cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
7-Valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine and otitis media: effectiveness of a 2-dose versus 3-dose primary series.

Abstract Background Seven-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccination (PCV7) has been shown to reduce rates of otitis media (OM) when given as a 2- or 3-dose primary series followed by a booster dose. However, data on the 2- or 3-dose primary series’ relative effectiveness against OM is very limited. Using data from the United States after the 2000 introduction of PCV7, we compared the effectiveness of a 2- versus a 3-dose primary series against acute otitis media (AOM). Methods We examined the 2002 birth cohort from the Medstat MarketScan insurance claims database and compared the incidence of AOM in children that received two or three doses in the primary PCV7 series using propensity score matching. We assessed AOM rates after completion of the primary series and before the booster dose, and after the booster dose until four years of age. Results Among the 2002 birth cohort captured by MarketScan, we identified 38,786 children we could match with immunization data; of these 8515 (22%) received a 2-dose primary series and 10,152 (26%) received a 3-dose primary series. After matching, cumulative AOM incidence between 6 and 12 months among children who did not receive a PCV7 dose between the primary series and the booster dose was 37.6% for the 2-dose series and 35.0% for the 3-dose series. This difference was not statistically significant ( p = 0.22). Cumulative AOM incidence between one and four years, i.e., after the booster dose, was 104.4% for the 2-dose primary series and 102.5% for the 3-dose primary series, and the difference between them was also statistically insignificant. Conclusion In a population of highly-insured children, a 2-dose primary series of PCV7 appears to provide similar protection against AOM as a 3-dose primary series. These data have important implications for national immunization programs where AOM is an important driver of cost-effectiveness.
Industrial Structure and Unemployment in Regional Labor Markets Industrial Structure and Unemployment

Even during periods of moderated national joblessness, certain regions face stubbornly high unemployment. “Rust Belt” areas are often particularly affected and raise the question of whether such labor markets may not clear even in equilibrium. This article examines evidence from a panel data set of West Virginia counties, along with case-study surveys. The combined findings help provide a better understanding of persistent local unemployment, which appears to be due to nonclearing labor markets.
Radiographic microcalcification and parenchymal pattern as indicators of histologic “high-risk” benign breast disease

Breast tissue from a forensic autopsy series of 486 women (15 to 98 years of age) was studied radiographically and by histologic sampling. Prevalence of Wolfe P2/Dy parenchymal patterns decreased with age. Radiographic nonvascular microcalcification and histologic presence of marked ductal epithelial hyperplasia and lobular microcalcification increased with age. Both of these histologic parameters of increased risk for breast cancer correlated with the presence of radiographic microcalcification and Wolfe P2/Dy parenchymal pattern. The predictive value of the radiographic parameters for presence of "high-risk" proliferative fibrocystic change increased with age.
Considering Personal Strengths: The Effect of Three Different Methods on Mood, Arousal, and Self‐Esteem1

One hundred twenty-eight college students were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 strength consideration conditions: (a) open-ended generation of strengths, (b) cued generation of strengths using 7 Divisions of Self (social, cognitive, behavioral, physical, emotional, motivational, spiritual; Dees, Dansereau, Peel, Boatler, & Knight, 1991) as cues, and (c) selection of strengths using the Tower of Strengths Activity (Sia & Czuchry, 1997). After all 3 conditions, students showed an increase in specific aspects of self-esteem and positive mood, and a decrease in global self-esteem. Students’ arousal decreased after both open-ended generation and cued generation, whereas after the selection of strengths, students’ arousal remained the same. Applications of the strength consideration activities are discussed.
State regulation of managed care and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act.

The federal Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA)1 is the federal law that governs employee-benefit plans offered by private employers and unions. ERISA has long hindered state efforts to...
Sharing Hip-Hop Cultures: The Case of Nigerians and African Americans

This article utilizes hip hop to examine the cultural space shared by Nigerians and African Americans in spite of the vast geographic distance. The common approach to music making and appreciation creates a virtual shared space where these musicians and listeners exchange ideas and styles. This article traces out the boundaries of this shared cultural space in the contemporary black world by focusing first on African and African American hip hop artists who have sampled from the music and political energy from their counterparts on the other side of the Atlantic. The connection between culture and language is essential to an understanding of the power of hip hop as a universal language. So we ask the question, is hip hop speaking the same language to these two distinct groups of young black people? What is the terrain of the shared space and how do the artists and the audiences navigate within the boundaries of this virtual haven? Ultimately, this article will offer suggestions about how the process of hi...
Cost-effective selection of patients for coronary angiography

