cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Increased levels of oxidatively damaged DNA induced by chromium(III) and H2O2: protection by melatonin and related molecules

Chromium (Cr) compounds are known occupational and environmental carcinogens. This trace element is found in the workplace primarily in the valence forms Cr(III) and Cr(VI). Cr(III), which was thought originally to be relatively nontoxic, was recently found to be more reactive toward purified DNA than was chromium(VI). Herein, we examined the ability of Cr(III) to induce oxidative DNA damage by measuring the formation of 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OH-dG) in purified calf thymus DNA incubated with CrCl3 plus H2O2. In this system we observed that the Cr(III)-induced formation of 8-OH-dG in isolated DNA was both dose- and time-dependent. When melatonin and related molecules, including 6-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-beta-carboline (pinoline), N-acetylserotonin, 6-hydroxymelatonin and indole-3-propionic acid, were co-incubated with CrCl3 plus H2O2, the accumulations of 8-OH-dG in DNA samples were markedly inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner. The concentrations of each indole required to reduce DNA damage by 50%, i.e. the IC50 values, were 0.48, 0.51, 0.88, 1.00 and 3.08 microM for pinoline, melatonin, N-acetylserotonin, 6-hydroxymelatonin and indole-3-propionic acid, respectively. These results suggest that one of the mechanisms by which Cr(III) may induce cancer is via Fenton-type reactions which generate the hydroxyl radical (*OH). The findings also indicate that the protective effects of melatonin and related molecules against Cr(III)-induced carcinogenesis relate to their direct *OH scavenging ability which thereby reduces the formation of the damaged DNA product, 8-OH-dG.
Dual effects of oleic acid on Ca2+ mobilization and protein phosphorylation in human platelets in presence or absence of platelet activating factor.

Abstract This laboratory demonstrated earlier that oleic acid inhibited platelet activating factor (PAF)-induced aggregation and serotonin release of rabbit platelets ( M. Miwa, C. Hill, R. Kumar, J. Sugatani, M. S. Olson, and D. J. Hanahan, 1987 , J. Biol. Chem. 262, 527–530). More recently, we reported that oleic acid caused a decrease in phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate (PIP) and phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2), but did not affect the level of inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3), in rabbit platelets ( D. Nunez, J. Randon, C. Gandhi, A. Siafaka-Kapadai, M. S. Olson, and D. J. Hanahan, 1990 , J. Biol. Chem. 265, 18330–18838). These results suggested that oleic acid did not stimulate phospholipase C. In contrast, PAF induced a decrease in PIP2 and an increase in PIP level and IP3. These effects were shown to be attenuated by oleic acid. In this current study, our experiments show that (a) oleic acid blocked PAF-induced rise in intracellular [Ca2+] (to provide a mechanism in agreement with our previous experiments which showed that oleic acid inhibited PAF-induced IP3 rise in platelets) and (b) oleic acid itself induced a gradual rise in [Ca2+]i, which would provide a mechanism for oleic acid-induced aggregation despite the fact that oleic acid did not cause the production of IP3 ( Nunez et al., 1990 ). Oleic acid, in a dose-dependent manner, was shown to inhibit PAF-induced Ca2+ mobilization from intra- and extracellular sources. The inhibition was closely related to the suppressive effect of oleic acid on PAF-induced aggregation. Furthermore, oleic acid inhibited the PAF-stimulated phosphorylation of the 20- and 40-kDa proteins. At concentrations above 20 μ m , oleic acid itself could induce platelet aggregation and Ca24 mobilization, but the time sequence of these two responses in human platelets was significantly different from those obtained with PAF. Oleic acid alone, at 20 μ m , caused a 1.4-fold increase in the cAMP level in platelets which was followed by a decline to a basal value at higher concentrations of this fatty acid. It seemed clear that elevation of adenylate cyclase activity was not associated with free fatty acid inhibition of platelet activation. Interestingly, both PAF and oleic acid added separately to human platelets induced proteintyrosine phosphorylation, but oleic acid did not cause any inhibition of PAF-induced protein-tyrosine phosphorylation. Thus, these findings show that oleic acid inhibition of PAF-induced aggregation was closely correlated to inhibition of PAF-induced [Ca2+]i changes and that oleic acid-induced aggregation, which occurred over a different time frame than PAF-aggregation, could be explained by a rise in [Ca2+]i.
Impact of attending level supervision of the emergency department experience

Medical experiences encountered in the activities of an emergency department are important for the development of a well-trained internist. Therefore, a rotation in the emergency department must remain an integral part of any program in internal medicine. At the University of Pittsburgh, faculty members from both the internal medicine and emergency medicine departments worked together in order to develop the emergency department to its fullest capacity as part of a broad educational program. The faculty attendings provide supervision, immediately available consultation, and an on-going curriculum, including daily lectures and chart review. The results of their programmatic change have been the following: 1) enthusiasm and satisfaction on the part of the housestaff; 2) a 20% increase in admissions to the hospital from the emergency department; 3) decreased utilization of the observation unit; and 4) fewer patients leaving without being examined.
TRANSCRIPTIONAL CONTROL OF CELL CYCLE PROGRESSION: THE HISTONE GENE IS A PARADIGM FOR THE G1/S PHASE AND PROLIFERATION/DIFFERENTIATION TRANSITIONS

