cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Breaking down bone: new insight into site-specific mechanisms of breast cancer osteolysis mediated by metalloproteinases

Bone metastases are the most common skeletal complication of malignancy. Tumor cells disrupt normal bone remodeling to promote bone destruction and its associated morbidity. In the August 15, 2009, issue of Genes & Development, Lu and colleagues (pp. 1882–1894) propose a novel molecular mechanism by which tumor-produced metalloproteinases release epidermal growth factor (EGF) ligands to activate the central osteoclastogenic pathway receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL) to promote breast cancer osteolysis. This work has important therapeutic applications that may quickly translate to more effective treatment for bone metastases.
Hypotension Begins at 110 mm Hg: Redefining Hypotension With Data

Abstract : Background: Clinicians routinely refer to hypotension as a systolic blood pressure (SBP) less than or equal to 90 mm Hg. However, few data exist to support the rigid adherence to this arbitrary cutoff. We hypothesized that the physiologic hypoperfusion and mortality outcomes classically associated with hypotension were manifest at higher SBPs. Methods: A total of 870,634 patient records from the National Trauma Data Bank with emergency department SBP and mortality data were analyzed. Patients (140,898) with severe head injuries, a Glasgow Coma Score less than 8, and base deficit (BD) less than 5, or missing data items were excluded from analysis. Admission BD, as a measure of metabolic hypoperfusion, was evaluated in 81,134 patients and mortality was plotted against SBP. Results: Baseline mortality was less than 2.5%. However, at 110 mm Hg, the slope of the mortality curve increased such that mortality was 4.8% greater for every 10-mm Hg decrement in SBP. This effect was consistent to a maximum of 26% mortality at a SBP of 60 mm Hg. Hypoperfusion (change in the slope of BD curve) began to increase above baseline of 4.5 at a SBP 118 mm Hg. Conclusion: Taking the BD and mortality measurements together, this analysis shows that a SBP less than 110 mm Hg is a more clinically relevant definition of hypotension and hypoperfusion than is 90 mm Hg. This analysis will also be useful for developing appropriately powered studies of hemorrhagic shock.
Medical Mineralogy and Geochemistry. Edited by Nita Shai and Martin A.A. Schooner. Reviews in Mineralogy and Geochemistry, volume 64, Mineralogical Society of America, Geochemical Society, 3635 Concorde Parkway, Suite 500, Chantilly, Virginia 20151-1125, USA, www.MINSOCAM.org, 2006, 332 pages, US$24 (softbound) (ISBN 978–0–939950–1125).

The conjoining of ‘medical’ with ‘mineralogy and geochemistry’ might sound a bit far-fetched to the general reader of The Canadian Mineralogist , but this Review volume documents one of the latest waves of scientific endeavors in mineralogy–geochemistry, the application of our sciences to
Mortality Among Low-Income African Americans and Whites With Diabetes

OBJECTIVE To estimate mortality rates and risk factors for mortality in a low-socioeconomic status (SES) population of African Americans and whites with diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We determined mortality among African Americans and whites aged 40–79 years with ( n = 12,498) and without ( n = 49,914) diabetes at entry into a cohort of participants recruited from government-funded community health centers. Multivariable Cox analysis was used to estimate mortality hazard ratios (HRs) (95% CI) among those with versus those without diabetes and among those with diabetes according to patient characteristics. RESULTS During follow-up (mean 5.9 years), 13.5% of those with and 7.3% of those without diabetes died. All-cause mortality risk was higher among those with versus without diabetes for both African Americans (HR 1.84 [95% CI 1.71–1.99]) and whites (1.80 [1.58–2.04]), although among those with diabetes, mortality was lower among African Americans than whites (0.78 [0.69–0.87]). Mortality risk increased with duration of diabetes and was greater among patients on insulin therapy and reporting histories of cardiovascular disease (CVD), hypertension, and stroke. The HRs associated with these multiple risk factors tended to be similar by sex and race, with the exception of a differentially higher impact of prevalent CVD on mortality among African Americans (interaction P value = 0.03), despite a lower baseline prevalence of CVD. CONCLUSIONS In this population with similarly low SES and access to health care, strong and generally similar predictors of mortality were identified for African Americans and whites with diabetes, with African Americans at a moderately but significantly lower mortality risk.
Marked phenotypic variability in progressive diaphyseal dysplasia (Camurati-Engelmann disease): report of a four-generation pedigree, identification of a mutation in TGFB1, and review

