cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Regulation of receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand and osteoprotegerin mRNA expression by parathyroid hormone is predominantly mediated by the protein kinase a pathway in murine bone marrow cultures

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) stimulates receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) mRNA and inhibits osteoprotegerin (OPG) mRNA expression in murine bone marrow cultures. To understand the mechanisms influencing these responses, we investigated the role of the protein kinase A (PKA) and protein kinase C (PKC) pathways in the regulation of RANKL and OPG mRNA expression in murine bone marrow cultures. Murine bone marrow cells were stimulated with bovine PTH(1-34) and (1-34) amide, which activate both pathways; PTH(3-34), which more selectively activates the PKC and calcium pathways; and human PTH (1-31), which stimulates adenylyl cyclase, but not protein kinase C. We also examined agents that more directly activate either the PKA pathway (forskolin [FSK] and 8-bromo cAMP [8-Br-cAMP]) or the PKC pathway (phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate [PMA]) in murine bone marrow cultures. After 1 h, RANKL mRNA expression was stimulated to a similar degree by agents that activate either or both the PKA and PKC pathways. However, this effect was sustained for 24 h only with agents that stimulated PKA. OPG mRNA expression was inhibited by all agents that stimulated PKA at 6 h. In contrast, PKC-specific stimulators [PMA and bPTH(3-34)] had no effect on OPG regulation in this culture system. To determine the involvement of the PKC signaling pathway in responses of RANKL, bone marrow cells were pretreated with PMA for 24 h and then treated with PTH(1-34) or FSK for 2 h. PMA pretreatment did not alter the ability of PTH or FSK to stimulate RANKL or inhibit OPG mRNA expression. Treatment of cells with H-89, a PKA inhibitor, significantly reduced the ability of PTH and FSK to induce RANKL and inhibit OPG mRNA expression. Calphostin C, a PKC inhibitor, significantly reduced PMA-stimulated RANKL mRNA expression without altering PTH- or FSK-mediated effects on RANKL or OPG mRNA. Cycloheximide, an inhibitor for protein synthesis, inhibited PTH-stimulated RANKL mRNA expression by 60% without altering the effect of PTH on OPG mRNA expression. To examine the involvement of prostaglandin in PMA-mediated responses, cells were treated with indomethacin, a nonspecific prostaglandin G/H synthase (PGHS) inhibitor, or NS-398, a selective inhibitor of PGHS-2. Neither PGHS inhibitor altered PMA-induced effects on RANKL and OPG mRNA expression. These results demonstrate that the PKA pathway is predominantly involved in the effects of PTH on RANKL mRNA expression in murine bone marrow cultures, but there is also a PKC-mediated response, which is not sustained. Inhibition of OPG by PTH appears to be a selective PKA response.
Penetrating oesophageal injury: a contemporary analysis of the National Trauma Data Bank.

Abstract Background Oesophageal trauma is uncommon. The aim of this study was to conduct a descriptive analysis of penetrating oesophageal trauma and determine risk factors for oesophageal related complications and mortality in the National Trauma Data Bank (NTDB). Methods Patients with penetrating oesophageal trauma from Levels 1 and 2 trauma centres in the NTDB (2007 and 2008) that specified how complication and comorbidity data were recorded were selected. Data collected included age, injury severity score (ISS), abbreviated injury scores (AIS), lengths of stay (LOS) and ventilation days, systolic blood pressure (SBP) in the emergency department (ED), comorbidities, oesophageal related procedures, and oesophageal related complications. Univariate and multivariable analyses were conducted to identify significant predictors of oesophageal-related complications and mortality in patients with LOS > 24 h. Results 227 patients from 107 centres were studied. The mean number of patients per centre was 2 (range 1–15). Overall mortality was found to be 44% with 92% of these deaths in less than 24 h. In patients with LOS > 24 h, 62% had primary repair, 13% drainage, 4% resection, 1% diversion, and 20% unspecified. No significant difference in mortality was found in patients with oesophageal related complications. The time to first oesophageal related procedure was not significantly different in those with oesophageal related complications or those who died. Significant predictors of oesophageal related complications were age and AIS of the abdomen or pelvic contents ≥3 and the only significant predictor of mortality was ISS. Conclusions Most deaths in penetrating oesophageal trauma occur in the first 24 h due to severe associated injuries. Primary repair was the most common intervention, followed by drainage and resection. Oesophageal related complications were not found to significantly increase mortality and time to first oesophageal related procedure did not affect outcomes in this subset of patients from the NTDB.
Boltzmann–BGK approach to simulating weakly compressible 3D turbulence: comparison between lattice Boltzmann and gas kinetic methods

Recently, the so-called gas-kinetic method (GKM) based on the Boltzmann-BGK equation has been successfully used in a variety of high Mach-number shock and laminar flow calculations. In this paper, we study the viability of extending the applicability of GKM to simulate turbulent flows. We evaluate the capability of GKM by making detailed comparisons against the lattice Boltzmann method and a Navier–Stokes solver. We perform three-dimensional direct numerical simulations (DNS) of decaying isotropic turbulence with the three methods and compare the evolution of kinetic energy, dissipation rate, and energy spectrum. Details of various macroscopic flow variables of interest are also examined. Further, the decay exponent calculated from the GKM is compared with the published results. The agreement in all categories considered is quite good. The results clearly demonstrate the potential promise of GKM for turbulence simulations over a broad range of Mach numbers.
A comparison of cardiopulmonary function, recovery quality, and total dosages required for induction and total intravenous anesthesia with propofol versus a propofol-ketamine combination in healthy Beagle dogs.

