cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A population-based treat-to-target pharmacoeconomic analysis of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors in hypercholesterolemia

Abstract The 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors have become the drugs of choice for the treatment of patients with hypercholesterolemia. However, one of the major concerns with these drugs is cost. In an attempt to develop a cost-effective treatment strategy for patients referred to our lipid clinic, we conducted a meta-analysis to estimate the lipid-lowering efficacy of the various HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors alone or in combination with niacin or cholestyramine. Based on cholesterollowering efficacy estimates derived from a literature-based meta-analysis, we performed a population-based treat-to-target analysis. Fifty-six trials with 101 monotherapy cohorts and 20 trials with 31 combination-therapy cohorts (573 patients) were included in the meta-analysis. Based on reduction in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), the most effective monotherapy was atorvastatin and the least effective monotherapy was fluvastatin. Combination therapy was more effective in reducing LDL-C than monotherapy with the respective HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor. However, on the basis of dollars spent per percentage of LDL-C reduction, combination therapy was frequently less cost-effective than monotherapy. In addition, combination therapy was associated with a higher rate of noncompliance and a greater risk of drug-drug interactions. As a result, we based our treat-to-target analysis on the use of monotherapy as first-line treatment, with combination therapy reserved for patients failing to achieve the target LDL-C levels of the US National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel II (NCEP ATP-II) with monotherapy. In the population-based treat-to-target analysis, atorvastatin was the most cost-effective drug for high-risk patients (those with coronary heart disease [CHD]), whereas fluvastatin was the most cost-effective agent for low-risk patients (
Importance of the diffuse sky radiation in evaluation of the performance of a solar cell

Abstract Representative results of the numerical simulation of responses (viz. photocurrent and optimum power output as well as efficiency) of the conventional and violet Si cells and of the Ga1−xAlxAsGaAs and GaAs cells are presented as a function of the solar zenith angle for seven different models of the terrestrial atmosphere. The atmospheric models used vary from an aerosol-free and cloud-free model with gaseous absorption to several models with moderately thick stratus cloud layer and high concentrations of aerosols. This study, restricted to horizontally situated solar cells, illustrates the manner in which characteristics are significantly affected by position of the sun, turbidity and cloudiness of the atmosphere, as well as reflectivity of the underlying surface.
Modeling global and focal hyperarticulation during human–computer error resolution

When resolving errors with interactive systems, people sometimes hyperarticulate—or adopt a clarified style of speech that has been associated with increased recognition errors. The primary goals of the present study were: (1) to provide a comprehensive analysis of acoustic, prosodic, and phonological adaptations to speech during human–computer error resolution after different types of recognition error; and (2) to examine changes in speech during both global and focal utterance repairs. A semi-automatic simulation method with a novel error-generation capability was used to compare speech immediately before and after system recognition errors. Matched original-repeat utterance pairs then were analyzed for type and magnitude of linguistic adaptation during global and focal repairs. Results indicated that the primary hyperarticulate changes in speech following all error types were durational, with increases in number and length of pauses most noteworthy. Speech also was adapted toward a more deliberate and hyperclear articulatory style. During focal error repairs, large durational effects functioned together with pitch and amplitude to provide selective prominence marking of the repair region. These results corroborate and generalize the computer-elicited hyperarticulate adaptation model (CHAM). Implications are discussed for improved error handling in next-generation spoken language and multimodal systems.
Diesel Exhaust Particles Induce Cysteine Oxidation and S-Glutathionylation in House Dust Mite Induced Murine Asthma

Background Diesel exhaust particle (DEP) exposure enhances allergic inflammation and has been linked to the incidence of asthma. Oxidative stress on the thiol molecules cysteine (Cys) and glutathione (GSH) can promote inflammatory host responses. The effect of DEP on the thiol oxidation/reduction (redox) state in the asthmatic lung is unknown.
Soman-induced morphological changes: An overview in the non-human primate

A review of the literature was conducted to provide an overview of organophosphorus (OP)-induced morphological changes in the non-human primate. Most studies have evaluated effects of the OP nerve agent soman (pinacolyl methylphosphonofluoridate), an irreversible inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase. Soman-induced acute and chronic morphological changes have been examined. The effects of nerve agent therapy (i.e. pyridostigmine, praloxidime chloride and atropine), with and without an anticonvulsant (i.e. diazepam, midazolam), on soman-induced lesions have also been studied. Acute changes in the central nervous system of rhesus and cynomolgus monkeys exposed to soman alone or soman and therapy, without an anticonvulsant, were characterized by neuronal degeneration and necrosis and neuropil edema. The lesions were usually present in the frontal cortex, entorhinal cortex, amygdaloid complex, caudate nucleus, thalamus and hippocampus. Morphologically, these lesions resemble lesions produced by hypoxic-ischemic injury or by seizures and are similar to soman-induced changes in other laboratory animals. Nerve agent therapy supplemented with an anticonvulsant reduced or prevented soman-induced acute neural lesions. Acute changes in non-neural tissues were limited to the heart (e.g. hemorrhage, myofiber necrosis, myocarditis) and skeletal muscle (e.g. myofiber necrosis). Heart lesions in the non-human primate are similar to OP-induced heart lesions in man. The pathogenesis of the acute lesions in both the central nervous system and heart is discussed. Consistent soman-induced chronic morphological changes have not been produced in the rhesus monkey or baboon.
An approach to quantify depth-resolved marine photochemical fluxes using remote sensing: Application to carbon monoxide (CO) photoproduction