Progressive diaphyseal dysplasia (PDD) (Camurati-Engelmann disease) is an autosomal dominant craniotubular dysplasia characterized by hyperostosis and sclerosis of the diaphyses of the long bones and the skull. Mutations in transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGFB1) were recently found in patients with PDD. We report on a four-generation pedigree with seven individuals affected by PDD, linkage and mutational analysis results, and review the literature. This pedigree demonstrates the autosomal dominant inheritance pattern, remarkable variation in expressivity, and reduced penetrance. The most severely affected individual had progression of mild skull hyperostosis to severe skull thickening and cranial nerve compression over 30 years. His carrier father remained asymptomatic into his ninth decade and had no radiographic hyperostosis or sclerosis of the bones. Symptomatic relatives presented with lower limb pain and weakness. They were initially diagnosed with a variety of other conditions. Two of the symptomatic individuals were treated successfully with prednisone. We genotyped 7 markers from chromosome region 19q13.1-13.3 in 15 relatives and confirmed linkage to this region in this family. We screened the TGFB1 gene for mutations and identified a missense mutation resulting in an R218H substitution in the affected individuals, the asymptomatic obligate carrier, and another unaffected relative. We genotyped the family for seven known TGFB1 polymorphisms and a novel TAAA tetranucleotide repeat in intron 1. These polymorphisms did not appear to account for the variability in disease severity in this family. Our review illustrates how the disorder can significantly compromise health. Cranial involvement, which occurs in 61% of patients, can be severe, entrapping cranial nerves or causing increased intracranial pressure. Therapy with corticosteroids should be attempted in all symptomatic patients.
Connectivity and Scaling behavior of power-limited directional infrastructureless wireless networks

This paper identifies regimes of high connectivity and the associated throughput, delay, and energy per bit scaling performance of a power-limited infrastructureless wireless network. Infrastructureless wireless networks are a key strategic technology for future military communications. In their current state, their utility for mission critical applications is limited by their susceptibility to disconnection. However, the inclusion of directional antennas increases communication range for a given transmit power and path loss characteristic and hence improves network connectivity. Previous work on the benefits of directional infrastructureless wireless networks considered interference-limited systems. We analyze the connectivity benefits of directional antennas when used in power-limited networks (networks where there is sufficient bandwidth available to avoid interference effects). We characterize the level of directionality required to achieve a desired probability of connectivity under given operating conditions, and we find that end-user density can decrease significantly while maintaining a high probability of connectivity. We also consider how the performance benefits of directional antennas are affected by scaling the end-user density in a fixed-size operating region. This scaling behavior analysis demonstrates the existence of routing schemes with Θ(1) hops that achieve the Θ(1) optimal throughput, delay, and energy consumption per bit scaling behavior.
An analysis of banks' liability for the deposits of proceeds of criminal activities in the UK

Money laundering is a menace to society. Illegal funds from criminal activities are often laundered through the banking system in order to disguise their illegitimate origins. To the victims of crime, a bank will seem the most promising defendant from whom the money can be recovered. This paper therefore examines how a bank, which has accepted funds from illegal sources, can incur liability; how such funds can be identified and recovered from the bank; and the effectiveness of the defence of ‘change of position’ as a bar to claims against the bank. It concludes that banks must be protected in the security of their receipts if the sanctity of the financial services industry is to be upheld.
Resource Utilization and National Demographics of Laryngotracheal Trauma in Children

