cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mosquito-transmitted malaria in New York City, 1993

Abstract Summary In August, 1993, 3 cases of Plasmodium falciparum malaria in people without recent travel histories or bloodborne exposure were reported in New York City. An epidemiological investigation confirmed the absence of risk factors for acquisition of malaria in two cases. The third case could not be definitively classified as locally acquired malaria because the patient had travelled to Thailand two years before malaria was diagnosed. The 3 individuals lived in separate houses in the same neighbourhood of Queens, New York and had onset of illness within a day of each other. The investigation consisted of patient interviews, active case finding, reviewing recent New York flight and shipping arrivals, and an entomological survey for anopheline mosquitoes and breeding sites. No other cases were identified. The 3 patients lived several miles from air and sea ports and prevailing winds would have carried any mosquitoes at those sites away from the patients' homes. By the time of the environmental investigation (September, 1993), the area was dry and neither adult nor larval anophelines were found. However, weather conditions at the probable time of infection (July, 1993) were very different. Malaria was probably transmitted to these 2 patients by local anopheline mosquitoes that had fed on infected human hosts. Mosquito-control measures were not implemented because there was no evidence of ongoing transmission. The occurrence of mosquito-transmitted malaria in New York City demonstrates the potential for reintroduction of malaria transmission into areas that are no longer endemic and emphasises the need for continued surveillance and prompt investigations, if cases without risk factors are reported.
Expression of the α(1,3)Fucosyltransferase Fuc-TVII in Lymphoid Aggregate High Endothelial Venules Correlates with Expression of L-Selectin Ligands (*)

Lymphocyte homing to lymph nodes and Peyer's patches is mediated, in part, by adhesive interactions between L-selectin expressed by lymphocytes and L-selectin ligands displayed at the surface of the cuboidal endothelial cells lining the post-capillary venules within lymphoid aggregates. Candidate terminal oligosaccharide structures thought to be essential for effective L-selectin ligand activity include a sulfated derivative of the sialyl Lewis × tetrasaccharide. Cell type-specific synthesis of this oligosaccharide is presumed to require one or more α(1,3)fucosyltransferases, operating upon common 3′-sialylated and/or sulfated N-acetyllactosamine-type precursors. The identity of the α(1,3)fucosyltransferase(s) expressed in cells that bear L-selectin ligands has not been defined. We report here the molecular cloning and characterization of a murine α(1,3)fucosyltransferase locus whose expression pattern correlates with expression of high affinity ligands for L-selectin. In situ hybridization and immunohistochemical analyses demonstrate that this cDNA and its cognate α(1,3)fucosyltransferase are expressed in endothelial cells lining the high endothelial venules of peripheral lymph nodes, mesenteric lymph nodes, and Peyer's patches. These expression patterns correlate precisely with the expression pattern of L-selectin ligands identified with a chimeric L-selectin/IgM immunohistochemical probe and by the high endothelial venule-reactive monoclonal antibody MECA-79. Transcripts corresponding to this cDNA are also detected in isolated bone marrow cells, a source rich in the surface-localized ligands for E- and P-selectins. Sequence and functional analyses indicate that this murine enzyme corresponds to the human Fuc-TVII locus. These observations suggest that Fuc-TVII participates in the generation of α(1,3)fucosylated ligands for L-selectin and provide further evidence for a role for this enzyme in E- and P-selectin ligand expression in leukocytes.
Options Approach to Risk Analysis in Transportation Planning

The applicability of the real-options approach to risk management to the metropolitan transportation planning process is described. The options approach to risk analysis brings to investment decisions the insight that there is an inherent value in option-creating actions (by resolving uncertainty, enabling flexibility, or uncovering new and relevant information) and a cost associated with exercising options (irreversible commitments of resources and time). The options approach moves investment decision making from simply choosing whether to build a project to a regime that considers a range of possible decisions, with the potential value of each decision measured in terms of its option-creation value and irreversible commitment cost. This approach is specifically designed to maximize the value of investments having the characteristics of transportation projects that are subject to uncertainty and risk in their outcomes. Also described is the new options approach; examples that illustrate the value of diff...
Tpr is localized within the nuclear basket of the pore complex and has a role in nuclear protein export

Tpr is a coiled-coil protein found near the nucleoplasmic side of the pore complex. Since neither the precise localization of Tpr nor its functions are well defined, we generated antibodies to three regions of Tpr to clarify these issues. Using light and EM immunolocalization, we determined that mammalian Tpr is concentrated within the nuclear basket of the pore complex in a distribution similar to Nup153 and Nup98. Antibody localization together with imaging of GFP-Tpr in living cells revealed that Tpr is in discrete foci inside the nucleus similar to several other nucleoporins but is not present in intranuclear filamentous networks (Zimowska et al., 1997) or in long filaments extending from the pore complex (Cordes et al., 1997) as proposed. Injection of anti-Tpr antibodies into mitotic cells resulted in depletion of Tpr from the nuclear envelope without loss of other pore complex basket proteins. Whereas nuclear import mediated by a basic amino acid signal was unaffected, nuclear export mediated by a leucine-rich signal was retarded significantly. Nuclear injection of anti-Tpr antibodies in interphase cells similarly yielded inhibition of protein export but not import. These results indicate that Tpr is a nucleoporin of the nuclear basket with a role in nuclear protein export.
Climate influences on water and sediment properties of Genovesa Crater Lake, Galápagos

