cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Trends and outcomes associated with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors.

BACKGROUND: Limited recent data are available describing the patterns of use of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) therapy in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), particularly from the more generalizable population-based setting. The purpose of this study was to examine trends in the receipt of ACEIs and associated short-term outcomes in patients hospitalized with AMI in a large Northeastern community. METHODS: We conducted a community-wide study of 7991 patients hospitalized with AMI in all metropolitan Worcester, Massachusetts, medical centers during 8 annual periods between 1990 and 2003. RESULTS: Among all patients, 44% received ACEI therapy during their acute hospitalization. There was a marked increase in the use of ACEIs between 1990 (23%) and 2003 (68%), particularly among those who were not on ACEIs before hospitalization. Patients who were previously on ACEIs were more likely to receive this therapy during hospitalization for AMI than were patients who were not previously on this therapy. Patients treated with ACEIs were significantly less likely to die (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 0.33; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.27-0.41) during hospitalization than were patients who did not receive this therapy, with benefits observed across all subgroups examined. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this observational study demonstrate marked increases in the use of ACEIs in patients with AMI in the community setting and demonstrate the benefits to be gained from use of this therapy. Despite these encouraging trends, there remains room for more optimal use of this therapy.
Seeding Rate, Seeding Depth, and Cultivar Influence on Spring Canola Performance in the Northern Great Plains

Rapid expansion of canola (Brassica napus L.) production in the Northern Great Plains has raised questions on the response of cultivars to seeding rate and depth. Field research was conducted at four North Dakota locations in 1999, 2000, and 2001 evaluating a small-seeded open-pollinated (OP) and a large-seeded hybrid (HYB) cultivar at two seeding depths (19 and 38 mm) both at four seeding rates (54, 108, 162, and 216) pure live seed (PLS) m -2 . Percent emergence and plant density was significantly greater at the 19-mm seeding depth compared with the 38-mm seeding depth at six of eight environments. Seeding depth effect on seed yield was inconsistent among environments. Seed yield increased with increasing seeding rates in all but two environments. Hybrid and OP cultivars responded similarly to seeding rate for all characteristics measured, except days to first flower and net economic return per hectare. The net economic return per hectare, based on seed cost and grain value where HYB seed typically costs twice that of OP, was greatest at seeding rates for the large-seeded HYB at 108 PLS m -2 , and at 162 PLS m -2 for the small-seeded OP cultivar. The HYB cultivar had a 24% greater seed yield than the OP cultivar and a 14% greater net economic return per hectare. Producers need to consider cultivar type and seed cost to determine optimum seeding rate to obtain maximum economic return.
Surgical Technique: Posterior Deltoid-to-Triceps Transfer in Tetraplegic Patients

Several surgical techniques exist for restoring triceps function in tetraplegic patients. The goal is to establish a more synchronized, better controlled arm that allows increased self-sufficiency and further reconstructive surgery on the hand. To obtain the most secure fixation, adjust the tension, and allow early mobilization, the technique we prefer uses the central tendon of the triceps muscle and bony block fixation reinforced by the palmaris longus.
Human EEG Uncovers Latent Generalizable Rule Structure during Learning

Human cognition is flexible and adaptive, affording the ability to detect and leverage complex structure inherent in the environment and generalize this structure to novel situations. Behavioral studies show that humans impute structure into simple learning problems, even when this tendency affords no behavioral advantage. Here we used electroencephalography to investigate the neural dynamics indicative of such incidental latent structure. Event-related potentials over lateral prefrontal cortex, typically observed for instructed task rules, were stratified according to individual participants' constructed rule sets. Moreover, this individualized latent rule structure could be independently decoded from multielectrode pattern classification. Both neural markers were predictive of participants' ability to subsequently generalize rule structure to new contexts. These EEG dynamics reveal that the human brain spontaneously constructs hierarchically structured representations during learning of simple task rules.
Indications, techniques, and outcomes of posterior surgery for chronic low back pain

This article summarizes a number of issues surrounding the diagnosis, indications, and techniques of posterior lumbar spine surgery for chronic low back pain. It would not be entirely unjustified for a spine surgeon to adhere to a totally avoidant approach to chronic low back pain, rationalized by a reasonably legitimate nihilism regarding the presently available means of diagnosing and surgically managing low back pain [64]. Judging by the number of lumbar fusions performed in North America and the tremendous intellectual and financial investment currently being made in technologies to enhance spinal fusion, such an approach is evidently not achieving wide-spread acceptance on this continent. A rationale approach is therefore required for the many low back pain sufferers with degenerative disk disease who arrive in the office having exhausted almost every imaginable form of nonoperative therapy. Every effort should be made to establish a pathoanatomic etiology of the back pain with a combination of diagnostic modalities. Surgical intervention should be approached cautiously and only after extensive dialog with the patient to establish realistic goals and expectations. Posteriorly performed interbody fusion procedures may provide a high fusion rate and satisfactory clinical outcomes for this challenging problem, although further research is necessary to determine more conclusively the role of surgery and the relative effectiveness of the various arthrodesis techniques.
Critical current measurements of Nb3Sn superconductors: NBS contribution to the VAMAS interlaboratory comparison

