cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
How Do Gamblers End Gambling: Longitudinal Analysis of Internet Gambling Behaviors Prior to Account Closure Due to Gambling Related Problems

Objective: To examine behavioral patterns of actual Internet gamblers who experienced gambling-related problems and voluntarily closed their accounts. Design: A nested case–control design was used to compare gamblers who closed their accounts because of gambling problems to those who maintained open accounts. Setting: Actual play patterns of in vivo Internet gamblers who subscribed to an Internet gambling site. Participants: 226 gamblers who closed accounts due to gambling problems were selected from a cohort of 47,603 Internet gamblers who subscribed to an Internet gambling site during February 2005; 226 matched-case controls were selected from the group of gamblers who did not close their accounts. Daily aggregates of behavioral data were collected during an 18-month study period. Main outcome measures: Main outcomes of interest were daily aggregates of stake, odds, and net loss, which were standardized by the daily aggregate number of bets. We also examined the number of bets to measure trajectory of gambling frequency. Results: Account closers due to gambling problems experienced increasing monetary loss as the time to closure approached; they also increased their stake per bet. Yet they did not chase longer odds; their choices of wagers were more probabilistically conservative (i.e., short odds) compared with the controls. The changes of monetary involvement and risk preference occurred concurrently during the last few days prior to voluntary closing. Conclusions: Our finding of an involvement-seeking yet risk-averse tendency among self-identified problem gamblers challenges the notion that problem gamblers seek “long odds” during “chasing.”
Propolis inhibits osteoclast maturation

Propolis, a natural product produced by the honey bee, has been successfully used in medicine as an anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial agent. Traumatic injuries to the teeth, especially avulsion injuries, present a challenging situation for the clinician because of post-treatment complications, such as inflammatory and/or replacement resorption. Agents that reduce osteoclast numbers and activity may be useful in the treatment of traumatic injuries to the teeth. In this study, we evaluated propolis as an anti-resorptive agent. Calcitriol-stimulated mouse marrow cultures, which contain both osteoclasts and osteoblasts, were exposed to the ethanol extracts of propolis or vehicle control and stained for tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)-activity to identify osteoclasts. A significant, dose-dependent reduction in multinuclear TRAP+ cells was demonstrated, although the propolis treatment accommodated cell growth and survival (P < 0.05). Propolis also reduced the formation of actin rings in pure cultures of RAW 264.7 osteoclast-like cells, suggesting that it exerts direct actions on osteoclast maturation. In summary, our data suggest that propolis inhibits late stages of osteoclast maturation including fusion of osteoclasts precursors to form giant cells and formation of actin rings. This supports the hypothesis that it may prove useful as a medicament to reduce resorption associated with traumatic injuries to the teeth.
Refined understanding of sulphur amino acid nutrition in hybrid striped bass, Morone chrysops♀×M. saxatilis♂

Previous studies have indicated that the level of total sulphur amino acids (TSAA) (methionine+cystine) is most limiting in practical diet formulations for hybrid striped bass (HSB), especially if animal feedstuffs are replaced with plant feedstuffs. Reduction in costly animal feedstuffs such as fish meal, while maintaining adequate dietary levels of TSAA, may enhance the cost effectiveness of production. Therefore, this study investigated three different aspects of sulphur amino acid nutrition of HSB including: (1) the efficacy of crystalline methionine hydroxy analogue (MHA) and liquid MHA (Alimet™) relative to l-methionine in meeting the requirement for TSAA; (2) the cystine-sparing value for methionine; and (3) the influence of various sulphur amino acid supplements on ammonia excretion. During three separate feeding trials (2, 6 and 10 weeks in duration), juvenile HSB were fed various diets including a basal diet deficient in TSAA (0.33% or 0.51% of diet), and experimental diets supplemented on an equal-sulphur basis with different levels of either l-methionine, Alimet™ or crystalline MHA. Diets containing TSAA at 1% of diet and different ratios of cystine to methionine (60:40, 55:45, 50:50 and 45:55) were also fed to re-evaluate the sparing effects of cystine on methionine. In trial 1, over the course of 10 weeks, Alimet™ was 73% as effective in promoting weight gain as l-methionine at the same concentration while MHA was 83% as effective. After 6 weeks in trial 2, fish fed Alimet™ at 1.25% of diet displayed similar growth performance as those fed TSAA at 1.0% of diet, while weight gain of fish fed Alimet™ at 1% was only 58% of that displayed by fish fed TSAA at 1.0%. No significant differences in weight gain, feed utilization or survival were observed among fish fed diets containing various ratios of cystine to methionine, although the diet with 60:40 cystine to methionine had the lowest numerical responses. Inclusion of MHA or Alimet™ did not affect TAN excretion of HSB. These findings will aid in refining diet formulations for HSB to ensure adequate sulphur amino acid nutrition.
Best Practices in the Reporting of Participatory Action Research: Embracing Both the Forest and the Trees

