cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Homicide and other injuries as causes of maternal death in New York City, 1987 through 1991

Abstract OBJECTIVES: We attempted to document the role of homicide and other injuries as causes of maternal death and to compare the risk of fatal injury among pregnant women with that in the general population. STUDY DESIGN: We reviewed New York City medical examiner records of 2331 women aged 15 to 44 years who died of injury in 1987 through 1991. Pregnancies were identified from autopsy information. RESULTS: A total of 115 (39%) of 293 deaths in currently or recently pregnant were attributable to injury. These 115 deaths included homicide (63%), suicide (13%), motor vehicle crashes (12%), and drug overdoses (7%). Minority women were overrepresented among the injury deaths (black 53%, Hispanic 24%, white 19%). Recent substance use was documented in 48% of the injury deaths. Pregnancy was documented on only 35% of the 115 death certificates. The risk of fatal injury is similar for currently pregnant women and for women in the general population, except for an increased risk of homicide among pregnant black women. CONCLUSIONS: Homicide and other injuries are major contributors to maternal mortality and should be (but rarely are) included routinely in maternal mortality surveillance systems. Prenatal and postpartum clinic visits represent an ideal time to implement interventions to prevent injuries among pregnant women.
Functional and Molecular Differentiation of the Dopamine System Induced by Neonatal Denervation

Abstract JOYCE, J. N., P. A. FROHNA AND B. S. NEAL-BELIVEAU. Functional and molecular differentiation of the dopamine system induced by neonatal denervation . NEUROSCI BIOBEHAV REV 20 (3)453–486, 1996.—The administration of the neurotoxin 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) to damage the mesostriatal dopamine (DA) system in the neonate results in different neurochemical and behavioral consequences as compared to lesions made in adulthood. There have been few direct data to support the conclusion that the behavioral changes following neonatal 6-OHDA lesions reflect plasticity of the DA system. It is our hypothesis that the plasticity of the developing DA system is fundamentally different from that of the adult. Responses to 6-OHDA lesions can only be understood within the context of the status of the mesostriatal DA system at the time of the lesion. There are stages of development in the early postnatal period when certain components of the mesostriatal DA system are differentially sensitive to 6-OHDA lesions. These “windows” of vulnerability can be predicted from an analysis of the developmental expression of DA receptors and the maturation of the subpopulation of the mesostriatal DA system that innervates them. We review the differences in the behavioral plasticity of the adult and neonate sustaining 6-OHDA lesions to the mesostriatal DA system, the mechanisms responsible for the behavioral plasticity in the adult, and our conceptualization of which mechanisms are affected in the neonate. Copyright © Elsevier Science Ltd.
Anatomy of brain alpha1‐adrenergic receptors: In vitro autoradiography with [125I]‐heat

Much useful information on the localization of alpha1-adrenergic binding sites has been gained by using tritiated radioligands for in vitro autoradiography. However, the iodinated alpha1-adrenergic antagonist HEAT (([2-β (4-hydroxyphenyl)-ethylaminomethyl)-tetralone], BE 2254), a radioligand with high affinity and specificity, provides autoradiographs with a higher signal to noise ratio. This has allowed us to describe the anatomy of these binding sites in much greater detail than previously possible. Regions showing the highest levels of binding include external plexiform layer of the olfactory bulb, layers Va and Vc of frontoparietal cortex, lateral and central amygdaloid nuclei, thalamus, and inferior olive. Other regions were generally less intensely labeled, with the least evidence of labeling in white matter, such as corpus callosum. Some regions (e.g., hippocampus) had only moderate labeling, but the binding appeared in a discrete pattern that reflected the functional organization of the structure. Although the [125I]-HEAT binding sites were distributed in a pattern similar to that previously reported for [3H]-WB 4101 and [3H]-prazosin, the anatomical detail seen with the iodinated ligand is greater. As a result, an association of alpha1-adrenergic antagonist binding sites with specific layers in the cortex and with some catecholamine-containing nuclei in the brainstem, such as the locus coeruleus, have been seen for the first time.
The study of 10B(d, n)11C and 11B(d, n)12C reactions

Abstract The differential cross section at 0° for the reaction 10B(d, n)11C leaving the final nucleus 11C in the ground state was measured from 3.2 to 9.0 MeV deuteron bombarding energy. The 0° excitation function is a smoothly varying function of cross section and shows no marked structure. The 0° yield curves for the reaction 11B(d, n)12C leaving the final nucleus 12C in the ground and the first excited (4.433 MeV) state were measured from 1.1 to 2.9 MeV deuteron bombarding energy. The yield curves for both groups show resonance structures though at different deuteron bombarding energies. Ten angular distributions were measured for the reaction 10B(d, n)11C at 3.20, 3.75, 4.50, 5.00, 5.70, 6.30, 7.00, 7.60, 8.30 and 9.00 MeV deuteron energy. The angular distributions all show a sharp peak around 20° and a smaller contribution in the backward direction. As the deuteron bombarding energy is increased, the 20° peak becomes stronger and the cross section in the backward direction decreases. In general, the shape of the angular distribution does not change with the bombarding energy. Analyses of these angular distributions were carried out using DWBA theory. It was found that even though the angular distributions vary smoothly with energy one needed to impose an energy dependence on the deuteron and proton optical potentials.
The JNK signal transduction pathway.