Abstract Objective To compare cardiopulmonary function, recovery quality, and total dosages required for induction and 60 minutes of total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) with propofol (P) or a 1:1 mg mL−1 combination of propofol and ketamine (KP). Study design Randomized crossover study. Animals Ten female Beagles weighing 9.4 ± 1.8 kg. Methods Dogs were randomized for administration of P or KP in a 1:1 mg mL−1 ratio for induction and maintenance of TIVA. Baseline temperature, pulse, respiratory rate (fR), noninvasive mean blood pressure (MAP), and hemoglobin oxygen saturation (SpO2) were recorded. Dogs were intubated and spontaneously breathed room air. Heart rate (HR), fR, MAP, SpO2, end tidal carbon dioxide tension (P e ’CO2), temperature, and salivation score were recorded every 5 minutes. Arterial blood gas analysis was performed at 10, 30, and 60 minutes, and after recovery. At 60 minutes the infusion was discontinued and total drug administered, time to extubation, and recovery score were recorded. The other treatment was performed 1 week later. Results KP required significantly less propofol for induction (4.0 ± 1.0 mg kg−1 KP versus 5.3 ±1.1 mg kg−1 P, p = 0.0285) and maintenance (0.3 ± 0.1 mg kg−1 minute−1 KP versus 0.6 ±0.1 mg kg−1 minute−1 P, p = 0.0018). Significantly higher HR occurred with KP. Both P and KP caused significantly lower MAP compared to baseline. MAP was significantly higher with KP at several time points. P had minimal effects on respiratory variables, while KP resulted in significant respiratory depression. There were no significant differences in salivation scores, time to extubation, or recovery scores. Conclusions and clinical relevance Total intravenous anesthesia in healthy dogs with ketamine and propofol in a 1:1 mg mL−1 combination resulted in significant propofol dose reduction, higher HR, improved MAP, no difference in recovery quality, but more significant respiratory depression compared to propofol alone.
Mobility management and its applications in efficient broadcasting in mobile ad hoc networks

We study an efficient broadcast scheme in mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs). The objective is to determine a small set of forward nodes to ensure full coverage. We first study several methods to select a small forward node set assuming that the neighborhood information can be updated in a timely manner. Then we consider a general case, where each node updates its neighborhood information based asynchronously on a predefined frequency and node move even during the broadcast process. The virtual network constructed from local views of nodes may not be connected, its links may not exist in the physical network, and the global view constructed from collection of local views may not be consistent. In this paper, we first give a sufficient condition for connectivity at the physical network to ensure the connectivity at the virtual network. We then propose a solution using two transmission ranges to address the link availability issue. The neighborhood information as well as the forward node set are determined based on a short transmission range while the broadcast process is done on a long transmission range. The difference between these two ranges is based on the update frequency and the speed of node movement. Finally, we propose a mechanism called aggregated local view to ensure consistency of the global view. By these, we extend Wu and Dai's coverage condition for broadcasting in a network with mobile nodes. The simulation study is conducted to evaluate the coverage of the proposed scheme.
Rapid Thermal Annealing of Sputtered Ti-Ni-Si Films

A ternary compound results from the fast radiative processing of Ni/Ti bilayers on Si substrates. In the Ti-Ni-Si system, Ni is the dominant moving specie at low temperatures while Si starts to diffuse at 575°C. For bilayers with Ti in excess, the final product,above 750°C, is a mixture of ternary compound and TiSi2 whereas excess Ni leads to a layer of NiSi between the substrate and the ternary layer, at tempera-tures below 700° C.
Targeting of the mouse Slc39a2 (Zip2) gene reveals highly cell-specific patterns of expression, and unique functions in zinc, iron, and calcium homeostasis†

Fourteen members of the Slc39a superfamily of metal ion uptake transporters have been identified in mice and humans, but the physiological functions of most remain obscure. Herein, we created mice with Zip2 (Slc39a2) genes in which the open reading frame was replaced with that of the enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP), to study temporal and spatial patterns of Zip2 gene expression and examine the physiological roles of this transporter. Expression of this gene was remarkably cell-type specific and developmentally regulated in pericentral hepatocytes, developing keratinocytes, and a subset of immature dendritic cells in the immune system. In addition, the Zip2 gene was transiently expressed in giant trophoblast cells in the placenta. Although the Zip2 gene was not essential under conditions of normal dietary zinc, it played an important role in adapting to dietary zinc deficiency during pregnancy, and in the homeostasis of iron in the liver as well as iron and calcium in developing embryos. These studies suggest that active expression of the Zip2 gene in these few specific cell types, aforementioned, plays a particularly important role during zinc deficiency. These studies further reveal novel interactions between zinc transporter function and the homeostasis of other essential metals.
Flossing or Alternative Interdental Aids