Abstract The histone gene is a paradigm for transcriptional control at the G1/S phase transition point in the cell cycle. The histone gene promoter provides a blueprint for integration of regulatory signals which mediate responsiveness to factors controlling competency for cell cycle progression at the initiation of DNA replication. The downregulation of proliferation at the onset of differentiation is accompanied by and functionally linked to modifications in protein–DNA and protein–protein interactions at histone gene promoter regulatory elements. Chromatin structure, nucleosome organization and gene-nuclear matrix interactions facilitate crosstalk between regulatory sequences and targeting of transcription factors to cognate binding domains.
Gastric outlet obstruction in an elderly male with celiac spruce: an undescribed association of pancreatic cancer with celiac spruce

Introduction: Celiac spruce is a malabsorption disease that carries an increased but underestimated risk of gastrointestinal malignancy. We present a rare combination of unusual presentations, which made this case frustrating and intellectually stimulating at the same time.
Enabling technologies for a 100-MB 3.5" floppy (ZIPtm) disk drive

By combining modified hard disk heads/suspensions, advances in thin metal particle media, media stabilization, and servo technologies, 3.5 inch floppy disks have recently jumped from the ubiquitous 1.44 MB floppies to the 100 MB ZipTM disks. This paper details the technological improvements that have gone into increasing the storage capacity of the floppy disk drive and how the same improvements pushed data throughput to greater than 1 MB/sec and seek times down to 29 ms.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Subnuclear Shadowing Effect on the J/ψ Production

A parton model for the J/ψ production in hadron-nucleus and nucleus-nucleus collisions is presented. It takes account of the finite-energy constraint along with the requirement of unitarity. Two extreme regimes are found for which the J/ψ- production cross-sections have different behaviours according to nuclear mass numbers.
The relation between oral reading miscue patterns and comprehension: A test of the relative explanatory power of psycholinguistic and interactive views of reading

The use of oral reading to assess silent reading ability has gained wide acceptance despite the lack of definitive evidence that the two processes are similar. Moreover, there are a number of theoretical positions that run counter to assumptions underlying oral reading error analysis as a measure of silent reading competency. This study examined the relation between multiple oral reading miscue measures and postreading comprehension performance. Correlations between the oral reading and comprehension measures indicated a negative relation between oral reading and recall following the reading of familiar passages and a positive relation between oral reading and an inferential comprehension measure following the reading of unfamiliar passages. In addition, when the subjects read disrupted passages, their attempts at correcting incongruous errors and their self-report interviews indicated that their oral reading was not related to their performance on comprehension product measures. The results, which are discrepant with previous research relating oral reading to comprehension, are discussed in terms of a comparison between psycholinguistic and interactive models of reading comprehension.
Production of ethanol by bioconversion of wood sugars derived from two-stage dilute acid hydrolysis of hardwood

Abstract Sugars were derived from hardwood by a two-stage dilute acid hydrolysis. First-stage hydrolyzates contained xylose as the primary sugar. Second-stage hydrolyzates contained glucose as the primary sugar. The amounts of the sugars recovered were related to the conditions of hydrolysis. Ethanol was produced from first-stage hydrolyzates by Pachysolen tannophilus and from second-stage hydrolyzates by Saccharomyces uvarum. Conditions for hydrolysis and the optimum pH levels and pretreatments of hydrolyzates were identified. Ethanol yields of 0·06 and 0.14 liters kg−1 dry wood were obtained from a first- and second-stage hydrolyzate, respectively.
An unusual dichotomy in the regioselectivity of a metal catalyzed versus thermal ene reaction

Abstract A Pd(+2) catalyzed cyclization of a 1,6-enyne complements a thermal Alder ene reaction; a rationale invoking a remote binding site is proposed.
Transport in Nearly-Free-Electron-Model Metals. I. Point-Defect Scattering

We have constructed a general method for calculating the electron mean free path of small-band-gap multivalent metals via a nearly-free-electron model (NFEM) in which only one pair of Brillouin-zone planes is considered at a time. The expansion coefficients of the appropriate Bloch wave functions are concentrated about the zone planes with discontinuities in value or slope at the planes themselves. Our procedure is to postulate trial solutions for the Boltzmann equation explicitly containing these concentrated functions as well as functions smoothly distributed over the Fermi surface. The ratio of band-gap energy to Fermi energy forms a natural expansion parameter. Form factors for Fermi-surface scattering are expressed as power series in the square of the scattering vector; only a few terms suffice to give quite satisfactory representations for most form factors. Analytic solutions are developed for a two-term expansion. As pointed out by Ziman, the $s$-type and $p$-type states on opposite sides of the zone gap have markedly different mean free paths. The mean free path is not only dependent on $\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{k}}$, but also direction dependent; the component in the zone plane is less affected by the discontinuities than the component perpendicular to the zone plane. It follows that the relaxation time is both $\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{k}}$ dependent and a tensor.
Room temperature growth of thin Fe films on Al(001) and Al(110) surfaces

