cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Who Moves Markets in a Sudden Market-Wide Crisis? Evidence from Nine-Eleven

We compare reactions in the prices and trading patterns of common stocks and closed-end funds (CEFs), which have substantially different investor clienteles, to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. When the market reopened six days later, retail investors sold and there were sharp price declines -- even in assets with net institutional buying. In the subsequent two weeks, price reversals were substantially security-specific and thus not simply due to improved systematic sentiment. Consistent with microstructure theory, comparisons between CEFs and common stocks show the speed of these reversals depended significantly on the relative quality and availability of information about fundamental values.
An abstract machine for the Reduce-OR process model for parallel Prolog

We discuss the design of an abstract machine for the Reduce-OR process model (ROPM) for the AND and OR parallel execution of Prolog programs. It differs from the WAM in many respects, and some of these differences are elaborated upon in this paper. Some of the significant differences are related to the binding environment which has been designed to support AND and OR parallel execution of logic programs on both shared and nonshared memory machines, the process model, and the handling of solutions for AND parallel branches in the Data Join Graph (DJG) that is used to represent data dependencies in a Prolog clause. An emulator for the abstract machine has been implemented and is targeted for both shared and nonshared memory machines.
Synthesis of a β-diiminate iridium tetrahydride for arene C–H bond activation

The preparation of the iridium tetrahydride (iPrBDI)IrH4 {BDI = ArNC(Me)CH(Me)CNAr, Ar = 2,6-iPr2C6H3} and its activity in the catalytic C–H activation of arenes is described.
ST elevation and inverted T wave as another normal variant mimicking acute myocardial infarction: the prevalence, age, gender, and racial distribution.

Background: Early repolarization (ERP) as a normal variant is a well-recognized ECG entity. There is another normal variant of ST elevation (STTNV) in the midprecordial leads, which is distinctively different from ERP in that the T waves are inverted in these leads while they are upright and tall in ERP. These findings can be easily mistaken for acute myocardial infarction or pericarditis. The purpose of this study is to publicize this entity and to determine its prevalence, age, gender, and racial distributions. Methods: All ECGs taken in adults at a Minneapolis hospital in 2007 were reviewed and individuals with the following ECG findings were identified: 1–3 mm ST elevation ending in an inverted T wave in midprecordial leads with preserved R waves. Results: A total of 11,424 patients (5997 men, 5427 women) had one or more ECGs in 2007. STTNV was seen in 101 patients, 97 (96%) of whom were black. Seventy-seven of 2084 (3.7%) black men and 20 of 2020 (1%) black women had STTNV. It was rare in other races (0 to 0.7%), particularly in white patients (1 of 5099 patients). It seems to be evenly distributed throughout the age. The ECG findings normalized in all 6 patients who underwent a treadmill stress test. Conclusions: This entity is seen almost exclusively in blacks (3.7% of men, 1% of women), and is more or less evenly distributed throughout the age. Whether this variant is more often associated with malignant ventricular arrhythmias remains to be determined. Ann Noninvasive Electrocardiol 2011;16(1):64–69
Pharmacological evaluation of SN79, a sigma (σ) receptor ligand, against methamphetamine-induced neurotoxicity in vivo

Abstract Methamphetamine is a highly addictive psychostimulant drug of abuse, causing hyperthermia and neurotoxicity at high doses. Currently, there is no clinically proven pharmacotherapy to treat these effects of methamphetamine, necessitating identification of potential novel therapeutic targets. Earlier studies showed that methamphetamine binds to sigma ( σ ) receptors in the brain at physiologically relevant concentrations, where it “acts in part as an agonist.” SN79 (6-acetyl-3-(4-(4-(4-florophenyl)piperazin-1-yl)butyl)benzo[ d ]oxazol-2( 3H )-one) was synthesized as a putative σ receptor antagonist with nanomolar affinity and selectivity for σ receptors over 57 other binding sites. SN79 pretreatment afforded protection against methamphetamine-induced hyperthermia and striatal dopaminergic and serotonergic neurotoxicity in male, Swiss Webster mice (measured as depletions in striatal dopamine and serotonin levels, and reductions in striatal dopamine and serotonin transporter expression levels). In contrast, di-o-tolylguanidine (DTG), a well established σ receptor agonist, increased the lethal effects of methamphetamine, although it did not further exacerbate methamphetamine-induced hyperthermia. Together, the data implicate σ receptors in the direct modulation of some effects of methamphetamine such as lethality, while having a modulatory role which can mitigate other methamphetamine-induced effects such as hyperthermia and neurotoxicity.
Helping behavior and attitude congruence toward capital punishment.

