cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Flexor Tendon Healing in the Rat: A Histologic and Gene Expression Study

Abstract Purpose: To establish a rat flexor tendon laceration and repair model to investigate the molecular mechanisms of flexor tendon healing. Methods: Surgery was performed on rat flexor digitorum longus tendons from both hind feet. Repaired tendons were harvested at 0, 3, 7, 14, 21, 28, 42, 56, and 84 days after surgery. Histologic study (first 84 days) and gene expression study (first 28 days) of several collagens and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) were performed. Results: In the histologic study pre-existing collagen bundles were degraded between days 7 to 21. Newly formed collagen fibers crossed the repair site by day 28. Remodeling of the collagen fibers continued until day 84. Gene expression of type I collagen decreased initially and then returned gradually to the initial level by day 28, whereas expression levels of types III, V, and XII collagen were increased after surgery. The expression levels of MMP-9 and MMP-13 peaked between days 7 to 14, whereas MMP-2, MMP-3, and MMP-14 levels increased after surgery and maintained high levels until day 28. Conclusions: The rat tendon laceration model represented the entire tendon healing process. The results of this study suggest that MMP-9 and MMP-13 participate only in collagen degradation, whereas MMP-2, MMP-3, and MMP-14 participate not only in collagen degradation but also in collagen remodeling.
Albumin nanoshell encapsulation of near-infrared-excitable rare-earth nanoparticles enhances biocompatibility and enables targeted cell imaging

The use of traditional fluorophores for in vivo imaging applications is limited by poor quantum yield, poor tissue penetration of the excitation light, and excessive tissue autofluorescence, while the use of inorganic fluorescent particles that offer a high quantum yield is frequently limited due to particle toxicity. Rare-earth-doped nanoparticles that utilize near-infrared upconversion overcome the optical limitations of traditional fluorophores, but are not typically suitable for biological application due to their insolubility in aqueous solution, lack of functional surface groups for conjugation of biomolecules, and potential cytotoxicity. A new approach to establish highly biocompatible and biologically targetable nanoshell complexes of luminescent rare-earth-doped NaYF(4) nanoparticles (REs) excitable with 920-980 nm near-infrared light for biomedical imaging applications is reported. The approach involves the encapsulation of NaYF(4) nanoparticles doped with Yb and Er within human serum albumin nanoshells to create water-dispersible, biologically functionalizable composite particles. These particles exhibit narrow size distributions around 200 nm and are stable in aqueous solution for over 4 weeks. The albumin shell confers cytoprotection and significantly enhances the biocompatibility of REs even at concentrations above 200 microg REs mL(-1). Composite particles conjugated with cyclic arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (cRGD) specifically target both human glioblastoma cell lines and melanoma cells expressing alpha(v)beta(3) integrin receptors. These findings highlight the promise of albumin-encapsulated rare-earth nanoparticles for imaging cancer cells in vitro and the potential for targeted imaging of disease sites in vivo.
Place, Stories, and Consequences: Heritage Narratives and the Control of Erosion on Lake County, California, Vineyards

Faced with a visible and controversial instance of erosion on vineyards, the Lake County, California, Board of Supervisors founded an unusual organization—the Erosion Protection Education Commission (EPEC)—to offer nonbinding advice to grape growers concerning relevant agro-management practices. This study uses in-depth interviews, fieldwork, and secondary sources to contextualize EPEC within the county’s stories about place—within its heritage narratives. The dominant heritage narrative (depicting Lake County’s character as agriculturalist, cooperative and harmonious, and antiregulatory) is shown to be a major factor shaping and justifying the creation and operation of EPEC. Despite the existence of counternarratives, the dominant heritage narrative prefigured the emergence of EPEC and helped reinforce EPEC as the county’s way of handling the growth of grape growing in the region and the resulting erosion problem. This article argues for greater attention to the role of community narratives about place i...
Cancer patient survival in Estonia 1995-2009: time trends and data quality.

Abstract Background Survival from most cancers in Estonia has been consistently below European average. The objective of this study was to examine recent survival trends in Estonia and to quantify the effect on survival estimates of the temporary disruption of the Estonian Cancer Registry (ECR) practices in 2001–2007 when death certificates could not be used for case ascertainment. Patients and methods ECR data on all adult cases of 16 common cancers diagnosed in Estonia during 1995–2008 and followed up for vital status until 2009 were used to estimate relative survival ratios (RSR). We used cohort analysis for patients diagnosed in 1995–1999 and 2000–2004; and period hybrid approach to obtain the most recent estimates (2005–2009). We compared five-year RSRs calculated from data sets with and without death certificate initiated (DCI) cases. Results A total of 64 328 cancer cases were included in survival analysis. Compared with 1995–1999, five-year age-standardized RSR increased 20 percent units for prostate cancer, reaching 76% in 2005–2009. A rise of 10 percent units or more was also seen for non-Hodgkin lymphoma (five-year RSR 51% in 2005–2009), and cancers of rectum (49%), breast (73%) and ovary (37%). The effect of including/excluding DCI cases from survival analysis was small except for lung and pancreatic cancers. Conclusions Relative survival continued to increase in Estonia during the first decade of the 21st century, although for many cancers, a gap between Estonia and more affluent countries still exists. Cancer control efforts should aim at the reduction of risk factors amenable to primary prevention, but also at the improvement of early diagnosis and ensuring timely and optimal care to all cancer patients.
Regenerative braking system for a hybrid electric vehicle

