cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
MITOCHONDRIAL TARGETING OF GLUTATHIONE REDUCTASE REQUIRES A LEADER SEQUENCE

Abstract Glutathione reductase (GR), which catalyzes the conversion of glutathione disulfide to glutathione, is encoded in nuclear DNA, but is active in cytoplasm and mitochondria. However, analyses of known protein and DNA sequences for human GR have not revealed a potential mitochondrial targeting signal (MTS). We generated two 5′-truncated GR clones, which resulted in omission of the N-terminal 5 or 10 amino acids, to disable a potential targeting signal, and generated two GR clones containing synthetic MTS cDNAs. Transfection of Chinese hamster ovary cells with the full length human GR cDNA or with the 5′-truncated clones increased cytosolic GR activities 6- to 14-fold, but increased mitochondrial activities less than 2-fold. In contrast, transfection with either of the GR clones containing MTS cDNAs increased GR activities in mitochondria more than 24-fold. We conclude that the existing protein and DNA sequences for human GR do not contain a MTS and that such a signal is needed for effective mitochondrial targeting.
The fast reaction of CH2OH with O2

Abstract The rate coefficient of the reaction CH 2 + O 2 OH → HO 2 + CH 2 O, has been measured at 300 K by the LMR flow-tube method, and found to have the unexpectedly large value k = (2 −1 +2 ) × 10 −12 cm 3 molecule −1 s −1 . This reaction, preceded by isomerization, may be an important route for the oxidation of CH 3 O in the upper atmosphere.
HEME IRON RELATIVE TO TOTAL DIETARY INTAKES OF IRON — REVIEW

Iron deficiency is a common nutritional anomaly encountered in surveys in diverse populations throughout the world. Etiological factors, including gastrointestinal disorders such as gastric ulcers or ulcerative colitis have a significant effect on and may cause this nutritional disorder. Research has indicated that dietary iron is found predominantly as either heme (absorbable) iron or as nonheme (less readily absorbable) iron. The absorption of nonheme iron is enhanced by the presence, in the diet, of certain factors, mainly ascorbic acid and meat, fish or poultry. Certain inhibitors and their effects have also been identified. Understanding the mechanism and regulation of intestinal iron absorption and the relationship to absorbable iron versus total iron intakes is of importance. This paper includes a review of the following information: food sources of both types of iron; factors affecting absorption — enhancers and inhibitors; and physiological states affecting iron absorption. Meats serve as a source of heme iron as well as having a promoting effect on absorption of nonheme iron.
Nuclear Forces from Chiral EFT: The Unresolved Issues

In recent years, there has been substantial progress in the derivation of nuclear forces from chiral effective field theory (EFT). Accurate two-nucleon forces have been constructed at next-to-next-to-next-to-leading order (N3LO) and applied (together with three-nucleon forces at NNLO) to nuclear few- and many-body systems—with a good deal of success. This may suggest that the 80-year old nuclear force problem has finally been cracked. Not so! Some pretty basic issues are still unresolved. In this talk, I focus on the two most pressing ones, namely, subleading many-body forces and the proper renormalization of the two-nucleon potential.
Estimate of minimum collector current for inducing current mode second breakdown in reverse biased epitaxial bipolar transistors

Abstract When collector current of a reverse biased epitaxial bipolar transistor exceeds a critical value, the transistor goes into current mode second breakdown and its terminal voltage abruptly decreases to a low value. The current is localized at the centre of the emitter stripe where high current densities will be reached. At high collector current densities, high level injection is encountered in the base region. Here, a simple analytic expression accounting for high injection effects in the base is derived for the critical collector current. The result is applied to a planar transistor structure. The approach presented in this paper is different from those given by previous authors where they treated current crowding phenomena only for low level injection.
Hepatic B‐cell non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma of MALT type in the liver explant of a patient with chronic hepatitis C infection

B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (B-NHL) is a well-documented complication of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Marginal zone (mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue; MALT) lymphomas constitute a less common type of B-NHL. In this article, we report a case of liver MALT in a cirrhotic patient, incidentally discovered after liver transplantation (LT). We discuss pertinent diagnostic and management strategies in this clinical setting.
RhoA co-ordinates with heterotrimeric G proteins to regulate efficacy

Abstract Heterotrimeric G proteins have a critical role in mediating signal transduction by ligand-stimulated GPCRs. While activation of heterotrimeric G proteins is known to proceed via the G protein guanine nucleotide cycle, there is much uncertainty regarding the process that determines efficacy, the extent of response across signaling pathways. GαGTP can interact with multiple binding partners, including several effectors and regulators. Cross-talk by other receptor-signaling pathways can alter the response. It remains unclear whether G protein efficacy is regulated. This lack of clarity impairs our ability to predict and manipulate the pharmacological behavior of activated G proteins. This review will discuss emerging evidence that implicates monomeric RhoA in the process that regulates Gq efficacy.
Calcification of Deciduous Teeth in Rhesus Monkeys