Abstract Critical current measurements on several Nb 3 Sn superconductors were made as part of an interlaboratory comparison (round robin). These measurements were made in conjunction with twenty-four laboratories from the European Economic Community, Japan and the USA as part of the Versailles Agreement on Advanced Materials and Standards (VAMAS). The results of the NBS measurements, including the effect of sample mounting techniques on the measured critical current, are given. A systematic study of the effect of measurement mandrel (tubular sample-holder made from G10 fibreglass-epoxy composite) geometry revealed that a seemingly small change in that geometry can result in a 40% change in the measured critical current at a magnetic field of 12 T. Specifically, the radial thermal contraction of the measurement mandrel depends on its wall thickness and, thus, so does the conductor prestrain (at 4 K) and, ultimately, the measured critical current. Techniques for reducing variation in the measured critical current are suggested.
Resonator Optical Designs For Free Electron Lasers

The output beam from free-electron lasers tends to be a thin, pencil-like beam because of the nature of the gain volume. For moderate power devices, mirror damage considerations imply that the beam has to travel many meters before it can expand enough to allow retro-reflection from state-of-the-art mirrors. However, use of grazing incidence optics can resolve the problem of damage to the optical elements and result in a cavity of reasonable dimensions. The optical design considerations for such resonators are addressed in this paper. A few of the practical resonator designs approaching diffraction limited performance are presented.
Performance evaluation of a 64-bit array processor and VAX 11/780 for power system security functions

Abstract This paper evaluates the sizing of power system security functions and timing of the power flow problem for a 64-bit low cost array processor and a VAX 11/780. The benefits of attaching an array processore are evaluated both in terms of the speed of computation and also in terms of the CPU time that would be gained by the host computer. Two different timings are presented: (1) execution time in the VAX 11/780 assuming no interruptions by higher priority programs; (2) a function completion time in the array processor for complete off-loading, that is, no interrupts of the execution in the array processor. Our benchmark testing on the power flow problem shows that the IEEE 118-bus system will need 98% less CPU time of the host if an attached 6410 array processor is used. Furthermore, if an attached 6420 processor is used to solve this system, it would compute the solution fifty times faster than the VAX 11/780 alone. The paper also presents benchmark timing for a power flow problem with 1380 buses and 3305 lines.
Laser–tissue interaction modeling with LATIS

The role of modeling in designing new treatment protocols and instruments is discussed. A computer program for modeling laser-tissue interaction named Latis is described. Interactions are divided into the processes of laser propagation, thermal effects, material effects, and hydrodynamics. Full coupling of the processes is taken into consideration. Applications in photothermal and photomechanical laser-tissue interactions are briefly discussed. A detailed description is given of a particular application of Latis to study the effects of dynamic optical properties on dosimetry in photothermal therapy. Optical properties are functions of tissue damage, as determined by previous measurements. Results are presented for the time variation of the light distribution and damage within the tissue as the optical properties of the tissue are altered. It is found that proper accounting of dynamical optical properties is important for accurate dosimetry modeling.
Social anxiety and anticipation of future interaction as determinants of the favorability of self-presentation

Abstract Based on a self-presentational approach to social anxiety, it was hypothesized that (1) low social anxiety individuals respond to the expectation of further personal interaction with another person by increasing the favorability of their self-presentations; (2) high social anxiety individuals do not increase the favorability of their self-presentations when they expect further interaction, and (3) positive evaluations from an interaction partner tend to reduce differences between low and high social anxiety individuals. To test these hypotheses, individuals previously determined to be either low or high in dispositional social anxiety were asked to write 10 self-descriptive statements to be passed to an opposite sex partner, with whom the subjects either would or would not engage in further personal interaction. Prior to writing the self-descriptions, subjects were given either positive or neutral evaluations, supposedly written by the other person. The results supported the first two, but not the third, hypotheses. The implications of these findings for a self-presentational model of social anxiety were discussed.
A Cellular Threshold Array

The purpose of this paper is to describe the design of an all-digital cellular threshold array that is well adapted to realization by large-scale integrated semiconductor technology. A set of these arrays may be interconnected to realize arbitrary combinational or sequential logic, or may be stacked to form a multilevel adaptive pattern classification machine.
Maternal insulin manipulations in rats organize body weight and noradrenergic innervation of the hypothalamus in gonadally intact male offspring