This paper discusses a regenerative braking system (RBS) for a parallel hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) that performs regenerative energy recovery based on vehicle attributes, thereby providing improved performance, efficiency and reliability at minimal additional cost. A detailed description of the regenerative braking algorithm is presented along with simulation results from a dynamic model of the PHEV exhibiting the regenerative braking performance.
Pathways to Colonization

The steps required for space colonization are many to grow from our current 3‐person International Space Station, now under construction, to an infrastructure that can support hundreds and eventually thousands of people in space. This paper will summarize the author’s findings from numerous studies and workshops on related subjects and identify some of the critical next steps toward space colonization. Findings will be drawn from the author’s previous work on space colony design, space infrastructure workshops, and various studies that addressed space policy. In conclusion, this paper will note that significant progress has been made on space facility construction through the International Space Station program, and that significant efforts are needed in the development of new reusable Earth to Orbit transportation systems. The next key steps will include reusable in space transportation systems supported by in space propellant depots, the continued development of inflatable habitat and space elevator technologies, and the resolution of policy issues that will establish a future vision for space development.
A preprocessor for improving channel routing hierarchical pin permutation

In standard cell design, many cell terminals and gates are permutable, and it is important for a channel router to take advantage of this to obtain better results. An efficient hierarchical algorithm is presented to determine the proper positions of permutable gates and cell terminals such that the results of the subsequent channel routing can be significantly improved. Experimental results show that our proposed algorithm considerably reduces the number of tracks and vias, and its time complexity is linear in the number of cell terminals. >
Design and Evaluation of a Filter Fluorometer That Incorporates a Photon-Counting Detector

We describe the design and evaluation of a filter fluorometer in which a photomultiplier detector is used in the photon-counting mode. Output frequency is shown to be linear with light intensity from 5 Hz to 800 kHz. Comparisons with commercially available instruments show an inherent sensitivity superior to a commercially available filter instrument and comparable to that of a spectrofluorometer. Results are included showing the applicability of the instrument to the kinetic determination of lactate dehydrogenase in serum.
Borrelia burgdorferi spirochetes induce mast cell activation and cytokine release

The Lyme disease spirochete, Borrelia burgdorferi, is introduced into human hosts via tick bites. Among the cell types present in the skin which may initially contact spirochetes are mast cells. Since spirochetes are known to activate a variety of cell types in vitro, we tested whether B. burgdorferi spirochetes could activate mast cells. We report here that freshly isolated rat peritoneal mast cells or mouse MC/9 mast cells cultured in vitro with live or freeze-thawed B. burgdorferi spirochetes undergo low but detectable degranulation, as measured by [5-3H] hydroxytryptamine release, and they synthesize and secrete the proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). In contrast to findings in previous studies, where B. burgdorferi-associated activity was shown to be dependent upon protein lipidation, mast cell TNF-α release was not induced by either lipidated or unlipidated recombinant OspA. This activity was additionally shown to be protease sensitive and surface expressed. Finally, comparisons of TNF-α-inducing activity in known low-, intermediate-, and high-passage B. burgdorferi B31 isolates demonstrated passage-dependent loss of activity, indicating that the activity is probably plasmid encoded. These findings document the presence in low-passage B. burgdorferi spirochetes of a novel lipidation-independent activity capable of inducing cytokine release from host cells.
A new high-performance cesium beam tube compensated for Ramsey pulling

Earlier authors have discussed problems observed with high-performance cesium beam tubes which result from undesirable transitions of the cesium atom. In particular, Delta m=+or-1 ( sigma ) transitions have been shown to be responsible for the effect, known as Ramsey pulling. The authors discuss the design and performance of cesium beam tubes which incorporate corrections and which preserve the benefits of the high-performance beam tube, but with negligible Ramsey pulling. The design results in a tube which is smaller, lighter, and potentially longer-lived than its predecessor. As a part of the extensive testing performed to quantify this new tube for use, a series of special tests were performed, looking for any form of latency effect or time-dependent effect which might affect its performance in a standard. Experimental results are included. >
Lung Volume Reduction Surgery and Airflow Limitation