The rhesus monkey probably has the same sequence of calcification of deciduous teeth as man: central incisor, first molar, lateral incisor, cuspid, and second molar. Initial calcification of the deciduous molar cusps is somewhat similar to that of man.
An Investigation of Stereotype Threat in Employment Tests1

This investigation extends stereotype threat research by examining its effect on sex and ethnicity in employment testing. Study 1 used archival data from a company-specific cognitive ability test, demonstrating score increases (greater for some minorities) when applicants completed demographic items after a cognitive skills test, rather than before the test. The first experiment (Study 2) used college students taking the same company-specific test with inconclusive results. Possible reasons dictated the design of a second experiment with a college population (Study 3). This study used the Wonderlic Personnel Test (WPT) and investigated priming through positioning of demographic items, as well as high/low threat. Positioning of the demographic items after the WPT was associated with an increase in test scores.
Motivation for Participation in Campus Recreation Based on Activity Type

In this study, we examined differences in leisure motivation on the basis of the type of campus recreational activity in which a student was engaged. Specifically, campus recreational activities in...
Upscale Evolution of MCSs: Doppler Radar Analysis and Analytical Investigation

The development of two small mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) in northeastern Colorado is investigated via dual-Doppler radar analysis. The first system developed from several initially isolated cumulonimbi, which gradually coalesced into a minimal MCS with relatively little stratiform precipitation. The second system developed more rapidly along an axis of convection and generated a more extensive and persistent stratiform echo and MCS cloud shield. In both systems, the volumetric precipitation rate exhibited an early meso-b-scale convective cycle (a maximum and subsequent minimum), followed by reintensification into a modest mature stage. This sequence is similar to that noted previously in the developing stage of larger MCSs by McAnelly and Cotton. They speculated that the early meso-b convective cycle is a characteristic feature of development in many MCSs that is dynamically linked to a rather abrupt transition toward mature stage structure. This study presents kinematic evidence in support of this hypothesis for these cases, as derived from dual-Doppler radar analyses over several-hour periods. Mature stage MCS characteristics such as deepened low- to midlevel convergence and mesoscale descent developed fairly rapidly, about 1 h after the early meso-b convective maximum. The dynamic linkage between the meso-b convective cycle and evolution toward mature structure is examined with a simple analytical model of the linearized atmospheric response to prescribed heating. Heating functions that approximate the temporal and spatial characteristics of the meso-b convective cycle are prescribed. The solutions show that the cycle forces a response within and near the thermally forced region that is consistent with the observed kinematic evolution in the MCSs. The initial response to an intensifying convective ensemble is a self-suppressing mechanism that partially explains the weakening after a meso-b convective maximum. A lagged response then favors reintensification and areal growth of the weakened ensemble. A conceptual model of MCS development is proposed whereby the early meso-b convective cycle and the response to it are hypothesized to act as a generalized forcing‐feedback mechanism that helps explain the upscale growth of a convective ensemble into an organized MCS.
Growth and Body Composition of Nile Tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, Fry Fed Organic Diets Containing Yeast Extract and Soybean Meal as Replacements for Fish Meal, with and without Supplemental Lysine and Methionine

Quantities of fish meal (FM) have remained level for the past several decades; however, demand has dramatically increased because of its inclusion in all animal production as a high-quality protein source. Soybean meal (SBM) is the most widely used plant-protein ingredient for replacing various proportions of FM in aquatic animal diets. However, use of SBM as the sole protein source has often resulted in reduced fish growth. There is a growing segment of consumers who desire organically grown seafood, and tilapia is one of the most-cultured fish in the world. As tilapia have herbivorous/omnivorous feeding habits, tilapia fed organic diets may allow producers to enter this rapidly developing market. A feeding experiment was conducted to evaluate the combination of organic SBM and an organic yeast extract (YE) as complete replacements for FM in Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, fry diets. Nine diets were formulated to contain various percentages of organic YE (0, 15, 30, and 45%) in combination with organic SBM (84–34%) with and without amino acid (methionine and lysine) supplementation. At the conclusion of the study, fry fed a control diet containing 20% FM and fry fed a diet containing 45% YE/36%SBM with amino acid supplementation showed no significant differences (P > 0.05) in final weight, weight gain, and specific growth rate (SGR) compared to those fed all other diets. On the basis of these data, an organic diet which replaces FM with a combination of SBM and YE with added methionine and lysine is commercially feasible and further investigation into the increased use of these two ingredients as protein sources in aquaculture diets is warranted.
Pulse oximetry: Principles and limitations

The pulse oximeter has become an essential tool in the modern practice of emergency medicine. However, despite the reliance placed on the information this monitor offers, the underlying principles and associated limitations of pulse oximetry are poorly understood by medical practitioners. This article reviews the principles of pulse oximetry, with an eye toward recognizing the limitations of this tool. Among these are performance limitations in the settings of carboxyhemoglobinemia, methemoglobinemia, motion artifact, hypotension, vasoconstriction, and anemia. The accuracy of pulse oximetry is discussed in light of these factors, with further discussion of applications for pulse oximetry in emergency medicine, including both oximetric and plethysmographic operation. The pulse oximeter is an invaluable instrument for emergency medicine practice, but as with any test the data it offers must be critically appraised for proper interpretation and utilization.
Variability of mitochondrial DNA as an indicator of relationships between populations of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. melonis

