cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Quality management at ICU: which indicators should we focus on

Quality management at ICU refers to the analysis and evaluation system of the medical behavior, improving the quality through various means, to provide better medical services for patients.The eva-luation of ICU quality can be carried out through a series of indicators.Quality control index is considered as a reliable means to reflect the quality management level.In 2015, China issued the quality control index of ICU, which was regarded as the index that we need to pay attention to at present.These indexes include three aspects: result index, process index and outcome index.Learning and mastering these indexes and applying them in the actual medical treatment has positive significance for the continuous improvement of the medical quality of ICU. Key words: Medical quality management; Quality control index; Intensive care unit,
Mnemonic discrimination and social anxiety: the role of state anxiety

The Mnemonic Similarity Task (MST) measures mnemonic discrimination, or the ability to correctly identify new stimuli from highly similar, old stimuli. Poor mnemonic discrimination is a potential r...
Abstract PO-016: Modulating cancer stem cell pathways to enhance systemic therapeutic efficacy

Chemoresistance and poor immune sensitivity are one of the major challenges to treat different cancer types including lung, bladder and head & neck. Different epigenetic regulators and cancer stem cells (CSCs) regulatory pathways play a critical role in the development of therapeutic resistance. Prolonged chemotherapy treatment enriches CSCs in the tumor microenvironment and in a previous study we have shown that inhibition of the CSCs regulatory pathway/s combined with chemotherapy decreased CSC properties and efficiently inhibit tumor growth in patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) models. The purpose of this study is to determine the chemo and immunotherapeutic efficacy in combination with several CSC pathway/s modulatory agent/agents to treat different solid tumors. To identify relevant CSC regulating pathways, we tested the therapeutic efficacy of different agents such as 5-Azacytidine (DNA methyltransferase 1 inhibitor), Vismodegib (SMO inhibitor), Romidepsin (HDAC1 inhibitor), Olaparib (PARP1 inhibitor), and GSK343 (EZH2 inhibitor) using different bladder and head & neck cancer cell lines and also determined the numerous CSCs properties. Our data indicate that in vitro treatment with these potential therapeutic agents decreases cell viability, sphere formation and wound healing that suggest that, these drugs may be effective in reducing CSCs population when combined with chemo and/or immunotherapy. Our immunoblotting experiments indicate reduced expression of some CSCs markers and factors such as such as NANOG, OCT4, CD133 and CD24. Interestingly, after treating the cells with some of these agents and array analysis, we have found differential expression of some of the key genes regulating the immunogenic response. Further, to confirm the array-based data, selected candidate immune-associated genes were analyzed by qRT-PCR. Moreover, our preliminary data suggest that combination treatment with epigenetic drugs and an immune agent may effectively reduce tumor growth in vivo compared to either of these drugs. In conclusion, although comprehensive mechanistic studies are ongoing, our initial results highlight the importance of considering combination of epigenetic and immune therapy for patients with diverse cancer types that respond poorly to immune and chemotherapy. Citation Format: Pritam Sadhukhan, Masahiro Shibata, M. Talha Ugurlu, Rachel Goldberg, Mohammad O. Hoque. Modulating cancer stem cell pathways to enhance systemic therapeutic efficacy [abstract]. In: Abstracts: AACR Special Virtual Conference on Epigenetics and Metabolism; October 15-16, 2020; 2020 Oct 15-16. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(23 Suppl):Abstract nr PO-016.
Paradoxes of State Feminism in the Postcolony: An Appeal for Feminist Vigilance

This chapter introduces a transnational view on vigilance by examining the ambiguous politics of state feminism in the Global South and its neoliberal connectivities. Referring specifically to Ghanaian “feminist” histories and the problematic gendered rhetorics of a former minister of state in charge of the state gender machinery, the chapter argues for a vigilant feminist critique that not only comprehensively deconstructs the contradictions of state feminism but also envisions new discursive infrastructures for building a more democratic future. Besides its transdisciplinary decolonial discursive praxis, a vigilant feminist critique emphasizes a cosmopolitics of critique for explaining the transnational manifestations of state feminism and privileges the Global South as a critical standpoint from which to envision a new politics of vigilance.
Environmental hazards, social inequality, and fetal loss: Implications of live-birth bias for estimation of disparities in birth outcomes.

Restricting to live births can induce bias in studies of pregnancy and developmental outcomes, but whether this live-birth bias results in underestimating disparities is unknown. Bias may arise from collider stratification due to an unmeasured common cause of fetal loss and the outcome of interest, or depletion of susceptibles, where exposure differentially causes fetal loss among those with underlying susceptibility. Methods We conducted a simulation study to examine the magnitude of live-birth bias in a population parameterized to resemble one year of conceptions in California (N = 625,000). We simulated exposure to a non-time-varying environmental hazard, risk of spontaneous abortion, and time to live birth using 1000 Monte Carlo simulations. Our outcome of interest was preterm birth. We included a social vulnerability factor to represent social disadvantage, and estimated overall risk differences for exposure and preterm birth using linear probability models and stratified by the social vulnerability factor. We calculated how often confidence intervals included the true point estimate (CI coverage probabilities) to illustrate whether effect estimates differed qualitatively from the truth. Results Depletion of susceptibles resulted in a larger magnitude of bias compared with collider stratification, with larger bias among the socially vulnerable group. Coverage probabilities were not adversely affected by bias due to collider stratification. Depletion of susceptibles reduced coverage, especially among the socially vulnerable (coverage among socially vulnerable = 46%, coverage among nonsocially vulnerable = 91% in the most extreme scenario). Conclusions In simulations, hazardous environmental exposures induced live-birth bias and the bias was larger for socially vulnerable women.
Explaining the Variability in School Nurse Workload and Educational Outcomes.