Interest has recently been renewed in lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) for end-stage emphysema. However, numerous questions about its role in the treatment of emphysema remain, including the clinical characteristics of optimal candidates and its mechanism of improvement in pulmonary function. In this report, we develop a mathematical analysis and graphic depiction of the mechanism of improvement in expiratory airflow and vital capacity. This analysis is based on consideration of the interaction between lung function and respiratory muscle function. We also reexamine previously published pulmonary mechanics in patients with alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and asthma. We find a major determinant of airflow limitation common to these diseases is the ratio of residual volume to total lung capacity (RV/TLC). Moreover, RV/TLC is found to be the single most important determinant of the improvement in pulmonary function after LVRS. Regardless of the specific underlying lu...
Analysis of low resolution accelerometer data for continuous human activity recognition

The advent of wearable sensors like accelerometers has opened a plethora of opportunities to recognize human activities from other low resolution sensory streams. In this paper we formulate recognizing activities from accelerometer data as a classification problem. In addition to the statistical and spectral features extracted from the acceleration data, we propose to extract features that characterize the variations in the first order derivative of the acceleration signal. We evaluate the performance of different state of the art discriminative classifiers like, boosted decision stumps (AdaBoost), support vector machines (SVM) and regularized logistic regression (RLogReg) under three different evaluation scenarios (namely subject independent, subject adaptive and subject dependent). We propose a novel computationally inexpensive methodology for incorporating smoothing classification temporally, that can be coupled with any classifier with minimal training for classifying continuous sequences. While a 3% increase in the classification accuracy was observed on adding the new features, the proposed technique for continuous recognition showed a 2.5 - 3% improvement in the performance.
The regulation of the cyclic GMP phosphodiesterase by the GDP-bound form of the α subunit of transducin

The functional interactions of the retinal G protein, transducin, with the cyclic GMP phosphodiesterase (PDE) have been examined using the different purified subunit components of transducin and the native and trypsin-treated forms of the effector enzyme. The limited trypsin treatment of the PDE removes the low molecular weight γ subunit (Mr approximately 14,000) of the enzyme, yielding a catalytic moiety comprised of the two larger molecular subunits (α, Mr ≈ 85,000–90,000; β, Mr ≈ 85,000–90,000), which is insensitive to the addition of either the pure αT·GTP γ S species or the pure β γT subunit complex. However, the addition of the pure αT.GDP species to the trypsin-treated PDE (tPDE) results in a significant (90–100%) inhibition of the enzyme activity. This inhibition can be reversed by excess β γT, suggesting that the holotransducin molecule does not (functionally) interact with the tPDE. However, the inhibition by αT·GDP is not reversed by the αT·GTP γ S complex, over a range of [αT·GTP γ S] which elicits a marked stimulation of the native enzyme activity, suggesting that the activated αT species does not effectively bind to the tPDE. The αT·GDP complex also is capable of inhibiting the αT·GTP γ S-stimulated cyclic GMP hydrolysis by the native PDE. This inhibition can be reversed by excess αT·GTP γ S, as well as by βγ T, indicating that the binding site for the activated αT species is in close proximity and/or overlaps the binding site for the αT·GDP complex on the enzyme. Overall, these results are consistent with a scheme where (a) both the small and larger molecular weight subunits of PDE participate in αT-PDE interactions, (b) the activation of PDE by the αT·GTP γ S (or αT·GTP) species does not result in the complete dissociation of the γ subunit from the enzyme, and (c) the deactivation of this signal transduction system results from a direct interaction between the αT·GDP species and the catalytic moiety of the effector enzyme.
Dilution of Family Process in Social Services: Implications for Treatment of Neglectful Families

Families identified as neglectful pose a special challenge to family therapists and other practitioners, not only because they are usually involuntary clients but also because of the relative weakness of their internal process, which often becomes “diluted” into the system of providers. Current social services practices that exacerbate the dilution of family process are hard to eradicate because they are rooted in a culture that promotes the transfer of functions from families to social agencies; families, immersed in the same culture, often collude with the agencies in their own dilution. The treatment of neglect in families calls for the nurturance of the family's process and the disruption of the complementary pattern between family and regulatory agencies.
Inhibition of plasma kallikrein prevents peptidoglycan-induced arthritis in the Lewis rat.