Genovesa Crater Lake is a remote, hypersaline lake in the northern Galapagos archipelago that contains a finely laminated sediment record. This sediment record has the potential to provide a high-resolution history of past climate variability in the eastern tropical Pacific. Here we present modern climate, lake, and sediment observations from 2009 to 2012 to explore how local climate variability influences Genovesa Crater Lake and its sediments. Surface lake temperature is strongly linked to air temperature and is highly seasonal. Temperature stratification is strongest during the warm season, whereas temperature becomes more uniform through the water column in the cool season. Deeper and earlier mixing occurred during the 2010 La Nina, which subsequently delayed 2011 cool season mixing and maximum warm season surface temperatures in 2011 and 2012. Lake salinity changes are influenced by precipitation, evaporation and persistent seawater influx. The largest declines in subsurface salinity follow months after the rainy season, when temperatures cool and fresher surface water from the previous warm/wet season mixes into the subsurface. Between 2009 and 2012, more calcium carbonate precipitated during a period of higher salinity. The period of highest calcium carbonate abundance measured in sediment records that span the late nineteenth to twentieth century coincides with the failure of two consecutive rainy seasons in 1988 and 1989 as well as the coldest monthly sea surface temperature measured at Puerto Ayora in 1989. More calcium carbonate-rich laminae from AD 1550 ± 70 to 1675 ± 90 may indicate a greater frequency of prolonged droughts or cooler temperatures, although enhanced productivity may also modulate carbonate precipitation. More Ca-rich laminae in Genovesa coincide with dry conditions inferred from other Galapagos sediment proxies, as well as prolonged dry and cool conditions inferred from reconstructions of the Southern Oscillation Index and NINO3 sea surface temperatures.
ARE GENERALISTS PRESSED FOR TIME? AN INTERSPECIFIC TEST OF THE TIME-LIMITED DISPERSER MODEL

Optimal-foraging theory, specifically the "Time-Limited Disperser Model," predicts that animals that can search for resources for a long period will be specialists, whereas animals that have limited search times will be generalists. So far, this model has only been tested within individual species, i.e., among animals of similar physiology and life history. I tested the model across multiple species, using a taxonomically diverse community of arthropods found on exposed tree trunks in northern Germany. I sampled 14 arthropod species from different microhabitat types (various cryptogam species and crevice types) and quantified the microhabitat-niche breadths of species by Simpson index. Then, I used multiple regression analysis across phylogenetically independent contrasts to examine the relationship between microhabitat-niche breadth and traits that can control search time (degree of residence on the trunks, tolerance of abiotic stress, speed of move- ment, generation time). I found that microhabitat specialists had longer generation times, spent more of their life on the trunks and could move faster than generalists. This allowed specialists to search the trunk for a longer period of time than generalists and to require less time to traverse a given search distance. These three findings supported the Time- Limited Disperser Model. However, specialists were no more tolerant of abiotic stress (i.e., desiccation) than were generalists. That is, specialists could not search the trunk during more adverse climatic conditions than could generalists, contradicting the Time-Limited Disperser Model. Overall, the results supported three out of four predictions of the Time- Limited Disperser Model at an interspecific level. Specialists can search for a long time.; generalists are pressed for time.
Computation of photoelectron counting distributions by numerical contour integration. II. Light with rational spectral density

For a mixture of an arbitrary number of sinusoidal coherent components and chaotic light with a rational spectral density having simple poles, the probability-generating function h(z) of the number of photoelectrons ejected by the light in an interval is expressed in terms of certain finite determinants. It figures in the integrands of contour integrals in the complex plane for the cumulative and complementary cumulative distributions of the number of photoelectron counts. When these are evaluated by numerical integration, h(z) can be computed at each point on the contour by standard computer routines for solving algebraic equations and evaluating determinants, permitting precise and efficient computation of the photocount distributions.
Mobilization of intracellular calcium in kidney epithelial cells is inhibited by lead