Mitochondrial DNA from a reference strain of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. melonis was cloned and filter hybridized to total DNA of 78 strains. A distinct mtDNA restriction fragment pattern corresponded to each of six vegetative compatibility groups (VCGs); two additional VCGs shared the seventh pattern. Vegetatively self-incompatible strains were associated with a VCG by restriction pattern. Length and restriction site variations were catalogued for all restriction patterns providing a quantitative measure of genetic distance among VCGs. Six VCGs congregated into three close clusters. The two remaining VCGs were separated from these clusters by a greater distance. The distant VCGs included a strain representing an isolated population and an avirulent strain which is a possible outgroup. Different VCGs containing the same race were not necessarily closely related. It could not be concluded that F. oxysporum f. sp. melonis , a group unified by pathogenicity, is monophyletic. MtDNA can be used to identify isolated populations within F. oxysporum defined by VCG.
Plagiarism and Scholarly Publications: An Ethical Analysis

All professional organizations that have a publication component should have a strongly articulated position against plagiarism. Such a position has a solid foundation in common understandings of ethical principles including the encouragement of honesty and the discouragement of stealing. Having a strong, ethical position against plagiarism is different from the implementation of a strong, enforceable policy against plagiarism. This paper examines some practical challenges to enforcement policies, including legal liability. These challenges may complicate the development of a broad, enforceable policy against plagiarism that includes sanctions against authors found to be plagiarists. Additionally, such sanctions are needed to deter authors from submitting plagiarized works. One important aspect of discouraging plagiarism is a better use of computer applications that detect copying. Authors can use these applications to avoid unintentional plagiarism; reviewers and publishers can use these applications to keep plagiarized articles from being published.
Maize Genome Structure Variation: Interplay between Retrotransposon Polymorphisms and Genic Recombination

Although maize (Zea mays) retrotransposons are recombinationally inert, the highly polymorphic structure of maize haplotypes raises questions regarding the local effect of intergenic retrotransposons on recombination. To examine this effect, we compared recombination in the same genetic interval with and without a large retrotransposon cluster. We used three different bz1 locus haplotypes, McC, B73, and W22, in the same genetic background. We analyzed recombination between the bz1 and stc1 markers in heterozygotes that differ by the presence and absence of a 26-kb intergenic retrotransposon cluster. To facilitate the genetic screen, we used Ds and Ac markers that allowed us to identify recombinants by their seed pigmentation. We sequenced 239 recombination junctions and assigned them to a single nucleotide polymorphism–delimited interval in the region. The genetic distance between the markers was twofold smaller in the presence of the retrotransposon cluster. The reduction was seen in bz1 and stc1, but no recombination occurred in the highly polymorphic intergenic region of either heterozygote. Recombination within genes shuffled flanking retrotransposon clusters, creating new chimeric haplotypes and either contracting or expanding the physical distance between markers. Our findings imply that haplotype structure will profoundly affect the correlation between genetic and physical distance for the same interval in maize.
Lunar magnetic fields: Implications for utilization and resource extraction

Numerical simulations are used to show that solar wind ion deflection by strong lunar magnetic anomalies can produce local increases, as well as decreases, in the implantation rate of solar wind hydrogen. Model simulations suggest that the ability of magnetic anomalies to shield the surface from incident ions increases with the angle of incidence and therefore for most particle sources, with selenographic latitude. The possibility that relatively strong anomalies can provide significant protection of materials and men against major solar flare particle events is found to be unlikely.
PT2: Nonlinear Signal Processing for Applications in Broadband Communications

A number of challenges and opportunities are arising in nonlinear signal processing in the context of the emerging technologies driving applications in broadband communications. We will begin by briefly discussing some of these applications in telecommunications, information processing systems, and electronic power processing systems. The lecture will then focus on NONLINEAR challenges and opportunities by listing some of the important nonlinear problems; the conceptual issues involved in their rigorous formulation and solution; and illustrating some proposed approaches by means of results obtained for the following specific applications: (i) Nonlinear image contrast sharpening based on Munsell's scale in order to enhance human perception; (ii) Nonlinear adaptive prediction of the speech signal; (iii) AI-based exploitation of diversity in the wireless channel; (iv) Network-problem-alerting for cell-phone network carriers; and (v) Non-Gaussian noise suppression in video and voice communication systems.
Bacterial dissolved organic carbon demand in McMurdo Dry Valley lakes, Antarctica