(1975). Helping Behavior and Attitude Congruence toward Capital Punishment. The Journal of Social Psychology: Vol. 96, No. 2, pp. 295-296.
Increased frontocerebellar activation in alcoholics during verbal working memory: an fMRI study

Although there is clear evidence of alcoholism-related damage to the frontal lobes and cerebellum from neuroimaging, neuropathological, and neuropsychological studies, the functional role of the cerebellum and cerebrocerebellar circuits related to verbal working memory deficits of alcoholics have not been well studied. Alcoholic and nonalcoholic subjects performed a Sternberg verbal working memory task while receiving an fMRI scan in a 3T magnet. This task has been found in previous studies to reliably activate the articulatory control and phonological storage components of the phonological loop (left frontal, left temporal/parietal structures, right superior cerebellar regions) in young healthy controls. We hypothesized that the alcoholics would show a different pattern of activation from the controls, based on the regions of interest (ROIs) identified from a previous study of healthy subjects. Behavioral results showed the alcoholics to be performing at a comparable level to the matched controls in terms of accuracy and median reaction time, with no statistically significant differences. However, analysis of the functional data revealed that the alcoholics exhibited greater activation in the left frontal (BA44/45) and right superior cerebellum (HVI) regions relative to the matched controls. These findings suggest that brain activation in left frontal and right cerebellar regions that support the articulatory control system of verbal working memory may require a compensatory increase in alcoholics in order to maintain the same level of performance as controls.
Curcumin restores sensitivity to retinoic acid in triple negative breast cancer cells

A major obstacle in the use of retinoid therapy in cancer is the resistance to this agent in tumors. Retinoic acid facilitates the growth of mammary carcinoma cells which express high levels of fatty acid-binding protein 5 (FABP5). This protein delivers retinoic acid to peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor β/δ (PPARβ/δ) that targets genes involved in cell proliferation and survival. One approach to overcome resistance of mammary carcinoma cells to retinoic acid is to target and suppress the FABP5/ PPARβ/δ pathway. The objective of this research was to investigate the effect of curcumin, a polyphenol extract from the plant Curcuma longa, on the FABP5/ PPARβ/δ pathway in retinoic acid resistant triple negative breast cancer cells. Cell viability and proliferation of triple negative breast cancer cell lines (MDA-MB-231 and MD-MB-468) treated with curcumin and/or retinoic was analyzed using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and 5-bromo-2’-deoxyuridine (BrdU). Expression level of FABP5 and PPARβ/δ in these cells treated with curcumin was examined by Western Blotting analysis and Quantitative Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR). Effect of curcumin and retinoic acid on PPARβ/δ target genes, PDK1and VEGF-A were also examined using qRT-PCR. Western Blotting was utilized to examine the protein expression level of the p65 subunit of NF-κB. Treatment of retinoic acid resistant triple negative breast cancer cells with curcumin sensitized these cells to retinoic acid mediated growth suppression, as well as suppressed incorporation of BrdU. Further studies demonstrated that curcumin showed a marked reduction in the expression level of FABP5 and PPARβ/δ. We provide evidence that curcumin suppresses p65, a transcription factor known to regulate FABP5. The combination of curcumin with retinoic acid suppressed PPARβ/δ target genes, VEGF-A and PDK1. Curcumin suppresses the expression level of FABP5 and PPARβ/δ in triple negative mammary carcinoma cells. By targeting the FABP5/PPARβ/δ pathway, curcumin prevents the delivery of retinoic acid to PPARβ/δ and suppresses retinoic acid-induced PPARβ/δ target gene, VEGF-A. Our data demonstrates that suppression of the FABP5/ PPARβ/δ pathway by curcumin sensitizes retinoic acid resistant triple negative breast cancer cells to retinoic acid mediated growth suppression.
Variation in MidIR and LWIR polarimetric imagery due to diurnal and meteorological impacts

We present radiometric and polarimetric calibrated imagery recorded in both the mid-wave IR (MidIR) and long wave IR (LWIR) as a function diurnal variation over several multiday periods. We compare differences in polarimetric and conventional thermal imagry for both IR atmospheric transmission windows, i.e., 3-5μm and 8-12 μm regions. Meteorological parameters measured during the study include temperature, relative-humidity, wind-speed/direction, precipitation, and ambient atmospheric IR loading. The two camera systems used in the study differed significantly in design. The LWIR polarimetric sensor utilizes a spinning achromatic retarder and is best suited for static scenes, while the MidIR system is based on a division-of-aperture design and is capable of recording polarimetric imagery of targets that are rapidly moving. Examples of both S0 (conventional thermal) and degree-of-linear polarization (DOLP) imagery are presented and compared.
A survey of pricing for integrated service networks

Advances in technology have greatly increased the demand for a single integrated service network that can provide multiple service classes for different user requirements. For such a multiple-service network, congestion control is one of the key issues to be addressed. However, without an appropriate mechanism to encourage end users to use the network properly, over-utilization and congestion are unavoidable. For this problem, it is widely accepted that pricing is a proper tool to manage congestion, encourage network growth, and allocate resource to users in a fair manner. However, how to charge for the traffic and at what price is still under study. In this paper, we first briefly review the state of the art and technological growth of congestion control for integrated service networks (ISN). Subsequently, we present a summary of the recent developments on various pricing policies and different charging and billing schemes that have been proposed for ATM and Internet Differentiated Services. Some architecture and implementation issues are also discussed. Finally, some future trends are identified.
Optimal demodulation of wavelength shifts in fiber Bragg grating sensors using an adaptive two wave mixing photorefractive interferometer