Search methods: We searched the following electronic databases: the Cochrane Oral Health Group Trials Register (to 17 October 2011), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library 2011, Issue 4), MEDLINE via OVID (1950 to 17 October 2011), EMBASE via OVID (1980 to 17 October 2011), CINAHL via EBSCO (1980 to 17 October 2011), LILACS via BIREME (1982 to 17 October 2011), ZETOC Conference Proceedings (1980 to 17 October 2011), Web of Science Conference Proceedings (1990 to 17 October 2011), Clinicaltrials.gov (to 17 October 2011) and the metaRegister of Controlled Clinical Trials (to 17 October 2011). We imposed no restrictions regarding language or date of publication. We contacted manufacturers of dental floss to identify trials.
Association between In Utero arsenic exposure, placental gene expression, and infant birth weight: a US birth cohort study

Epidemiologic studies and animal models suggest that in utero arsenic exposure affects fetal health, with a negative association between maternal arsenic ingestion and infant birth weight often observed. However, the molecular mechanisms for this association remain elusive. In the present study, we aimed to increase our understanding of the impact of low-dose arsenic exposure on fetal health by identifying possible arsenic-associated fetal tissue biomarkers in a cohort of pregnant women exposed to arsenic at low levels. Arsenic concentrations were determined from the urine samples of a cohort of 133 pregnant women from New Hampshire. Placental tissue samples collected from enrollees were homogenized and profiled for gene expression across a panel of candidate genes, including known arsenic regulated targets and genes involved in arsenic transport, metabolism, or disease susceptibility. Multivariable adjusted linear regression models were used to examine the relationship of candidate gene expression with arsenic exposure or with birth weight of the baby. Placental expression of the arsenic transporter AQP9 was positively associated with maternal urinary arsenic levels during pregnancy (coefficient estimate: 0.25; 95% confidence interval: 0.05 – 0.45). Placental expression of AQP9 related to expression of the phospholipase ENPP2 which was positively associated with infant birth weight (coefficient estimate: 0.28; 95% CI: 0.09 – 0.47). A structural equation model indicated that these genes may mediate arsenic’s effect on infant birth weight (coefficient estimate: -0.009; 95% confidence interval: -0.032 – -0.001; 10,000 replications for bootstrapping). We identified the expression of AQP9 as a potential fetal biomarker for arsenic exposure. Further, we identified a positive association between the placental expression of phospholipase ENPP2 and infant birth weight. These findings suggest a path by which arsenic may affect birth outcomes.
Dimensionless Life Histories and Effective Population Size

The effective size (Ne) of a population can be estimated from demographic information. We evaluated a recent model, showing that Ne depends strongly on the relationship between age at reproductive maturity (M) and average adult lifespan (A). Ne converges on half the number of potentially reproducing adults (N/2) as M decreases relative to A, but it increases linearly as M increases for a given value of A. Therefore, convergence of Ne on N/2 is more likely in organisms with a short sexual maturation period scaled to adult lifespan. To assess the generality of this convergence we asked whether most organisms are characterized by this requisite relationship between M and A. The dimensionless number M/A is approximately invariant within taxa, but it is markedly different across taxa. Previous work focused on birds and mammals, taxa with unusually small M/A (0.4 and 0.75). Other animal taxa take longer than most birds and mammals to reach maturity for a given reproductive lifespan, so they are characterized by larger M/A (e.g., fish, 2.0). In theory, these taxon-specific life histories strongly influence Ne. We conclude that Ne is expected to approach N/2, provided that M/A is (unusually) small, and that Ne/N among poikilotherms may often exceed that of mammals and especially birds. El tamano efectivo poblacional (Nc) puede estimarse utilizando informacion demografica. En este trabajo evaluamos un modelo; demonstramos que el valor de Ne depende en forma importante de la relacion entre la edad de madurez reproductiva (M) y longevidad promedia de adultos (A). Ne converge con N/2 cuando M disminuye en relacion a A, pero el valor de Ne aumenta linealmente cuando M aumenta para un valor dado de A. La convergencia de Ne y N/2 es asi mas probable en organismos que presentan maduracion sexual temprana comparada con su longevidad. Para evaluar la generalidad de esta convergencia nos preguntamos si esta relacion entre M y A es caracteristica de la mayor parte de los organismos. El valor de M/A es aproximamente invariable dentro de taxones, pero notablemente diferente de un taxon a otro. Investigaciones previas que se han basado en aves y mamiferos, que son taxones con valores de M/A exceptionalmente pequenos (0.4 y 0.75). Otro taxones animales se caracterizan por valores de M/A mayores, ya que estos organismos toman relativamente mas tiempo en alcanzar la madurez reproductiva (peces por ejemplo, M/A = 2.0). Teoreticalmente, estos aspectos de la historia de vida, especificos por taxon, influyen fuertemente la estimacion de Ne. Concluimos que Ne aproximara N/2 si la razon M/A es (excepcionalmente) pequena, y que Ne/N en poikilotherms puede con frequencia sobrepasar los valores en mamiferos y especialmente aves.
Management of the Contaminated Operation