We investigate whether the previously shown contact system activation plays a pathogenetic role in a rat model of acute inflammation induced by peptidoglycan-polysaccharide (PG-APS) using a new spe...
A Matrix Formulation on How Deviant an Observation Can Be

Abstract There have been many studies on the detection of outliers. In one of the very early articles it was shown that the deviation of any particular observation from the mean is bounded by a multiple of the standard deviation. This result is simple and has resulted in periodic rediscoveries, coupled with a variety of alternative proofs. We provide a historical review of these various methods, and then pose yet another proof that may have some intrinsic interest.
Maximum patterns in datasets

Given a binary dataset of positive and negative observations, a positive (negative) pattern is a subcube having a nonempty intersection with the positive (negative) subset of the dataset, and an empty intersection with the negative (positive) subset of the dataset. Patterns are the key building blocks in Logical Analysis of Data (LAD), and are an essential tool in identifying the positive or negative nature of ''new'' observations covered by them. We develop exact and heuristic algorithms for constructing a pattern of maximum coverage which includes a given point. It is shown that the heuristically constructed patterns can achieve 81-98% of the maximum possible coverage, while requiring only a fraction of the computing time of the exact algorithm. Maximum patterns are shown to be useful for constructing highly accurate LAD classification models. In comparisons with the commonly used machine learning algorithms implemented in the publicly available Weka software package, the implementation of LAD using maximum patterns is shown to be a highly competitive classification method.
Fecundity and egg distribution of the herbivore Spodoptera pectinicornis as influenced by quality of the floating aquatic plant Pistia stratiotes

We determined the influence of larval host quality of the floating aquatic weed Pistia stratiotes L. (Araceae) on the fecundity and egg distribution of the biological control agent Spodoptera pectinicornis(Hampson) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Different nutritional levels were produced by growing plants with relatively low and high levels of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilizer. Female and male pupal biomass were significantly greater when the larvae were fed leaves from the high fertilizer plants. Although the fertilizer treatments did not significantly influence total fecundity, there was an indirect effect as adults from larger pupae were more fecund. Regardless of treatment, ovipositing females formed a depression in the leaf surface by removing trichomes into which they deposited the egg masses. Most of the egg masses were laid on the lower leaf surface, on leaf positions 5‐8 (counting from the young inner to the outer leaves) and during days 1‐2 post-eclosion. Most of the eggs were laid in masses but about 12% were solitary. Females fed the low fertilizer treatment laid a greater proportion (mean s.e.) of their eggs as solitary eggs (17 3 3 4% of total eggs) than did females fed the high fertilizer treatment (8 3 2 3% of total eggs). The increased percentage of solitary eggs laid by the females from the low quality larval diet may be an adaptive response to decrease competition among the progeny.
Hadronic Decays of B Mesons

We review recent experimental results on hadronic decays and lifetimes of hadrons containing b and c quarks. We discuss charm counting and the semileptonic branching fraction in B decays, the color suppressed amplitude in B decay, and the search for gluonic penguins in B decay.
An automated method for producing diagnostic programs

As digital computing systems become more complex, diagnostic programs are being used more to detect and isolate failures in the logic system. One method of producing diagnostic programs which is receiving increased attention recently is automatic diagnostic program generation which has a logic simulator program as its central element. The simulator is effectively used if the viewpoint of Seshu and Freeman1 on logic failures is adopted. This viewpoint says that a logic failure transforms a good machine into a different machine. Thus if there are N possible failures, there are N+1 different possible machines. The simulator is then used to test each of the N+1 machines. Testing is developed by following the method described by Bruli et al.2 and is briefly outlined below.
Range‐Wide Selection of Catchments for Pacific Salmon Conservation

Freshwater ecosystems are declining in quality globally, but a lack of data inhibits identification of areas valuable for conservation across national borders. We developed a biological measure of conservation value for six species of Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.) in catchments of the northern Pacific across Canada, China, Japan, Russia, and the United States. We based the measure on abundance and life-history richness and a model-based method that filled data gaps. Catchments with high conservation value ranged from California to northern Russia and included catchments in regions that are strongly affected by human development (e.g., Puget Sound). Catchments with high conservation value were less affected by agriculture and dams than other catchments, although only 1% were within biodiversity reserves. Our set of high-value areas was largely insensitive to simulated error, although classification remained uncertain for 3% of catchments. Although salmon face many threats, we propose they will be most likely to exhibit resilience into the future if a complementary mosaic of conservation strategies can be proactively adopted in catchments with healthy salmon populations. Our analysis provides an initial map of where these catchments are likely to be located.
Optimizing the cost-effectiveness of quality assurance in transfusion medicine.