Abstract This paper presents a model to calculate depth-resolved marine photochemical fluxes from remotely sensed ocean color and modeled solar irradiance. The basic approach uses three components: 1) below-sea-surface spectral downward scalar irradiance calculated from a radiative transfer model (STAR) and corrected for clouds using TOMS UV reflectivities; 2) surface-ocean spectral diffuse attenuation coefficients and absorption coefficients for chromophoric dissolved organic matter retrieved from SeaWiFS ocean color using the Sea UV /SeaUVc algorithms; and (3) spectral apparent quantum yield for the photochemical reaction considered. The output of the model is a photochemical rate profile, Ψ PR ( z ), where z represents depth. We implemented the model for carbon monoxide (CO) photochemistry using an average apparent quantum yield spectrum and generated a monthly climatology of depth-resolved CO photoproduction rates in the global ocean. The climatology was used to compute global budgets and investigate the spatial and seasonal variabilities of CO photoproduction in the ocean. The model predicts a global CO photoproduction rate of about 41 TgC yr − 1 , in good agreement with other recent published estimates ranging from 30 to 84 TgC yr − 1 . The fate of photochemically derived CO and its role in global biogeochemical cycles remains uncertain however, with biological consumption and sea–air exchange competing for its removal in the surface ocean. Knowledge of the vertical distribution of CO photoproduction is critical in the quantification of the relative magnitudes of these sink mechanisms. The depth-resolution capabilities of this model, together with US Naval Research Laboratory climatology for mixed layer depths allowed further estimation that > 95% of the total water-column CO photoproduction occurs within the mixed layer on a global, yearly basis. Despite this compelling figure, the model also suggests significant spatio-temporal variability in the vertical distribution of CO photoproduction in the subtropical gyres, where up to 40% of water-column CO can be produced below the mixed layer during summertime. While the approach can be applied to other photochemical fluxes (e.g. DIC formation or DMS removal), accurate quantification of such processes with remote sensing will be limited until the mechanisms regulating observed oceanic variability in the apparent quantum yields are better understood. Minor modification to this model can also make it applicable for the determination of the effects of UV and visible solar radiation on sensitive biological systems.
Tissue Plasminogen Activator Induction in Purkinje Neurons After Cerebellar Motor Learning

The cerebellar cortex is implicated in the learning of complex motor skills. This learning may require synaptic remodeling of Purkinje cell inputs. An extracellular serine protease, tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), is involved in remodeling various nonneural tissues and is associated with developing and regenerating neurons. In situ hybridization showed that expression of tPA messenger RNA was increased in the Purkinje neurons of rats within an hour of their being trained for a complex motor task. Antibody to tPA also showed the induction of tPA protein associated with cerebellar Purkinje cells. Thus, the induction of tPA during motor learning may play a role in activity-dependent synaptic plasticity.
Targeted gene disruption in the development of mouse models to elucidate the role of receptor guanylyl cyclase signaling pathways in physiological function.

The physiological role of receptor guanylyl cyclases (GCs), which transduce a signal via the generation of intracellular cyclic GMP, has been somewhat speculative since there are few specific inhibitors that discriminate among various receptor isoforms. Although the natriuretic peptide receptors have been thought to regulate cardiovascular and renal function, the exact contribution of the receptor subtypes has not been clarified. The normal role of the heat-stable enterotoxin receptor guanylyl cyclase remains undefined, and several orphan members of the family await the identification of ligands as well as function. Targeted gene disruption, familiarly known as gene knockout, has emerged during the past decade as a powerful technique for probing the function of gene products, and has been used to develop animal models of inherited human diseases. We are just beginning to apply gene targeting technology to the guanylyl cyclase receptor family. Reviewed here is the information gained to date from the targeted disruption of several members of the guanylyl cyclase receptor family, their ligands, or effector molecules.
Laminar flame speeds of C5 to C8 n-alkanes at elevated pressures: Experimental determination, fuel similarity, and stretch sensitivity

Abstract Experimental data of high fidelity on the laminar flame speeds and Markstein lengths of C5–C8 n-alkane mixtures with air at elevated pressures were determined from the propagation velocities of spark-ignited, expanding flames in a newly-designed heated, high- and constant-pressure chamber, using nonlinear extrapolation. Results show that the laminar flame speeds of these fuels are basically similar, hence extending previous observations of the fuel similarity to the high-pressure range of 10–20 atm. A companion analysis of the computed flame structure reveals comparable similarity for the thermal properties as well as the key intermediates and reactions, thereby supporting the observed global flame speed similarity. The study further shows that the influence of stretch diminishes with increasing pressure because of the concomitant reduction of the flame thickness, implying not only reduced error in the determination of laminar flame speeds from stretched flames at elevated pressures, but also substantial simplification in the modeling of turbulent flames because of the diminished importance of stretch.
Impact of international normalized ratio and activated clotting time on unfractionated heparin dosing during ablation of atrial fibrillation.