This secondary analysis examined the variability in the effects of school nurse workload on individual student outcomes of 9th grade attendance, being on track to graduate, and high school graduati...
How situational competence beliefs and task value relate to inference strategies and comprehension during reading

Abstract In two studies, we explored the associations among situational reading-related competence beliefs and task value, inference strategies, comprehension during reading, and foundational skills in college age students. In Study 1, 93 participants from a community college completed assessments of comprehension and two types of inference strategies (elaboration and bridging), each immediately followed by a survey of their competence beliefs and task value regarding the task. Results showed that competence beliefs and task value related positively to reading comprehension. In addition, task value was positively associated with both elaborating and bridging inferences, and competence beliefs correlated positively with bridging inferences. In Study 2, we investigated these associations further in a group of 418 students studying at three different colleges. Participants completed the same assessments for competence beliefs, task value, and inference strategies, as well as assessments of comprehension and foundational reading skills. Study 2 analyses revealed that foundational reading skills were a strong predictor of both types of inferencing and also comprehension. Further, when controlling for foundational reading skills, task value predicted elaboration and bridging inferences, whereas competence beliefs did not predict inferencing, but were trending as a predictor of comprehension. Finally, we created a path model to explore mediational effects, and found that task value positively predicted comprehension performance through increased elaborations while thinking aloud.
Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty: More Conversions, Fewer Complications Than Proximal Tibial Osteotomy in a Young Population.

Abstract Background Patients with isolated medial compartment osteoarthritis requiring surgical intervention generally have two surgical options: unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) and proximal tibial osteotomy (PTO). Outcomes of reoperation rates and survivorship are important for counseling patients on treatment options. Methods A retrospective, comparative cohort study was performed for a consecutive series of patients in the Military Health System who underwent either UKA or PTO between 2003 and 2018. All patients were between 18 and 55 years old and diagnosed with isolated medial compartmental arthritis. Cases with concurrent meniscal or cartilage procedures were included, while cases with concurrent ligament reconstruction were excluded. A minimum 2-year follow-up was required. The primary outcome was conversion to total knee arthroplasty, and the secondary outcome was reoperation for any reason. Results A total of 383 procedures were performed for isolated medial compartment arthritis in 303 patients (UKA 270, PTO 113). A multivariate analysis showed that PTO was associated with decreased risk of conversion to TKA compared to UKA (P = .0364). However, the reoperation due to complications was significantly higher in the PTO group (21.2% vs 2.2%; P ≤ .01). The 5-year conversion rate was 13.7% for UKA and 3.5% for PTO (P = .0033) with an average time to conversion of 3.1 years for UKA and 2.9 years for PTO (P = .7805). Conclusions In young patients with isolated medial compartment arthritis, conversion rates to TKA are higher with UKA compared to PTO. However, overall reoperation rate is higher with PTO, secondary to complications and revision procedures. Overall survivorship is acceptable for both procedures.
Vaccine-Associated Thrombocytopenia and Thrombosis: Venous Endotheliopathy Leading to Venous Combined Micro-Macrothrombosis

Serious vaccine-associated side effects are very rare. Major complications of vaccines are thrombocytopenia and thrombosis in which pathogenetic mechanism is consistent with endotheliopathy characterized by “attenuated” sepsis-like syndrome, leading to the activation of inflammatory and microthrombotic pathway. In the COVID-19 pandemic, acute respiratory distress syndrome caused by microthrombosis has been the major clinical phenotype from the viral sepsis in association with endotheliopathy-associated vascular microthrombotic disease (EA-VMTD), sometimes presenting with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP)-like syndrome. Often, venous thromboembolism has coexisted due to additional vascular injury. In contrast, clinical phenotypes of vaccine complication have included “silent” immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP-like syndrome), multiorgan inflammatory syndrome, and deep venous thrombosis (DVT), cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) in particular. These findings are consistent with venous (v) EA-VMTD. In vEA-VMTD promoted by activated complement system following vaccination, “consumptive” thrombocytopenia develops as ITP-like syndrome due to activated unusually large von Willebrand factor (ULVWF) path of hemostasis via microthrombogenesis. Thus, the pathologic phenotype of ITP-like syndrome is venous microthrombosis. Myocarditis/pericarditis and other rare cases of inflammatory organ syndrome are promoted by inflammatory cytokines released from activated inflammatory pathway, leading to various organ endotheliitis. Vaccine-associated CVST is a form of venous combined “micro-macrothrombosis” composed of binary components of “microthrombi strings” from vEA-VMTD and “fibrin meshes” from vaccine-unrelated incidental vascular injury perhaps such as unreported head trauma. This mechanism is identified based on “two-path unifying theory” of in vivo hemostasis. Venous combined micro-macrothrombosis due to vaccine is much more serious thrombosis than isolated distal DVT made of macrothrombus. This paradigm changing novel concept of combined micro-macrothrombosis implies the need of combined therapy of a complement inhibitor and anticoagulant for CVST and other complex forms of DVT.
Performance Prediction for Parallel Local Weather Forecast Programs