The proximal substrate source of planktonic bacteria is dissolved organic carbon (DOC), and the combined sources of DOC (bulk, phytoplankton production, and advected) set an upper limit on how much C is available for bacterial respiration (BR). We compared measurements of bacterial production (BP) and estimates of BR to measurements of what we assumed to be the major DOC inputs for three permanently iceߚcovered lakes in Antarctica: Lakes Fryxell, Hoare, and Bonney. These measured inputs, which included phytoplankton extracellular release (ECR), stream input, and upward diffusion of DOC across the chemocline, sediments, and benthic microbial mats, were three to eight times smaller than planktonic BR, suggesting that a major source of bacterial C was unaccounted for. Despite overestimating DOC and doubling bacterial growth efficiency (BGE), BR in the lakes was 1.25ߚ2 times greater than our estimate of DOC supply. We hypothesize that a major source of organic C for planktonic bacteria in these lakes comes from drawdown of bulk DOC and/or decomposition of particulate material.
Evaluation of chemical and mechanical properties of dental composites.

Composite materials were aged in distilled, deionized water and a solution by volume of 50% distilled, deionized water and 50% ethanol for three mon at 37 degrees C. Also investigated was the effect of aging dental glass filler powder in distilled, deionized water for one, three, six, and ten mon at 2 degrees C, 37 degrees C, and 72 degrees C. Atomic absorption analysis was performed on the aqueous media in which the samples were aged in order to determine the extent of leaching of silicon and strontium. From the leaching rates at various aging temperatures, the activation energies for silicon (10.3-16.4 j/mol) and strontium (57.0-58.4 j/mol) were determined. Aging in the 50% distilled, deionized water and 50% ethanol solution greatly increased the leaching rate of both silicon and strontium, as compared to aging in distilled, deionized water. Glass powder leached far more than the composite materials, due to an increase in exposed surface area, as well as a lack of chemical bonding to a resin matrix or a linked glass network. Temperature greatly increased the leaching rate of both silicon and strontium. Only after ten mon did strontium leach substantially more than silicon. For the dental composites investigated after 3 mon aging, Mode I fracture toughness decreased 57-68% in ethanol and 37-43% in water, and mode II fracture toughness decreased 41-49% in ethanol and 6-11% in water.
Risk Factors for Invasive Fungal Infection in Premature Infants: Enhancing a Targeted Prevention Approach

Background. Premature infants are at high risk of developing invasive candidal infections (ICI). We investigated maternal and perinatal risk factors for ICI that may help in defining at-risk infants, allowing more targeted antifungal prophylaxis to prevent morbidity and mortality. Methods. Maternal and neonatal data from infants with a birthweight between 500 and 1250 g admitted across 95 neonatal intenisve care units were analyzed for risk factors for ICI. Results. Data from 1890 infants were analyzed, 78 of whom had ICI. Overall mortality was 20.5% for all cases of ICI, 18.8% with candidemia, 17.2% with candiduria, and 75% when Candida was isolated in both the blood and urine. Birthweight, gestational age, male sex, and vaginal delivery were predictors of infection on univariate analysis. After logistic regression, gestational age (P< .01) and male sex (P < .01) remained significant. Vaginal birth and receiving antibiotics during the first week of life increased the risk for ICI in the 22–25 weeks’ and 26–28 weeks’ gestation subgroups. Conclusions. Gestational age and male gender are risk factors for the development of ICI, whereas vaginal delivery and antibiotics during the first week further increase the incidence in the more premature infants. Knowing maternal and perinatal risk factors for ICI allows more targeted antifungal prophylaxis in at-risk infants.
15.4b incremental sigma-delta capacitance-to-digital converter with zoom-in 9b asynchronous SAR

An incremental zoom-in capacitance-to-digital converter (CDC) is proposed. By using a 9b SAR, the OSR can be reduced to only 32, significantly improving conversion energy. We show how the OTA in the SAR is bypassed for the CDC further reducing energy and propose a novel matrix based 512-element unit-cap structure for dynamic element matching. The CDC achieves 94.7dB SNR and 33.7μW power consumption with 175fJ/conv-step at 1.4V supply.
A parallel log-barrier method for mesh quality improvement and untangling

The development of parallel algorithms for mesh generation, untangling, and quality improvement is of high importance due to the need for large meshes with millions to billions of elements and the availability of supercomputers with hundreds to thousands of cores. There have been prior efforts in the development of parallel algorithms for mesh generation and local mesh quality improvement in which only one vertex is moved at a time. But for global mesh untangling and for global mesh quality improvement, where all vertices are simultaneously moved, parallel algorithms have not yet been developed. In our earlier work, we developed a serial global mesh optimization algorithm and used it to perform mesh untangling and mesh quality improvement. Our algorithm moved the vertices simultaneously to optimize a log-barrier objective function that was designed to untangle meshes as well as to improve the quality of the worst quality mesh elements. In this paper, we extend our work and develop a parallel log-barrier mesh untangling and mesh quality improvement algorithm for distributed-memory machines. We have used the algorithm with an edge coloring-based algorithm for synchronizing unstructured communication among the processes executing the log-barrier mesh optimization algorithm. The main contribution of this paper is a generic scheme for global mesh optimization, whereby the gradient of the objective function with respect to the position of some of the vertices is communicated among all processes in every iteration. The algorithm was implemented using the OpenMPI 2.0 parallel programming constructs and shows greater strong scaling efficiency compared to an existing parallel mesh quality improvement technique.
When death is the destination: the business of death tourism – despite legal and social implications