Importance Pediatric laryngotracheal trauma is rare but can carry considerable morbidity and health care resource expenditure. However, the true cost of these injuries has not been thoroughly investigated. Objective To use a national administrative pediatric database to identify normative data on pediatric laryngotracheal trauma, specifically with regard to cost and resource utilization. Design and Participants Retrospective medical record review using the Kids’ Inpatient Database (KID) 2009. Inclusion criteria were admissions with International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification , codes for fractures or open wounds of the larynx and trachea. Main Outcomes and Measures Among many data analyzed were demographic information and admission characteristics, including length of stay, diagnoses, procedures performed, and total charges. Results There were 106 admissions that met inclusion criteria. Patient mean (SE) age was 15.9 (0.45) years, and 79% were males. The mean (SE) length of stay (LOS) was 8.4 (1.1) days; more than 50% of patients had a LOS longer than 4 days. The mean number of diagnoses per patient was 6.9 (0.6); other traumatic injuries included pneumothorax (n = 18). More than 75% of patients underwent more than 2 procedures during their admission; 60.2% underwent a major operative procedure. The most common procedures performed were laryngoscopy (n = 54) and operative repair of the larynx and/or trachea (n = 32). Tracheostomy was performed in only 30 patients. The mean (SE) total charge was $90 879 ($11 419), and one-third of patients had total charges more than $100 000. Conclusions and Relevance Pediatric laryngotracheal trauma remains a relatively rare clinical entity. These injuries primarily affect older children and are associated with long hospitalizations, multiple procedures, and high resource utilization.
Potential proarrhythmic effect of biventricular pacing: fact or myth?

Background Hemodynamic improvement from biventricular pacing is well documented; however, its electrophysiologic effects have not been systematically studied. Sporadic case reports suggest a proarrhythmic effect of biventricular pacing resulting primarily in polymorphic ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation (VT/VF). Objectives The purpose of this study was to report a series of patients in whom implantation of a biventricular system resulted in VT/VF storm with predominance of monomorphic VT. Methods In a retrospective analysis of all biventricular implants over a 4-year period at a single medical center, we identified 5 of 145 patients (3.4%) who developed VT/VF after they were upgraded to a biventricular system. All patients were male, age 71 ± 8 years, with ejection fraction of 0.25 ± 0.1. Four of five patients had ischemic cardiomyopathy. Results All patients developed incessant VT/VF within 1 week of implantation. Monomorphic VT of single morphology was noted in 3 of 5 patients, monomorphic VT of multiple morphologies in 1, and polymorphic VT/VF in 1. VT was managed by temporary discontinuation of biventricular pacing in all patients, amiodarone in 3 of 5, sotalol in 1, and beta-blocker in 1. During 11 ± 7 months of follow-up, 4 of 5 patients remain alive and are arrhythmia-free. Conclusion Biventricular pacing may result in precipitation of VT/VF storm in a minority of patients with prior history of VT/VF. This may be the first case series reporting both monomorphic and polymorphic VT after an upgrade to a system with biventricular pacing capabilities. The arrhythmias can be managed by conventional therapy and may require temporary discontinuation of left ventricular pacing. This observation is relevant to patients receiving a biventricular pacemaker without an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator backup.
Validation of Spherically Symmetric Inversion by Use of a Tomographically Reconstructed Three-Dimensional Electron Density of the Solar Corona

Determining the coronal electron density by the inversion of white-light polarized brightness (pB) measurements by coronagraphs is a classic problem in solar physics. An inversion technique based on the spherically symmetric geometry (spherically symmetric inversion, SSI) was developed in the 1950s and has been widely applied to interpret various observations. However, to date there is no study of the uncertainty estimation of this method. We here present the detailed assessment of this method using a three-dimensional (3D) electron density in the corona from 1.5 to 4 solar radius as a model, which is reconstructed by a tomography method from STEREO/COR1 observations during the solar minimum in February 2008 (Carrington Rotation, CR 2066).We first show in theory and observation that the spherically symmetric polynomial approximation (SSPA) method and the Van de Hulst inversion technique are equivalent. Then we assess the SSPA method using synthesized pB images from the 3D density model, and find that the SSPA density values are close to the model inputs for the streamer core near the plane of the sky (POS) with differences generally smaller than about a factor of two; the former has the lower peak but extends more in both longitudinal and latitudinal directions than the latter. We estimate that the SSPA method may resolve the coronal density structure near the POS with angular resolution in longitude of about 50 deg. Our results confirm the suggestion that the SSI method is applicable to the solar minimum streamer (belt), as stated in some previous studies. In addition, we demonstrate that the SSPA method can be used to reconstruct the 3D coronal density, roughly in agreement with the reconstruction by tomography for a period of low solar activity (CR 2066). We suggest that the SSI method is complementary to the 3D tomographic technique in some cases, given that the development of the latter is still an ongoing research effort.
A record of impacts preserved in the lunar regolith