Background— For ablation of atrial fibrillation, it is unclear how baseline international normalized ratio (INR) affects the dosing of unfractionated heparin (UFH). Methods and Results— A retrospective review of 170 consecutive patients undergoing atrial fibrillation ablation with baseline activated clotting time (ACT) and INR values was performed. Patients were grouped according to INR <2.0 (G<2; n=129) and INR ≥2.0 (G≥2; n=41). Clinical variables, UFH doses, and ACT values were recorded. An equation was derived to calculate the first bolus of UFH required to achieve an ACT ≥300 seconds, and this was subsequently assessed in 168 patients. For the initial 170 patients, the baseline INR (2.47±0.31 versus 1.53±0.31) and ACT (185±26 versus 153±30 seconds) were significantly greater in G≥2 ( P <0.001). The amount of UFH to achieve the first ACT ≥300 seconds was significantly higher for G<2 versus G≥2 (9701±2390 versus 8268±2366 U; P =0.0001). Baseline INR, ACT, and weight were predictors of the UFH dosage to achieve an ACT ≥300 seconds. An equation derived to achieve an ACT ≥300 seconds after a single bolus of UFH met this end point in 160 of 168 patients (95%). Conclusions— Baseline INR and ACT, in addition to weight, are the only predictors of UFH dosage needed to achieve an ACT ≥300 seconds. A derived equation predicted the UFH dosage to achieve an ACT ≥300 seconds.
Plan-based manufacturability analysis and generation of shape-changing redesign suggestions

In this paper we describe Design Advisor, a plan-based tool for generating cost-reducing design suggestions. In general, there are many tools that will provide design evaluations, but few that will provide specific design suggestions as to how to improve a design. Design Advisor takes a feature-based artifact description and provides specific suggestions on how to change the shape of those features so as to reduce the overall manufacturing cost of the artifact. It does so by generating a manufacturing plan and analyzing what changes in the design will result in fewer manufacturing steps. In doing so, Design Advisor creates a link between the artifact design and complex manufacturing cost factors. An additional difficulty with suggestion generators is that they may generate many unreasonable design suggestions. By unreasonbale, we mean that they may produce design suggestions that reduce cost, but do so by eliminating or modifying the design in ways that compromise its function. Design Advisor addresses this problem using both functional and cost information to prune design suggestions. Without this pruning, an overwhelming number of design suggestions could be generated. This method can aid designers by providing them with manufacturability information early in the design cycle. This enables them to rapidly pinpoint the parts of the design that contribute most to cost. The result is shorter design cycle times and higher-quality, lower-cost product designs.
Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for acute thoracic trauma

Background: Operative intervention for thoracic trauma typically requires thoracotomy. We hypothesized that thoracoscopy may be safely and effectively utilized for the acute management of thoracic injuries. Materials and Methods: The Trauma Registry of a Level I trauma center was queried from 1999 through 2010 for all video-assisted thoracic procedures within 24 h of admission. Data collected included initial vital signs, operative indication, intraoperative course, and postoperative outcome. Results: Twenty-three patients met inclusion criteria: 3 (13%) following blunt injury and 20 (87%) after penetrating trauma. Indications for urgent thoracoscopy included diaphragmatic/esophageal injury, retained hemothorax, ongoing hemorrhage, and open/persistent pneumothorax. No conversions to thoracotomy were required and no patient required re-operation. Mean postoperative chest tube duration was 2.9 days and mean length of stay was 5.6 days. Conclusion: Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery is safe and effective for managing thoracic trauma in hemodynamically stable patients within the first 24 h post-injury.
640 VIRAL INDUCED HISTIOCYTIC MEDULLARY RETICULOSIS

Histiocytic Medullary Reticulosis (HMR) is characterized by fever, hepatosplenomegaly, pancytopenia and bone marrow histiocytic infiltration with erythrophagocytosis. The etiology is uncertain and the outcome is usually fatal despite treatment with chemotherapy. We have studied two patients with apparent viral induced HMR with extensive bone marrow involvement, erythrophagocytosis, granulocytic arrest and pancytopenia. An 18 month old boy with HMR had an adenovirus titer of 1:1024 and a 17 year old male had elevated Epstein-Barr virus titers (IgG=1:320; IgM=1:2560). These patients had severe coagulopathies with thrombocytopenia (<50,000 cmm), prolonged hypofibrinogemia (<0.10 gm/DL) and elevated fibrin split products. Both patients had liver abnormalities with hyperbilirubinemia and elevations in hepatocellular [SGOT=1764 and 125 IU/L (N<27)] and hepatocanalicular [γ GT=333 and 203 IU/L (N<25)] enzymes. Lymphocyte response as tested by phytohemagglutinin and poke weed mitogen was depressed. T and B cells and serum immunoglobulins were normal except for an IgE level of 4790 IU/ml (N<444) in the first patient. Both patients had repeated episodes of lessening severity over several months. Improvement in clinical status was accompanied by a return to normal of all laboratory studies. These patients emphasize that severe viral infection can cause HMR and that a viral etiology must be excluded in patients with HMR prior to consideration of cytotoxic chemotherapy.
Primary leiomyosarcoma of the kidney: a clinicopathologic study of 27 cases.

