cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Monte Carlo simulation approach to stochastic programming

Various stochastic programming problems can be formulated as problems of optimization of an expected value function. Quite often the corresponding expectation function cannot be computed exactly and should be approximated, say by Monte Carlo sampling methods. In fact, in many practical applications, Monte Carlo simulation is the only reasonable way of estimating the expectation function. In this paper we discuss convergence properties of the sample average approximation (SAA) approach to stochastic programming. We argue that the SAA method is easily implementable and can be surprisingly efficient for some classes of stochastic programming problems.
The Mess at Morgan: Risk, Incentives and Shareholder Empowerment

The financial crisis of 2008 focused increasing attention on corporate America and, in particular, the risk-taking behavior of large financial institutions. A growing appreciation of the “public” nature of the corporation resulted in a substantial number of high profile enforcement actions. In addition, demands for greater accountability led policymakers to attempt to harness the corporation’s internal decision-making structure, in the name of improved corporate governance, to further the interest of non-shareholder stakeholders. Dodd-Frank’s advisory vote on executive compensation is an example.This essay argues that the effort to employ shareholders as agents of public values and, thereby, to inculcate corporate decisions with an increased public responsibility is misguided. The incorporation of publicness into corporate governance mistakenly assumes that shareholders’ interests are aligned with those of non-shareholder stakeholders. Because this alignment is imperfect, corporate governance is a poor tool for addressing the role of the corporation as a public actor.The case of JP Morgan and the London whale offers an example. Although JP Morgan suffered a massive loss due to the whale’s risky trading decisions, JP Morgan shareholders benefited from this risk-taking. Accordingly, shareholders were poorly positioned to address the incentives that drove risky operational decisions. So-called “improved corporate governance” in the form of shareholder empowerment, rather than functioning as a solution, may have exacerbated the problem. In the end, the mess at Morgan demonstrates limitations on the value of shareholder empowerment in addressing the public impact of the corporation and suggests that, at least in some cases, regulatory approaches such as the Volcker rule may be warranted.
Optical tomography for biomedical applications by digital interference holography

We present results of imaging experiments using digital interference holography (DIH). Calibration experiments using a resolution target demonstrate an improvement of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) with increasing number of holograms consistent with theoretical prediction. Imaging experiments on retinal tissue reveal the topography of blood vessels as well as the optical thickness profile of the retinal layer. The SNR of tissue images is comparable to that of the resolution target, implying that the imaging system is operating close to theoretical optimum.
Zoonotic Diseases from Poultry

A wide variety of zoonotic disease risks exists in poultry. Popularity of backyard and smaller production flocks is increasing, as is public concern about global poultry disease events. This paper discusses several of the more common poultry zoonotic diseases, their prevalence and presentation in both poultry and humans.
Dynamic Adjustment of Localized Constraints

Distributed integrity constraints are costly to check; they may also conflict with site autonomy for multidatabases. It has been shown that simple distributed linear inequality constraints can be broken up into independent local constraints that can be dynamically adjusted. Earlier, we have given a framework for generalizing this approach and shown that more complex constraints can be handled on its basis. In this paper, we focus on dynamic adjustment of the local constraints. Special care is needed for constraints that are more complex than linear inequalities since simultaneous requests for constraint adjustment can lead to inconsistency. We have explored various issues including the problem of simultaneity, and have tested our solutions using an implementation. Our experimental results show that simultaneity is important, that our solutions are effective, and the overall strategy of localization is successful.
Ambient temperature and emergency department visits for heat-related illness in North Carolina, 2007–2008

Abstract Purpose To estimate the association between environmental temperatures and the occurrence of emergency department visits for heat-related illness in North Carolina, a large Southern state with 85 rural and 15 urban counties; approximately half the state's population resides in urban counties. Methods County-level daily emergency department visit counts and daily mean temperatures for the period 1/1/2007–12/31/2008 were merged to form a time-series data structure. Incidence rates were calculated by sex, age group, region, day of week, and month. Incidence rate ratios were estimated using categorical and linear spline Poisson regression models and heterogeneity of the temperature-emergency department visit association was assessed using product interaction terms in the Poisson models. Results In 2007–2008, there were 2539 emergency department visits with heat-related illness as the primary diagnosis. Incidence rates were highest among young adult males (19–44 year age group), in rural counties, and in the Sandhills region. Incidence rates increased exponentially with temperatures over 15.6 °C (60 °F). The overall incidence rate ratio for each 1 °C increase over 15.6 °C in daily mean temperature was 1.43 (95%CI: 1.41, 1.45); temperature effects were greater for males than females, for 45–64 year olds, and for residents of rural counties than residents of urban counties. Conclusions As heat response plans are developed, they should incorporate findings on climate effects for both mortality and morbidity. While forecast-triggered heat health warning systems are essential to mitigate the effects of extreme heat events, public health preparedness plans should not ignore the effects of more persistently observed high environmental temperatures like those that occur throughout the warm season in North Carolina.
Hydrogen Solubility, Diffusion and Trapping in High Purity Aluminum and Selected Al-Base Alloys