Purpose – This paper views the growing popularity of death tourism which directs the confrontation with grief and mortality with the expressed purpose of orchestrating travel that culminates in assistance to end one's life. The specific aims of this paper are to describe the emerging phenomenon of death tourism and situate it as a form of dark tourism, to present briefly the social and legal aspects of assisted suicide in conjunction within the tourism industry, and to conclude with how the trend of death tourism is potentially spreading to other countries beyond Europe.Design/methodology/approach – By employing a variety of primary and secondary resources, from death tourism industry documents, legal statutes, and news reports, this study explores the propositions of this article.Findings – Whereas much of the contemporary research in dark tourism focuses on sights, experiences, and actual memorialization, death tourism tends to comprise a holistic view of the emerging phenomenon by viewing supply and de...
Basigin Promotes Cardiac Fibrosis and Failure in Response to Chronic Pressure Overload in Mice

Objective—Basigin (Bsg) is a transmembrane glycoprotein that activates matrix metalloproteinases and promotes inflammation. However, the role of Bsg in the pathogenesis of cardiac hypertrophy and failure remains to be elucidated. We examined the role of Bsg in cardiac hypertrophy and failure in mice and humans. Approach and Results—We performed transverse aortic constriction in Bsg+/– and in wild-type mice. Bsg+/– mice showed significantly less heart and lung weight and cardiac interstitial fibrosis compared with littermate controls after transverse aortic constriction. Both matrix metalloproteinase activities and oxidative stress in loaded left ventricle were significantly less in Bsg+/– mice compared with controls. Echocardiography showed that Bsg+/– mice showed less hypertrophy, less left ventricular dilatation, and preserved left ventricular fractional shortening compared with littermate controls after transverse aortic constriction. Consistently, Bsg+/– mice showed a significantly improved long-term ...
Dynamic Measures of Potential Training Success

The Armed Forces and other large organizations often use scores from standardized aptitude batteries as indicators of cognitive aptitude. However, aptitude may also be demonstrated by the learning that occurs during training and measured by parameters such as initial ability levels and time needed to acquire information or skills. By using computer administered Complex Experimental Learning Tasks (CELTs), learning rate parameters recently have proved to be pragmatic as well as theoretical indicators of final performance. Potential advantages of this approach include ease and economy of computer administration, testee acceptance of job relevant tests, and potential benefits of shortened training schedules. The current research compared rate measures derived from learning on four CELTs with a paper-and-pencil battery designed to include static aptitude measures of the same domains. Performance measures were computed from stimulus display times, subject response time, and item accuracy. Overall final perform...
Altered neutrophil counts at diagnosis of invasive meningococcal infection in children

BACKGROUND Invasive meningococcal infections can be devastating. Substantial endotoxemia releases mature and immature neutrophils. Endothelial margination of mature neutrophils may increase the immature-to-total neutrophil ratio (ITR). These changes have not been previously well-described in invasive meningococcal disease. METHODS Using 2001 to 2011 data from the US Multicenter Meningococcal Surveillance Study, the diagnostic sensitivity and clinical correlates of white blood cell count, absolute neutrophil count (ANC), immature neutrophil count (INC) and ITR were evaluated alone and in combination at the time of diagnosis of invasive meningococcal disease. RESULTS Two hundred sixteen patients were evaluated: meningococcemia (65), meningitis (145) and other foci (6). ANC ≤1000/mm(3) or ≥10,000/mm(3) was present in 137 (63%), INC ≥500/mm(3) in 170 (79%) and ITR ≥0.20 in 139 (64%). One or more of these 3 criteria were met in 204 of the 216 (94%). Results were similar for meningococcemia and meningitis subgroups. All 13 cases with mildest disease met 1 or more of the 3 criteria. Eight children presented with ANCs <1000/mm(3): 3 of them died and a fourth required partial amputation in all 4 limbs. CONCLUSIONS Invasive meningococcal disease is characterized by striking abnormalities in ANC, INC and/or ITR. Neutropenia was associated with a poor prognosis. Notably, without INCs, 37% of cases would have been missed. Automated methods not measuring immature white blood cells should be avoided when assessing febrile children. Serious infection should be considered when counts meet any of the 3 criteria.
Analysis of the epidemiological characteristics of mumps in Liyang City in Jiangsu Province between 2011 and 2013

