cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Osteoclast radical interactions: NADPH causes pulsatile release of NO and stimulates superoxide production

Osteoclasts have been shown to destroy calcified tissue by complex developmental steps involving cell recruitment, cell attachment and deployment of multiple enzymes. They also appear to regulate resorption by several mechanisms. In particular, earlier investigations have indicated that oxygen radical metabolites may be produce by osteoclasts. These labile reactants could accelerate destruction of calcified tissue. In addition, recent studies have suggested that nitric oxide may have an inhibitory role in bone resorption. Previous studies of these radical substituents have predicted that interactions of nitric oxide and oxygen radicals could explain the conflicting roles of these radicals in the control of bone resorption. In view of the requirement of both of the enzymes, NADPH-oxidase and NO synthase (NOS), for NADPH(beta-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate), one level of interaction could be related to competition for this necessary cofactor. To test this hypothesis, we have investigated the ab...
Restraint stress modulates virus specific adaptive immunity during acute Theiler’s virus infection

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a devastating CNS disease of unknown origin. Multiple factors including genetic background, infection, and psychological stress affect the onset or progression of MS. Theiler’s murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV) infection is an animal model of MS in which aberrant immunity leads to viral persistence and subsequently results in demyelination that resembles MS. Here, we examined how stress during acute TMEV infection altered virus-specific cell mediated responses. Using immunodominant viral peptides specific for either CD4+ or CD8+ T cells, we found that stress reduced IFN-γ producing virus-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in the spleen and CD8+ T cells CNS. Cytokine production by cells isolated from the CNS or spleens following stimulation with virus or viral peptides, indicated that stress decreased both type 1 and type 2 responses. Glucocorticoids were implicated in the decreased T cell function as the effects of stress were partially reversed by concurrent RU486 administration but mimicked by dexamethasone. As T cells mediate viral clearance in this model, our data support the hypothesis that stress-induced immunosuppression may provide a mechanism for enhanced viral persistence within the CNS.
Predaceous Behavior by Helicoverpa zea (Boddie) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae: Heliothinae)

Helicoverpa zea (Boddie) (Noctuidae) is a well-documented pest of agricultural crops throughout most of North and South America (Wilcox et al. 1956; Hardwick 1965, 1996; Kimball 1965; Tietz 1972; Covell 1984; Heppner 2003; Capinera 2005; Wagner 2005). Hardwick (1965), in proposing the genus Helicoverpa as distinct from Heliothis Ochsenheimer, noted the polyphagous herbivory of H. zea (see also Kimball 1965; Tietz 1972; Covell 1984; Heppner 2003; Capinera 2005; Wagner 2005), but made no mention of predaceous behavior within the genus. Cannibalism was reported by Hardwick (1996) as common by young larvae of Heliothinae, particularly for individuals feeding in small flower heads. Capinera (2005) noted that aggressive killing and cannibalism occurs in late instar larvae of H. zea when occupying ears of corn. Hardwick (1996) documented a case of intergeneric predation in larval Heliothinae, where Euticropis nexilis Morrison (Noctuidae) was consumed by Schinia verna Hardwick (Noctuidae) when feeding within flower heads of Antennaria (Asteraceae) (see also Hardwick 1958, 1970). Huguenin (1914) documented a case of interfamilial predation where larvae of Heliothis dispaceus [sic] (Noctuidae) killed and consumed pupae of Pieris rapae (Linnaeus) (Pieridae) in captivity. The aforementioned represent the only previously documented carnivory by Heliothinae. Additional records of carnivorous behavior and the first known occurrence of interfamilial predation by larvae of Helicoverpa are reported herein. On 10 August 2006 an unidentified larva of Noctuidae, determined after eclosion as H. zea, was discovered feeding upon a final instar larva of Cyclargus thomasi bethunebakeri (Comstock and Huntington) (Lycaenidae) (generic nomenclature follows Nabokov 1945) reared within a captive laboratory culture located in J Insect Behav (2008) 21:143–146 DOI 10.1007/s10905-007-9113-0
Selective separation of alkali metal cations by bulk chloroform membranes containing lipophilic crown ether phosphonic acid monoethyl esters

Abstract A series of crown ether phosphonic acid monoethyl esters with crown ether ring size variation from 12-crown-4 to 24-crown-8 is used in bulk chloroform membranes to separate alkali metal cations from mixtures. Selective proton-coupled transport of alkali metal cations from weakly alkaline aqueous phases is achieved. With individual ionizable crown ether carriers, transport selectivity for Li+, Na+, K+, and Rb+-Cs+ is achieved. A closely related lipophilic phosphonic acid monoethyl ester derivative with a cyclohexyl unit in place of the crown ether exhibits transport selectivity for Li+. However, the corresponding phosphonic acid diethyl ester is devoid of transport activity. Effects of structural variation within the carrier upon the selectivity and efficiency of competitive alkali metal cation transport are assessed.
All-pairs shortest paths and the essential subgraph