Abstract The growth of thin Fe overlayers on Al(110) and Al(001) surfaces has been investigated using high-energy ion backscattering (HEIS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), for Fe coverages from 0 to 15 ML deposited at room temperature. For the Al(001) surface, measurements of the backscattered ion yields from Al and Fe atoms show that the Fe atoms do not form a simple overlayer on the Al substrate, but displace Al atoms from their equilibrium positions to form a mixture of FeAl. The inter-mixing continues up to about 5 ML Fe coverage before Fe metal begins to cover the mixed surface. For the Al(110) surface, intermixing of Fe and Al atoms was observed up to about 9 ML Fe deposition, where Fe metal begins to cover the surface. In neither case was Fe diffusion into the bulk Al substrate observed. XPS results show no chemical shift larger than the resolution of our measurements for the Fe 2p core level in Fe aluminides. The variation of the Fe XPS photopeak intensity as a function of Fe coverage also supports the two- and three-stage growth models on Al(001) and Al(110) surfaces, respectively.
Informed consent and communication of risk from radiological and nuclear medicine examinations: how to escape from a communication inferno

Radiological and nuclear medicine examinations confer a definite (albeit low) long term risk of cancer, but patients undergoing such examinations often receive no or inaccurate information about these risks. Picano argues that this disregard of patient autonomy is no longer acceptable and suggests a practicable way of communicating risk
Displacements on late Cenozoic strike-slip faults of the central Mojave Desert, California

Field studies demonstrate that displacements on northwest-striking wrench faults of the central Mojave Desert are too small to support hypotheses suggesting large interior translations and associated rotation of the province during late Cenozoic time. The margin of an early Miocene structural belt provides the marker with which to establish lateral displacement on individual faults. Displacement values for faults are as follows: Lenwood fault = 1.5–3 km, Camp Rock Fault = 1.6–4.0 km, Calico fault = 8.2 km, and Rodman-Pisgah faults = 6.4–14.4 km. Cumulative displacement on all the major northwest-striking faults of the Mojave Desert is about 26.7–38.4 km. Most, if not all, regionally distributed right shear (presumably related to Pacific–North American plate interaction) developed in the central Mojave Desert after 20 m.y. B.P. Right shear was preceded by significant amounts of kinematically unrelated northeast-southwest crustal extension.
Magnetic penetration depth in layered compound NbSe2 measured by muon spin relaxation

Abstract Muon spin relaxation measurements in the layered superconductor NbSe2 have been performed to study the magnetic field penetration depth λ. The relaxation rate σ(T) α λ(T)−2 in field-cooled measurements exhibits a temperature dependence consistent with an isotropic energy gap without anomalous zeros. The low temperature penetration depth λ(T → 0) = 2,500 A is much larger than that obtained from previous Hc1 measurements.
NOAA spring outlook

Much of the continental United States is at a minor to moderate flood risk due to a lengthier-than-usual cold and wet season, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) spring outlook, announced on 20 March 2014.
The Potential Biases in Studying the Relationship between Asthma and Microbial Infection

Objective. To assess bias in parent reports of asthma status of children and detection bias of medical records-based asthma ascertainment and to examine effects of such bias on the association between asthma status and infections.Methods. A prospective cohort study was conducted to compare the correlations between the frequency of acute illnesses and that of medical evaluations between children with or without asthma according to parental report and medical record review by following a group of children who were enrolled in the Mayo Clinic Sick Child Care Program in Rochester, Minnesota. Parents completed a self-administered questionnaire to determine asthma status of their child. Also, comprehensive medical record reviews were conducted to determine asthma status of each subject by applying predetermined criteria for asthma.Results. A convenience sample of 115 parents and their children participated in this study. The mean age of the parents who participated in the study was 32.8 years (standard deviatio...
Some observations on the KMT dyadic scheme

We point out some useful properties of the KMT dyadic scheme, which was used to construct a Brownian bridge approximation to the uniform empirical process.
Diagnostic and prognostic value of ambulatory ECG (Holter) monitoring in patients with coronary heart disease: a review

Silent ischemia, the most common expression of atherosclerotic heart disease, affects approximately 30–50% of patients during their activities of daily living. The present review provides a comprehensive and practical summary of current knowledge on perioperative myocardial ischemia through MEDLINE searches up to June 2005, using keywords including “silent ischemia,” “transient ischemia,” and “Holter monitoring.” Holter monitoring (i.e., continuous ambulatory ST-segment monitoring) is an effective tool for assessing the frequency and duration of silent transient myocardial ischemia, particularly in patients who are post-acute myocardial infarction (MI), those with acute coronary syndromes (ACS), and in patients in the acute post-operative period. Holter monitoring allows for further risk stratification of patients who have a positive exercise ECG by collecting long-term ECG data on ischemic and arrhythmic events while patients perform routine activities. Both the presence and increased duration of transient ischemia as detected by continuous ST-segment Holter monitoring are associated with increased rates of coronary events and mortality. Holter monitoring may aid in the identification of patients and subgroups of patients with ACS who may derive the greatest benefit from antiplatelet and antithrombotic therapy. Indeed, many ongoing and upcoming trials of pharmacotherapy include ischemia on Holter monitoring as an endpoint.
Geographic and environmental factors in pediatric cancer