Performance modeling for scientific production codes is of interest both for program tuning and for the selection of new machines. An empirical method is used for developing a model to predict the run-time of large parallel weather prediction programs. The different steps of the method are outlined giving examples from two different programs of the DWD (German Weather Service). The first one is the new local model (LM) of DWD. The second one is the old Deutschland Model (DM) which is characterized by more complicated algorithmic steps and parallelization strategies.
The Effect of Lowered Tire Pressure on a Log Truck Driver Seat

Adjusting truck tire inflation to changing road and load conditions has been demonstrated to improve road conditions and is thought to decrease truck maintenance costs. Good roads will minimize the future cost of utilizing forest resources. In this study, the various effects of both low-pressure and high-pressure truck tires on the transportation vehicle were examined in terms of seat vibration. The data collected by the US Army Corps of Engineers, Waterways Experiment Station (WES), for the USDA Forest Service in 1989, were used to perform the analyses. Analysis of the data pertaining to road failure is fairly complete. However, a significant portion of the truck data still needs to be analyzed. Vibration levels were higher in the truck with high tire-inflation pressure, but the differences in vibration levels between low- and high-pressure trucks were not as high as expected. Although vibration levels were higher in 10 out of 15 road sections in the high-pressure truck, two sections had significantly reversed results.
Debates in Geography Education

In Debates in Geography Education professors and teachers, at all experience levels within geography education, receive an invitation into an ongoing discussion of essential topics regarding geogra...
Evidence for a Role of Tyrosyl Residues in Cell Membrane Permeability

Abstract In the presence of tyrosinase, red blood cells are lysed. Lysis follows an enzyme-mediated reaction, with the amount of lysis being proportional to the tyrosinase concentration. Cyanide, which inhibits tyrosinase, prevents lysis of the red blood cells by tyrosinase. Heat-denatured tyrosinase has no effect on red blood cells. Tyrosinase also exhibits a pronounced effect on the permeability of isolated rat diaphragms. Glucose uptake is inhibited 28 to 44% whereas glycine uptake is stimulated 50% by tyrosinase. Ehrlich ascites cells, in the presence of tyrosinase, show decreased viability as measured by eosin dye uptake. These data strongly suggest that the tyrosyl residues of the protein layers of the cell membrane are involved in the maintenance of cell membrane integrity.
The impact of a dental ethics curriculum on moral reasoning

This study explored the effects of problem-oriented dental ethics curriculum, consisting of 39 contact hours distributed over four years on moral reasoning development and on attitudes about the value of instruction. Students (n = 720) in the classes of 1985 through 1992 participated in the required curriculum and completed, as freshman and seniors, the Defining Issues Test (DIT), a well-validated test of moral reasoning. In addition, students responded to open-ended questions about the value of ethics instruction. Cross-sectional comparison of the eight classes of entering freshman with two classes of third quarter juniors (n = 265) who completed the DIT prior to implementing the ethic curriculum indicated that the dental curriculum offered prior to 1981 had little influence on moral reasoning. Pre- to posttest DIT comparisons for seven of the eight classes of instructed students indicated statistically significant improvement. Comparison of the effect sizes (Cohen9s d) of our intervention with the average effect size reported in a meta analysis of effective interventions indicates that results cannot be attributed to student maturation alone. Analysis of individual change patterns suggest that the success occurred despite a higher than average (17 percent vs. 6 percent) number of students who showed regression from pre- to posttest. Substantive explanations (gender, motivation, regression to the mean) did not appear to account for the change patterns, but theoretical explanations, based on observations in other settings, offer insights for further research and curriculum development. In conclusion, the results indicate that students not only benefit from ethics instruction, but value it.
A Review of “Effective Questioning Strategies in the Classroom: A Step-by-Step Approach to Engaged Thinking and Learning, K–8”

This recent book by Fusco complements existing resources that target teacher questioning. Fusco draws from extensive classroom experiences to assist K–8 teachers. The book is accessible, organized,...
Seizures Without Awareness: A Pure Cohort (P3.231)