The essential subgraph H of a weighted graph or digraphG contains an edge (v, w) if that edge is uniquely the least-cost path between its vertices. Let s denote the number of edges ofH. This paper presents an algorithm for solving all-pairs shortest paths onG that requires O(ns+n2 logn) worst-case running time. In general the time is equivalent to that of solvingn single-source problems using only edges inH. For general models of random graphs and digraphsG, s=0(n logn) almost surely. The subgraphH is optimal in the sense that it is the smallest subgraph sufficient for solving shortest-path problems inG. Lower bounds on the largest-cost edge ofH and on the diameter ofH andG are obtained for general randomly weighted graphs. Experimental results produce some new conjectures about essential subgraphs and distances in graphs with uniform edge costs.
Complications of craniofacial resection for tumors involving the anterior skull base

Background. A consecutive series of 85 patients undergoing craniofacial resection for malignant tumors involving the anterior cranial base between 1974 and 1992 was reviewed. Results. There were two (2%) postoperative deaths. Postoperative complications occurred in 33 (39%) patients. Local major complications occurred in 26 (31%) patients, local minor in 7 (8%), and systemic in 5 (6%). More than one complication occurred in a number of patients. Bacterial contamination led to a significant proportion of local, septic complications. Repair of the skull base defect with a pedicled pericranial flap was unsatisfactory and was associated with an increased incidence of local major complications. A local major complication was associated with a dramatic lengthening of hospitalization. Conclusion. Future endeavors for prevention of complications should focus on antibiotic prophylaxis and reconstruction of the cranial base defect with better vascularized flaps. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Juvenile degenerative disc disease: a report of 76 cases identified by magnetic resonance imaging

Abstract Background Persistent low back pain in the young remains a significant diagnostic and treatment challenge for clinicians. Traditionally, chronic low back pain in this population has been attributed to either serious undetected pathology or psychosocial etiologies. This assumption may be incorrect because patients in this population may have underlying juvenile degenerative disc disease (JDDD), an important pathological diagnosis in the adult population. Purpose The purpose of this study is to report the presentation, radiographic findings, diagnosis, and treatment modalities of juvenile patients presenting with persistent low back pain for greater then 6 months. Study design This is a retrospective review of patients less than 21 years old referred to a spine specialty practice with persistent low back pain. Patient sample The charts of 1,877 patients less than 21 years old referred to a spine specialty practice for the evaluation of spinal problems. Outcome measures Magnetic resonance images (MRI) were obtained and reviewed by a neuroradiologist and two orthopedic surgeons. Methods Patients younger than 21 years old with persistent low back pain for greater that 6 months were identified. Patients with scoliosis, Scheuermann's kyphosis, spondylolisthesis, fracture, tumor, and metabolic bone disease were excluded. Standard demographic information, relevant medical history and physical examination findings were collected. Patients were evaluated with an MRI of their spines to detect any potential underlying pathology. The success of various treatment modalities used was reviewed. The findings of this study were correlated to those of the available literature following a thorough review. Results Seventy-six patients (34 males, 42 females) with degenerative disc disease were identified on MRI. The mean age was 17.1 years (range 11.5–21.0) with a mean body mass index (BMI) of 24.5 (range 17.7–35.4). Thirty-one had associated radiculopathy. There was 11 smokers, 20 involved in athletics, 17 with co-morbidities, and 9 with a BMI greater than 30. A distinct subgroup of 13 patients with multilevel concurrent spinal stenosis was documented. Four of this subgroup required surgical intervention for severe radicular or claudication symptoms. The majority of JDDD patients were successfully treated with nonoperative modalities. Conclusion The findings of this study question whether lumbosacral degenerative disc disease, commonly thought to exist only in an older population, in fact begins earlier in selected patients. Our study confirms the findings of others that there is a definite population of juveniles that present with chronic low back pain who have degenerative disc disease identified on MRI. Within this population is a subgroup of patients with concurrent congenital spinal stenosis. Most patients with JDDD appear to be well managed by traditional nonoperative treatment modalities.
Keloids and non-diabetic kidney disease: Similarities and the APOL1–MYH9 haplotype as a possible genetic link

Keloids and non-diabetic kidney disease are both fibrotic processes that disproportionately affect persons of African descent. Despite similarities in these conditions, the authors identified no studies to date investigating a shared genetic etiology. MYH9 and APOL1 are in linkage disequilibrium and have both been associated with non-diabetic kidney disease. MYH9 codes for a non-muscle myosin that is involved in cell adhesion and locomotion and is known to be overexpressed in keloids. Variations in APOL1 confer resistance to subspecies of Trypanosoma brucei, which may explain why otherwise deleterious genetic alterations in this haplotype could have gained prominence. We feel that the pathophysiological and epidemiological overlap between keloids and non-diabetic kidney disease support a common genetic origin and further investigation into keloids and the MYH9–APOL1 haplotype and keloids is warranted. Furthermore, we feel this haplotype might offer insight into thrombosis, stroke and other conditions that disproportionately affect persons of African descent.
Nutritional and metabolic aspects of glutathione.

