cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abrupt vessel closure complicating coronary angioplasty: Clinical, angiographic and therapeutic profile

To assess the clinical, angiographic and procedural correlates of outcome after abrupt vessel closure during coronary angioplasty, results were analyzed of 109 patients (8.3%) who had abrupt vessel closure during 1,319 consecutive coronary angioplasty procedures performed between July 1, 1988 and June 30, 1990. These 109 patients had a mean age of 59 +/- 11 years; 63% were male, 57% had had a prior myocardial infarction and 61% had multivessel disease. Coronary angioplasty was performed in the settings of acute myocardial infarction (14%), recent myocardial infarction (36%), unstable angina (34%) and stable ischemia (29%). Abrupt vessel closure occurred at a median of 27 min (range 0 min to 5 days) from the first balloon inflation. By angiographic criteria, thrombus or coronary dissection was identified in 20% and 28% of cases, respectively; both thrombus and dissection were present in 7% of closures, and 45% were due to indeterminate mechanisms. Successful reversal of abrupt vessel closure, defined as restoration of normal Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) grade 3 flow without resultant Q wave myocardial infarction, emergency bypass surgery or death, was achieved in 47 patients (43%). By hierarchal analysis, the incidence of death, emergency coronary bypass surgery, Q wave and non-Q wave myocardial infarction was 8%, 20%, 9% and 11%, respectively. Univariate analysis using 23 clinical, morphologic and procedural variables demonstrated that successful outcome after abrupt closure was associated with prolonged balloon inflations (greater than 120 s) (odds ratio = 6.87, p less than 0.001), unstable angina (odds ratio = 2.37, p = 0.034) and placement of an intracoronary stent (odds ratio = 5.33, p = 0.062). By multivariate analysis, independent correlates of successful outcome were prolonged balloon inflations (odds ratio = 5.11, p = 0.001) and intracoronary stenting (odds ratio = 4.37, p = 0.049). Thus, although prolonged balloon inflations and intracoronary stents may improve outcome after abrupt vessel closure, the cumulative risk of morbidity or mortality remains significant and mandates investigation into improved strategies for its prevention and treatment.
Lattices of minimum covolume are non-uniform

In this article, we prove that a lattice of minimum covolume in a simple Lie group over a local field of positive characteristic is non-uniform if the Weil’s conjecture on Tamagawa numbers [Wei61] holds. This, in part, answers Lubotzky’s conjecture [Lub91].
Tyrosine availability modulates potassium-induced striatal catecholamine efflux in vivo.

Abstract The relationship between tyrosine availability and high potassium (K+) induced dopamine (DA) and norepinephrine (NE) efflux was examined in striatum using in vivo microdialysis. High K+ (80 mM) was included in perfusate for two 30 min periods, 2.5 h apart. After the first high-K+ perfusion, a tyrosine- and phenylalanine-free mixture of large neutral amino acids (LNAA(−)) was administered (IP) to lower brain tyrosine. Tyrosine (0, 25, 50 or 100 mg/kg IP) was administered 30 min prior to the second high-K+ perfusion. The ratio of catecholamine efflux during the two perfusions (P2/P1) was compared between groups. LNAA(−) significantly lowered P2/P1 for both DA and NE. Tyrosine 25–50 mg/kg blocked the LNAA(−) effect. We conclude that catecholamine efflux during prolonged depolarization is tyrosine dependent. Analyses of LNAA levels suggest that availability of tyrosine for tyrosine hydroxylation may be modulated by competition between LNAAs within brain extracellular fluid.
Evolution of Cysteine Proteinases in Eukaryotes

Phylogenetic analyses of the major family of cysteine proteinases of eukaryotes revealed that this family has been characterized by numerous gene duplications, several of which occurred very early in eukaryote evolutionary history. For example, certain cysteine proteinases from plants and animals are homologous to each of the two cysteine proteinases of the protist Dictyostelium discoideum, indicating that these genes duplicated prior to the divergence of Dictyostelium, plants, and animals. All members of this gene family from metazoan parasites clustered in a well-defined subfamily with mammalian cathepsin B, whereas all those from protist parasites clustered outside this subfamily. Five members of this subfamily from Haemonchus contortus (a nematode parasite of sheep and other ruminants) evolved by gene duplications which were estimated to have occurred within the past 200 My. The proteins encoded by these five genes show a surprising number of residue charge differences from each other, particularly in helical regions in or near the substrate-binding cleft. Statistical analysis of DNA sequences showed that nonsynonymous nucleotide differences that cause amino acid residue charge changes have occurred in these regions at a greater rate than expected under random substitution, suggesting that these genes have diversified as a result of positive natural selection favoring such changes.
Possible role of palmityl coenzyme A in citrus juice cells.

Mature oranges were analyzed for citrate synthase, acyl coenzyme A reductase, acyl coenzyme A and palmitaldehyde. Peeled oranges contained 9640 units citrate synthase and 150 units of acyl coenzyme A reductase per kg. The level of fatty acyl coenzyme A (3 pM) was suggested as a potential effector of citrate synthase. Palmitaldehyde(0.04 pM) was suggested as a product of the acyl coenzyme A reductase reaction with palmityl coenzyme A.
Oxidative metabolism of cartilage.