Abstract In previous work it has been shown that adult male, but not female, offspring of rats that have been injected with protamine zinc insulin (6 IU/kg) on days 15–20 of gestation, develop significant obesity beginning about 50 days of age. This obesity is accompanied by elevated medial hypothalamic extracellular norepinephrine levels. To examine whether the expression of obesity in male offspring is mediated by perinatal testosterone levels, male offspring of insulin-treated or control dams were either castrated or received sham surgery on postnatal day 1. Castrated male offspring of insulin-treated dams did not become obese like their gonadally intact male littermates. This perinatal suggests that testosterone levels may interact with developmental processes mediating the obesity in male offspring of insulin-treated dams. A second question addressed was whether the elevated hypothalamic extracellular norepinephrine levels observed in our earlier work are evident as morphological changes in norepinephrine-containing systems in the medial hypothalamus and locus coeruleus. We found a significant enhancement of dopamine-β-hydroxylase immunoreactivity in fibers innervating the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus in 121-day-old, gonadally intact male offspring of insulin-injected dams. This suggests that the impact of maternal insulin injections on offspring obesity may be mediated through its organizing action on feeding-related fibers in the paraventricular nucleus.
Coordinated Translocation of Mammalian Gli Proteins and Suppressor of Fused to the Primary Cilium

Intracellular transduction of Hedgehog (Hh) signals in mammals requires functional primary cilia. The Hh signaling effectors, the Gli family of transcription factors, and their negative regulator, Suppressor of Fused (Sufu), accumulate at the tips of cilia; however, the molecular mechanism regulating this localization remains elusive. In the current study, we show that the ciliary localization of mammalian Gli proteins depends on both their N-terminal domains and a central region lying C-terminal to the zinc-finger DNA-binding domains. Invertebrate Gli homologs Ci and Tra1, when over-expressed in ciliated mouse fibroblasts, fail to localize to the cilia, suggesting the lack of a vertebrate-specific structural feature required for ciliary localization. We further show that activation of protein kinase A (PKA) efficiently inhibits ciliary localization of Gli2 and Gli3, but only moderately affects the ciliary localization of Gli1. Interestingly, variants of Gli2 mimicking the phosphorylated or non-phosphorylated states of Gli2 are both localized to the cilia, and their ciliary localizations are subjected to the inhibitory effect of PKA activation, suggesting a likely indirect mechanism underlying the roles of PKA in Gli ciliary localization. Finally, we show that ciliary localization of Sufu is dependent on ciliary-localized Gli proteins, and is inhibited by PKA activation, suggesting a coordinated mechanism for the ciliary translocation of Sufu and Gli proteins.
Plant Domestication and Folk‐Biological Change: The Upper Piman/Devil's Claw Example

Ethnologists have the opportunity to document the dynamics of domestication, particularly the cognitive aspects of that process, which archeologists are unable to reconstruct. In this article we show how the recent intensification of cultivation, accompanied by genetic alteration, of a basketry fiber plant, Proboscidea parviflora subspecies parviflora, among the O'odham (Pima) has been accompanied by shifts in the structure of O'odham folk taxonomy. The emic focus on specific plant characteristics, codified in this changing lexicon, may guide cultural selection and encourage isolation of incipient domesticates from their wild progenitors.
Memory and psychostimulants: modulation of Pavlovian fear conditioning by amphetamine in C57BL/6 mice

With the use of prescription stimulants on the rise, it is important to examine the cognitive effects of low and moderate doses of stimulants rather than only those typical of addicts. The present study examined the effects a range of doses (0.005–8 mg/kg) of d-amphetamine sulfate on cued and contextual Pavlovian fear conditioning in mice. In agreement with previous research, subjects administered with a moderately high dose of amphetamine (8 mg/kg) pre-training, typical of what addicts might take, displayed impaired conditioned freezing when tested off-drug. Alternately, subjects injected with a very low dose of amphetamine (0.005, 0.025, or 0.05 mg/kg) pre-training, similar to the therapeutic doses for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, displayed enhanced memory when tested off-drug. A control study showed that these effects were not due to state-dependent learning. Thus, dose is a critical determinant of the cognitive effects of psychostimulants.
Recognizing and managing the expanded risk of tumor lysis syndrome in hematologic and solid malignancies

Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) is widely recognized as a serious adverse event associated with the cytotoxic therapies primarily used in hematologic cancers, such as Burkitt lymphoma and acute lymphoblastic leukemia. In recent years, TLS has been more widely observed, due at least in part to the availability of more effective cancer treatments. Moreover, TLS is seen with greater frequency in solid tumors, and particularly in bulky tumors with extensive metastases and tumors with organ or bone marrow involvement. The consequences of TLS include the serious morbidity and high risk of mortality associated with the condition itself. Additionally, TLS may delay or force an alteration in the patient’s chemotherapy regimen. The changing patterns of TLS, as well as its frequency, in the clinical setting, result in unnecessarily high rates of illness and/or fatality. Prophylactic measures are widely available for patients at risk of TLS, and are considered highly effective. The present article discusses the various manifestations of TLS, its risk factors and management options to prevent TLS from occurring.
Clinical Assessment of the Voluntariness of Behavior