A review of experimental measurements of hydrogen solubility, diffusivity, and trapping in polycrystalline aluminum and selected Al-base precipitation age hardened materials is presented. There is widespread variability in experimentally measured effective diffusion coefficients and apparent solubilities in high purity aluminum and Al-alloys due to the sensitivity of test methods to surface oxides and hydrogen trapping at microstructural defects. Therefore, few measurements yield perfect lattice diffusivities and solubilities. This paper provides a compilation of available literature and presents some new data. Specifically, hydrogen interactions in high purity Al, Al-Li and Al-Cu binary alloys, Al-Li-Cu-Zr (AA 2090), Al-Cu-Mg (AA 2024), Al-Zn-Mg-Cu (AA 7075), and Al-Zn-Mg-Cu-Zr (AA 7050 and a low copper variant of AA 7050) alloys are reported. Several hydrogen trapping states are identified including dislocations, the distorted zone around vacancies, Li in solid solution, and specific precipitate phases.
THE CONSEQUENCES OF FLORAL HERBIVORY FOR POLLINATOR SERVICE TO ISOMERIS ARBOREA

Flower-feeding insects may reduce the reproductive success of their host plant in subtle ways that go beyond a direct reduction in gametes. Pollinators may respond to floral damage by visiting damaged plants at lower rates. Fewer visitations to the plant may result in fewer flowers that receive pollinator service and as a consequence lead to lower male and/or female reproductive success. In a two-year study, we examined the direct effect of flower predation by Meligethes rufimanus on the floral display of Isomeris arborea, and the indirect effect of herbivory on pollinator behavior. Plants exposed to herbivore attack produced fewer functional inflorescences than plants protected from herbivory. Undamaged flowers produced three times as much nectar per flower as damaged flowers. Likewise, protected plants had over twice as many anthers per flower as exposed plants. Pollinators responded by visiting damaged flowers less, and exposed plants had lower flower visitation rates than protected plants. Pollinators also visited patches of protected plants more frequently than exposed patches. These results show that floral herbivory reduces pollinator service and thus may reduce reproductive success indirectly, as well as through the direct consumption of viable gametes.
Computing bivariate splines in scattered data fitting and the finite-element method

A number of useful bivariate spline methods are global in nature, i.e., all of the coefficients of an approximating spline must be computed at one time. Typically this involves solving a system of linear equations. Examples include several well-known methods for fitting scattered data, such as the minimal energy, least-squares, and penalized least-squares methods. Finite-element methods for solving boundary-value problems are also of this type. It is shown here that these types of globally-defined splines can be efficiently computed, provided we work with spline spaces with stable local minimal determining sets.
Two Structurally Similar Maize Cytosolic Superoxide Dismutase Genes, Sod4 and Sod4A, Respond Differentially to Abscisic Acid and High Osmoticum

The maize (Zea mays) superoxide dismutase genes Sod4 and Sod4A are highly similar in structure but each responds differentially to environmental signals. We examined the effects of the hormone abscisic acid (ABA) on the developmental response of Sod4 and Sod4A. Although both Sod4 and Sod4A transcripts accumulate during late embryogenesis, only Sod4 is up-regulated by ABA and osmotic stress. Accumulation of Sod4 transcript in response to osmotic stress is a consequence of increased endogenous ABA levels in developing embryos. Sod4 mRNA is up-regulated by ABA in viviparous-1 mutant embryos. Sod4 transcript increases within 4 h with ABA not only in developing embryos but also in mature embryos and in young leaves. Sod4A transcript is up-regulated by ABA only in young leaves, but neither Sod4 nor Sod4A transcripts changed in response to osmotic stress. Our data suggest that in leaves Sod4 and Sod4A may respond to ABA and osmotic stress via alternate pathways. Since the Sod genes have a known function, we hypothesize that the increase in Sod mRNA in response to ABA is due in part to ABA-mediated metabolic changes leading to changes in oxygen free radical levels, which in turn lead to the induction of the antioxidant defense system.
ICAM-1-Induced Expression of Proinflammatory Cytokines in Astrocytes: Involvement of Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase and p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Pathways

ICAM-1 is a transmembrane glycoprotein of the Ig superfamily involved in cell adhesion. ICAM-1 is aberrantly expressed by astrocytes in CNS pathologies such as multiple sclerosis, experimental allergic encephalomyelitis, and Alzheimer's disease, suggesting a possible role for ICAM-1 in these disorders. ICAM-1 has been shown to be important for leukocyte diapedesis through brain microvessels and subsequent binding to astrocytes. However, other functional roles for ICAM-1 expression on astrocytes have not been well elucidated. Therefore, we investigated the intracellular signals generated upon ICAM-1 engagement on astrocytes. ICAM-1 ligation by a mAb to rat ICAM-1 induced mRNA expression of proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-1alpha, IL-1beta, IL-6, and TNF-alpha. Examination of cytokine protein production revealed that ICAM-1 ligation results in IL-6 secretion by astrocytes, whereas IL-1beta and IL-1alpha protein is expressed intracellularly in astrocytes. The involvement of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in ICAM-1-mediated cytokine expression in astrocytes was tested, as the MAPK extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) was previously shown to be activated upon ICAM-1 engagement. Our results indicate that ERK1/ERK2, as well as p38 MAPK, are activated upon ligation of ICAM-1. Studies using pharmacological inhibitors demonstrate that both p38 MAPK and ERK1/2 are involved in ICAM-1-induced IL-6 expression, whereas only ERK1/2 is important for IL-1alpha and IL-1beta expression. Our data support the role of ICAM-1 on astrocytes as an inflammatory mediator in the CNS and also uncover a novel signal transduction pathway through p38 MAPK upon ICAM-1 ligation.
Dietary folate, but not choline, modifies neural tube defect risk in Shmt1 knockout mice