OBJECTIVE: To assess the profile of patients with seizures without awareness (SWA). BACKGROUND: A significant number of patients exhibit variable seizure awareness (SA) after the event. Early SA is critical for optimal diagnosis, treatment, and outcome. DESIGN/METHODS: 24 consecutive patients suspected of SWA at initial evaluation were identified. A group case-matched by gender and age with SA were compared. Patients with complete awareness and unawareness were divided into pure cohorts. One group was always aware of seizures and another never aware of seizures confirmed by video-EEG monitoring. Between group differences were addressed by Chi-square and Fischer’s Exact Test. Group significance was measured using the student t-test (p=>0.05) RESULTS: 11 patients with pure SWA and 11 SA case-matched patients were analyzed. SWA patients had a mean age of 53 years v 33 years with SA (p=0.04). Six (55%) SWA patients presented for diagnosis vs 3 (27%) SA patients (1 SWA patient requested evaluation of seizures based on witnessed events). In contrast 10 (91%) SA patients sought treatment. All had impaired consciousness though motor signs were greater in SA and subclinical less intense seizures more so in SWA. Patients with SWA had shorter mean VEM sessions (24 months) than SA patients (219 months) (p=0.004). All patients with SWA had TLE and 10/11 lateralized left (v 55% SA) (Χ 2 1 =4.2, p=0.002). Patients with SWA were on fewer ASDs (SWA: 1.3; SD=0.8 vs SA: 2.4; SD=1.1 (p=0.02). SWA patients were more likely to report seizure freedom at last follow up (Χ 2 1 =4.13, p=0.04) despite longer durations (SWA: 6.5; SD=5.1vs SA: 2.8; SD=2.6) (p=0.049). CONCLUSIONS: SWA represent an at-risk subtype of TLE which, may be suspected from the clinical profile. Advancing age, consulting for diagnosis, subtle semiologies, and left temporal lateralization are features of SWA. VEM is essential for diagnosis of SWA and for validating seizure reporting. Study Supported by: Disclosure: Dr. Tatum has nothing to disclose. Dr. Michael has nothing to disclose. Dr. Yelvington has nothing to disclose. Dr. Shih has received research support from Eisai Inc., and Visualase Inc.
Chromospheric activity of ROSAT discovered weak-lined T Tauri stars

We have started a high resolution optical observation program dedicated to the study of chromospheric activity in weak-lined T Tauri stars (WTTS) recently discovered by the ROSAT All-Sky Survey (RASS). It is our purpose to quantify the phenomenology of the chromospheric activity of each star determining stellar surface fluxes in the more important chromospheric activity indicators (Ca II H & K, H_beta, H_alpha, Ca II IRT) as well as obtain the Li I abundance, a better determination of the stellar parameters, spectral type, and possible binarity. A large number of WTTS have been discovered by the RASS in and around differen star formation clouds.Whether these stars are really WTTS, or post-TTS, or even young main sequence stars is a matter of ongoing debate. However, we have centered our study only on objects for which very recent studies, of Li I abundance (greater than Pleiads of the same spectral type) or radio properties, clearly confirmed their pre-main sequence (PMS) nature. In this contribution we present preliminary results of our January 1998 high resolution echelle spectroscopic observations at the 2.1m telescope of the McDonald Observatory. We have analysed, using the spectral subtraction technique, the H_alpha and Ca II IRT lines of six WTTS (RXJ0312.8-0414NW, SE; RXJ0333.1+1036; RXJ0348.5+0832; RXJ0512.0+1020; RXJ0444.9+2717) located in and around the Taurus-Auriga molecular clouds. A broad and variable double-picked H_alpha emission is observed in RXJ0444.9+2717. Emission above the continuum in H_alpha and Ca II IRT lines is detected in RXJ0333.1+1036 and a filling-in of these lines is present in the rest of the stars. Our spectral type and Li I EW deterninations confirm the PMS nature of these objects.
CORRECTORS AND FIELD FLUCTUATIONS FOR THE p(x)-LAPLACIAN WITH ROUGH EXPONENTS

We provide a corrector theory for the strong approximation of fields inside composites made from two materials with different power-law behavior. The correctors are used to develop bounds on the local singularity strength for gradient fields inside micro-structured media. The bounds are multi-scale in nature and can be used to measure the amplification of applied macroscopic fields by the micro-structure.
Structure–Activity Analysis and Cell-Based Optimization of Human Galactokinase Inhibitors

Classic Galactosemia is a rare human disease associated with the accumulation of toxic level of galactose-1-phosphate (gal-1P) caused by the inherited deficiency of galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase (GALT) activity. To reduce the toxic level of gal-1P in the patients, we have identified, via high-throughput screening, over 200 small molecule GALK inhibitors. We selected a 4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-2H-1,3-thiazine-5-carbonitrile scaffold for further structure-activity relationships characterization, lead optimization with regards to potency and efficacy to reduce gal-1P accumulation in patient cells.
Electronic structure of parallel two-dimensional electron systems in tilted magnetic fields.

We report on a study of the electronic structure of two parallel two-dimensional layer systems in tilted magnetic fields. Magnetic oscillations are studied by calculating the magnetization of the system as a function of field strength and tilt angle. The calculation is fully quantum mechanical and comparisons with semiclassical approximations are discussed. We find that a crossover occurs as a function of field strength between a region at weak perpendicular fields where semiclassical approximations are accurate and a region at stronger perpendicular fields where the probability of magnetic breakdown becomes large and semiclassical approximations fail
Seven key interventions for data warehouse success

The success of data warehouses depends on the interaction of technology and social context. We present new insights into the implementation process and interventions that can lead to success.
The effect of diabetes on the metabolism of mucopolysaccharides