Abstract The effect of lead (Pb) on intracellular calcium (Cai) after stimulation with agonists was studied in Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells. In response to the agonist ADP, the levels of Cai increased by approximately threefold in MDCK cells bathed in a buffer with calcium (Ca) or in a buffer with nominal Ca. Pb inhibited the response to ADP in MDCK cells bathed in either buffer. The inhibition by Pb was observed after a 5 and 20-min exposure to Pb, but not after 2-min. Very high concentrations of ADP did not reverse the effects of Pb. Concentrations of Pb of 1 μM or more inhibited the response to ADP. Similarly, the response to bradykinin was also inhibited by Pb. Protein kinase C did not play a role since the protein kinase C inhibitor GF 109203X did not reverse the effects of Pb. Interestingly, MDCK cells treated with Pb at concentrations above 1 μM, for periods of 5–20 min, displayed elevated levels of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate. In conclusion, Pb inhibits mobilization of Cai after agonist stimulation by a mechanism that is unrelated to the type of agonist used. Evidence is presented suggesting that the inhibition is due to increases in levels of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate, which possibly decreases the amount of Cai available for mobilization.
Preservation of mitochondrial function with cardiopulmonary resuscitation in prolonged cardiac arrest in rats

During cardiac arrest (CA), myocardial perfusion is solely dependent on cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) although closed-chest compressions only provide about 10-20% of normal myocardial perfusion. The study was conducted in a whole animal CPR model to determine whether CPR-generated oxygen delivery preserves or worsens mitochondrial function. Male Sprague-Dawley rats (400-450 g) were randomly divided into four groups: (1) BL (instrumentation only, no cardiac arrest), (2) CA(15) (15 min cardiac arrest without CPR), (3) CA(25) (25 min cardiac arrest without CPR) and (4) CPR (15 min cardiac arrest, followed by 10 min CPR). The differences between groups were evaluated by measuring mitochondrial respiration, electron transport chain (ETC) complex activities and mitochondrial ultrastructure by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The CA(25) group had the greatest impairment of mitochondrial respiration and ETC complex activities (I-III). In contrast, the CPR group was not different from the CA(15) group regarding all measures of mitochondrial function. Complex I was more susceptible to ischemic injury than the other complexes and was the major determinant of mitochondrial dysfunction. Observations of mitochondrial ultrastructure by TEM were compatible with the biochemical results. The findings suggest that, despite low blood flow and oxygen delivery, CPR is able to preserve heart mitochondrial function and viability during ongoing global ischemia. Preservation of complex I activity and mitochondrial function during cardiac arrest may be an important mechanism underlying the beneficial effects of CPR which have been shown in clinical studies.
Supercompactness and partial level by level equivalence between strong compactness and strongness

We force and construct a model containing supercompact cardinals in which, for any measurable cardinal and any ordinal below the least beth xed point above , if + is regular, is + strongly compact i is + +1 strong, except possibly if is a limit of cardinals which are + strongly compact. The choice of the least beth xed point above as our bound on is arbitrary, and other bounds are possible.
Translation-invariant backgrounds in 1 + 1 dimensional string theory

Abstract We consider those tachyon backgrounds in 1 + 1 dimensional string theory which are invariant under one linear combination of time and space translations. These correspond to world-sheet theories which are a product of a free theory and a Liouville theory, where the Liouville central charge can take any value. The nonlinear tachyon field theory derived from the random matrix model gives exact information about the Liouville theory. We use this to study the Liouville theory in the “strong gravity” region, the critical string tachyon instability, and quantum cosmology.
The politics of water allocation in El Paso County Colonias

Nowhere is the scarcity of water more evident than in the Rio Grande Valley shared by Las Cruces, New Mexico, El Paso, Texas, and Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua. The battle for control over water has already strained relations between the three cities, the three states and two national governments. The controversy brings out many of the fundamental questions that arise when the utilization of a valuable and relatively scarce resource is discussed. In this article we will analyze the way in which water has been allocated in El Paso County. We will address specifically the issue of El Paso County's colonias (the unincorporated rural settlements without basic water and sewage services). Neither governmental nor private entities (developers) have provided water or sewage service to the colonias . This, compounded with poor housing conditions, becomes a threat to all, as disease spreads rapidly in the unsanitary conditions present in many colonias . Why has the population in the colonias grown so rapidly? Why do the colonias have such poor infrastructure and lack so many services? What are the politics behind water apportionment in the county? These are some of the questions that this aricle will address. Section I will review the causes for the development of the colonias . Section II will describe the water resources available in the El Paso-Juarez region. In Section III, the politics of water allocation in the county will be discussed. Section IV describes efforts by Mexican Americans and the grassroots organization EPISO to bring water and waste treatment facilities into the colonias . Finally, in the conclusion, we review the lessons that can be learned about water disputes and Lagino empowerment.
From Individuals to Aggregations: the Interplay between Behavior and Physics