It is important to determine the relative contributions of genetic and environmental factors to the etiology of childhood cancer in order to elucidate the pathogenic mechanisms involved and to develop effective means of primary prevention. Geographic differences in cancer incidence as well as changes in incidence over calendar time have long been used to generate clues to possible etiologic agents. The important role of genetic factors in childhood cancer is clear, and is exemplified by the observations in retinoblastoma. The importance of the contributions of environmental factors in general and of specific factors in particular, to the etiology of cancers in children, has proven more difficult to determine. A variety of environmental factors have been implicated to varying degrees in the etiology of different childhood cancers. These factors include physical agents such as radiation, chemical agents such as nitrosamines, and organic solvents, and infectious agents such as the Epstein-Barr virus. The observations that certain compounds may act as teratogens when a prenatal exposure occurs early in pregnancy and as carcinogens when the exposure occurs late in pregnancy, suggests that there may be a continuum of teratogenesis and carcinogenesis. This finding has major implications for the possible biologic mechanisms that couldmore » be involved in childhood cancers and for the design of future research of their etiology and prevention. The etiology of childhood cancer should be viewed as an interaction of environmental factors to which the child or his parent were exposed together with varying degrees of genetically determined susceptibility of the child to the carcinogenic effects of these factors.« less
Further Studies on the Db Plumage Color Locus in the Fowl

Abstract The results of F1, testcross and F2 matings between an eb/ebDb/Db line and e+ (Light Brown Leghorn), eb (Brown), and eWh (Dominant Wheaten) lines are consistent with the hypothesis that the Db mutation is inherited as an incompletely dominant, autosomal gene. In the presence of eb/eb or e+/-, Db/Db results in similar down patterns showing reduced brown dorsal back stripes on a cream-gold ground color and an irregular, brown head spot with scattered spotting on the face and forehead. In contrast, Db/Db is not expressed on eWh/eWh down. In the presence of all three E alleles, adult Db/Db males show the black-tailed red phenotype. Adult eb/eb and e+/- females have some secondary pattern in the body plumage and pheomelanin color is changed to a distinct orange-tan. However, Db has little effect on the salmon breast of e+/- females or the brown-red body coloration of the wheaten female.
The Active Risk Puzzle

While almost all institutional investment funds take active risk, the amount is almost uniformly a tiny fraction of the market risk that they expose themselves to. Readily available financial engineering techniques today allow funds to separate market risk from active risk. Given the lack of correlation between the two, the optimal allocation to active risk is very sensitive to the net aggregate information ratio from active management. It makes no sense that this assumption should be virtually the same, around 0.04, for all funds. Some funds will focus on indexing to reduce costs. Others will seek to increase the amount and improve the quality of their active risk. If these developing trends continue, look for interesting implications for the asset management industry.
Reduced STAT3 activity in mice mimics clinical disease syndromes

Phosphorylation on Y705 is obligatory for STAT3 activation, but full transcriptional activity of this widely expressed protein also requires phosphorylation on S727. We described earlier the STAT3 SA/- mice (SA, S727A allele) on a Black 6 (Bl6) background that showed 75% perinatal lethality and early growth retardation presumably due to the decreased transcription supported by STAT3 S727A. We now report additional analyses of long-term surviving SA/- animals which show no important tissue abnormalities. However, we have found a much greater susceptibility to doxorubicin-induced heart failure in the SA/- mice. Also we introduced the SA allele into strain 129 and found the SA/- mice showed greater susceptibility to LPS-induced toxicity. These results suggest a continued need for normal STAT3 transcriptional activity to resist two different noxious challenges that mimic the conditions necessary to induce adult diseases.
Status of the advanced photon source and its accelerator control system

Abstract This paper presents the current status of the Advanced Photon Source (APS), its control system and the Experimental Physics and Industrial Control System (EPICS) tools being used to implement this control system. The status of the physical plant and each of the accelerators as well as detailed descriptions of the software tools used to build the accelerator control system are presented. The control system uses high-performance graphic workstations and the X-Windows graphical user interface (GUI) at the operator interface level. It connects to VME/VXI-based microprocessors at the field level, using TCP/IP protocols over high-performance networks. This strategy assures the flexibility and expansibility of the control system. A defined interface between the system components will allow the system to evolve with the direct addition of future, improved equipment and new capabilities.
Stable self-trapping and ring formation in polydiacetylene para-toluene sulfonate

