cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dissolution of Cholesterol Gallstones by Bile Acids in Hamsters

We previously reported a hamster model for cholesterol gallstone formation and prophylaxis. The aim of this study was to validate a model for dissolution of cholesterol gallstones by testing bile acids used in patients. Sixty hamsters were allocated to six groups of ten; Group I received the standard diet (.8mg cholesterol/gram food) and Groups II-VI received the lithogenic regime (2.4mg cholesterol/gram food and 15 μg ethinyl estradiol) for twelve weeks. During the next eight weeks. Group I remained on the standard diet, Group II on the lithogenic regime, while Group III switched to the standard diet. Groups IV-VI remained on the lithogenic regime, and received 20mg/kg/d of CDC (Group IV), UDC (Group V) or cholic acid (Group VI). Cholesterol gallstones were found in 90% of hamsters on the lithogenic regime, even after return to the standard diet, in 80% of those receiving cholic acid, and in none receiving the standard diet, CDC or UDC. CDC and UDC but not cholic acid inhibited hepatic HMG-CoA reductase activity (p < 0.01) and desaturated bile (p < 0.01). The highest HMG-CoA reductase (p < 0.02) occurred after return from the lithogenic regime to the standard diet. Conclusions: 1) A new model for cholesterol gallstone dissolution has been validated; 2) CDC and UDC, in contrast to cholic acid, decreased HMG-CoA reductase, desaturated bile and dissolved gallstones as in patients; and 3) Return from the lithogenic regime to the standard diet did not desaturate bile or dissolve gallstones, but did increase HMG-CoA reductase as found in gallstone patients.
Self Correcting Quantum Random Number Generators using Tapered Amplifiers

We present a new implementation of a quantum random number generator that consists of tapered amplifier optical semiconductor devices and an array of random number registration techniques, including quantum feedback/forward control for removing bias.
Cyclic AMP-dependent phosphorylation of the inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor inhibits Ca2+ release from platelet membranes.

Purified internal platelet membranes were treated with the catalytic subunit of protein kinase A to determine its effect on inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3)-mediated Ca2+ release. Release kinetics were monitored using rhod-2, a Ca2+-specific fluorophore. Protein kinase A maximally inhibited the rate of IP3-mediated Ca2+ release by approximately 30% at saturating IP3 (10 μM). This inhibition was eliminated by pretreatment with a specific kinase inhibitor peptide. Partial purification of the platelet IP3 receptor showed that both endogenous kinases and added A kinase directly phosphorylate the receptor. Since the IP3 receptor is phosphorylated in the absence of added kinase, the observed inhibition (30%) by protein kinase A does not represent the maximal effect of phosphorylation.
Picrotoxin and convulsant binding sites in mammalian brain

(3H)α-Dihydropicrotoxinin (DHP) binds to membrane sites in mammalian brain which appear to be related to the convulsant action of picrotoxin at the level of membrane Cl-channels which are at least partially regulated by the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA. DHP binding to rat cerebral cortex (assayed by centrifugation) showed a single class of sites (Kd = 2μM) and Bmax of 4 pmol/mg protein, and was competitively inhibited by depressant barbiturates (1-10μM), excitatory barbiturates (10-100 nM), and cage convulsants, e.g. bicyclophosphates (1-10 μM), but not by GABA or related compounds. DHP binding was stereospecifically and potently inhibited by pyrethroid insecticides (10-1000 nM), by depressant benzodiazepines (0.5-50 μM), and excitatory benzodiazepines (e.g. RO5-3663) at <0.1μM, and also by 0.2 mM hypoxanthine and cytosine, but not nicotinamide, and by aqueous extracts of brain (40 μg protein, 105x g supernatant) at 0° without preincubation. These or related substances may be endogenous ligands for the receptor sites which bind picrotoxin and other convulsants. Anticonvulsants may act at the same site (Cl-channels?) in the opposite manner. (Less)
Analytical Models and Guidelines for the Ductility Enhancement of Circular Reinforced Concrete Single-Column Bents Using Fiber-Reinforced Polymers

The target displacement ductility requirements for circular RC single-column bridge bents are considered using a proposed multifailure mode algorithm to determine the required thickness of fiber-reinforced polymer wraps FRPs. The procedure is developed using two in-house computer algorithms, PACCC plastic analysis of circular concrete columns and PACCC-FRP, to generate a moment- curvature analysis using circular segment slices and subsequent failure mode predictions in single-column bents for both FRP-wrapped and unwrapped circular RC sections. The results of the study showed good comparison to published experimental tests at the ultimate force-deflection states of RC sections and against three commercial "software test beds." The study uses PACCC-FRP to show that single columns experiencing a brittle failure may be retrofitted with FRP wraps in order to increase the displacement ductility and satisfy target ductility values within the ductility wrap envelope, or wrap-saturation level, as established herein. DOI: 10.1061/ASCEBE.1943-5592.0000136 CE Database subject headings: Brittle failures; Failure modes; Concrete columns; Column beams; Fiber reinforced polymer; Lateral displacement; Ductility. Author keywords: Brittle failure; Failure modes; Concrete columns; Fiber-reinforced polymers; Lateral displacement; Ductility.
A higher-order Godunov method for modeling finite deformation in elastic-plastic solids