Background: Low dietary choline intake has been proposed to increase the risk of neural tube defects (NTDs) in human populations. Mice with reduced Shmt1 expression exhibit a higher frequency of NTDs when placed on a folate- and choline-deficient diet and may represent a model of human NTDs. The individual contribution of dietary folate and choline deficiency to NTD incidence in this mouse model is not known. Objective: To dissociate the effects of dietary folate and choline deficiency on Shmt1-related NTD sensitivity, we determined NTD incidence in embryos from Shmt1-null dams fed diets deficient in either folate or choline. Design: Shmt1+/+ and Shmt1−/− dams were maintained on a standard AIN93G diet (Dyets), an AIN93G diet lacking folate (FD), or an AIN93G diet lacking choline (CD). Virgin Shmt1+/+ and Shmt1−/− dams were crossed with Shmt1+/− males, and embryos were examined for the presence of NTDs at embryonic day (E) 11.5 or E12.5. Results: Exencephaly was observed only in Shmt1−/− embryos isolated from dams maintained on the FD diet (P = 0.004). Approximately 33% of Shmt1−/−embryos (n = 18) isolated from dams maintained on the FD diet exhibited exencephaly. NTDs were not observed in any embryos isolated from dams maintained on the CD (n = 100) or control (n = 152) diets or in any Shmt1+/+ (n = 78) or Shmt1+/− embryos (n = 182). Conclusion: Maternal folate deficiency alone is sufficient to induce NTDs in response to embryonic Shmt1 disruption.
How state-funded home care programs respond to changes in Medicare home health care: resource allocation decisions on the front line.

During the last decade, Medicare home health expenditures rapidly increased at a rate deemed unsustainable by federal-level policymakers (Goldberg and Schmitz 1994). Between 1988 and 1996, the average annual growth rate in overall home health care expenditures in the United States was 18.9 percent (Heffler et al. 2001). The home care portion of Medicare's total budget increased from 3.6 percent in 1990 to 9.2 percent in 1997 (Langa et al. 2001). Cohen and Tumlinson (1997) point out that the increase in Medicare home health expenditures is the result of an increase in the number of individuals receiving services, an increase in the average number of visits an individual receives, and an increase in the average cost of a visit. Fiscal concerns are contrasted with research demonstrating the critical importance of adequate home health care services for frail elders (Proctor et al. 2000; Hadley et al. 2000). Federal-level response to reduce expenditures has been multifold, including the introduction of a prospective payment system for home health care legislated by the Balanced Budget Act of 1997. An interim payment system was introduced before implementing the full prospective payment system, dramatically reducing Medicare home health care expenditures (Heffler et al. 2001) and bringing into sharp relief difficult questions about the relative responsibilities for the provision of adequate home care services across the diverse set of providers and payers: from out-of-pocket expenditures borne by the elder or the elder's family, to state-funded personal assistance programs, to Medicaid-funded home care programs. Kenney and Rajan (2000) caution us against substituting services from nonequivalent payment sources. Yet, previous research indicates measurable, significant relationships between sources of home care services. Cohen and Tumlinson (1997), for example, demonstrate that not having a personal care aide program at the state level was predictive of increased Medicare home health expenditures.
CT and MR Imaging of Primary Cardiac Malignancies

Primary cardiac malignancies are rare tumors that are difficult to diagnose clinically. Different primary cardiac malignancies may have different clinical, morphologic, and radiologic features and intracardiac locations. Angiosarcoma is the most common primary cardiac malignancy. It tends to occur in the right atrium and involve the pericardium. Because of its tendency to hemorrhage, angiosarcoma often demonstrates areas of increased signal intensity with T1-weighted sequences. Undifferentiated sarcomas typically occur in the left atrium and have variable epidemiologic and radiologic features. Rhabdomyosarcoma is the most common primary cardiac malignancy in children and is more likely than other primary cardiac sarcomas to involve the valves. Primary cardiac osteogenic sarcoma almost always occurs in the left atrium and frequently demonstrates calcification. Certain features (eg, broad base of attachment, origin at a site other than the atrial septum) help differentiate this tumor from left atrial myxoma. Leiomyosarcoma favors the left atrium and tends to invade the pulmonary veins and mitral valve. Fibrosarcoma also tends to occur in the left atrium and is often necrotic. Liposarcoma is very rare and usually manifests as a large, infiltrating mass. Foci of macroscopic fat are occasionally seen. Primary cardiac lymphoma occurs more commonly in immunocompromised patients, frequently involves the pericardium, and, unlike other primary cardiac malignancies, may respond to chemotherapy. The advent of cross-sectional imaging has allowed earlier detection of primary cardiac malignancies as well as more accurate diagnosis and characterization.
Service Consumption Experience and Relational Exchange in Electronic Mediated Environment