INTRODUCTION AND DEFINITIONS ....... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .. .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . ....... 287 SyNTHESIS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .... ..... . . ... . ... ... .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. ...... .. 288 REDUCTION ... . . . .... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .... . . . . .... .. .. .. .. .. . . . . . . . . ...... .... . .. . . . . . . . . . ...... . . 288 FUNCTION ... . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . .. . . .. . . . ...... . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. ...... . . . . . . . . . . . . . ........ . . . . . . . . 289 Maintenance and Protection of Sulfhydryl Groups...... . . . . . . . . . . . . . ....... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289 DetoxificatIOn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290 Transport of Amino Acids. . . . ....... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290 Leukotrienes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290 CATABOLISM ... . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291 H ER EDITARY DEFECTS OF G LUTATHIONE M ETABOLISM . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .. . . . . . . . . . . 291 y-Glutamylcysteine Synthetase Deficiency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..... '. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 1 Glutathione Synthetase Deficiency . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292 Glutathione Reductase Deficiency ....... . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292 Glutathione Peroxidase Deficiency....... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .... . . . . . 292 Glutathione-S-Transferase Deficiency. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292 y-Glutamyl Transpeptidase Deficiency. . . . . . . . ... ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293 GSSG-Dependent ATPase Deficiency . . . . . . . ......... . . . . . . . . . . . . . .... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . 293 EFFECT OF DI ETARY CONSTITUENTS ON GLUTATHIONE M ETABOLISM . .. .. 293 Effect on Enzymes .... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . ....... . . . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . .. . .... 293 Effect on Substrates ..... ........ . . . . . .. . . . . ..... . . . .. . . . . . . . . . ........ . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . .. . . . . . . . . . 295
Testing of laser-dressed atomic states

A simple procedure of dressing the atomic states distorted in the presence of a potential, bound or continuum, by a laser field is discussed, and the validity of the developed dressing procedure is tested by evaluating the harmonic generation and multiphoton ionization processes for a one-dimensional model potential of the form V(x) = −(1 + x2)−1/2. The results are compared with the exact one-dimensional model calculations of Eberly et al. for the same processes [ Phys. Rev. Lett.62, 881 ( 1989)]. Several other dressed-state wave functions proposed by other authors are also tested.
Luteolysis Following Carotid or Ovarian Arterial Injection of Prostaglandin F2α in Mares

On the day of ovulation (Day 0), 20 pony mares were randomly assigned to one of five groups (4 mares/group) which were given intracarotid arterial (ICA) and intraovarian arterial (IOA) injections on Day 7 as follows: 1) vehicle ICA, vehicle lOA (control); 2) .125 mg PGF20 ICA, vehicle IOA; 3) vehicle ICA, .125 mg PGF20 lOA; 4) .250 mg PGF20 ICA, vehicle lOA; or 5) vehicle ICA, .250 mg PGF20 lOA. Peripheral plasma progesterone and LH concentrations were determined for 0 (pretreatment) and .1, .25, .50, .75, 1, 6, 12, 24, 48, 72 and 96 h posttreatment. The intervals (days) from treatment to cstlus and ovulation, respectively, were shorter (P<0.05) for mares given IOA injection of .125 mg PGF20 (4.7, 12.8), ICA injection of .250 mg PGF20 (6.5, 14.8), or IOA injection of .250 mg PGF20 (2.8, 11.2), than for controls (11.8, 19.5). The intervals for mares given ICA injection of .125 mg PGF20 (9.2, 18.5) did not differ from controls. Compared to pretreatment samples (0 h), progesterone concentration did not change significantly throughout the blood sampling period in mares given ICA injection of .125 mg PGF20; however, a significant reduction in progesterone concentration occurred by 24 h after treatment in mares given IOA injection of .125 mg PGF20. Plasma LH concentration (ng/ml) was higher (P<0.05) at 12 h (3.4) than at 0 h for the .250 mg IOA group (0.8), but did not change significantly in the other groups. The correlation between progesterone and LH was significant for mares which were given .125 mg IOA (r=-.65) and .250 mg IOA (r=-.82). The IOA injection of PGF20 was more effective in causing luteolysis than ICA injection of PGF2 �. These data indicate that the principal site of luteolytic action of exogenous PGF20 in the mare is at the ovarian rather than at the hypothalamic-pituitary level.
Genetic Relationship between Cryptococcus neoformans var. neoformans Strains of Serotypes A and D