Participatory action research (PAR) represents an approach that is deeply consonant with counseling psychology’s commitments to social equity and action. However, counseling psychologists who would like to study this literature, or who would like to write about a project of their own, may discover that the reporting of PAR is not straightforward: PAR is a fluid, multifaceted, co-created, idiosyncratic process that does not necessarily correspond to established report-writing conventions. In this article, the authors present best-practices suggestions for writing about PAR based on an analysis of PAR articles published between 2000 and 2008.
Ultrasound speckle statistics variations with imaging systems impulse response

The effects of resolution cell size on the speckle statistics below the Rayleigh limit are studied. A three-dimensional simulation phantom that takes into account the 3-D distribution of scatterers and the 3-D nature of resolution cell volume has been used. The medium is modeled as uniform matrix material with discrete scatterers distributed randomly. Envelope detection from the simulated RF signal is carried out by using the Hilbert transform. An analysis of speckle statistics was carried out on the data. >
High‐precision relocation of long‐period events beneath the summit region of Kı̄lauea Volcano, Hawai‘i, from 1986 to 2009

Long-period (0.5–5 Hz, LP) seismicity has been recorded for decades in the summit region of Kilauea Volcano, Hawai‘i, and is postulated as linked with the magma transport and shallow hydrothermal systems. To better characterize its spatiotemporal occurrence, we perform a systematic analysis of 49,030 seismic events occurring in the Kilauea summit region from January 1986 to March 2009 recorded by the ∼50-station Hawaiian Volcano Observatory permanent network. We estimate 215,437 P wave spectra, considering all events on all stations, and use a station-averaged spectral metric to consistently classify LP and non-LP seismicity. We compute high-precision relative relocations for 5327 LP events (43% of all classified LP events) using waveform cross correlation and cluster analysis with 6.4 million event pairs, combined with the source-specific station term method. The majority of intermediate-depth (5–15 km) LPs collapse to a compact volume, with remarkable source location stability over 23 years indicating a source process controlled by geological or conduit structure.
Language and False Belief: Evidence for General, Not Specific, Effects in Cantonese-Speaking Preschoolers

Two studies were conducted with Cantonese-speaking preschoolers examining J. de Villiers's (1995) hypothesis that syntactic complements play a unique role in the acquisition of false belief (FB). In Study 1, the authors found a positive correlation between FB and syntactic complements in 72 four- to six-year-old Cantonese-speaking preschoolers. Study 2 followed 72 three- to five-year-old Cantonese-speaking children who initially failed an FB screening task and were then tested on general language abilities, short-term memory, inhibition, nonverbal IQ, and on FB and complement tasks. Once age and initial FB understanding were controlled for in both multiple regression and hierarchical linear modeling analyses, complements no longer uniquely predicted FB. Instead, individual differences in general language abilities and short-term memory contributed to the variation in both complements and FB.
Amnesic effects of ether and electroconvulsive shock in mice

Mice were given a painful foot-shock upon stepping through a small hole into a dark chamber. Different groups were administered either ECS or 40 sec. or 70 sec. of ether following the learning trial. On a test trial 22 hr. later the 70 sec. etherization and ECS groups showed no memory for the foot-shock while the shocked but untreated control Ss evidenced good retention. The results support a consolidation disruption interpretation of retrograde amnesia.
Laminin-332–β1 integrin interactions negatively regulate invadopodia

Adhesion of epithelial cells to basement membranes (BM) occurs through two major structures: actin-associated focal contacts and keratin-associated hemidesmosomes, both of which form on laminin-332 (Ln-332). In epithelial-derived cancer cells, additional actin-linked structures with putative adhesive properties, invadopodia, are frequently present and mediate BM degradation. A recent study proposed that BM invasion requires a proper combination of focal contacts and invadopodia for invading cells to gain traction through degraded BM, and suggested that these structures may compete for common molecular components such as Src kinase. In this study, we tested the role of the Ln-332 in regulating invadopodia in 804G rat bladder carcinoma cells, a cell line that secretes Ln-332 and forms all three types of adhesions. Expression of shRNA to Ln-332 gamma2 chain (gamma2-kd) led to increased numbers of invadopodia and enhanced extracellular matrix degradation. Replating gamma2-kd cells on Ln-332 or collagen-I fully recovered cell spreading and inhibition of invadopodia. Inhibition of alpha3 or beta1, but not alpha6 or beta4, phenocopied the effect of gamma2-kd, suggesting that alpha3beta1-mediated focal contacts, rather than alpha6beta4-mediated hemidesmosome pathways, intersect with invadopodia regulation. gamma2-kd cells exhibited alterations in focal contact-type structures and in activation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and Src kinase. Inhibition of FAK also increased invadopodia number, which was reversible with Src inhibition. These data are consistent with a model whereby actin-based adhesions can limit the availability of active Src that is capable of invadopodia initiation and identifies Ln-332-beta1 interactions as a potent upstream regulator that limits cell invasion.
Pathway Choice in Glutamate Synthesis in Escherichia coli