Academic research reflects an increasing concern that conventional knowledge on services management such as location strategy may not adequately inform management on crafting an IT-driven service strategy to succeed in the emerging electronic mediated environment(EME). To provide insights into consumers' perception of services consumption and its potential influence on the development of long-term exchange relationship between consumers and service providers in the EME, this study examines how service consumption experience affects long-term relational exchange in the EME.
A Tunable Diode Based on an Inorganic Semiconductor|Conjugated Polymer Interface

Although in principle semiconductor-metal (Schottky) diodes should be tunable by changing the work function of the metal, such flexibility cannot be achieved in a single device and in practice is often limited by interfacial states that cause Fermi-level pinning. A tunable diode is reported based on a hybrid inorganic-organic, n -indium phosphide|poly- (pyrrole)|nonaqueous electrolyte architecture. By electrochemically manipulating the work function of the conjugated polymer poly(pyrrole), the turn-on voltage (more precisely, the forward bias potential required to pass a particular current) of the diode can be continuously and actively tuned by more than 0.6 volt. The work highlights a distinguishing feature of conjugated polymers relative to more traditional semiconductor materials, namely, the ability of dopant ions to permeate conjugated polymers, thereby enabling electrochemical manipulation.
Interventions to Destiffen Arteries

Stiffening of arteries is a condition associated with aging and disease that results in a less compliant arterial system. Arterial stiffness is an important CVD risk factor that is associated with premature mortality and heightened morbidity. Intervening to reduce arterial stiffening is a challenge, yet there is mounting evidence supporting the effects of lifestyle and dietary modifications to reduce aortic pulse wave velocity (aPWV), the gold standard measure of aortic stiffness. Plant-based polyphenolic compounds, omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidant vitamins C and E, regular aerobic exercise, sodium reduction and weight loss have all shown to be successful strategies to destiffen arteries. First-line strategies to combat CVD risk factors such as arterial stiffening should include lifestyle modifications.
Comparison of Silver vs. Gold Systems in High-Q FTTF LTCC Inductors

Two different types of full tape thickness feature (FTTF) inductors designed to operate in the VHF/UHF bands were fabricated using the DuPont Green Tape 5738 Gold System and the 6141 Silver System. The first was a 50 nH inductor, with 5 turns and an 80 mil diameter. The second inductor was 20 nH with an 80 mil diameter, but with only 3 turns. High-Q measurements were taken to characterize the inductors. The measured results show that the Silver System produces inductors with Qs up to 110 whereas the Gold System only produced inductors with Qs up to 80. Depressions in the Q measurements were noticed at certain frequencies due to electromagnetic radiation losses. Methods to reduce these dips are also discussed.
Serial Renal Function in an Ovine Model of Unilateral Fetal Urinary Tract Obstruction

Abstract Renal tubular and glomerular function following ovine fetal urinary tract obstruction has been studied predominantly in anesthetized, exteriorized fetuses immediately after relief of obstruction. Since surgery and anesthesia may alter fetal cardiovascular and renal physiology, we developed a chronically catheterized, ovine model of unilateral fetal urinary tract obstruction to compare function of the unobstructed and obstructed kidneys repeatedly after relief of obstruction. Split renal function of the previously obstructed kidneys and unobstructed kidneys was measured serially in 7 fetal sheep after obstruction at 55 to 85 days per 147 days of gestation for 30 to 49 days. Seventy-five split clearances were determined on days 1, 2, 3 to 4 and 5 to 6 postoperatively. Not every fetus was studied each day. By 2-way ANOVA, renal function was stable on day 1 after surgery and did not change with time. Previously obstructed kidneys had lower creatinine clearance (0.16 versus 0.71 ml. per minute, p equals 0.0001), higher fractional sodium excretion (33.04 versus 6.02 per cent, p equals 0.0001) and higher urine sodium/creatinine ratio (4.80 versus 0.90 mEq. per mg., p equals 0.0001). Urine flow in the unobstructed kidneys did not differ significantly from that of the obstructed kidneys (0.122 versus 0.083 ml. per minute, p equals 0.35). Obstruction reduced kidney weight (4.7 versus 9.7 gm., p equals 0.0006), cortical thickness (—39 per cent) and nephrogenic zone (—59 per cent), and it increased collecting duct dilatation and medullary fibrosis. No cysts or dysplasia was noted. Fetal urinary tract obstruction for 39.7 days alters renal histology, glomerular function and tubular function. Renal function is stable by 1 day after catheterization and does not change from days 1 to 6 following relief of obstruction.
Does lemon candy really reduce total amount of radioactivity passing through salivary glands and ducts