ALTHOUGH utilization of oxygen by mature cartilage is very low, with Qo2 values ranging between 0 and 0.681–5, studies by Rosenthal, Bowie, and Wagoner6 and Boyd and Neuman7 have shown that embryonic cartilage utilizes significantly greater amounts of oxygen (Qo2, 2.2). Paradoxically, although dehydrogenases customarily mediated via cytochrome oxidase (that is, succinic and isocitric dehydrogenases) have been identified in both mature and embryonic cartilage1,8, until now the biochemical demonstration of cytochrome oxidase activity in cartilage had not been accomplished.
Structure and dynamic mechanical properties of poly(ethylene terephthalate-co-4,4′-bibenzoate) fibers

Abstract Poly(ethylene terephthalate-co-4,4′-bibenzoate) (PETBB) fibers containing 5, 15, 35, 45, 55, and 65 mol% bibenzoate (BB) were melt spun. Fiber structure has been determined using wide angle X-ray diffraction, birefringence, and FTIR spectroscopy. When drawn to their respective maximum draw ratios, the structures and properties of high BB containing fibers (PETBB45, 55 and 65) are significantly different than those of PET and low BB containing fibers (PETBB5, 15, and 35). For example, 90% of the ethylene glycol units in high BB containing fibers are in the trans conformation, while only 80% of these units are in trans conformation in PET and low BB containing fibers. Overall orientation of the high BB containing fibers is higher (orientation factor f > 0.85) than those of PET and low BB containing fibers (f
A dynamic method of determining the modulus of elasticity of refractories at high temperatures and automation of the tests

Laboratory apparatus was designed for determining the elastic properties with automatic regulation of the temperature schedule and automatic registration of the basic type of frequency of oscillation during heating to 1400°C. In comparison with the manual regulation, more detailed characteristics for the change in elastic properties during heating are obtained and subjective errors are also excluded. The new equipment was used to elucidate the dependence of the frequency of bending oscillations and the modulus of elasticity of various refractories on temperature.
Noise Analysis of a New Singularity Index

We analyze the noise sensitivity of a new singularity index that was designed to detect impulse singularities in signals of arbitrary dimensionality while rejecting step-like singularities see Muralidhar, IEEE Signal Process. Lett., vol. 20, no. 1, pp. 7-10, 2013 and Muralidhar , Proc. IEEE Int. Conf. Image Process., 2012. For example, the index responds strongly to curvilinear masses (ridges) in images, while weakly to jump discontinuities (edges). We analyze the detection power of the index in the presence of noise. Our analysis is geared towards answering the following questions: a) in the presence of noise only, what is the probability of falsely detecting an impulse given a threshold; b) given an impulse submerged in noise, what is the probability of detecting it given a threshold; and c) since the index is designed to be edge suppressing, what is the probability of incorrectly detecting an edge submerged in noise given a threshold. We compare the detection power of the index with that of a nominal impulse detector, the second derivative operator. Simulations and example applications in 1-D and 2-D reveal the efficacy of the new singularity index for correctly detecting impulses submerged in noise, while suppressing edges. A software version of the 2-D singularity index can be downloaded from: http://live.ece.utexas.edu/research/SingularityIndex/SingularityIndexCode.zip.
Application of Cell Culture Enrichment for Improving the Sensitivity of Mycoplasma Detection Methods Based on Nucleic Acid Amplification Technology (NAT)

Herein, we present data demonstrating that the application of initial cell culture enrichment could significantly improve mycoplasma testing methods based on the nucleic acid amplification technology (NAT) including a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)/microarray method. The results of the study using Vero cells demonstrated that this cell culture is able (1) to support efficient growth of mycoplasmas of primary interest, i.e., species found to be cell line contaminants, (2) to increase the sensitivity of NAT assay to the detection limits of the conventional broth/agar culture methods, and (3) to reduce the time required for mycoplasma testing fourfold in comparison with the conventional methods. Detection and identification of mycoplasmal agents were conducted using a modified PCR/microarray assay based on genetic differences among Mollicutes in the 16S-23S rRNA intergenic transcribed spacer (ITS). The application of nano-gold/silver enhancement technology instead of previously used fluorescent dyes significantly simplified the readout of microarray results and allowed us to avoid using expensive scanning equipment. This modification has the potential to expand the implementation of microarray techniques into laboratories involved in diagnostic testing of mycoplasma contamination in cell substrates and potentially in other biological and pharmaceutical products.
Child Neurology: Past, Present, and Future