Abstract This paper analyses the processes by which organisms form groups and how social forces interact with environmental variability and transport. For aquatic organisms, the latter is especially important—will sheared or turbulent flows disrupt organism groups? To analyse such problems, we use individual-based models to study the environmental and social forces leading to grouping. The models are then embedded in turbulent flow fields to gain an understanding of the interplay between the forces acting on the individuals and the transport induced by the fluid motion. Instead of disruption of groups, we find that flows often enhance grouping by increasing the encounter rate among groups and thereby promoting merger into larger groups; the effect breaks down for strong flows. We discuss the transformation of individual-based models into continuum models for the density of organisms. A number of subtle difficulties arise in this process; however, we find that a direct comparison between the individual model and the continuum model is quite favorable. Finally, we examine the dynamics of group statistics and give an example of building an equation for the spatial and temporal variations of the group-size distribution from the individual-based simulations. These studies lay the groundwork for incorporating the effects of grouping into models of the large scale distributions of organisms as well as for examining the evolutionary consequences of group formation.
Should minimal blood glucose variability become the gold standard of glycemic control

The Diabetes Complications and Control Trial (DCCT) established glycosylated hemoglobin (A1C) as the gold standard of glycemic control, with levels </=7% deemed appropriate for reducing the risk of vascular complications. Yet, even when A1Cs were comparable between intensively treated subjects and their conventionally treated counterparts, the latter group experienced a markedly higher risk of progression to retinopathy over time. Our speculative explanation, based on the discovery that hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress is the chief underlying mechanism of glucose-mediated vascular damage, was that glycemic excursions were of greater frequency and magnitude among conventionally treated patients, who received fewer insulin injections. Subsequent studies correlating the magnitude of oxidative stress with fluctuating levels of glycemia support the hypothesis that glucose variability, considered in combination with A1C, may be a more reliable indicator of blood glucose control and the risk for long-term complications than mean A1C alone.
Viscoelastic behavior of the polycarbonate of bisphenol A

The viscoelastic properties and thermal expansion properties of bisphenol A polycarbonate have been studied in the neighborhood of the major glass transition temperature. A discussion is given of the possible relation of these properties to the unusual impact resistance of this polymer in the glassy state.
Biodegradable Polymer Grafts for Surgical Repair of the Injured Spinal Cord

PURPOSE: Biodegradable polymers have been used in the surgical repair of peripheral nerves, but their potential for use in the central nervous system has not been exploited adequately. This article discusses concepts related to the engineering of a biodegradable polymer graft for surgical repair of the injured spinal cord and explores the potential means by which such a device might promote axon regeneration and functional recovery after spinal cord injury. CONCEPT: A biodegradable polymer implant with controlled microarchitecture can be engineered, and its composition can be optimized for implantation in the spinal cord. RATIONALE: The use of a biodegradable polymer implant has the dual advantages of providing a structural scaffold for axon growth and a conduit for sustained-release delivery of therapeutic agents. As a scaffold, the microarchitecture of the implant can be engineered for optimal axon growth and transplantation of permissive cell types. As a conduit for the delivery of therapeutic agents that may promote axon regeneration, the biodegradable polymer offers an elegant solution to the problems of local delivery and controlled release over time. Thus, a biodegradable polymer graft would theoretically provide an optimal structural, cellular, and molecular framework for the regrowth of axons across a spinal cord lesion and, ultimately, neurological recovery. CONCLUSION: Biodegradable polymer grafts may have significant therapeutic potential in the surgical repair of the injured spinal cord. Further research should be focused on the bioengineering, characterization, and experimental application of these devices.
Interactions of polyphenols with proteins in plants and plant products

The plant polyphenols are a very heterogeneous group, some universally and others widely distributed among plants, and often present in surprisingly high concentrations. There have been diverse speculations about their significance for the life of the plant. For present purposes, they are conveniently discussed astannins andnon-tannins. Tannin-protein reactions are important in the preparation and enjoyment of tea, wine and beer. Tannins interfere with the digestion of proteins in poultry, pigs and human beings, but sometimes may influence that process favourably in ruminants.Non-tannin polyphenols can undergo oxidation to semiquinones and quinones. These can undergo further oxidative polymerization, as well as coupling to proteins, by a wide variety of chemical reactions. Some of these reactions may serve to protect the plant against infections, parasites or predators. Such reactions, under the name ‘enzymic browning’, cause difficulties in food processing. More detailed study is required of possible damage to the nutritive value of proteins; this is particularly important for poultry and pig rations. It has become increasingly clear that these reactions of plant polyphenols contribute substantially to producing the organic matter of soils. Indeed, it is possible that this function has determined the evolutionary history of some of these polyphenols, and that they have no immediate function in the living plant. As the nature and quantity of polyphenols differ greatly between plant species, agricultural scientists should consider more seriously the effects of different crop plants and of different agricultural practices on soil organic matter.
Expression of c-erbB-2 in in situ and in Adjacent Invasive Ductal Adenocarcinomas of the Female Breast