Primary leiomyosarcoma of the kidney is a rare entity that has not been well characterized. We retrieved 27 cases of primary renal leiomyosarcomas diagnosed at 3 institutions between 1986 and 2009. Mean patient age at diagnosis was 58.5 years (range 22 to 85), and 59% were female. Mean tumor size wa
Survival and Reproduction of Myxobolus cerebralis- Resistant Rainbow Trout Introduced to the Colorado River and Increased Resistance of Age-0 Progeny

Myxobolus cerebralis caused severe declines in rainbow trout populations across Colorado following its introduction in the 1980s. One promising approach for the recovery of Colorado’s rainbow trout populations has been the production of rainbow trout that are genetically resistant to the parasite. We introduced one of these resistant crosses, known as the GR6CRR (cross between the German Rainbow [GR] and Colorado River Rainbow [CRR] trout strains), to the upper Colorado River. The abundance, survival, and growth of the stocked GR6CRR population was examined to determine if GR6CRRs had contributed offspring to the age-0 population, and determine whether these offspring displayed increased resistance and survival characteristics compared to their wild CRR counterparts. Apparent survival of the introduced GR6CRR over the entire study period was estimated to be 0.007 (60.001). Despite low survival of the GR6CRRs, age-0 progeny of the GR6CRR were encountered in years 2008 through 2011. Genetic assignments revealed a shift in the genetic composition of the rainbow trout fry population over time, with CRR fish comprising the entirety of the fry population in 2007, and GR-cross fish comprising nearly 80% of the fry population in 2011. A decrease in average infection severity (myxospores fish 21 ) was observed concurrent with the shift in the genetic composition of the rainbow trout fry population, decreasing from an average of 47,708 (68,950) myxospores fish 21 in 2009 to 2,672 (64,379) myxospores fish 21 in 2011. Results from this experiment suggest that the GR6CRR can survive and reproduce in rivers with a high prevalence of M. cerebralis. In addition, reduced myxospore burdens in age-0 fish indicated that stocking this cross may ultimately lead to an overall reduction in infection prevalence and severity in the salmonid populations of the upper Colorado River.
Stress Physiology of Forest Trees: The Role of Plant Growth Regulators

Abiotic and biotic stresses elicit changes in normal physiology of trees. Plant growth regulators (PGR) are involved in the stress response and appear to have two roles: 1) to minimize the impact of the stress on the tree and; 2) to trigger stress resistance mechanisms. In the latter case the PGR-induced changes appear to enhance resistance to subsequent stress. This cross-adaptation to stress is important in trees.
Learning Control of Non-Linear Power Transmission Mechanisms - The Electronic Flywheel

To reduce velocity variation due to nonlinear dynamic effect in mechanisms, passive devices such as the mechanical flywheel is usually used. The velocity variation can also be suppressed by precise control of the power source. In this paper, a learning control algorithm is developed for velocity control of non-linear power transmission mechanisms. The algorithm is separated into two versions. In the first version, the reference velocity is designed such that at steady state, the nonlinear dynamic effect is periodic in time. In such case, only one functional has to be learned to control the velocity. The second version of the controller extends the first one to deal with the reference velocity which results in an aperiodic dynamic effect at steady state.
Historical Fish Assemblage Flux in the Cheyenne River below Angostura Dam

ABSTRACT Dams on rivers alter hydrology and geomorphology downstream, which often affect fish assemblage composition. Such was the case on the Upper Cheyenne River below Angostura Dam. Fish species composition varied dramatically among sampling periods, including pre-dam (1892 to 1893), immediate post-dam (1949 to 1952), and recent (post-1995) collections. Of 25 fish species that were collected, only the white sucker (Catostomus commersonii) was present in all sampling periods. Quantitative comparisons of recent samples (1996 to 1997 versus 2004) indicated 41% faunal turnover between 1997 and 2004 (seven species missing, two species gained). However, the most remarkable change from 1997 to 2004 was the increased dominance of red shiner (Cyprinella lutrensis lutrensis; from 6 to 22%) and smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu; from 3 to 18%), and disappearance of flathead chub (Platygobio gracilis; from 28 to 0%). A mix of historic inhabitants, invasive native species, and invasive nonnative species dominat...
Heme oxygenase activity as measured by carbon monoxide production