Recent work by our research group on the dynamic demodulation of strain-induced wavelength shifts in fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors show that these sensors are suitable for the detection of high frequency ultrasonic waves produced by impact loading. A FBG sensor is incorporated into an optical detection system that uses a broadband tunable laser source in the C-band, a two wave-mixing photorefractive interferometer, and a high-speed photodetector. When an ultrasonic wave interacts with the FBG sensor, the wavelength of the reflected light in the fiber is dynamically shifted due to strain-induced perturbation of the index of refraction and/or the period of the grating in the fiber. The wavelength shift is converted into an intensity change by splitting the light into signal and pump beams and interfering the beams in an InP:Fe photorefractive crystal (PRC). The resulting intensity change is measured by a photodetector. The two-wave mixing (TWM) photorefractive interferometer allows for several FBG sensors to be wavelength multiplexed in one PRC and it also actively compensates for low frequency signal drifts associated with unwanted room vibrations and temperature excursions. In this work, we present preliminary experimental results on the detection of impact signals using a low power (1 mW) TWM PRC based demodulation system. The response time of the PRC is optimized by focusing the signal and pump beams into the crystal allowing for adaptivity of the demodulation system to quasi-static strains or temperature drifts. The TWM intensity gain of the system is optimized for efficient wavelength demodulation through resonant enhancement of the space charge electric field formed in the PRC. The low power demodulation system would facilitate significant reduction in the overall cost of the system.
Solar ultraviolet-induced erythema in human skin and nuclear factor-kappa-B–dependent gene expression in keratinocytes are modulated by a French maritime pine bark extract

The procyanidin-rich French maritime pine bark extract Pycnogenol (PBE) has been investigated for its effect in protecting human skin against solar UV-simulated light-induced erythema. Twenty-one volunteers were given an oral supplementation of Pycnogenol: 1.10 mg/kg body weight (b. wt.)/d for the first 4 weeks and 1.66 mg/kg b. wt./d for the next 4 weeks. The minimal erythema dose (MED) was measured twice before supplementation (baseline MED), once after the first 4 weeks of supplementation, and a last time at the end of the study. The UVR dose necessary to achieve 1 MED was significantly increased during PBE supplementation. Since the activation of the pro-inflammatory and redox-regulated transcription factor NF-kappaB is thought to play a major role in UVR-induced erythema, the effect of PBE was also investigated in the human keratinocyte cell line HaCaT. PBE, added to the cell culture medium, inhibited UVR-induced NF-kappaB-dependent gene expression in a concentration-dependent manner. However, NF-kappaB-DNA-binding activity was not prevented, suggesting that PBE affects the transactivation capacity of NF-kappaB. These data indicate that oral supplementation of PBE reduces erythema in the skin. Inhibition of NF-kappaB-dependent gene expression by PBE possibly contributes to the observed increase in MED.
Atomoxetine for depression and other neuropsychiatric symptoms in Parkinson disease

Objectives: Depression and antidepressant use, especially selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are common in Parkinson disease (PD). The objective of this clinical trial was to assess the efficacy of atomoxetine, a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), for the treatment of clinically significant depressive symptoms and common comorbid neuropsychiatric symptoms in PD. Methods: A total of 55 subjects with PD and an Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology–Clinician (IDS-C) score ≥22 were randomized to 8 weeks of atomoxetine or placebo treatment (target dosage = 80 mg/day). Depression response (>50% decrease in IDS-C score or Clinical Global Impression–Improvement [CGI-I] score of 1 or 2) was assessed using intention-to-treat modeling procedures. Secondary outcomes included global cognition, daytime sleepiness, anxiety, apathy, and motor function. Results: There were no between-groups differences in a priori–defined response rates. Using a more liberal response criterion of >40% decrease in IDS score from baseline, there was a trend ( p = 0.08) favoring atomoxetine. Patients receiving atomoxetine experienced significantly greater improvement in global cognition ( p = 0.003) and daytime sleepiness ( p = 0.001), and atomoxetine was well-tolerated. Conclusions: Atomoxetine treatment was not efficacious for the treatment of clinically significant depressive symptoms in PD, but was associated with improvement in global cognitive performance and daytime sleepiness. Larger studies of SNRIs in PD for disorders of mood, cognition, and wakefulness are appropriate. Classification of evidence: This interventional study provides Class II evidence that atomoxetine (target dosage = 80 mg/day) is not efficacious in improving clinically significant depression in PD.
Measuring the Impact of Light Rail Systems on Single-Family Home Values: A Hedonic Approach with Geographic Information System Application