The emergence of child neurology as an independent discipline was enhanced by pediatricians developing an organ system approach to the study of illnesses of children and indirectly by their interest in normal psychomotor development, a function of maturation of the nervous system. Technological innovations, advances in neuroimaging, and the development of therapeutic agents directly benefited patients with neurologic disorders and enhanced the role of the neurologist. The American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology was founded in 1934. It formally recognized child neurology as a special area of expertise in 1959 when Sidney Carter was appointed as a director and the clinical examination was changed to include an hour devoted specifically to child neurology. In 1969, special certificates in child neurology were issued. Thirty candidates, or more, have successfully passed the examination each year since then. As of Spring 1995, there had been 1007 certificates issued to child neurologists. In 1991 and 1992, alternative pathways to training in child neurology were developed. These substituted a year of internal medicine or a year of basic neuroscience research for 1 year of pediatrics. Relatively few child neurologists have chosen these alternative pathways. The performance of child neurologists, on Board examinations has generally been comparable to that of adult neurologists with the latter holding a slight edge. In 1990, a study of first-time takers of the certification examination was begun. In child neurology, 54% of the cohort passed both parts I and II on their first attempts, and as of July 1995, 81% of the original cohort was certified. In adult neurology, the comparable rates are 56% and 84%. Accreditation of child neurology training programs began in 1987. As of November 1995, there were 75 accredited child neurology training programs, which offered slightly over 200 total positions. Changes in health care delivery are currently taking place and have placed greater emphasis on primary care physicians. Proposals have been put forth that, if enacted, will reduce the current number of medical students and also reduce the total number of residents being trained. Reductions as great as 40% of current resident number have been proposed. Child neurology will need to reassess our current work force and training needs and re-evaluate our role in the training of primary care physicians. There appears to be a paradox. Explosions of information in both the basic and clinical neurosciences have directly benefited our patients, but yet our continued growth as a subspecialty is being challenged.
Computation of singularities and intersections of offsets of planar curves

Abstract: The objective of this paper is to compute the singularities of a normal offset of a planar integral polynomial curve and the intersections of two specific normal offsets of two planar integral polynomial curves. Singularities includeirregular points (such asisolated points andcusps) andself-intersections. The key element in the above techniques is the computation ofall real roots within a finite @? of systems of nonlinear equations involving polynomials and square roots of polynomials. The curves that we are investigating are described by polynomial functions, but their offset curve representations involve polynomials and square roots of polynomials. A methodology based on adaptive subdivision techniques to solve the resulting systems of nonlinear equations is investigated. Key components of our methods are the reduction of the problems into solutions of systems of polynomial equations of higher dimensionality through the introduction ofauxiliary variables and the use ofrounded interval arithmetic in the context of Bernstein subdivision to enhance the robustness of floating point implementation. Examples illustrate our techniques.
The intercalation process of N-alkyl amines or ammoniums within the structure of KTiNbO5

KTiNbO5 is a lamellar oxide susceptible to topotactic reactions, among which alkylammonium intercalation causes considerable layer separation and can, therefore, be used as a way of opening up the structure for further reaction. Whether intercalation compounds are prepared through direct intercalation exchange (KTiNbO5 + alkylammonium) or acid-base reaction between alkylamine and HTiNbOs, the equilibrium layer spacing is linearly dependent on the alkyl chain length, C2 ⋍ 7.86 + 1.62∗(chain length) for unwashed alkylammonium + KTiNbO5 intercalates, and C2 ⋍ 4.93 + 1.52∗(chain length) for most washed intercalates. IR spectra of both series are similar. The value of 1.5–1.6 observed for the slope of C2 vs chain length can be explained by the formation of a bilayer of alkylammonium chains, with either tilting or partial overlapping of the chains. Several such models are examined, some of which imply a rearrangement of the oxide sheets. All models restrict the alkylammonium density to <100% exchange. Models with tilting and no overlap predict a density closer to the experimental value, and they are also more likely from an energetical point of view, as attractive and repulsive pressures between the layers could hardly be balanced in models with overlap. The existence of two series of equilibrium forms, as well as of many unstable phases with high interlayer spacings, could be due to the intercalation of weakly held alkylamine/alkylammonium in excess of a bilayer.
Preoperative Detection of Malignant Transformation in a Choledochal Cyst

1 A female patient presented with jaundice and upper abdominal pain. Physical examination revealed cleral icterus and right upper quadrant abdominal tenderness. aboratory investigations were significant for total bilirubin of .7 mg/dL (normal, 0.2–1.3 mg/dL) and alkaline phosphatase of 89 U/L (normal, 38 –126 U/L). A computed tomogram of the bdomen revealed a dilated common bile duct (CBD) of 6 cm ith distal bile duct narrowing (Figure A). An endosopic ultraound examination to rule out underlying malignancy revealed CBD of 7 cm with large amount of sludge and no mass lesions Figure B). Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography as then undertaken for evaluating the bile duct wall layers by sing intraductal ultrasound and to decompress the CBD. At ndoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, the patient as diagnosed to have a type I choledochal cyst (Figure C), and here was no evidence of anomalous pancreaticobiliary juncion. Intraductal ultrasound revealed papillary projections in he bile duct wall consistent with malignant transformation Figure D). A biliary sphincterotomy was undertaken with rainage of black bile. The patient underwent bile duct resection (Figure E) and epaticojejunostomy. Histopathology revealed flat and papilary biliary intraepithelial neoplasia with multiple foci of highrade dysplasia but without deeper invasion (Figure F). Because he proximal left bile duct margin revealed focal epithelial typia, the patient subsequently underwent left hepatic lobecomy with intrahepatic biliary-enteric reconstruction. The paient had an uneventful postoperative course and was disharged home 10 days later. Choledochal cysts are rare congenital anomalies occurring in in 100,000 –150,000 live births in the United States.1 There is
Enthesopathy of the Lateral Cord of the Plantar Fascia