Objective The study aimed to analyze the epidemiological characteristics of mumps in Liyang City between 2011 and2013 and to develop effective prevention and control strategies against mumps epidemic. Methods Data on mumps epidemic in Liyang was obtained from the Infectious Diseases Reporting Information Management System and Management Information System for Public Health Emergencies and statistically analyzed. Results A total of 277 cases of mumps were reported in Liyang between 2011 and 2013, with an average annual incidence of 11.84/100 000 and the incidence in 2013 significantly higher than that in 2011 and 2012. The majority of the cases were reported in June, July, and November, exhibiting strong regional clustering.Male has higher incidence than female. The highest incidence occurred in the 5-9 age group and among students and preschool children(87.72%). Conclusion Mumps epidemic was active in Liyang in 2013, and varied significantly among different seasons,regions, and populations. Developing key population-targeting health education and timely reinforcing booster immunization with mumps vaccine are critical measures for the prevention and control of mumps epidemic.
Characteristics of antimicrobial overrides associated with automated dispensing machines

The Notes section welcomes the following types of contributions: (I) practical innovations or solutions to everyday practice problems, (2) substantial updates or elaborations on work previously published by the same authors, (3) important confirmations of research findings previously published by others, and (4) short research reports, including practice surveys, of modest scope or interest. Notes should be submitted with AJHP's manuscript checklist. The text should be concise, and the number of references, tables, and figures should be limited.
Sex, steroids, and sleep : A review

The present article reviews direct and indirect evidence of the effects of sex steroids on different aspects of sleep. It begins with a review of what is known about the effects of steroid hormones on sleep and on central nervous system processes related to sleep, such as the GABA-ergic system, in animals. It continues with a review of the effects of exogenous hormones on human sleep and a review of studies comparing sleep during hypogonadal states secondary to surgical or natural menopause. The article proceeds to review the data on the effects of the menstrual cycle on both subjective and objective aspects of sleep and circadian temperature and melatonin rhythms in samples of healthy women, women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and women with primary insomnia. Then, the article reviews gender differences in sleep during depression and raises the possibility that sex steroids moderate these differences. Finally, the article concludes with a discussion of the implications of the data reviewed for basic clinical, and methodological aspects of sleep research.
Laparoscopically assisted extracorporeal neosalpingostomy. A case report.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic neosalpingostomies can be time consuming, costly and technically difficult, resulting in suboptimal results in inexperienced hands. Extracorporeal techniques for pelvic and abdominal organs have already been previously reported in the literature, involving such organs as the appendix, ovary and small bowel. CASE: A 33-year-old white woman, gravida 0, diagnosed with a history of primary infertility, underwent diagnostic laparoscopy/hysteroscopy. Stage IV endometriosis was diagnosed and was accompanied with bilateral tubal occlusion with complete obliteration of the fimbriae bilaterally. Extracorporealization of the fallopian tubes was performed, followed by microsurgical neosalpingostomies. Operative time for both neosalpingostomies was 20 minutes. CONCLUSION: When controlled for tubal mucosa integrity, previous data from one researcher comparing microsurgical laparotomy and laparoscopic neosalpingostomies shows a higher fertility rate with open surgical techniques. This may be explained, in part, by suboptimal repair of the distal tubes by a laparoscopic technique. This extracorporeal technique may aid in shorter surgery and anesthesia times, higher intrauterine pregnancy rates and higher successful surgical completions. Prospective evaluation of multiple patients will be necessary to assess its efficacy. Even if pregnancy rates do not differ, operative time and cost may be significantly reduced.
The Evaluation of a Child or Adolescent with Possible Endocrine Disease

As in all disciplines, the history and physical examination are crucial to determining a course of evaluation. A standard pediatric history and physical examination will serve the evaluator well, but in a few areas, increased attention is required. The type of problem under consideration may change the direction of questioning and evaluation. The following general approach is discussed in more detail in the following chapters regarding specific disorders, but this outline is meant to direct the initial evaluation.
Hyers-Ulam stability of Cubic and Quartic Functional Equations in matrix paranormed spaces

In this paper, we prove the Hyers-Ulam stability of the cubic and quartic functional equations in matrix paranormed spaces.
Epigenetic and Transcriptomic Regulation of Lung Repair during Recovery from Influenza Infection

Seasonal and pandemic influenza is a cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Most people infected with influenza virus display mild-to-moderate disease phenotypes and recover within a few weeks. Influenza is known to cause persistent alveolitis in animal models; however, little is known about the molecular pathways involved in this phenotype. We challenged C57BL/6 mice with influenza A/PR/8/34 and examined lung pathologic processes and inflammation, as well as transcriptomic and epigenetic changes at 21 to 60 days after infection. Influenza induced persistent parenchymal lung inflammation, alveolar epithelial metaplasia, and epithelial endoplasmic reticulum stress that were evident after the clearance of virus and resolution of morbidity. Influenza infection induced robust changes in the lung transcriptome, including a significant impact on inflammatory and extracellular matrix protein expression. Despite the robust changes in lung gene expression, preceding influenza (21 days) did not exacerbate secondary Staphylococcus aureus infection. Finally, we examined the impact of influenza on miRNA expression in the lung and found an increase in miR-155. miR-155 knockout mice recovered from influenza infection faster than controls and had decreased lung inflammation and endoplasmic reticulum stress. These data illuminate the dynamic molecular changes in the lung in the weeks after influenza infection and characterize the repair process, identifying a novel role for miR-155.
Low Level Amplification (Duplication) of 1q21 in Myeloma and Prognosis; the Role of CKS1B.