Abstract Although quality assurance efforts have been integrated into many aspects of American health care, their value has been questioned. They can consume large amounts of resources (monetary and/or temporal), calling into question their cost-effectiveness. To improve the yield of quality assurance efforts and limit their consumption of administrative resources, they need to be focused on those aspects of the operation where improvement is needed or where errors are particularly problematic and costly. Just as a quality assurance program needs to define the outcome required of the process being monitored, the outcome of the quality assurance process needs to be defined at the outset; the simplest possible system should then be designed to capture the necessary data to direct improvement. Although quality assurance efforts have been documented to yield substantial savings, their real payback is provided through better control of an operation and more complete knowledge of the status of that operation.
Leader reinforcement, behavioral integrity, and subordinate outcomes: A social exchange approach

Abstract Measures of leader reward and punishment omission and behavioral integrity have demonstrated sound psychometric properties and interesting relationships in recent studies. In this study, the psychometric properties of these new measures are first examined, supporting previous findings. Hypotheses and theoretical models incorporating these constructs, along with contingent reward and punishment, are developed and tested using a social exchange theory framework and a sample of 456 workers in 15 Northeastern U.S. restaurants. It was found that contingent reward, contingent punishment, and reward omission impact perceptions of behavioral integrity. It was also found that trust partially mediates the relationship between behavioral integrity and subordinate perceptions of organizational commitment and satisfaction (but not leader effectiveness). Limitations of the study are discussed and directions for future research are suggested.
Patient reported outcome measures of pain intensity: Do they tell us what we need to know?

Abstract Objective To determine the relationship between chronic pain patients’ responses to self-report measures of pain intensity, and self-reported strategies when completing such measures. Participants Ambulatory outpatients suffering from one of the following chronic pain conditions: painful HIV neuropathy, painful diabetic neuropathy, chronic Low-Back Pain. Method As part of a previously reported study using qualitative methods, participants completed standard pain intensity questionnaires as well as a measure of pain related disturbances in activities of daily living. In the previous study, participants’ responses during a focus group were then used to identify their strategies and beliefs about their approach to completing the questionnaires. Among the beliefs were: (1) difficulties averaging pain over different time periods (i.e., “what was your average pain during the last 24 h” versus “what was your average pain during the last 2 weeks”); (2) difficulty in comparing pain from different etiologies; (3) difficulties in reporting sensations of pain in a manner unaffected by issues and situations secondary to the pain experience, such as difficulties in activities of daily living. In the present paper we use ANOVA (analysis of variance) and partial correlation to determine whether the qualitatively derived perceptions are reflected in the quantitative pain intensity scores. Results Participants’ belief that it was difficult to “average” pain intensity over different time periods was supported. The data do not support their belief that pain intensity scores are affected by other factors: their specific pain diagnosis, and the extent to which pain interfered with their activities of daily living. Conclusions (1) Patients tend to report different levels of pain intensity when asked to report their pain over different periods; (2) insofar as it can be said to exist, the relationship between measures of intensity and interference with activities of daily living is minimal; (3) participants tend to report similar levels of pain intensity, irrespective of etiology. Implications (1) Chronic pain patients’ elicited beliefs and strategies concerning how they complete pain intensity questionnaires are sometimes, but not invariably, reflected in their responses to these measures. Thus, purely qualitative methodologies alone cannot provide completely reliable information and point to the need to use a “mixed methods” approach combining both qualitative and quantitative data; (2) the lack of association between pain intensity measures and interference with activities of daily living, as well as relative insensitivity to different etiologies underlines the problem in relying on pain intensity measures as the primary means of evaluating the success of a treatment, either for pain management or in clinical research.
The Role of Partial Adjustment in the IPO Aftermarket: An Analysis of Competing Risks

In this paper, we examine IPO price behavior in the medium-term aftermarket. Our baseline is the first-day closing price - a price at which ordinary investors can buy the IPO stock. We examine the cumulative market-adjusted return over a six-month period and record whether and when it breaches a plus/minus 25 percent threshold. We employ a 'competing risks' approach to determine whether ex-ante observable variables influence the probability of hitting either threshold. Our major finding is that price revisions (pre-offer to offer; offer to open) or the two steps in the so-called partial adjustment process, which arguably ought to reduce information uncertainty, have strong lingering effects in the IPO aftermarket.
Towards dynamic heterogeneous team restructuring in task allocation domains

In this paper, we formalize the dynamic team restructuring problem in which a team of heterogeneous agents dynamically reorganize themselves to effectively function in an online heterogeneous task domain where the heterogeneity of the tasks is dynamic as well. We then propose a steepest ascent local search algorithm as a preliminary approach to solving this problem.
Metabolic Reprogramming of Pancreatic Cancer Mediated by CDK4/6 Inhibition Elicits Unique Vulnerabilities

Due to loss of p16ink4a in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA), pharmacological suppression of CDK4/6 could represent a potent target for treatment. In PDA models, CDK4/6 inhibition had a variable effect on cell cycle but yielded accumulation of ATP and mitochondria. Pharmacological CDK4/6 inhibitors induce cyclin D1 protein levels; however, RB activation was required and sufficient for mitochondrial accumulation. CDK4/6 inhibition stimulated glycolytic and oxidative metabolism and was associated with an increase in mTORC1 activity. MTOR and MEK inhibitors potently cooperate with CDK4/6 inhibition in eliciting cell-cycle exit. However, MTOR inhibition fully suppressed metabolism and yielded apoptosis and suppression of tumor growth in xenograft models. The metabolic state mediated by CDK4/6 inhibition increases mitochondrial number and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Concordantly, the suppression of ROS scavenging or BCL2 antagonists cooperated with CDK4/6 inhibition. Together, these data define the impact of therapeutics on PDA metabolism and provide strategies for converting cytostatic response to tumor cell killing.
Does the Adoption of EMR Systems Inflate Medicare Reimbursements