The incidence of postoperative wound sepsis varies with the magnitude of contamination. The generally accepted classification of operative wounds according to contamination, as listed by Altemeier et al., is: 1) Clean, Nontraumatic, No inflammation encountered, No break in technique, Respiratory, alimentary, genitourinary tracts not entered 2) Clean-Contaminated, Gastrointestinal or respiratory tracts entered without significant spillage Appendectomy—not perforated—no cloudy peritoneal exudate Prepared oropharynx entered Genitourinary or biliary tract entered in absence of infected urine or bile Minor break in technique 3) Contaminated
Continuity and Change in Levels of Externalizing Behavior in School of Children From Economically Disadvantaged Families

This study used a person-centered approach to understand continuity and change in the externalizing behavior of children from economically disadvantaged families (N = 134). Groups of children differed in showing high levels of externalizing behavior in first grade (7 years old) that persisted (persistent problem) or decreased (improver) in third grade (9 years old) and low levels in first grade that were stable (unproblematic) or increased (new problem) in third grade. The results showed that verbal ability, behavioral impulsivity, parent maladjustment, and harsh parenting distinguished the persistent problem and unproblematic groups. Family instability was associated with change for the improver and new problem groups. The results suggest the importance of examining changes in the early adjustment to school for children from economically disadvantaged families.
Strain-related differences in antibody-mediated changes in gene expression are associated with differences in capsule and location of binding.

We recently established that antibody (Ab)-binding can induce gene expression changes in a serotype A strain (H99) of the pathogenic yeast, Cryptococcus neoformans. That study showed that monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) differing in epitope specificity and protective efficacy elicited differences in gene expression. Because many mAbs bind to serotypes A and D strains differently, we now investigate the binding of one mAb to two strains representing these serotypes. Cells of the serotype A strain H99 and the serotype D strain 24067 were incubated with near saturating concentrations of the IgG1 capsule-binding mAb 18B7 or MOPC, an irrelevant mAb matched control. Comparative immunofluorescence analysis of mAb 18B7 binding revealed that it bound closer to the cell wall in H99 than 24067, where it was associated with decreased or increased cell diameter, respectively. A comparison of encapsulated cell compressibility showed that strain 24067 was more compressible than that of strain H99. RNA was extracted and used for gene expression analysis using the C. neoformans JEC21 genomic microarray. After 1 h incubation with mAb 18B7, there were just 2 gene expression changes observed with strain 24067 or strain JEC21, unlike the 43 seen with strain H99. After 4 h incubation with mAb 18B7, there were 14 and 140 gene expression changes observed with strain 24067 and JEC21, respectively. Thus, C. neoformans strains differ both in the response and the time of response to mAb binding and these differences may reflect differences in the location of Ab binding, Ab-mediated changes in cell diameter and compressibility of the capsular polysaccharide.
Linear Nevoid Hypertrichosis Without Underlying Hypopigmentation or Extracutaneous Abnormalities

An 8-year-old Caucasian girl presented with a linear patch of excessive hair growth involving her left posterolateral leg without any underlying hypopigmentation or associated abnormalities. This is an unusual presentation given that the literature describing nevoid hypertrichosis in a linear distribution is associated with either underlying skin or hair hypopigmentation or other extracutaneous manifestations.
Sodium preferences and responses to sodium deficiency in rhesus monkeys

Rhesus monkeys were offered sodium chloride (NaCl) in various concentrations before and during the imposition of a dietary sodium deficiency. No evidence of a preference-aversion curve for NaCl appeared, providing support for the “dilute-water” hypothesis explaining sodium preference-aversion curves in rats. (Rhesus monkeys have separate sensory channels for water and salt, while rats have a combined water-salt sensory channel.) Although urinary and serum sodium levels were reduced during the period of sodium deficiency, there was no increase in the voluntary ingestion of NaCl during deficiency. However, three separate behavioral and physiological adaptations to sodium deficiency appeared among the monkeys.
Prefrontal Microcircuits: Membrane Properties and Excitatory Input of Local, Medium, and Wide Arbor Interneurons

To elucidate cortical mechanisms involved in higher cortical functions such as working memory, we have examined feedforward excitation transmitted by identified pyramidal cells to interneurons with predominantly horizontal axonal arbors, using dual somatic recordings in prefrontal cortical slices. Interneurons with local (narrow) axonal arbors, especially chandelier interneurons, exhibited extremely narrow action potentials and high evoked firing rates, whereas neurons identified with wide arbor axons generated wider spikes and lower evoked firing rates with considerable spike adaptation, resembling that of pyramidal cells. Full reconstruction of differentially labeled neuronal pairs revealed that local arbor cells generally received a single but functionally reliable putative synaptic input from the identified pyramidal neuron member of the pair. In contrast, more synapses (two to five) were necessary to depolarize medium and wide arbor neurons reliably. The number of putative synapses and the amplitude of the postsynaptic response were remarkably highly correlated within each class of local, medium, and wide arbor interneurons (r = 0.88, 0.95, and 0.99, respectively). Similarly strong correlations within these subgroups were also present between the number of putative synapses and variance in the EPSP amplitudes, supporting the validity of our morphological analysis. We conclude that interneurons varying in the span of their axonal arbors and hence in the potential regulation of different numbers of cortical modules differ also in their excitatory synaptic input and physiological properties. These findings provide insight into the circuit basis of lateral inhibition and functional interactions within and between cortical columns in the cerebral cortex.
The Use of Galactogogues in the Breastfeeding Mother