Abstract In patients suspected of having coronary artery disease (CAD), noninvasive testing has been playing an increasing role in selecting patients who would require coronary angiography for either the “definitive” diagnosis of CAD or as a prelude to planning myocardial revascularization. A mathematic model is presented that defines cost-effective utility of nuclear cardiology testing for diagnosis of CAD and selection of appropriate candidates for coronary angiography, according to quantitative methods of decision analysis. Clinical utility or effectiveness was defined in terms of percent correct diagnosis of CAD. Cost was defined as dollars of medical expenditure. Six competing strategies were compared in subsets of patients with different pretest likelihoods of CAD, based on age, sex, and symptoms. Nuclear cardiology testing was the most cost-effective initial modality of choice in patients with an intermediate pretest likelihood of CAD. In patients with a low pretest likelihood of CAD, nuclear cardiology testing was cost-effective in the subgroup of patients who had abnormal exercise treadmill electrocardiograms. In patients with a high pretest likelihood of CAD, direct referral to coronary angiography was the most cost-effective strategy for diagnosis of CAD. Coronary angiography, however, is performed most often as a prelude to myocardial revascularization. Because these invasive procedures are indicated only in patients who are at high risk with medical therapy, nuclear cardiology procedures, by virtue of incremental prognostic information, identify appropriate candidates for more invasive procedures, aimed at improving survival. Strategies for cost-effective prognostication of CAD depend on not only the patient's pretest likelihood of CAD but also the status of the rest electrocardiogram. In patients with a normal rest electrocardiogram, a low pretest likelihood of CAD indicates a low risk for cardiac events with medical therapy. Therefore coronary angiography is not indicated in these patients. Patients with an intermediate likelihood of CAD should first undergo exercise electrocardiographic testing; a negative response would indicate a low risk for cardiac events and a positive response would indicate the need for nuclear cardiology testing for further cost-effective risk stratification. In patients with a high pretest likelihood of CAD, the combined exercise electrocardiographic and nuclear cardiac testing is the most cost-effective strategy; a negative or a positive nuclear test result would imply low or high risk, respectively. The latter patients would then be candidates for coronary angiography. In all patients with an abnormal rest electrocardiogram, the most cost-effective strategy is uniform referral to nuclear cardiac testing (which is performed in conjunction with exercise electrocardiography), regardless of the pretest likelihood of CAD; a negative or a positive nuclear test result would indicate low or high risk for coronary events, respectively. The latter group would be proper candidates for referral to coronary angiography.
Equations of motion in nonequilibrium statistical mechanics for nonextensive systems

Abstract Recent investigations of nanoscale quantum device systems and small clusters of atoms and molecules have shown new features of both nonequilibrium dynamics and nonextensivity. The challenge is to understand theoretically the fast dynamical processes on time scales of femtoseconds in these systems. An overview of the approaches to time-dependent nonequilibrium statistical mechanics, including a critical review of the entropic methods due to Jaynes, Robertson, and Zubarev for the extensive nonequilibrium systems, reveals difficulties in setting up the associated dynamics. We therefore propose the use of the Lindblad equation for the density matrix in place of the usual unitary Liouville–von Neumann equation of motion because it meets all the required criteria (positive, trace-class, and includes the possibility of mixed to pure state evolution) for describing dissipative dynamics and the Tsallis prescription for handling the nonextensivity. We will explore briefly (i) the notion of decoherence, (ii) near equilibrium linear response, (iii) evolution of entropy, and (iv) action principle, based on these considerations. We also exhibit a time-dependent “mixed state” marker for describing the nonequilibrium state of a dissipative quantum oscillator, which is a prototype of an electronic device. This investigation, it is hoped, gives glimpses of insight into understanding the short time-scale dynamics of systems between the times determined by the uncertainty principle and the decoherence due to the heat bath.
Synthesis and reactivity of the imido analogues of the uranyl ion.

Addition of 1.5 equiv of I2 to a THF solution of UI3(THF)4, containing either 6 equiv of tBuNH2 or 2 equiv of RNH2 (R = Ph, 3,5-(CF3)2C6H3, 2,6-(iPr)2C6H3) and 4 equiv of NEt3, generates orange solutions containing U(NtBu)2I2(THF)2 (1) or U(NAr)2I2(THF)3 (Ar = Ph, 2; 3,5-(CF3)2C6H3, 3; 2,6-(iPr)2C6H3, 4), respectively, all of which can be isolated in good yields. Alternatively, 1 can be prepared by reaction of uranium metal with 3 equiv of I2 and 6 equiv of tBuNH2, also in good yield. Complexes 1−4 have been characterized by X-ray crystallography, and each of these complexes exhibits linear N−U−N linkages and short U−N bonds. Using density functional theory simulations of complexes 1 and 2, two triple bonds between the metal center and the nitrogen ligands were identified. Complexes 1 and 2 readily react with neutral Lewis bases such as pyridine or Ph3PO to form U(NR)2I2(L)2 (R = tBu, L = py, 5; Ph3PO, 7; R = Ph, L = py, 6; Ph3PO, 8), and with PMe3 to form U(NR)2I2(THF)(PMe3)2 (R = tBu, 9; Ph, 10). The so...
MAXIMUM AND MINIMUM EXTENSIONS OF FINITE SUBCOPULAS

We find maximum and minimum extensions of finite 2-subcopulas and discuss the difficulties involved in finding the least upper bound of extensions in higher dimensions.
Astrocytes Are More Resistant Than Neurons to the Cytotoxic Effects of Increased [Zn2+]i

