Super Heavy Dark Matter and UHECR Anisotropy at Low Energy

Super Heavy quasi-stable particles are naturally produced in the early universe and could represent a substantial fraction of the Dark Matter: the so-called Super Heavy Dark Matter (SHDM). The decay of SHDM represents also a possible source of Ultra High Energy Cosmic Rays (UHECR), with a reliably calculated spectrum of the particles produced in the decay $(\propto E^{-1.9})$. The SHDM model for the production of UHECR can explain quantitatively only the excess of UHE events observed by AGASA. In the case of an observed spectrum not showing the AGASA excess the SHDM model can provide only a {\it subdominant} contribution to the UHECR flux. We discuss here the basic features of SHDM for the production of a {\it subdominant} UHECR flux, we refer our study to the possible signatures of the model at the Auger observatory discussing in particular the expected chemical composition and anisotropy.Comment: 18 pages, 14 eps figures, version accepted for publication in Astroparticle Physic

The Surgical Management of Oroantral Communications: Recommendations for Routine Practice Combined Endoscopic and Intraoral Approach

An oroantral communication (OAC) is a common complication in alveolar surgery that usually occurs as a result of the extraction of maxillary posterior teeth, which do not usually resolve spontaneously. Other causes may include trauma, maxillary cysts and tumours, and infections. The practicing oral and maxillofacial surgeon treating patients with oroantral communication (OAC)/oroantral fistulas should be familiar and competent with the various treatment options available. . In most cases, surgery is performed via a Tran’s oral approach and the fistula is closed with local flaps, but the results are often unsatisfactory. Although different procedures have proved to be successful, all are premised on the treatment of any underlying sinusitis, which is associated with a higher risk of recurrent OAC. Objective: To evaluate an alternative technique for the treatment of oroantral fistula, using a combined endoscopic and intraoral approac

Support services and accommodations provided for college students with learning disabilities

The purpose of this research project was to compile a listing of support services available and accommodations provided for college students with learning disabilities from a selected sample of surveyed four year colleges and universities. This information will be used in conjunction with other research being conducted by the Special Education Department at Rowan College in order to provide the college\u27s Department of Specialized Services with recommendations for support services with this population at Rowan College. The number of students with learning disabilities attending college since the late 1980s has increased dramatically. Several factors account for this increase, but the major reason is the passage of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 which provided legal entitlement tor qualified students with learning disabilities to attend college. A review of the literature indicates that a continuum of services are available and are offered to students with learning disabilities but that research concerning accommodation and program effectiveness is lacking. Overall, 63% of the surveyed institutions responded. The lack of response from six institutions may be due to insufficient staff to complete survey forms. Survey results confirmed that a continuum of services are available to students with learning disabilities. The average graduation rate for more selective colleges exceeded that of less selective ones. This difference can possibly be accounted for by students with learning disabilities having to meet the same competitive requirements as students without learning disabilities. Also, for schools like Hofstra and Boston University, comprehensive services provided for students with learning disabilities more likely ensured academic success than schools without these services

THE EFFECTS OF THERAPEUTIC HYPOTHERMIA ON CYTOCHROME P450-MEDIATED METABOLISM: STUDIES IN TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH

Therapeutic hypothermia decreases neurological damage in patients experiencing out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (CA). In addition to hypothermia, critically ill patients are treated with an extensive pharmacotherapeutic regimen. The majority of these medications are hepatically eliminated via the cytochrome P450 (CYP450) system. Changes in drug clearance could limit the putative benefit of hypothermic therapy. With the increased use of therapeutic hypothermia and the fact that critically ill patients receive multiple medications, it is crucial to understand the effects of hypothermia on the disposition and metabolism of drugs used in this population. Thus, it was the overall aim of this research to investigate the effects of therapeutic hypothermia on CYP450-mediated metabolism in an animal model of CA, in human liver microsomes, and in normal healthy subjects. Specifically, hypothermia produced a ~2 fold decrease in the systemic clearance (CLS) of intravenous chlorzoxazone, a specific CYP2E1 probe substrate, in a CA rat model when compared to CA rats treated under normothermic temperatures. The mechanism behind this decrease in CLS was a hypothermia-mediated decrease in the affinity of CYP2E1 for chlorzoxazone. We extended the experimental period to investigate the effects of hypothermia after re-warming, on CYP2E1 and CYP3A2 activity and expression. Our results indicate that rats with CA treated under normothermic temperatures demonstrated a significant decrease in the activities of CYP2E1 and CYP3A2, 24 hrs after injury compared to control. Furthermore, CA significantly decreased the expression of CYP3A2, but not the expression of CYP2E1. CA also produced a ~ 10-fold increase in plasma concentrations of interleukin-6 (IL-6) compared to Control. The CA-mediated reduction in CYP3A2 and CYP2E1 activity, mRNA, and the increase in IL-6 plasma concentrations was attenuated by hypothermia. We also investigated the effects of mild and moderate hypothermia on CYP2E1 and CYP3A4 enzyme kinetics in human liver microsomes. Both mild and moderate hypothermia significantly decreased the Vmax of CYP2E1 and CYP3A4. However, hypothermia increased the Km of CYP2E1 but not CYP3A4. These data demonstrate that mild and moderate hypothermia may produce isoform specific alterations of human CYP450-mediated metabolism. Lastly, in a pilot analysis, we showed that mild hypothermia may potentially alter the ClS and the volume of distribution (Vss) of midazolam in mildly hypothermic normal healthy volunteers.Collectively, this work provides evidence that therapeutic hypothermia alters CYP450-mediated metabolism both during cooling and after re-warming. Based on the magnitude of these changes it is clear that intensivists should be cognizant of these alterations and monitor drug levels and outcomes in their patients when possible. In addition to increased clinical attention, future research efforts are essential to delineate precise dosing guidelines and mechanisms of the effects of hypothermia on drug disposition, metabolism, and response

Puppies, Puppies, Puppies: Why Georgia Should “Adopt” a Progressive Puppy Lemon Law and Engage in Much-Needed Statutory Reform

The Georgia Animal Protection Act—a set of animalprotection laws that has remained unchanged for nearly twodecades—was passed to promote animal welfare across thestate. Although the Act was progressive at its inception, itsfailure to curb the atrocious conditions created by puppy millshas become increasingly apparent, resulting in seriousconsequences for both consumers and dogs. Georgia mustamend its animal protection laws to shift the costs of puppymills to where they belong: on pet sellers. Among otherinnovative solutions to this problem, many states have enacted“puppy lemon laws” that generally provide pet purchasers withthe option to return, exchange, or be reimbursed for reasonableveterinary expenses for their “sick” puppy. But traditionalpuppy lemon laws may be put to better use as costinternalization tools rather than as mere consumer remedies.This Note advocates for a puppy lemon law that provides theconsumer with just one remedy: reimbursement for reasonableveterinary costs after purchasing a sick puppy from a pet seller.Traditional puppy lemon laws have many weaknesses, and thetrue utility of such laws may be in deterring pet sellers fromsupporting puppy mills in the first place. By enacting aprogressive puppy lemon law that considers all of the interestedparties, alongside the other recommendations in this Note,Georgia can secure its position as a state with model animalwelfare laws and—most importantly—can save lives