A method is described for the in vitro determination of heme oxygenase (HO) activity in animal tissue preparations through determination of carbon monoxide production. Tissue homogenates were centrifuged and the 13,000g supernatants were incubated in septum-sealed vials with methemalbumin in the presence and absence of NADPH at 37 degrees C for 15 min. The reaction was terminated by quick-freezing to -78 degrees C and the amount of carbon monoxide released into the headspace was determined by gas chromatography with a reduction gas detector. The CO produced through mediation of NADPH is used as a measure of HO activity and is expressed as nanomoles of CO produced per hour per milligram protein. The method permits analysis of as little as 2 microliter normal rat tissue homogenate representing 0.4 mg liver tissue (approx 40 micrograms total protein). The assay rate is 10-15 duplicate samples per hour with a precision of 3% for sample (4.47 +/- 0.13 SD nmol CO/h/mg protein) and 6% for blank reactions (0.59 +/- 0.10 nmol CO/h/mg protein) for 10 microliter liver supernatant. Various reaction parameters were studied. The method was used to compare HO activity in several tissue homogenates from normal rats and rats treated with COCl2.
The modified adaptive Hough transform (MAHT)

A fast and robust algorithm for extracting line segments from an image through use of the Hough Transform is presented. The framework for our algorithm comes from the work of Illingworth and Kittler. We have extended their Adaptive Hough Transform algorithm to handle lines of arbitrary slope, multiple lines, and lines in very low signal to noise environments. We present our Modified Adaptive Hough Transform along with experimental results obtained with data from a tactile sensor.
Alcoholism: The quest for transcendence and meaning

A vigorous and long standing argument continues in an effort to define the etiology of alcoholism and prescribe its treatment. Each sideaadvances its cause by challenging the other's efficacy. However, none of the prevalling responses to alcoholism is very effective. Fighting on the ideological battlefield of western science results in a sterile understanding of alcoholism and provides social workers little information to help them understand the experience of alcoholism and the complexities of recovery. The experience of alcoholism is profound. More than a bad habit or a disease, alcoholism is an attempt to give life meaning, to assuage existential dilemmas. Effective recovery from alcoholism occurs when clients learn to disengage from their relationship with alcohol and give their lives a new sense of meaning. Sources of knowledge outside empirical science offer important principles to help workers facilitate recovery.
Memory for logical quantifiers

Two experiments are reported on memory for sentences involving the categorical quantifiers all, some, some not , and no . Three models are considered for quantifier memory: abstract propositional, verbal string, and abstract analog. The first experiment looked at subjects' ability to recognize studied sentences when these study sentences are mixed with distractors that vary in quantifier, underlying relationship, and word order. This experiment produced evidence that quantifier memory depends on both propositional and verbal-string information but not analog information. The second experiment looked at speed to judge quantified statements as true or false on the basis of previously memorized statements. The analog hypothesis predicted that subjects should be fastest to accept some statements having studied all and to accept some not statements having studied no . In contrast, it was found that subjects were fastest when study and test quantifiers matched. The experiments also indicated that these quantifiers are ordered in complexity of representation: all
Two-dimensional block copolymer photonic crystals

Abstract A high molecular weight polystyrene-block-polyisoprene copolymer was synthesized by anionic polymerization of styrene and isoprene monomers. Polystyrene cylindrical domains in a hexagonal lattice with relatively large periodicity and controlled orientation have been produced through roll casting of the polystyrene-block-polyisoprene copolymer with a total molecular weight of 1.0×106 g/mol. The large periodicity and effective processing lead to reflectivity of about 70% in the visible regime, and generate a two-dimensional photonic crystal with a partial band gap.
Remote Measurement of Heat Flux from Power Plant Cooling Lakes

AbstractLaboratory experiments have demonstrated a correlation between the rate of heat loss q″ from an experimental fluid to the air above and the standard deviation σ of the thermal variability in images of the fluid surface. These experimental results imply that q″ can be derived directly from thermal imagery by computing σ. This paper analyses thermal imagery collected over two power plant cooling lakes to determine if the same relationship exists. Turbulent boundary layer theory predicts a linear relationship between q″ and σ when both forced (wind driven) and free (buoyancy driven) convection are present. Datasets derived from ground- and helicopter-based imagery collections had correlation coefficients between σ and q″ of 0.45 and 0.76, respectively. Values of q″ computed from a function of σ and friction velocity u* derived from turbulent boundary layer theory had higher correlations with measured values of q″ (0.84 and 0.89). This research may be applicable to the problem of calculating losses of...
Advancing the science of symptom management.