Numerical simulations of two-dimensional beam propagation in polydiacetylene para-toluene sulfonate measured values for n2 > 0 and n3 < 0, where Δn = n2I + n3I2, predict stable self-trapping and a new phenomenon in which a spatial ring evolves from a Gaussian input beam. We interpret the numerical results theoretically, using the variational model of nonlinear Gaussian beam propagation.
Cells to Surgery Quiz: February 2015

1Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA Image appears with permission from VisualDx. © Logical Images, Inc. JID and Logical Images, Inc., have cooperated to offer the Cells to Surgery Quiz, incorporating diagnostic images from VisualDx’s vast database. Questions relate to the image as well as to selected articles in JID, which are listed after the questions. Answers will be posted as supplementary material. We hope you enjoy this challenge.
PHYLOGENY AND BIOGEOGRAPHY OF THE ATLANTIC AND EASTERN PACIFIC HYPSELODORIS STIMPSON, 1855 (NUDIBRANCHIA, CHROMODORIDIDAE) WITH THE DESCRIPTION OF A NEW SPECIES FROM THE CARIBBEAN SEA

A new species, based on two specimens from Guana Island, British Virgin Islands, is described. The new species agrees with the genus Hypselodoris in having a high body profile, a large vestibular gland and mantle glands. It differs from other members of the genus in the Atlantic Ocean by having a reddish background body colour. In addition, dorsal colour patterns such as a broad central white line with lateral extensions and the lack of yellow lines or spots further differentiate this species. The radular formula of 52 x 41.0.41 and a smaller seminal receptacle are also distinctive. The phylogenetic relationships of 34 species and subspecies of Hypselodoris from the eastern Pacific and Atlantic are examined using morphological characters. With the exception of the new species, these are characterized by a dark blue background body colour. The phylogenetic analysis of the data matrix resulted in eight most-parsimonious trees. The resulting consensus tree shows that eastern Pacific and Atlantic species of Hypselodoris constitute a monophyletic group that is basally split into two sister clades. One clade contains the eastern Pacific species and most of the Caribbean species, whereas the other clade contains the eastern Atlantic species. The new species is the sister to the rest of the Caribbean species, which also form a monophyletic group. This phylogenetic hypothesis suggests that two consecutive vicariant events have affected the biogeography of Hypselodoris: (1) the closure of communication between the tropical Indo-Pacific region and the Atlantic and eastern Pacific, completed with the formation of the East Pacific Barrier; and (2) the rise of the Panama isthmus.
Attenuation and detector response compensations used with Gibbs prior distributions for maximum a posteriori SPECT reconstruction

The relationship between the choice of parameters for a generalized Gibbs prior for the MAP-EM (maximum a posteriori, expectation maximization) algorithm and the model of the projection/backprojection process used in SPECT (single photon emission computed tomography) reconstruction is studied. A realistic phantom, derived from an X-ray CT study and average Tl-201 uptake distributions in patients, was used. Simulated projection data, including nonuniform attenuation, detector response, scatter, and Poisson noise, were generated. From this data set, reconstructions were created using a MAP-EM technique with a generalized Gibbs prior, which is designed to smooth noise with minimal smoothing of edge information. Reconstructions were performed over several different values of the prior parameters for three projector/backprojector models: one with no compensations at all, one incorporating only nonuniform attenuation compensation, and one incorporating both nonuniform attenuation and detector response compensations. Analysis of several measures of image quality in a region of interest surrounding the myocardium shows that, for each projection model, there is an optimal value of the weighting parameter which decreases as the projection process is modeled more accurately. >
Third‐Line Agent Selection for Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Uncontrolled with Sulfonylureas and Metformin

Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus often begin treatment by taking oral agents, usually metformin or a sulfonylurea, and then progress to the combination of these two agents. Most patients often require three or more agents or a change to an insulin regimen. However, no guidelines are available to aid the clinician in the decision-making process for selecting the third agent. Many options are available for additional therapy, including thiazolidinediones, intermediate- and long-acting insulins, exenatide, and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors. Although the American Diabetes Association recommends metformin as first-line therapy, it does not give exact specifications for second- and third-line agents but only summarizes clinical data and options about each therapeutic drug class. Guidelines from the American College of Endocrinology and American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists recommend several options depending on the patient's hemoglobin A1c level. Therefore, a standard of care cannot be provided; rather, clinicians must evaluate each patient to ascertain that patient's optimum therapy. In doing so, clinicians need to be familiar with the efficacy, safety, and cost of each agent.
Essential Role of Toll-Like Receptor 2 in Morphine-Induced Microglia Activation in Mice

Opioids are powerful pain relievers, but also potent inducers of dependence and tolerance. Chronic morphine administration (via subcutaneous pellet) induces morphine dependence in the nucleus accumbens, an important dependence region in the brain, yet the cellular mechanisms are mostly unknown. Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) plays an essential function in controlling innate and inflammatory responses. Using a knockout mouse lacking TLR2, we assessed the contribution of TLR2 to microglia activation and development of morphine dependence. We report here that mice deficient in TLR2 inhibit morphine-induced the levels of microglia activation and proinflammatory cytokines. Moreover, in TLR2 knockout mice the main symptoms of morphine withdrawal were significantly attenuated. Our data reveal that TLR2 plays a critical role in morphine-induced microglia activation and dependence.
Fostering Sustainable, Integrated Medical and Behavioral Health Services in Medical Settings