Diabetes produces a profound alteration in the metabolism of sulfate mucopolysaccharides which becomes evident even before the development of hyperglycemia.35S-sulfate uptake into aortic mucopolysaccharides of diabetic rats is increased 4 hrs after injection of labeled sulfate, following which the synthesis of sulfated compounds is decreased. The concentration of aortic chondroitin sulfate isomers is increased in animals with early diabetes, whereas the concentration of these fractions is decreased in aortas of rats with chronic diabetes. The uptake of labeled sulfate into chondroitin sulfate by the hepatic enzyme system of diabetic rats is inhibited with higher concentrations of enzyme. This inhibition corresponds with a depression in the formation of the active sulfate carrier intermediate, phosphoadenosine-phosphosulfate, in diabetes. In view of these findings and results of other workers, a hypothesis is proposed concerning the high incidence of cardiovascular disease in diabetes.
“Aligned-to-random” nanofiber scaffolds for mimicking the structure of the tendon-to-bone insertion site

We have demonstrated the fabrication of “aligned-to-random” electrospun nanofiber scaffolds that mimic the structural organization of collagen fibers at the tendon-to-bone insertion site. Tendon fibroblasts cultured on such a scaffold exhibited highly organized and haphazardly oriented morphologies, respectively, on the aligned and random portions.
Assessment of left ventricular function using serum cardiac troponin I measurements following myocardial infarction.

The prognosis and extent of injury to the myocardium have previously been assessed by increased serum creatine kinase (CK) MB levels. We report findings from 39 consecutive, acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients presenting 4.5 h (range, 0.7-12.1 h) after the onset of chest pain. We compared CK MB mass (upper reference limit, 5.0 ng/ml) and cardiac troponin I (cTnI; upper reference limit, 0.8 ng/ml) (Stratus II, Dade International) in serial serum specimens obtained over 36 h after chest pain from AMI patients; within 6 h after onset of chest pain. While the appearance of the kinetics of CK MB and cTnI were similar during the initial 24 h following the onset of chest pain, cTnI was increased significantly (p < 0.05) over CK MB after 9 to 12 h. Half-life determinations (mean+/-S.D.) in 22 of the 39 AMI patients demonstrated a significantly (p < 0.01) shorter half-life in non-Q-wave infarcts [t1/2 6.8 h (+/-5.6)] vs. Q-wave infarcts [t1/2 20.4 h (+/-10.7)]. Further serial time versus marker (mean+/-S.D.) results were significantly correlated (p < 0.001, r = 0.66). Sixteen of twenty patients assessed by echocardiography had an abnormal left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF); mean 37.6 (S.D. 15.2)%, ranging from 15.4 to 67.6%. LVEF was significantly and inversely correlated to peak CK MB (r = .50, p = 0.03), as well as to peak cTnI (r = 0.46, p = 0.04). Based on these findings, cTnI shows excellent promise as a useful marker of infarct size, for the assessment of left ventricular function, and may potentially replace CK MB as the cardiac-specific marker for AMI detection.
On knowing more than we can tell: Intuitive processes and the experience of meaning

Conceptually defining meaning and meaning in life has proven to be difficult. We suggest that this difficulty reveals an important fact about meaning. Meaning is, at least in part, the result of processes that are not available to awareness except as vague, intuitive gut feelings. We present evidence that common features of meaning are the product of unconscious processes, and we argue that these processes can give rise to intuitive impressions suggesting the presence of meaning. We review evidence from divergent areas supporting the assertion that meaning is, at least in part, an intuitive feeling. The study of meaning in life is reliant on self-reports that tap into participants’ intuitive notions of meaning. We argue that this approach is appropriate because the experience of meaning includes an emergent feeling that arises from unconscious processes. Implications of this perspective for the understanding of meaning and its measurement are discussed.
Investigating Motivations for Women’s Skin Bleaching in Tanzania:

Why do many African women continue to use damaging skin-bleaching cosmetics that contain dangerous chemicals (e.g., mercury) that may increase their rates of infertility, skin cancer, and serious s...
Identification of Krüppel-like factor 4 as a potential tumor suppressor gene in colorectal cancer

Kruppel-like factor 4 (KLF4 or GKLF) is an inhibitor of the cell cycle. The gene encoding KLF4 is localized on chromosome 9q, previously shown to exhibit allelic loss in colorectal cancer (CRC). In this study, we show that the mean level of KLF4 mRNA in a panel of 30 CRC was 52% that of paired normal colonic tissues. Similarly, the levels of KLF4 mRNA and protein in a panel of six established CRC cell lines were significantly lower than those of an untransformed colonic epithelial cell line. Using highly polymorphic DNA markers that flank the KLF4 locus, we found evidence for loss of heterozygosity (LOH) in two of eight surgically resected CRC specimens. In addition, LOH was observed in five of six CRC cell lines with one additional cell line exhibiting hemizygous deletion in the KLF4 gene. We also found that the 5'-untranslated region of KLF4 was hypermethylated in a subset of resected CRC specimens and cell lines. Lastly, the open-reading frame of KLF4 in two of three CRC cell lines examined contained several point mutations that resulted in a diminished ability to activate the p21(WAF1/Cip1) promoter. These findings indicate that KLF4 is a potential tumor suppressor gene in CRC.
Neutrino production of same-sign dimuons.

