cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Health Lifestyles in Early Childhood

This study integrates two important developments, the concept of health lifestyles (which has focused on adults and adolescents) and the increased attention to early childhood. We introduce the concept of children's health lifestyles, identifying differences from adult health lifestyles and articulating intergenerational transmission and socialization processes shaping children's health lifestyles. Using the nationally representative Early Childhood Longitudinal Study-Birth Cohort (2001-2007; N ≈ 6,150), latent class analyses identify predominant health lifestyles among U.S. preschoolers. Five distinct empirical patterns representing health lifestyles emerge, two capturing low and medium levels of overall risk across domains and three capturing domain-specific risks. Social background predicts children's health lifestyles, but lower household resources often explain these relationships. Across kindergarten measures of cognition, behavior, and health, preschool health lifestyles predict children's development even after controlling for social disadvantage and concurrent household resources. Further research on health lifestyles throughout childhood is warranted.
An abstract nonlinear Volterra integrodifferential equation

We study the nonlinear Volterra equation u′(t) + Bu(t) + ∫0t a(t − s) Au(s) ds ϵ F(t) (0 < t < ∞) (′ = ddt), u(0) = u0, (∗) as well as the corresponding problem with infinite delay u′(t) + Bu(t) + ∫−∞t a(t − s) Au(s) ds ϵ ƒ(t) (0 < t < ∞), u(t) = h(t) (−∞ < t ⩽ 0). (∗∗) Under various assumptions on the nonlinear operators A, B and on the given functions a, F, f, h existence theorems are obtained for (∗) and (∗∗, followed by results concerning boundedness and asymptotic behaviour of solutions on (0 ⩽ < ∞); two applications of the theory to problems of nonlinear heat flow with “infinite memory” are also discussed.
Age-related changes in oxidative capacity of the gastrocnemius muscle in normal and dystrophic (dy2Jdy2J) mice

Abstract The hind limb muscles of dy 2J dy 2J mice appear more oxidative than normal hind limb muscles when assayed histochemically. In some cases, biochemical assay of oxidative capacity does not match histochemical data, and in some dy2J mice, particularly old animals, there appears to be a decline in biochemically assayed oxidative enzymes. The current study cyto-biochemically assayed succinic dehdrogenase activity of the gastrocnemius muscle in dy2J and normal mice. The assays were conducted over a maturation time course of 1 to 6 months of age. Additionally, the gastrocnemius muscle was divided into two distinct regions, a superficial region, containing largely glycolytic fast-twitch fibers (SGM), and a deeper region of mixed, largely oxidative fibers (DGM) in normal animals. Assay of the whole muscle and the two regions of each individual muscle showed that the dy2J muscle increased in SDH activity with maturation and was significantly greater than the change observed in normal muscle during the same period. The increase in the whole muscle SDH activity was accounted for increases noted in the SGM. The dy2J DGM, which showed marked morphologic degeneration, had neither an increase nor a decrease in measured SDH activity. Michaelis-Menton analysis of the enzymatic assay indicated that the Vmax, and not the Km, of the dystrophic muscle enzyme system was higher than normal, suggesting a change in quantity of enzyme present, and not altered function of the system. The observed increases occurred for 4 months of maturation and then began a decline, which was noted at 6 months. Coupled with the time course of gastrocnemius muscle degeneration (the glycolytic region was slow—very little by 4 months; the mixed was fast—highly degenerated by 1 to 2 months), the results of this study suggest that oxidative capacity in the dy2J gastrocnemius muscle increased with maturation until it became obscured by inherant muscle wasting in a particular dy2J muscle region. By comparison, analysis of the large glycolytic triceps muscle, a forelimb muscle which does not receive pseudomyotonia, indicated that this muscle did not increase in SDH activity in dystrophic animals, which showed the abnormal increase in the activity of the hind limb gastrocnemius. Thus the relationship of pseudomyotonia to increasing oxidative activity in the hind limb muscles of dystrophic animals was evident.
Capacitance and near-infrared techniques for the real-time moisture measurement of broiler litter

The feasibility of capacitance and near-infrared (NIR) techniques for measuring the real-time moisture content (MC) of broiler litter was evaluated. Data collection consisted of recording differential voltage signal and spectral absorption values (1200–2200 nm) for a capacitance and a NIR sensor, respectively, for broiler litter samples within 19.3%–75.1% d.b. (16.2%–42.9% w.b.) MC. Initial data analysis indicated that litter density impacted the capacitance sensor voltage. The sensor generated a linear response between 19.3% and 45.8% d.b. MC at the given bulk density (BD) and the operating moisture range further decreased as the litter BD increased. NIR data analysis indicated that the absorption bands within the 1400–1440 nm and 1900–1950 nm wavelength regions were highly correlated to the litter MC. Linear regression models relating the output data (differential voltage and absorption spectral values for capacitance and NIR, respectively) to the litter MC exhibited a high linear correlation (R2 = 0.89–0.99). Model validation results also generated high correlation values (R2 = 0.87–0.95) between the predicted and measured MC's. Overall results suggested that the NIR technique performed better than the capacitance technique because of its ability to provide rapid, non-intrusive and density-independent measurements within the selected moisture range. The NIR technique is recommended for future real-time moisture measurement on litter conveying and application equipment.
Thyrocalcitonin and its role in calcium regulation in mammals