In theory, proximity to light rail transit (LRT) may have two different effects on residential property values. On the one hand, accessibility (proximity to LRT stations) may increase property values. On the other hand, nuisance effects (proximity to the LRT line and stations) may decrease property values. Existing empirical studies are inconclusive, and failure to separate the effects of accessibility from the nuisance effects may explain some of the ambiguity. An examination is presented of the impact of the light rail system (MAX) in Portland, Oregon, on single-family home values using distance to rail stations as a proxy for accessibility and distance to the line itself as a proxy for nuisance effects. Geographic information system techniques are employed to create spatial-related variables and merge data from various sources. The study results confirm the hypothesis that the light rail has both a positive effect (accessibility effect) and a negative effect (nuisance effect) on single-family home values. The positive effect dominates the negative effect, which implies a declining price gradient as one moves away from LRT stations for several hundred meters. Without controlling for the nuisance effect of the distance to the rail line, the estimated coefficients on distance from stations appear to be biased and would underestimate the accessibility effect. The finding of an independent nuisance effect suggests that previous hedonic models may have reached contradictory results because the nuisance effect differs with different types of rail or other local characteristics.
Altered leukocyte chemiluminescence during hemodialysis

The chemiluminescent response of leukocytes collected 30 min into hemodialysis was reduced to one-third that of autologous predialysis cells. The reduction was transient, with chemiluminescence returning to predialysis values by 2 hr. The dialysis procedure also caused slight C3 conversion as well as a reduction of alternative pathway hemolytic titer.
Ubiquitin pools, ubiquitin mRNA levels, and ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis in aging human fibroblasts

Senescent cells have less free ubiquitin and more ubiquitin-protein conjugates than do young cells. The ubiquitin-protein conjugates are heterogeneous in size but contain prominent bands at 106, 55, and 22 kDa. The age-related increase in ubiquitin-protein conjugates applies primarily to the 55-kDa band, while the 106-kDa and 22-kDa conjugates change little with age. Ubiquitin mRNA levels do not change with age, and the ability of cells to degrade two proteins that are good substrates for ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis is unaltered by aging. These results indicate that an increase in ubiquitin-protein conjugates does not necessarily reflect alterations in ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis. Furthermore, an overactive pathway of ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis does not appear to contribute to the proliferative arrest in senescent cells.
Operative strategies for management of abdominal aortic gunshot wounds

Background. Although management of penetrating abdominal trauma has greatly improved, abdominal aortic gunshot wounds (AAGSWs) remain a highly lethal injury. Our experience with AAGSWs was reviewed to define operative strategies that may improve survival. Methods. Forty-one patients with AAGSWs were treated between 1976 and 1996. Preliminary thoracotomy was performed in seven patients. Thirty-nine patients had at least one major associated injury (average, 3.2). Results. Twenty-one patients died. Six of seven patients who underwent preliminary thoracotomy died; all developed coagulopathy, which appeared to contribute to death. Four patients had missed vascular lesions, two of which contributed to their death. Associated injuries are currently managed by “damage control” strategy, in which some injuries are left untreated to focus on hemorrhage control. Conclusions. We have identified seven operative principles and procedures that we believe may improve survival: (1) thorough knowledge of supraceliac exposure; (2) rapid aortic control at the hiatus rather than by a preliminary thoracotomy; (3) use damage control or abbreviated laparotomy; (4) use packing and mesh closure when coagulopathy and hypothermia are present; (5) primary concern should be cessation of hemorrhage rather than the maintenance of flow; (6) delayed reconstruction using extraanatomic bypass can restore flow; and (7) use angiography to detect missed vascular lesions or problems with vascular repair.
Systematic corrections to quadratic approximations for power-law structure functions: the δ expansion

A new perturbation expansion for optical propagation in turbulence is presented. The method consists of expanding the power of the (Markov) refractive-index structure function about the trivial value 2. By providing a method of obtaining systematic corrections to results obtained by using a quadratic approximation to the structure function, the expansion permits quantitative estimation of the errors in these results. It is shown that this expansion necessarily introduces an arbitrary length, even in zeroth order (quadratic approximation). This length may be adjusted to improve the convergence of the expansion, thereby giving insight into the most-important-length scale of the problem. Essential differences are noted between optical processes in which the effects of overall wave-front tilts cancel and processes in which they do not. In the latter, the δ expansion gives (in low order) excellent approximations for all turbulence strengths, and the most important length decreases in increasing turbulence. In a tilt-canceling process, however, only moderate improvement over a weak-turbulence expansion is obtained, and the most important length appears to increase with the strength of the turbulence.
Removing the Barriers for Students with Disabilities: Accessible Online and Web‐Enhanced Courses

The concern of this article is the difficulties faced by disabled students as technology grows and expands in academia. Although distance learning, web‐based courses, and hybrid courses, among other venues, have improved the chances for many people suffering disabilities for obtaining degrees and thereby increasing their life chances, we have met new challenges as well. This work will consider the growth of these technologies and some of the difficulties they present to particular groups of students. Also, the article will explore methods of overcoming many of these problems. Finally, a general method of working with these students and their special needs is drawn from existing literature.
Polyiodine and Polyiodide Species in an Aqueous Solution of Iodine + KI: Theoretical and Experimental Studies