In this paper we develop a first-order system of conservation laws for finite deformation in solids, describe its characteristic structure, and use this analysis to develop a second-order numerical method for problems involving finite deformation and plasticity. The equations of mass, momentum, and energy conservation in Lagrangian and Eulerian frames of reference are combined with kinetic equations of state for the stress and with caloric equations of state for the internal energy, as well as with auxiliary equations representing equality of mixed partial derivatives of the deformation gradient. Particular attention is paid to the influence of a curl constraint on the deformation gradient, so that the characteristic speeds transform properly between the two frames of reference. Next, we consider models in rate-form for isotropic elastic-plastic materials with work-hardening, and examine the circumstances under which these models lead to hyperbolic systems for the equations of motion. In spite of the fact that these models violate thermodynamic principles in such a way that the acoustic tensor becomes nonsymmetric, we still find that the characteristic speeds are always real for elastic behavior, and essentially always real for plastic response. These results allow us to construct a second-order Godunov method for the computation of three-dimensional displacement in a one-dimensional material viewed in the Lagrangian frame of reference. We also describe a technique for the approximate solution of Riemann problems in order to determine numerical fluxes in this algorithm. Finally, we present numerical examples of the results of the algorithm.
Pathogen inactivation of platelets

SUMMARY The AIDS epidemic greatly increased patients’ and the public’s fear of blood transfusion and resulted in major increased efforts to reduce the risk of transfusion-transmitted diseases. Testing strategies have been very effective in reducing the risk of transfusion-transmitted diseases. However, the current approaches have shortcomings: (i) they apply only to known pathogens and not to other presently unknown infectious agents; (ii) they are reactive to new transmissible diseases and thus accept that some patients may be harmed before preventive measures can be implemented; (iii) they do not prevent bacterial contamination; (iv) they do not prevent transmission of other known or unknown infectious agents; and (v) they result in an excessive loss of otherwise suitable donors. Several approaches have been developed to inactivate pathogen in cellular blood components and plasma. Two companies are developing methods that are highly effective for pathogen inactivation, and toxicities of the methods seem to be minimal and not of clinical importance. The in vitro function and in vivo effectiveness of pathogen-inactivated platelets are clinically acceptable. These exciting developments raise the possibility of a paradigm shift in our approach to reducing the risk of transfusion-transmitted diseases.
Effect of Side Permanent Magnets for Reluctance Interior Permanent Magnet Machines

A traditional electric machine uses two dimensional magnetic flux paths in its rotor. This paper presents the development work on the utilization of the third dimension of a rotor. As an example, the air gap flux of a radial gap interior permanent magnet motor can be significantly enhanced by additional permanent magnets (PM) mounted at the sides of the rotor. A prototype motor built with this concept provided higher efficiency and required a shorter stator core length for the same power output as the Toyota/Prius traction drive motor.
On the internal dynamics of Mendelian genetics.

Abstract This paper offers a revisionist account of the development of Mendelian genetics, focusing on the ‘problem of the gene’, 1900–1930. I examine conflicting claims about the composition, location, and action of genes posed by Bateson, the Morgan group, and Goldschmidt. Their research programs focused on different phenotypes and were based on different assumptions about the nature of genes. The problem of the gene transcended such specific research programs, but their findings had to be taken into account to solve it. The need to resolve conflicting claims drove Mendelian geneticists to exploit the resources and invade the turf of other disciplines in their search for a sound characterization of the gene. The problem of reconciling conflicting views greatly influenced the development of genetics and provided the stimulus for many of the discoveries made by geneticists from 1900 to 1940.
Late to the parade Party switchers in contemporary US southern legislatures

We undertake an examination of southern state legislators who changed their party affiliation between 1992 and 2012. Not surprisingly, the vast majority went from being Democrats to Republicans, an...
Haemoperfusion in the Management of Digoxin Toxicity: Is it Warranted?

Several recent publications have encouraged the use of haemoperfusion to remove digoxin from the body of overdosed patients. The usefulness of haemoperfusion in removing digoxin from the body has therefore been examined using pharmacokinetic simulation techniques and published data. Haemoperfusion for a period of 4 hours with a clearance of 100ml/min removes less than 7% of the amount of digoxin in the body (including that in the gastrointestinal tract at the beginning of haemoperfusion), regardless of the time after the dose that haemoperfusion is started. Dramatic therapeutic benefit in digoxin intoxication is unlikely to be a consequence of the amount of digoxin removed from the body by haemoperfusion. If therapeutic benefit is derived from a transient decline of digoxin concentration in plasma, it may be expected to be negated as the drug redistributes from tissues.
A Better Balancing: Reconsidering Pre-Conviction DNA Extraction from Federal Arrestees