The discovery of thyrocalcitonin, the hypocalcemic, hypophosphatemic hormone secreted by the mammalian thyroid gland, and its current status with respect to cell of origin, chemistry, site and mode of action, and control of its secretion are reviewed. The physiological function of thyrocalcitonin has yet to be established with certainty. Evidence that secretion of thyrocalcitonin prevents postprandial hypercalcemia is presented. Small amounts of calcium administered orally caused hypercalcemia in acutely thyroidectomized but not in intact rats. In the pig, a direct relationship has been established between thyrocalcitonin secretion and levels of blood calcium during hypercalcemia. However, in other studies in which calcium was given orally, thyrocalcitonin secretion rose even without a detectable increase in the concentration of blood calcium. These observations in rats and pigs raised questions regarding the stimulus to the thyroid gland for thyrocalcitonin secretion. Is a small and undetectable rise in the blood calcium after oral calcium a sufficient signal to the thyroid gland or are other factors involved? The recent finding that pentagastrin administered i.v. at low doses increased thyrocalcitonin secretion in pigs suggests that release of gastrin or a related gastrointestinal hormone after oral calcium may thereby aid in regulation of calcium metabolism. The possibility also remains that the principal physiological function of thyrocalcitonin may be unrelated to calcium homeostasis. Attention has been focused on calcium partly because of the nature of the experiments leading to the discovery of thyrocalcitonin. Perhaps the correct pathway to elucidate the true role of this hormone in the body economy has not yet been followed.
Differential effects of intermittent PTH(1-34) and PTH(7-34) on bone microarchitecture and aortic calcification in experimental renal failure.

Abstract PTH(1–84) and PTH(7–84) are elevated in chronic kidney disease (CKD). These peptides, as their shorter analogs PTH(1–34) and PTH(7–34) both promote PTH receptor (PTH1R) internalization but only PTH(1–34) and PTH(1–84) activate the receptor. Here, we examined the effects of intermittent administration of PTH(1–34) and PTH(7–34) on mineral ion metabolism, bone architecture, and vascular calcification in rats with experimental CKD. CKD with or without parathyroidectomy (PTX) was established by 5/6 nephrectomy (NPX) in rats. Animals were divided into 4 groups: Sham PTX+ sham NPX (Sham); PTX+ sham NPX (PTX); Sham PTX+NPX (NPX); PTX+NPX (PTX/NPX). Rats were treated with single daily doses of 40 μg/kg PTH(1–34), PTH(7–34), or vehicle. Creatinine was higher in NPX and Ca lower in PTX and PTX/NPX groups than in Sham or NPX rats. Plasma phosphate was higher in PTX, NPX and PTX/NPX than in Sham rats. PTH(1–34) was more hypercalcemic than PTH(7–34) in PTX rats. Fractional bone volume in rats treated with PTH(1–34) increased significantly in all groups compared to that of vehicle treatment. In addition, trabecular number, thickness and volumetric bone density increased in rats treated with PTH(1–34). In contrast, PTH(1–34) diminished vascular calcification. Bone and renal PTH1R mRNA expression was reduced as much or more in PTX/NPX rats as in NPX alone, whereas PTH(7–34) had no effect on PTH1R expression. Renal but not bone PTH1R mRNA increased in response to PTH(1–34). These findings suggest that PTH(1–34) exerts greater hypercalcemic and anabolic effects in parathyroidectomized and/or nephrectomized rats than does PTH(7–34). There was no evidence for significant bone or vascular actions of PTH(7–34). We conclude that PTH(1–34) protects against vascular calcification and bone demineralization in experimental renal failure.
K+→π++γ̃γ̃ in spontaneously broken supersymmetric models

Abstract We study the decay K + →π + γ γ in models with spontaneous supersymmetry breaking and find that it is generally suppressed relative to the decay K + Λπ + ν ν of the conventional model, except possibly for a class of models where the squark masses are generated by radiative corrections from a much larger supersymmetry breaking scale. For a small range of squark and photino parameters, the cascade process K + →π + π 0 →π + γ γ will become dominant over the ν ν mode. We also comment on the possibility of probing the neutrino mass through the K + →π + π 0 →π + ν ν cascade decay.
On the distribution of the number of unobserved elements when m-samples of size n are drawn from a finite population

Consider a finite population with N elements. Assume that a random sample of size n is taken from this population m times. These m samples each of size n drawn without replacement, are drawn with replacement. In this paper, the probability function of the number of the unobserved elements of the population, denoted by S, is obtained and showed that the asymptotic distribution of S is normal as N and m tends to infinity with , using the method of moments. A representation of S as a sum of independent Bernoulli random variables is obtained and using this representation the limiting distribution of S is considered.
An efficient group key management scheme for mobile ad hoc networks