There are a variety of therapeutic and forensic contexts in which the clinician is called upon to assess the voluntariness of behavior. Because the assessment has such complex moral and scientific dimensions, it has been difficult to conceptualize how it is done. By considering the behavior of clinicians and other relevant theoretical issues, the author has prepared a framework for thinking about the assessment of voluntariness. The relevance of diagnostic and philosophical issues is considered. Most of the factors which influence assessment are related to the nature of the patient’s pathological experience, hypotheses of causation, and method of treatment. Dr. Diamond had a deep interest in questions of voluntariness and responsibility. I know that he would have disagreed with, at least, some of the material, but I believe that he would have thoroughly enjoyed discussing and arguing the issues. I know that I would have loved the dialogue.
Ethanol metabolism and oxidative stress are required for unfolded protein response activation and steatosis in zebrafish with alcoholic liver disease

Secretory pathway dysfunction and lipid accumulation (steatosis) are the two most common responses of hepatocytes to ethanol exposure and are major factors in the pathophysiology of alcoholic liver disease (ALD). However, the mechanisms by which ethanol elicits these cellular responses are not fully understood. Recent data indicates that activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR) in response to secretory pathway dysfunction can cause steatosis. Here, we examined the relationship between alcohol metabolism, oxidative stress, secretory pathway stress and steatosis using zebrafish larvae. We found that ethanol was immediately internalized and metabolized by larvae, such that the internal ethanol concentration in 4-day-old larvae equilibrated to 160 mM after 1 hour of exposure to 350 mM ethanol, with an average ethanol metabolism rate of 56 μmol/larva/hour over 32 hours. Blocking alcohol dehydrogenase 1 (Adh1) and cytochrome P450 2E1 (Cyp2e1), the major enzymes that metabolize ethanol, prevented alcohol-induced steatosis and reduced induction of the UPR in the liver. Thus, we conclude that ethanol metabolism causes ALD in zebrafish. Oxidative stress generated by Cyp2e1-mediated ethanol metabolism is proposed to be a major culprit in ALD pathology. We found that production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) increased in larvae exposed to ethanol, whereas inhibition of the zebrafish CYP2E1 homolog or administration of antioxidants reduced ROS levels. Importantly, these treatments also blocked ethanol-induced steatosis and reduced UPR activation, whereas hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) acted as a pro-oxidant that synergized with low doses of ethanol to induce the UPR. Collectively, these data demonstrate that ethanol metabolism and oxidative stress are conserved mechanisms required for the development of steatosis and hepatic dysfunction in ALD, and that these processes contribute to ethanol-induced UPR activation and secretory pathway stress in hepatocytes.
Responding to Drought: Common Threads from the Past, Visions for the Future

: A number of studies conducted since the late 1970s have evaluated state and federal responses to drought in the United States. Each of these studies identified a number of key issues and impediments that needed to be addressed to improve the nation's ability to cope with and prepare for future episodes of drought. A content analysis of these studies was performed to identify common threads in their recommendations. The premise of this analysis was that the series of drought years that occurred between 1986 and 1992 and recurred between 1994 and 1996 increased awareness of our nation's continuing and apparent growing vulnerability to drought. This awareness has led to greater consensus among principal constituents and stakeholders, and also a greater sense of urgency to implement actions now to lessen vulnerability. The results of this analysis revealed that several themes recur: create an integrated national drought policy and plan; develop an integrated national climate monitoring (drought watch) system; incorporate drought in FEMA's National Mitigation Strategy; conduct post-drought audits of response efforts; establish regional drought forums; and encourage development of state drought mitigation plans.
Surgical Management of Osteochondritis Dissecans Lesions of the Patella and Trochlea in the Pediatric and Adolescent Population

Background:There is a paucity of published data regarding the management of osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) lesions of the patellofemoral joint in children and adolescents.Purpose:To evaluate the functional outcomes of surgical management of OCD lesions of the patella and trochlea in children and adolescents. Secondary aims included elucidating predictors for higher functional outcomes and determining complication rates, surgical satisfaction, and ability to return to sports.Study Design:Case series; Level of evidence, 4.Methods:Patients aged 18 years and younger who were surgically treated for OCD of the patella or trochlea were identified. Charts were queried to record patient/lesion data, surgical procedure, results, and complications. Pre- and postoperative imaging was reviewed. Patients were asked to complete a follow-up athletic questionnaire and a Pediatric International Knee Documentation Committee (Pedi-IKDC) questionnaire. Statistical analysis was conducted to look for predictors for reoperation...
Hydroxymethylation of DNA alters Nucleosomal Properties in vitro

Hydroxymethylation of DNA at the C5 position of cytosine (5hmC) is an important epigenetic modification, which has an established connection with transcriptional regulation. 5hmC is an intermediary of the demethylation pathway and is considered to be a transcriptionally active mark. The mechanistic role of 5hmC in regulating transcription, however, remains poorly understood. We sought to understand the molecular role of 5hmC by studying its impact on DNA and nucleosomal properties. This was assessed through measurements of nucleosome stability, compactness and the free energy of DNA-histone binding. The 5hmC-induced changes were compared with another well-documented modification of DNA, i.e., methylation at the C5 position of cytosine (5mC). Our results show that the hydroxymethylation of DNA increases the affinity of DNA for the histone octamer, thus favoring nucleosome formation. Hydroxymethylation was also found to lower the stability of formed DNA-histone complexes in a salt induced dissociation experiment. We were able to trace the origin of this effect to the weakened affinity of the 5hmC DNA for the H2A-H2B dimers. The conformation of formed nucleosomes was altered slightly by the presence of DNA modifications. This was mainly reflected in a change in the end-to-end distance of the nucleosomal DNA, involving up to 4 base pairs. Our results suggest that hydroxymethylation of DNA plays an opposing role in nucleosomal dynamics, when compared to methylation. Hydroxymethylation of DNA can possibly lead to a more transcriptionally active state, which is consistent with its role in the demethylation pathway.
In Vivo Imaging and Biochemical Characterization of Protease Function Using Fluorescent Activity-Based Probes