Federal law mandates the collection of a biological sample from anyone arrested by federal authorities or facing federal charges, regardless of the charge. The FBI then creates a DNA profile from the sample and enters that profile into the Combined DNA Index System (“CODIS”), a national database through which law enforcement matches individuals and crime scene DNA evidence.Part I of the essay briefly reviews the federal statute that authorizes pre-conviction DNA extraction and the Fourth Amendment principles that underlie the current constitutional challenges to it. Part II identifies the various, and sometimes competing, rationales offered to justify the constitutionality of collecting DNA samples from individuals before they have been convicted of a crime. Part III then argues for a recalibration of the weight that courts currently place on the privacy interest in, and the government’s need for, DNA samples from individuals who are presumed innocent.Our analysis suggests that the proper assessment of the totality of the circumstances would reduce the weight accorded to the government need for a DNA sample in the period between arrest and conviction and increase the weight of the privacy interest in one’s DNA. This recalibrated balancing would likely produce different outcomes for pre-conviction DNA collection than those issued so far. At the least, pre-conviction DNA extraction should be permitted only after a neutral third-party finding of probable cause. This would assure the legitimacy of the governmental interest in the individual and protect against abuse. To further protect the privacy interests of those subject to mandatory DNA extraction, provisions must be made for the destruction of the DNA sample (and the extensive genetic coding contained within it) after analysis is complete.The essay concludes by identifying four issues yet to be addressed regarding pre-conviction DNA extraction. The holdings of the current cases leave open questions about whether the federal government’s interest in pre-conviction DNA extraction can trump the Fourth Amendment in the absence of a judicial or grand jury finding of probable cause, or when the arrestee is not detained or is charged with only a misdemeanor. Such cases quickly strain the current rationales and cast serious doubt on the constitutionality of the broadly worded statute.
Feline Basal Cell Tumors: A Review of 124 Cases

Basal cell tumors from 124 cats of six breeds which represented 4.2% of feline neoplasms and 10.9% of feline cutaneous neoplasms are characterized. The mean age of cats affected was 9.6 years, and an increased risk was correlated positively with increasing age (rxy = +0.85). Males, females, and castrates were affected equally. Long-haired breeds were at higher risk (p less than 0.01) for development of basal cell tumors which had two major histologic types--solid and cystic. No site predilection was apparent.
Expression of molecules associated with neuronal plasticity in the striatum after aspiration and thermocoagulatory lesions of the cerebral cortex in adult rats

Like the hippocampus, the striatum receives excitatory afferents from the cerebral cortex but, in the case of the striatum, very little is known about the molecular events associated with plasticity after lesions of this pathway. Using immunohistochemical techniques, we have examined the effects of cortical lesions induced either by aspiration of the frontoparietal cortex or by thermocoagulation of pial blood vessels on axonal and glial molecules associated with neuronal plasticity in the striatum. The growth associated protein GAP-43, a molecule present in axons and growth cones, decreased in the dorsolateral striatum after aspiration but not after thermocoagulatory lesions. In contrast, synaptophysin, a marker of synaptic vesicles, remained unchanged in the denervated striatum after both types of lesions. Immunostaining for basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) markedly decreased in striatal astrocytes after both lesions, despite an increased staining for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). The adhesion molecules tenascin, chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans, highly polysialylated neural cell adhesion molecule (PSA-NCAM), and laminin did not change significantly in the gray matter of the dorsolateral striatum after either type of lesion. These effects differed from those observed after partial denervation of the hippocampus and spinal cord, revealing marked regional differences in the response of axonal and glial proteins to afferent lesions. In addition, the results further indicate that cortical lesions have both similar and distinct consequences, depending on the procedure by which the lesions are induced, suggesting that cortical lesions associated with different types of pathology may differentially affect subcortical structures.
The Tolosa-Hunt syndrome

Painful ophthalmoplegia due to idiopathic granulomatous inflammation of the cavernous sinus/superior orbital fissure has been termed Tolosa-Hunt syndrome (THS). This report is based upon 146 patients with this syndrome published in the English literature. The clinical profile, natural history, diagnostic evaluation, pathologic findings, differential diagnosis, and therapy of THS are presented. Careful initial patient examination and scrupulous follow-up evaluation are essential, as THS is categorically a diagnosis of exclusion. While the etiology of THS is unknown, current pathogenetic theories are reviewed.
Chemoprevention of colon and small intestinal tumorigenesis in APC(min/+) mice by SHetA2 (NSC721689) without toxicity.