In the presence of KI, iodine crystals dissolve rapidly in an aqueous solution forming triiodide ions (I3-) and other neutral species. The experimental evidence does not support the formation of polyiodide ions such as I5-, I7-, etc. in the solution. However, there is a strong evidence suggesting the formation of polyiodine species, I2x, where x = 2, 3, etc., stabilized by H+ ions in the solution. Ab initio results are presented for structures and energies of some of these species with an x value of up to 4. Each geometry optimization was done at the HF/LANL2DZ level followed by a single-point energy calculation at the MP2/LANL2DZ level. These calculations suggest that the isolated polyiodine species are not stable and, among the complexed species, the protonated clusters are most stable.
Solidarity and Responsibility: Conceptual Connections

Deplorant l'appauvrissement conceptuel qui resulte de la substitution des notions de solidarite et communaute dans le domaine de la philosophie politique et sociale, l'A. etudie la querelle recente opposant N. Geras et Rorty sur la question sociale de la solidarite, d'une part, et propose une autre analyse de la relation entre les notions de solidarite et responsabilite inspiree de la conception de la liberte chez Sartre et de l'ethique sartrienne de J. Catalono, d'autre part.
Some Optical Properties of Powder and Crystal Halophosphate Phosphors

Diffuse reflectivity and excitation spectra of powder and optical absorption of synthetic single crystal halophosphate phosphors have been determined in the spectral region 1100–3000Aa. Intrinsic optical absorption by the host lattice begins at approximately 1500Aa in fluoroapatite and 1570Aa in chloroapatite. Absorption in bands of manganese in fluoroapatite at 1600, 1750, and 2150Aa results in luminescence in the absence of antimony. Absorption due to antimony lies between 1600 and 2900Aa. The preparation and some optical properties of synthetic single crystals are described.
Measurement of the photorefractive phase shift

We present a method to separate the effects of trap gratings and electro-optic gratings in BaTiO3 crystals, and we determine the true spatial shift between the electro-optic grating and the optical intensity pattern. At small beam-crossing angles this spatial shift is strongly affected by a photogalvanic current in the crystal.
Optimizing Value Extraction from Turnarounds

Abstract Turnarounds represent the most significant portion of a plant's yearly maintenance budget and can affect the company's bottom line if mismanaged. They are necessary to ensure that equipment will not fail and cause severe accidents, which could result in a catastrophe and a consequent unscheduled outage. Turnarounds are hard to manage. The most dangerous period for any company is not when it is fully operational, but rather when it is in transition. During a turnaround, thousands of separate procedures are performed, often by contractors who are unfamiliar with the specific site. Some of these procedures involve highly volatile substances or risk-laden working environments such as confined spaces. In order to realize the benefits of an effective turnaround, companies must fully understand the risk environment, and both plan as well as allocate resources accordingly. The risk profile of a turnaround is indeed quite broad. Poor planning and execution can lead to costly delays, damage to critical assets, extensive environmental damage and severe safety incidents, which may include the loss of life. Such incidents have the potential extensively to affect company assets and public image. With this challenge, however, comes opportunity – a turnaround provides an ideal context for optimizing assets, taking action to reduce energy consumption and improving process efficiency. Recent technological advancements, coupled with an integrated approach to sustainable operations management, can help to reduce production costs and to achieve the bottom line. This paper will describe the benefits of improving the front-end contractor hiring process, vital to keeping control of turnarounds, as it not only initiates safety dialogue, but also clarifies the financial and practical implications of incorporating expectations into contractors’ bids. The process steps covered include the selection of contractors with demonstrated satisfactory safety performance, contractual requirement to work safely and clarification of safety expectations upon award. Moreover, the paper will review the DuPont Turnaround Model.
Use of Self-Disclosure for the Gay Male Therapist: The Impact on Gay Males in Therapy

ABSTRACT Homophobia and heterosexism often can negatively affect a gay male's development, and developing internalized homophobia can challenge connecting with others. Using a sample of eight therapist–patient pairs (16 participants), each participant responded to how often the therapist self-disclosed. In addition, each participant completed a measurement inventory to determine how connected each was to the other (patient to therapist or therapist to patient). Findings indicated that self-disclosure occurred often during therapy, and there was a fairly high level of connection between patients and therapists. Patients who perceived that their therapists self-disclosed more often also reported higher levels of connection when compared with those who perceived a lower level of therapist self-disclosure. Recommendations for future research are made along with practice implications designed to help therapists effectively use self-disclosure when working with gay male clients.
Estrogen and the female heart