Activity-based probes (ABPs) are reactive small molecules that covalently bind to active enzymes. When tagged with a fluorophore, ABPs serve as powerful tools to investigate enzymatic activity across a wide variety of applications. In this article, detailed protocols are provided for using fluorescent ABPs to biochemically characterize the activity of proteases in vitro. Furthermore, descriptions are provided of how these probes can be applied to image protease activity in live animals and tissues along with subsequent analysis by histology, flow cytometry, and SDS-PAGE.
Chemoprevention of Head and Neck Cancer by Simultaneous Blocking of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor and Cyclooxygenase-2 Signaling Pathways: Preclinical and Clinical Studies

Purpose: We investigated the efficacy and underlying molecular mechanism of a novel chemopreventive strategy combining EGF receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) with cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor (COX-2I). Experimental Design: We examined the inhibition of tumor cell growth by combined EGFR-TKI (erlotinib) and COX-2I (celecoxib) treatment using head and neck cancer cell lines and a preventive xenograft model. We studied the antiangiogenic activity of these agents and examined the affected signaling pathways by immunoblotting analysis in tumor cell lysates and immunohistochemistry (IHC) and enzyme immunoassay (EIA) analyses on the mouse xenograft tissues and blood, respectively. Biomarkers in these signaling pathways were studied by IHC, EIA, and an antibody array analysis in samples collected from participants in a phase I chemoprevention trial of erlotinib and celecoxib. Results: The combined treatment inhibited head and neck cancer cell growth significantly more potently than either single agent alone in cell line and xenograft models, and resulted in greater inhibition of cell-cycle progression at G 1 phase than either single drug. The combined treatment modulated the EGFR and mTOR signaling pathways. A phase I chemoprevention trial of combined erlotinib and celecoxib revealed an overall pathologic response rate of 71% at time of data analysis. Analysis of tissue samples from participants consistently showed downregulation of EGFR, pERK, and pS6 levels after treatment, which correlated with clinical response. Conclusion: Treatment with erlotinib combined with celecoxib offers an effective chemopreventive approach through inhibition of EGFR and mTOR pathways, which may serve as potential biomarkers to monitor the intervention of this combination in the clinic. Clin Cancer Res; 19(5); 1244–56. ©2013 AACR .
The importance of TALIB system using computer controlled for visual impaired community

This paper presents the advantages and importants of the information technology to the visual impaired community to transform the knowledge from normal text document to the Braille document. Based on the architecture of modified manual brailler controlled via computer, all normal text documents will be translated to Braille printed documents are will be discussed in this paper. The algorithm designed named Translating alphabet in Braille (TALIB) will conduct all translation process for this platform. The result is the use of Perkins Brailler to join with computer to emboss the Braille document easily through electronic part.
Modeling community-wide molecular networks of multicellular systems

Motivation: Multicellular systems, such as tissues, are composed of different cell types that form a heterogeneous community. Behavior of these systems is determined by complex regulatory networks within (intracellular networks) and between (intercellular networks) cells. Increasingly more studies are applying genome-wide experimental approaches to delineate the contributions of individual cell types (e.g. stromal, epithelial, vascular cells) to collective behavior of heterogeneous cell communities (e.g. tumors). Although many computational methods have been developed for analyses of intracellular networks based on genome-scale data, these efforts have not been extended toward analyzing genomic data from heterogeneous cell communities. Results: Here, we propose a network-based approach for analyses of genome-scale data from multiple cell types to extract community-wide molecular networks comprised of intra-and intercellular interactions. Intercellular interactions in this model can be physical interactions between proteins or indirect interactions mediated by secreted metabolites of neighboring cells. Applying this method on data from a recent study on xenograft mouse models of human lung adenocarcinoma, we uncover an extensive network of intra-and intercellular interactions involved in the acquired resistance to angiogenesis inhibitors. Contact: kakajan.komurov@cchmc.org Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Designing useful tools for developers

Designing useful tools for developers requires identifying and understanding an important problem developers face and designing a solution that addresses this problem. This paper describes a design process that uses data to understand problems, design solutions, and evaluate solutions' usefulness.
The Effect of H1N1 (Swine Flu) Media Coverage on Agricultural Commodity Markets