Increased intracellular free Zn2+ ([Zn2+]i) is toxic to neurons. Glia are more resistant to Zn2+-mediated toxicity; however, it is not known if this is because glia are less permeable to Zn2+ or if glia possess intrinsic mechanisms that serve to buffer or extrude excess [Zn2+]i. We used the Zn2+-selective ionophore pyrithione to directly increase [Zn2+]i in both neurons and astrocytes. In neurons, a 5-min exposure to 1 μM extracellular Zn2+ in combination with pyrithione produced widespread toxicity, whereas extensive astrocyte injury was not observed until extracellular Zn2+ was increased to 10 μM. Measurements with magfura-2 demonstrated that pyrithione increased [Zn2+]i to similar levels in both cell types. We also measured how increased [Zn2+]i affects mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm). In astrocytes, but not in neurons, toxic [Zn2+]i resulted in an acute loss of Δψm, suggesting that mitochondrial dysregulation may be an early event in [Zn2+]i-induced astrocyte but not neuronal death.
Crossfire: ‘Feasible or not feasible: the application of impact evaluations in WASH programming’

Dear Eddy, I firmly believe that the age of water, sanitation, and hygiene has dawned. WASH has never been so high on the political agenda. As we set our sights and ambitions much higher, towards a world in which everyone has access to safe drinking water and no one defecates in the open within the next 20 years, we need a number of major shifts in the way we do business. One of these shifts is improving how we deal with evidence and impact evaluations are an important weapon in achieving this. Like many colleagues, you must feel very satisfied reading the report of the UN Secretary-General’s High-Level Panel on the post-2015 framework. I am referring to the proposed standalone goal for water and sanitation, and the clear influence of the JMP (Joint Monitoring Program) process – of which you were an integral part – in setting the targets. This is a big change from even five years ago, when it would have been
Tensile fracture and fatigue of cement stabilized soil

Portland cement‐stabilized soil is widely used as a base material for roads, airfields, and similar structures. Cracking in this material is studied using fracture mechanics concepts. Fracture toughness in the form of the plane strain stress intensity factor and in the form of the J‐integral are used as primary descriptors in the study. A simple power law is used in the case of fatigue loading to describe the relationship between the change in crack length per load cycle and the fluctuation in the stress intensity factor. An increase in static toughness occurs with an increase in strength and this relationship is explained. Physical models are developed that define the relationship between the physical and chemical nature of the material and its engineering usage. These relationships consider cement content, compactive effort, and fracture toughness. Initial results and future requirements for relationships between creep and fatigue and between static toughness and fatigue are discussed.
Nuclear breathing mode in neutron-rich nickel isotopes: Sensitivity to the symmetry energy and the role of the continuum

Background: In this new era of radioactive beam facilities, the discovery of novel modes of excitation in nuclei far away from stability represents an area of intense research activity. In addition, some of these modes of excitation, particularly the isoscalar monopole and isovector dipole resonances, appear to be sensitive to the uncertain density dependence of the symmetry energy.Purpose: It is the main goal of this paper to examine the emergence, evolution, and nature of both the soft and giant isoscalar monopole modes as a function of neutron excess in three unstable nickel isotopes: $^{56}\mathrm{Ni},^{68}\mathrm{Ni}$, and $^{78}\mathrm{Ni}$.Methods: The distribution of isoscalar monopole strength is computed in a relativistic random-phase approximation by using several accurately calibrated effective interactions. In particular, a nonspectral Green's function approach is adopted that allows for an exact treatment of the continuum without any reliance on discretization. The discretization of the continuum is neither required nor admitted.Results: In the case of $^{56}\mathrm{Ni}$, the lack of low-energy strength results in a direct correlation between the centroid energy of the giant monopole resonance and the incompressibility coefficient of symmetric nuclear matter. In contrast, the large neutron excess in both $^{68}\mathrm{Ni}$ and $^{78}\mathrm{Ni}$ generates a significant, yet relatively featureless, amount of low-energy strength that is driven by transitions into the continuum. Moreover, the evolution of monopole strength with neutron excess displays sensitivity to the density dependence of the symmetry energy.Conclusions: It is suggested that future measurements of the distribution of isoscalar monopole strength at radioactive beam facilities using a very long chain of both stable and unstable isotopes could place important constraints on the equation of state of neutron-rich matter and ultimately on the properties of neutron stars. However, given the nature of the low-energy monopole excitations, a proper treatment of the continuum is absolutely essential.
Improved photostability and fluorescence properties through polyfluorination of a cyanine dye.

A polyfluorinated cyanine dye has been synthesized and characterized. Compared with the nonfluorinated analogue, the dye exhibits significantly reduced aggregation in aqueous media, enhanced fluorescence quantum yield, greater resistance to photobleaching upon direct irradiation, and reduced reactivity toward singlet oxygen. All of these properties are favorable for use of cyanine dyes as fluorescent labels and point toward fluorination as a general strategy for improving performance in imaging applications.
Assessment of milling‐induced disorder of two pharmaceutical compounds