Objective:To review data regarding the efficacy of galactogogues available in the US to increase breast milk production in postpartum mothers.Data Sources:Literature was sought using PubMed (1966-June 2012) and EMBASE (1973-June 2012). Search terms included breastfeeding, breast milk, Lactation, galactogogue, motoctopramide, oxytocin, fenugreek, milk thistle, Silymarin, growth hormone, thyroid releasing hormone, medroxyprogesterone, domperidono. goat's rue, beer, Asparagus racemosus, shatavari, Medicago sativa, alfalfa. Onicus bonedictus. blessed thistle, Galoga officinalis, brewer's yeast, and herbals.Study Selection and Data Extraction:All studies including humans and published in English with data assessing the efficacy of galactogogues for increasing breast milk production were evaluated.Data Synthesis:Breast milk is considered the optimal food source for newborns through 1 year of age. Many factors influence overall maternal production, including maternal pain, illness, balance of time when returning...
Computational model of dynein-dependent self-organization of microtubule asters.

Polar arrays of microtubules play many important roles in the cell. Normally, such arrays are organized by a centrosome anchoring the minus ends of the microtubules, while the plus ends extend to the cell periphery. However, ensembles of molecular motors and microtubules also demonstrate the ability to self-organize into polar arrays. We use quantitative modeling to analyze the self-organization of microtubule asters and the aggregation of motor-driven pigment granules in fragments of fish melanophore cells. The model is based on the observation that microtubules are immobile and treadmilling, and on the experimental evidence that cytoplasmic dynein motors associated with granules have the ability to nucleate MTs and attenuate their minus-end dynamics. The model explains the observed sequence of events as follows. Initially, pigment granules driven by cytoplasmic dynein motors aggregate to local clusters of microtubule minus ends. The pigment aggregates then nucleate microtubules with plus ends growing toward the fragment boundary, while the minus ends stay transiently in the aggregates. Microtubules emerging from one aggregate compete with any aggregates they encounter leading to the gradual formation of a single aggregate. Simultaneously, a positive feedback mechanism drives the formation of a single MT aster – a single loose aggregate leads to focused MT nucleation and hence a tighter aggregate which stabilizes MT minus ends more effectively leading to aster formation. We translate the model assumptions based on experimental measurements into mathematical equations. The model analysis and computer simulations successfully reproduce the observed pathways of pigment aggregation and microtubule aster self-organization. We test the model predictions by observing the self-organization in fragments of various sizes and in bi-lobed fragments. The model provides stringent constraints on rates and concentrations describing microtubule and motor dynamics, and sheds light on the role of polymer dynamics and polymer-motor interactions in cytoskeletal organization.
Glioblastoma induction after radiosurgery for meningioma

Summary A 70-year-old woman developed a glioblastoma in the irradiated field 7 years after stereotactic radiosurgery for meningioma. Glioma induction has been previously reported after external beam radiation for leukaemia, pituitary adenoma, tinea capitus, and meningioma. This radiosurgeryinduced malignancy may portend further reports of tumour induction. The theoretical risk of tumour induction by low doses of radiation to normal neural tissue after radiosurgery is now confirmed. Reports of additional cases of radiosurgery-induced tumours might temper the use of this increasingly used technique for benign surgically accessible lesions.
Direction of arrival and capacity characteristics of an experimental broadband mobile MIMO-OFDM system

This paper describes a series of field experiments that were performed in order to evaluate direction-of-arrival (DOA) and capacity characteristics of a 18.8 MHz 2/spl times/2 MIMO-OFDM channel at 3.676 GHz. These experiments were conducted in a suburban setting outside Chicago, Illinois with an experimental mobile broadband MIMO-OFDM system. We present multipath DOA statistics calculated based on a synthetic aperture array technique. This technique operates on data snapshots collected while the receiver was moving and makes use of the velocity and direction information provided by a GPS receiver. We also present MIMO capacity statistics that are computed from the frequency-domain matrix channel response measured by the experimental OFDM system. To explore the effect of frequency and receive angular diversity on the MIMO capacity distribution, we present cumulative distribution functions of the capacity gain of a 2/spl times/2 link (i.e., gain relative to 1/spl times/1 link) for different measured delay spread ranges as well as different DOA spread ranges.
Stability in a Discrete Time Model of the Walrasian Tatonnement