The adoption of EMR systems has been argued to lead to physicians “upcoding” their patients to inflate insurance reimbursements. In this paper, we examine if the adoption of the Clinical Physician Order Entry (CPOE) system is associated with an increase in the complexity of the patients' case mix that hospitals report (termed "upcoding"). We make use of a staggered roll-out of the Recovery Audit Program to combat upcoding as a natural experiment to assess the impact of the adoption of the CPOE systems on the case mix that a hospital reports. We find that on average the adoption of CPOE systems is associated with an increase in the reported case mix of hospitals, and that the Audit program has had an effect on reducing the case mix that hospitals report to Medicare for reimbursement. Implications for preventing inflated reimbursements due to "upcoding" are discussed.
Slow-Release Tablets for Application of Systemic Insecticides to Ornamental Plants in Containers

Slow-release insecticide tablets were formulated, using the systemic insecticides acephate, disulfoton, and oxamyl. The eduction rate was dependent upon water solubility of the insecticide. The three insecticides were selected because of both their current acceptability and the wide range of their solubility in water. In the laboratory, tablets with 2 min of daily soaking released 87% of acephate in 7 days. However, with 15 min of daily soaking 96% of oxamyl and only 7% of disulfoton was released in 7 days. The tablets were equal to or better than other formulations of the three systemics in efficacy and residual control of the chrysanthemum aphid, Macrosiphoniella sanborni (Gillette), and citrus mealybug, Planococcus citri (Risso)under greenhouse conditions.
Slow ”photonic sound” waves on active photonic lattices

Theory and simulations show that active photonic lattices of coupled microlaser arrays support slow coherent optical waves propagating at sound speed (photonic sound) over the array. Numerical results and implications are discussed.
Ultrasmooth, Conducting Films Composed of Mo/Si Multilayers

We investigate the variation of microstructure and electron transport with layer thickness in Mo/Si multilayer films deposited by magnetron sputtering.
Substance P (NK1) receptor immunoreactivity on endothelial cells of the rat tracheal mucosa

Substance P released from sensory nerve fibers causes plasma leakage through an action on neurokinin-1 (NK1 or substance P) receptors. However, it is unknown whether the leakage results from a direct action of substance P on endothelial cells. We determined the distribution of NK1 receptors at sites of plasma leakage in the rat tracheal mucosa, using NK1 receptor-immunoreactive endosomes as markers of substance P-induced receptor internalization. We found that immunoreactive endosomes were located in the endothelial cells of venules and capillaries but not in those of arterioles. Five minutes after vagal stimulation for 1 min, the number of immunoreactive endosomes in endothelial cells was increased 5-fold in postcapillary venules (mean of 17.4 endosomes/100 micron2 compared with a baseline value of 3.4), 15-fold in collecting venules (12.1 compared with 0.8), and 4-fold in capillaries (2.5 compared with 0.7). No endosomes were found in arterioles under either condition. The number of immunoreactive endosomes in individual vessels corresponded to the amount of stimulus-induced plasma leakage. Both the receptor internalization and the plasma leakage were blocked by the selective NK1 receptor antagonist SR-140333 (100 microgram/kg iv). Although both substance P (5 microgram/kg iv) and platelet-activating factor (5 microgram/kg iv) caused plasma leakage, only substance P induced receptor internalization. We conclude that substance P, released from sensory nerve fibers, causes plasma leakage through a direct action on endothelial cells of venules, and that this action is followed by the internalization of NK1 receptors into endosomes.
Do Higher Salaries Differentially Retain High-Ability Teachers?