The objective of this study was to raise awareness of the diagnosis of enthesopathy of the lateral cord of the plantar fascia (LCPF) and describe its sonographic findings. We conducted a retrospective case series of 13 sonographic examinations with the diagnosis of LCPF enthesopathy. Two cadaver dissections of the plantar foot were performed for anatomic correlation. Sonographic findings of LCPF enthesopathy included generalized or focal hypoechoic thickening, loss of the normal fibrillar echo texture, cortical irregularity of the fifth metatarsal tuberosity, and vascularity on color Doppler imaging. Anatomic dissections of the plantar foot detailed the course of the LCPF and served as a guide for optimal sonographic imaging. Enthesopathy of the LCPF is an important etiology of nontraumatic pain at the base of the fifth metatarsal. Sonographic evaluation can readily show the characteristic findings of LCPF enthesopathy.
Pseudo-partially coherent beam for free-space laser communication

The use of laser beams with partial spatial coherence can reduce spatial intensity variations (scintillation) due to turbulence and therefore improve the performance of atmospheric laser communication links. For optimal performance the partial coherence needs to be managed such that there is a balance between scintillation reduction and beam spread. However, the practical creation of a partially coherent beam can be problematic. We discuss a concept where a simplified modulated phase pattern is imparted to a coherent source beam that, along with the inherent time averaging of the photodetection process, produces a beam with partially coherent characteristics. Results from a laboratory demonstration are presented that illustrate the potential application of this concept for free-space laser communications.
Association between uterine serous carcinoma and breast cancer.

Abstract Objective . Endometrial cancer and breast cancer are two common malignancies found in women. As a result of estrogen dependency, an association is thought to exist between these entities. This study was undertaken to determine if the endometrial carcinomas, which develop in women with a history of breast cancer, were more likely to be of the endometrioid or the serous histology, which is generally considered non-estrogen-dependent. Methods . A retrospective chart review was conducted for the years 1984–2001. All women who were diagnosed at our institution with endometrial carcinoma were identified. The women who also had a prior history of breast cancer were identified and comprise the cohort for this study. Information regarding age at diagnosis, tumor stage, histologic subtype, and tamoxifen exposure were recorded and analyzed. Results . About 1,166 women were diagnosed with endometrial cancer during the study period, of whom 54 (4.6%) had a pre-existing diagnosis of breast cancer. Of the 54 women in this study, 41 had tumors of the endometrioid histology and 13 had a tumor of the serous subtype. There was no difference with regards to median age at the time of diagnosis or years of tamoxifen exposure. Women with breast cancer were more likely to develop uterine serous carcinoma (USC) as compared to one of endometrioid histology (OR 2.6; 95% CI 1.29–5.23). Conclusions . Women with breast cancer who subsequently developed endometrial cancer exhibited a 2.6-fold increased risk of developing a USC as compared to an endometrioid carcinoma. These findings suggest that there may be an underlying genetic predisposition linking breast cancer and USC.
A comparative study of the spermatogenesis of five species of earwigs

The following species of earwigs are used in this study: Labidura bidens, Labia minor, Anisolabis annulipes, Anisolabis maritima, and Forficula auricularia. 1 In all species the chromosomes are divisible into, a) autosomes and, b) XY-complex. 2 The chromosome distribution in regular in Labidura bidens and Labia minor. The male diploid number is 12 and 14, respectively. Each has an XY-complex in which the X is a single chromosome. 3 In both Anisolabis annulipes and Anisolabis maritima the male diploid number is 25, or 22 autosomes and an XXY-complex. The two X components remain fused during the first spermatocyte division. 4 The diploid number in the male of Forficula auricularia is 25 and 24. The chromosome number is constant in the individual. The irregularity is interpreted as due to the fusion of the two X components in the individuals with 24 counts and to these X components remaining separate in the earwigs with the 25 counts. 5 An explanation is given for some of the variable results obtained in former studies of the chromosomes of Forficula auricularia. 6 The discussion considers the possible origin of the variations in chromosome numbers in the earwigs.
The conformation of end-groups is one determinant of carotenoid topology suitable for high fidelity molecular recognition: A study of β- and ε-end-groups