Abstract Almost all of the extensive literature on the stability of the Walrasian tâtonnement models the process in continuous rather than discrete time. Since the motivation for the use of continuous time is primarily mathematical, not economic, and since stability for a continuous time model does not imply the stability of its discrete time analogue, it is of interest to investigate the stability of the Walrasian tâtonnement modeled in discrete time. The question is of particular importance since much of the recent literature on topics such as expectations, disequilibrium trading, and temporary equilibrium utilizes discrete time. This paper demonstrates that for a certain class of models, conditions known to be sufficient for stability in continuous time are also sufficient in a discrete time formulation of the price adjustment mechanism. Excess demand functions having the properties of gross substitution, dominant diagonals, and the ‘Morishima system’ of complementary commodities, are analyzed.
Comparative Study of Distance Attenuation in the Central United States and Western India

Seismic waveform data, recorded by short-period instruments of the Cooperative New Madrid Seismic Network (CNMSN), and a temporary aftershock deployment for the 2001 Bhuj M W 7.6 earthquake are corrected to the theoretical Wood-Anderson response, and the horizontal peak amplitudes are used to determine local magnitude scales for the Mississippi embayment of the central United States and the Kachchh basin of western India, with a focus to understand the distance attenuation in these two regions. Results show that the distance-correction function for the Mississippi embayment of the central United States is
Threshold dynamics for the piecewise constant Mumford-Shah functional

We propose an efficient algorithm for minimizing the piecewise constant Mumford-Shah functional of image segmentation. It is based on the threshold dynamics of Merriman, Bence, and Osher for evolving an interface by its mean curvature. We show that a very fast minimization can be achieved by alternating the solution of a linear parabolic partial differential equation and simple thresholding.
Project Evaluation in International Development

Project evaluation methods used by the World Bank and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization are compared with regard to measures of value, use of shadow prices, discount rates and opportunity costs of investment, and other issues of project evaluation. While there are some similarities, it appears that the choice of method will make a difference in which projects are found acceptable. The UNIDO approach seems to be more flexible but requires considerably more information.
Safe or Not? Consumer Responses to Recalls with Traceability

Safe or Not? Consumer Responses to Recalls with Traceability ∗ Chantal Toledo † Sofia Berto Villas-Boas ‡ March 5, 2016 Abstract Product traceability is advocated as a way to target non-compliant products in recalls and protect the sales of compliant products. Using a large scanner-level dataset from a national grocery chain and a difference-in-differences approach, we test whether consumers in California reduced egg purchases after three consecutive egg recalls during the 2010 Salmonella outbreak. In a setting where contaminated eggs could be traced to the box level, leaving no contaminated eggs in stores, we find a 7 to 9 percent reduction in egg sales following the recalls. Moreover, sales dropped not only for non-contaminated eggs of the affected brand but also for eggs of unaffected brands. The effect lasted at least three months. We find no evidence of overall substitution toward “greener” types of eggs, such as organic eggs. Finally, although the national grocery chain had contaminated eggs only in Northern California, we find reductions in egg sales in Southern Californian stores as well. Our results show that, even with traceability, consumers’ responses to recalls can negatively affect the sales of compliant products. JEL Codes: D120, D180, Q1 Keywords: Consumer Behavior, Traceability, Spillovers The authors are very grateful to Lydia Ashton, Peter Berck, Meredith Fowlie, Francois Gerard, Julie McNamara, Brian Roe, Richard Sexton and participants at the Environmental and Resource Economics Seminar at UC Berkeley for helpful comments. We thank the Giannini Foundation for funding support and the national retailer for providing the data. All errors are our own. Mathematica Policy Research. Corresponding author: ctoledo@mathematica-mpr.com. Professor, Agricultural and Resource Economics Department, University of California at Berkeley.
A Quantitative and Predictive Model of Electromigration-Induced Breakdown of Metal Nanowires

An isothermal model of electromigration breakdown of metal nanowires 80–700 nm in diameter is developed and validated using experimental data obtained from isolated cylindrical Au nanowires. The model considers electromigration from an applied current producing a net flux of metal atoms, reducing the nanowire radius and conductivity precipitously and accounting for both mass and electronic carrier transport. The model successfully predicts the observed critical failure current, the correct scaling with nanowire radius to 3/2 power, and the impedance evolution prior to breakdown. Application to the case where feedback control is employed to limit the rate of nanowire thinning reproduces key features, including slowed necking, a threshold current and voltage after which lower bias is required to advance formation, and the dependence of these values on feedback parameters.
Growth-promoting and inhibiting activity of cholesterol derivatives for Attagenus piceus "yellows."

SummaryCholesteryl propionate, butyrate, p-toluenesulfonate and benzoate have been found to support the growth of Attagenus piceus larvae in lieu of cholesterol. Neither dicholesteryl ether nor cholesteryl ethyl ether supported the growth of larvae. The toxic anti-cholesterol effect of cholesteryl chloride can be overcome in part by an equal quantity of 7-dehydrocholesterol.
Detection of Active Tuberculosis among Employees from Catering and Public Places in Changping District of Beijing City