Group key management is one of the basic building blocks in collaborative and group-oriented applications in Mobile AdHoc Networks (MANETs). Group key establishment involves creating and distributing a common secret for all group members. However, key management for a large and dynamic group is a difficult problem because of scalability and security. Modification of membership requires the group key to be refreshed to ensure backward and forward secrecy. In this paper, we propose a Simple and Efficient Group Key (SEGK) management scheme for MANETs. Group members compute the group key in a distributed manner.
FNA biopsy of small round cell tumors of childhood: Cytomorphologic features and the role of ancillary studies

Pediatric tumors which are conventionally considered to be small round cell tumors (SRCTs) include the prototypical neuroblastoma as well as rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), Ewing's sarcoma (ES), malignant lymphoma, and primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET). Other malignancies may be considered in the differential diagnosis such as small-cell osteogenic sarcoma, undifferentiated (anaplastic) hepatoblastoma, granulocytic sarcoma, blastemal type Wilms' tumor, and desmoplastic small-cell tumor of the peritoneum. The cytomorphologic features of conventional SRCTs is presented as well as the utility of ancillary studies performed on the aspirated material in making a specific and correct diagnosis. The role of the immediate cytologic assessment of the aspirate is stress, since this is a critical step in formulating an initial diagnostic impression that should prompt the need for additional material for pertinent ancillary studies. Although challenging, FNA cytology of SRCTs of childhood can be diagnostic in the majority of cases, allowing specific therapy to be given to patients with unresectable SRCTs without a tissue biopsy as well as documenting recurrent and/or metastatic disease.
Theoretical performance of very long wavelength InAs/InxGa1−xSb superlattice based infrared detectors

Optimal detectivities of very long wavelength (11–19 μm) photovoltaic infrared detectors based on ideal InAs/InGaSb superlattices are calculated. Accurate K⋅p band structures are used to obtain radiative, electron–electron and hole–hole band‐to‐band Auger, and for the first time shallow acceptor level assisted Auger recombination rates for n‐on‐p photodiodes. The suppression of band‐to‐band Auger by ‘‘band gap engineering’’ is predicted to lead to improved background‐limited operating temperatures just as it does in long‐wave InAs/InGaSb infrared detectors.
An Evaluation of Permethrin, Carbaryl, and Amitraz for the Control of Northern Fowl Mites on Caged Chickens

Abstract In two trials at the University poultry farm, two formulations of the synthetic pyrethroid permethrin (Ectiban® 5.0% EC and Ectiban® .25% Livestock Dust) were compared against carbaryl and amitraz sprays for the control of northern fowl mite, Ornithonyssus sylviarum (Canestrini and Fanzago), on caged birds. Under continuous reinfestation pressure, birds treated with dust did not support live mites in the vent region until 7 weeks posttreatment in comparison to 4 weeks with the permethrin .05% spray. Initially, both carbaryl (.5%) and amitraz (.05%) sprays were as effective in controlling mites as the permethrin spray but did not provide protection for as long a period. Individual birds were either hand dusted or treated with low pressure sprays.
The large scale topology and algebraic K-theory of arithmetic groups

Abstract New compactifications of symmetric spaces of noncompact type X are constructed using the asymptotic geometry of the Borel–Serre enlargement. The controlled K -theory associated to these compactifications is used to prove the integral Novikov conjecture for arithmetic groups.
Parathyroid Hormone Induces c-fos Promoter Activity in Osteoblastic Cells through Phosphorylated cAMP Response Element (CRE)-binding protein Binding to the Major CRE

Many parathyroid hormone (PTH)-mediated events in osteoblasts are thought to require immediate early gene expression. PTH induces the immediate early gene, c-fos, in this cell type through a cAMP-dependent pathway. The present work investigated the nuclear mechanisms involved in PTH regulation of c-fos in the osteoblastic cell line, UMR 106-01. By transiently transfecting c-fos promoter 5′ deletion constructs into UMR cells, we demonstrated that PTH induction of the c-fos promoter requires the major cAMP response element (CRE). Point mutations created in the major CRE within the largest construct inhibited both PTH-stimulated and basal expression. This element, therefore, performs concerted basal and PTH-responsive cis-acting functions. Gel retardation and Western blotting techniques revealed that CRE-binding protein (CREB) constitutively binds the major CRE but becomes phosphorylated at its cAMP-dependent protein kinase consensus recognition site following PTH treatment. CREB was functionally implicated in c-fos regulation by coexpressing a dominant CREB repressor, KCREB (killer CREB), with the c-fos promoter constructs. KCREB suppressed both basal and PTH-mediated c-fos induction. We conclude that PTH activates c-fos in osteoblasts through cAMP-dependent protein kinase-phosphorylated CREB interaction with the major CRE in the promoter region of the c-fos gene.
High-frequency quasi-resonant converter technologies