Cryptococcus neoformans serotypes A and D are responsible for the overwhelming majority of infections in patients with AIDS. The genetic relationship between the serotypes is poorly understood, but there are significant differences in the epidemiology and clinical presentation of serotype A and D infections. We evaluated the genetic relationship between reference C. neoformans strains belonging to serotypes A and D by analyzing their URA5 sequences and restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) with the C. neoformans repetitive element 1 (CNRE-1) probe. The results were compared to those previously obtained for isolates from Brazil and New York City by the same typing methods, and dendrograms were generated. Serotype A and D strains produced distinct RFLP patterns consistent with their separation into two major clusters in the dendrogram generated on the basis of RFLP data. Similarly, serotype A and D strains clustered independently on the basis of the nucleotide sequences of their URA5 genes. Pairwise comparisons revealed average numbers of nucleotide differences within serotypes A and D of 3.0 ± 1.7 and 7.2 ± 3.4, respectively (P < 0.0001), and between serotypes A and D of 41.9 ± 2.7. In summary, our results indicate phylogenetic differences between the two serotypes of C. neoformans var. neoformans and suggest that these serotypes could probably be considered different varieties of C. neoformans.
Validation of the Infant—Toddler Checklist as a broadband screener for autism spectrum disorders from 9 to 24 months of age

There is an urgent requirement for the improvement of early detection of ASDs. This article provides a brief review of research on the accuracy of screeners for children with ASD that have been administered to general pediatric samples and then present results of a population-based study with a broadband screener to detect children with communication delays including children with ASD.
The G-closure of two well-ordered, anisotropic conductors.

We give a complete solution to the G-closure problem for mixtures of two well ordered possibly anisotropic conductors. Both the G-closure with fixed volume fractions and the full G-closure are computed. The conductivity tensors are considered in a fixed frame and no rotations are allowed.
Desmoplastic melanoma morphology on Thinprep: a report of two cases

Desmoplastic melanoma is a variant of malignant melanoma that can range in appearance from sarcomatoid to scar-like. Cytomorphology of desmoplastic melanoma has been previously described on conventional smears; however, to our knowledge, detailed cytomorphology on ThinPrep has so far not been described. Herein, we describe the cytomorphology of two cases of desmoplastic melanoma on fine needle aspiration processed as ThinPrep slides and compare it to that seen on conventional smears. Pertinent immunocytochemical stains, performed on ThinPrep slides are also discussed.
Cachexia: new advances in the management of wasting diseases.

An International Consensus Conference has recently provided a consensus definition for cachexia and suggested that it should be renamed wasting disease (Figure 1). Approximately half of persons being admitted from hospital to a skilled nursing facility have cachexia. Although there is a strong association between body mass index (BMI) and mortality, the key factor in the mortality risk appears to be recent weight loss. A 10% loss of body weight over a 6-month interval strongly predicted mortality in the ensuing 6 months in nursing home residents. When compared with controls, the 16% of subjects who lost at least 5% of their body weight were 4.6 times more likely to die within 1 year. In another study of long-term care residents, a 10-fold increased risk for death was seen for persons who lost 5% of their body weight in any month compared with those who gained weight. In the Established Populations for Epidemiological Studies in the Elderly, persons who lost 10% or more of body weight between age 50 and old age had a 60% increased mortality rate compared with persons with stable weight. Cachexia, as indicated by a low BMI, is associated with increased mortality and a deterioration in activities of daily living. While numerous diseases from congestive heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease to cancer, AIDS, and severe infections are associated with cachexia, the proximal cause of cachexia in most cases is marked cytokine excess. Proinflammatory cytokines (such as tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-1, and interleukin-6) have a multitude of effects that produce the cachexia syndrome (Figure 2). Cytokines cause a loss of lean tissue mass by directly activating the ubiquitin-proteasome system (“the cellular death chamber”). This leads to breakdown of protein to amino acids and small peptides, which are then available to the liver to produce acute phase proteins, such as C-reactive protein. Cytokines also produce insulin resistance in muscle, making
Semantic Annotation and Search for Deep Web Services

In this paper, we recognize the shortcomings of the current search engines that do not index and search the deep Web. We present requirements of a deep Web service search engine, that will lead to the query objects in the deep data sources. In order to realize the DWS search engine, we propose semantic metadata and annotation of deep Web services (DWS), a reasoning component to assess the relevance of DWS for searching the deep Web contents, using likelihood of occurrence of data sources that contain the query terms, and present a method of ranking the DWSs. The deep Web service annotation considers not only the service descriptions like any Web services, but also has the frequency distribution, clustering and semantic prediction functions that may guide the search for DWSs.
Organization of the tectofugal visual pathway in the pigeon: a retrograde transport study.