Escherichia coli has two primary pathways for glutamate synthesis. The glutamine synthetase-glutamate synthase (GOGAT) pathway is essential for synthesis at low ammonium concentration and for regulation of the glutamine pool. The glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) pathway is important during glucose-limited growth. It has been hypothesized that GDH is favored when the organism is stressed for energy, because the enzyme does not use ATP as does the GOGAT pathway. The results of competition experiments between the wild-type and a GDH-deficient mutant during glucose-limited growth in the presence of the nonmetabolizable glucose analog alpha-methylglucoside were consistent with the hypothesis. Enzyme measurements showed that levels of the enzymes of the glutamate pathways dropped as the organism passed from unrestricted to glucose-restricted growth. However, other conditions influencing pathway choice had no substantial effect on enzyme levels. Therefore, substrate availability and/or modulation of enzyme activity are likely to be major determinants of pathway choice in glutamate synthesis.
Low Levels of Protein C Are Associated With Poor Outcome in Severe Sepsis

Abstract Study objective To investigate whether protein C levels predict 30-day mortality rate, shock status, duration of ICU stay, and ventilator dependence in patients with sepsis. Design Retrospective analysis of a subset of a previously published, prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial ("Effects of Ibuprofen on the Physiology and Survival of Patients With Sepsis" [ISS]). Setting A multicenter study performed in the United States and Canada (seven sites). Patients Seventy hospitalized patients with acute severe sepsis and failure in one or more organs at entry into the ISS trial. Measurements and Main Results Blood samples were obtained from all patients at baseline and at 20, 44, 72, and 120 h after the initiation of study drug (ibuprofen or placebo) infusion. Data obtained at these times included platelet count, prothrombin time, and partial thromboplastin time. The results described in this article are based on a subset of the total ISS population for whom additional coagulation assays were performed on the blood samples obtained at baseline and 44 h. These assays included protein C antigen, D-dimer, and fibrinogen levels. A total of 63 of the 70 patients (90%) studied in this report had acquired protein C deficiency at entry to the ISS trial (baseline). The presence and severity of acquired protein C deficiency were associated with poor clinical outcome, including lower survival rate, higher incidence of shock, and fewer ICU-free and ventilator-free days. Conclusions Acquired protein C deficiency may be useful in predicting clinical outcome in patients with sepsis. Clinical studies are warranted to determine whether the replacement of protein C in sepsis patients may improve outcome.
Effects of Surface Energy Fluxes during the Early Development and Rapid Intensification Stages of Seven Explosive Cyclones in the Western Atlantic

Abstract A series of eight numerical experiments were conducted on seven cases of explosive marine cyclogenesis, using the Pennsylvania State University/National Center for Atmospheric Research (PSU/NCAR) mesoscale model. The main objective was to elucidate the role of surface energy fluxes both during and preceding rapid deepening. Results from the 24-h experiments initialized at the commencement of the period of most rapid deepening showed that the fluxes occurring during this stage had essentially no effect on the deepening rate. However, substantial effects of the fluxes were found in 48-h experiments initialized early in the development. When the fluxes were withheld from the 48-h simulations, the predicted cyclones were weakened on average by 7.1 mb at 24 hours and 13.5 mb at 48 hours. Evidently the fluxes occurring during the 24 hours preceding rapid deepening did affect the storm development throughout its lifetime. Additional 48-h experiments confirmed the relatively small impact of the concurren...
Safety and tolerability considerations in the use of sildenafil for children with pulmonary arterial hypertension

Sildenafil is a phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitor approved for treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in adults. Data from pediatric trials demonstrate a similar acute safety profile to the adult population but have raised concerns regarding the safety of long-term use in children. Interpretation of these trials remains controversial with major regulatory agencies differing in their recommendations - the US Food and Drug Administration recommends against the use of sildenafil for treatment of PAH in children, while the European Medicines Agency supports its use at "low doses". Here, we review the available pediatric data regarding dosing, acute, and long-term safety and efficacy of sildenafil for the treatment of PAH in children.
Differential effects of Mek1 and Mek2 inhibition on cellular proliferation of malignant and non-malignant human breast cells.