In a sample of 670 000 charged-current neutrino events, 101 ${\ensuremath{\mu}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$${\ensuremath{\mu}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$ events have been observed, with 30 GeV${E}_{\ensuremath{\nu}}$600 GeV and ${P}_{\ensuremath{\mu}}$g9 GeV/c for both muons. After background subtraction, 18.5\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}13.9 events remain, yielding a prompt rate of (5.5\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}4.1)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}5}$ per charged-current event. A sample of 124 000 antineutrino events yields 15 ${\ensuremath{\mu}}^{+}$${\ensuremath{\mu}}^{+}$ events, giving 6.4\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}4.2 events after background subtraction and a prompt rate of (1.0\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.7)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}4}$ per charged-current event. The numbers and kinematic distributions of these events are consistent with standard model sources.
Estimating willingness to pay for medicare using a dynamic life-cycle model of demand for health insurance ☆

Medicare is the largest health insurance program in the US. This paper uses a dynamic random utility model of demand for health insurance in a life-cycle human capital framework with endogenous production of health to calculate the individual willingness to pay (WTP) for Medicare. The model accounts for the feature that the demand for health insurance is derived through the demand for health, which is jointly determined with the production of health over the life-cycle. The WTP measure incorporates the effects of Medicare insurance on aggregate consumption through effects on medical expenditures and mortality, and consumption utility of health. The model is estimated using panel data from the Health and Retirement Study. The average WTP or change in lifetime expected utility resulting from delaying the age of eligibility to 67 is found to be $ 24,947 in 1991 dollars ($ 39,435 in 2008 dollars). However, there is considerable variation in the WTP, e.g., in 1991 dollars the WTP of individuals who have less than a high school education and are white is $ 28,347 ($ 44,810 in 2008 dollars), while the WTP of those with at least a college degree and who are neither white nor black is $ 15,584 ($ 24,635 in 2008 dollars). More generally, the less educated have a higher WTP to avoid a policy change that delays availability of Medicare benefits. Additional model simulations imply that the primary benefits of Medicare are insurance against medical expenditures with relatively smaller benefits in terms of improved health status and longevity. Medicare also leads to large increases in medical utilization due to deferring of medical care prior to eligibility.
Fluctuation range of electroencephalographic excitability and its relation to epileptic attacks and to the state of depression

Es wird uber fortlaufende elektrencephalographische Untersuchungen an 53 epileptischen Patienten berichtet.
Fluvial-estuarine reinterpretation of large, isolated sandstone bodies in epicontinental cyclothems, Upper Pennsylvanian, northern Midcontinent, USA, and their significance for understanding late Paleozoic sea-level fluctuations

Abstract The Upper Pennsylvanian Indian Cave Sandstone (ICS) in southeastern Nebraska is herein reinterpreted as three multistory incised valley fills and one single-storey channel fill, altogether representing at least two different intervals of time. ICS lithosomes are linear bodies, as much as 2000 m wide and 30 m thick, incised into pre-existing cyclothems, and have relatively steep sides and flat bases. They include crudely fining-upwards successions of trough cross-bedded sandstones, interpreted as tidally-influenced fluvial deposits, overlain by upper estuarine heterolithic facies, with local coals, and a restricted trace fossil assemblage. The vertical facies succession suggests sediment accumulation in a regime of gradually increasing accommodation, i.e., during rising relative sea level. The basal erosion surfaces of ICS bodies can be traced out onto the adjacent interfluves where they correspond to well-developed paleosols, indicating sequence boundaries. Furthermore, the sequences defined herein can be correlated closely with recently published sequence stratigraphic frameworks from the region, suggesting that the ICS bodies record repeated, fifth-order (Milankovitch band), relative sea-level fluctuations of a minimum of 30 m during latest Pennsylvanian time Significantly, this estimate is half or less of those made by many other studies. Such a local quantification of relative sea-level change provides a critical constraint on eustatic sea-level fluctuation during the late Paleozoic Gondwanan Ice Age.
From Roman Catholicism to mechanized oppression: on political‐theological disjunctures in Schmitt’s Weimar thought

This essay uses Carl Schmitt’s often overlooked Roman Catholicism and political form to highlight generally neglected changes in Schmitt’s thinking as it develops from the early to the late 1920s and then to the mid‐1930s. In particular, the essay notes significant alterations in Schmitt’s attitudes to the Roman Catholic Church, the concept of ‘humanity’, liberalism, the Jews and Thomas Hobbes’s Leviathan state.
Urinary excretion of 5-hydroxyindoles as an indicator of in vivo growth of P815X2 mastocytoma

Abstract The extent of P 815 X 2 growth in DBA mice is correlated with increases in urinary concentrations of 5 -hydroxyindoles. Animals hosting two other mouse tumors, T 1699 and S- 180 , did not demonstrate such increases in urinary hydroxyindoles. The concentration of 5 -hydroxyindoles in the urine was not modified by immunosuppressive whole body or cytotoxic tumor-directed irradiation of hosts. Total daily urine volumes in all tumor bearing mice were variable and tended to decrease as disease advanced. This volume decrease, however, was not enough to account for the increased urinary hydroxyindole concentrations of mice bearing P 815 X 2 tumors. Histochemical studies indicate that the P 815 X 2 tumor cells growing in vivo themselves are the most probable source of the hydroxyindoles.
INVENTORIES AND ADJUSTMENT IN A MICROFOUNDATIONS FRAMEWORK