In birds, superficial laminae of the optic tectum receive a massive retinal input; the tectum in turn projects upon the nucleus rotundus thalami, which then sends its efferents to the ectostriatal core of the telencephalon. To examine the detailed organization of this principal ascending visual pathway, small injections of the marker horseradish peroxidase (HRP) were placed in various sites throughout the ectostriatum (E) or nucleus rotundus (Rt) in pigeons. Analysis of the resulting patterns of retrograde labeling indicates the tectofugal pathway to be comprised of at least five different channels. Cells which lie at various depths in the stratum griseum centrale (SGC) of the tectum project upon distinct subdivisions of nucleus rotundus. Anterior portions of Rt receive input from superficial most cells in the SGC, while medial and more caudal portions of Rt are projected upon by deeper SGC neurons. A ventral subdivision of Rt was found to receive its primary input from two pretectal nuclei. Additional inputs to all portions of Rt arise from nucleus reticularis superior thalami. The various subdivisions of rotundus in turn project upon distinct portions of the ectostriatum. Thus, the segregation between the different input classes into Rt is largely retained at the telencephalic level. In contrast, the nucleus triangularis, a dorso-medial extension of Rt which receives its input from the deepest of all SGC neurons, sends its efferents to all parts of the ectostriatum.
Synergy against PML-RARa: targeting transcription, proteolysis, differentiation, and self-renewal in acute promyelocytic leukemia

Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is a hematological malignancy driven by a chimeric oncoprotein containing the C terminus of the retinoic acid receptor-a (RARa) fused to an N-terminal partner, most commonly promyelocytic leukemia protein (PML). Mechanistically, PML-RARa acts as a transcriptional repressor of RARa and non-RARa target genes and antagonizes the formation and function of PML nuclear bodies that regulate numerous signaling pathways. The empirical discoveries that PML-RARa–associated APL is sensitive to both all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) and arsenic trioxide (ATO), and the subsequent understanding of the mechanisms of action of these drugs, have led to efforts to understand the contribution of molecular events to APL cell differentiation, leukemia-initiating cell (LIC) clearance, and disease eradication in vitro and in vivo. Critically, the mechanistic insights gleaned from these studies have resulted not only in a better understanding of APL itself, but also carry valuable lessons for other malignancies.
Flexible electrode array for retinal stimulation

The retina interfacing and prosthesis project is a joint project between the Duke University Eye Center, NC State University, University of NC, and the Research Triangle Institute. The ultimate goal of the project is to design, build, and test a retinal prosthesis that would capture photons, electrically stimulate the retina, and thus generate a phosphene map (focal flashes of light) that would provide information about movement, light intensities, and edge detection to otherwise severely visually handicapped patients. This paper summarizes the design and fabrication of a flexible, biocompatible stimulating array to be connected to a photosensing chip with image processing capabilities.
Absorption cross sections of some atmospheric molecules for resonantly scattered O I 1304‐Å radiation

Absorption cross sections for O2, N2, CO2, CH4, N2O, and CO have been measured at each of the lines of the atomic oxygen triplet at 1302, 1305, and 1306 A. Radiation resonantly scattered from oxygen atoms at a temperature of about 300 K was used for the line source. Absorber temperatures were also near 300 K. Direct application of the Lambert-Beer absorption equation yielded pressure-dependent cross sections for carbon monoxide at each line of the O I triplet. Reasons for this apparent dependence are presented and discussed.
A Bacterial Algorithm for Surface Mapping using a Markov Modulated Markov Chain Model of Bacterial Chemotaxis

Bacterial chemotaxis refers to the locomotory response of bacteria to chemical stimuli, where the general biological function is to increase exposure to some substances while reducing exposure to others. In this paper, we introduce an algorithm for surface mapping based on a model of the biological signaling network responsible for bacterial chemotaxis. The algorithm tracks the motion of a bacteria-like software agent, referred to as a bacterial agent, on an objective function. Results from simulations using one- and two-dimensional test functions show that the surface mapping algorithm produces an informative estimate of the surface, revealing some of its key characteristics. We also present a modification of the algorithm in which the software agent is given the ability to reduce the value of the surface at locations it visits (analogous to a bacterium consuming a substance as it moves in its environment) and show that it is more effective in reducing the surface integral within a certain period of time than a bacterial agent lacking the ability to sense surface information or respond to it.
Consumer Uncertainty and Purchase Decision Reversals: Theory and Evidence

This research examines how prepurchase information that reduces consumer uncertainty about a product or service can affect consumer decisions to reverse an initial product purchase or service enrollment decision. One belief commonly held by retailers is that provision of greater amounts of information before the purchase reduces decision reversals. We provide theory and evidence showing conditions under which uncertainty-reducing information provided before the purchase decision can actually increase the number of decision reversals. Predictions generated from an analytical model of consumer behavior incorporating behavioral theory of reference-dependence are complemented by empirical evidence from both a controlled behavioral experiment and econometric analysis of archival data. Combined, the theory and evidence suggest that managers should be aware that their information provision decisions taken to reduce decision reversals may actually increase them. Data, as supplemental material, are available at http://dx.doi.org/10.1287/mksc.2015.0906 .
Financial Impact of Health Promotion Programs: A Comprehensive Review of the Literature