The occurrence of intestinal polyps in people at high risk for developing colorectal cancer provides an opportunity to test the efficacy of chemoprevention agents. In this situation of treating otherwise healthy people, the potential for toxicity must be minimal. The small molecule flexible heteroarotinoid (Flex-Het), called SHetA2, has chemoprevention activity in organotypic cultures in vitro and lack of toxicity at doses capable of inhibiting xenograft tumor growth in vivo. The objective of this study was to evaluate SHetA2 chemoprevention activity and toxicity in the APCMin/+ murine model. Oral administration of SHetA2 at 30 and 60 mg/kg five days per week for 12 weeks significantly reduced development of intestinal polyps by 40 to 60% depending on the dose and sex of the treatment group. Immunohistochemical and Western blot analysis of polyps demonstrated reduced levels of cyclin D1 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in both SHetA2 treatment groups. Western blot analysis also demonstrated SHetA2 induction of E-cadherin, Bax and caspase 3 cleavage along with reduction in Bcl-2, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), consistent with SHetA2 regulation of apoptosis, inflammation and angiogenesis. Neither dose caused weight loss nor gross toxicity in APCMin/+ or wild type littermates. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of cardiac function showed no evidence of SHetA2 toxicity. SHetA2 did not alter left ventricular wall thickness. In summary, SHetA2 exerts chemoprevention activity without overt or cardiac toxicity in the APCMin/+ model. SHetA2 modulation of biomarkers in colon polyps identifies potential pharmacodynamic endpoints for SHetA2 clinical trials.
H ∞ controller design of state feedback networked control systems with long delay and packet dropout

This paper studies the problem of designing robust H∞ controller design of state feedback networked control systems with long delay and packet dropout controllers for state feedback networked control systems (NCSs) with long time delay and packet dropout. A switched delay-based method is proposed to model the NCSs with long time delay and packet dropout as switched systems, then the H∞ controllers are designed for the obtained switched systems by using LMI-based method. The H∞ controller design using the proposed switched delay-based method is proved to be less conservative than the controller design using the existing parameter uncertainty-based method. The simulation results illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed H∞ controller design methods.
The next generation airborne polarimetric Doppler weather radar

Abstract. Results from airborne field deployments emphasized the need to obtain concurrently high temporal and spatial resolution measurements of 3-D winds and microphysics. A phased array radar on an airborne platform using dual-polarization antenna has the potential for retrieving high-resolution, collocated 3-D winds and microphysical measurements. Recently, ground-based phased array radar (PAR) has demonstrated the high time-resolution estimation of accurate Doppler velocity and reflectivity of precipitation and clouds when compared to mechanically scanning radar. PAR uses the electronic scanning (e-scan) to rapidly collect radar measurements. Since an airborne radar has a limited amount of time to collect measurements over a specified sample volume, the e-scan will significantly enhance temporal and spatial resolution of airborne radar observations. At present, airborne weather radars use mechanical scans, and they are not designed for collecting dual-polarization measurements to remotely estimate microphysics. This paper presents a possible configuration of a novel airborne phased array radar (APAR) to be installed on an aircraft for retrieving improved dynamical and microphysical scientific products. The proposed APAR would replace the aging, X-band Electra Doppler radar (ELDORA). The ELDORA X-band radar's penetration into precipitation is limited by attenuation. Since attenuation at C-band is lower than at X-band, the design specification of a C-band airborne phased array radar (APAR) and its measurement accuracies are presented. Preliminary design specifications suggest the proposed APAR will meet or exceed ELDORA's current sensitivity, spatial resolution and Doppler measurement accuracies of ELDORA and it will also acquire dual-polarization measurements.
The Wilderness Act and Fish Stocking: An Overview of Legislation, Judicial Interpretation, and Agency Implementation

Many high-elevation lakes in designated wilderness are stocked with native and nonnative fish by state fish and game agencies to provide recreational fishing opportunities. In several areas, this practice has become controversial with state wildlife managers who support historical recreational use of wilderness, federal wilderness managers who assert that stocking compromises some of the ecological and social values of wilderness, and different public groups that support one or the other position. Herein we examine this controversy from the perspective of the 1964 Wilderness Act, its judicial interpretation, the policies of the federal agencies, and formal agreements between federal and state agencies. Although some state stocking programs restore native fish populations, other programs may compromise some of the ecological and social values of wilderness areas. Further, although current federal regulations recognize state authority for fish stocking, judicial interpretation gives federal agencies the authority for direct involvement in decisions regarding fish stocking in wilderness. Where there are differences of opinion between state and federal managers, this judicial interpretation strongly points to the need for improved cooperation, communication, and coordination between state wildlife managers and federal wilderness managers to balance recreational fishing opportunities and other wildlife management activities with wilderness values.
A parametric study of liquid microjet impingement for electronics cooling