The c-Jun NH 2 -terminal kinases (JNKs) are an evolutionarily conserved sub-group of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases. Recent studies have improved our understanding of the physiological function of the JNK pathway. Roles of novel molecules that participate in the JNK pathway have been defined and new insight into the role of JNK in survival signaling, cell death, cancer and diabetes has been achieved.
Construction of a thiamin sensor from the periplasmic thiamin binding protein

This communication describes the development of a thiamin sensor based on the bacterial thiamin binding protein. A triple mutant (C48S, C50S, S62C) of TbpA was labeled on C62 with N-[2-(l-maleimidyl)ethyl]-7-(diethylamino)coumarin-3-carboxamide (MDCC). Thiamin binding to this protein reduced the coumarin fluorescence giving a thiamin sensor with low nanomolar sensitivity.
Gene profiling during neural induction in Xenopus laevis: regulation of BMP signaling by post-transcriptional mechanisms and TAB3, a novel TAK1-binding protein

The earliest decision in vertebrate neural development is the acquisition of a neural identity by embryonic ectodermal cells. The default model for neural induction postulates that neural fate specification in the vertebrate embryo occurs by inhibition of epidermal inducing signals in the gastrula ectoderm. Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) act as epidermal inducers, and all identified direct neural inducers block BMP signaling either intra- or extracellularly. Although the mechanism of action of the secreted neural inducers has been elucidated, the relevance of intracellular BMP inhibitors in neural induction is not clear. In order to address this issue and to identify downstream targets after BMP inhibition, we have monitored the transcriptional changes in ectodermal explants neuralized by Smad7 using a Xenopus laevis 5000-clone gastrula-stage cDNA microarray. We report the identification and initial characterization of 142 genes whose transcriptional profiles change in the neuralized explants. In order to address the potential involvement during neural induction of genes identified in the array, we performed gain-of-function studies in ectodermal explants. This approach lead to the identification of four genes that can function as neural inducers in Xenopus and three others that can synergize with known neural inducers in promoting neural fates. Based on these studies, we propose a role for post-transcriptional control of gene expression during neural induction in vertebrates and present a model whereby sustained BMP inhibition is promoted partly through the regulation of TGFβ activated kinase (TAK1) activity by a novel TAK1-binding protein (TAB3).
Anomalous external jugular vein: clinical concerns in treating clavicle fractures

Operative treatment of clavicle fractures has seen growing acceptance, as evidence emerges to support its use over nonoperative management. Of particular popularity, more recently, is the percutaneous intramedullary techniques for fixation of these injuries. The complex neurovascular anatomy in close proximity to the clavicle requires precision with these procedures. Anatomic variations in this region pose an even greater, and often unforeseen, danger to the operating surgeon and patient. Here, we present a case report of an anomalous external jugular vein coursing anterior to the clavicle that was encountered during an open surgical approach to a clavicle fracture. The purpose of this case presentation is to serve as a caution to surgeons treating clavicle fractures by both open and percutaneous means. Inadvertent injury to anomalous neurovascular structures can be devastating to the patient and can be avoided by the careful surgical approaches recommended.
Continuum model for predicting macrosegregation in dendritic alloys

Abstract “Macrosegregation” represents a class of defects in cast products of serious concern to both alloy producers and users. Many types of macrosegregation result from thermosolutal convection in the solid plus liquid and all-liquid regions of a solidifying alloy, and this has spurred modeling and simulations, which treat the solid plus liquid region (i.e., the mushy zone) as a porous medium of variable porosity and permeability. Simulations include scenarios in which the convection is strong enough to make channels in the mushy zone region, and these channels lead to localized segregates known as “freckles”. Using Pb-10 wt.% Sn as a model alloy, we simulated vertical solidification with various solidification rates. By sufficiently increasing the cooling rate at the bottom surface, convection can be suppressed enough to prevent the formation of freckles. The simulation is an example of relating microstructural metrics to a macroscopic property of the porous medium used in continuum theory. In this case, the property is the permeability, which is governed by two microstructural metrics: the volume fraction of liquid and a characteristic length in the dendritic microstructure. Permeability data, relevant to columnar dendritic solidification, are reviewed, and recommendations for future work on determining the permeability in terms of microstructural metrics are given.
Dynamics of matter-, antimatter-atom collisions

Abstract Dynamical effects which lead to differences in the cross section for single- or multi-electron removal from atoms by singly-charged particle, (e, ē, p, P) impact are caused by the differences in mass and sign of the charge of the projectile. This fact, often masked by simple first order theories, has now been demonstrated both experimentally and by more appropriate and sophisticated theoretical methods. Here we summarize our recent work elucidating these effects using the classical trajectory Monte Carlo technique to examine the total cross sections, and various cross sections differential in angle and energy, for electron removal. These cross sections have been calculated for intermediate velocity (1 to 6 a.u.) collisions of e, ē, p and p with H and He, and have been compared with other theoretical results and experimental measurements.
NMDA enhances the central depressant properties of ethanol in mice