Abstract Conformation affects a carotenoid’s ability to bind selectively to proteins. We calculated adiabatic energy profiles for rotating the ring end-groups around the C6 C7 bond and for flexing of the ring with respect to the polyene chain. The choice of computational methods is important. A low, 4.2 kcal/mol barrier to rotation exists for a β-ring. An 8.3 kcal/mol barrier exists for rotation of an e-ring. Rotation of the e-ring is sensitive to substitution at C3. In the absence of external forces neither β- nor e-rings are rotationally constrained. The nearly parallel alignment of the β-ring to the C6 C7 bond axis contrasts to the more perpendicular orientation of the e-ring. Flexion of a β-ring to the minimized e-ring conformation requires ∼23 kcal/mol; extension of the e-ring to the minimized β-ring conformation requires ∼8 kcal/mol. Selectivity associated with β- versus e-rings is dominated by the inability of the β-ring to flex to minimize protein/ring steric interactions and maximize van der Waal’s attractions with the binding site.
Biodistribution and biopersistence of ceria engineered nanomaterials: size dependence

Abstract The aims were to determine the biodistribution, translocation, and persistence of nanoceria in the brain and selected peripheral organs. Nanoceria is being studied as an anti-oxidant therapeutic. Five, 15, 30, or 55 nm ceria was iv infused into rats which were terminated 1, 20, or 720 h later. Cerium was determined in blood, brain, liver, and spleen. Liver and spleen contained a large percentage of the dose, from which there was no significant clearance over 720 h, associated with adverse changes. Very little nanoceria entered brain parenchyma. The results suggest brain delivery of nanoceria will be a challenge. From the Clinical Editor This team of investigators revealed that nanoceria, which is being studied as an anti-oxidant, has very limited uptake by the brain regardless of the range of sizes studied, suggesting major challenges in the application of this novel approach in the central nervous system.
Replicative DNA polymerase δ but not ε proofreads errors in Cis and in Trans

It is now well established that in yeast, and likely most eukaryotic organisms, initial DNA replication of the leading strand is by DNA polymerase e and of the lagging strand by DNA polymerase δ. However, the role of Pol δ in replication of the leading strand is uncertain. In this work, we use a reporter system in Saccharomyces cerevisiae to measure mutation rates at specific base pairs in order to determine the effect of heterozygous or homozygous proofreading-defective mutants of either Pol e or Pol δ in diploid strains. We find that wild-type Pol e molecules cannot proofread errors created by proofreading-defective Pol e molecules, whereas Pol δ can not only proofread errors created by proofreading-defective Pol δ molecules, but can also proofread errors created by Pol e-defective molecules. These results suggest that any interruption in DNA synthesis on the leading strand is likely to result in completion by Pol δ and also explain the higher mutation rates observed in Pol δ-proofreading mutants compared to Pol e-proofreading defective mutants. For strains reverting via AT→GC, TA→GC, CG→AT, and GC→AT mutations, we find in addition a strong effect of gene orientation on mutation rate in proofreading-defective strains and demonstrate that much of this orientation dependence is due to differential efficiencies of mispair elongation. We also find that a 3′-terminal 8 oxoG, unlike a 3′-terminal G, is efficiently extended opposite an A and is not subject to proofreading. Proofreading mutations have been shown to result in tumor formation in both mice and humans; the results presented here can help explain the properties exhibited by those proofreading mutants.
The effects of cycloheximide and actinomycin D on the Na+ metabolism and gill rna metabolism of the euryhaline teleost, Fundulus kansae

Abstract 1. 1. The cell physiology of osmoregulation is investigated here in the euryhaline teleost, Fundulus kansae . 2. 2. Cycloheximide, an RNA translation inhibitor, elevates Na + efflux within hours and alters the incorporation of uridine and cytosine into RNA. 3. 3. Actinomycin D, an inhibitor of RNA transcription, causes a decrease in Na + efflux lasting several days, a buildup of body Na + , and an inhibition of 32 P incorporation into RNA, but no change in the U / C incorporation. 4. 4. The data do not clearly support the model involving two functional osmoregulatory molecules—a transporter of Na + and its inhibitor—both of which have different turnover rates.
A numerical analysis of high-temperature heat pipe startup from the frozen state

Continuum and rarefied vapor flows co-exist along the heat pipe length for most of the startup period. A two-region model is proposed in which the vapor flow in the continuum region is modeled by the compressible Navier-Stokes equations, and the vapor flow in the rarefied region is simulated by a self-diffusion model. The two vapor regions are linked with appropriate boundary conditions, and heat pipe wail, wick, and vapor flow are solved as a conjugate problem. The numerical solutions for the entire heat pipe startup process from the frozen state are compared with the corresponding experimental data with good agreement.
Photochemical Reaction of Ozone and Benzene: An Infrared Matrix Isolation Study

The photolysis of benzene/ozone mixtures in an argon matrix at 12 K with UV light of λ ≥ 280 nm leads to the following products: phenol, 2,4-cyclohexadienone, benzene oxide, and butadienylketene (hexa-1,3,5-trien-1-one). The identification of butadienylketene as a product is based on deuterium isotopic shifts and agreement with density functional vibrational frequency calculations. We find an average phenol/butadienylketene branching ratio of 4.3 during the course of photolysis. This is the first report in the literature of the observation of a ketene product from the reaction of oxygen atoms with benzene.
Mechanism Based Inhibition of Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases

Steroid hormone action can be regulated not only at the receptor level but also by the enzymes that are responsible for the synthesis and degradation of biologically active steroids. Traditionally the pharmacological intervention of steroid hormone action has focused on the development of steroidal and nonsteroidal hormone receptor agonists and antagonists with appropriate pharmacokinetics. Recently, the development of selective inhibitors/inactivators of steroid metabolizing enzymes has gained momentum. This review will concentrate on the development of mechanism-based inhibitors for one class of steroid hormone transforming enzymes, the hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases.
Asking the Right Question.