The authors estimate the market impact of media coverage related to the name “swine flu,” relabeled subsequently as “2009 H1N1 flu,” on the future prices of lean hogs, live cattle, corn, and soybeans. They then quantified the revenue loss, employing the subset vector autoregressive model. The results indicate that the media coverage was associated with a significant and temporary negative impact on the futures prices of lean hogs, but with little impact on the other futures prices. The impact persisted for about four months, yielding an April–December 2009 market revenue loss of about $200 million (about 2.51 percent).
Biliary excretion of a stretched bilirubin in UGT1A1-deficient (Gunn) and Mrp2-deficient (TR−) rats

The metabolism and biliary excretion of a stretched bilirubin analog with a p-xylyl group replacing the central CH2 hinge were investigated in normal rats, Gunn rats deficient in bilirubin conjugation, and TR- rats deficient in bilirubin glucuronide hepatobiliary transport. Unlike bilirubin, the analog was excreted rapidly in bile unchanged in all three rat strains after intravenous administration. In TR- rats biliary excretion of the analog was diminished, but still substantial, demonstrating that the ATP-binding cassette transporter Mrp2 is not required for its hepatic efflux. These effects are attributable to differences in the preferred conformations of bilirubin and the analog.
Tick-Borne Bacterial, Rickettsial, Spirochetal, and Protozoal Infectious Diseases in the United States: A Comprehensive Review

Approximately 900 tick species exist worldwide, and they parasitize a variety of mammals, including humans; thus, ticks play a significant role in the transmission of infectious diseases. In the United States, tick-borne diseases are seasonally and geographically distributed; they typically occur during spring and summer but can occur throughout the year. Tick-borne diseases are endemic to a variety of geographic regions of the United States, depending on the species of tick commonly found in a specific locale. Specific tick-borne diseases are difficult to diagnose. Most patients have vague constitutional symptoms and nonspecific laboratory findings. Initially, serologic methods are of little benefit because they lack sensitivity early in the disease course. Therefore, a thorough history and physical examination are necessary for establishing a diagnosis. Antimicrobial regimens for tick-borne infections are poorly studied but well established. Tetracyclines and rifampin form the cornerstones of therapy for most tick-borne infections, but these agents may not be suitable for all patient populations. Therefore, no single agent can be chosen empirically to treat all tick-borne diseases. Because pharmacists are the most accessible health care providers, they are often asked how to treat tick-borne diseases. Thus, practitioners should be familiar with the ticks that inhabit their locale.
ceRNA Cross-Talk in Cancer: When ce-bling Rivalries Go Awry

The cancer transcriptome is characterized by aberrant expression of both protein-coding and noncoding transcripts. Similar to mRNAs, a significant portion of the noncoding transcriptome, including long noncoding RNAs and pseudogenes, harbors microRNA (miRNA)-response elements (MRE). The recent discovery of competitive endogenous RNAs (ceRNA), natural decoys that compete for a common pool of miRNAs, provides a framework to systematically functionalize MRE-harboring noncoding RNAs and integrate them with the protein-coding RNA dimension in complex ceRNA networks. Functional interactions in ceRNA networks aid in coordinating a number of biologic processes and, when perturbed, contribute to disease pathogenesis. In this review, we discuss recent discoveries that implicate natural miRNA decoys in the development of cancer. Significance: Cross-talk between ceRNAs through shared miRNAs represents a novel layer of gene regulation that plays important roles in the physiology and development of diseases such as cancer. As cross-talk can be predicted on the basis of the overlap of miRNA-binding sites, we are now one step closer to a complete functionalization of the human transcriptome, especially the noncoding space. Cancer Discov; 3(10); 1113–21. ©2013 AACR .
Detailed analysis of the impact of the distortion due to nonlinear amplifiers on BER performance

This paper presents a detailed analysis of the distortion effects of the power amplifier nonlinearity on the bit error rate (BER) performance of a band limited digitally modulated signal present at the amplifier input. Previous analyses of such distortion effects are mainly concerned with the total distortion power present at the amplifier output and in some cases present results on the amplifier output power spectral density. However, the power spectral density of the total signal in the fundamental zone at the amplifier output does not lend itself to the BER analysis. In the case where the total distortion power is known, one may assume that the distortion is independent of the signal of interest and has a Gaussian probability density function and thereby add the distortion power to the receiver noise power in order to obtain the BER. While such a simplified approach may be valid in some cases, such assumptions do not apply to the case of a single band limited digital signal at the amplifier input, which is the case of interest here. In fact this paper shows that in this case the distortion is neither Gaussian nor independent of the signal. Thus the BER analysis in such a case becomes relatively difficult. This paper presents a semi-analytical approach to the evaluation of the BER in the presence of both the amplifier distortion and the receiver noise. It is shown in the paper that the conditional probability density function of the amplifier distortion can be modeled by a sum of Gaussian distributions whereby the BER in the presence of both the amplifier distortion and receiver noise can be expressed in terms of a weighted sum of Q-functions.
Newer aspects of glutamine/glutamate metabolism: the role of acute pH changes.