Abstract Male Swiss-Webster mice were used to examine the effect of NMDA on the ethaol-induced loss of the righting reflex (LORR). The LORR was used as a measure of CNS depression. Immediately after animals regained the righting reflex following ethanol injection (4.0 g/kg, IP) mice received an ICV injection of saline or NMDA (10, 50, 100, or 500 nmol/kg) in a volume of 5 μl. Upon ICV injection of NMDA, mice again lost the righting reflex and this effect of NMDA in the presence of ethanol occured rapidly and in a dose-dependent manner. In another experiment dl -2-amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid (APV), a competitive antagonist of NMDA, was given ICV with NMDA (50 nmol/kg) in the presence of ethanol. APV (10 and 100 nmol/kg, ICV) significantly attenuated the response of NMDA to enhance the depressant action of ethanol. When bicuculline methiodide, an antagonist of GABA, was given ICV with NMDA (50 nmol/kg), bicuculline methiodide reduced the effect of NMDA to produce a second loss of the righting reflex (return to the LORR) in the presence of ethanol. When NMDA (100 nmol/kg, ICV) was injected in the absence of ethanol into mice, NMDA by itself did not produce a loss of the righting reflex. In this investigation, the results suggest that NMDA can augment ethanol-induced depression possibly through an interaction between glutamatergic and GABAergeric systems in the CNS.
Synthetic Approaches to Regioregular Unsymmetrical Dialkoxy-Substituted Poly(1,4-phenylene ethynylene)s

Poly(2,5-disubstituted-1,4-phenylene ethynylene)s, PPEs, are generally synthesized by Pd-catalyzed coupling polymerizations of appropriately substituted 1,4-diiodobenzenes and 1,4-diethynylbenzenes...
Colon cancer: trials, results, techniques (LAP and HALS), future.

Laparoscopic resection of colon cancer became mired in controversy when it appeared that the technique might be associated with an increased risk of tumor recurrence within the surgical incisions. This was not a uniform finding among all surgeons, however, and other evidence suggested that this did not occur in experienced hands. Thus were born several randomized controlled trials of laparoscopic versus open colectomy for cancer in the early and mid-1990s. These trials came to maturity between 2002 and 2006 and form the basis of this review. J. Surg. Oncol. 2007;96:651–659. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Renminbi depreciations and Japan-China commodity trade: do manufactured goods show stronger support for the S-curve?

Because consumer prices and trade quantities tend to exhibit stronger rigidities than do nominal exchange rates, trade balances usually respond to currency appreciations and depreciations only after a time lag. This dynamic adjustment – depicted as correlations between deviations in a country pair’s real exchange rate and their bilateral trade balance – is known as the ‘S curve’. In this study, we evaluate this phenomenon for trade between China and Japan in 73 individual industries. We find that 26 of these commodities conform to the S-curve, and that certain categories of manufactures are more likely to do so than are other commodities.
Large-magnitude Permian shortening and continental-margin tectonics in the southern Cordillera

The Last Chance allochthon, with displacement estimated to be 55 to 105 km and lateral extent possibly exceeding 300 km, was inferred to be Middle Triassic and thus kinematically distinct from a belt of Permian-Triassic deformation in the western Mojave Desert. Correlations of structures forming the Death Valley thrust belt, which includes the Last Chance allochthon, several subjacent structures, and their inferred lateral equivalents, suggest that prior to Tertiary extension, individual structures were laterally continuous for distances exceeding 150 km along strike, from the Nevada Test Site area southwest to the Darwin Plateau. Their inferred Mesozoic age and the presence of an Early Triassic overlap sequence on the Darwin Plateau precluded projection of these structures farther south, in spite of long-recognized strain compatibility problems associated with large displacement on thrusts that apparently terminated there without suitable accommodation structures, such as tear faults or lateral ramps. These problems may be resolved if the Last Chance allochthon is Permian, consistent with structural correlations, new isotopic data from post-tectonic stocks, and stratigraphic evidence. A large Permian turbidite basin near the Darwin Plateau can be interpreted as a marine foredeep resulting from emplacement of the 5-km-thick allochthon, rather than a local trough caused by transcurrent faulting during inferred Permian-Triassic continental truncation. I propose that anomalous eugeoclinal rocks in the western Mojave Desert have been emplaced against cratonic strata there by the Last Chance allochthon, which foreshortened an originally narrow continental margin.
Risk Factors for Complications Following Open Reduction Internal Fixation of Distal Radius Fractures