1918 Objectives There have been controversies in use of sialogogue for radioprotection of salivary glands in high-dose radioiodine therapy (RAI) for thyroid cancer. We assessed the effect or lemon candy sucking on radioactivity, being excreted from the major salivary glands and then passing through the oral cavity, which is equivalent to radioactivity to which salivary glands and ducts are subjected. Methods We performed salivary gland scintigraphy (SGS) using Tc-99m in 14 healthy volunteers with and without lemon candy sucking to stimulate salivation. Volunteers were fasted for 2h before SGS. In a salivation study, volunteers were asked to suck lemon candy as soon as Tc-99m was injected and to keep on sucking candies until data acquisition (every 10sec/flame for 50min.) was over. In a non-ssalivation study, volunteers were imaged without lemon candy sucking for 50 min. ROI were drawn on the combined dynamic images in the bilateral parotid glands, submandibular glands, oral cavity, and background in the neck to determine time activity curves for those organs. The area under time activity curve (AUC) was considered to represent total radioactivity that was delivered to the organs in the ROI. AUCs in salivation study and those in non-salivation study were compared. Results The average of AUC in the bilateral submandibular glands, parotid glands, and a total of 4 major glands in the salivation study were 61%(p Conclusions Lemon candy decreased radioactivity in the 4 major salivary glands. However, lemon candy sucking never decreased radioactivity passing through the oral cavity. Since the ductal cells are more sensitive to radiation damage than the acinar cells, our finding pauses s great question in routine use of sialogogue for protecting salivary glands from damages by RAI for thyroid cancer.
Importing Uncertainty Estimates from One Surrogate to Another

In adaptive sampling and optimization methods, the uncertainty estimators are used to guide the selection of the next sampling point(s). These algorithms often limit themselves to surrogates such as kriging and polynomial response surface because of the lack of uncertainty estimates in the implementation of other surrogates. We propose the importation (borrowing) of uncertainty estimates from one surrogate to another. This would allow the use of support vector regression models together with kriging uncertainty estimates, for example. When multiple surrogates are available, we also propose using crossvalidation to aid in the decision of which surrogate to import from. The approach was tested on two algebraic examples for ten basic surrogates including different instances of kriging, polynomial response surface, radial basis neural networks and support vector regression surrogates. For these examples we found that (i) the statistically based uncertainty estimates do not always correlate well to the errors; (ii) importation of uncertainty structure can offer a reasonable solution; and (iii) cross-validation successfully selects the surrogate according to the quality of the uncertainty structure and therefore it is useful in choosing which surrogate to import the uncertainty estimate from.
Synthesis of a poly-hydroxypyrolidine-based inhibitor of Mycobacterium tuberculosis GlgE.

Long treatment times, poor drug compliance, and natural selection during treatment of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) have given rise to extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB). As a result, there is a need to identify new antituberculosis drug targets. Mtb GlgE is a maltosyl transferase involved in α-glucan biosynthesis. Mutation of GlgE in Mtb increases the concentration of maltose-1-phosphate (M1P), one substrate for GlgE, causing rapid cell death. We have designed 2,5-dideoxy-3-O-α-d-glucopyranosyl-2,5-imino-d-mannitol (9) to act as an inhibitor of GlgE. Compound 9 was synthesized using a convergent synthesis by coupling thioglycosyl donor 14 and 5-azido-3-O-benzyl-5-deoxy-1,2-O-isopropylidene-β-d-fructopyranose (23) to form disaccharide 24. A reduction and intramolecular reductive amination transformed the intermediate disaccharide 24 to the desired pyrolidine 9. Compound 9 inhibited both Mtb GlgE and a variant of Streptomyces coelicolor (Sco) GlgEI with Ki = 237 ± 27 μM and Ki = 102 ± 7.52...
Leafspot of Ash and Phyllosticta Viridis

The foliage of several species of Fraxinus may be affected by a fungus commonly identified as Phyllosticta viridis Ellis & Kellerm. This organism is widely distributed within the United States in t...
Abstract LB-151: Targeted gene resequencing in a K-ras-dependent mouse model of metastatic lung adenocarcinoma

Progression of lung adenocarcinoma to invasive, metastatic disease is responsible for the majority of deaths from lung cancer and remains incompletely understood. We have developed a genetically-engineered mouse model of lung adenocarcinoma initiated by mutant K-ras and loss of p53 that develops invasive, metastatic disease. In order to identify the genes and pathways that cooperate with oncogenic K-ras and loss of p53 to contribute to tumor development, progression, and metastasis, we have utilized in situ exon capture and massively parallel DNA sequencing to identify somatically-acquired point mutations in advanced stage murine lung adenocarcinoma cell lines. We have initially chosen a target set of 1283 cancer-relevant genes to develop our capture, sequencing, and bioinformatics platforms. Using tumor cell lines derived from K-ras-dependent tumors, we have successfully developed and refined these methods and have identified somatic mutations in our test samples. These mutations have been validated by conventional methods in the tumor cell line and founder tumor DNA. We have developed a production phase target gene set consisting of 1909 cancer-relevant genes and have initiated capture and sequencing of additional murine lung adenocarcinoma cell lines and tumors. We believe these datasets will expand the understanding of the biology of tumor progression and serve as an important biological filter for human cancer gene re-sequencing efforts. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-151.
Microbiology and the bioeconomy blueprint