The integration of behavioral health (BH) and primary care services has been the subject of considerable attention for almost a decade. Such work has been motivated by the prevalence of chronic health problems in persons with BH conditions and correspondingly high rates of early death. Service integration efforts typically included cross-referral or bidirectional efforts to add some features of primary care to specialty BH settings or the reverse. This article proposes a third approach based on full service and financial integration and shows how it differs substantially from the other 2 models. This new model has the potential to bring much-needed BH services to persons served in primary care settings who have these conditions, while fostering integrated services in specialty settings for those with the most severe mental or substance use conditions. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act could provide a valuable opportunity to implement this third model.
Chaos and cryptography: block encryption ciphers based on chaotic maps

This paper is devoted to the analysis of the impact of chaos-based techniques on block encryption ciphers. We present several chaos based ciphers. Using the well-known principles in the cryptanalysis we show that these ciphers do not behave worse than the standard ones, opening in this way a novel approach to the design of block encryption ciphers.
Effusive Molecular Beam Study of C2H6 Dissociation on Pt(111)

The dissociative sticking coefficient for C2H6 on Pt(111) has been measured as a function of both gas temperature (Tg) and surface temperature (Ts) using effusive molecular beam and angle-integrated ambient gas dosing methods. A microcanonical unimolecular rate theory (MURT) model of the reactive system is used to extract transition state properties from the data as well as to compare our data directly with supersonic molecular beam and thermal equilibrium sticking measurements. We report for the first time the threshold energy for dissociation, E0 = 26.5 +/- 3 kJ mol(-1). This value is only weakly dependent on the other two parameters of the model. A strong surface temperature dependence in the initial sticking coefficient is observed; however, the relatively weak dependence on gas temperature indicates some combination of the following (i) not all molecular excitations are contributing equally to the enhancement of sticking, (ii) that strong entropic effects in the dissociative transition state are leading to unusually high vibrational frequencies in the transition state, and (iii) energy transfer from gas-phase rovibrational modes to the surface is surprisingly efficient. In other words, it appears that vibrational mode-specific behavior and/or molecular rotations may play stronger roles in the dissociative adsorption of C2H6 than they do for CH4. The MURT with an optimized parameter set provides for a predictive understanding of the kinetics of this C-H bond activation reaction, that is, it allows us to predict the dissociative sticking coefficient of C2H6 on Pt(111) for any combination of Ts and Tg even if the two are not equal to one another.
Evolution of Asymmetries in Vortex Breakdown

The influence of weak asymmetric disturbances on an axisymmetric swirling flow is examined through numerical simulation. To track the evolution of asymmetries, the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations are Fourier-decomposed in the azimuthal direction and integrated forward in time. Beginning with an axisymmetric solution, an asymmetric disturbance is added at the inlet of a converging-diverging nozzle and allowed to propagate. For axisymmetric flows which do not exhibit vortex breakdown, the disturbance is merely convected and dissipated. The presence of axisymmetric breakdown, however, amplifies the disturbance and large changes occur in the flow structures. Depending on the axisymmetric swirl ratio, non-axisymmetric solutions range from no apparent breakdown, to the spiral mode, and, at larger swirl ratios, to an oscillation between the spiral mode and the bubble mode. For swirl ratios corresponding to a weak axisymmetric breakdown, asymmetry creates a "relieving effect" which eliminates the recirculation zone, resulting in a smooth solution with only weak asymmetries.
GUERRILLA INNOVATION — THE ACCELERATED RADICAL INNOVATION MODEL MEETS THE REAL WORLD

The Accelerated Radical Innovation (ARI) methodology, an integrated approach to shepherding radical innovation from initial concept through commercialization, was compared to the approach used by an investor-funded seed-stage innovation incubation firm. Similarities include traversal of the same major stages of innovation, emphasis on front-end analysis before escalating commitments, and using an extended "probe-and-learn" process. Key differences were in emphasis. The ARI model relies on analysis and intelligence gleaned from external sources, while ConduIT views each innovation project as unique, requiring tailored responses that will not be found elsewhere. And while the ARI model relies on a structured process, ConduIT favors a more intuitive, people-centered approach. The message for ARI is to become more flexible and adaptable to each innovation's uniquenesses. For ConduIT the challenges are increasing portfolio turnover and scaling up, which will require a more repeatable, teachable, standardized p...
Public Representation in Water Management—A Network Analysis of Organization and Public Perceptions in Phoenix, Arizona