Abstract The absolute chronology of meteoroid impacts on the Moon is largely quantified by only a few 40Ar/39Ar “plateau ages” of rocks thought to be associated with specific impact events ( Stoffler et al., 2006 ). We demonstrate a more broadly applicable approach by using high-resolution 40Ar/39Ar thermochronometry to investigate the physical conditions responsible for partially reset K-Ar systems in lunar rocks. Seven rocks from Apollo 16 regolith sample 63503 have plateau ages of either 3.9 billion yr (Ga) or 4.2 Ga and all experienced varying degrees of partial resetting. Concordance between diffusion kinetics and the degree of resetting among all samples shows that these observations are best explained by a heating event 3.3 Ga ago that lasted between ∼ 103 s (at ∼ 600 °C) and ∼ 20 yr (at ∼ 300 °C). We conclude that partial resetting of the K-Ar systems in these samples record an impact event ∼ 3.3 Ga ago that mixed several preexisting ejecta units in the Cayley Plains. If partially reset 40Ar/39Ar ages of other lunar highland samples also constrain the timing of late-stage reheating associated with impact events, they constitute an additional record of impacts preserved in the lunar regolith. A review of existing datasets from this perspective reveals that episodic pulses in the impactor flux in the inner system are common, and most likely related to dynamical events in the asteroid belt or outer Solar System.
Learning to inhibit prepotent responses: successful performance by rhesus macaques, Macaca mulatta, on the reversed-contingency task

To reinvestigate whether macaque monkeys could learn the reversed-contingency task, we trained six rhesus monkeys on the problem. On each trial, the monkeys chose between one and four pieces of the same food item. If a monkey selected four pieces of food, it received one instead; choice of one piece of food led to the receipt of four. All of the monkeys initially tended to select the larger quantity of food, but eventually learned to choose the smaller amount. The results confirmed a previous report that macaque monkeys quickly reached a performance level of roughly 50% ‘correct’, defined as choosing the smaller amount of food, and some individuals continued to perform at that level for a protracted period of testing. Contrary to that report, however, the present findings show that macaque monkeys can master the reversed-contingency task.
Testing the safety of clinical-grade mature autologous myeloid DC in a phase I clinical immunotherapy trial of CML

Background We conducted a phase I clinical immunotherapy trial of CML to evaluate the safety of a clinical-grade leukemic DC product standardized for purity and mature phenotype.Methods We injected autologous DC into patients in late chronic or accelerated phases of CML. The patients received mature CD83+ and bcr-abl+ DC prepared from CD14+ cells. Two cohorts of three patients received four injections each of 3×106 DC and 15×106 DC/injection, respectively. The first patient was studied before imatinib mesylate (IM) was available, four patients were treated concurrently with IM therapy and one did not tolerate the IM and was off the drug at the time of DC therapy. IM effects on WBC counts precluded DC preparation in numbers sufficient for further dose escalation. The first patient received DC s.c. and all subsequent patients received DC into a cervical lymph node under ultrasound guidance.Results DC injections were well tolerated. We observed no clinical responses. T cells drawn later in the course of ther...
A "United States of Europe" or Full Exit from the Euro?

The euro is now facing an existential choice: What was once deemed the fantasy of a few extreme euro-skeptics—namely the potential disintegration of the euro—has now become respectable mainstream opinion. The current institutional arrangements are surviving only by virtue of the European Central Bank's decision to backstop the bonds of the periphery countries now facing an insolvency crisis. In effect, the European Central Bank has become the political arbiter for fiscal decisions made by each of the eurozone's national governments. This is politically unsustainable. Ultimately, the choice is between the restoration of national currencies and the reestablishment of full fiscal sovereignty in the respective nation states of the European Monetary Union or the creation of a supranational fiscal authority, a "United States of Europe."
Elevated pregnancy losses at high and low extremes of maternal glucose in early normal and diabetic pregnancy: evidence for a protective adaptation in diabetes.