Advancing the science of symptom management Abstract. Since the publication of the original Symptom Management Model (Larson et al. 1994), faculty and students at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Nursing Centre for System Management have tested this model in research studies and expanded the model through collegial discussions and seminars. Aim. In this paper, we describe the evidence-based revised conceptual model, the three dimensions of the model, and the areas where further research is needed. Background/Rationale. The experience of symptoms, minor to severe, prompts millions of patients to visit their healthcare providers each year. Symptoms not only create distress, but also disrupt social functioning. The management of symptoms and their resulting outcomes often become the responsibility of the patient and his or her family members. Healthcare providers have difficulty developing symptom management strategies that can be applied across acute and home-care settings because few models of symptom management have been tested empirically. To date, the majority of research on symptoms was directed toward studying a single symptom, such as pain or fatigue, or toward evaluating associated symptoms, such as depression and sleep disturbance. While this approach has advanced our understanding of some symptoms, we offer a generic symptom management model to provide direction for selecting clinical interventions, informing research, and bridging an array of symptoms associated with a variety of diseases and conditions. Finally, a broadly-based symptom management model allows the integration of science from other fields.
The Plantar Plate of the Lesser Toes: An Anatomical Study in Human Cadavers

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the anatomic structure and biochemical composition of the plantar plate of the lesser toes. Fresh frozen-human cadaveric feet were used to study 20 metatarsophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal plantar plates. The observations of foot dissections were compared with the finger volar plate.The plantar plate of the toe is a rectangular structure with a stout distal insertion and relatively flimsy proximal origin. The anatomic relationships to adjacent structures and composition are similar between the volar plates of the fingers and plantar plates of the toes. The plantar plate is known to experience extension forces that the volar plate does not experience. The weightbearing nature of the foot and forces imposed by toe-off may create chronic hyperextension of the metatarsophalangeal joint and predispose the plantar plate to attenuation or rupture, thus leading to instability of the metatarsophalangeal joint. These findings may explain in part the clinical conditi...
Mechanism of homogeneous Ir(III) catalyzed regioselective arylation of olefins.

The mechanism of hydroarylation of olefins by a homogeneous Ph-Ir(acac)_2(L) catalyst is elucidated by first principles quantum mechanical methods (DFT), with particular emphasis on activation of the catalyst, catalytic cycle, and interpretation of experimental observations. On the basis of this mechanism, we suggest new catalysts expected to have improved activity. Initiation of the catalyst from the inert trans-form into the active cis-form occurs through a dissociative pathway with a calculated ΔH(0 K)^⧧ = 35.1 kcal/mol and ΔG(298 K)^⧧ = 26.1 kcal/mol. The catalytic cycle features two key steps, 1,2-olefin insertion and C−H activation via a novel mechanism, oxidative hydrogen migration. The olefin insertion is found to be rate determining, with a calculated ΔH(0 K)^⧧ = 27.0 kcal/mol and ΔG(298 K)^⧧ = 29.3 kcal/mol. The activation energy increases with increased electron density on the coordinating olefin, as well as increased electron-donating character in the ligand system. The regioselectivity is shown to depend on the electronic and steric characteristics of the olefin, with steric bulk and electron withdrawing character favoring linear product formation. Activation of the C−H bond occurs in a concerted fashion through a novel transition structure best described as an oxidative hydrogen migration. The character of the transition structure is seven coordinate Ir^V, with a full bond formed between the migrating hydrogen and iridium. Several experimental observations are investigated and explained: (a) The nature of L influences the rate of the reaction through a ground-state effect. (b) The lack of β-hydride products is due to kinetic factors, although β-hydride elimination is calculated to be facile, all further reactions are kinetically inaccessible. (c) Inhibition by excess olefin is caused by competitive binding of olefin and aryl starting materials during the catalytic cycle in a statistical fashion. On the basis of this insertion-oxidative hydrogen transfer mechanism we suggest that electron-withdrawing substituents on the acac ligands, such as trifluoromethyl groups, are good modifications for catalysts with higher activity.
Genetic and Histochemical Studies on Mouse Spleen Black Spots

IN the course of immunological experiments involving the C57BL/Ka and C57BL/6 Jax strains of mice, black spots were noted on the spleens of some mice. These spots were usually found in the posterolateral aspect of the spleens, although a few cases were noted in which the spot was in the anterior portion of the spleen. Histological sections of these spots were characterized by a diffuse scattering of pigmented cells, involving primarily the red pulp of the affected portion of the spleen. These spots occur in a number of (C57BL/Ka × Balb/C)F1 hybrids, but not in Balb/c mice. They are present in affected strains in similar frequency from birth onwards. In order to test whether the appearance of this phenomenon is genetic, and perhaps indicative of some residual heterozygosity in our colony, we carried out laparotomies on a number of hybrid mice, then set up the following mating pairs: black spot × black spot, black spot × normal, normal by normal. The results are shown in Table 1.
Pricing and recovery planning for demanufacturing operations with multiple used products and multiple reusable components

In this study, we consider a pricing and recovery planning problem encountered in demanufacturing where multiple types of reusable components can be recovered from multiple used product quality groups. The problem is to maximize the net profit of the demanufacturer by characterizing the optimal acquisition prices of the used products and selling prices along with recovery quantities of the reusable components. To address this problem, we develop a mathematical model and analyze the structural properties of an optimal solution to this model. We propose a solution algorithm that exploits these structural properties. Results from a comprehensive computational study shows that the proposed algorithm is very efficient and can be used in practice to address the large-sized instances of the problem. We also present a polynomial time algorithm for a special case of the problem of interest where there is a single used product quality group.
Modeling and robust optimization of an interconnected lake-aquifer system