Resonant switch topologies operating under the principle of zero-current switching (ZCS) and zero-voltage switching (ZVS) are introduced to minimize switching losses, stresses, and noises. Using the resonant switch concept, a host of new quasi-resonant converters (QRCs) are derived from conventional PWM converters. They are capable of operating in the megahertz range, with a significant improvement in performance and power density. Performances of ZCS and ZVS QRCs are compared. Power stages, gate drives, and feedback controls are discussed. >
Binding of Carboxy-Terminated Anionic/Nonionic Mixed Micelles to a Strong Polycation: Critical Conditions for Complex Formation†

Mixed micelles of carboxy-terminated surfactants and nonionic surfactants bind to the polycation PDADMAC at a well-defined critical pH corresponding to a critical micelle surface charge density σc. The ionic strength dependence of σc for this and a number of related polyelectrolyte−micelle systems conforms to the simple result σc = Aκ1.4, where κ is the Debye−Huckel parameter and A varies inversely with polymer linear charge density. The interdependence of σc and κ also leads to the observation that binding occurs when the potential due to the micelle exceeds −9 mV at a distance of 8 A from the micelle surface.
L-Glutamic acid decarboxylase- and γ-aminobutyric acid-immunoreactive bipolar cells in tiger salamander retina are of ON- and OFF-response types as inferred from Lucifer Yellow injection

The bipolar cells in vertebrate retinas are considered to be excitatory in nature and use L-glutamate as their neurotransmitter. Our earlier studies have provided evidence demonstrating that a small but significant population of orthotopic bipolar cells in salamander retina may be gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic. In this work, the stratification levels of axon terminals in the inner plexiform layer (IPL) of single L-glutamic acid decarboxylase-immunoreactive (GAD-IR) and GABA-immunoreactive (GABA-IR) bipolar cells in the salamander retinal slices were studied. GAD-IR and GABA-IR bipolar cells marked by a fluorescent probe, Texas Red, were injected with Lucifer Yellow (LY) through a patch pipette under visual control. A total number of 42 GAD-IR bipolar cells in 24 slices and 84 GABA-IR bipolar cells in 56 slices were injected. Among these, terminals of nine GAD-IR bipolar cells and 22 GABA-IR bipolar cells were sufficiently filled with LY for determination of the stratification levels in the IPL. The stratification patterns and levels of GAD-IR and GABA-IR bipolar cells were very similar. GAD-IR and GABA-IR orthotopic type I and type II bipolar cells (soma located in the most distal or middle of the inner nuclear layer [INL], respectively), had their axon terminals stratified in sublamina a and sublamina b of the IPL with comparable frequency. Axonal processes were restricted largely to either the distal or the proximal region within sublaminae a and b. In addition, three of the bipolar cells had their terminals located in the middle region of the IPL. The similarities of stratification patterns and levels between GAD-IR and GABA-IR type I and type II bipolar cells indicate that they represent the same population of presumed GABAergic bipolar cells. Based on comparative stratifications of GABA bipolar cells reported here and those derived from electrophysiological studies (Hensley et al. [1993] J. Neurophysiol. 69:2086-2098), it is suggested that putative GABAergic bipolar cells represent cone-dominated and rod-dominated ON- and OFF-bipolar cells and that they subserve a broad role in the ON- and OFF-visual pathways in the retina.
High-level area and power-up current estimation considering rich cell library

Reducing the ever-growing leakage power is critical to power efficient designs. Leakage reduction techniques such as power-gating using sleep transistor insertion introduces large power-up current that may affect circuit reliability as well as introduce performance loss. We present an in-depth study of high-level power-up current modeling and estimation in the context of a full custom design environment with a rich cell library. We propose a methodology to estimate the circuit area in terms of gate count and maximum power-up current for any given logic function. We build novel estimation metrics based on logic synthesis and gate level analysis using only a small number of typical circuits, but no further logic synthesis and gate level analysis are needed during our estimation. Compared to time-consuming logic synthesis and gate level analysis, the average errors for circuits from a leading industrial design project are 23.59% for area and 21.44% for maximum power-up current. In contrast, estimation based on quick synthesis leads to 11x area difference in gate count for an 8bit adder.
Religiosity and Attitudes Toward Lesbians and Gay Men: A Meta-Analysis

Meta-analysis was used to examine the relationships between seven forms of religiosity (fundamentalism; frequency of attendance at religious services; endorsement of Christian orthodoxy; self-ratings of religiosity; and intrinsic, extrinsic, and quest orientations) and attitudes toward lesbians and gay men. All forms of religiosity except quest and extrinsic orientation had at least small negative relationships with these attitudes. Higher quest orientation was related to positive attitudes toward lesbians and gay men and extrinsic orientation had no relationship to these attitudes. In contrast, most forms of religiosity had small relationships with positive racial/ethnic attitudes; the exceptions were fundamentalism and extrinsic orientation, which had small negative relationships with racial/ethnic attitudes. A number of moderator variables of the relationship between religiosity and attitudes toward lesbians and gay men were identified.
Heterogeneous nuclear RNA (HnRNA) size in developing frog embryos