OBJECTIVE —Early pregnancy losses increase with marked hyperglycemia in diabetic pregnancy. However, mean loss rates do not differ from those of nondiabetic pregnancy. This observation might be explained by increased fetal losses at the extremes of glycemia in diabetic and nondiabetic pregnancy. To test this hypothesis, we examined relationships of proximate measures of prior glycemia, glycated protein and fructosamine, to pregnancy loss. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS —A total of 389 diabetic and 429 nondiabetic pregnant subjects participated in the Diabetes In Early Pregnancy study. Glycated protein and fructosamine measurements were standardized as multiples of control values for each center ( Z score). The logarithm of odds of pregnancy loss were plotted against Z scores and tested by logistic models. RESULTS —Mean pregnancy loss rates were 12% in diabetic and 13% in normal pregnancies. However, over six intervals of glycated protein in diabetic pregnancy, fetal loss rates at the upper and lower extremes (24 and 33%, respectively) were approximately threefold higher than the four intervening rates (8–14%). The odds ratio of pregnancy loss for these extreme intervals to the intervening intervals is 3.0 ( P = 0.01). Nondiabetic losses showed a similar pattern. In confirmation, logit pregnancy losses were increased in a J-shaped curve at the glycemic extremes in normal ( P < 0.019) and diabetic ( P < 0.015) pregnancy. The upper glycemic extreme in diabetic pregnancy was two- to fivefold higher than in control pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS —Pregnancy losses are increased at the extremes of glycemia in both normal and diabetic pregnancy but at higher levels in diabetic pregnancy. The data suggest defensive adaptations against hyperglycemia in diabetic pregnancy.
Delay Performance of Threshold Policies for Dynamic Spectrum Access

In this paper, we analyze the delay performance of a secondary user (SU) under dynamic spectrum access. We design simple time-threshold policies for the SU to minimize the average delay while satisfying the collision probability constraint of the primary user (PU). Such policies perform closely to an optimized policy found by a Markov Decision Process (MDP) formulation, while facilitating analytical analysis of the delay and collision probability. For general PU busy and idle period distributions, we analyze the performance of threshold policies through a one-dimensional Markov chain, and develop analytical expressions to approximate the delay and collision probability. The accuracy of the Markov chain analysis and the analytical approximations is examined under various busy and idle distributions. We investigate the impact of busy and idle distributions on system performance. We find that while the idle distribution determines the time capacity of SU access, the busy distribution significantly affects the delay performance of the threshold policies. The effect of imperfect sensing is also studied.
A finiteness theorem for low-codimensional nonsingular subvarieties of quadrics

We prove that there are only finitely many families of codimension two nonsingular subvarieties of quadrics Qn which are not of general type, for n = 5 and n ≥ 7. We prove a similar statement also for the case of higher codimension.
Effects of Reduced Salt (NaCI) Levels on Sensory and Instrumental Evaluation of Frankfurters

Frankfurters were manufactured with beef-pork mixtures using commercial procedures and varying levels (2.5%, 2.0%, 1.5%, 1.0%) of two types of NaCl (granulated, flake). Parameters investigated were sensory color, texture, flavor and overall acceptability, and instrumental texture and color during storage at 8°C. Sensory scores for color were acceptable and similar among treatments with varying salt levels, except for products with 1.0% salt. As emulsion stability decreased, however, frankfurter skin color became darker. In general, a reduction in salt by more than 20% (<2.0% salt) resulted in frankfurters of softer and less firm texture. Scores for flavor and overall acceptability were lower (P<0.05) for frankfurters with 1.5% or 1.0% vs 2.5% salt and deteriorated with increasing storage for all salt treatments. Flavor deterioration with storage was more pronounced in products with reduced salt levels (1.5% and 1.0%).
University supervisor perspectives of the remote observation of graduate interns