This study develops a robust modeling and stabilization framework for an interconnected lake-aquifer system in the field of hydrology. The conventional lake-aquifer dynamics are transformed into a multi-input multioutput linear time-invariant model with a bounded uncertainty. The robust performance of the system is obtained through an H-infinity controller to address a bounded model uncertainty, satisfactory reference input tracking and disturbance rejection behaviour, and maximum profitability of the water extraction process. The robust optimization design results demonstrate that the designed robust controller maintains the desired aquifer level under a bounded model uncertainty and an exogenous input excitation while maximizing the corresponding environmental utility. Therefore, the proposed framework offers a new worst-case deterministic optimization algorithm for policy makers during efficient water management policy decisions, maximizing economical benefits while ensuring sustainable social, biological and environmental activities.
Id3 induces a caspase-3- and -9-dependent apoptosis and mediates UVB sensitization of HPV16 E6/7 immortalized human keratinocytes

Inhibitor of differentiation/DNA binding (Id) proteins comprise a class of helix-loop-helix transcription factors involved in proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and carcinogenesis. We have shown that while Id2 is induced by UVB in primary keratinocytes, Id3 is upregulated only in immortalized cells. We have now determined that the consequences of ectopic expression of Id3 protein are strikingly different between immortalized and primary keratinocytes. Overexpression of Id3 induces a significant increase in apoptotic cells as revealed by Annexin V positivity as well as proteolytic processing of caspase-3 in immortalized, but not in primary keratinocytes. Id3-green fluorescent protein (GFP)-positive cells exhibited a fivefold increase in apoptotic nuclear fragmentation compared to Id3-GFP-negative cells. These apoptotic responses were accompanied by activation of caspase-3, as shown by immunocytochemical staining with antibodies to active caspase-3. Immunostaining with antibodies to the active form of caspase-9 as well as to the active form of Bax further revealed that induction of apoptosis in Id3-overexpressing keratinocytes occurred via a mitochondrial-caspase-9-mediated pathway. Coexpression of dominant-negative caspase-9 with Id3 significantly suppressed apoptotic nuclear fragmentation, indicating that caspase-9 activation is essential for Id3-induced cell death. This response was also markedly attenuated by coexpression with the Bax antagonist antiapoptotic protein Bcl2, confirming a role for Bax activation in this apoptotic response. Id3-induced Bax activation may result from increased expression of Bax protein. Furthermore, reduction of Id3 expression by small interfering RNAs abrogated the UVB-induced proteolytic activation of caspase-3 in these cells. These data together suggest that UVB-induced apoptosis of immortalized keratinocytes is at least in part due to Id3 upregulation in these cells.
Thick-Filament Strain and Interfilament Spacing in Passive Muscle: Effect of Titin-Based Passive Tension

We studied the effect of titin-based passive tension on sarcomere structure by simultaneously measuring passive tension and low-angle x-ray diffraction patterns on passive fiber bundles from rabbit skinned psoas muscle. We used a stretch-hold-release protocol with measurement of x-ray diffraction patterns at various passive tension levels during the hold phase before and after passive stress relaxation. Measurements were performed in relaxing solution without and with dextran T-500 to compress the lattice toward physiological levels. The myofilament lattice spacing was measured in the A-band (d1,0) and Z-disk (dZ) regions of the sarcomere. The axial spacing of the thick-filament backbone was determined from the sixth myosin meridional reflection (M6) and the equilibrium positions of myosin heads from the fourth myosin layer line peak position and the I1,1/I1,0 intensity ratio. Total passive tension was measured during the x-ray experiments, and a differential extraction technique was used to determine the relations between collagen- and titin-based passive tension and sarcomere length. Within the employed range of sarcomere lengths (∼2.2–3.4 μm), titin accounted for >80% of passive tension. X-ray results indicate that titin compresses both the A-band and Z-disk lattice spacing with viscoelastic behavior when fibers are swollen after skinning, and elastic behavior when the lattice is reduced with dextran. Titin also increases the axial thick-filament spacing, M6, in an elastic manner in both the presence and absence of dextran. No changes were detected in either I1,1/I1,0 or the position of peaks on the fourth myosin layer line during passive stress relaxation. Passive tension and M6 measurements were converted to thick-filament compliance, yielding a value of ∼85 m/N, which is several-fold larger than the thick-filament compliance determined by others during the tetanic tension plateau of activated intact muscle. This difference can be explained by the fact that thick filaments are more compliant at low tension (passive muscle) than at high tension (tetanic tension). The implications of our findings are discussed.
Defending the end: Decision making in terminating the Persian Gulf War