This paper presents the results of a numerical parametric analysis focusing on laminar microjet impingement cooling of electronics. A conjugate problem with the solid region representing an active IC chip and the fluid region encompassing the confined jet flow was solved with a commercial CFD software package based on the finite volume method. The flow parameters varied included the Reynolds number based on the microjet diameter, the dimensionless ratio of the nozzle-to-plate distance to the jet diameter (z/d) and the Prandtl number. The fluid flow pattern shows interesting features including a boundary layer separation point and a secondary recirculation zone downstream of the stagnation point that varies with the Reynolds number and z/d. Increasing z/d and Re are observed to push the secondary recirculation zone further downstream (radially) of the stagnation point. The strength of the secondary recirculation zone is enhanced with increasing Reynolds number and eventually reaches the top confining plate. The Nusselt number (Nu) shows a secondary peak akin to turbulent macrojet impingement (the primary peak is at the stagnation point) that coincides with the location of the reattachment of the main flow. Consequently, the secondary peak in the Nusselt number is shifted away from the stagnation point with an increase in the Reynolds number and a decrease in the z/d ratio. Increasing Prandtl numbers are shown to suppress the strength of the secondary peak. A parabolic inlet velocity profile is observed to increase the stagnation heat transfer coefficient and push the secondary recirculation zone toward the stagnation point. The fluid velocities at the exit of the impingement region however are very low because of the flow-channel geometry which motivates further research in this direction.
Business Faculty Perceptions Of Positive And Negative Student Behaviors

The behavior of students can enhance or degrade the classroom experience for students and faculty alike. While a stream of research has focused on student behaviors in primary and secondary education, little attention has been directed at student behaviors in the higher education setting. The qualitative research presented in this manuscript identifies student behaviors that business faculty perceive to be examples of unusually positive or negative behaviors. Research implications and suggestions for future research are also presented.
Toxicity of two organophosphorous insecticides in stressed cattle.

Two organophosphorous insecticides, dioxathion and Imidan®, O, O -dimethyl S -phthalimidomethyl phosphorodithioate, were applied dermally to stressed (tick-infested) cattle. The cattle were observed for signs of toxicosis, and blood cholinesterase (ChE) determinations were made. Emaciated stressed cattle were found to be more susceptible to intoxication when compared with the results of other experiments using normal, healthy cattle.
Spectrally Consistent Scattering, Absorption, and Polarization Properties of Atmospheric Ice Crystals at Wavelengths from 0.2 to 100 um

AbstractA data library is developed containing the scattering, absorption, and polarization properties of ice particles in the spectral range from 0.2 to 100 μm. The properties are computed based on a combination of the Amsterdam discrete dipole approximation (ADDA), the T-matrix method, and the improved geometric optics method (IGOM). The electromagnetic edge effect is incorporated into the extinction and absorption efficiencies computed from the IGOM. A full set of single-scattering properties is provided by considering three-dimensional random orientations for 11 ice crystal habits: droxtals, prolate spheroids, oblate spheroids, solid and hollow columns, compact aggregates composed of eight solid columns, hexagonal plates, small spatial aggregates composed of 5 plates, large spatial aggregates composed of 10 plates, and solid and hollow bullet rosettes. The maximum dimension of each habit ranges from 2 to 10 000 μm in 189 discrete sizes. For each ice crystal habit, three surface roughness conditions (i...
The effective diffusive permeability of a nonreacting solute in microbial cell aggregates

Aggregates of Escherichia coli confined within hollowfiber reactors were either formed in place by culturing cells within the reactors, or were prepared by injecting a cell suspension that had been concentrated by centrifugation. The effective diffusive permeability of an uncharged nonreacting tracer, nitrous oxide, within the cell aggregates was calculated from measurements of the tracer flux through the aggregates. Estimates of the hydraulic permeability were also obtained for the aggregates that were grown in place. The effective diffusive permeability was found to decrease with increasing cell volume fraction to a value, for aggregates comprising 95% cells, of ca. 30% that obtained for cell-free buffer solution. The dependence on the cell volume fraction was described adequately by the well-known HashinShtrikman bounds for a two-phase medium. The transport properties of aggregates cultivated in place were not significantly different from those of aggregates prepared by centrifugation. Furthermore, the effective diffusive permeabilities of the tracer in aggregates prepared from cells treated with detergent or disrupted by dehydration and grinding differed only slightly from the values obtained for aggregates formed from untreated cells. The results suggest that the method of formation of the cell aggregate and the details of the structure of the cells have little influence on the effective diffusive permeability. These findings should be applicable to the transport of other small uncharged solutes, such as oxygen, that can diffuse through cells. The hydraulic permeability estimates for the aggregates cultured in place were several orders of magnitude larger than the values predicted by a theory formulated with the assumption that the cells are impervious to flow and homogeneously distributed within the aggregates. Two possible reasons for this discrepancy are, first, that there is some flow through the cells themselves, and second, that the cells may form discrete clusters separated by relatively open regions.
Improving Student Readiness for Inquiry-Based Learning

We document the four-year long experience aimed at improving student readiness to engage in research. A key ingredient has been the development of a multidisciplinary modeling course that integrates four teaching and learning strategies. Preceded by two sets of scaffolded projects, the course culminates with an inquiry-based learning (IBL) assignment on a topic that is relevant and supported by mentoring. Benefits include the development of modeling skills marketable to external entities, presentations at the University colloquia and symposia, peer-reviewed conference or journal papers, and application software releases. This paper describes the course structure, its evolution over time to meet various challenges, and provides examples of student work.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Genetic analysis of Eclosion hormone action during Drosophila larval ecdysis.