Purpose A national surgical database was used to determine risk factors for complications in patients undergoing open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) for distal radius fractures. Methods The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database for the 2006–2012 years was queried to identify all patients who underwent an ORIF of a distal radius fracture based on Current Procedural Terminology codes 25607, 25608, or 25609. The database is a statistically representative sample of prospectively collected perioperative surgical data from hospitals primarily in the United States. Demographics, comorbidities, preoperative laboratory values, and 30-day complications were compared between the patient groups with and without a postoperative complication. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify patient characteristics and comorbidities that were independently associated with early postoperative complications. Results This retrospective analysis identified 3,003 patients who underwent an ORIF of the distal radius over 7 years. The number of patients with a complication within 30 days after surgery was 62 (2%), totaling 90 complications. Incidence of return to the operative room for the entire study population was 1.1%. Multivariate analysis, adjusting for confounding variables, showed that patients with a complication were more likely to have hypertension, congestive heart failure, preoperative chemotherapy or radiotherapy, longer operating time, and manifest preoperative impairment in independent living. Conclusions Approximately 2% of patients sustained a complication within 30 days following ORIF of a distal radius fracture. Recognition of the risk factors may help avoid complications in the identified high-risk patients. Type of study/level of evidence Prognostic II.
throwing the book versus cutting some slack: factors influencing the use of discretion by game wardens in kentucky

While many studies have been done on urban police officers, very little research has been directed toward the study of rural and specialized law enforcement personnel. This paper provides a descriptive and exploratory account of factors associated with the use of discretion by a type of specialized, rural law enforcement officer: the game warden. Using qualitative data obtained from open-ended questions in a mail survey as well as in-depth interviews with 24 game wardens in the state of Kentucky, legal and extralegal factors that influence patterns of discretion are described. The extent of prior wildlife related deviance committed by game wardens themselves as youths also was examined. The data revealed widespread use of discretion by game wardens, with factors such as seriousness of the offense, prior contact with wardens, reputation as a violator, and intent of the offender playing key roles in terms of influencing patterns of officer discretion.
Astrocytes protect cultured neurons from degeneration induced by anoxia

Abstract Neurons grown in cultures of dissociated brain cells degenerate when exposed to anoxia and deprived of glucose. We have developed culture systems in which neurons can be grown in the presence or absence of astrocytes and have used them to study the influence of astrocytes on the neuronal degeneration induced by anoxia and glucopenia. Cultures were prepared from fetal rat forebrains. Mixed cultures contained neurons (identified by immunocytochemical staining of neuron-specific enolase, NSE) and about an equal number of non-neuronal cells (identified by glial fibrillary acid protein). Pure neuronal cultures were prepared by adding a cytostatic compound (cytosine arabinoside) to the medium. Treated cultures were exposed for 4 h to glucose-free medium and an atmosphere of 95% N2 and 5% CO2, whereas control cultures were left in the usual medium containing glucose and in an atmosphere composed of 95% air and 5% CO2. After an interval of 24 h, cultures were fixed, taken for NSE staining, and the number of surviving neurons was counted. Exposure to anoxia and glucopenia reduced the number of surviving neurons in pure neuronal cultures to 5–10% of control levels. In contrast, in mixed cultures 40–60% of the neurons survived these conditions. Anoxia without glucose deprivation reduced the number of surviving neurons in both types of cultures to the same extent as anoxia combined with glucopenia. Glucose deprivation alone was ineffective. The findings suggest a protective influence of astrocytes on neurons under anoxic conditions. γ- d -Glutamylglycine protected neurons in both types of cultures from anoxia-induced degeneration. However, no evidence was obtained for an involvement of excitatory amino acids in the protective influence of astrocytes.
Energetics of cross-ring cleavages and their relevance to the linkage determination of oligosaccharides

Abstract The decomposition of oligosaccharide anions is investigated using the low energy collisional activation and Fourier transform mass spectrometry. The dissociation of the anion, specifically the monosaccharide rings, provides information on the types of linkage that form the glycosidic bonds. The fragment ions observed under liquid secondary ion mass spectrometry ionization and low energy collisional activation conditions show that the deprotonation of the anomeric position is necessary for cleaving the saccharide ring. For this reason, fragmentation occurs readily on the reducing end of the molecule. When the reducing ring is derivatized, or linked so that deprotonation of the anomeric ring is not possible, cross-ring fragmentation is not observed. A mechanism for cross ring cleavage is proposed based on experimental results. Molecular orbital calculations are performed to predict the activation barrier of each step and the overall dissociation process.
A quantitative explanation for the phenomenon known as storm-enhanced density

[1] This paper presents a quantitative explanation of storm-enhanced density (SED). The plasma's root origin lies in the fully sunlit equatorial ionosphere where a penetrating zonal electric field drives plasma upward so fast that it cannot recombine. This plasma spills over into the anomaly and then is driven poleward by a penetrating zonal electric field. However, the poleward field cannot extend into the dayside due to high conductivity and the flow stagnates, causing plasma to build up in a narrow channel along the dusk terminator and flow into the convection pattern. It is remarkable that plasma finds its way into the polar cap from the daytime equator. We believe that this plasma structure is connected to the plasmaspheric tails reported in the literature.
On the Behavior of LIFO Preemptive Resume Queues in Heavy Traffic

This paper studies heavy traffic behavior of a G/G/1 last-in-first-out (LIFO) preemptive resume queue, by extending the techniques developed in Limic (1999). The queue length process exhibits a perhaps unexpected heavy traffic behavior. The diffusion limit depends on the type of arrivals (and services) in a fairly intricate way, related to the Wiener-Hopf factorization for random walks.
Electromagnetically induced transparency controlled by a microwave field