Abstract Purpose. The purpose of this review is to summarize the literature on the ability of health promotion programs to reduce employee-related health care expenditures and absenteeism. Search Process. Using key words in a literature-searching program, a comprehensive search was conducted on the following databases: .MEDLINE, Embase, HealthSTAR, SPORTDiscus, PsycINFO, SciSearch, ERIC, and ABI Inform. Study Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria. All data-based studies that appeared in peer reviewed journals in the English language. Theses, dissertations, or presentation abstracts that were not published in peer reviewed journals were excluded. The initial search identified 196 studies, but only 72 met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. Data Extraction Methods. Summary tables were created that include design classification, subject size, results, and other key information for each study. Data Synthesis. Both the nature of the findings and the overall quality of the literature were evaluat...
Audit of an oral anticoagulant teaching program

Quality assurance criteria for a pharmacist-conducted oral anticoagulant teaching program were studied. The teaching program involved the presentation of descriptive diagrams accompanied by a reinforcing explanation given by a pharmacist. Topics discussed included clotting, warfarin therapy, diet and drug interactions. An audit, consisting of a pretest and posttest, was developed to measure patient knowledge as a measurement of the program's effectiveness. Forty ambulatory patients participated in the study over a three-month period. Before instruction, only five patients were adequately knowledgeable about all of the information components. After instruction, this number increased to 20 patients, and all 40 patients had a better knowledge of each topic. The audit revealed that the program's standards were not completely appropriate and that other methods of program delivery must be evaluated and implemented.
The Good Neighbor Policy and the Nationalization of Mexican Oil: A Reinterpretation

The Mexican government's nationalization of the foreign oil companies on March 18, 1938, is a landmark in relations between the industrialized and the developing countries. A turning point in Mexican economic development, the nationalization became a model of economic self-determination for other developing countries of whatever political systems. But the nationalization posed a seminal challenge to the preferential economic and political position of the United States and Great Britain in Latin America. For the first time a country from the bloc that would become known as the Third World had seized control of a basic sector of its economy held by the capitalist center.' The policy adopted by the United States, which took the lead in the crisis, has usually been viewed as the chief test of the Good Neighbor policy. A scholarly consensus has emerged which argues that, after three years of fruitless support for the expropriated oil companies, the State Department broke with those interests in 1941 and concluded an agreement with Mexico that settled the issue on terms prejudicial to the firms. The immediate reason adduced for the settlement was the United States's desire to improve relations with Mexico in view of the Nazi threat to the hemisphere. But some historians have
An approach for estimating vaccination coverage for communities using school-level data and population mobility information.

Childhood vaccination data are made available at a school level in some U.S. states. These data can be geocoded and may be considered as having a high spatial resolution. However, a school only represents the destination location for the set of students who actually reside and interact within some larger areal region, creating a spatial mismatch. Public school districts are often used to represent these regions, but fail to account for private schools and school of choice programs. We offer a new approach for estimating childhood vaccination coverage rates at a community level by integrating school level data with population commuting information. The resulting mobility-adjusted vaccine coverage estimates resolve the spatial mismatch problem and are more aligned with the geographic scale at which public health policies are implemented. We illustrate the utility of our approach using a case study on diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTP) vaccination coverage for kindergarten students in California. The modeled community-level DTP coverage estimates yield a statewide coverage of 92.37%, which is highly similar to the 92.44% coverage rate calculated from the original school-level data.
Observation analysis on spatial and temporal distribution characteristics of summer urban heat island in Nanjing

Using the three dimensional observation test data of urban heat island( UHI) in Nanjing in summer 2010,spatial and temporal distribution characteristics of urban heat island under typical weather conditions were analyzed. The results showed that daily mean UHI intensity on sunny days was over 1 ℃ in Nanjing in summer. UHI intensity was stronger and more stable during nighttime than that in daytime, with UHI distribution displaying directional characteristic and corresponding well to urban land-use conditions. During daytime,mixed layer in urban areas developed faster and was higher than that in the suburbs. During nighttime,there existed a long lasting convective mixed layer at low altitude in the city due to the unstable atmospheric stratification and the roughness of the underlying surface,which was as thick as more than 250 m. Owing to the storage of a large amount of heat and strong turbulent transport in urban underlying surface,heat island came into being in urban boundary layer,with UHI intensity decreasing with height. Heat island in boundary layer extended up to 900 m in daytime and maintained at 300 m at nighttime.
Correlation of Dynamic Contrast Enhancement MRI Semi-quantitative Parameters with VEGF in Breast Disease