B127 Stimulation or inhibition of the Raf-Mek-Erk kinase cascade signaling pathway via cell surface receptors results in downstream effects on genes controlling cell cycle progression, motility and apoptosis. Because misregulation of each of these processes is a critical step in cancer progression, there has been much interest in using Mek inhibitors as anti-cancer therapeutics. These drugs target both the Mek1 and Mek2 kinases, which are assumed to act similarly on the signaling pathway. However, there is reason to believe that Mek1 and Mek2 have differential effects on proliferation, therefore complicating drug target strategies. Ussar and Voss (JBC, 279: 43861-9, 2004) showed that Mek1 causes proliferation, whereas Mek2 induces growth arrest at G1. Additionally, Scholl et al. (Cancer Research, 64:6035-40, 2004) over expressed Mek1 or Mek2 and found that only Mek1 increased proliferation. These data are consistent with our preliminarily data in cultured human mammary epithelial cells (HMECs) which indicate that cells constitutively expressing short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) against Mek2 proliferate more rapidly than controls. We are determining the individual contributions of Mek1 and Mek2 to proliferation and Mek inhibitor drug sensitivity in malignant and non-malignant human breast epithelial cell lines. To date, four cell lines (MCF7, MCF10A, 184A1 and 184v-TERT) have been successfully transformed with lentiviruses expressing shRNAs against Mek1, Mek2, or both Mek1 and 2. The resulting knockdowns were robust and specific, as determined by immunoblotting. Surprisingly, these lines grew well despite decreased Mek expression, even in the case of the double knockdown. In addition, the shMek2 lines grew significantly faster than controls, regardless of cell lineage. Interestingly, immunoblots measuring total Erk and phosphorylated Erk (P-Erk) levels, indicated that P-Erk levels remain elevated in certain cell lineages despite the knockdown of Mek, suggesting that other kinases maintained phoshorylated Erk in these lines. Mek inhibitor (either U0126 or CI-1040) sensitivity assays indicated that the shMek2 lines are also more resistant than control lines to Mek inhibitors. In an effort to understand compensatory changes, we are currently profiling RNA and protein expression patterns in randomly cycling and synchronized HMEC lines stably transduced with shRNAs targeting Mek1 and /or Mek2.
Musculoskeletal injuries demand new treatment model.

Implementing this model is not easy or inexpensive. By design it is a cooperative effort that relies on multidisciplinary cooperation and intervention. It recognizes the true nature of industry's problem with musculoskeletal injuries: a complex, multifaceted problem that requires more than band-aids or quick fixes. Appropriate management of musculoskeletal injuries addressing all components of the model is a task that must be undertaken if industry is to control its medical costs. Controlled studies must be undertaken to determine the model's effectiveness in the long-term management of industrial musculoskeletal injuries. Language: en
Joshua James Kassner. Rwanda and the Moral Obligation of Humanitarian Intervention

As I write this review in October 2015, alarm bells are ringing worldwide, signaling the high likelihood that a mass atrocity event will soon take place in Burundi. Killings have been going on ther...
Dietary effects of soy isoflavones on growth and carcass traits of commercial broilers.

Three experiments (EXP) were conducted to determine the effect of soy isoflavones (ISF) on growth and carcass traits of commercial broilers. The EXP were conducted simultaneously and a common control was used. In each EXP, treatments were replicated five times with five chicks each. Average initial and final BW were 102 and 2,890 g, 102 and 2,657 g, and 102 and 2,803 g for EXP 1,2, and 3, respectively, and the EXP were conducted from 9 to 52 d posthatching. In EXP 1, the effects of graded levels of supplemental ISF above those typically found in a corn-soybean meal (C-SBM) diet were studied. The treatments were 1) C-SBM, 2) C-SBM + ISF levels two times those in C-SBM (2x), and 3) C-SBM + ISF levels five times those in C-SBM (5x). The 2x and 5x levels of ISF decreased gain:feed (linear, P 0.05) by treatment. In EXP 2, the effects of low ISF levels in a C-soy protein concentrate (C-SPC) diet were studied. The treatments were 1) C-SBM, 2) C-SPC (low ISF), and 3) C-SPC + ISF (ISF levels equal to those in C-SBM). Average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) were decreased (16 and 9%, respectively; P 0.05) by treatment. In EXP 3, the effects of low ISF levels in a low CP diet were studied. The treatments were 1) C-SBM, 2) low CP (17,14, and 12% in the starter, growing, and finishing diets, respectively) with supplemental crystalline amino acids (low CP-AA), and 3) low CP-AA + ISF (ISF levels equal to C-SBM). Daily gain and gain:feed were decreased from 7 to 9% (P < 0.01) in chicks fed the low CP-AA and low CP-AA + ISF diet relative to those fed the C-SBM diet. Abdominal fat pad percentage was increased (P < 0.01) in chicks fed the low CP-AA diets compared with those fed the C-SBM diet. Dietary ISF can affect ADG and ADFI and may affect carcass traits in some instances.
The Use of Pesticides in the Preparation of Insects and Mites for Photography

In the course of laboratory investigations on the comparative effectiveness of various acaricides against the two-spotted mite, Tetranychus telarius Linn., the writers (Ebeling and Pence, 1953) noted that, when treated with Aramite or Chlorobenzilate, the mites, after they are killed by the treatment, retain a remarkably lifelike appearance and posture (fig. 1A, left). Even the legs are acaricides left the mites in varying degrees of disarrangement. The organic phosphates had a particularly striking effect in rapidly changing the appearance of the mites. Even before they were dead, and while they were still crawling about, the mites became shrunken and dark in appearance, and when dead they were very shrivelled (fig. 1A, right).
Nonocclusive Ischemic Colitis: Analysis of Risk Factors for Severity:

Abstract The purpose of this study was to identify risk factors predictive of severe nonocclussive ischemic colitis (IC) requiring operation or resulting in mortality. One hundred seventeen patients with nonocclussive IC were identified and divided into two groups: those with severe disease (n = 24) and those with disease that resolved with supportive care (n = 93). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used. The splenic flexure was the most common involved segment (57.3%), whereas the right colon was involved in 17.9 per cent of patients. Multivariate logistic regression identified three independent risk factors for severe disease: leukocytosis greater than 15 × 10(9)/L (odds ratio [OR], 5.7; confidence interval [CI], 1.5 to 21), hematocrit less than 35 per cent (OR, 4.5; CI, 1.1 to 17), and history of atrial fibrillation (OR, 15; CI, 1.3 to 190). Right-sided IC and chronic renal insufficiency did not affect severity. Special attention should be given to patients with the following risk factors for a severe course: atrial fibrillation, elevated white blood cell count, and anemia. These factors might enable earlier identification of patients who may benefit from early operation. Further prospective studies focusing on subgroups of IC (occlusive and nonocclusive) are required.
Advances in Anesthesiology 1958 to 1964

There have been significant advances in anesthesiology in recent years. Among them are a new theory of the action of anesthetics at the cellular level, physiologic measurements during anesthesia in human subjects, information concerning the uptake and distribution of inhalation anesthetics in man, observations suggesting ways to prevent hypoxia in the immediate postoperative period, and encouraging results of animal experiments concerned with the production of anesthesia by means of electric energy.
Analysis of an Energy Localization Approximation applied to three-dimensional Kinetic Monte Carlo simulations of heteroepitaxial growth

Abstract Heteroepitaxial growth involves depositing one material onto another with a different lattice spacing. This misfit leads to long-range elastic stresses that affect the behavior of the film. Previously, an Energy Localization Approximation was applied to Kinetic Monte Carlo simulations of two-dimensional growth in which the elastic field is updated using a sequence of nested domains. We extend the analysis of this earlier work to a three-dimensional setting and show that while it scales with the increase in dimensionality, a more intuitive Energy Truncation Approximation does not.
The Cross Section of Long-Term Expected Returns

Effective capital budgeting decisions require reliable estimates of long-term expected returns. I extract a predictor for long-term returns from the book-to-market ratio by controlling for its variation associated with long-term expected profitability. The resulting predictor reliably describes the cross section of returns out-of-sample for at least five years, even when focusing exclusively on large-cap stocks and controlling for expected-return estimates generated by implied cost of capital models, factor models, and characteristic-based models. My results have important implications for improving our cost of equity estimates.
Self-reported physical activity in essential tremor: Relationship with tremor, balance, and cognitive function.

Abstract Background Physical inactivity may be the result of medical comorbidities. Inactivity itself may also lead to important health consequences, especially in older patients. Essential tremor (ET) patients may have a variety of physical and cognitive problems that could detrimentally impact on level of physical activity. Yet, to our knowledge, there have been no studies of physical activity in these patients. Methods Self-reported physical activity was assessed using the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) in 100 ET cases (mean age 80.5 years) enrolled in a clinical study. Additional clinical measures were the total tremor score, Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA) score and number of steps taken off of the straight line during tandem gait (a measure of balance). Results Lower PASE score was associated with older age, more tandem gait difficulty, higher total tremor score and lower MOCA score (all p Conclusions Several of the motor features of ET (tremor and imbalance) are independently associated with reductions in level of physical activity.
The toxicity of picaridin containing insect repellent reported to the National Poison Data System.

Context: While low toxicity is reported, there are sparse data on the safety of acute picaridin (icaridin) exposures in humans.Objective: The purpose of this study was to review National Poison Dat...
Models Used in the USA for the Evaluation of Pesticide Exposure, Hazard and Risk Assessment

A wide range of models are currently being used by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Office of Pesticide Programs to provide regulatory estimates of environmental exposures from labelled uses of pesticides in agriculture . Additional models and modeling concepts have been developed to address various aspects of hazard assessment as well as the overall evaluation of ecological risk resulting from pesticide use. Current groundwater exposure models include SCI-GROW and PRZM3 while surface water estimates involve use of GENEEC, PRZM3, EXAMS and MUSCRAT. A number of probabilistic exposure modeling and risk assessment concepts have been endorsed by a recent EPA workgroup called ECOFRAM (Ecological Committee on FIFRA Risk Assessment Methods).
Conclusion: Will the Past Overtake the Future in Latin America