We have experimentally studied the propagation of two optical fields in a dense rubidium (Rb) gas in the case when an additional microwave field is coupled to the hyperfine levels of Rb atoms. The Rb energy levels form a close-$\ensuremath{\Lambda}$ three-level system coupled to the optical fields and the microwave field. It has been found that the maximum transmission of the probe field depends on the relative phase between the optical and the microwave fields. We have observed both constructive and destructive interferences in electromagnetically induced transparency. A simple theoretical model and a numerical simulation have been developed to explain the observed experimental results.
A DFT study of the acid-catalyzed conversion of 2,5-dimethylfuran and ethylene to p-xylene

We present a detailed mechanism for the conversion of DMF (2,5-dimethylfuran) and ethylene to p-xylene, obtained by gas-phase DFT electronic structure calculations. The conversion consists of Diels–Alder cycloaddition and subsequent dehydration of the cycloadduct, an oxa-norbornene derivative. We present the energetics of both the uncatalyzed and acid-catalyzed (Bronsted and Lewis) reactions. Even though the DMF–ethylene cycloaddition is thermally feasible, we show that Lewis acids can further lower the activation requirements by decreasing the HOMO–LUMO gap of the addends. The catalytic effect may be significant or negligible depending on whether the Diels–Alder reaction proceeds in the normal or the inverse electron-demand direction. We also show that Bronsted acids are extremely effective at catalyzing the dehydration of the oxa-norbornene derivative, which, according to our calculations, cannot proceed uncatalyzed. On the other hand, we conclude that Bronsted acids do not catalyze the cycloaddition. Although strong Lewis acids like Li+ can catalyze the dehydration, our calculations indicate that relatively elevated temperatures would be required as they are not as effective as Bronsted acids. We argue that the specific synthetic route to p-xylene is kinetically limited by the Diels–Alder reaction when Bronsted acids are used and by the dehydration when a Lewis acid is used, with the latter being slower than the former. Finally, we adduce experimental data that corroborate the theoretical predictions: we observe no activity in the absence of a catalyst and a higher turnover frequency to p-xylene in the Bronsted acidic zeolite HY than in the Lewis acidic zeolite NaY.
Serotonergic approaches to the modification of behavior in the Lesch-Nyhan Syndrome.

Abstract In a series of patients with the Lesch-Nyhan syndrome a pharmacologic attempt was made to alter the balance of biogenic amines in the central nervous system by increasing the level of serotin. Patients were treated with 5-hydroxytryptophan in combination with a peripheral decarboxylase inhibitor carbidopa and with imipramine. Most patients had a striking alteration in self-mutilative behavior. However, within 1–3 months each became tolerant and this pharmacologic effect could not be produced again even a year later. These observations suggest that the characteristic behavior of the patient with the Lesch-Nyhan syndrome is related to neurotransmitter balance, and that there may be ways to modify it.
Mas JL, Chatellier G, Beyssen B, et al. Endarterectomy versus stenting in patients with symptomatic severe carotid stenosis. N Engl J Med. 2006;355:1660-1671

BACKGROUND Carotid stenting is less invasive than endarterectomy, but it is unclear whether it is as safe in patients with symptomatic carotid-artery stenosis. METHODS We conducted a multicenter, randomized, non-inferiority trial to compare stenting with endarterectomy in patients with a symptomatic carotid stenosis of at least 60%. The primary end point was the incidence of any stroke or death within 30 days after treatment. RESULTS The trial was stopped prematurely after the inclusion of 527 patients for reasons of both safety and futility. The 30-day incidence of any stroke or death was 3.9% after endarterectomy (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.0-7.2) and 9.6% after stenting (95% CI, 6.4-14.0); the relative risk of any stroke or death after stenting as compared with endarterectomy was 2.5 (95% CI, 1.2-5.1). The 30-day incidence of disabling stroke or death was 1.5% after endarterectomy (95% CI, 0.5-4.2) and 3.4% after stenting (95% CI, 1.7-6.7); the relative risk was 2.2 (95% CI, 0.7-7.2). At 6 months, the incidence of any stroke or death was 6.1% after endarterectomy and 11.7% after stenting (P = .02). There were more major local complications after stenting and more systemic complications (mainly pulmonary) after endarterectomy, but the differences were not significant. Cranial-nerve injury was more common after endarterectomy than after stenting. CONCLUSIONS In this study of patients with symptomatic carotid stenosis of 60% or more, the rates of death and stroke at 1 and 6 months were lower with endarterectomy than with stenting.
Insulin treatment attenuates renal ADAM17 and ACE2 shedding in diabetic Akita mice.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is located in several tissues and is highly expressed in renal proximal tubules, where it degrades the vasoconstrictor angiotensin II (ANG II) to ANG-(1–7). Accumulating evidence supports protective roles of ACE2 in several disease states, including diabetic nephropathy. A disintegrin and metalloprotease (ADAM) 17 is involved in the shedding of several transmembrane proteins, including ACE2. Our previous studies showed increased renal ACE2, ADAM17 expression, and urinary ACE2 in type 2 diabetic mice (Chodavarapu H, Grobe N, Somineni HK, Salem ES, Madhu M, Elased KM. PLoS One 8: e62833, 2013). The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of insulin on ACE2 shedding and ADAM17 in type 1 diabetic Akita mice. Results demonstrate increased renal ACE2 and ADAM17 expression and increased urinary ACE2 fragments (≈70 kDa) and albumin excretion in diabetic Akita mice. Immunostaining revealed colocalization of ACE2 with ADAM17 in renal tubules. Renal proximal tubular cells treated with ADAM17 inhibitor showed reduced ACE2 shedding into the media, confirming ADAM17-mediated shedding of ACE2. Treatment of Akita mice with insulin implants for 20 wk normalized hyperglycemia and decreased urinary ACE2 and albumin excretion. Insulin also normalized renal ACE2 and ADAM17 but had no effect on tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 3 (TIMP3) protein expression. There was a positive linear correlation between urinary ACE2 and albuminuria, blood glucose, plasma creatinine, glucagon, and triglycerides. This is the first report showing an association between hyperglycemia, cardiovascular risk factors, and increased shedding of urinary ACE2 in diabetic Akita mice. Urinary ACE2 could be used as a biomarker for diabetic nephropathy and as an index of intrarenal ACE2 status.
“I Was Ready to Take Him Home”: Next-of-Kin's Accounts of Loved One's Death During Hospice and Palliative Care Discussions in Veterans Affairs Medical Centers