[Objective]To master the dynamic change of tuberculosis among employees from catering and public places in Changping District of Beijing City during 2004—2008,and provide evidence for health supervision departments to implement inspection management on catering and public places.[Methods]The health examination results of catering and public places employees were analyzed.[Results]Of 34 4295 examined employees during 2004—2008,168 were tuberculosis positive,the total detection rate was 0.049%.The detection rate for the 5 years was 0.002%,0,0.002%,0.042%,0.153%,respectively,which showed ascendant trend annually(χ2=277.46,P0.01).Active tuberculosis detection rate of local and migrant employees both increased annually with upward trend,local employees χ2=71.64,migrant employees χ2=205.97,both P0.01.The detection rates of active tuberculosis of local population and external population were 0.05% and 0.04%,the difference between the 2 rates was not significant(χ2=0.01,P0.05).[Conclusion]In order to ensure public health security in Changping District,the annual health examination on employees from catering and public places should be attached more importance and continued to ensure the timely detection of tuberculosis patients early,and to prevent the spread of tuberculosis
Effect of Seizures on the Developing Brain and Cognition

Epilepsy is a complex disorder, which involves much more than seizures, encompassing a range of associated comorbid health conditions that can have significant health and quality-of-life implications. Of these comorbidities, cognitive impairment is one of the most common and distressing aspects of epilepsy. Clinical studies have demonstrated that refractory seizures, resistant to antiepileptic drugs, and occurring early in life have significant adverse effects on cognitive function. Much of what has been learned about the neurobiological underpinnings of cognitive impairment following early-life seizures has come from animal models. Although early-life seizures in rodents do not result in cell loss, seizures cause in changes in neurogenesis and synaptogenesis and alteration of excitatory or inhibitory balance, network connectivity and temporal coding. These morphological and physiological changes are accompanied by parallel impairment in cognitive skills. This increased understanding of the pathophysiological basis of seizure-induced cognitive deficits should allow investigators to develop novel targets for therapeutic interventions.
Electrophoretic techniques in today's clinical laboratory.

This article reviews commercially available electrophoresis methods and instrumentation for clinical laboratory use. The most common electrophoresis support media found in the clinical laboratory today are cellulose acetate and agarose gel. The greater resolution found in agarose, coupled with newer techniques such as immunofixation, makes protein electrophoresis a very valuable and cost-effective tool.
Clinical and Urodynamic Features of a New Intestinal Urinary Sphincter for Continent Urinary Diversion

AbstractWe describe a new sphincter mechanism and its clinical application in 11 patients requiring continent diversion. The sphincter, composed of 2 short segments of ileum, is urodynamically responsive and actually increases its resistance to leakage when reservoir pressure or volume increases. Because of this dynamic continence control and its ease of construction, it appears to be a useful addition to the reconstructive urological armamentarium.
Neural Stem Cells Among Glia

Neural stem cells (NSCs) are the self-renewing primary precursors for an extraordinary diversity of neurons and mature glial cells. Cells classically considered part of the astroglial lineage (neuroepithelial cells–radial glia (RG)–astrocytes) are founder cells for most neurogenic and gliogenic lineages in the developing and adult central nervous system. In addition to their supportive ‘classical’ glial function, these RG and germinal astrocytes generate intermediate progenitor cells, which in turn produce neurons or differentiated glial cells. The identification of NSCs as glia is a fundamental step in understanding brain evolution, development, and repair.
Examining the use of fecal pellet morphometry to differentiate age classes in Sonoran pronghorn

Wildlife managers require knowledge of population demographics, yet for low-density, wide-ranging species procuring demographic information is challenging. While accurate abundance estimates can be costly and difficult to obtain, recruitment and survival trends can be used as an alternative indicator of a population's trajectory. Physical capture has been the traditional practice for obtaining these demographic parameters, yet capture-related stress can lead to reduced levels of fitness, impaired locomotion, or even mortality for some species. Thus, noninvasive sampling methods may provide an alternative to physical capture. Population monitoring of endangered Sonoran pronghorn Antilocapra americana sonoriensis is critical for assessing the success of recovery efforts, and monitoring annual survival and recruitment by age class would provide information on the trajectory of population growth. We measured noninvasively collected Sonoran pronghorn fecal pellets collected post-fawning in Arizona, USA and mat...
Synthetic HDL: A mimic of nature?s nanomedicine

C Heart Disease (CHD) affects over 16 million people in US and is the largest killer in the western world. Overwhelming evidence indicates that increasing levels of circulating high-density lipoprotein (HDL) significantly decreases occurrence of coronary artery disease. Atheroprotective properties of HDL result from its ability to efflux excess of cholesterol from macrophages in plaques and transport it to the liver for excretion. Infusion of synthetic HDL (sHDL) nanoparticles to facilitate cholesterol removal from hardened arteries has been proven effective in phase 2 clinical studies. Synthetic HDL is a nanoparticle (~8-12 nm) composed of a lipid membrane-like bilayer wrapped around by a “belt” of amphipathic helices of Apolipoprotein A-I (ApoA-I). Development of sHDL as therapeutic drugs has been difficult owing to the very large doses (~1-8 g) required to attain clinical endpoints. Administration of high doses results in toxicity due to nanoparticle and protein impurities, and further requires manufacture of high quantities of recombinant ApoA-I, which is both technically difficult and costly. The focus of this research is discovery of novel ApoA-I mimic peptides, optimization of lipid composition of sHDL and use of these nanoparticles for atherosclerosis imaging and drug delivery. By understanding of biophysics of ApoA-I peptide binding to lipid membranes we are able to produce highly pure sHDL of homogeneous size, which are capable of mimicking the function of endogenous HDL. We have found that by optimizing lipid composition, the potency of sHDL in vitro and in vivo could be increased 3-fold. In addition, sHDL composition affected anti-inflammatory properties of nanoparticles and their remodeling in human plasma. Hence, understanding the mechanisms of how composition alters efficacy and safety of sHDL is critical for successful clinical translation of this novel class of cardiovascular drugs to the clinic.
Mayer Bond Order as a Metric of Complexation Effectiveness in Lead Halide Perovskite Solutions