Controversy has swirled around the ending of Desert Storm, with some authors suggesting that the premature ending of the war resulted in a strategic failure. Suggestions for a more satisfactory ending have ranged from destruction of the Republican Guard to the physical occupation of Iraq. This article examines the tactical and strategic elements of the decision for war termination. While the exact timing of the cease‐fire may well have been far from perfect, a major expansion or continuation of the war would probably have created an even worse situation in the region, with considerably more instability resulting. Given the emphasis on multilateral operations by U.S. policymakers, such incomplete victories will probably be a continuing pattern, as the United States must assess its operations in terms of not only military issues but also the political desires of its partners.
Low-Angle (Denudation) Faults, Hinterland of the Sevier Orogenic Belt, Eastern Nevada and Western Utah

Low-angle faults that place younger strata on older are the distinctive structural feature of the hinterland of the Sevier orogenic belt in Nevada. Although shown on many maps as Mesozoic thrust faults, these low-angle faults may in many places be extension, denudation, and gravitational gliding features of Tertiary age. The complexity of later Tertiary deformation caused by crustal extension in the hinterland has not been sufficiently emphasized. Several contrasting interpretations of the relation between hinterland and Sevier belt structures exist. Whitebread, Hose, Roberts, and Crittenden advocate gravitational gliding models that differ in detail, but in general they correlate extension in the hinterland with thrusting toward the foreland during the Cretaceous. Misch, Nelson, Fritz, Miller, and Woodward assign a Mesozoic age to the low-angle faults which they relate to a regional decollement. The frontal breakout of this deacute;collement is proposed by them to be west of, and older than, the thrust faults of the Sevier belt or perhaps equivalent in age to them. Other geologists (Armstrong, Burchfiel, Davis, and Fleck) argue for a compressional origin for the Sevier belt that involves considerable crustal shortening. To them the low-angle hinterland faults are unrelated to Sevier belt thrusting. Geometric and chronologic problems are created by the first two interpretations, making the third interpretation most attractive.
Azimuthally differential pion femtoscopy in Pb-Pb collisions at 2.76 TeV with ALICE at the LHC

Femtoscopy of non-central heavy-ion collisions provides access to information on the geometry of the effective pion-emitting source. In particular, the source shape can be studied by measuring femtoscopic radii as a function of the pion emission angle relative to the collision symmetry planes. We present the results of azimuthally differential femtoscopy of Pb–Pb collisions at sNN=2.76 TeV at the LHC relative to the second harmonic event plane. We observe a clear oscillation of the extracted radii as a function of the emission angle. We find that Rside and Rout oscillate out of phase for all centralities and pion transverse momenta. The relative amplitude of Rside oscillation decreases in more central collisions, but remains positive, which indicates that the source remains out-of-plane extended qualitatively similar to what was observed at RHIC energies. We compare our results to existing hydrodynamical and transport model calculations.
Curative activity contributes to control of spotted-wing drosophila (Diptera: Drosophilidae) and blueberry maggot (Diptera: Tephritidae) in highbush blueberry

Semi-field experiments were used to compare the curative activity of insecticides on spotted-wing drosophila (Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) (Diptera: Drosophilidae)) and blueberry maggot (Rhagoletis mendax Curran (Diptera: Tephritidae)) in blueberry fruit. The organophosphate phosmet, the spinosyn spinetoram, and neonicotinoids imidacloprid, acetamiprid, and thiamethoxam showed significant lethality on spotted-wing drosophila and blueberry maggot larvae and eggs, when applied topically to blueberry fruit post-infestation. The pyrethroids fenpropathrin and zeta-cypermethrin showed high levels of post-infestation activity on spotted-wing drosophila larvae or eggs, and indoxacarb showed statistically weaker activity. Curative activityis apreviously unrecognised contributor to theoverall means by which blueberry growers may achieve control of spotted-wing drosophila and blueberry maggot with the use of insecticides in blueberries.
Curbing overconsumption: challenge for ethically responsible engineering

One of the toughest and most important challenges facing technological civilization is excessive consumption in affluent societies. Scholars in the fields of design, industrial ecology and environmental ethics have begun dealing with aspects of over-consumption. With selected exceptions, however, engineering ethicists have not yet paid close attention to the matter. In this article, I attempt to catalyse such inquiry.
Cognitive Ability and Everyday Functioning in Women with Turner Syndrome

This paper presents results from an assessment of cognitive ability and everyday functioning in a group of adult women with Turner syndrome (TUS). Twenty-three TUS women were compared with 23 matched controls with constitutional short stature (CSS). A subgroup of 10 TUS women were compared with their nondisabled female siblings. On the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Test-Revised (Wechsler, 1981), no significant group differences were found in Verbal IQ. There were significant group differences for Performance IQ and Full Scale IQ, largely due to specific deficits in the area of spatial and mathematical ability. These difficulties were also evident on the Benton Visual Retention Test-Revised (Benton, 1974). TUS individuals had significantly lower educational attainment than CSS controls but did not differ from their siblings. TUS individuals had significantly lower occupational attainment than the women in both comparison groups.