This study explored next-of-kin's retrospective accounts of hospice and palliative care discussions for hospitalized veterans. In-depth, face-to-face interviews were used to generate narrative accounts of 78 next-of-kin's experience of their loved one's hospital care during the last days of the patient's life. One-third of participants reported taking part in a hospice or palliative care discussion during the patient's final hospitalization. In over one-half of those cases, the patients died before discharge or transfer to hospice or palliative care was accomplished. Hospice and palliative care discussions in the hospital setting shaped family perceptions of the patients’ care, directed family efforts in the days prior to death, and engendered anticipation of remaining quality time with the patient. Discussions about hospice or palliative care have meaning, emotional impact, practical effects, and unintended consequences for next-of-kin. Social workers in hospital settings can play a critical role in supp...
Presleep cognitions and attributions in sleep-onset insomnia

This research examined the role of cognitive factors (attributions about the causes of sleep difficulties and presleep cognitive activity) in sleep-onset insomnia. Thirty-four subjects, including 13 mild to extreme insomniacs, were interviewed and then spent 5 consecutive nights in a sleep laboratory. In a multiple regression paradigm predictor measures included attribution ratings of sleep difficulty, perceived control of presleep cognitions, presleep cognitive content, and affect associated with presleep cognitions. Criterion measures included laboratory measured objectives and subjective sleep-onset latency, a score presenting the difference between objective and subjective laboratory measures of sleep-onset latency, interview-measured subjective sleep-onset latency, and degree of overall concern and presleep concern about initiating sleep. The results of multiple regression analyses suggested that the content of presleep cognitions and the attributions of sleep difficulties were significantly associated with several subjective measures of sleep-onset latency or concern with initiating sleep. None of the predictor measures was significantly associated with objectively measured sleep-onset latency. Implications for cognitive theories of sleep-onset insomnia and for the psychophysiologic-subjective dimension of insomnia are discussed.
PERSISTENT VOMITING DUE TO SENSITIVITY TO CORN SUGAR OR DEXTROSE PRESENT IN INTRAVENOUS FLUIDS

PERSISTENT VOMITING DUE TO SENSITIVITY TO CORN SUGAR OR DEXTROSE PRESENT IN INTRAVENOUS FLUIDS
Ion Beam Deposition of Materials At 40–200 eV: Effect of Ion Energy and Substrate Temperature on Interface, Thin Film And Damage Formation

Ion beam deposition (IBD), the process whereby magnetically analyzed ions are directly deposited on single crystal substrates, has been studied for 74 Ge and 30 Si ions on Si(100) and Ge(100). The effects of sputtercleaning prior to deposition and substrate temperature during deposition were investigated. Three analytical techniques were systematically used to obtain information on the deposited films: (1) Rutherford backscattering combined with ion channeling, (2) cross-section TEM, and (3) Seeman-Bohlin X-ray diffraction. In the energy range explored (40–200 eV), the width of the interface between the IBD film and the substrate was found to be always less than 1 nm. Each IBD layer was highly uniform in thickness and composition for deposition temperatures from 300 K to 900 K. Without prior sputter-cleaning and annealing of the Si(100) and Ge(100) substrates, no epitaxy was observed. UHV conditions were found to be a requirement in order to grow crystalline Si films presenting bulk-like density. This was not the case for Ge films which showed bulk-like density for IBD at higher pressures. Results on the first Si/Ge superstructure grown by IBD are also shown.
Measurements of 7Li(p,n) and 9Be(p,n) cross sections at 15, 20 and 30 MeV

Abstract Cross sections have been measured at 0° for the (p,n) reaction on 7Li and 9Be for 15, 20, and 30 MeV protons incident on thin targets. Results are presented as a function of neutron energy for neutrons above about 3 MeV.
Negatively supercoiled simian virus 40 DNA contains Z-DNA segments within transcriptional enhancer sequences