Estrogen has a plethora of effects in the cardiovascular system. Studies of estrogen and the heart span human clinical trials and basic cell and molecular investigations. Greater understanding of cell and molecular responses to estrogens can provide further insights into the findings of clinical studies. Differences in expression and cellular/intracellular distribution of the two main receptors, estrogen receptor (ER) α and β, are thought to account for the specificity and differences in responses to estrogen. Much remains to be learned in this area, but cellular distribution within the cardiovascular system is becoming clearer. Identification of GPER as a third ER has introduced further complexity to the system. 17β-estradiol (E2), the most potent human estrogen, clearly has protective properties activating a signaling cascade leading to cellular protection and also influencing expression of the protective heat shock proteins (HSP). E2 protects the heart from ischemic injury in basic studies, but the picture is more involved in the whole organism and clinical studies. Here the complexity of E2's widespread effects comes into play and makes interpretation of findings more challenging. Estrogen loss occurs primarily with aging, but few studies have used aged models despite clear evidence of differences between the response to estrogen deficiency in adult and aged animals. Thus more work is needed focusing on the effects of aging vs. estrogen loss on the cardiovascular system.
Copper metabolism of holstein and jersey cows and heifers fed diets high in cupric sulfate or copper proteinate.

Abstract Eight Holstein and 8 Jersey primiparous cows (3 d postcalving) and 8 Holstein and 8 Jersey growing heifers were randomly assigned to 1 of 8 treatments in a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial arrangement to compare Cu metabolism between Holsteins and Jerseys and the bioavailabilities of Cu in Cu proteinate and CuSO 4 . The variables were Holstein or Jersey, Cu supplementation at 5 or 80 mg/kg of DM, and supplements of CuSO 4 or Cu proteinate. Jerseys had higher hepatic Cu concentrations than did Holsteins on d 60 (346 vs. 303 μ g/g of DM). At the high Cu supplementation, hepatic Cu increased more rapidly, and content was higher in Jerseys than in Holsteins by d 60 (520 vs. 439 μ g/g of DM). On d 0, plasma Cu concentrations were 0.99 and 0.80 μ g/ml, and, on d 60, concentrations were 0.96 and 0.88 μ g/m l for Jerseys and Holsteins, respectively. Overall, serum ceruloplasmin oxidase activity was greater for Jerseys than for Holsteins. Jersey cows and heifers also had greater hepatic Fe (208 vs. 173 μ g/g of DM) and lower hepatic Zn (82 vs. 91 μ g/g of DM) than did Holstein cows and heifers at d 60. The bioavailability of Cu in Cu proteinate and CuSO 4 was the same. Plasma Cu concentration and ceruloplasmin have limited value as indicators of Cu status and availability to dairy cows and heifers.
Modeling sorbing chemicals: Considering the nonsingular adsorption/desorption isotherm

Abstract A simple model to predict the time dependent concentration of a sorbing hydrophobic pollutant in a lake was used to compare modeling results with laboratory measurements. The modeling results were obtained for three different forms of describing the pollutants equilibrium between the dissolved phase and the phase adsorbed on sediments while the pollutant is desorbing from the sediments. First a linear desorption isotherm that is equal to the adsorption isotherm was considered, then a nonlinear desorption isotherm was included in the model, and finally it was assumed that the observed nonlinear desorption isotherm is in fact linear and the nonlinearity was exclusively an effect of nonsettling particles. In this last case the appropriate adjustments were made in the model's parameter estimation to compensate for the nonsettling effect. Laboratory studies were conducted using Malathion as the sorting compound. The adsorption/desorption isotherms as well as the kinetics of evaporation of Malathion fr...
Proximity-based measure of land use impacts to aquatic ecosystem integrity

A proximity-based measure of land-use impacts to aquatic ecosystem integrity based on both the relative abundance and spatial distribution of land uses within a watershed is developed and evaluated. This hydrologic proximity measure assumes that the impact of the land use at a specific position in the watershed upstream from a sample site is related to the relative volume of water that would be expected to flow through that position during a storm event. In order to evaluate the utility of this measure, the fit of several models based on land use and habitat assessment measures to biological integrity data is compared to the fit of a similar model based on hydrologic proximity measures. This hydrologic proximity model explained more of the variability in observed Hilsenhoff biotic index scores (R 2 = 0.92) than land use impacts estimated as the watershed surface area occupied by each land use (R 2 = 0.83), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency habitat assessment methods (R 2 = 0.68), or Ohio Environmental Protection Agency habitat assessment methods (R 2 = 0.68). Additionally, an algorithm based on the hydrologic proximity measure is presented for optimizing land use conversion projects to enhance biological integrity.
Vestibular autorotation testing in patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo

OBJECTIVES:The current gold standard for diagnosis of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the Dix-Hallpike maneuver. However, because of fatigability, the Dix-Hallpike is often falsely normal. The objective of this study was to evaluate the utility of vestibular autorotation testing in the diagnosis of BPPV.METHODS:The charts of 210 patients at a tertiary referral center for vertiginous disorders were reviewed. All patients underwent clinical evaluation, Dix-Hallpike testing, audiometry, electronystag-mography, and vestibular autorotation testing. The vestibular autorotation results of patients with BPPV were compared with the findings in patients with non-BPPV vestibular disorders. The sensitivity and specificity of vestibular autorotation testing in diagnosing BPPV were calculated.RESULTS:Ninety-one patients (42.9%) had BPPV, 76 patients (36.2%) had vertigo of uncertain cause, 28 (13.3%) had unilateral vestibular hypofunction, 9 patients (4.3%) had Meniere's disease, and 2 patients (1.0%) had...
How to determine institutional needs and requirements for a trauma registry