The decade of the 1980s was a period of intense educational reform, with emphasis on equalized funding, higher standards, and testing. Inadequate results from these reforms have prompted educators to reach deeper into the mechanisms that produce educational inequality, focusing on the goals of program equity and program adequacy. However, this strategy contains the misconception that educational equality may be achieved solely by focusing on what goes on within schools. Output goals for schools must be tied to explicit programs and standards to create a level playing field by raising up the schools serving the poor and knocking down barriers that stratify educational opportunity by race and class.
Still “Not Quite As Good As Having Your Own”? Toward a Sociology of Adoption

▪ Abstract Despite the fact that adoption is a common practice in the United States and in much of the world today, sociologists have devoted remarkably little attention to it. This review provides a rationale for much more extensive sociological research on adoption. It then summarizes the available empirical literature on who adopts children, and why, and on who relinquishes children for adoption, and why. Most adoptions have favorable outcomes for the members of the adoption triad (birth parents, adoptive parents, and adoptees). Yet the number of adoptions by nonrelatives has declined sharply since 1970, and only a small minority of women who have been treated for infertility have ever sought to adopt. These facts suggest that adoption may still have a stigma attached to it. Sociological research could illuminate whether such a stigma exists, and if so, what the causes and consequences of that stigma might be.
A Review of “Sequels: An Annotated Guide to Novels in Series”

This new edition of the popular, and no doubt heavily used, readers’ guide and selection tool continues to be set up as an annotated author index of fiction in series with an added title index. The...
Generating random media from limited microstructural information via stochastic optimization

Random media abound in nature and in manmade situations. Examples include porous media, biological materials, and composite materials. A stochastic optimization technique that we have recently developed to reconstruct realizations of random media (given limited microstructural information in the form of correlation functions) is investigated further, critically assessed, and refined. The reconstruction method is based on the minimization of the sum of squared differences between the calculated and reference correlation functions. We examine several examples, including one that has appreciable short-range order, and focus more closely on the kinetics of the evolution process. The method is generally successful in reconstructing or constructing random media with target correlation functions, but one must be careful in implementing an earlier proposed time-saving step when treating random media possessing significant short-range order. The issue of the uniqueness of the obtained solutions is also discussed.
Factors Associated with Pulmonary Embolism Within 72 Hours of Admission after Trauma: A Multicenter Study

Background Recent studies using thromboelastography indicate that patients are at risk for hypercoagulability early after injury. Pulmonary embolism (PE) is also well known to cause significant morbidity and mortality after injury and can occur within 72 hours of admission (early PE). Despite this risk, prophylactic anticoagulation is often delayed in patients with certain injuries due to concerns about bleeding. Study Design This was a retrospective study of injured patients with a PE from 2007 to 2013 at 3 level I trauma centers. Data collected included patient demographics, injury patterns, length of stay, timing of prophylaxis for deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and diagnosis of PE. Patients with early PE (≤3 days) were compared with those with late PE (>3 days) using bivariate and multivariable analysis. Results A total of 54,964 patients were admitted to the 3 centers during the study period, and 144 (0.26%) were diagnosed with a PE. Eleven were excluded from the study due to a lack of critical data, leaving 133 patients (43% early PE). Factors associated with early PE included long bone fractures in the lower extremity and an Abbreviated Injury Score (AIS) Extremity ≥3. Higher Injury Severity Score, severe chest and head trauma (AIS ≥ 3), and not receiving DVT prophylaxis within 48 hours of hospital admission were not associated with early PE. Conclusions Early PE is a significant clinical entity occurring in nearly half the patients who suffered a PE. Early PE is associated with long bone fractures and severe extremity trauma, but not severe thoracic injury. Timing of prophylactic anticoagulation had no impact on early PE. If further studies confirm this incidence of unsuspected early PE, all admitted trauma patients should be assessed for a hypercoagulable state after injury.
Tumor amount in prostatic tissues in relation to patient outcome and management.