Several lines of evidence have demonstrated that expression of the c-erbB-2 gene product contributes to the malignant phenotype. We and others have determined that c-erbB-2 is substantially expressed in most ductal in situ carcinomas of the comedo type, but not in other patterns of ductal carcinoma in situ or in atypical ductal hyperplasia of the breast. In the present investigation, by immunohistochemistry we inquired whether invasive ductal adenocarcinomas retained the c-erbB-2 expression status of the in situ carcinomas from which they derived. Of twelve specimens containing both cribriform/micropapillary in situ and derivative invasive adenocarcinomas in the same section, all tumor cells were negative for c-erbB-2 expression. In thirteen in situ carcinomas of the comedo type, with identifiable invasive components, ten had definite c-erbB-2 expression, and in every case there was comparable c-erbB-2 protein staining of in situ and invasive components; in three of these ten cases the staining in the in situ component tended to be more intense. These findings imply that a significant proportion of invasive mammary adenocarcinomas expressing c-erbB-2 protein is derived from ductal in situ carcinomas of the comedo type.
Synthesis and characterization of PEE‐PEO diblock copolymers with complementary end‐groups for hydrogen‐bond heteroassociation

Poly(ethylethylene-b-ethylene oxide) (PEE-PEO) diblock copolymers with pyridine-benzoic acid end-groups for heterodimeric hydrogen bonding were designed as a possible means to noncentrosymmetric organizations by spontaneous self-assembly. These end-functionalized polymers were synthesized by anionic living polymerization with protected initiator and terminating reagents. A series of polymeric intermediates with different end-groups was characterized by proton nuclear magnetic resonance, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry, and gel permeation chromatography. Preliminary studies of solid-state organization by differential scanning calorimetry and small-angle X-ray scattering provided evidence for a long-range order that was sensitive to chain length, copolymer composition, and end-group structure.
Comparative study of NiFe2−xAlxO4 ferrite nanoparticles synthesized by chemical co-precipitation and sol–gel combustion techniques

A series of aluminum substituted Ni-ferrite nanoparticles have been synthesized by chemical co-precipitation and sol–gel techniques. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscope (AFM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), DC electrical resistivity and dielectric properties. Analysis of the X-ray diffraction pattern of all the samples confirmed the formation of spinel structure. The crystallite sizes remain within the range 25–41 ± 3 nm. FTIR measurements show two fundamental absorption bands, assigned to the vibration of tetrahedral and octahedral sites. DC electrical resistivity increases from 6.60 × 107 to 6.9 × 1010 Ω cm as the Al3+ concentration increases from 0.00 to 0.50. The dielectric constant and loss tangent decreases with increasing Al3+ concentration from 22 to 14, 0.354 to 0.27 respectively at 5 MHz for all the samples. Impedance measurements as a function of frequency (1 kHz–5 MHz) at room temperature further helped in analyzing the electrical properties of the prepared samples.
Experimental secondarily generalized convulsive status epilepticus induced by d,l-homocysteine thiolactone

Secondarily generalized convulsive status epilepticus was induced by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of D,L-homocysteine thiolactone to rats with actively epileptogenic cobalt lesions in motor cortex. This induced focal motor seizures which secondarily generalized. Control animals not treated with antiepileptic drugs had a mean of 18.3 generalized convulsions over a mean period of 103.8 min. Electrographic patterns seen during status epilepticus are described and are very similar to those seen during human status epilepticus. Phenytoin, phenobarbital, diazepam and lorazepam were all effective in arresting the generalized seizures when given i.p. after the second such seizure. Efficacy was serum drug concentration dependent. Concentrations effective in arrest of generalized seizures in this model are similar to those reported to be effective in the treatment of human status epilepticus. Diazepam ED50s for control of generalized tonic-clonic seizures and for arrest of all seizure activity were determined.
Superfluid Droplets on a Solid Surface

Photographs are presented of isolated superfluid helium-4 droplets prepared on a cesium surface, the only material known that is not wetted by superfluid helium. Although thermodynamic measurements show that the cesium surface is highly uniform, the contact angle of the droplets is extremely hysteretic and depends on whether the contact line is advancing or receding. Superfluid helium-4 droplets on an inclined surface do not flow downhill but rather are strongly pinned to the surface.
U.S. Policy towards Caribbean economic problems

(1981). U.S. Policy towards Caribbean economic problems. The Round Table: Vol. 71, No. 284, pp. 360-372.
Enhanced optical imaging of rat gliomas and tumor margins