As institutions become interested in trauma registries, they find an overwhelming variety of decisions to be considered. A specific process can be used to simplify the procedure and to ensure a successful choice of a trauma registry.
Management of gastrointestinal toxicity of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs during therapy of rheumatic diseases: The rheumatologist's perspective

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the most widely used therapeutic agents for many important rheumatic diseases. A large body of evidence indicates that the anti-inflammatory effects as well as the toxic side effects of NSAIDs can be attributed to their ability to inhibit prostaglandin synthesis. The most frequent side effect leading to discontinuation of NSAID therapy is upper gastrointestinal toxicity. This is a major problem for rheumatologists and their patients since alternatives to NSAIDs are not readily available. The mechanism of upper gastrointestinal toxicity associated with NSAIDs can be attributed to their common ability to inhibit gastric PGE2 synthesis, which suggests that gastrointestinal side effects often may not be avoided by substituting another NSAID, a prediction borne out by many patients with rheumatic diseases. However, there is some evidence that some patients may differ in their susceptibility to gastrointestinal and other toxic effects, though this concept has not been rigorously studied in clinical trials. Thus, although changing the specific NSAID may prevent gastrointestinal toxicity in some patients, many are intolerant to all NSAIDs. Patients who benefit from a specific NSAID, but in whom gastrointestinal toxicity develops, have limited options. Another NSAID may be substituted but at the risk of losing therapeutic efficacy and/or of continuing toxicity. Alternatively, the side effects may be controlled while continuing therapy with the NSAID by one of several measures, including the use of antacids or a histamine (H2)-receptor antagonist, such as cimetidine. The use of enteric-coated salicylates or nonacetylated salicylates may also provide satisfactory alternatives. However, patients who have experienced major gastrointestinal toxicity, such as massive bleeding or active peptic ulcers, should usually avoid NSAID therapy.
Developmental expression of neurotrophins and their receptors in postnatal rat ventral midbrain.

Neurotrophins are a group of structurally related polypeptides that support the survival, differentiation, and maintenance of neuronal populations that express the appropriate high-affinity neurotrophin receptors. Two members of the neurotrophin family, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and neurotrophin-3 (NT-3), have been shown to increase the survival of dopaminergic neurons from the ventral midbrain in vitro. Evidence suggests that ventral midbrain neurons might be able to derive support from these trophic factors in vivo through paracrine or autocrine interactions. Both BDNF and NT-3 mRNAs and their receptor mRNAs, trkB and trkC mRNAs, respectively, have been localized to the ventral mesencephalon. However, the relative expression levels of the neurotrophins and their receptor mRNAs throughout ontogeny and in adulthood have not been elucidated. In the present study, the postnatal developmental expression of BDNF, NT-3, trkB, and trkC mRNAs was analyzed via in situ hybridization to gain insight into the possible role of these factors in vivo. We found that there was a developmental decline in the expression of BDNF and NT-3 mRNAs in the ventral mesencephalon. In contrast, no alterations in the expression of midbrain trkB or trkC mRNAs could be discerned. The present results suggest a role for BDNF and NT-3 in the earlier postnatal developmental events of responsive populations. The continued, albeit lower, expression of the neurotrophins in the ventral mesencephalon in adulthood also suggests a role for these factors in mature neuronal systems.
Adhesive Bond Dynamics in Contacts between T Lymphocytes and Glass-supported Planar Bilayers Reconstituted with the Immunoglobulin-related Adhesion Molecule CD58

The interaction of the T cell glycoprotein CD2 and its ligand CD58 is important for T cell interaction with antigen-presenting and target cells. The binding interaction is of low affinity and has a fast off-rate (>5 s−1) in solution. However, solution measurements may not accurately predict the behavior of molecules in an adhesive contact area. Interaction between T cells that express CD2 and glass-supported planar bilayers containing purified and fluorescently labeled CD58 leads to accumulation of CD58 (fluorescence) in the cell/bilayer contact area. CD58 molecules accumulated within the contact area in excess of the CD58 density in the bilayer outside the contact area can be considered as bound by cell surface CD2. Here, this phenomena and fluorescence photobleaching recovery were utilized to determine whether CD2-CD58 bonds are transient in contact areas. Fluorescent CD58 molecules accumulated in the T cell-bilayer interface were completely bleached. The bleached CD58 molecules accumulated in the contact area were rapidly replaced by fluorescent CD58 that diffused into the contact area from adjacent bilayer regions outside the contact area. Rapid recovery of the accumulated fluorescence directly demonstrates that the CD2-CD58 bonds are dissociating and that the dissociation leads to partner exchange, rather than rebinding of the same CD2-CD58 pairs. This suggests that the solution off-rate provides an accurate description of CD2-CD58 interaction in contact areas. Accumulated fluorescent IgG in contacts between K562 cells expressing low affinity Fc receptors and planar bilayers with fluorescent IgG bound to hapten-derivitized phospholipids displayed slower recovery than CD58 by a factor of 10. This suggests that the Fc receptor-IgG interaction has a longer lifetime than the CD2-CD58 interaction. These findings have implications for the mechanism of signaling by CD2 and the mechanism of cell detachment from large numbers of transient interactions.
The superior petrosal triangle as a constant anatomical landmark for subtemporal middle fossa orientation.