The clinical significance of prostate cancer extent in prostatic tissue is dependent on the prostatic tissue sample type. For prostate needle core tissue and prostatic chips from transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), the amount of cancer is of established clinical significance, whereas the intraglandular extent of cancer in radical prostatectomy tissues, although prognostic, is not routinely used for patient management. In the December 2008 and January 2009 issues of the Journal, Vollmer1,2 contributes important knowledge on the relationship of the amount of prostate cancer in needle core tissue1 and radical prostatectomy tissue2 with patient outcome. Prominent strengths of these investigations include the rigorous statistical analyses, the size of the characterized patient populations (>400 patients in each), and the facts that these were prospective studies and the clinical end point was overall survival. Prospective research studies reduce the capacity for selection bias that is a striking feature of retrospective studies. The pathology literature would benefit by inclusion of more studies that were designed as prospective. Commonly used end points in prostate cancer research studies are pathologic stage and Gleason grade and elevation of the serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level after treatment (so-called PSA or biochemical failure). However, PSA failure is a surrogate for survival, and not all men who experience a rising PSA level after treatment will have diminished life expectancy. Survival is often considered the “gold standard” end point for cancer treatment trials and should be the gold standard in characterization of the clinical significance of pathologic features in prostatic tissues, including tumor extent. Overall survival and cancer-specific survival have been used. Cancer-specific survival can be instructive in older patient groups that generally have a high incidence of comorbidities and intercurrent deaths. Few studies have linked tumor extent in prostatic tissue to overall survival …
Acculturation Gap And Family Adjustment: Findings With Soviet Jewish Refugees in the United States and Implications for Measurement

This study examined the impact of “acculturation gaps” on family adjustment of 115 adolescent refugees from the former Soviet Union and their parents. Acculturation and acculturation gaps were assessed with respect to the American and Russian culture and separately for identity, behavioral, and language competence dimensions of acculturation. Acculturation gaps were operationalized in two different ways in analyses: Difference scores were computed between parent and adolescent acculturation levels and used to predict family conflict and disagreement, and moderated regression analyses examined the main effects and interactions of parent and adolescent acculturation variables in predicting family conflict and disagreement. Results suggest the importance of some gaps for family discord, not others. In particular, gaps in American identity, American behavior, and Russian language were associated with greater family discord. Results also suggest the relative advantages of using the moderated regression approac...
Neonatal atrial fibrillation after surgical repair of tracheoesophageal fistula with esophageal atresia.

Atrial fibrillation is rare in childhood that had not been reported in neonates with normal cardiac morphology and function. The authors present a newborn who underwent surgical repair of a tracheoesophageal fistula with esophageal atresia at the age of 2 days and experienced atrial fibrillation 16 days after the procedure. A report of 35 pediatric patients in a single center over a period of 22 years identified atrial fibrillation in children with a variety of ailments including congenital cardiac anomalies before and after corrective surgery, rheumatic valve disease, Marfan’s syndrome with mitral regurgitation, infective endocarditis, cardiomyopathy, endocardial fibroelastosis, paroxysmal atrial tachycardia of infants, and cardiac tumors [2]. All these patients had underlying cardiac disease.
Compensation in three-dimensional non-coplanar treatment planning

Abstract This paper presents a technique for producing uniform dose distributions within the target volume with noncoplanar field arrangements. The method is based upon the principle used for producing homogeneous dose distributions for a pair of fields in two dimensions, namely, that if the isodose distributions for the fields are made parallel to one another, the combined dose distribution will be uniform. For the three-dimensional non-coplanar case, homogeneous target dose distributions are obtained by designing field modifiers which produce a uniform dose distribution on the perpendicular bisector plane for each pair of fields. It is demonstrated that for three noncoplanar fields irradiating a spherical phantom with spherical target volumes, the target dose distribution will be homogeneous for any arbitrary non-coplanar field arrangement. Furthermore, this technique can be extended to any number of fields. Therefore, target dose distributions for non-coplanar plans can be as homogeneous as the coplanar case. An example of the application of the method to the treatment of rectal carcinoma with non-coplanar fields is given. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that the therapeutic ratio is improved over traditional methods for this clinical example.
Pacific–East Asian Teleconnection: How Does ENSO Affect East Asian Climate?

Observational evidence is presented to show a teleconnection between the central Pacific and East Asia during the extreme phases of ENSO cycles. This Pacific‐East Asian teleconnection is confined to the lower troposphere. The key system that bridges the warm (cold) events in the eastern Pacific and the weak (strong) East Asian winter monsoons is an anomalous lower-tropospheric anticyclone (cyclone) located in the western North Pacific. The western North Pacific wind anomalies develop rapidly in late fall of the year when a strong warm or cold event matures. The anomalies persist until the following spring or early summer, causing anomalously wet (dry) conditions along the East Asian polar front stretching from southern China northeastward to the east of Japan (Kuroshio extension). Using atmospheric general circulation and intermediate models, the authors show that the anomalous Philippine Sea anticyclone results from a Rossby-wave response to suppressed convective heating, which is induced by both the in situ ocean surface cooling and the subsidence forced remotely by the central Pacific warming. The development of the anticyclone is nearly concurrent with the enhancement of the local sea surface cooling. Both the anticyclone and the cooling region propagate slowly eastward. The development and persistence of the teleconnection is primarily attributed to a positive thermodynamic feedback between the anticyclone and the sea surface cooling in the presence of mean northeasterly trades. The rapid establishment of the Philippine Sea wind and SST anomalies implies the occurrence of extratropical‐tropical interactions through cold surge‐induced exchanges of surface buoyancy flux. The central Pacific warming plays an essential role in the development of the western Pacific cooling and the wind anomalies by setting up a favorable environment for the anticyclone‐ SST interaction and midlatitude‐tropical interaction in the western North Pacific.
Sex Differences in Reperfusion in Young Patients With ST-Segment–Elevation Myocardial Infarction Results From the VIRGO Study