The level of inventories, particularly the finished‐goods inventories, is a good gauge of adjustment in inputs and outputs of the firms in a market economy and plays an important role in business fluctuations (see, e.g., Abramovitz, 1950, and Stanback, 1962).
An Effector-like Function of Ras GTPase-activating Protein Predominates in Cardiac Muscle Cells

In contrast to familiar role for Ras in proliferation, we and others previously suggested that Ras also mediates hypertrophy, the increase in cell mass characteristic of post-natal ventricular muscle. We showed that activated (G12R) and dominant-negative (S17N) Ha-Ras regulate "constitutive" and growth factor-responsive genes equivalently, in both cardiac myocytes and non-cardiac, Mv1Lu cells. Here, we attempt to delineate pathways by which Ras exerts this global effect. The E63K mutation, which impairs binding of guanine nucleotide releasing factor to Ras, alleviated suppression by S17N, consistent with sequestration of exchange factors as the mechanism for inhibition. To compare potential Ras effector proteins, we first engineered G12R/D38N, to abolish binding of Raf and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase and established that this site was indispensable for augmenting gene expression. To distinguish between inhibition of Ras by Ras GTPase-activating protein (GAP) versus a potential effector function of GAP, we tested the effector domain substitution P34R: this mutation, which abolishes GAP binding, enhanced Ras-dependent transcription in Mv1Lu cells, yet interfered with Ras-dependent expression in ventricular myocytes. To examine the dichotomous role of Ras-GAP predicted from these P34R results, we transfected both cell types with full-length GAP, the C-terminal catalytic domain (cGAP), or N-terminal Src homology domains (nGAP). In Mv1Lu cells, cGAP markedly inhibited both reporter genes, whereas GAP and nGAP had little effect. Antithetically, in ventricular myocytes, GAP and nGAP activated gene expression, whereas cGAP was ineffective. Thus, Ras activates gene expression through differing effectors contingent on cell type, and an effector-like function of GAP predominates in ventricular muscle.
AKAP79/150 Anchored PKA and Calcineurin are Critical Components in Calcium-Dependent Inactivation of Neuronal L-Type Calcium Channels

In neurons, L-type voltage-gated Ca2+ channels (L-channels) provide Ca2+ signals that help control gene expression. Consequently, regulation of L-channel activity via processes such as Ca2+-dependent inactivation (CDI) is thought to be important in neuronal function. CDI of CaV1.2 L-channels relies upon proteins associated with the channel's C-terminus, such as the Ca2+-sensor calmodulin. The C-terminus of the CaV1.2 α1 subunit also interacts with the A-kinase anchoring protein AKAP79/150 (79 = human, 150 = rodent), which binds both protein kinase A (PKA) and the Ca2+/calmodulin-activated phosphatase calcineurin (CaN). To study the roles of AKAP79/150-anchored CaN and PKA in CDI, we recorded pharmacologically-isolated L-type Ca2+ currents from rodent hippocampal neurons maintained in culture for up to 6 days. Rates of Ca2+-dependent inactivation (1/τ) were estimated by curve-fitting the fast component of the decay of Ca2+ current (10 mM) that occurred during 500-msec step depolarizations (0.067 Hz) from the holding potential (−60 mV) to 0 mV. In control neurons L-current underwent CDI at a rate of ∼40 sec−1. CDI was slowed to < 10 sec−1 by disruption of CaN anchoring or activity via (1) RNAi knock-down of AKAP150 coupled with over-expression of a mutant human AKAP lacking the CaN binding motif (AKAP79ΔPIX); (2) block of CaN-AKAP150 interaction by an anchoring competitor (VIVIT peptide); (3) the CaN inhibitor cyclosporine A; or (4) expression of AKAP150ΔPIX in transgenic mice. CDI was slowed to less than 20 sec−1 by perturbation of the PKA-AKAP interaction via (1) AKAP150 knock-down coupled with over-expression of anchoring protein lacking the PKA binding site (AKAP79ΔPKA); (2) block of PKA-AKAP150 interaction with an anchoring competitor (Ht31 peptide); or (3) expression of AKAP150ΔPKA in transgenic mice. The PKA inhibitor PKI slowed CDI to < 7 sec−1.
Characterization of choline acetyltransferase-sustaining and survival-promoting activities for parasympathetic neurons in pig lung