Earlier this year, the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) issued a call for input on a proposed “National Bioeconomy Blueprint.” The blueprint, released in January 2012, details “Administration-wide steps to harness biological research innovations to address national challenges in health, food, energy, and the environment.” ASM took the opportunity to respond to the OSTP's request for comment by describing the many ways that the field of microbiology can help the nation reach the blueprint's goals. An excerpt from ASM's response follows––the full response can be found at http://www.asm.org/index.php/what-s-new-in-public-policy/bioec-12-11.html.
Study of strain measuring system for sheet metal forming based on digital camera

For the current situation and disadvantages of strain measuring for sheet metal forming,a digital camera based strain measuring system has been set up in this paper.Meanwhile,on the fundamental of imaging operating and measuring,the software system with a main concern of imaging pre-operating,bi-value imaging demarcating and measuring have been developed.Through practical application,the effectiveness of this system has been evaluated.
Direct Laser Writing of Porous-Carbon/Silver Nanocomposite for Flexible Electronics

In this Research Article, we demonstrate a facile method for the fabrication of porous-carbon/silver nanocomposites using direct laser writing on polymeric substrates. Our technique uses a combination of CO2 laser-induced carbonization and selective silver deposition on a polyimide sheet to create flexible highly conductive traces. The localized laser irradiation selectively converts the polyimide to a highly porous and conductive carbonized film with superhydrophilic wettability. The resulting pattern allows for selective trapping of aqueous silver ionic ink solutions into the carbonized regions, which are converted to silver nanoparticle fillers upon an annealing step. Elemental and surface morphology analysis via XRD and SEM reveals a uniform coating of Ag nanoparticles on the porous carbon. The Ag/C composite lowers the sheet resistance of the original laser carbonized polyimide from 50 to 0.02 Ω/□. The resulting patterns are flexible and electromechanically robust with less than 0.6 Ω variation in re...
A multicenter randomized controlled trial comparing pancreatic leaks after TissueLink versus SEAMGUARD after distal pancreatectomy (PLATS) NCT01051856

Abstract Background Pancreatic leak is common after distal pancreatectomy. This trial sought to compare TissueLink closure of the pancreatic stump to that of SEAMGUARD. Methods A multicenter, prospective, trial of patients undergoing distal pancreatectomy randomized to either TissueLink or SEAMGUARD. Results Enrollment was closed early due to poor accrual. Overall, 67 patients were enrolled, 35 TissueLink and 32 SEAMGUARD. The two groups differed in American Society of Anesthesiologist class and diagnosis at baseline and were relatively balanced otherwise. Overall, 37 of 67 patients (55%) experienced a leak of any grade, 15 (46.9%) in the SEAMGUARD arm and 22 (62.9%) in the TissueLink arm ( P = 0.19). The clinically significant leak rate was 17.9%; 22.9% for TissueLink and 12.5% for SEAMGUARD ( P = 0.35). There were no statistically significant differences in major or any pancreatic fistula–related morbidity between the two groups. Conclusions This is the first multicentered randomized trial evaluating leak rate after distal pancreatectomy between two common transection methods. Although a difference in leak rates was observed, it was not statistically significant and therefore does not provide evidence of the superiority of one technique over the other. Choice should remain based on surgeon comfort, experience, and pancreas characteristics.
PPARγ Regulates Mouse Meibocyte Differentiation and Lipid Synthesis.

Abstract Purpose Previous reports suggest that age-related meibomian gland atrophy is associated with decreased expression of the lipid-sensitive nuclear receptor, PPARγ. The purpose of this study was to identify the role of PPARγ in modulating meibocyte lipid synthesis. Methods Cytoplasmic and nuclear fractions from meibomian glands of young (2M) and old (2Y) C57Bl6 mice were probed using antibodies specific for PPARγ. Mouse meibocytes were cultured, immortalized using a SV40 lentiviral vector, and evaluated for lipid synthesis using LipidTox staining and CARS/Raman microspectroscopy. Lipid synthesizing clones were tested for effects of PPARγ agonist, rosiglitazone, on lipid synthesis and PPARγ localization, post-translational modification and induction of PPARγ response genes. Results The cytoplasmic fraction in young mice contained both 50 and 72 kDa PPARγ bands that were absent or reduced by 75% in older mice, respectively. Cultured meibocytes produced neutral lipid containing equal amounts of wax and cholesterol esters, similar to mouse meibum. Addition of rosiglitazone (10-50 μM) significantly increased lipid production ( P Conclusions This study confirms the loss of cytoplasmic/vesicular PPARγ localization in older, atrophic mouse meibomian glands. Furthermore, PPARγ stimulates lipid synthesis in mouse meibocytes, associated with PPARγ sumoylation and translocation to the cytoplasm. Taken together these data suggest that lipid synthesis in older mice is down regulated by a PPARγ mediated pathway.
Developing Playability Heuristics Based on Nouns and Adjectives from Online Game Reviews