Research has clearly established that increasing teacher salaries reduces overall teacher attrition. A related question is whether higher salaries differentially retain high-ability teachers. Prior evidence suggests that the answer to this question is no. In this work, I revisit this question using a large panel dataset from Texas that links teachers to their certification scores, base salary, and mobility patterns. I find that differential retention effects of teacher salaries are more complicated than past research reveals. Differential pay effects depend on teacher experience, so overall differential pay effects mask the effects that occur among experienced teachers. Increasing salaries for teachers with 3 or more years of experience differentially retains high-ability teachers, while higher salaries for teachers with 0-2 years of experience differentially retain low-ability teachers. This likely occurs because higher early-career salaries disrupt a positive sorting process that exits among novice teachers.
Correlation of Lymphocyte Count with Treatment Response to Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors in Newly Diagnosed Chronic Myeloid Leukemia in Chronic Phase

Background: Total lymphocyte count (TLC) has been shown to correlate with outcomes in patients (pts) with acute leukemia. The clinical correlation to TLC in pts with chronic myeloid leukemia in chronic phase (CML-CP) who were treated with a tyrosine-kinase inhibitor (TKI) is unclear. Methods: Lymphocyte data in pts with newly diagnosed CML-CP who were enrolled in consecutive or parallel clinical trials with front-line imatinib (IM), nilotinib (Nilo), or dasatinib (Dasa) were collected at the time of diagnosis, and 3 and 6 months (M) after the start of TKI. Relative lymphocytrosis (RLC) was defined as lymphocyte >150% at 3 or 6M compared with baseline at diagnosis. Absolute lymphocytosis (ALC) was defined as lymphocyte > 4,000 /µL at 3 or 6M after the start of TKI. Pts were assessed for response, overall survival (OS), event-free survival (EFS), transformation-free survival (TFS), and failure-free survival (FFS) based on ALC and RLC. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate OS, EFS, TFS, and FFS. A log-rank test and Cox regression were used for univariate (UVA) and multivariate analysis (MVA), respectively. Results: A total of 483 pts were enrolled in this study: 271 in IM, 105 in Nilo, and 107 in Dasa. Patient characteristics and outcomes are summarized in Table 1. Median age at diagnosis was 48 years, and median follow-up was 85M and ongoing (5-154+). Time from diagnosis to start of TKI, Sokal risk score, and ALC at baseline between groups did not differ clinically. Of 481 pts, 93 (19%) developed RLC at 3 or 6M; IM, 38 (14%); Nilo, 23 (22%); Dasa, 32 (30%) (p= .001). ALC at 3 or 6M was observed in 15 (3%); IM, 3 (1%); Nilo, 1 (1%); Dasa, 11 (10%) (p Conclusion: The presence of ALC ≥4,000/µL at 3 or 6M of TKI therapies is rare but is adversely associated with overall survival. a Two in IM and 1 in Dasa were not evaluable due to lack of differential data at 3 and 6M. Disclosures O9Brien:Amgen, Celgene, GSK: Consultancy; CLL Global Research Foundation: Membership on an entity9s Board of Directors or advisory committees; Emergent, Genentech, Gilead, Infinity, Pharmacyclics, Spectrum: Consultancy, Research Funding; MorphoSys, Acerta, TG Therapeutics: Research Funding.
Vesicular acetylcholine transporter defect underlies devastating congenital myasthenia syndrome

Objective: To identify the genetic basis of a recessive congenital neurologic syndrome characterized by severe hypotonia, arthrogryposis, and respiratory failure. Methods: Identification of the responsible gene by exome sequencing and assessment of the effect of the mutation on protein stability in transfected rat neuronal-like PC12 A123.7 cells. Results: Two brothers from a nonconsanguineous Yemeni Jewish family manifested at birth with severe hypotonia and arthrogryposis. The older brother died of respiratory failure at 5 days of age. The proband, now 4.5 years old, has been mechanically ventilated since birth with virtually no milestones achievement. Whole exome sequencing revealed homozygosity of SLC18A3 c.1078G>C, p.Gly360Arg in the affected brothers but not in other family members. SLC18A3 p.Gly360Arg is not reported in world populations but is present at a carrier frequency of 1:30 in healthy Yemeni Jews. SLC18A3 encodes the vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT), which loads newly synthesized acetylcholine from the neuronal cytoplasm into synaptic vesicles. Mice that are VAChT-null have been shown to die at birth of respiratory failure. In human VAChT, residue 360 is located in a conserved region and substitution of arginine for glycine is predicted to disrupt proper protein folding and membrane embedding. Stable transfection of wild-type and mutant human VAChT into neuronal-like PC12 A123.7 cells revealed similar mRNA levels, but undetectable levels of the mutant protein, suggesting post-translational degradation of mutant VAChT. Conclusion: Loss of function of VAChT underlies severe arthrogryposis and respiratory failure. While most congenital myasthenic syndromes are caused by defects in postsynaptic proteins, VAChT deficiency is a presynaptic myasthenic syndrome.
Safety and feasibility of lower antithrombin replacement targets in adult patients with hematological malignancies receiving asparaginase therapy .