To better accomplish their mission of an informed public, environmental education organizations often exchange ideas, share financing, and distribute overhead through collaboration. Yet it remains to be seen whether benefits of these collaborations extend to the public. We examine two possible benefits: the ability of the organizations to act as representatives of the public interest, and equitable access to environmental educational materials. We model patterns of public access to water-related education across organizations using two surveys in metropolitan Phoenix, AZ. This enables the study of interorganizational social networks and public outcomes. Results support the idea that environmental education organizations could provide a credible proxy for direct citizen participation. However, not all organizations are equivalently engaged with historically underrepresented groups like women, minority racial and ethnic groups, and those who rent their home. The implications for more inclusive environmental...
Recognition and Absorption of the Water-soluble X-ray Contrast Medium Iodixanol using Molecularly Imprinted Polymers for Biomedical Applications

This work presents the study on the recognition and absorption of the water-soluble X-ray contrast medium iodixanol in aqueous solution using synthetic molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs). A non-covalent imprinting technique was applied to prepare iodixanol-imprinted polymers using 4-vinylpyridine as the functional monomer and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as the cross-linker. The effects of quantity of iodixanol templates, the crosslink density, and the solvent were studied in terms of the binding capacity and imprint effect of the polymers. UV-vis spectrometric analysis shows that the highest binding capacity achieved is 284 mg iodixanol per gram of dry polymer, which is 8.8 times higher than the binding capacity of the non-imprinted control polymers (NIPs). SEM and BET surface analysis have also been performed to investigate the effect of morphology and porosity on the binding capacities of polymers.
Efficient mid-frequency plane inductance computation

In power distribution networks (PDN), the modelling of the mid-frequency inductance for Zpp type plane pairs is very important. It is a key step for the placement of the decoupling capacitors. This paper gives an efficient approach for the calculation of the inductance for different capacitor placements. The PEEC based formulations takes advantage of the opposite currents in the planes. This leads to compute time reductions and memory savings for both the element calculation and the matrix solve step. We also use a formulation where placement of capacitors leads to only small changes in the circuit matrix. Comparisons with other models are made to validate our results.
Regional Variation in Recruitment of Hemlock Seedlings and Saplings in the Upper Great Lakes, USA

Mature eastern hemlock-northern hardwood forest cover decreased drasti- cally in the upper Midwest following European settlement and has yet to rebound sub- stantially. Previous studies show that stands retaining substantial hemlock canopy coverage have low hemlock seedling and sapling densities. Results from various geographically restricted studies suggest several possible mechanisms that could cause low seedling or sapling density. We examined the relative importance of these proposed mechanisms in the Southern Superior Uplands Section of the Laurentian Forest Province. We surveyed 294- m 2 plots in 100 hemlock stands in northern Wisconsin and western upper Michigan to assess how these proposed mechanisms affect the number of hemlock seedlings and saplings in four sequential size classes. Seedling and sapling abundance increases with greater light availability and differs significantly among geographically distinct ecological units (eco- logical subsections). In contrast, the abundance of medium and large saplings (30-99 and 100-300 cm tall) appears unrelated to light and geographic factors but declines as deer browsing increases, diminishing recruitment of larger saplings. The abundance of seedlings and saplings in each size class also depends strongly on the number of seedlings or saplings in the next smaller size class at the same site, reflecting demographic inertia. Path analysis integrates and separates these effects, explaining 24% of the regional variation in seedling abundance, 63% of small sapling abundance, and ;80% of medium and large sapling abundance. Light and ecological subsection directly affect the number of seedlings and small saplings, whereas deer browsing directly affects the number of medium saplings. Demographic inertia remains important for all larger size classes. These results imply that restoring hemlock populations requires both appropriate microsites for seedling establish-
Optical studies of ballistic currents in semiconductors [Invited]

We present a summary of recent studies of ballistic currents using nonlinear optical techniques. Quantum interference between one- and two-photon absorption pathways is used to inject and control ballistic currents in GaAs samples. With this, a pure charge current, pure spin current, or spin-polarized charge current can be injected by changing the polarization configuration of the two pump pulses. Such currents are temporally and spatially resolved using high-resolution pump–probe techniques, including a derivative-detection scheme, which allows detection of the motion of carriers as small as 0.1 nm. Observation of the intrinsic inverse spin Hall effect in the ballistic regime, a study of time-resolved ballistic spin-polarized charge currents, and a study of the efficiency of spin current injection by quantum interference were all achieved using these techniques. Additionally, we discuss demonstrations of second-order nonlinear optical effects induced by charge and spin currents, which allow for the nondestructive, noninvasive, and real-time imaging of currents.
h-Caldesmon as a specific marker of smooth muscle cell differentiation in some soft tissue tumors of the skin.