Three 8-base pair (bp) segments of alternating purine-pyrimidine from the simian virus 40 enhancer region form Z-DNA on negative supercoiling; minichromosome DNase I-hypersensitive sites determined by others bracket these three segments. A survey of transcriptional enhancer sequences reveals a pattern of potential Z-DNA-forming regions which occur in pairs 50-80 bp apart. This may influence local chromatin structure and may be related to transcriptional activation.
Thyroid Dysfunction in Insulin-Dependent Mellitus

Sir.—The data of Frasier et al1regarding an increased prevalence of antithyroid microsomal antibodies (AMAs) among Hispanic children with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus are certainly intriguing and lend support to previous recommendations for routine thyroid screening in children with diabetes. However, I have the following questions and concerns regarding their data interpretation and conclusions: 1. While the authors point out the many problems with the performance and interpretation of assays for antithyroid antibodies, they also suggest that their data support an increased prevalence of AMA positivity in Hispanic diabetic children relative to non-Hispanic diabetic children. The authors do not, however, present their own data in a non-Hispanic population, and it is not clear that the assays used in previous studies are comparable with those used in their report. 2. The authors recommend careful clinical assessment for thyroid dysfunction, yet do not report whether their hypothyroid diabetics manifested any suggestive signs or
Basal acid output and gastric acid hypersecretion in gastroesophageal reflux disease. Correlation with ranitidine therapy.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate possible differences in basal gastric acid secretion with regard to severity of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Basal acid output was determined by nasogastric suction in 228 patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease who received upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and were diagnosed with either pyrosis alone (N = 98), erosive esophagitis with or without pyrosis (N = 87), or Barrett's esophagus (N = 43). Mean basal acid output for the 228 patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease was 6.5 ± 5.6 meq/hr, which was significantly different from 65 normal subjects with a mean basal acid output of 3.0 ± 2.7 meq/hr (P < 0.0001). Compared to normal subjects, mean basal acid outputs significantly differed for patients with pyrosis (P < 0.05), esophagitis (P < 0.01), and Barrett's esophagus (P < 0.01). There was also a significant difference in mean basal acid output between the patients with pyrosis and Barrett's esophagus (P < 0.01). Nineteen of the 98 patients with pyrosis (19%), 24 of the 87 patients with esophagitis (28%), and 15 of the 43 patients with Barrett's esophagus (35%) had gastric acid hypersecretion (basal acid output greater than 10.0 meq/hr). One hundred forty-six patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease were treated with ranitidine in doses that resulted in complete healing of esophagitis and disappearance of pyrosis. Ninety-three patients responded to ranitidine 300 mg/day; however, 53 patients required increased dose of ranitidine (mean 1205 mg/day, range 600–3000 mg/day). There was a significant correlation between basal acid output and daily ranitidine dose required for therapy for the 146 patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (r = 0.53,P = 0.0001). Furthermore, a significant association was also found between the presence of gastric acid hypersecretion and the requirement for increased doses of ranitidine (greater than 300 mg/day) (P = 0.00001). These results indicate that there is a subset of patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease who do have idiopathic gastric acid hypersecretion. Moreover, these patients have an apparently higher requirement for medication dosage in order to achieve therapeutic efficacy.
Applicants’ Perceptions of Psychiatric Residency Training Programs

The authors report the results of a survey of senior medical students who matched to a PGY-1 position in psychiatry. With a 64% response rate, the authors found the following: 1) senior medical students were generally satisfied with the program that they plan to attend; 2) the students utilized nonprogrammatic features heavily in their decision making; and 3) there appeared to be subgroups of students defined by demographic (i.e., gender and age) and decision-making properties (i.e., time of decision) that choose programs with fundamentally different aims in mind.
Optical Background for Near-Field Recording

The diffraction limited spot size in optical recording can be decreased by use of the Solid Immersion Lens (SIL). The simplest form of the SIL utilizes a hemispherical lens with the rays of a focused bean entering along its radii to form a spot at the flat surface of the hemisphere. The spot size is decreased from that in free space by a factor 1/n, where n is the refractive index. If an optical disk is placed close enough to the SIL, this reduced spot size is obtained at the disk. In this case the effective numerical aperture of the lens can be greater than one. The SIL is used in optical recording in two different ways. In the first example the SIL is mounted on a floating head which maintains the air gap automatically to be of the order of 100 nm. This method is now being developed for a removable disk drive with over 10 Gigabytes storage by TeraStor. A second technique, demonstrated by Sony, uses an effective numerical aperture less than one with a relatively large air gap of the order of 50 micrometers. This method gives relatively low spherical aberration and is suitable for use with multilayer systems.
Magnetic-resonance line-broadening effects associated with crystalline imperfections

It is shown that contrary to the usual assumption, the magnetic-resonance line-broadening effects due to mosaiclike structures and crystalline strains from imperfections are not completely separable. We have found that the angular behavior of the line broadening associated with the off-diagonal elements of the strains is the same type as that arising from a mosaiclike structure.
A Survey of Distance and Similarity Measures Used Within Network Intrusion Anomaly Detection