Objective To investigate the correlation of semi-quantitative parameters from time-signal curve of dynamic contrast enhanced MRI with vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)in breast lesions.Methods Forty-four patients of breast lesions were classified into two groups(malignant group and benign group)confirmed by pathology.All cases were underwent dynamic contrast-enhanced MR scanning.The semi-quantitative parameters of dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI were calculated based on time-signal intensity curves.Surgical specimens were analyzed with immunohistochemistry to measure the CD34 microvessel density and the expression levels of VEGF using the anti-CD34 antibody clone and the anti-VEGF mAb clone.The correlation of semi-quantitative parameters and the expression levels of VEGF were analyzed.Results There were twenty-four malignant breast lesions and twenty benign breast lesions.The following semi-quantitative parameters in malignant group were of significant positive correlation with the score of VEGF : Ewash,Vwash and Eslop(r=0.561,0.522,0.573,P0.01),but Tmax has negative correlation with the score of VEGF(r=-0.418,P0.05).In malignant group,the MVD of the VEGF positive group had significant higher than it of the VEGF negative group(P0.01).There was significant difference to Vmax between the VEGF positive group and VEGF negative group(P0.01).There was no significant difference between the VEGF positive group and VEGF negative group in the benign group(P0.01).Conclusion MRI semi-quantitative parameters of dynamic contrast enhancement is correlated with the expression levels of VEGF.
Changes in Nonosteoporotic Bone Density and Subsequent Fractures in Women.

Bone mineral density (BMD) by dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is a strong and highly reliable predictor of future fractures.1–3 Although an osteoporotic BMD (T score of ≤ −2.5) confers the highest risk for future fractures, more fractures occur in the range of osteopenia (T scores between −1.0 and −2.5).4,5 In fact, more than half of all women in the United States older than 50 years have osteopenia, with a prevalence of approximately 3.4 times more than osteoporosis.6,7 Although routine BMD screening is recommended to identify fracture risk in women aged 65 years or older, the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) has recommended guidelines for testing postmenopausal women younger than age 65 for osteoporosis based on clinical risk factors (CRFs) that would prevent unnecessary screening.8,9 Although several other formulas using CRFs have been developed to screen for osteoporosis, the NOF guidelines (either a low body weight, previous fracture, high-risk medication use, or disease or condition associated with bone loss) are simple to perform and display a high sensitivity in identifying osteoporosis.8–10 Application of these CRFs, however, will reveal a considerable proportion of patients with increased fracture risk in osteopenia. This can be challenging for physicians because treating women with osteopenia remains an unresolved issue. Evidence to initiate treatment in women with osteopenia has relied primarily on clinical trials designed to treat osteoporosis. The Women’s Health Initiative found that estrogen plus progestin had no significant effect on fracture reduction in those outside the range of osteoporosis.11 A review of raloxifene (a selective estrogen-receptor modulator) trials, however, found a significant reduction in the risk of symptomatic and radiographic vertebral fractures in women.12 Alendronate was reported to have no effect in the reduction of clinical fractures in osteopenic women, but a post hoc analysis found significant reductions in symptomatic and radiographic vertebral fractures.13,14 An additional post hoc analysis of four placebo-controlled trials reported risedronate significantly reduced fragility fractures in osteopenic women with T scores between −1.0 and −2.5.15 Identifying osteopenic women who are at high fracture risk or likely to transition to osteoporosis may aid in making treatment decisions. To determine the fracture occurrences related to transitions after a repeat BMD, we conducted a study in postmenopausal women from community office-based practices who previously had initial normal or osteopenic BMDs. Performing BMDs was based primarily on physicians’ decisions before the wide-spread availability of CRF formulas.
Sequencing-based diagnostics for pediatric genetic diseases: progress and potential

ABSTRACTIntroduction: The last two decades have witnessed revolutionary changes in clinical diagnostics, fueled by the Human Genome Project and advances in high throughput, Next Generation Sequencing (NGS). We review the current state of sequencing-based pediatric diagnostics, associated challenges, and future prospects.Areas covered: We present an overview of genetic disease in children, review the technical aspects of Next Generation Sequencing and the strategies to make molecular diagnoses for children with genetic disease. We discuss the challenges of genomic sequencing including incomplete current knowledge of variants, lack of data about certain genomic regions, mosaicism, and the presence of regions with high homology.Expert commentary: NGS has been a transformative technology and the gap between the research and clinical communities has never been so narrow. Therapeutic interventions are emerging based on genomic findings and the applications of NGS are progressing to prenatal genetics, epigenomic...
Natural Variability and Anthropogenic Trends in the Ocean Carbon Sink

Since preindustrial times, the ocean has removed from the atmosphere 41% of the carbon emitted by human industrial activities. Despite significant uncertainties, the balance of evidence indicates that the globally integrated rate of ocean carbon uptake is increasing in response to increasing atmospheric CO2 concentrations. The El Nino–Southern Oscillation in the equatorial Pacific dominates interannual variability of the globally integrated sink. Modes of climate variability in high latitudes are correlated with variability in regional carbon sinks, but mechanistic understanding is incomplete. Regional sink variability, combined with sparse sampling, means that the growing oceanic sink cannot yet be directly detected from available surface data. Accurate and precise shipboard observations need to be continued and increasingly complemented with autonomous observations. These data, together with a variety of mechanistic and diagnostic models, are needed for better understanding, long-term monitoring, and fu...
Using NNMs to Evaluate Reduced Order Models of Curved Beam