This review focuses on the role of acute pH changes in the regulation of Gln/Glu metabolism in the kidney, liver, and brain. Alterations of proton concentration ([H+]) profoundly affect flux throug...
Management Theory and Social Welfare: Contributions and Challenges

In this Introduction to the Special Topic Forum on Management Theory and Social Welfare, we first provide an overview of the motivation behind the special issue. We then highlight the contributions of the six articles that make up this forum and identify some common themes. We also suggest some reasons why social welfare issues are so difficult to address in the context of management theory. In addition, we evaluate means of assessing social welfare and urge scholars not to make (or imply) unwarranted “wealth creation” claims.
Membrane-Anchored Cyclic Peptides as Effectors of Mitochondrial Oxidative Phosphorylation.

The echinocandins are membrane-anchored, cyclic lipopeptides (CLPs) with antifungal activity due to their ability to inhibit a glucan synthase located in the plasma membrane of fungi such as Candida albicans. A hydrophobic tail of an echinocandin CLP inserts into a membrane, placing a six-amino acid cyclic peptide near the membrane surface. Because processes critical for the function of the electron transfer complexes of mitochondria, such as proton uptake and release, take place near the surface of the membrane, we have tested the ability of two echinocandin CLPs, caspofungin and micafungin, to affect the activity of electron transfer complexes in isolated mammalian mitochondria. Indeed, caspofungin and micafungin both inhibit whole chain electron transfer in isolated mitochondria at low micromolar concentrations. The effects of the CLPs are fully reversible, in some cases simply via the addition of bovine serum albumin to bind the CLPs via their hydrophobic tails. Each CLP affects more than one complex,...
First-principles prediction of the effects of temperature and solvent selection on the dimerization of benzoic acid.

We introduce a procedure of quantum chemical calculations (B3P86/6-31G**) to study carboxylic acid dimerization and its correlation with temperature and properties of the solvent. Benzoic acid is chosen as a model system for studying dimerization via hydrogen bonding. Organic solvents are simulated using the self-consistent reaction field (SCRF) method with the polarized continuum model (PCM). The cyclic dimer is the most stable structure both in gas phase and solution. Dimer mono- and dihydrates could be found in the gas phase if acid molecules are in contact with water vapor. However, the formation of these hydrated conformers is very limited and cyclic dimer is the principal conformer to coexist with monomer acid in solution. Solvation of the cyclic dimer is more favorable compared to other complexes, partially due to the diminishing of hydrogen bonding capability and annihilation of dipole moments. Solvents have a strong effect on inducing dimer dissociation and this dependence is more pronounced at l...
Feeding Frequency and Feeding Duration of the Green Stink Bug (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) on Soybean

Feeding frequency and feeding duration were examined for the different instars of the green stink bug, Acrosternum hilare (Say), on soybean seeds. The first-instar nymph did not feed. The total number of times fed per stadium increased as the stink bug developed from the second through the fifth stadium. About half of the total nymphal feeding episodes occurred during the fifth stadium. Moreover, the fifth-instar nymph had the highest daily frequency of feeding (3.4 times per day). Frequency of feeding increased, then decreased, from the beginning to the end of a stadium. The duration of each feeding event was similar among the instars and the adults; all fed approximately 1.5 h per session. Feeding frequency or feeding duration between male and female nymphs or adults did not differ. Feeding behavior was similar for adults and fifth-instar nymphs. Adult body size was not related to the total number of times fed during the nymphal stage.
33 SUSPECTED MIXED PITUITARY TUMOR IN A PATIENT WITH A PROLACTIN-SECRETING ADENOMA WITH MINIMAL SIZE RESPONSE TO CARBERGOLINE.

W.S. is a 61-year-old white male with a history of hypertension and type II diabetes mellitus, prior cholelithiasis, nephrolithiasis, and fatty liver who presented to the emergency department with hypoglycemia and shortness of breath. He was admitted to the internal medicine service and underwent workup that included a CT scan revealing honeycombing of the lung and hepatosplenomegaly. The patient was noted to be pancytopenic on presentation and found to have disseminated histoplasmosis. The patient subsequently began displaying signs of confusion, and a CT of his head was obtained. No evidence for spread of histoplasma infection was found; however, a large 3 3 3 3 2 cm mass was noted in the sella. A pituitary tumor workup ensued, and his prolactin level was found to be 6,141. No other pituitary markers were noted to be elevated. A formal MRI was obtained to more precisely measure tumor dimensions. The patient maintained a rather complicated, 40-day hospital course but was eventually discharged home. He was started on carbergoline 0.5 mg PO twice weekly for his prolactin-secreting tumor just prior to discharge. The patient maintained close follow-up and was noted to have a very good response to his carbergoline. Five months after initiation of the medication, the patient9s prolactin level was noted to be normal (5.42). However, repeat MRI showed minimal change in tumor size. This could indicate that the tumor may be a mixed macroadenoma and not simply a prolactinoma as first thought. Five-month follow-up lab work demonstrated a free alpha-subunit that was twice the upper limits of normal, indicating a potential gonadotropin-secreting component. Diagnosis of a mixed pituitary tumor is actively being pursued in this patient.
Analysis on heavy metal contaminations in food in Henan, 2013