Background—Sex disparities in reperfusion therapy for patients with acute ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction have been documented. However, little is known about whether these patterns exis...
Neoadjuvant Trastuzumab Induces Apoptosis in Primary Breast Cancers

Purpose Greater understanding of the cellular response in trastuzumab-treated patients will provide insight into the clinical management of patients. Patients and Methods We performed a neoadjuvant trial in 35 patients with locally advanced HER-2/neu overexpressing breast cancers who received weekly trastuzumab given as a single agent for the first 3 weeks, followed by a combination of trastuzumab and docetaxel for 12 weeks before surgery. Sequential core biopsies were taken at baseline and within weeks 1 and 3 after the first dose of trastuzumab. Clinical response to trastuzumab was assessed by tumor measurements on day 22 before chemotherapy. Core biopsies were assessed by immunohistochemistry for cell cycle and proliferation (Ki67, p27, phosphorylated [p] -MAPK), apoptosis and survival (apoptotic index, p-Akt), epidermal growth factor receptor, and total and p-HER-2. Results There was early tumor regression with a median decrease of −20.0% (range. 0% to 60.4%) after only 3 weeks of trastuzumab, and eig...
Decisions/action items/concerns-categories for managing key information during a research and development project

Describes a framework for concisely capturing, categorizing, sorting, distributing, resolving, and, most important, not losing track of key technical or management information, especially the small or subtle points raised at team meetings which can later become show stoppers. Each category of information (decisions/action items/concerns) is maintained in a personal computer database to simplify sorting, selecting, and reporting. >
DNA Damage, Cell Cycle Arrest, and Apoptosis Induction Caused by Lead in Human Leukemia Cells

In recent years, the industrial use of lead has been significantly reduced from paints and ceramic products, caulking, and pipe solder. Despite this progress, lead exposure continues to be a significant public health concern. The main goal of this research was to determine the in vitro mechanisms of lead nitrate [Pb(NO3)2] to induce DNA damage, apoptosis, and cell cycle arrest in human leukemia (HL-60) cells. To reach our goal, HL-60 cells were treated with different concentrations of Pb(NO3)2 for 24 h. Live cells and necrotic death cells were measured by the propidium idiode (PI) assay using the cellometer vision. Cell apoptosis was measured by the flow cytometry and DNA laddering. Cell cycle analysis was evaluated by the flow cytometry. The result of the PI demonstrated a significant (p < 0.05) increase of necrotic cell death in Pb(NO3)2-treated cells, indicative of membrane rupture by Pb(NO3)2 compared to the control. Data generated from the comet assay indicated a concentration-dependent increase in DNA damage, showing a significant increase (p < 0.05) in comet tail-length and percentages of DNA cleavage. Data generated from the flow cytometry assessment indicated that Pb(NO3)2 exposure significantly (p < 0.05) increased the proportion of caspase-3 positive cells (apoptotic cells) compared to the control. The flow cytometry assessment also indicated Pb(NO3)2 exposure caused cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 checkpoint. The result of DNA laddering assay showed presence of DNA smear in the agarose gel with little presence of DNA fragments in the treated cells compared to the control. In summary, Pb(NO3)2 inhibits HL-60 cells proliferation by not only inducing DNA damage and cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 checkpoint but also triggering the apoptosis through caspase-3 activation and nucleosomal DNA fragmentation accompanied by secondary necrosis. We believe that our study provides a new insight into the mechanisms of Pb(NO3)2 exposure and its associated adverse health effects.
Anion exchange membranes composed of a poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide) random copolymer functionalized with a bulky phosphonium cation

Abstract A random copolymer, tris(2,4,6-trimethoxyphenyl) phosphonium functionalized poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide) (PPO–TPQP) was cast from three different solvents: dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), ethyl lactate, or a 41:59 vol% mixture of DMSO and ethyl lactate. Solvents were selected via analysis of the Hansen solubility parameters to vary the phase separation of the polymer in the films. An optimized mixture of DMSO and ethyl lactate chosen for film fabrication and this film was contrasted with films cast from the neat constituent solvents. Atomic force microscopy identified domains from nanometer to tens of nanometer sizes, while the light microscopy showed features on the order of micron. SAXS revealed a cation scattering peak with a d-spacing from 7 to 15 A . Trends in conductivity and water diffusion for the membranes vary depending on the solvent from which they are cast. The mixed solvent cast membrane shows a linear Arrhenius behavior indicating fully dissociated cationic/anionic groups, and has the highest bromide conductivity of 3 mS/cm at 95% RH, 90 °C. The ethyl lactate cast membrane shows a linear Arrhenius relation in conductivity, but a Vogel–Tamman–Fulcher behavior in its water self-diffusion. While water increases bromide dissociation, water and bromide transport in these films seems to be decoupled. This is particularly true for the film cast from ethyl lactate.