ABSTRACTThe objective of this study is to develop playability heuristics based on a lexical analysis of nouns and adjectives frequently used in online game reviews. Built on a previous lexical analysis of adjectives in online game reviews, it is argued that nouns together with adjectives will likely provide more contextual information than adjectives alone, and therefore the patterns among these words can be used to develop playability heuristics. A revised lexical approach is adopted to analyze nouns and adjectives from 821,122 online reviews. Ninety seven factors emerge from this analysis. Based on the nouns and adjectives highly loaded on these factors, a new process is introduced and 90 playability heuristics are derived. This study significantly expands the current pool of playability heuristics that facilitate the computer game design process. The lexical method adopted in this study demonstrates its effectiveness in developing interface design guidelines based on a large number of online reviews on...
Adverse Drug Reactions: Type A (Intrinsic) or Type B (Idiosyncratic)

Hepatotoxic adverse drug reactions are associated with significant morbidity and mortality and are the leading cause of postmarketing regulatory action in the United States. They are classified as Type A (intrinsic) or Type B (idiosyncratic). Type A are predictable, dose-related toxicities, often identified in preclinical or clinical trials, and usually occur in overdose settings or with pre-existing hepatic impairment. Type B are not clearly related to increasing dose and are associated with drug-specific and patient-specific characteristics and environmental risks. Rare Type B reactions are often identified postmarketing. Identification and management, including electronic resources, has evolved.
Time-resolved, dual heterodyne phase collection transient grating spectroscopy

The application of optical heterodyne detection for transient grating spectroscopy (TGS) using a fixed, binary phase mask often relies on taking the difference between signals captured at multiple heterodyne phases. To date, this has been accomplished by manually controlling the heterodyne phase between measurements with an optical flat. In this letter, an optical configuration is presented which allows for collection of TGS measurements at two heterodyne phases concurrently through the use of two independently phase controlled interrogation paths. This arrangement allows for complete, heterodyne amplified TGS measurements to be made in a manner not constrained by a mechanical actuation time. Measurements are instead constrained only by the desired signal-to-noise ratio. A temporal resolution of between 1 and 10 s, demonstrated here on single crystal metallic samples, will allow TGS experiments to be used as an in-situ, time-resolved monitoring technique for many material processing applications.
Extraocular Muscle Repair and Regeneration

The goal of this review is to summarize the unique regenerative milieu within mature mammalian extraocular muscles (EOMs). This will aid in understanding disease propensity for and sparing of EOMs in skeletal muscle diseases as well as the recalcitrance of the EOM to injury. The EOMs continually remodel throughout life and contain an extremely enriched number of myogenic precursor cells that differ in number and functional characteristics from those in limb skeletal muscle. The EOMs also contain a large population of Pitx2-positive myogenic precursor cells that provide the EOMs with many of their unusual biological characteristics, such as myofiber remodeling and skeletal muscle disease sparing. This environment provides for rapid and efficient remodeling and regeneration after various types of injury. In addition, the EOMs show a remarkable ability to respond to perturbations of single muscles with coordinated changes in the other EOMs that move in the same plane. These data will inform ophthalmologists as they work toward developing new treatments for eye movement disorders, new approaches for repair after nerve or direct EOM injury, as well as suggest potential explanations for the unusual disease propensity and disease-sparing characteristics of human EOM.
Formation of Developmentally Toxic Phenanthrene Metabolite Mixtures by Mycobacterium sp. ELW1

Mycobacterium sp. ELW1 co-metabolically degraded up to 1.8 μmol of phenanthrene (PHE) in ∼48 h, and hydroxyphenanthrene (OHPHE) metabolites, including 1-hydroxyphenanthrene (1-OHPHE), 3-hydroxyphenanthrene (3-OHPHE), 4-hydroxyphenanthrene (4-OHPHE), 9-hydroxyphenanthrene (9-OHPHE), 9,10-dihydroxyphenanthrene (1,9-OHPHE), and trans-9,10-dihydroxy-9,10-dihydrophenanthrene (trans-9,10-OHPHE), were identified and quantified over time. The monooxygenase responsible for co-metabolic transformation of PHE was inhibited by 1-octyne. First-order PHE transformation rates, kPHE, and half-lives, t1/2, for PHE-exposed cells were 0.16–0.51 h–1 and 1.4–4.3 h, respectively, and the 1-octyne controls ranged from 0.015–0.10 h–1 to 7.0–47 h, respectively. While single compound standards of PHE and trans-9,10-OHPHE, the major OHPHE metabolite formed by ELW1, were not toxic to embryonic zebrafish (Danio rerio), single compound standards of minor OHPHE metabolites, 1-OHPHE, 3-OHPHE, 4-OHPHE, 9-OHPHE, and 1,9-OHPHE, were toxic,...
CADASIL: A Case Report with an Atypical Presentation and Novel Mutation

Cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy CADASIL is a small vessel disease that commonly presents with ischemic episodes cognitive deficits migraine with aura and psychiatric disturbances It is caused by mutations in the NOTCH gene of which several specific point mutations have been identified We report a year old female with a confirmed CADASIL diagnosis an atypical presentation and an unreported NOTCH mutation She presented with stroke like symptoms and MRI was initially read as several subacute infarcts throughout the brain She denied any history of headaches A review of her imaging suggested CADASIL as a more likely diagnosis She underwent NOTCH testing which showed a pathogenic p Arg Cys mutation and a previously unreported p Pro Leu mutation
Physical activity after total joint arthroplasty: a narrative review.