Reduced order modeling of geometrically nonlinear structures has gained significant attention over the recent years due to its ability to reduce detailed finite element models into computationally efficient yet accurate models. The reduced order models (ROMs) generated can be used to compute the nonlinear normal modes (NNMs) of a structure which serve as a metric to determine the accuracy of the reduced order models; if the NNMs are reproduced accurately then the response to various inputs can also be shown to be accurate. A majority of work has been focused on flat structures while relatively few works have focused on curved structures, those that have, suggested that these structures may introduce complexities to the system. This paper will provide a criteria for selecting basis vectors and load amplitudes for generating accurate ROMs for a curved beam, where softening nonlinearity and snap through are significant. Two methods will be considered: implicit condensation and expansion (ICE) and enforced displacements (ED). A framework for mode selection, load scaling factors and model sensitivity testing will be presented in order to accurately compute the NNMs.
Tracking Dysfunctions in Supermarket Ordering and Receiving Systems: A System’s Approach

In this paper, the functions of ordering and receiving in supermarkets are described as integrated wholes made up of interacting parts. Problems that occur are defined as malfunctions in the interactions of these parts rather than those found in any one area. As a result problems will be more easily identified and solved, since it will be possible to take action on the deeper systematic dysfunctional elements rather than on isolated symptoms.
Distribution-Dependent Robust Linear Optimization with Asymmetric Uncertainty and Application to Optimal Control

Abstract We consider a linear programming problem in which the constraint matrix is uncertain. Each element of the constraint matrix is modeled as a random variable whose range is asymmetrically bounded around its mean. We construct a formulation that yields a solution with a better objective value, compared to the classical robust optimization approach, while taking the risk that the solution may become infeasible to the original problem. We address the risk by establishing upper bounds on the probability that it violates the constraints of the problem. These bounds exploit full distributional information on the random elements or limited distributional information such as the true means or sample means of the random elements. We explore the application of our methodology to the optimal control of linear uncertain systems with constraints.
Targeted Overexpression of Mutant Activated N- ras Leads to Aberrant Plasma Cell Biology.

The ras oncogene regulates a variety of cellular functions, and its dysregulation has been implicated in a variety of human cancers, including multiple myeloma. Indeed, activating ras mutations have been described in 35 – 50% of myeloma patients, 50% of human myeloma cell lines, and 12.5% of patients with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS). Given the higher incidence of activating ras mutations in myeloma compared to MGUS, the current models of myelomagenesis suggest that activating ras mutations are involved in the progression of MGUS to myeloma. While there has been a fairly extensive analysis of activating ras mutations in myeloma patients, there have been few studies to investigate the biology of an activated ras mutation in the context of B- and plasma cell development and tumorigenesis. We previously described a transgenic platform that uses the 3′ kappa immunoglobulin light chain enhancer (3′KE) to target transgene expression to B-cells in late developmental stages, including plasma cells (Blood103: 2779, 2004). To study the potential influence of elevated mutant ras expression on B- and plasma cell survival and proliferation, we used the 3′KE to generate a 3′KE/N- ras V12 transgenic mouse. We hypothesized that the presence of the mutant ras gene would affect normal B- and plasma cell homeostasis. Indeed, samples of mononuclear splenocytes from 4-week-old transgenic mice demonstrate a 70% increase in the number of B220 + kappa + B-cells and a 250% increase in the number of CD138 + B220 hi plasmablastic cells compared to littermate controls. While survival of the 3′KE/N- ras V12 mice appears similar to littermate controls and transgenic animals do not develop tumors at 35 weeks of age, aberrant lymphocyte biology was noted in multiple founder lines. All aged 3′KE/N- ras V12 transgenic founders demonstrated an immunoglobulinemia. Interestingly, the animal with the highest transgene copy number had the least pronounced immunoglobulinemia, while the animal with the lowest transgene copy number had the most pronounced immunoglobulinemia, suggesting an inversely dose-dependent relationship between over-expression of an activated Ras protein and immunoglobulinemia. We performed extensive necropsies and histopathological analyses on all founder mice and aged-matched littermate controls. While no tumors were found in any of the mice, three of the founder mice demonstrated abnormal accumulations of plasma cells in extramedullary sites, such as the kidney. These data indicate that an activated ras transgene can affect B- and plasma cell homeostasis, and this transgenic model could prove useful in studying the role of activating ras mutations in plasma cell tumorigenesis. We are currently using three targeted c- myc gene expression systems to elicit B- and/or plasma cell tumors by co-expressing c- myc and N- ras V12.