One of the most appealing features of solar cells made from hybrid organic–inorganic perovskites is that they can be processed directly from solution, leading to low cost, energy-efficient processing. Numerous studies have shown that the composition of these solutions and the choice of solvent (or solvent blend) affects the efficiency of the resulting solar cell. Despite the importance of this correlation for performance, the choice of solvent(s) used to deposit the perovskite precursors has been largely a matter of experimental trial-and-error. In this work, we present a coherent theory explaining the molecular origin of the efficacy of solvent choice, which lends itself to the creation of a fast quantum mechanical-based screening process that facilitates the design of effective new solvents. We also provide the first theoretical confirmation of complexation of HOIP precursors in solution, including their structure and relative stability. We show that the Mayer bond order of a solvent’s polar atoms predi...
Emergence of Gram-Positive Infections: Relationship to Indwelling Catheters and Management During Chemotherapy-Induced Aplasia

The empiric use of broad-spectrum antibacterial antibiotics for first fever in the granulocytopenic patient has had a major impact in lowering mortality from overwhelming infection caused by aerobic Gram-negative bacteria (Schimpff et al. 1971; Hathorn et al. 1987; Klastersky 1989; Karp et al. 1990). Despite this decrease in early infectious death, there has been an increased prevalence of Gram-positive (GP) infections in this same population which, while less life-threatening than their Gram-negative counterparts, can result in significant morbidity. Several factors are likely responsible for the emerging prominence of GP infections in this clinical setting (Table 1). In particular, the use of indwelling, multiport central venous catheters (CVC) as a routine adjunct to optimize venous access during lengthy aplasia has accentuated the problems of GP infection (Lowder et al. 1982; Lokich et al. 1985; Dickinson and Bisno 1989). Both initial catheter placement and long-term catheterization are accompanied by skin barrier invasion. The mechanical interruption of barrier integrity predisposes to local infection at exit and/or tunnel sites, thrombophlebitis, and sepsis from colonization along the entire catheter tract by common skin organisms including coagulase-negative staphylococci and Corynebacterium jeikeium. These bacteria are often resistant to beta lactam antibiotics and other antibiotics commonly used in empiric regiments for treatment of first infectious fever during aplasia (Karp et al. 1986; Anaissie et al. 1988a; Shenep et al. 1988). They are susceptible, however, to vancomycin, a cell wall-acting glycopeptide antibiotic with efficacy against both beta lactam-susceptible and resistant staphylococci and corynebacteria.
Playing with Antiquity: Reconceptualizing Our Understanding of Play within Organizations

Existing literature generally describes organizational play as play that occurs within an organizational setting. Alternatively, I argue that "organizational play" is a distinct concept which draws...
Worldwide Regulatory Guidance Values Applied to Direct Contact Surface Soil Pesticide Contamination: Part I—Carcinogenic Pesticides

Regulatory agencies worldwide have developed regulatory guidance values (RGVs) for nearly 800 pesticides. Analysis of the residential surface soil guidance values applied to the most frequently regulated current-use agriculture, home, and garden pesticides is presented. Part I concentrates on values applied to atrazine, simazine, and trifluralin. These are unique among commonly used pesticides because they are generally considered to be human carcinogens. Their use has been banned in much of the world, but they are commonly used in the United States. Regulatory guidance values applied to these 3 pesticides vary by 8.6, 5.5, and 5.1 orders of magnitude. Risk model coefficient–bounded set uncertainty analysis is applied to help analyze this variability. Cancer risk model uncertainty bounds appear to contain 36.3%, 43.0%, and 49.5% of the RGVs. Most of the remaining values appear to exceed a lifetime cancer incidence risk of 1 × 10−6 and may not be adequately protective of human health.
A Mixed-Methods Evaluation of Social Work Learning Outcomes in Interprofessional Training with Medicine and Pharmacy Students.

Social work has moved firmly into a need for partnership training models, as our newest Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards explicitly call for interprofessional education (IPE). Althoug...
Fracture and Singularities of the Mass-Density Gradient Field

A continuum mechanical theory of fracture without singular fields is proposed. The primary contribution is the rationalization of the structure of a ‘law of motion’ for crack-tips, essentially as a kinematical consequence and involving topological characteristics. Questions of compatibility arising from the kinematics of the model are explored. The thermodynamic driving force for crack-tip motion in solids of arbitrary constitution is a natural consequence of the model. The governing equations represent a new class of pattern-forming equations.