In the globalization debate, there is a school of thought that the unchecked expansion of crossborder finances, investment, trade, manufacturing, and consumerism has destroyed sovereignty as well as weakened the social safety net, seriously threatening the economic stability of nations.1 Whether globalization will dismantle the current system of nation states and replace them with something different is not just a possibility, but a reality. Nation-states are forming region-markets and region-states. The oldest and the first entity to emerge from the supranational movement of the 1990s, the European Union, began to form soon after the end of the Second World War.2 In the Western Hemisphere, the Rio Pact of the American nations, a military and security alliance, dates back to 1948. Its moral and economic successor was the first Summit of the Americas meeting in Miami of December 1995 when 34 of the 35 countries of the Americas agreed to negotiate a free-market agreement by 2005. Non-democratic Cuba was excluded. In 1992, Canada, the United States, and Mexico agreed to establish the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). In 1994, it became a reality. Further south, Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay signed the Asuncion Treaty in 1991, by which the four nations established a common external tariff agreement in 1995, MERCOSUR/MERCOSUL.3
Atmospheric Neutrino Interactions in IMB-3 Detector

Atmospheric neutrino interactions in the upgraded IMB-3 detector from 169 live days have been analyzed with an emphasis on the “muon neutrino deficit” effect reported by the Kamiokande group. The observed deficit of muon neutrino interactions of 8±11% does not support the Kamiokande result.
Physics and Chemistry of Clouds: Overview of thermodynamics

Thermodynamics is the study of energy and its transformations. Traditionally, thermodynamics has been used to understand the transfer of “heat” and the mechanical work that can be realized from it. Mechanical heat engines became important to society during the Industrial Revolution, but natural heat engines exist, too, although we do not often speak of thunderstorms and hurricanes in such terms. All such “engines” ultimately derive their organized, macroscopic motions from the random motions of the molecules making up the systems. Thermodynamics is useful because it applies to many phenomena in the Universe. At the same time, the discipline can become abstract, especially when one is not sure exactly what part of the Universe is being considered. It is therefore important to define the components and variables of the system carefully. Traditionally, the “system” is the part of the universe we are interested in for a particular application. Any system is separated from the rest of the Universe by a “control surface” situated between it and its “surroundings” or “environment”. The “system” plus “surroundings” together make up the “universe”. The “state” of the system at any given time is specified by the magnitudes of all relevant macro-scopic variables, such as temperature, pressure, and volume of the system. In atmospheric physics, a commonly used system is a parcel of air, an amount of gas that is small enough to have uniform properties, but large enough to contain many molecules.
Fluidic Logic Used in a Systems Approach to Enable Integrated Single-Cell Functional Analysis

The study of single cells has evolved over the past several years to include expression and genomic analysis of an increasing number of single cells. Several studies have demonstrated wide-spread variation and heterogeneity within cell populations of similar phenotype. While the characterization of these populations will likely set the foundation for our understanding of genomic- and expression-based diversity, it will not be able to link the functional differences of a single cell to its underlying genomic structure and activity. Currently, it is difficult to perturb single cells in a controlled environment, monitor and measure the response due to perturbation, and link these response measurements to downstream genomic and transcriptomic analysis. In order to address this challenge, we developed a platform to integrate and miniaturize many of the experimental steps required to study single-cell function. The heart of this platform is an elastomer-based Integrated Fluidic Circuit (IFC) that uses fluidic logic to select and sequester specific single cells based on a phenotypic trait for downstream experimentation. Experiments with sequestered cells that have been performed include on-chip culture, exposure to a variety of stimulants, and post-exposure image-based response analysis, followed by preparation of the mRNA transcriptome for massively parallel sequencing analysis. The flexible system embodies experimental design and execution that enable routine functional studies of single cells.
Power Electronics Needs for Achieving Grid-Parity Solar Energy Costs

Grid parity in the context of solar energy implies that photovoltaic resources become competitive with more conventional electrical resources. The paper explores various concepts of grid parity, with emphasis on power electronics aspects. The published Department of Energy goal of grid parity by 2015 implies large-scale shifts to solar energy by 2030. It IS shown that the power electronics subsystems of solar energy systems require substantial cost and reliability improvements to support grid parity. Inverters need to match the typical 25-year life of solar panels, support major simplifications to installation, and achieve lower manufacturing costs.
Abstract 3680: Albumin-chitosan hybrid onconase nanocarriers for mesothelioma therapy