One of the potential variables affecting the overall survival and quality of life of patients with intracranial gliomas is the extent of tumor resection that results in the smallest volume of residual disease. A technique involving enhanced optical imaging of human gliomas has the potential to localize tumors, identify tumor remaining at the resection margins, and determine the grade of the tumor. In a preliminary study involving nine patients undergoing surgery for the removal of intrinsic brain tumors, enhanced optical imaging was performed using indocyanine green as an intravenous contrast-enhancement agent. Optical images were obtained before and after injection of the indocyanine green. The studies in the nine patients showed differences in the dynamic optical signals among normal brain, low-grade astrocytomas, and malignant astrocytomas. Optical imaging of the resection margins in malignant tumors showed differences between adjacent normal tissue and remaining tumor tissue. Enhanced optical imaging of human gliomas using a contrast-enhancing dye, indocyanine green, provides a potential means to differentiate between normal brain and tumor tissue at the cortical surface and the depths of the resection margins. Having the ability to obtain real-time information and feedback in the operating room may allow neurosurgeons to maximize the extent of tumor resection while sparing normal brain and increasing the diagnostic accuracy of intraoperative biopsies. Enhanced optical imaging potentially could facilitate the accuracy and safety of surgery when tumors are removed at sites even outside the central nervous system.
Evaluating fragment construction policies for SDT systems

Software Dynamic Translation (SDT) systems have been used for program instrumentation, dynamic optimization, security policy enforcement, intrusion detection, and many other uses. To be widely applicable, the overhead (runtime, memory usage, and power consumption) should be as low as possible. For instance, if an SDT system is protecting a web server against possible attacks, but causes 30% slowdown, a company may need 30% more machines to handle the web traffic they expect. Consequently, the causes of SDT overhead should be studied rigorously. This work evaluates many alternative policies for the creation of fragments within the Strata SDT framework. In particular, we examine the effects of ending translation at conditional branches; ending translation at unconditional branches; whether to use partial inlining for call instructions; whether to build the target of calls immediately or lazily; whether to align branch targets; and how to place code to transition back to the dynamic translator. We find that effective translation strategies are vital to program performance, improving performance from as much as 28% overhead, to as little as 3% overhead on average for the SPEC CPU2000 benchmark suite. We further demonstrate that these translation strategies are effective across several platforms, including Sun SPARC UltraSparc IIi, AMD Athlon Opteron, and Intel Pentium IV processors.
Immunopathologic processes in sympathetic ophthalmia as signified by microRNA profiling.

PURPOSE. Recent discovery of microRNAs and their negative gene regulation have provided new understanding in the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases. This study demonstrated microRNA expression profiling and their likely role in sympathetic ophthalmia, using formalin-fixed, paraffin embedded samples. METHODS. Two groups of four enucleated globes (total eight globes) from patients with clinical and histopathological diagnosis of SO (experimental samples) and one group of four age-matched, noninflamed enucleated globes (control samples) were used. Human genome‐wide microRNA PCR array was performed and results were subjected to bioinformatics calculation and P values stringency tests. The targets were searched using the recently published and periodically updated miRWalk software. Quantitative real-time PCR and immunohistochemical staining were performed to confirm the validated targets in the mRNA and in the protein levels, respectively. RESULTS. No microRNA was significantly upregulated in SO, but 27 microRNAs were significantly downregulated. Among these, four microRNAs (hsa-miR-1, hsa-let-7e, hsa-miR-9, and hsa-miR182) were known to be associated with the inflammatory signaling pathway. Only hsa-miR-9 has the validated targets, tumor necrosis factor-a, and nuclear factor kappa B1, which have been previously shown to be associated with mitochondrial oxidative stress‐mediated photoreceptor apoptosis in eyes with SO. CONCLUSIONS. Identification of altered levels of microRNAs by microRNA expression profiling may yield new insights into the pathogenesis of SO by disclosing specific microRNA signatures. In the future these may be targeted by synthetic microRNA mimic‐based therapeutic strategies. (Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2012;53:4197‐4204) DOI:10.1167/iovs.12-9465
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor Use and Increased Risk of Cataract Surgery: A Population-Based, Case-Control Study

Purpose To investigate whether selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor use is associated with an increased risk of cataract surgery. Design Population-based case-control study. Methods setting: Olmsted County, Minnesota. patient population: Eligible patients were county residents in the Rochester Epidemiology Project. Cases included 6024 county residents aged 50+ years who underwent first-eye cataract surgery between January 1, 2004 and December 31, 2011. Controls included 6024 residents who never had cataract surgery and were matched to cases by age, sex, and date of surgery. Logistic regression models were used to compute odds ratios for differences in selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor use between cases and controls, and to adjust for confounding variables. observation procedure: Rochester Epidemiology Project databases were used to assess cataract surgery and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor treatment. main outcome measure: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor use. Results In the cataract surgery cohort of 6024 residents, 1024 (17%) were selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor users compared to 788 (13%) in the matched cohort of 6024 residents never having cataract surgery ( P P P P = .002). The risk of cataract surgery was highest with citalopram use (OR = 1.53; 95% CI, 1.33–1.77; P Conclusion Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor use of 1 or more years in people aged 50+ years is associated with an increased risk of cataract surgery.
Gear Stress Reduction Using Internal Stress Relief Features