Insect growth is punctuated by molts, during which the animal produces a new exoskeleton. The molt culminates in ecdysis, an ordered sequence of behaviors that causes the old cuticle to be shed. This sequence is activated by Ecdysis triggering hormone (ETH), which acts on the CNS to activate neurons that produce neuropeptides implicated in ecdysis, including Eclosion hormone (EH), Crustacean cardioactive peptide (CCAP) and Bursicon. Despite more than 40 years of research on ecdysis, our understanding of the precise roles of these neurohormones remains rudimentary. Of particular interest is EH; although it is known to upregulate ETH release, other roles for EH have remained elusive. We isolated an Eh null mutant in Drosophila and used it to investigate the role of EH in larval ecdysis. We found that null mutant animals invariably died at around the time of ecdysis, revealing an essential role in its control. Further analyses showed that these animals failed to express the preparatory behavior of pre-ecdysis while directly expressing the motor program of ecdysis. Although ETH release could not be detected, the lack of pre-ecdysis could not be rescued by injections of ETH, suggesting that EH is required within the CNS for ETH to trigger the normal ecdysial sequence. Using a genetically encoded calcium probe, we showed that EH configured the response of the CNS to ETH. These findings show that EH plays an essential role in the Drosophila CNS in the control of ecdysis, in addition to its known role in the periphery of triggering ETH release.
NT-16NANOPARTICLE-MEDIATED DELIVERY OF ANTI-Ape1 siRNA SENSITIZES PEDIATRIC BRAIN TUMOR CELLS TO RADIATION THERAPY BY INHIBITING DNA REPAIR.

Pediatric brain tumors are the leading cause of death in children, and survival is frequently accompanied by one or more radiation-induced adverse developmental and psychosocial sequelae. Radiotherapy (RT) is an integral component of the treatment for medulloblastoma (MB) and the only effective adjuvant therapy for ependymoma (EP). Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop strategies to enhance the tumoricidal action of RT while sparing adjacent normal tissue. The multifunctional DNA repair protein Ape1/Ref-1 has been implicated in conferring radiation resistance in pediatric brain tumors. However, inhibiting Ape1 activity in the clinic has been hindered by the lack of safe and effective drugs and siRNA delivery vehicles. We have previously developed a nanoparticle that can deliver siRNA specifically to brain tumors for efficient knockdown of GFP. Here, we aimed to deliver siRNA against Ape1 to improve tumor cell kill after RT. Nanoparticles were loaded with siApe1, or siGFP as a control, and used to treat UW228 (MB) and Res196 (EP) cells. Ape1 expression levels were measured using PCR and Western blot, and the abasic endonuclease activity of Ape1 was determined using an Ape activity assay. Cells were then treated with 137Cs-γ-rays and cell survival monitored using clonogenic assays. DNA repair in cells was assessed though quantification of abasic sites, and resulting double-strand breaks were imaged by γH2AX foci immunostaining. We found that nanoparticle-mediated siApe1 delivery reduced Ape1 expression and activity by greater than 80%. This diminished the shoulder of resistance in survival curves decreasing survival to ∼50% at 1 Gy, and was accompanied by inhibition of DNA repair. Sensitization was specific to abasic site generating treatments as response to paclitaxel was not affected. Therefore, siApe1 loaded nanoparticles may help enhance the therapeutic effect of RT in pediatric brain tumor patients by inhibiting DNA repair.
Update on the management of parathyroid tumors.

Parathyroid tumors are virtually always benign with an estimated incidence of parathyroid carcinoma causing hyperparathyroidism in only .017% of cases. Virtually all parathyroid neoplasms, including the rare parathyroid carcinoma, are functional and discussion of the management of parathyroid tumors is tantamount to the discussion of primary hyperparathyroidism. The biochemical diagnostic criteria with rare exception is definitive, and the key issue with this functional benign endocrine neoplasm is when to recommend operation and how to ensure optimal results in this curable disease. Patients symptomatic with nephrolithiasis, significant osteoporosis, bone pain, and in some cases constitutional symptoms should undergo a surgical therapy. Also, patients with markedly abnormal laboratory values including a calcium 12.0 mg/dL, or 24-hr urinary calcium >400 mg/day should be treated surgically. The sestamibi nuclear medicine scan has become the best tool available for imaging of abnormal parathyroid glands. This study is positive between 60% and 90% of initial operations and in between 40% and 70% of reoperations. For multi-gland parathyroid disease or hyperplasia, the sensitivity of this test is decreased. Understanding of the ectopic locations of parathyroid adenoma is of utmost importance in the conduct of the parathyroidectomy. For the rare patients with parathyroid carcinoma, aggressive surgical resection with en bloc removal of any adjacent invading structures is the best chance for cure leading to 10-year survival rates of 49%.
The Situations and Countermeasures for HIV/AIDS Patients Privacy Information Protection