Abstract Different stages of developing frog embryos were briefly labeled with [3H]uridine and the rapidly labeled RNA was denatured and sized by sucrose density gradient centrifugation. Studies of the accumulation of labeled nuclear and cytoplasmic RNA were employed to learn the extent of turnover of nuclear RNA. Heterogeneous nuclear RNA (HnRNA) size increases during development and this is correlated with an increasing degree of turnover of HnRNA. Size differences of HnRNA exist between axial and belly regions of tailbud embryos. These data suggest that the differences in sizes of nuclear RNA may be important for post-transcriptional processing of HnRNA and control of gene expression in developing frog embryos.
Algorithm 870: A static geometric Medial Axis domain decomposition in 2D Euclidean space

We present a geometric domain decomposition method and its implementation, which produces good domain decompositions in terms of three basic criteria: (1) The boundary of the subdomains create good angles, that is, angles no smaller than a given tolerance Φ0, where the value of Φ0 is determined by the application which will use the domain decomposition. (2) The size of the separator should be relatively small compared to the area of the subdomains. (3) The maximum area of the subdomains should be close to the average subdomain area. The domain decomposition method uses an approximation of a Medial Axis as an auxiliary structure for constructing the boundary of the subdomains (separators). The N-way decomposition is based on the “divide and conquer” algorithmic paradigm and on a smoothing procedure that eliminates the creation of any new artifacts in the subdomains. This approach produces well shaped uniform and graded domain decompositions, which are suitable for parallel mesh generation.
Suicide Attempt by Multivitamin Ingestion

A 41-year-old woman presented to the Emergency Department (ED) shortly after ingesting an unknown amount of multivitamins. The exact time of ingestion was unknown. Upon arrival, she began to have nonbilious, non-bloody emesis. On physical examination, the patient appeared intoxicated and smelled of alcohol. The initial vital signs were: temperature 36.5°C, heart rate 87 beats/min, blood pressure 135/75 mm Hg, and respiratory rate 18 breaths/min. The physical examination revealed a soft, non-tender abdomen. The remainder of the examination was unremarkable. The initial laboratory work-up revealed a normal blood cell count, a serum bicarbonate level of 23 mEq/L (23 mmol/L), and normal liver function tests. The ethanol level was 123 mg/dL (27 mmol/L), the salicylate level was undetectable, and the 4-h acetaminophen level was 23 g/mL (153 mol/L). Due to the common presence of iron in multivitamins and the clinical presentation, it was decided to test the iron level. A serum iron level was drawn and initially was noted to be elevated at 130 g/dL (24 mol/L). This level peaked
On the flow of an unsteady, compressible boundary layer over an accelerating semi- infinite flat plate

Es wird die Grenzschicht untersucht, die sich in laminarer, kompressibler Stromung an einer ebenen Platte unter der Annahme einstellt, dass sich diese nach einer Seite ins Unendliche ausdehnt und von der Ruhe aus gleichformig beschleunigt wird. Die Temperatur der Platte wird in vorgeschriebener Weise mit der Zeit und der Entfernung von der Vorderkante der Platte geandert, und der Effekt dieser Anderungen kurz nach dem Beginn der Bewegung wird fur Punkte berechnet, die weit vom Plattenrand entfernt sind.
Punishment intensity and self-punitive behavior

Resistance to extinction of avoidance running was enhanced by punishment. More self-punitive running was observed when the punishment voltage was the same as the training voltage. Running speed was correlated with punishment intensity.
Displacement threshold energy for type IIa diamond

A type IIa natural diamond was irradiated at room temperature with energetic electrons. The threshold energy for displacement of atoms from their lattice sites was determined for three principal crystallographic directions by observing the formation of defect clusters during irradiation in a transmission electron microscope. The displacement‐threshold energies were found to be 37.5±1.2 eV for the electron incident in the [100] direction, 45.0±1.3 eV in the [111] direction, and 47.6±1.3 eV in the [110] direction.
CD14 and other recognition molecules for lipopolysaccharide: A review

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or endotoxin elicits a broad, non-specific cascade of events in vivo, resulting in secretion of a variety of potent mediators and cytokines produced primarily by activated macrophages and monocytes. The overproduction of these effector molecules, such as interleukin-1 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha, contributes to the pathophysiology of endotoxic shock. Cellular recognition of LPS involves several different molecules, including cluster of differentiation antigen CD14. A thorough understanding of the interaction of LPS with cells of the immune system is necessary before effective preventative or therapeutic measures can be designed to limit the host response to endotoxin. This review discusses the role of CD14 and other LPS-recognition molecules in LPS-mediated macrophage activation.
Characteristics of a Leatherback Nesting Beach and Implications for Coastal Development