Background: An existing problem in contemporary pathology is the classification and distinction of spindle cell soft tissue tumors of the skin. Markers such as α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and desmin, considered specific for smooth muscle cell (SMC), have been shown to be expressed in a variety of fibroblastic and myofibroblastic processes. High-molecular-weight caldesmon (h-caldesmon), one of two isoforms, is reported to be expressed exclusively by SMC and has recently been shown to be a specific marker of SMC tumors. Methods: Tumors were obtained from 11 patients taken from the surgical pathology archives of the University of South Florida and cases were coded as smooth muscle hamartoma, myofibroma, and dermatomyofibroma. Results: The case of smooth muscle hamartoma had greater than 90% of tumor cells labeling with anti-h-caldesmon antibodies. Three of three cases of myofibroma had focal areas of positivity representing less than 10% of total tumor cells. Seven of seven dermatomyofibromas showed no apparent labeling with anti-h-caldesmon antibody. Dense reactivity was noted in vascular wall smooth muscle, indicating internal controls. Conclusions: We can conclude that h-caldesmon is a specific marker of fully differentiated smooth muscle and that it can serve to differentiate spindled SMC soft tissue tumors of the skin from tumors of myofibroblastic and/or fibroblastic origin.
Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer Is Unaffected by Modest Changes in Pressure

ParaCEST (paramagnetic Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer) agents offer an unparalleled opportunity to perform quantitative molecular imaging by MRI. Agents that can alter the image contrast they generate in response to changes in local environmental parameters such as pH, glucose concentration or lactate concentration can be used ratiometrically to quantitatively describe the local tissue environment. However, when performing such quantitative measurements it is important that the results are not confounded by changes in a second environmental parameter. In vivo pressure varies quite considerably, both through the respiratory cycle and from tissue to tissue (tumors in particular have high interstitial pressures). Since paraCEST agents have positive activation volumes, their exchange kinetics and therefore the CEST effect that they generate are necessarily related to pressure. The purpose of this investigation was to examine whether the relatively small changes in pressure exhibited in vivo could affect CEST sufficiently to confound attempts to quantify other local environmental parameters. The CEST properties of a rigid EuDOTA-tetraamide was examined at temperatures ranging from 288 to 319 K, at applied pressures ranging from 0 to 414 kPa and pre-saturation (B1) powers ranging from 524 to 935 Hz. At no point was pressure found to affect the CEST generated by this chelate, indicating that changes in in vivo pressure is unlikely to confound the quantitative measurement of physiologically relevant parameters by paraCEST MRI.
Systemic Administration of Sclerostin Antibody Enhances Bone Repair in a Critical-Sized Femoral Defect in a Rat Model

Background: Systemic administration of sclerostin neutralizing antibody has led to increased bone formation in animal models of osteoporosis. The purpose of this study was to determine if systemic administration of sclerostin neutralizing antibody could increase the healing response in a critical-sized femoral defect in rats.
Constrained motion of deformable bodies

Dynamic modelling of constrained deformable bodies that undergo large rigid body displacements are discussed. Particular attention is focused on finite element formulations. The computer formulation of the joint constraints between deformable bodies are discussed.A decoupled joint-elastic acceleration recursive formulation is also presented.
The Development of Logistics Services in the United States

This research studies third party logistics (3PL) providers in the United States to investigate how the industry has strategically developed its service offerings in response to the customers’ growing needs in managing global supply chains. Logistics management has significant impacts on various aspects of supply chains such as response time, total supply chain cost, sourcing risk, customer service, security, etc. The results show that 3PL services vary based on industry served, region served, and asset ownership structure. Over the years logistics services providers have served more industry sectors, became asset light, and provided broader services. Two of the five service categories, technology services and special services, have been evolved and expanded rapidly. The development has strengthened the capabilities of the logistics service providers and sustained the growth of the industry. DOI:10.12660/joscmv8n2p23-35 URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.12660/joscmv8n2p23-35
Upper cervical fusion in children with Morquio syndrome: intermediate to long-term results.

Background: Paraplegia or death secondary to upper cervical spine instability and spinal cord compression are known consequences of Morquio syndrome. Decompression and fusion of the upper cervical spine are indicated to treat spinal cord compression. The purpose of this study was to report the intermediate to long-term results of upper cervical spine fusion in children with Morquio syndrome. Methods: Twenty patients (nine female and eleven male) with Morquio syndrome who underwent upper cervical spine fusion at a mean age of sixty-three months were retrospectively analyzed with use of hospital records. Radiographic and clinical results were reported. Results: The average follow-up period was eight years and ten months. Fusion was achieved in all patients except one; this patient underwent a revision with transarticular C1-C2 screw fixation. Seven patients developed symptomatic instability below the fusion mass that required extension of fusion to lower levels at a mean of ninety-one months after the initial operation. Two patients required decompression and fusion of a site other than the upper cervical spine. Asymptomatic cervicothoracic and thoracolumbar kyphosis was prevalent among our patients. All patients were neurologically stable at the time of the latest follow-up visit. Conclusions: Upper cervical spine fusion provides reliable fusion and a stable neural outcome in patients with Morquio syndrome. However, distal junctional instability is a major problem at long-term follow-up. Kyphotic deformity of the cervicothoracic and thoracolumbar junction may be present in a large number of patients with Morquio syndrome and evaluation for spinal stenosis at these levels should also be considered. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.