Introduction: Molecular cytogenetic studies have revealed that, to a great extent, the heterogeneity of myeloma is largely dictated by the underlying genetic and cytogenetic aberrations present in the clonal plasma cells. Most recently the group from the University of Arkansas identified strong prognostic associations with an increased level of gene expression of a cell cycle associated gene, CKS1B. CKS1B favors cell cycle progression by promoting degradation of p27 with release of the cyclin dependent kinases and entry into mitosis. Patients and methods: To further test this hypothesis we studied: a) via FISH for CKS1B amplification in a cohort of patients treated at the Mayo Clinic with high dose chemotherapy and stem cell support, as well as a group of patients with cytogenetically defined hypodiploidy, and b) a cohort of myeloma patients that were studied by gene expression profiling. Gene expression analysis was performed on CD138-enriched plasma-cell RNA using Affymetrix U133A chips (Affymetrix, Santa Clara, CA). Results: Of 159 patients studied 46 exhibited FISH abnormalities consistent with increase number of signals for CKS1B (30%): amplification was marginal or low in 44 cases, and in only two cases the ratio between CKS1B and control probe was greater than 2.0. Therefore, the predominant pattern is one of gene duplication rather than amplification where gene copy usually exceeds 10 and ratio with control probe exceeds 5 (e.g. HER-2/neu amplification). Patients with CKS1B duplication had a higher prevalence of chromosome 13 deletion (72%), and t(4;14) (29%). The presence of CKS1B duplication was more frequent (53%) among 19 patients with hypodiploidy. Using gene expression data for CKS1B, we found a positive association with t(14;16)(q32;q23). The level of CKS1B gene expression positively correlated with the PCLI (p Discussion: In this study we show that increase copy number of CKS1B is present in one third of patients with MM (majority of these being gene duplication) and seem to be associated with a shorter overall survival, but the net effect of this is rather weak in our series. Further study is needed to understand its potential role as a progression factor in the plasma cell neoplasms.
Near‐Infrared Electrochemiluminescence from Au Nanoclusters Enhanced by EDTA and Modulated by Ions

Near-infrared electrochemiluminescence (ECL) from Au-thiolate nanoclusters is activated by electrode reactions and enhanced by ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA). The enhancement effect is higher at pH 7.4 than at more basic or acidic pHs. Magnesium ions are found to modulate the ECL signals through complexation with EDTA and the interaction with the Au nanoclusters. The chemical system and the signal modulation mechanism are believed to be generalizable and advantageous for future sensing and analysis applications with the following merits: 1) Ambient ECL without oxygen removal, 2) high enhancement at physiological pH values, 3) in the near-IR spectrum window with low interference, 4) rich and tunable redox activity of the Au nanoclusters, and 5) EDTA representing other ionophores or chelaters as versatile coreactants.
Regulation of δ Opioid Receptor-Mediated Signaling and Antinociception in Peripheral Sensory Neurons by Arachidonic Acid–Dependent 12/15-Lipoxygenase Metabolites

The function of δ opioid receptors (DOR) expressed by peripheral pain-sensing neurons (nociceptors) is regulated by both cyclooxygenase- and lipoxygenase (LOX)-dependent arachidonic acid (AA) metabolites. Whereas cyclooxygenase metabolites enhance responsiveness, LOX metabolites elicit a refractory, nonsignaling state of the DOR receptor system for antinociceptive signaling. In this study, using high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analyses, we have found that the 12-/15-LOX metabolites, 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (HETE) and 15-HETE, were elevated after treatment of adult rat primary sensory neuron cultures with AA. Exogenously applied 12-HETE and 15-HETE, but not 5-HETE, completely prevented DOR and κ opioid receptor (KOR) agonist–mediated inhibition of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2)-stimulated cAMP accumulation, but not inhibition, by the 5-HT1 receptor agonist 5-carboxamidotryptamine in cultured peripheral sensory neurons and in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells heterologously expressing DOR or KOR. Similarly, intraplantar injection of 12- or 15-HETE, either alone or in combination, prevented DOR agonist-mediated inhibition of PGE2-evoked thermal allodynia. Further, both AA- and carrageenan-mediated induction of the nonresponsive state of the DOR system was blocked by an intraplantar coinjection of the 12-/15-LOX inhibitors baicalein and luteolin. In contrast to the regulation of cAMP signaling, pretreatment with 12- and 15-HETE had no effect on either DOR or KOR agonist- mediated activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase in peripheral sensory neurons or CHO cells. These results suggest that the analgesic efficacy of peripherally restricted opioids for treatment of inflammatory pain may be enhanced by adjunct inhibition of LOX activity.
Variation in the Genus Orthaulax (Mollusca: Gastropoda)

