprising, then, that CB analysis is so widely used in social policy analysis. However, there is a great deal of controversy about CB analysis, including controversy about its underlying philosophical rationale. The rationales that have been proposed fall into three basic, though not mutually exclusive categories. There are moralist views to the effect that an acceptable CB analysis would provide, or contribute to, an ethical appraisal of proposed policies or projects. There are rationalist views to the effect that an acceptable CB analysis would contribute to the selection of social policies and projects that are “socially rational.” Finally, there are so-called management science views to the effect that the purpose of CB analysis is to promote the achievement of objectives held by the policy maker, whatever they may be. Different positions are available within each of these categories. But there is also the possibility that CB analysis lacks any viable rationale. I will examine some of the major rationales for CB analysis in this paper, and I will suggest that the last view is close to the truth.
Action threshold for applying insect growth regulators to tomato for management of irregular ripening caused by Bemisia argentifolii (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae).

The whitefly Bemisia argentifolii Bellows & Perring is a major pest of tomatoes, causing an irregular ripening disorder characterized externally by incomplete or inhibited reddening of fruit, especially in longitudinal sections, and internally by an increase in the amount of white tissue. Experiments were undertaken during the spring and fall of 1997 and 1998 and the spring of 1999 to develop an action threshold for applying the insect growth regulators (IGRs) buprofezin and pyriproxyfen to manage B. argentifolii and irregular ripening. The IGRs were applied when predetermined thresholds were reached and were compared with a high rate of the systemic insecticide imidacloprid, which was applied at transplanting and provided season-long whitefly control. Only plots treated when the numbers of sessile nymphs (second through fourth instars) reached five per 10 leaflets consistently had both external and internal irregular ripening severity ratings similar to the imidacloprid standard. Results were similar for buprofezin and pyriproxyfen even though the modes of action differ. The five nymphs per 10 leaflets threshold lends itself to field scouting because nymphal counts completed in the field using the unaided eye supplemented with a 10× hand lens were linearly and significantly related to counts completed in the laboratory with a dissecting microscope.
Designing a molecular probe for muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR) imaging.

Radiolabeled molecular probes have demonstrated the potential for in vivo quantification of cell surface receptor concentration as a function of disease. Molecular biology has been instrumental in the design of these probes for in vivo studies, as exemplified by a molecular probe for muscarinic acetylcholine (mACh) receptor imaging. On a technical level, molecular biology has led to a better understanding of the selectivity of a radiolabeled probe in vitro. On a physiologic level, a combination of molecular biology and nuclear medicine provides an opportunity to validate in vivo what has been learned about receptors in vitro