This paper discusses research into the possibility of reducing gear tooth root stresses by adding internal stress relief features. For many years, gear designs have improved with the incremental addition of design features. Materials have improved, surfaces are selectively hardened with heat treatment and carborization, and shot peening is used to improve surface properties. All of these improvements are related to material attributes. Little has been done to change the gear geometry to improve durability and strength. Although the exterior of the gear is governed by the necessary involute profile of the teeth, nothing prevents interior changes. In this study holes were drilled along the axis of a test gear segment in an effort to provide stress relief in critical areas. A finite element model was constructed for use in a systematic test of the effect of hole size and hole placement on tooth root stress. A constant force was applied at the pitch diameter, and all results were normalized with respect to the values obtained for a solid gear. Results show that it is possible to reduce the tooth root tensile stress considerably without producing stresses in the holes greater than on an unmodified gear. These results were verified by photoelastic testing on greatly oversized plastic models. Since gear teeth fail due to fatigue over many cycles, even a slight reduction in the root tensile stress produces a great increase in fatigue life.
Time-Dependent Variational Principle for φ4 Field Theory: 1. RPA Approximation and Renormalization

The authors investigate the time-dependent variational equations in {psi}{sup 4} field theory. They show that the standard method for renormalization applies to these time-dependent equations. The crucial point is to use the hamiltonian nature of the variational principle. In particular they have considered small oscillations about equilibrium and shown that these give the two meson modes of the theory. The two meson equation has a closed solution leading to a single bound state for attractive renormalized coupling and a complete form for the scattering amplitude in the continuum. This form is easily adapted to the usual running coupling constant in the two meson energy. They also find that the massless solution is the lowest minimum for a range of renormalized coupling constant and that this minimum is not stable, implying that the actual lowest solution is not homogeneous. They have examined theirr equations for so called runaway solution where one of the physical parameters goes to infinity. Using the {open_quotes}potential{close_quotes} part of their variational hamiltonian they are able to show that conservation of energy prohibits any unphysical runaway. 10 refs., 3 figs.
Cause and prevention of recurrence following surgery for colon cancer

Tumor recurrence at the suture line is noted with sufficient frequency to be a cause for concern in all patients following surgery for cancer of the colon. An experimental model has been described and the method has been used to evaluate a variety of ways to control this type recurrence. Extensions of the method indicate that recurrence is dependent upon the cells being implanted on the serosal surface or else being implanted in the anastomotic area by the suture material, rather than by direct growth on the mucosal surface. A few techniques have a positive value in controlling tumor recurrence. Iodized suture is effective for control at the anastomosis. Control of peritoneal implantation may be obtained by irrigation with low molecular weight dextran or irradiation by conventional means or locally acting radioactive ceramic micro-spheres. A closed anastomosis controls implantation in both areas. Clinical evaluation of the various means of control of tumor implantation and recurrence is urgently needed.
Review of the professional medical liability insurance crisis: Lessons from Missouri Merit Prize

Abstract Objective This study was undertaken to document and generalize the professional liability insurance (PLI) crisis. Study design Data analysis from physician surveys, Missouri Department of Insurance, and court records. Results In 2001-2002, many insurers stopped writing new and existing PLI. A survey found 1 in 7 physicians had their PLI terminated and/or application for new insurance denied. Average premiums increased 22% in 2001 and 60% in 2002. Accordingly, 50% of surveyed obstetricians took salary cuts, 18% secured loans, 9% liquidated assets, and 55% significantly limited their clinical services. An adverse court ruling caused insurers to double reserves. Incomplete data led the Missouri Department of Insurance to erroneously conclude a decrease in claim frequency and severity. In contrast, courthouse records and missing data sources revealed increased malpractice filings. PLI premiums continue to rise. Conclusion Many life-saving specialists are being forced out of business. Specialists are less willing to care for emergency and indigent patients for fear of liability exposure. Legislative enactments leading to meaningful tort reform, public support, and judicial restraint must occur to save health care.
Increased circulating levels of plasma ATP in cystic fibrosis patients

Recent studies have shown that the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), an ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter whose mutations are responsible for cystic fibrosis (CF), permeates ATP. However, little information is available concerning extracellular ATP concentrations in CF patients. Thus, the goal of this preliminary study was to determine the circulating levels of plasma ATP in CF patients. Circulating levels of plasma ATP were determined by the luciferin-luciferase assay in both CF patients and healthy volunteer control subjects. The two groups were compared using an analysis of variance. CF genotype and age, which ranged from 7 to 56 years, were also used to compare data by single-blind analysis. With comparable sample numbers, CF patients had statistically higher levels of circulating ATP (34%, P<0.01) when compared by analysis of covariance with the age of the subjects as the cofactor. The CF patients bearing the DeltaF508 genotype had a 54% (n=33, P<0.01) higher plasma ATP concentration compared to controls, while patients bearing other CF genotypes were similar to controls (n=10, P<0.4). We conclude that CF patients have higher circulating levels of ATP when compared to controls. Increased levels of plasma ATP, which is an important autocrine/paracrine hormone in many cell types, may be associated with chronic manifestations of the disease.
Strange Objects in the Complex Plane