Onconase (ONC) is a member of a ribonuclease superfamily that has potent cytostatic activity against malignant mesothelioma (MM). However, the recent clinical trials have failed due to unfavorable biopharmaceutical characteristics. The objective of this investigation was to develop BSA-chitosan based hybrid nanoformulations for the efficient delivery of ONC to MM while minimizing the exposure to normal tissues. Taguchi Orthogonal Array L9 type design was used to formulate ONC loaded albumin nanocarriers (ONC-ANC). The ONC-ANC surface was hybridized using varying chitosan concentrations ranging between 0.100-0.175%w/v to form various ONC loaded hybrid nanocarriers (ONC-HNC). The obtained data set was analyzed by principal component analysis (PCA) and principal component regressions (PCR) to decode the effects of investigated design variables. ONC-ANC were found to have a mean particle size of 15.78 ± 0.24 nm (ζ = -21.89 ± 0.11 mV). PCA showed positive correlations between investigated design variables like the bovine serum albumin (BSA) concentration, ethanol dilution, and total ethanol with formulated nanocarrier particle size and entrapment efficiency (EE). PCR showed that the particle size depends on BSA, ethanol dilution, and total ethanol content, while EE was only influenced by BSA content. Further analysis of chitosan and TPP effects used for coating of ONC-ANC by PCR confirmed their positive impacts on the particle size, zeta potential, and prolongation of ONC release compared to uncoated ONC-ANC. PCR analysis of preliminary stability studies showed increase in the particle size and zeta potential at lower pH. However, particle size, zeta potential, and EE of developed HNC were below 63 nm, 31 mV, and 96%, respectively, indicating their stability under subjected buffer conditions. Out of the developed formulations, HNC showed enhanced inhibition of cell viability with lower IC50 against human MM-REN cells compared to ONC and ONC-ANC. This might be attributed to the better cell uptake of HNC, which was confirmed in the cell uptake fluorescence studies. These studies indicated that a developed nanotherapeutic approach might prove beneficial in reducing the therapeutic dose of ONC, minimizing adverse side effects by limiting the exposure of ONC to normal tissues, and help in the development of new therapeutic formulations and routes of administration. Citation Format: Rakesh K. Tekade, Susanne R. Youngren-Ortiz, Haining Yang, Rahul Haware, Mahavir B. Chougule. Albumin-chitosan hybrid onconase nanocarriers for mesothelioma therapy. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 3680. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-3680
Mass cytometry analysis reveals hyperactive NF Kappa B signaling in myelofibrosis and secondary acute myeloid leukemia

Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) feature a malignant clone containing the JAK2 V617F mutation, or another mutation causing dysregulated JAK2 kinase activity. The multiple disease phenotypes of MPNs, and their tendency to transform phenotypically, suggest pathophysiologic heterogeneities beyond a common phenomenon of JAK2 hyperactivation. JAK2 has the potential to activate multiple other signaling molecules, either directly through downstream effectors, or indirectly through induction of target gene expression. We have interrogated myeloproliferative signaling in myelofibrosis (MF) and secondary acute myeloid leukemia (sAML) patient samples using mass cytometry, which allows the quantitative measurement of multiple signaling molecules simultaneously at the single-cell level, in cell populations representing a nearly complete spectrum of hematopoiesis. MF and sAML malignant cells demonstrated a high prevalence of hyperactivation of the JAK-STAT, MAP kinase, PI3 kinase and NFκB signaling pathways. Constitutive NFκB signaling was evident across MF and sAML patients. A supporting gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) of MF showed many NFκB target genes to be expressed above normal levels in MF patient CD34+ cells. NFκB inhibition suppressed colony formation from MF CD34+ cells. This study indicates that NFκB signaling contributes to human myeloproliferative disease and is abnormally activated in MF and sAML.
Proteomics and integrative omic approaches for understanding host–pathogen interactions and infectious diseases

Organisms are constantly exposed to microbial pathogens in their environments. When a pathogen meets its host, a series of intricate intracellular interactions shape the outcome of the infection. The understanding of these host–pathogen interactions is crucial for the development of treatments and preventive measures against infectious diseases. Over the past decade, proteomic approaches have become prime contributors to the discovery and understanding of host–pathogen interactions that represent anti‐ and pro‐pathogenic cellular responses. Here, we review these proteomic methods and their application to studying viral and bacterial intracellular pathogens. We examine approaches for defining spatial and temporal host–pathogen protein interactions upon infection of a host cell. Further expanding the understanding of proteome organization during an infection, we discuss methods that characterize the regulation of host and pathogen proteomes through alterations in protein abundance, localization, and post‐translational modifications. Finally, we highlight bioinformatic tools available for analyzing such proteomic datasets, as well as novel strategies for integrating proteomics with other omic tools, such as genomics, transcriptomics, and metabolomics, to obtain a systems‐level understanding of infectious diseases. Mol Syst Biol. (2017) 13: 922
American Society of Nephrology Quiz and Questionnaire 2013: Glomerulonephritis

The Nephrology Quiz and Questionnaire (NQ&Q) remains an extremely popular session for attendees of the Annual Meeting of the American Society of Nephrology. As in past years, the conference hall of the 2013 meeting was overflowing with interested audience members. Topics covered by expert discussants included electrolyte and acid-base disorders, glomerular disease, ESRD/dialysis, and transplantation. Complex cases representing each of these categories, along with single best answer questions, were prepared by a panel of experts. Before the meeting, program directors of United States nephrology training programs answered questions through an Internet-based questionnaire. A new addition to the NQ&Q was participation in the questionnaire by nephrology fellows. To review the process, members of the audience test their knowledge and judgment on a series of case-oriented questions prepared and discussed by experts. Their answers are compared in real time using audience response devices with the answers of nephrology fellows and training program directors. The correct and incorrect answers are then briefly discussed after the audience responses and the results of the questionnaire are displayed. This article recapitulates the session and reproduces its educational value for CJASN readers. Enjoy the clinical cases and expert discussions.
480 SPONDYLOLYSIS EFFECTS AND REPAIR IN A CALF SPINE MODEL.