A study of approximately 750 specimens of Orthaulax gabbi Dall, from the Chipola Formation of northwestern Florida, reveals a high degree of variation in the spire height, spire angle, and nature of the cross-sectional outline of the shell. As these characteristics are the criteria upon which new species have been distinguished in the past it is probable that several of the existing taxa, if adequately known, would be found to be synonyms. The eleven described species of Orthaulax are listed with their stratigraphic occurrence. In addition, O. gabbi is discussed in greater detail and the color pattern of the species is figured.
Predictability, variability and operational feasibility aspect of CDA

The current research focuses on predictability, variability and operational feasibility aspect of Continuous Descent Arrival/Approach (CDA), which is among the key concepts of the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen). The idle-thrust CDA is a fuel economical, noise and emission abatement procedure, but requires increased separation to accommodate for variability and uncertainties in vertical and speed profiles of arriving aircraft. Although a considerable amount of researches have been devoted to the estimation of potential benefits of the CDA, only few have attempted to explain the predictability, variability and operational feasibility aspect of CDA. The analytical equations derived using flight dynamics and Base of Aircraft Data (BADA) Total Energy Model (TEM) in this research gives insight into dependency of vertical profile of CDA on various factors like wind speed and gradient, weight, aircraft type and configuration, thrust settings, atmospheric factors (deviation from ISA (DISA), pressure and density of air) and descent speed profile. Application of the derived equations to idle-thrust CDA gives an insight into sensitivity of its vertical profile to multiple factors. This suggests fixed geometric flight path angle (FPA) CDA has a higher degree of predictability and lesser variability at the cost of non-idle and low thrust engine settings. However, with optimized design this impact can be overall minimized. The CDA simulations were performed using Future ATM Concept Evaluation Tool (FACET) based on radar-track and aircraft type data of the real air-traffic to some of the busiest airports in the USA (ATL, SFO and New York Metroplex (JFK and EWR)). The statistical analysis of the vertical profiles of CDA shows 1) mean geometric FPAs derived from various simulated vertical profiles are consistently shallower than 3° glideslope angle and 2) high level of variability in vertical profiles of idle-thrust CDA even in absence of uncertainties in external factors. The present investigation also suggests that prediction and guidance of fixed FPA descent trajectory by the performance based Flight Management System (FMS) would help in reduction of unpredictability and variability associated with vertical profile of aircraft guided by the FMS coupled with auto-pilot (AP) and auto-throttle (AT). The statistical analysis of the vertical profiles of CDA also suggests that for procedure design; ‘AT or above’, ‘AT or below’ and ‘Window’ type altitude constraints and FPA constraints are more realistic and useful compared to obsolete ‘AT’ type altitude constraint because of variability in vertical profiles.
Naval Supply Systems Command: Leading Change (a)

The effects of a declining resource environment were evident in the challenges facing the Commander of Naval Supply Systems Command in maintaining the readiness of Pacific Fleet forces. His superiors were calling for a significant transformation in the Navy's business practices to overcome what was then projected as a $10 billion annual shortfall in the amount needed to recapitalize the fleet. But returning readiness levels to acceptable levels, while programming for procurement of future forces and capabilities, was an increasingly difficult balancing act. He needed to find an additional source of funds to “balance the books.” Excerpt UVA-S-0148 Rev. Nov. 30, 2010 Naval Supply Systems Command: LEADING CHANGE (A) Rear Admiral J. Dan McCarthy gazed out his office window at Pacific Fleet headquarters, contemplating the message in his hands—orders to report as Commander, Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) and 42nd Chief of Supply Corps. McCarthy was in his 32nd year of commissioned service since completing Officer Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island. As a Supply Corps Officer, both his sea and shore assignments had provided him with extensive leadership, logistics, and financial management experience. His logistics assignments had included positions in transportation, warehousing, material-handling operations, inventory management, and operational logistics. He was now in his third year as Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics, Fleet Supply, and Ordnance, U.S. Pacific Fleet. McCarthy was intimately aware of the significant fiscal challenges facing the Navy in 2001 and that NAVSUP would be expected to contribute to finding solutions to those challenges during his three-year assignment as Commander. He thought Admiral Vern Clark, soon to become Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) was right in calling for a significant transformation in the Navy's business practices to overcome what was then projected as a $ 10 billion annual shortfall in the amount needed to recapitalize the fleet. Clark was focused on the need for improved business practices throughout the Navy enterprise as a mechanism to generate the resources required to both recapitalize the fleet and provide the war-fighting capabilities to deal with the emerging threat of global terrorism. Clark had made it clear that getting the requirements right was the first step and generating the improved effectiveness and efficiency to help finance that requirement was equally important to deliver the Navy of the future. Department of Defense (DoD) Supply Chain . . .