Abstract Coastal development can alter the natural dynamics of beach environments, with strong implications for associated biota. Sea turtles nest on oceanic beaches and often depend upon a specific range of conditions for successful nesting. In the case of the critically endangered leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea), we know little regarding what features they select for nest sites, including how they respond to anthropogenic development. We examined relationships between leatherback nest frequency, beach environments, and tourism development at Playa Grande, Costa Rica, the location of the largest current nesting population in the eastern Pacific Ocean. Developed beach sections had shallower slopes, lower pH, and less air-filled pore space, but higher water content and salinity than undeveloped areas. Developed areas were also comprised of more sand in the smaller grain size classes relative to undeveloped sections. Leatherback nesting was positively correlated with deepness of the offshore appro...
Information asymmetries: a source of competitive advantage for diversified service firms

Information asymmetries are generally considered as leading to costs for both parties in an exchange transaction. They can, however, also be a source of competitive advantage. Potential buyers face information asymmetries in evaluating services prior to purchase. Since such asymmetries impose costs on buyers, there exists an incentive to lower such costs. This incentive may be exploited by service firms that diversify into other services that meet the needs of existing customers.
Induction of BIM Is Essential for Apoptosis Triggered by EGFR Kinase Inhibitors in Mutant EGFR-Dependent Lung Adenocarcinomas

Background Mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene are associated with increased sensitivity of lung cancers to kinase inhibitors like erlotinib. Mechanisms of cell death that occur after kinase inhibition in these oncogene-dependent tumors have not been well delineated. We sought to improve understanding of this process in order to provide insight into mechanisms of sensitivity and/or resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors and to uncover new targets for therapy.
Optimization of drug–drug interaction alert rules in a pediatric hospital's electronic health record system using a visual analytics dashboard

Objective To develop and evaluate an electronic dashboard of hospital-wide electronic health record medication alerts for an alert fatigue reduction quality improvement project. Methods We used visual analytics software to develop the dashboard. We collaborated with the hospital-wide Clinical Decision Support committee to perform three interventions successively deactivating clinically irrelevant drug–drug interaction (DDI) alert rules. We analyzed the impact of the interventions on care providers’ and pharmacists’ alert and override rates using an interrupted time series framework with piecewise regression. Results We evaluated 2 391 880 medication alerts between January 31, 2011 and January 26, 2014. For pharmacists, the median alert rate prior to the first DDI deactivation was 58.74 alerts/100 orders (IQR 54.98–60.48) and 25.11 alerts/100 orders (IQR 23.45–26.57) following the three interventions (p<0.001). For providers, baseline median alert rate prior to the first round of DDI deactivation was 19.73 alerts/100 orders (IQR 18.66–20.24) and 15.11 alerts/100 orders (IQR 14.44–15.49) following the three interventions (p<0.001). In a subgroup analysis, we observed a decrease in pharmacists’ override rates for DDI alerts that were not modified in the system from a median of 93.06 overrides/100 alerts (IQR 91.96–94.33) to 85.68 overrides/100 alerts (IQR 84.29–87.15, p<0.001). The medication serious safety event rate decreased during the study period, and there were no serious safety events reported in association with the deactivated alert rules. Conclusions An alert dashboard facilitated safe rapid-cycle reductions in alert burden that were temporally associated with lower pharmacist override rates in a subgroup of DDIs not directly affected by the interventions; meanwhile, the pharmacists’ frequency of selecting the ‘cancel’ option increased. We hypothesize that reducing the alert burden enabled pharmacists to devote more attention to clinically relevant alerts.
A pooled comparison of cefdinir and penicillin in the treatment of group a β-hemolytic streptococcal pharyngotonsillitis

Abstract Objective: This pooled analysis compared the clinical cure and bacterial eradication rates achieved by cefdinir and penicillin in the treatment of group A β-hemolytic streptococcal (GABHS) pharngotonsillitis. Methods: Data from 4 multicenter, randomized, controlled, investigator-blinded trials, 2 in children receiving oral suspensions and 2 in adults receiving capsules/tablets, were pooled and analyzed in terms of clinical cure rates, microbiologic eradication rates, and adverse events. Results: A total of 2751 patients were enrolled (age P P 98% of patients completed the course of therapy. Conclusion: In this pooled analysis of data from 4 multicenter, randomized, controlled, investigator-blinded trials in children and adults, 5- and 10-day regimens of cefdinir achieved significantly higher clinical cure and microbiologic eradication rates compared with 10-day penicillin regimens in the treatment of GABHS pharyngotonsillitis.
Ablation of isthmus and non-isthmus-dependent flutters in a patient with cor triatriatum dexter.

A 59-year-old man who had repair of ventricular septal defect was referred for ablation of typical atrial flutter (AFL). Due to an unusual high posterior ‘ridge’, positioning of the catheters was difficult, and medial/midline isthmus ablation with an 8 mm tip large curve …
Hormonal regulation of plasminogen activator mRNA production in porcine kidney cells.