This paper summarized the situation of HIV/AIDS patients privacy information protection in many aspects involved in China's AIDS prevention and control,pointed out the problems and analyzed the factors might cause information disclosure,and finally proposed some suggestions for strengthening the HIV/AIDS patients privacy information protection,which include that disease control department should establish and perfect the security system,perfect the security measures,to ensure the infected individual information disclosure;should abide by confidential duties,in accordance with the AIDS voluntary counseling and testing requirements to carry out service;medical institution departments should strengthen management,improve the security awareness and improve security system.
Health service utilization of HIV/AIDS intervention among men who have sex with men in Baoan District,Shenzhen

Objective To determine the level of knowledge held by men who have sex with men( MSM) regarding the utilization of health service program on HIV/AIDS in Baoan District,Shenzhen,so as to provide theoretical basis for the rational allocation and utilization of public health resources in the future. Methods Anonymous questionnaires were used to investigate the demographic characteristics,sexual behavior characteristics,knowledge awareness and demand for AIDS and the service utilization on AIDS intervention for MSM in the club of MSM and Voluntary Counseling Testing( VCT) clinic in Baoan District using the snowball sampling method. Multivariable logistic regression was used to analyze the effect of health service utilization on the occurrence of high risk sexual behavior and HIV infection. Results Of142 participants,85. 2%( 121 /142) knew the free HIV VCT service and 76. 0%( 92 /142) knew the place to take the free testing. The overall awareness rate of AIDS was 87. 3%( 124 /142); 57. 7% of them wanted to know how to prevent AIDS. The overall coverage of service programs was 100. 0 %,the coverage of internet propaganda was 80. 3%( 114 /142),and VCT service coverage was 57. 7 %( 82 /142). Of all the participants,60. 6%( 86 /142) had unprotected annual intercourse,63. 4%( 90 /142) had sexual intercourse with females,but only 32. 2%( 29 /90) used condoms every time. The HIV infection rate was15. 1%. In the multivariable logistic regression model,whether consulting physicians( OR,3. 07; 95%CI,1. 43- 6. 61) and whether accepting free condom or brochure( OR,2. 55; 95% CI,1. 19- 5. 44)were the influencing factors for infecting HIV and whether had umprotected annual intercourse,respectively.Conclusion The utilization of HIV / AIDS health services was not good enough among MSM in Baoan District,Shenzhen. HIV / AIDS intervention service propaganda should be intensified and more suitable service programs,provided for MSM to reduce the HIV infection.
Unexpected Metabolic Reactions and Secondary Targets of Pesticide Action

Pesticides provide a fascinating combination of substituents not present in other environmental chemicals, leading to unexpected metabolites and toxicological effects in pests, mammals, and other organisms. The parent compound and/or metabolites of some pesticides have multiple targets, requiring identification of the causal agents and their modes of action. This review considers a few of the author’s observations in the past six decades, some solved and others still puzzling. It illustrates that a new substituent combination not only confers specific chemical and physical properties to a class of compounds but often yields metabolites with a surprising variety of biological activities. Examples considered include proinsecticides, procyclic phosphates, CYP inhibitors as synergists, thiocarbamate sulfoxides, promutagens, carcinogens, and hepatotoxins, and stress tolerance inducers in plants. Although the discoveries considered are based on pesticide toxicology, they are broadly applicable to environmental ...
Lower prevalence of intraventricular block in African-American patients compared with Caucasian patients: an electrocardiographic study II.

BACKGROUND: Electrocardiographic (ECG) differences occur between African-American and white persons. METHODS: Intraventricular conduction abnormalities of ECGs of 2,123 African-American and white hospital patients ages 20-99 years were studied in a consecutive manner. RESULTS: Intraventricular conduction abnormalities develop later in life and are less common in African-American patients, compared with white patients. The prevalence of conduction abnormalities increases with advancing age in both races. Left- and right ventricular conduction abnormalities begin to rise at age 50 for white patients but begin to rise at age 70 for African-American patients. The prevalence of left ventricular conduction abnormalities peaks in the ninth decade of life in both races but declines in both races in the tenth decade of life. The prevalence of right ventricular conduction abnormalities gradually increases and peaks in the tenth decade of life in both races. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of intraventricular block is significantly less in African-American patients, compared with white patients--occurring in 8.6% of African-American patients and in 15.2% of white patients. The prevalence of intraventricular block is lowest in African-American women at 6.5% and highest in white men at 16.8%.
Calcium transients and calcium homeostasis in adult mouse fast-twitch skeletal muscle fibers in culture

Skeletal muscle fibers enzymatically dissociated from adult mouse flexor digitorum brevis muscles were maintained in culture for up to 8 days. After various times in culture, fibers were loaded wit...
Immediate centrifugation of oxygenator contents after cardiopulmonary bypass. Role in maximum blood conservation.