The goal of this study was to provide a better framework for understanding the bulk and surface disorder in milled crystalline materials. The surface and bulk properties of two model compounds, ketoconazole and griseofulvin, were characterized by inverse gas chromatography as a function of cryomilling time. Cryomilling was used to decrease the effect of temperature-induced changes, which commonly occur during milling. A reduction in crystallinity was observed for both compounds by powder X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Particle size analysis revealed a continued mode of attrition for griseofulvin, whereas attrition followed by growth was observed for ketoconazole. An increase in surface energy for both compounds was noticed upon initial milling, followed by a decrease as milling time continued. A determination and comparison of the surface phase transformations using chromatographic methods and DSC was carried out. Both ketoconazole and griseofulvin showed an earlier phase transformation relative to DSC. It is proposed that an intermediate metastable state for griseofulvin and a change in the surface structure of ketoconazole is the consequence of the cryomilling process.
A Finite Element Model for Oven Aged Tires

Abstract A finite element kinetic model has been developed to interpret issues related to accelerated aging of tires. The model is based on the Basic Autoxidation Scheme and incorporates mass transport limitations related to diffusion of oxygen into the layered elastomer system. The effect of aging on transport properties, such as diffusivity, due to changes in crosslink density is also considered in the model. The extent of oxidation is calculated at different locations within the tire as a function of time, temperature, and inflation media. The extent of oxidation predicted by the model is compared to experimentally derived data such as oxygen content, crosslink density, elongation‐to‐break, and modulus variation.
DISTRIBUTION OF COAGULATION OF YOUNG SHOOT HOMOGENATES IN THE AURANTIOIDEAE

Distribution of coagulation of young shoot homogenates was surveyed in 430 accessions from the orange subfamily Aurantioideae. Representatives of four genera available for study (Clausena, Glycosmis, Aegle, Feronia) were coagulating taxa. The genus Citrus included both coagulating and noncoagulating taxa. Nineteen genera (Murraya, Merillia, Pamburus, Paramignya, Triphasia, Aeglopsis, Afraegle, Balsamocitrus, Feroniella, Swinglea, Atalantia, Citropsis, Hesperethusa, Pleiospermium, Severinia, Clymenia, Eremocitrus, Poncirus, Fortunella) were noncoagulating. The status of eight genera (Micromelum, Wenzelia, Monanthocitrus, Oxanthera, Merope, Luvunga, Burkillanthus, Limnocitrus) is not known. Homogenized tissue from coagulating taxa turned into a paste while tissue from noncoagulating taxa was thin and juicy. Coagulation did not take place when the pH of the grinding medium was 11 or higher but it would occur if the pH was lowered. Homogenates of noncoagulating taxa become coagulated below pH 5.2-5.3, but remained noncoagulating above this. Noncoagulating taxa contained an unidentified substance which inhibited coagulation of tissue from coagulating taxa. The mechanism of coagulation and noncoagulaton is not presently known. The significance of coagulation and its absence as a taxonomic and genetic marker is discussed.
Inhibited Intercellular Communication as a Mechanistic Link Between Teratogenesis and Carcinogenesis

Teratogenesis and carcinogenesis share many characteristics, leading to the speculation that they may also share pathogenic mechanisms. Direct intercellular communication mediated by membrane junctions is known to occur between a variety of cells and may play an important role in the control of cell growth and differentiation. Inhibition of junctional communication may be a mechanism common to both teratogenesis and carcinogenesis whereby cells and tissues are diverted from their normal differentiation paths. The multistage model of carcinogenesis predicts that the irreversibly initiated cell is at least partially regulated by the surrounding cells of a tissue, and that the initiated cell remains inactive until stimulated to proliferate by a tumor promotor. Tumor promoters may release the initiated cell from control of the surrounding tissue by interrupting intercellular communication, since many tumor promoters have now been shown to interfere with junctional communication in cultured mammalian cells. Furthermore, many tumorigenic cells have compromised junctional communication abilities. Similarly, it has been reasoned that the cells of an embryo must be able to communicate with each other to define tissue specificity and pattern formation, and to coordinate morphogenetic events. Many studies have chronicled alterations in junctional communication that occur coincident with major developmental events and some studies suggest that junctional communication may be modified at boundaries of morphogenetic fields. A recent in vivo study has provided evidence that inhibition of junctional communication may interfere with embryonic development, and several teratogens are known to interrupt junctional communication in mammalian cells in culture. These observations suggest that inhibition of junctional intercellular communication may be a shared mechanism of carcinogenesis and teratogenesis.
Effects of cavity resonances on sound transmission into a thin cylindrical shell

In the context of the transmission of airborne noise into an aircraft fuselage, a mathematical model is presented for the effects of internal cavity resonances on sound transmission into a thin cylindrical shell. The 'noise reduction' of the cylinder is defined and computed, with and without including the effects of internal cavity resonances. As would be expected, the noise reduction in the absence of cavity resonances follows the same qualitative pattern as does transmission loss. Numerical results show that cavity resonances lead to wide fluctuations and a general decrease of noise reduction, especially at cavity resonances. Modest internal absorption is shown to greatly reduce the effect of cavity resonances. The effects of external airflow, internal cabin pressurization, and different acoustical properties inside and outside the cylinder are also included and briefly examined.
Draft genome sequence of Helicobacter fennelliae strain MRY12-0050, isolated from a bacteremia patient