Abstract Plasminogen activator (PA) production in LLC-PK 1 pig kidney cell culture is induced to high levels by calcitonin and vasopressin, both of which stimulate adenylate cyclase, or by other compounds that also raise intracellular cAMP levels. Enzyme induction is transiently sensitive to inhibition by actinomycin D, suggesting that increased concentrations of cAMP mediate the inducing effects of the hormones by enhancing the transcription of PA-mRNA sequences. We tested this hypothesis by measuring PA-mRNA sequences in the Xenopus oocyte translation system which showed a 15–20-fold enhanced PA-synthesizing capacity when supplied with poly(A) + RNA from induced cells, above that obtained from uninduced cell RNA. Changes in PA-mRNA levels measured by Northern hybridization using cloned PA-specific cDNA gave results that agreed well with those obtained from translation assays. Pretreatment with high concentrations of cycloheximide did not block calcitonin-induced PA-mRNA synthesis, indicating that PA gene activation was a primary transcriptional result of calcitonin stimulation and did not require new protein synthesis.
Management of metastatic urothelial cancer: The role of surgery as an adjunct to chemotherapy

Metastatic or unresectable disease is identified in approximately 20% of patients presenting with invasive urothelial cancer. In addition, up to 50% of patients will develop metastases following radical cystectomy for clinically localized disease. Multiagent cisplatin-based chemotherapy is considered standard first-line treatment for these patients. Although urothelial cancer is considered a chemosensitive tumour, metastatic disease is associated with poor prognosis and short-term survival. Here, we review the role of a multidisciplinary approach to treating patients with metastatic urothelial cancer.
Translation research: from accurate diagnosis to appropriate treatment

This review article focuses on the various aspects of translational research, where research on human subjects can ultimately enhance the diagnosis and treatment of future patients. While we will use specific examples relating to the asbestos related cancer mesothelioma, it should be stressed that the general approach outlined throughout this review is readily applicable to other diseases with an underlying molecular basis. Through the integration of molecular-based technologies, systematic tissue procurement and medical informatics, we now have the ability to identify clinically applicable "genotype"-"phenotype" associations across cohorts of patients that can rapidly be translated into useful diagnostic and treatment strategies. This review will touch on the various steps in the translational pipeline, and highlight some of the most essential elements as well as possible roadblocks that can impact success of the program. Critical issues with regard to Institutional Review Board (IRB) and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) compliance, data standardization, sample procurement, quality control (QC), quality assurance (QA), data analysis, preclinical models and clinical trials are addressed. The various facets of the translational pipeline have been incorporated into a fully integrated computational system, appropriately named Dx2Tx. This system readily allows for the identification of new diagnostic tests, the discovery of biomarkers and drugable targets, and prediction of optimal treatments based upon the underlying molecular basis of the disease.
Black English on Black Situation Comedies

A syntactic analysis of the language used by black characters reveals a dialect that is “black, but not too black.”
Linking social norms to efficient conservation investment in payments for ecosystem services

An increasing amount of investment has been devoted to protecting and restoring ecosystem services worldwide. The efficiency of conservation investments, including payments for ecosystem services (PES), has been found to be affected by biological, political, economic, demographic, and social factors, but little is known about the effects of social norms at the neighborhood level. As a first attempt to quantify the effects of social norms, we studied the effects of a series of possible factors on people's intentions of maintaining forest on their Grain-to-Green Program (GTGP) land plots if the program ends. GTGP is one of the world's largest PES programs and plays an important role in global conservation efforts. Our study was conducted in China's Wolong Nature Reserve, home to the world-famous endangered giant pandas and >4,500 farmers. We found that, in addition to conservation payment amounts and program duration, social norms at the neighborhood level had significant impacts on program re-enrollment, suggesting that social norms can be used to leverage participation to enhance the sustainability of conservation benefits from PES programs. Moreover, our results demonstrate that economic and demographic trends also have profound implications for sustainable conservation. Thus, social norms should be incorporated with economic and demographic trends for efficient conservation investments.
No association of apolipoprotein A‐IV codon 347 and 360 variation with atherosclerosis and lipid transport in a sample of mixed hyperlipidemics

Genetic variation at the apolipoprotein (apo) A-I/C-III/A-IV gene cluster on chromosome 11 has been associated with differences in occurrence of atherosclerosis and with variability in lipid levels among hypercholesterolemic-hypertriglyceridemic individuals. The functional cause of the association is not known, but polymorphisms of the apo A-IV gene are of interest because apo A-IV is involved in both triglyceride and cholesterol metabolism. Two mutations in the apo A-IV gene, 347T->S and 360Q->H, are known to cause amino acid substitutions in the mature protein. These polymorphisms were typed in a sample of 119 subjects with high cholesterol and high triglycerides in whom carotid artery wall thickness was previously shown to be strongly associated with silent polymorphic variation in the A-I/C-III/A-IV gene cluster. The relative allele frequencies were 0.83 and 0.17 for codon 347T->, and 0.95 and 0.05 for codon 360Q-> H. These polymorphisms did not show a statistically significant relationship with prevalent hypertension, diabetes, or cardiovascular disease or with plasma lipid levels. Most importantly, these amino acids substitutions in apo A-IV were not associated with carotid artery wall thickness. Therefore, the genetic cause of disease variability in a sample of mixed hyperlipidemics is not amino acid substitutions in codons 347 or 360 of the apoliproteins A-IV gene.
The Texas Advance Directives Act—Is It a Good Model?