Anomaly detection (AD) use within the network intrusion detection field of research, or network intrusion AD (NIAD), is dependent on the proper use of similarity and distance measures, but the measures used are often not documented in published research. As a result, while the body of NIAD research has grown extensively, knowledge of the utility of similarity and distance measures within the field has not grown correspondingly. NIAD research covers a myriad of domains and employs a diverse array of techniques from simple $k$ -means clustering through advanced multiagent distributed AD systems. This review presents an overview of the use of similarity and distance measures within NIAD research. The analysis provides a theoretical background in distance measures and a discussion of various types of distance measures and their uses. Exemplary uses of distance measures in published research are presented, as is the overall state of the distance measure rigor in the field. Finally, areas that require further focus on improving the distance measure rigor in the NIAD field are presented.
English and the discourses of colonialism

English and the Discourses of Colonialism opens with the British departure from Hong Kong marking the end of British colonialism. Yet Alastair Pennycook argues that this dramatic exit masks the crucial issue that the traces left by colonialism run deep. This challenging and provocative book looks particularly at English, English language teaching, and colonialism. It reveals how the practice of colonialism permeated the cultures and discourses of both the colonial and colonized nations, the effects of which are still evident today. Pennycook explores the extent to which English is, as commonly assumed, a language of neutrality and global communication, and to what extent it is, by contrast, a language laden with meanings and still weighed down with colonial discourses that have come to adhere to it. Travel writing, newspaper articles and popular books on English, are all referred to, as well as personal experiences and interviews with learners of English in India, Malaysia, China and Australia. Pennycook concludes by appealing to postcolonial writing, to create a politics of opposition and dislodge the discourses of colonialism from English.
A combinatorial setting for questions in Kazhdan — Lusztig theory

Let(W, S) be a Coxeter group. Let s1 ... sk be a reduced expression for an element y in W. A combinatorial setting involving subexpressions of this reduced expression is developed. This leads to the notion of good elements. It is proved that all elements in a group where the coefficients of Kazhdan — Lusztig polynomials are non-negative are good. If y is good then an algorithm is developed to compute these polynomials in a very efficient way. It is further proved that in these cases, the coefficients of these polynomials can be identified as sizes of certain subsets of subexpressions thereby providing an explicit setting for various questions regarding these polynomials and related topics. Similar results are obtained for the so-called parabolic case.
Response of harpacticoid copepods to detrital accumulation on seagrass blades: a field experiment with Metis holothuriae (Edwards)

Abstract A field experiment was performed in Tampa Bay, Florida, to determine whether varying levels of detritus affects abundance of the harpacticoid copepod Metis holothuriae (Edwards). Three levels of seagrass detritus obtained from Thalassia testudinum Banks ex Koenig were affixed to Petri dishes containing a mucus-like medium. 14 dishes of each treatment were placed at random in a Thalassia bed and recovered after 24 h and 4 days. Numbers of copepods recovered from the experimental treatments varied among detritus levels; lowest numbers were found in dishes without detritus and the greatest numbers in the high-detritus dishes. ANOVA indicated that detritus level had a highly significant effect on the abundance of Metis while day of recovery and the level x day interaction were not significant. Behavioral observations in the laboratory indicated that Metis spent significantly more time feeding while on detritus-laden blades than on detritus-free blades. Conversely, copepods spent more time swimming when presented with detritus-free blades than when detritus was present.
Public Opinion and the Attitudes of Ethnic Groups on European Integration in Moldova (2000–2008)

This article explores the dynamics of public opinion and the attitudes of ethnic groups on European integration in Moldova for the 2000-2008 period. Drawing on data provided by sixteen surveys, it reveals the sociological profile of “Europtimists” in Moldova and the hierarchy of demographic parameters based on the extent to which they divide public opinion concerning European integration. The paper finds out that men, persons from rural areas, youth, Moldovans/Romanians, the more educated people and with better life standards are more fervent supporters of European integration of Moldova. It argues also that differences in the education of respondents divide the public opinion in the most abrupt way with regard to the opportunity of European integration of Moldova, while the different genders induce the smallest difference between options of respondents for the “European idea”. The paper suggests that, in practical terms, its findings might be of help to relevant governmental bodies that should consider well-defined targeted information campaigns while promoting the “European idea” in Moldova.
The Very Idea of Popular Sovereignty: “We the People” Reconsidered

The sovereignty of the people, it is widely said, is the foundation of modern democracy. The truth of this claim depends on the plausibility of attributing sovereignty to “the people” in the first place, and I shall express skepticism about this possibility. I shall suggest as well that the notion of popular sovereignty is complex, and that appeals to the notion may be best understood as expressing several different ideas and ideals. This essay distinguishes many of these and suggests that greater clarity at least would be obtained by focusing directly on these notions and ideals and eschewing that of sovereignty. My claim, however, will not merely be that the notion is multifaceted and complex. I shall argue as well that the doctrine that the people are, or ought to be, sovereign is misleading in potentially dangerous ways, and is conducive to a misunderstanding of the nature of politics, governance, and social order. It would be well to do without the doctrine, but it may be equally important to understand its errors. Our understandings and justifications of democracy, certainly, should dispense with popular sovereignty.