ABSTRACT Helicobacter fennelliae, a human enterohepatic pathogen, causes bacteremia and colitis. We isolated H. fennelliae strain MRY12-0050 from a female patient; this strain was isolated from 2 other patients from the same hospital during the same period, suggesting human-to-human transmission. This is the first report of an H. fennelliae genome sequence.
Upregulation of Specific mRNA Levels in Rat Brain After Cell Phone Exposure

Adult Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to regular cell phones for 6 h per day for 126 days (18 weeks). RT-PCR was used to investigate the changes in levels of mRNA synthesis of several injury-associated proteins. Calcium ATPase, Neural Cell Adhesion Molecule, Neural Growth Factor, and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor were evaluated. The results showed statistically significant mRNA up-regulation of these proteins in the brains of rats exposed to cell phone radiation. These results indicate that relative chronic exposure to cell phone microwave radiation may result in cumulative injuries that could eventually lead to clinically significant neurological damage.
NMDA receptor mediated phosphorylation of GluR1 subunits contributes to the appearance of calcium-permeable AMPA receptors after mechanical stretch injury

Alterations in neuronal cytosolic calcium is a key mediator of the traumatic brain injury (TBI) pathobiology, but less is known of the role and source of calcium in shaping early changes in synaptic receptors and neural circuits after TBI. In this study, we examined the calcium source and potential phosphorylation events leading to insertion of calcium-permeable AMPARs (CP-AMPARs) after in vitro traumatic brain injury, a receptor subtype that influences neural circuit dynamics for hours to days following injury. We found that both synaptic and NR2B-containing NMDARs contribute significantly to the calcium influx following stretch injury. Moreover, an early and sustained phosphorylation of the S-831 site of the GluR1 subunit appeared after mechanical injury, and this phosphorylation was blocked with the inhibition of either synaptic NMDARs or NR2B-containing NMDARs. In comparison, mechanical injury led to no significant change in the S-845 phosphorylation of the GluR1 subunit. Although no change in S-845 phosphorylation appeared in injured cultures, we observed that inhibition of NR2B-containing NMDARs significantly increased S-845 phosphorylation 1h after injury while blockade of synaptic NMDARs did not change S-845 phosphorylation at any time point following injury. These findings show that a broad class of NMDARs are activated in parallel and that targeting either subpopulation will reverse some of the consequences of mechanical injury, providing distinct paths to treat the effects of mechanical injury on neural circuits after TBI.
Battered Women’s Process of Leaving: Implications for Career Counseling

Using consensual qualitative research, we considered how battered women’s intimate partner abuse and subsequent experiences and expectations of shelter services and assistance of the criminal justi...
Effects of grating wall profile on finite aperture polarisation filter

The effect of wall profiles of finite aperture wire-grid gratings in resonance domain was explored. Rigorous coupled wave analysis was adopted with a finite aperture grating expressed as Fourier components of infinite gratings. Increased wall slope reduced polarisation contrast and the resonance behaviour did not change significantly for various wall profiles.
Predation by Acartia tonsa Dana on planktonic ciliates and rotifers

In laboratory experiments, adults and nauplii of the calanoid copepod Acartia tonsa Dana feed on planktonic ciliates and rotifers. Adults have a higher clearing rate for planktonic ciliates and rotifers than for phytoplankton. Adult copepods have a maximum clearing rate of ≈200 ml copepod−1 · d−1 for large ciliates, with lower clearing rates for small ciliates. Nauplii have higher clearance for small than for large ciliates. Addition of ciliates or rotifers to the diet of A. tonsa enhances egg production; this effect is due to improved food quality. Microzooplankton may be an important component of the diet of A. tonsa even when phytoplankton are plentiful. Selective predation by copepods probably influences the population dynamics of planktonic ciliates and rotifers in coastal waters.
Association of Altered Dynamics of Monocyte Surface Expression of Human Leukocyte Antigen DR with Immunosuppression in Tuberculosis

Monocyte (MN) surface human leukocyte antigen DR was examined in 10 patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) and 12 healthy individuals using OK11, a mouse monoclonal antibody to human DR, in a 51Cr-release cytotoxicity assay. Of freshly isolated MNs from TB patients, 39.1% +/- 4.4% (mean +/- SEM) were DR+, compared with 57.2% +/- 5.7% in healthy subjects (P less than 0.02). After 24 hr in culture, a sharp rise was observed in the TB group, to 78.1% +/- 11.6% (P less than 0.005), compared with 64.9% +/- 5.1% in the control group. The TB patient group could be subdivided on the basis of tuberculin purified protein derivative-induced [3H]thymidine incorporation in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). A significantly smaller fraction of MNs from tuberculin nonresponder TB patients was DR+ (34.6% +/- 6.0%) compared with healthy controls (59.4% +/- 8.6%; P less than 0.05). In the nonresponder group, a greater fraction of PBMCs was identifiable as MNs by cytochemical techniques (51.2% +/- 3.6% vs 38.0% +/- 5.0% in the responder group; P less than 0.02). Cell mixing experiments demonstrated increased suppressor activity of DR- MNs.
Incidence of fatal airway obstruction in police officers feloniously killed in the line of duty: a 10-year retrospective analysis