Ninety-six patients were studied to determine the role of immediate centrifugation of oxygenator contents and retransfusion as packed cells after cardiopulmonary bypass. The patients were studied in three phases: Group I comprised 16 patients. Safety, sterility, effectiveness of red cell concentration, hemolysis, heparin levels, and electrolyte balance were studied. Group II comprised 50 patients, 25 each in a control group (IIA) and study group (IIB). Group HA patients had retransfusion of dilute oxygenator contents in whatever volume tolerated; Group IIB patients had centrifugation of oxygenator contents, without use of other methods of blood conservation. In Group III, comprising 30 patients, centrifugation was combined with other methods of blood conservation. In 15 patients of Group IIIA, prebleeding autotransfusion was not used, whereas it was used in 15 patients of Group IIIB. Centrifugation of oxygenator contents was found to be safe, sterile, and effective in concentrating red cells without damage. Electrolyte and heparin reinfusion are diminished by approximately 86 percent. Postoperative bleeding is diminished by 33 percent with centrifugation alone (Group IIB) and by 61 percent with centrifugation in addition to use of maximum blood conservation plus autotransfusion (Group IIIB). Bank blood transfusion is diminished by 25 percent with centrifugation in Group IIB, by 43 percent in Group IIIA, and by 77 percent in Group IIIB. Blood centrifugation plays an important role in blood conservation and also serves as a means of minimizing the consequences of fluid overload after cardiopulmonary bypass.
The existence of a voltage collapse solution in the static-dynamic gap

Voltage collapse, one of the critical phenomena that threatens the power infrastructure, manifests itself by a sudden and fast collapse of the system voltage. The simplest bus system—one generator, one line, and one load describing function—reveals a feedback structure, which, depending on the nature of the load, could go in a voltage collapse resembling an “anti van der Pol” behavior. A static-dynamic compromise for the load model is provided by an “impedance” describing function that has the advantage of being derived from experimental data collected in a real grid environment. This reveals, among other things, a noninteger exponent of the frequency requiring a real analytic extension for the model to be usable for a collapsing solution away from the imaginary axis. We investigate whether the voltage collapse is possible to occur at different loads. In the cases where the voltage collapse is likely to occur, we study the interaction between the voltage and frequency during the collapse.
Healthcare supply chain management; strategic areas for quality and financial improvement

Abstract Healthcare supply chain has recently attracted attention by scholars, researchers, government officials and providers as one of the main tools in their effort to manage healthcare cost and improve quality at the same time (Elmuti, et al., 2013). It is reported that healthcare costs in the United States represent a sizeable portion of the gross domestic product and it is expected to increase at a much higher rate than other sectors in the economy. Nevertheless maturity of healthcare supply chain is said behind the commercial supply chain leaving room for improvement (de Vries and Huijsman, 2011). This paper explores strategic areas where healthcare supply chain may enhance efficiency in terms of cost per patient discharge of healthcare operations while improving the quality of care in terms of reducing re-admission rate. This paper argues that fundamentals of supply chain principles should be deployed to create “supply chain community surplus” where resources can be tapped to improve quality of care. Three strategic areas were explored to maximize the provider's revenue; understanding of supply chain principles (perception change), process improvement and deployment of logistics tools.
Media Richness Theory and the Distance Education Environment

Distance learning is becoming an increasingly popular delivery option for education. Course management platforms (CMP) are the main technological delivery mechanisms for the distance learning courses. CMPs include an abundance of functions by which to communicate and run a distance class. As such, these technologies provide an excellent environment to test the implications of Media Richness Theory (MRT). Based upon a review of “interaction” theories, this paper formulates three conjectures based upon the media richness used in the CMP. The accuracy of these conjectures is tested using a set of data collected from subjects in an established distance education program. The results of this research study show that the richer the distance education environment, the higher the reported satisfaction with the distance course/program, the more reported communication among students/faculty, and the higher the valuation of the course delivery platform by the users.
Collaborative Recommendation of Informal Learning Experiences

Educational recommendation is often pursued in environments where there is significant content knowledge of each item. For example, a recommender might choose appropriate learning modules in a tutoring system. In such cases, content-based recommendation can be very powerful. Our work examines recommendation of educational experiences in an informal learning environment. In this domain, content knowledge is weak and often missing, making collaborative recommendation the technique of choice.
Economics of Planning Policies in China: Infrastructure, Location and Cities

Fast urbanizing countries like China have experienced rapid – albeit geographically uneven – local and regional economic growth during the past few decades. Notwithstanding this development pattern, China has been investing heavily in targeted coastal and inland regions through planning policies for infrastructure, location and cities. This is a largely place-based investment process that is of great importance for the public, business and policymakers. China’s urban and regional transformations provide incentives for spatial agglomeration and will shift the growth of activities within and across cities for decades to come. This spatial differentiation is likely to be driven by government decisions at all levels about where, when and in what to invest, in an institutional context where policy instruments act to constrain or facilitate China’s urban and regional development. Economics of Planning Policies in China looks at the role that the institutional characteristics of the Chinese planning system and market mechanisms play in transforming and shaping the infrastructure, location and cities with the potential for spatial disparity and inclusive growth. The planning and geographical perspective and evidence make this book a reference for international scholars, policymakers and graduates