Introduction Spondylolysis is an acquired stress fracture that occurs in the developing spine as a result of repetitive overload. Although fractures of the pars interarticularis may heal if identified early in the disease process, in a subset of patients the fractures fail to heal. The resultant nonunion may or may not be painful. This condition is ultimately present in up to 5% of older adolescents and adults. Nociceptive fiber ingrowth into the chronically nonunited area may be the mechanism of pain generation in the nonunited condition. Multiple techniques of repair have been described combining techniques of nonunion repair, which include debridement and structural bone grafting with various forms of internal fixation. Relief of pain has been significant in clinical series in which pars defect healing has been achieved by surgical treatment. This investigation will quantify the biomechanical effects of an experimentally induced defect in the pars articularis (spondylolysis) and three different techniques of repair in a cadaveric benchtop model. We hypothesize that a simple, novel method of pars interarticularis repair provides stability comparable to Buck9s method of hook-screw-rod methods of pars repair. Eventual implementation with spondylolytic patients may provide increased lumbar spine stability with decreased risk of complications. Method Twenty-seven fresh-frozen and thawed calf lumbar spines were used for testing. Previous work verified the suitability of a calf spine model as a substitute for human spine construct testing. The second and sixth lumbar vertebrae were potted in polymethylmethacrylate dental cement. Bilateral 5 mm defects in the pars interarticularis were created in the fourth lumbar vertebra using a sagittal saw. Intervertebral rotation and displacement across the defect were measured using linear and rotational extensometers. Each spine underwent testing under the following experimental situations: native spine followed by spine with bilateral pars defects. In addition, three internal fixation techniques were compared: pedicle screw hook rod, arch plate, and a newly designed cable plate construct. Loads were applied using an Instron 5800 material testing machine. Conclusions Osteotomy of the pars interarticularis increases rotational displacement in a calf spine model. Trends show a rotational stabilizing effect in all three repair methods.
Trends in Nationwide Herpes Zoster Emergency Department Utilization From 2006 to 2013.

Importance The effect of vaccination on emergency department (ED) utilization for herpes zoster (HZ) has not been examined to date. Objective To determine trends in US ED utilization and costs associated with HZ. Design, Setting, and Participants The Nationwide Emergency Department Sample data set was examined for temporal trends in the number of visits and costs for treatment of HZ in EDs in the United States from January 1, 2006, through December 31, 2013. Cases of HZ were identified using validated International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision–Clinical Modification diagnosis codes. Patients were stratified by age: less than 20 years (varicella vaccine recommended), 20 to 59 years (no vaccine recommended), and 60 years or older (HZ vaccine recommended). Population-based rates were estimated using sampling weights. Main Outcomes and Measures Population-based incidence rates of HZ-related ED visits, charge for ED services, and total charges. Results A total of 1 350 957 ED visits for HZ were identified between 2006 and 2013, representing 0.13% of all US ED visits. Of these patients, 563 200 (51.7%) were male; mean (SE) age was 54.0 (0.1) years. Between 2006 and 2013, the percentage of HZ-related ED visits increased from 0.13% to 0.14% (8.3%). This growth was driven by patients aged 20 to 59 years (increase of 22.8% [from 0.12% to 0.14% of ED visits]) while the proportion of ED HZ visits decreased for patients aged less than 20 years and 60 years or older, from 0.03% to 0.02% (−39.6%) and from 0.28% to 0.25% (−10.9%), respectively. For all age groups, there was an increase from 2006 to 2013 in overall adjusted total (from $92.83 to $202.47 million) and mean charges (from $763 to $1262) for HZ-related ED visits. Conclusions and Relevance The number of ED visits and total cost associated with HZ increased between 2006 and 2013. Greater use was driven by an increased number of visits by patients aged 20 to 59 years, but populations recommended for vaccination (
Benefits of fading in perceptual learning are driven by more than dimensional attention

Individuals learn to classify percepts effectively when the task is initially easy and then gradually increases in difficulty. Some suggest that this is because easy-to-discriminate events help learners focus attention on discrimination-relevant dimensions. Here, we tested whether such attentional-spotlighting accounts are sufficient to explain easy-to-hard effects in auditory perceptual learning. In two experiments, participants were trained to discriminate periodic, frequency-modulated (FM) tones in two separate frequency ranges (300–600 Hz or 3000–6000 Hz). In one frequency range, sounds gradually increased in similarity as training progressed. In the other, stimulus similarity was constant throughout training. After training, participants showed better performance in their progressively trained frequency range, even though the discrimination-relevant dimension across ranges was the same. Learning theories that posit experience-dependent changes in stimulus representations and/or the strengthening of associations with differential responses, predict the observed specificity of easy-to-hard effects, whereas attentional-spotlighting theories do not. Calibrating the difficulty and temporal sequencing of training experiences to support more incremental representation-based learning can enhance the effectiveness of practice beyond any benefits gained from explicitly highlighting relevant dimensions.