BACKGROUND: According to US military data, airway obstruction is the third leading cause of possibly preventable death in combat. In the absence of law enforcement-specific medical training, military experience has been translated to the law enforcement sector. The purpose of this study was to determine whether airway obstruction represents a significant cause of possibly preventable death in police officers, and whether current military combat lifesaver training programs might have prevented these fatalities. METHODS: De-identified, open-source US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Uniform Crime Report Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted (LEOKA) data for the years 1998-2007 were reviewed. Cases were included if officers were on duty at the time of fatal injury and died within one hour from time of wounding from penetrating face or neck trauma. After case identification, letters requesting autopsy reports were sent to the departments of victim officers. Reports were abstracted into a Microsoft Excel database. RESULTS: During the study period, 42 of 533 victim officers met inclusion criteria. Departmental response rate was 85.7%. Autopsy reports were provided for 29 officers; 23 (54.8%) cases remained in the final analysis. All officers died from gunshot wounds. No coroner specifically identified airway obstruction as either a direct cause of death or contributing factor. Based upon autopsy findings, three of 341 officers possibly succumbed to airway trauma (0.9%; 95% CI, 0.0%-1.9%). Endotracheal intubation was the most common advanced airway management technique utilized during attempted resuscitation. CONCLUSION: The limited LEOKA data suggests that acute airway obstruction secondary to penetrating trauma appears to be a rare cause of possibly preventable death in police officers. Based upon the nature of airway trauma, nasopharyngeal airways would not be expected to be an effective lifesaving intervention. This study highlights the requirement for a comprehensive mortality and "near miss" database for law enforcement officers. Fisher L , Callaway D , Sztajnkrycer M . Incidence of fatal airway obstruction in police officers feloniously killed in the line of duty: a 10-year retrospective analysis. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2013;28(5):1-5. Language: en
The Path to Equilibrium

The question at issue, 241. — The premises, 242. — The path to equilibrium, 245. — The profit motive, 248. — Bank loans, mortgage bonds, and equity capital, 250. — Dividends, 251. — Reconciliation with standard theory, 252.
Initiation activity of EMC virus RNA, binding to initiation factor eIF-4B and shut-off of host cell protein synthesis

PICORNAVIRUSES infecting susceptible animal cells inhibit synthesis of host proteins and direct the cells to synthesise viral proteins1. The mechanism for the shut-off of host cell protein synthesis is not understood, although several experiments indicate that initiation of host protein synthesis is specifically inhibited1. When initiation of protein synthesis is reduced by exposing cells infected by picornaviruses to hypertonic medium, synthesis of viral proteins is greatly favoured over that of host proteins2,3. This suggests that viral templates are more successful in initiation than host templates3. Competition between picornavirus RNA and host mRNAs has been shown directly by in vitro translation experiments4,5. When these RNAs are added together in saturating amounts to a cell-free protein-synthesising system, viral RNA is preferentially translated over host mRNA4,5. This competition can be relieved by addition of initiation factor eIF-4B (previously designated IF-M3)6. This has suggested that eIF-4B may be present in limiting amounts in the translation assays, and that viral and host templates compete for available factor6. This observation is somewhat surprising, as the 5′-terminal cap sequence m7G5′pppXmp... is involved in the binding of mRNA to eIF-4B, and picornavirus RNA is not capped (see refs 7 and 8). It has been found that other nucleotide sequences outside the cap participate in this reaction9, but the presence of 5′-terminal m7G in mRNA promotes interaction with eIF-4B and the initiation process7,8. Therefore, templates with a ‘capped’ 5′-terminal nucleotide bind to ribosomes more rapidly than their unmethylated counterparts10,11. We have shown previously that eIF-4B interacts with the RNA of encephalomyocarditis (EMC) virus, a picornavirus, in a nitrocellulose filter binding assay7. It has also been shown that eIF-4B is required for in vitro translation of EMC virus RNA12. In the present report we have examined the basis for the competition between EMC virus RNA and a cellular mRNA at the molecular level. EMC virus RNA binds to ribosomes at a rate similar to that of capped mRNAs, suggesting that features other than the 5′-terminal m7G are responsible for the binding of this viral RNA. By measuring the relative affinity of globin mRNA and EMC virus RNA for eIF-4B, we have found that the viral RNA has a greater affinity for this initiation factor than globin mRNA. This high affinity for eIF-4B could explain the fast rate of initiation of the viral RNA and the shut-off of host cell protein synthesis after picornavirus infection.
The Identity of Sesarma Hanseni Rathbun, 1897, a Supposedly West Indian Species, With S. Dehaani H. Milne Edwards, 1853, From the West Pacific (Decapoda, Grapsidae)

[Le reexamen de l'holotype de Sesarma banseni Rathbun, 1897, decrit des Antilles, a revele qu'il appartenait a l'espece Sesarma dehaani H. Milne Edwards, 1853, du Pacifique occidental. Sesarma hansmi est par consequent un synonyme subjectif de Sesarma dehaani. L'holotype de S. hanseni est, selon toute probabilite, mal etiquete et ne devrait pas etre considere comme appartenant a la faune des Antilles., Le reexamen de l'holotype de Sesarma banseni Rathbun, 1897, decrit des Antilles, a revele qu'il appartenait a l'espece Sesarma dehaani H. Milne Edwards, 1853, du Pacifique occidental. Sesarma hansmi est par consequent un synonyme subjectif de Sesarma dehaani. L'holotype de S. hanseni est, selon toute probabilite, mal etiquete et ne devrait pas etre considere comme appartenant a la faune des Antilles.]
Effect of environmental factors on myopic LASIK enhancement rates.