Objective To investigate the heavy metal contaminations in food in Henan province. Methods 5263 samples were collected from 18 cities in Henan province. The pollution of lead, cadmium, mercury and arsenic were analyzed according to the standard of GB/T5009.12-2003, GB/T5009.15-2003, GB/T5009.17-2003, and GB/T 5009.11-2003. The results were evaluated according to the standard of GB2762-2012. Results The rate of violated samples of lead, cadmium, mercury and arsenic exceeded2.04%, 0.67%, 0.67 and 0.12%, respectively. The rates of violated samples of lead, cadmium and mercury in vegetable were 3.45%,1.43%, and 4.4%, respectively. Conclusion The heavy metal contaminations in food decreased compared with the previous years in Henan Province, but it was still serious in vegetable and dairy products, which need to pay attention to.
Clinical therapeutic effect of Montelukast on cough variant asthma in children

Objective:To investigate the clinical effect of montelukast in treating and preventing children's cough variant asthma(CVA) and its safety.Methods:65 children with CVA were randomly divided into treatment group(n=32) and control group(n =33),received orally treatment of Montelukast and Ketotifen for 6 months respectively.Results:There were significant differences in time reaching clinically relieve and rate of recurrence that follow-up for 6 months,the treatment group was lower than control group(P0.01 and P0.05).The rate of peak expiratory flow rates(PEF) 90% in treatment group was higher than those of control group 3,6 months after treatment(P0.05).The treatment group had few side reaction occurred.Conclusion:Montelukast is safe and effective in treatment of children's CVA,it can improve lung function and reduce rate of recurrence.
Pathogenic bacteria and antibiotic application of neonatal community-acquired pneumonia

Objective:To investigate the distribution of pathogen,antibiotic resistance and application of antibiotics in neonates with community-acquired pneumonia(CAP).Methods:We conducted pathogen and antibiotic sensitivity assays on the sputum specimens derived from 126 neonates with CAP admitted between January 2011 and October 2012.Results;Of the 126 specimens analyzed,pathogenic bacteria were detected in92 cases(73.0%).Of 41 strains(44.6%) of Gram-positive cocci,29(70.7%) were Staphylococcus aureus strains.Of 51 strains(55.4%) of Gram-negative bacteria,26(51.0%) were Klebsiella pneumonae strains.There was a marked difference in the bacterial composition between sexes and among various levels of leukocyte count(all P0.05).The difference in effectiveness rate for the treatment of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacterial infection did not reach statistical significance(both P 0.05) between single(56.5%vs.74.1%)and combined empirical administration of antibiotics(45.0%vs.55.0%).Conclusion:CAP in neonates warrants active pathogenic and antibiotic sensitivity assay to steer clinical decision in terms of rational use of antibiotics.
Carcinoma of the prostate: current thoughts on diagnosis and staging.

Diagnosis of carcinoma of the prostate is best made by a good rectal examination followed by histologic or cytologic biopsy. Aspiration biopsy holds promise as a less expensive technique than conventional needle biopsy. No biochemical test is sufficiently accurate to be recommended as a routine screening test. Also discussed are lymph node involvement in prostatic carcinoma and the role of staging lymphadenectomy.
An investigation of GPU-based stiff chemical kinetics integration methods

Abstract A fifth-order implicit Runge–Kutta method and two fourth-order exponential integration methods equipped with Krylov subspace approximations were implemented for the GPU and paired with the analytical chemical kinetic Jacobian software pyJac . The performance of each algorithm was evaluated by integrating thermochemical state data sampled from stochastic partially stirred reactor simulations and compared with the commonly used CPU-based implicit integrator CVODE . We estimated that the implicit Runge–Kutta method running on a single Tesla C2075 GPU is equivalent to CVODE running on 12–38 Intel Xeon E5-4640 v2 CPU cores for integration of a single global integration time step of 10 − 6 s with hydrogen and methane kinetic models. In the stiffest case studied—the methane model with a global integration time step of 10 − 4 s —thread divergence and higher memory traffic significantly decreased GPU performance to the equivalent of CVODE running on approximately three CPU cores. The exponential integration algorithms performed more slowly than the implicit integrators on both the CPU and GPU. Thread divergence and memory traffic were identified as the main limiters of GPU integrator performance, and techniques to mitigate these issues were discussed. Use of a finite-difference Jacobian on the GPU—in place of the analytical Jacobian provided by pyJac —greatly decreased integrator performance due to thread divergence, resulting in maximum slowdowns of 7.11 − 240.96 × ; in comparison, the corresponding slowdowns on the CPU were just 1.39 − 2.61 × , underscoring the importance of use of an analytical Jacobian for efficient GPU integration. Finally, future research directions for working towards enabling realistic chemistry in reactive-flow simulations via GPU/SIMT accelerated stiff chemical kinetics integration were identified.