Objectives/Hypothesis: Anatomical landmarks including the arcuate eminence and the superficial petrosal nerve serve as orienting landmarks for middle fossa dissection. However, because of considerable variation among patients, these landmarks are not always readily identifiable. We expand on a previously described method for identifying the head of the malleus as a constant anatomical landmark to optimize exposure when employing a middle fossa approach. Methods: We completed an anatomical study using 10 preserved human cadaveric temporal bones to define the anatomical relationship among the root of the zygoma, the posterior-lateral lip of the foramen spinosum, and the bony tegmen over the head of the malleus. Subsequently, 5 fresh whole human cadaveric heads (10 temporal bones) were dissected using a surgically oriented anterior petrosectomy-middle fossa approach to evaluate the consistency of localizing the head of the malleus. Results: We defined the superior petrosal triangle as a stable anatomical relationship. Our cadaveric data demonstrated that the distance from the root of the zygoma to the head of the malleus was 18.7 mm (SD = 1.7 mm) and the distance from the foramen spinosum to the head of the malleus was 19.2 mm (SD = 1.0 mm). The intersection of an arc transcribed 19 mm from the root of the zygoma and an arc transcribed 19 mm from the foramen spinosum localized the head of the malleus within 2.5 mm (SD = 2.4 mm). Conclusions: The landmarks defined by the superior petrosal triangle represent a means to localize the bony tegmen over the head of the malleus. Identification of the head of the malleus as a landmark in middle fossa surgery when other landmarks are not recognizable optimizes patient safety and surgeon confidence during complex surgical procedures.
Development of a multiplex real-time PCR assay for the detection of Bordetella pertussis and Bordetella parapertussis in a single tube reaction

Abstract Pertussis is an infectious respiratory disease caused by the fastidious bacterium Bordetella pertussis, which may infect unvaccinated, previously vaccinated children, and adults in whom immunity has waned. Infants are at a particular risk for severe disease and complications. Bordetella parapertussis may cause a similar illness, however the symptoms are less severe and of shorter duration. Pertussis is a highly contagious disease and early diagnosis is essential. Studies have shown that PCR is 2–4 times more likely than culture to detect Bordetella pertussis. We developed a multiplex, real-time PCR assay using analyte-specific reagent (ASR) primers and probes dispensed in a convenient lyophilized bead format that targeted the multi-copy insertion sequences IS481 and IS1001 of B. pertussis and B. parapertussis, respectively. These specific ASRs were used in conjunction with Cepheid Smartmix. Included in the ASRs is a competitive internal control to evaluate the performance of the PCR reaction. After DNA extraction, amplification and detection were done on the Smart Cycler System, which performs integrated amplification and detection automatically in a single step. Specificity of the assay was confirmed using multiple distinct bacterial strains. Sensitivity of the assay and extraction efficiency were evaluated on DNA isolated from pure bacterial cultures and on spiked respiratory specimens. We also spiked different swab types and transport media to evaluate for interfering substances. To assess accuracy, we studied different patient specimen types received from two outside laboratories that used similar or different methods to detect B. pertussis and B. parapertussis. The sensitivity and the specificity of the assay for B. pertussis were 90% and 96%, respectively, and for B. parapertussis 71% (only 7 positive specimens were available for testing) and 100%, respectively. Our assay was found to be a valid method for the simultaneous detection of B. pertussis and B. parapertussis.
Analyzing Language Demands Facing English Learners on Science Performance Assessments: The SALD Framework.

This article report on the development and use of an analytical framework intended to map the language demands encountered by English learners as they engage in science performance assessments. Grounded in functional and interactional views of language and language use, the authors—two science education researchers and a language scholar—developed the framework via an inductive, iterative, and systematic review of written assessment materials associated with three fifth grade science performance tasks. The resulting Science Assessment Language Demands (SALD) framework is organized around three dimensions: participant structures, communicative modes, and written texts and genres that students are called upon to read and produce. The authors used textual analysis to conduct an expert review of the written documents associated with the three assessment tasks. The results indicate that the framework can be used to document a wide range of functional and interactional language demands involved in science performance assessments. The demands revealed by the SALD framework highlight both potential challenges facing English learners during science performance assessments as well as opportunities afforded by such assessments for demonstrating their knowledge and skills and further developing language proficiency. A major implication of the study is the potential use of the framework to evaluate the language demands and opportunities of science assessments used in classrooms with English learners. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 47: 909–928, 2010