Abstract Purpose: To determine whether environmental factors affect laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) enhancement rates. Setting: Wake Forest University Eye Center, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA. Methods: This retrospective chart review comprised 368 consecutive eyes of 191 myopic patients who had LASIK by the same surgeon (K.A.W.). All patients had surgery in 2000 with the Visx Star S2 excimer laser. Refractive outcome, visual acuity, and enhancement rates were monitored closely for 1 year. Fifty-seven eyes (15.5%) had an enhancement procedure. Using enhancement procedure or percentage of correction as the outcome measure, factors that were suspected to affect LASIK results and the need for enhancement were examined; specifically, age, eye, sex, pachymetry, corneal curvature (K), preoperative spherical equivalent, ablation depth, and environmental factors (procedure room temperature, procedure room relative humidity, outdoor temperature, and outdoor relative humidity). Results: Using univariate and multivariate analysis, LASIK enhancement rates strongly correlated with the following variables: procedure room humidity ( P = .003; odds ratio [OR] = 1.093; 95% confidence intervals [CI], 1.030-1.160), 2-week preoperative mean outdoor humidity ( P = .011; OR=1.054; 95% CI, 1.012-1.096), outdoor temperature ( P = .0059; OR=1.039; 95% CI, 1.011-1.068), and age ( P = .0497; OR=1.034; 95% CI, 1.001-1.070). The percentage of correction strongly correlated with the following variables: procedure room humidity ( P = .021), 2-week preoperative mean outdoor humidity ( P = .001), outdoor temperature ( P = .0052), and room temperature ( P = .017). Conclusions: The 2-week-preoperative mean outdoor relative humidity, procedure room relative humidity, outdoor temperature, and procedure room temperature may have to be considered during LASIK planning. The effect of these environmental variables on LASIK outcomes warrants further evaluation.
Prognostic implications of disappearance rate of biologic markers following radical prostatectomy

Abstract Six patients with localized prostatic carcinoma undergoing radical prostatectomywere studied by serial sample collection from the time of surgical removal of the prostate up to one week in the postoperative period. Of the three markers studied (PAP, PSA, LASA), half-life of specific prostatic markers were calculated. Half-life of PAP was found to be 7.25 hours ± SE of 0.7 hours. For PSA the half-life could be obtained in 4 of 6 patients and was found to be 45.5 hours ± SE 4.9 hours. In 2 patients PSA did not fall in a regular fashion and half-life could not be obtained. In both patients metastatic disease has developed within six months of surgery. LASA demonstrated progressive increase following surgery, most likely due to associated inflammatory reaction. These studies confirm previous observations that PSA is a more sensitive marker than PAP, and that the presence of an elevated PSA after radical prostatectomy denotes the presence of residual disease.
A behavioral approach to model reduction

The behavioral approach to exact modeling leads to the concept of generating systems or MPUM's (most powerful models). It turns out that all exact models of a given data set, are parametrized by means of a cascade interconnection of generating systems with an arbitrary system. A model reduction scheme is proposed where the reduced order model is generated by retaining some of the elements of this cascade interconnection. It follows that under certain conditions, this approach provides a controller which stabilizes both the reduced as well as the full order models.
Osteoblasts Protect AML Cells From SDF‐1‐Induced Apoptosis

The bone marrow provides a protective environment for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells that often allows leukemic stem cells to survive standard chemotherapeutic regimens. Targeting these leukemic stem cells within the bone marrow is critical for preventing relapse. We recently demonstrated that SDF-1, a chemokine abundant in the bone marrow, induces apoptosis in AML cell lines and in patient samples expressing high levels of its receptor, CXCR4. Here we show that a subset of osteoblast lineage cells within the bone marrow can protect AML cells from undergoing apoptosis in response to the SDF-1 naturally present in that location. In co-culture systems, osteoblasts at various stages of differentiation protected AML cell lines and patient isolates from SDF-1-induced apoptosis. The differentiation of the osteoblast cell lines, MC3T3 and W-20-17, mediated this protection via a cell contact-independent mechanism. In contrast, bone marrow-derived mesenchymal cells, the precursors of osteoblasts, induced apoptosis in AML cells via a CXCR4-dependent mechanism and failed to protect AML cells from exogenously added SDF-1. These results indicate that osteoblasts in the process of differentiation potently inhibit the SDF-1-driven apoptotic pathway of CXCR4-expressing AML cells residing in the bone marrow. Drugs targeting this protective mechanism could potentially provide a new approach to treating AML by enhancing the SDF-1-induced apoptosis of AML cells residing within the bone marrow microenvironment.
The adrenocortical stress-response of Black-legged Kittiwake chicks in relation to dietary restrictions