Abstract A total of 49 tissues from six animal species were screened for substances that would sustain choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) in parasympathetic ciliary neurons in culture. Among these, lungs from several species, particularly pig, contained relatively high concentrations of ChAT-sustaining activity. The bioassay used was one in which embryonic chicken ciliary ganglia were cultured as explants for 3 days with KCl and lung extract. KCl, in the presence of lung extract, sustained high concentrations of choline acetyltransferase activity, but did not maintain enzymatic activity in the absence of lung extract. These effects were dependent on the embryonic age of the ciliary ganglia. Lung extract and KCl would not maintain choline acetyltransferase activity in parasympathetic neurons taken from chickens older than embryonic day 12. In addition to ChAT-sustaining activity, pig lung also contains survival-promoting activity for parasympathetic neurons but not for other neuronal types, including sympathetic or sensory neurons of neural crest or placodal origin. This is a more specific target spectrum than previously reported ciliary survival-promoting factors that have been purified or partially purified and indicates that survival-promoting activities in pig lung are different than those previously observed. Because of the large quantities that can be obtained, we suggest that pig lung is a preparatively feasible source for possibly novel ciliary neuron ChAT-sustaining and survival-promoting activities for parasympathetic neurons.
The Two-party System and Duverger's Law: An Essay on the History of Political Science

Science involves the accumulation of knowledge, which means not only the formulation of new sentences about discoveries but also the reformulation of empirically falsified or theoretically discredited old sentences. Science has therefore a history that is mainly a chronicle and interpretation of a series of reformulations. It is often asserted that political science has no history. Although this assertion is perhaps motivated by a desire to identify politics with belles lettres, it may also have a reasonable foundation, in that political institutions may change faster than knowledge can be accumulated. To investigate whether propositions about evanescent institutions can be scientifically falsified and reformulated, I examine in this essay the history of the recent and not wholly accepted revisions of the propositions collectively called Duverger's law: that the plurality rule for selecting the winner of elections favors the two-party system. The body of the essay presents the discovery, revision, testing, and reformulation of sentences in this series in order to demonstrate that in at least one instance in political science, knowledge has been accumulated and a history exists.
Nonlinear structural and material properties and models: The pulmonary trunk

General models are developed for static and dynamic geometric and material passive responses. The models are applied to data obtained from the main pulmonary arteries of calves and dogs. The structural model predicts distortions by simultaneous stretching and bending in a concise manner. Parameters are obtained by a fiveelement material model. This latter predicts static and dynamic, nonlinear, frequency-dependent, viscoelastic responses observed in biomaterials over the entire strain range irrespective of the nature of loading. Validity and baseline parameter values are investigated for the inactivated state, developed by poisoning the smooth muscle with potassium cyanide. Complexities, related to nonlinear (strain-dependent) and colloidal (thixotropic) properties of tissues, are analyzed. These properties enter into functional responses in a complex manner that can modify substantially concepts of material components and vary appreciably between physiologic circumstances and laboratory evaluations. We propose that, in general, evaluations of material responses must account for these properties.
XAFS study of CO binding to denatured cytochrome c

Abstract X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) measurements were made of native cytochrome c, denatured cytochrome c and its CO-bonded form. Our results show that the local structure around the heme site in denatured ferrous cytochrome c is not significantly different from the one in native ferrous cytochrome c. Our results also indicate that when CO binds to denatured ferrous cytochrome c, CO takes place of the S ligand, possible unfolding the denatured ferrous cytochrome c further.
An examination of the CMAQ simulations of the wet deposition of ammonium from a Bayesian perspective

Abstract The ability of the US Environmental Protection Agency's Community Multi-scale Air Quality (CMAQ) model to simulate the wet deposition of ammonium during 8-week winter and summer periods in 2001 is evaluated using observations from the National Acid Deposition Program (NADP) monitoring sites. The objective of this study is to ascertain the effects of precipitation simulations and emissions on CMAQ simulations of deposition. In both seasons, CMAQ tends to underpredict the deposition amounts. Based on the co-located measurements of ammonium wet deposition and precipitation at the NADP sites and on estimated precipitation amounts for each grid cell, Bayesian statistical methods are used to estimate ammonium wet deposition over all grid cells in the study region. To assess the effect of precipitation on the CMAQ simulations, our statistical method is run twice for each time period, using the simulated precipitation information provided to CMAQ and precipitation estimates based on data collected by the cooperative observer network. During the winter period when stratiform-type precipitation dominates, precipitation amounts do not seem to be a major factor in CMAQ's ability to simulate the wet deposition of ammonium. However, during the summer period when precipitation is mainly generated by convective processes, small portions of the region are identified in which problems with precipitation simulations may be adversely affecting CMAQ's estimates.
Reply to Comments on “What Is the Atmosphere's Effect on Earth's Surface Temperature?”

I thank Gerald Stanhill and Spencer Weart for their interest in my Forum (Eos, 91(15), 134–135, 13 April 2010). Strictly speaking, I agree with Stanhill that the terms “greenhouse effect” and “greenhouse gases” are inaccurate, as the atmospheric greenhouse effect is different from the effect in a greenhouse, in which a glass cover warms the air inside primarily by preventing the warm air from mixing with the air outside. My more moderate suggestion in the Forum is to drop the related and confusing phrase “greenhouse effect of clouds.”
Infective endocarditis: an update on the role of echocardiography

The evaluation of valvular and nonvalvular structures is of central importance in the diagnosis, management, and treatment of infective endocarditis (IE). The incidence of IE has remained constant due to changing substrate, with notably higher prevalence observed in the elderly. Mortality and morbidity continue to remain high, despite advances in medical and surgical treatment. This article reviews the technical and practical aspects of the use of echocardiography to evaluate patients with suspected IE.