Julia sets are examined as examples of strange objects which arise in the study of long time properties of simple dynamical systems. Technically they are the closure of the set of unstable cycles of analytic maps. Physically, they are sets of points which lead to chaotic behavior. The map f(z)= z2+ p is analyzed for smallp where the Julia set is a closed curve, and for largep where the Julia set is completely disconnected. In both cases the Hausdorff dimension is calculated in perturbation theory and numerically. An expression for the rate at which points escape from the neighborhood of the Julia set is derived and tested in a numerical simulation of the escape.
GC/MS/MS quantification of 11-dehydrothromboxane B2 in human urine.

Abstract A fully validated stable isotope dilution method for rapid quantification of 11-dehydrothromboxane B2 by gas chromatography/negative chemical ionization tandem mass spectrometry is reported. The interassay coefficient of variation was 1.3%. The relative recovery of synthetic, underivatized 11-dehydrothromboxane B2 added to urine was 84.6 ± 2.5% (mean ± SEM, N = 9). The equation of the regression plot correlating the amounts added and recovered was Y = 0.894X-0.23, with R = 0.9963. The late introduction of the pentafluorobenzyl moiety at C11 afforded distinct advantages in the cleanup stage of the assay and during the GC MS analysis as well. The pair of daughter fragments at m z 345 and 349 of the parent fragment ions at m z 615 and 619 were monitored. Excretion values of 11-dehydrothromboxane B2 in 3 healthy male subjects were 975, 615 and 822 ng 24 h . Excretion was reduced to 751, 387 and 465 ng 24 h , respectively, after administration of a fish oil supplement (15 g/day) for 10 weeks.
pH-sensitive triblock copolymers for efficient siRNA encapsulation and delivery

A new pH-sensitive triblock copolymer, polyethylene glycol-block-poly(2-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate)-block-poly(2-diisopropylaminoethyl methacrylate) (PEG-PDMA-PDPA), was synthesized via atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). The potential of this polymer for siRNA delivery was assessed. This triblock copolymer formed nanocapsules with high siRNA encapsulation efficiency that protected siRNA from degradation in serum. Capsules were pH-sensitive and deformed when pH decreased below 6. In vitro RNAi evaluation demonstrated that the capsules are capable of delivering siRNA and knocking down GFP expression in HeLa cells in a dose-dependent manner with relatively low cytotoxicity. The novel PEG-PDMA-PDPA triblock copolymer offers insight into the design of pH-sensitive polymers for siRNA delivery.
The pathogenesis of hemorrhoids

The structure of the anal canal was examined in histology slides. Hemorrhoids are normal features of the human anatomy. They are pads that bulge into the lumen. Hemorrhoids have three parts: 1) the lining, which can be mucosa or anoderm; 2) the stroma with blood vessels, smooth muscle, and supporting connective tissue; and 3) the anchoring connective tissue system, which secures the hemorrhoids to the internal sphincter and the conjoined longitudinal coat. The anchoring and supporting connective tissue system deteriorates with aging. The hemorrhoids not only bulge, but descend into the lumen. This becomes observable in the third decade of life, with individual differences. The veins become distended as they lose their support. The descended loose lining becomes more sensitive to pressure from straining and to trauma from the stool. There can be a stasis in the veins, with clot formations and swelling or erosions of the lining, with bleeding. The hemorrhoids become symptomatic.
Self-inhibition of olfactory bulb neurons

The GABA (gamma-aminobutyric-acid)-containing periglomerular (PG) cells provide the first level of inhibition to mitral and tufted (M/T) cells, the output neurons of the olfactory bulb. We find that stimulation of PG cells of the rat olfactory bulb results in self-inhibition: release of GABA from an individual PG cell activates GABA(A) receptors on the same neuron. PG cells normally contain high concentrations of intracellular chloride and consequently are depolarized by GABA. Despite this, GABA inhibits PG cell firing by shunting excitatory signals. Finally, GABA released during self-inhibition may spill over to neighboring PG cells, resulting in a lateral spread of inhibition. Given the gatekeeping role of PG cells in the olfactory network, GABA-mediated self-inhibition will favor M/T cell excitation during intense sensory stimulation.
Circular Dimers of λ DNA in infected, nonlysogenic Escherichia coli

Abstract Covalently closed circular dimers of phage λ DNA have been found in Escherichia coli infected with λ. These dimers can be formed by either the λ Red or Int systems, by a nonrecombinational replicative mechanism requiring the activity of the λ O and P genes or by joining of the cohesive ends. Dimers mediated by the E. coli Rec system have not been observed. Those formed by the Int system often result from recombination between different DNA molecules; however, the Red-mediated dimers may be a result of replicative extension of a single DNA molecule. Trimers have also been observed but studied only briefly.