In this study we examined hormonal responses of Black-legged Kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla) chicks to experimental variations in energy content and nutri- tional quality (low or high lipid to protein ratio, LPR) of their food. Starting at the age of 10 days, chicks were fed either high or low LPR fish at 30, 50, 70 and 100% of ad libitum energy intake. After 20 days of treatment, chicks were exposed to a standardized acute handling and re- straint stress protocol, where a baseline sample was ta- ken immediately after taking a chick from the nest, and three additional blood samples were taken at intervals up to 50 min. Testosterone and corticosterone titres in plasma were measured via radioimmunoassay. We found that baseline testosterone levels were not significantly aAected by the experimental treatments. Food-restricted chicks had elevated baseline and acute stress-induced levels of corticosterone compared to chicks fed ad libi- tum. An elevation of circulating levels of corticosterone in energetically stressed individuals was further magni- fied by low nutritional quality of food. Baseline and acute stress-induced corticosterone levels of chicks were negatively correlated with their fat reserves. We con- clude that the physiological condition of Black-legged Kittiwake chicks can be assessed reliably by measuring circulating levels of corticosterone. We discuss short- and long-term eAects of elevated corticosterone secretion in food-stressed nest-bound chicks.
Carbon emissions modeling for green buildings: A comprehensive study of calculations

Green building certification is a good start for the construction industry to benchmark the environmental impact of buildings. However, the green building certifications around the world disregard the carbon footprint calculation for certified buildings. The positive contribution of green building designs may not be reflected on the points and rating in the certification. It is hard to understand the environmental impact only through points. The New Building Institute (NBI) challenged the rating system because high credential buildings were not necessarily more “green” than low buildings. The incident raised questions about the real energy savings of green buildings. To address these concerns, a common benchmark should replace the current green building certification rating systems around the world. Since carbon emissions are widely used to measure the environmental impact of raw materials or fuels, such as gasoline, methanol, aggregates, and cement, they can also be applied in green building construction and operation. The paper: (1) determines the environmental impact in green building certification criteria; (2) finds relationship between green building ratings and carbon emissions; (3) establishes a carbon emission calculation system for green buildings certification. The results show that the green features, such as the use of greenery, and water saving fittings, used in green buildings lower water and energy consumption, and they lower the environmental impacts to the environment.
Hedgehog pathway inhibitors: a patent review (2009--present).

Introduction: The hedgehog (Hh) pathway is a developmental signaling pathway that plays a key role in directing cellular growth and tissue patterning during embryonic development. Dysregulation of Hh signaling has been linked to the development of a variety of human tumors, and numerous drug development programs in both academia and industry are actively exploring inhibitors of the pathway as anti-cancer agents. Areas covered: This review surveys the recent patent literature (2009 – 2012) for Hh pathway inhibitors as treatments for a variety of human malignancies. Expert opinion: To date, all of the pathway inhibitors that have entered clinical trials and the majority of compounds identified via high-throughput screens target smoothened (Smo), a transmembrane protein that is essential for pathway signaling. While these compounds have shown initial promise in preclinical and clinical trials, several mechanisms of resistance to Smo inhibitors have been identified. Even with this knowledge, the majority of s...
Recognition Thresholds for Simple Tonal Patterns

The present experiments were performed to find whether recognition thresholds for two-tone patterns are distinctly larger than for one-tone patterns. There appears to be a significant difference between thresholds for detecting the presence of an auditory stimulus and thresholds for hearing a tonal stimulus (3, 4), as well as between detection and recognition thresholds for speech. One may speak somewhat similarly of "figure-ground" recognition versus "form" recognition (5) in visual perception. On the other hand, perhaps these differences are to a certain extent part of a continuum involving discriminative responses of increasing complexity. The continuiry of the emergence of tonal sensation as intensity is increased has been emphasized previously (3). The present experiments seek to determine whether there is a continuity between recognition thresholds for one and two-tone stimuli. This experiment involved an extended series of observations with two Ss on duration thresholds for recognition of simple tonal patterns. Three frequencies were presented in the following combinations (which we will call Set 1 patterns), and identified by numbers to facilitate the reporting of patterns heard by Ss: 1600 cps, number 8; 1333 cps, number 10; 1000 cps, number 11; 1000 and 1600 cps, number 2; 1000 and 1333 cps, number 3. The intervals used in numbers 2 and 3 corresponded musically co a minor sixth and a fourth, respectively. Observations were made at loudness levels of 50 and 80 db. (The 1000-cps tone was set at 50 or 80 db and the ocher tones matched to it in loudness.) The stimuli were generated by three oscillators, each with its own attenuator. The stimuli were then led through a mixing circuit to an electronic switch and timer (Grason-Stadler Models 8296 and 470), an additional interval timer (Hunter 100-B), and then through another attenuator to a rransformer and earphone (Telephonic TDH-39). This system presented each stimulus for the desired time interval four times, once every second. S listened in a sound-treated room removed from the tone generating, and switching apparatus. Ss were given brief practice sessions before the start of the experiment to familiarize them with the stimuli and procedure. Duration thresholds were determined for each stimulus by a modified method of limits. Ascending series (from small to large durations) only were used. Six determinations of the 'This work was supported by a research grant from the National Science Foundation.