Background Total joint arthroplasty (TJA) is a common procedure to treat individuals with hip and knee osteoarthritis. While TJAs are successful in decreasing pain and improving quality of life, it is unclear whether individuals who undergo TJA become more physically active after surgery. It is possible that TJA, by itself, is not sufficient to affect the behavior of patients toward physical activity (PA) participation. To increase PA participation, individuals with TJA may need to be exposed to exercise/behavioral interventions specifically aimed to promote PA (ie, in addition to the surgery). Objectives This narrative review aimed to assess the evidence on 1) whether TJAs change PA participation from pre- to postsurgery and 2) whether exercise/behavioral interventions delivered before or after TJA help to promote PA in these patients. Results For aim 1, the studies that assessed PA from pre- to post-TJA reported that PA does not change in the first 3 months postsurgery. The results of follow-ups longer than 3 months but shorter than 12 months are contradictory, and the results of follow-ups longer than 12 months provide weak evidence of increased PA. Assessment of changes in PA due to TJA is challenged by the wide variability in demographics, methods used to assess PA, and different pathways of care used across studies. The results for aim 2 were limited by a scarcity of studies that used exercise/behavioral interventions to promote PA. Conclusion TJA relieves joint pain and offers a unique opportunity for patients to become more physically active. However, the current evidence is limited and unable to offer definitive results of whether TJA is effective to change PA from pre- to postsurgery. Future large studies in representative samples of patients with TJA are needed to adequately answer this question.
The Other Side of Protein

As outlined by McLaren (1974) and Newman (1995), kwashiorkor was first clearly recognized and formally named in the early to mid-1930s by Williams (1933, 1935), a British medical officer in the Gold Coast (now Ghana). Williams made a convincing argument that the disease occurred in young children who were weaned early and put on a maize-based diet that was deficient in protein. And time has shown her to be correct. Problems arose after World War II, however, not from questions about Cicely Williams’ original diagnosis of kwashiorkor, but from two influential reports, one by Brock and Autret (1952) published through the UN’s World Health Organization (WHO), the other by Trowell et al. (1954). In an oft-quoted statement, Brock and Autret (1952), representing the position of WHO, maintained that kwashiorkor, or protein malnutrition as it came to be called, was the principal source of childhood malnutrition throughout the world: kwashiorkor “is the most serious and widespread nutritional disorder known to medical and nutritional science” (Brock and Autret 1952; quoted in McLaren 1974:93 and Schurch 1995:2255S). Only since the 1970s has protein malnutrition come to be seen as a comparatively rare deficiency syndrome which is now subsumed under the much more inclusive rubric of “protein-calorie” or “protein-energy” malnutrition (PCM or PEM). In other words, as it turns out inadequate protein intake is seldom the root cause of childhood malnutrition. The cause is usually the result of inadequate overall food intake, compounded by pathogens and other factors often associated with poverty and unsanitary living conditions.
Basic Principles of Pharmacology

The preceding chapter introduced the science of pharmacology and made the point that the behavioral actions of drugs cannot be understood without knowledge of basic pharmacological principles. The purpose of the present chapter is to provide an introduction to these principles.
Equilibrium between Titanium in Liquid Iron And Titanium Oxides

The amounts of oxygen in liquid iron-titanium alloys up to 50 pet Ti were measured and the oxide phases in equilibrium with these alloys were determined by using Ti02 crucibles. A minimum of about 0.003 pet O occurs at less than 1 pet Ti. The various liquid and solid oxide phases can be arranged on a ternary isotherm.
Engineering Principles of Pattern Recognition

In recent years our very complex and technically oriented society has created a situation in which more people and organizations have become concerned with handling information and fewer with handling materials. The need for improved information systems has become more conspicuous, since the world is generating more information in its various forms and information is an essential element in decision making. One of the major problems in the design of modern information systems is automatic pattern recognition. This has been the subject of investigation by many diverse groups, including research workers dealing with electronic computers, automatic controls, information theory, applied physics, statistics, psychology, biology, physiology, medicine, and linguistics. Each group emphasizes certain aspects of the problem. This chapter attempts to discuss some engineering principles for the design of pattern recognition systems.
TCT-695 Comparing Veno-Arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) and Impella in Cardiogenic Shock Patients

Percutaneous circulatory assist devices such as ECMO and Impella provide hemodynamic support for patients in cardiogenic shock. However, there are no data to guide optimal selection of devices. Our objective is to compare outcomes and complications in ECMO vs. Impella. The study retrospectively