The Texas Advance Directives Act was first passed in 1999 to help resolve conflicts between families and physicians when disagreements exist over continuing or halting treatments of patients. When the physician feels that continued treatment is ethically or morally unjustified and seeks to end life support for a patient against the wishes of the family, it establishes a specific path that must be followed to afford legal protection to the physician and institution. Its proponents believe that it reduces morally unjustifiable treatment of terminal patients, while its opponents argue that it places too much power in the hands of physicians and institutions. This review analyzes both sides of the argument, gives 2 examples of its application, and concludes that it is a good model but requires modification to correct some flaws.
Magnetopause attitudes during Ogo 5 crossings

The attitude of the magnetopause current layer is determined for 31 Ogo 5 crossings located at subsatellite local times between 0430 and 1020 and solar magnetospheric latitudes between −8.5° and +40°. A consistent difference in this attitude is observed between crossings in which the satellite leaves the magnetosphere and crossings in which it enters. The magnitude of this difference appears to be independent of the sun-earth-satellite angle. The ratio of the component of the magnetic field normal to the magnetopause to the total adjacent magnetospheric field is computed for each crossing. Ratios ranging from +0.1 to −0.2 are obtained where a plus sign signifies an outward directed component. The average ratio for those crossings in which the magnetosheath and magnetospheric fields subtended angles of greater than 90° is −0.03±0.09.
Electrical Implications of Corrosion for Osseointegration of Titanium Implants

The success rate of titanium implants for dental and orthopedic applications depends on the ability of surrounding bone tissue to integrate with the surface of the device, and it remains far from ideal in patients with bone compromised by physiological factors. The electrical properties and electrical stimulation of bone have been shown to control its growth and healing and can enhance osseointegration. Bone cells are also sensitive to the chemical products generated during corrosion events, but less is known about how the electrical signals associated with corrosion might affect osseointegration. The metallic nature of the materials used for implant applications and the corrosive environments found in the human body, in combination with the continuous and cyclic loads to which these implants are exposed, may lead to corrosion and its corresponding electrochemical products. The abnormal electrical currents produced during corrosion can convert any metallic implant into an electrode, and the negative impact on the surrounding tissue due to these extreme signals could be an additional cause of poor performance and rejection of implants. Here, we review basic aspects of the electrical properties and electrical stimulation of bone, as well as fundamental concepts of aqueous corrosion and its electrical and clinical implications.
Yale‐Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale: the dimensional structure revisited

The factor structure of the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) has been examined in a number of prior investigations; however, findings have not consistently yielded a stable factor solution. The present study therefore tested the fit of each previously reported factor structure. One hundred thirty-one adults with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) were administered the Y-BOCS; a portion of these participants completed self-report measures of depression and obsessive-compulsive symptoms and were rated on a global impairment index. Consistent with the originally proposed structure, confirmatory factor analyses supported a factor structure comprised of obsession and compulsion factors. Reliability and convergent validity of these factors were generally satisfactory, although divergent validity was not entirely supported. Implications of these findings on scoring the Y-BOCS are discussed.
Estimated cost of crashes in commercial drivers supports screening and treatment of obstructive sleep apnea

Sleep apnea among commercial drivers may increase the risk of fall-asleep crashes, which incur large expenses. Drivers of passenger cars whose apnea is treated experience lower crash risk. Among community-based holders of commercial driver's licenses, we considered three methods for identifying sleep apnea syndrome: (1) in-lab polysomnography; (2) selective in-lab polysomnography for high-risk drivers, where high risk is first identified by body mass index, age and gender, followed by oximetry in a subset of drivers; (3) not screening. The costs for each of these three programs equaled the sum of the costs of testing, treatment of identified cases, and crashes. Assuming that treatment prevents apnea-related crashes, polysomnography is not cost-effective, because it was more expensive than the cost of crashes when no screening is done. Screening with BMI, age and gender, however, with confirmatory in-lab polysomnography only on high-risk drivers was cost-effective, as long as a high proportion (73.8%) of screened drivers accepts treatment. These findings indicate that strategies that reduce reliance on in-laboratory polysomnography may be more cost-effective than not screening, and that treatment acceptance may need to be a condition of employment for affected drivers.
Institutional Innovation For Cogeneration1

There are institutional problems associated with major conservation measures such as cogeneration. Despite such new enactments as the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act (PURPA), utilities continue to exude a dampening effect on innovations that reduce their production requirements. Their case sets forth a number of useful lessons about the impacts of the nation's labyrinthine utility infrastructure on the development of energy alternatives. PURPA has created a market for electricity supply by cogenerators and small power producers, but has not resolved the specific problems in contract negotiation, limited utility participation, and slow implementation at the state level. Dispersed energy systems, such as on-site electrical generation which must be reintegrated with massive networks, provide a unique example of the low levels of adaptability built into our energy delivery systems. 19 references.