The optimal antithrombin(AT) activity parameters for replacement as thromboprophylaxis following asparaginase remains unclear. This single-center, retrospective study evaluated two sets of AT replacement thresholds and targets in adults receiving asparaginase-containing chemotherapy. AT supplementation adhered to institutional standards, which lowered the AT activity target from 100% to 80% in 6/2014. Ninety-two patients were evaluated. Cumulative thrombosis incidence was 16% at 6 months (95%CI:6.8-24.0, maximum follow-up 315 days) with similar incidence between the 80% and 100% target groups, 14% (2 of the 14) and 13% (10 of the 78), respectively, with a small non-Line-Related DVT incidence (3%). Most thrombotic events occurred during induction chemotherapy and demonstrated no associations with replacement target, cumulative days or cumulative area under AT activity target, number of asparaginase doses, or cumulative asparaginase dose. Median estimated AT replacement expenditure was $34,963USD (IQR $16,260USD to $79,319USD) per patient. Cost-effectiveness and optimization of AT replacement for thromboprophylaxis following asparaginase requires prospective evaluation.
Integration by Design: Bertrand Goldberg, Stanley Tigerman, and Public Housing Architecture in Postwar Chicago

Public housing in the United States has been a prime site of negotiation and struggle over racial identity. Integration by Design: Bertrand Goldberg, Stanley Tigerman, and Public Housing Architecture in Postwar Chicago examines a critical moment in the history of public housing, evaluating two projects built in Chicago9s Black Belt: Bertrand Goldberg9s Raymond Hilliard Homes (1966) and Stanley Tigerman9s Woodlawn Gardens (1969). Marisa Angell Brown demonstrates how these projects reflect Goldberg9s and Tigerman9s thoughtful and empathetic responses to race, poverty, and spatial segregation, which resulted in two very different expressions of an architecture of black empowerment. The article contributes to a more nuanced history of public housing architecture and advances our understanding of the role of race in American architecture.
Molecular Diagnostics in Pathology

Molecular diagnostics is a rapidly growing discipline within pathology. This is largely explained by the changes in cancer treatment in the last decade. More and more types of cancer can be linked to specific DNA abnormalities and qualify for so-called targeted therapy. New techniques, such as next generation sequencing, allow tumour characterizations on the basis of DNA and/or RNA profiles. Moreover, the high sensitivity of digital PCR techniques enables DNA and RNA analysis on bodily fluids: the so called liquid biopsies. These developments will alter pathology practice dramatically in the coming years.
Reducing medication errors in a surgical residency training program

Medication errors contribute to in-hospital morbidity and mortality. Teaching hospitals and the surgical residency training programs they support should take proactive steps to reduce error frequency. In order to accomplish meaningful error reduction, we must first define the scope and nature of the problem. Pharmacists at the Monmouth Medical Center prospectively recorded medication prescribing errors made by surgical residents during 2 years. These data were reviewed to determine the types of medication errors made most frequently by surgical house officers. Seventy-five medication-prescribing errors were made by surgical house staff in the years 2001 and 2002. Thirty-three of these errors involved orders for antibiotic therapy. Errors that could not be directly attributed to knowledge deficits were responsible for 36 of the 75 errors (48%), whereas specific knowledge deficits were responsible for 39 of the 75 errors (52%). Twenty-eight of the 36 errors not directly attributable to knowledge deficits (78%) were made at the postgraduate year one level, whereas only 15 of the 39 knowledge deficit errors (38%) were made at the postgraduate year one level. Though targeted education to address specific knowledge deficits may substantially reduce the occurrence of knowledge deficit medication errors within surgical residency training programs, more costly measures such as the implementation of physician computerized order entry will likely be needed to reduce maximally the frequency of medication ordering errors. Many prescribing errors cannot be attributed to specific knowledge deficits.
Review of Basic Principles

We describe eight basic principles of Trajectory Analysis that are applicable to health care: continuous change, multiple variables, action and non-action causes and effects, systems resiliency, the Lyapunov exponent as a measure of change, Type 0 phase shifts to generate change, energy potentials and health, and poor health as chaos. The science of nonlinear and trajectory dynamics is growing rapidly, although it remains mostly theoretical. Cardiology and neuroscience have introduced these concepts to improve human health. Our next steps are to expand this science into health care to support current statistical and epidemiological methods.
A rolling-sliding bench test for investigating rear axle lubrication

Abstract An automotive rear axle is composed of a set of hypoid gears, whose contact surfaces experience a complex combination of rolling contact fatigue damage and sliding wear. Full-scale rear axle dynamometer tests are used in the industry for efficiency and durability assessment. This study developed a bench-scale rolling-sliding test protocol by simulating the contact pressure, oil temperature, and lubrication regime experienced in a dynamometer duty cycle test. Initial bench results have demonstrated the ability of generating both rolling contact-induced micropitting and sliding wear and the feasibility of investigating the impact of slide-to-roll ratio, surface roughness, test duration, and oil temperature on the friction behavior, vibration noise, and surface damage. This bench test will allow studying candidate rear axle lubricants and materials under relevant conditions.