The University of North Carolina at Charlotte’s College of Education offers a 100 % online teacher licensure program. One component of the licensure program is the Graduate Internship, which involves the observation of graduate interns’ teaching. With many current and potential students located in more remote areas of the state, the remote observation of graduate interns (ROGI) was developed. Although a technology-based solution to observation barriers, evaluation of the remote observation process was necessary for larger programmatic expansion. Thus, the purpose of this qualitative study was to describe from the experiences of university supervisors who had conducted remote observations for 1 year. Researchers sought to understand, from an administrative perspective, what was gained or lost in substituting ROGI for traditional face to face observations. Drawing from interview data, researchers explore four university supervisors’ feelings about their experiences with ROGI, perceptions of the utility and limitations of ROGI, as well as their comfort in facilitating technology-mediated observations. Additionally, researchers describe university supervisor preferences in comparing face to face observations with ROGI, and examine from university supervisor experiences whether or not they believe the teaching internship semester can be effectively facilitated with technology.
Point Defect Properties from Metal Diffusion Experiments — What Does the Data Really Tell Us?

Point defect properties, including diffusivities and equilibrium concentrations for both interstitials and vacancies, are commonly extracted from metal diffusion experiments, and these values are widely used in process simulation software. However, in many cases, these parameter values were extracted using oversimplified models which ignore interactions between interstitial and vacancy diffusion mechanisms. Questions about the accuracy of these parameters have come from ab-initio defect calculations which conclude that vacancies diffuse faster than interstitials, in contrast with published reports on metal diffusion which find vacancies diffuse much more slowly than interstitials. We have reanalyzed published data for zinc and platinum diffusion and find that it is possible to match all of the data using fast vacancy diffusivity. The most direct evidence for slow vacancy diffusion (and a high equilibrium concentration) comes from platinum diffusion experiments. However, we are able to reproduce these results with fast V diffusion and carbon/interstitial clustering, using carbon concentrations typical of Czochralski and float zone silicon (1016cm−3). We evaluate the effectiveness of metal diffusion experiments in determining point defect parameters, and find that it is not possible to reliably determine both diffusivities and equilibrium concentrations for both interstitials and vacancies from metal diffusion results.
Is it possible for speech therapy to improve upon natural recovery rates in children who stutter

Background: Speech and language therapists treating children who stutter appear to be assigned a difficult task. Natural spontaneous remission accounts for approximately 60–80% of all children recovering from stuttering. Despite our best efforts, no protocol has ever shown its effectiveness separate from natural recovery rates (i.e. 60–80%). Although speech and language therapists have used a vast array of therapeutic protocols, the incidence and prevalence of childhood stuttering appears to have remained unchanged. Therefore, although in possession of multiple treatment tools, speech and language therapists might be ill‐equipped to treat stuttering children effectively and efficiently to the point of recovery.Aim: To assess speech and language therapists' self‐reported perceptions of their success in helping children ‘completely recover from stuttering’ (i.e. no longer exhibiting any overt or covert stuttering symptoms or using therapeutic strategies to modify speech and no longer being viewed by themsel...
Selection of Bit-Rate for Wireless Network Coding

Network coding is known to improve throughput by mixing information from different flows and conveying more information in each transmission. Recently some proposals have demonstrated the benefits of applying network coding to wireless networks with broadcast transmissions. It is expected that the opportunities for coding and the corresponding gains depend on the bit-rate chosen for determining routes and transmitting packets. However, the previous work on wireless network coding assumed a fixed rate and did not explicitly account for the interaction between rate selection and coding gain. In this paper, we define a new metric, expected coded time (ECT), that measures the total time needed by a node to deliver two packets to their receivers given the bit-rate for transmitting coded packets. We then investigate how the optimal bit-rate for coded packets differs from that for transmission of native packets individually. We also study the performance of network coding under different fixed bit-rates for the whole network. Our evaluation shows that 11 Mbps is the best default fixed rate for MIT Roofnet and 5.5 Mbps is mostly the optimal rate to transmit coded packets when the ideal individual bit-rate for each receiver is different.
Colour learning in two behavioural contexts: how much can a butterfly keep in mind?

Here we examine the ability of butterflies to learn colour cues in two different behavioural contexts, nectar foraging and oviposition, more or less simultaneously. We first trained female Battus philenor (Papilionidae) butterflies to associate a given colour with the presence of host plant leaf extract and assayed their colour preference; we then trained a subset of these butterflies to associate a second colour with the presence of sucrose solution and assayed colour preference once more. When offered an array of four unscented and unrewarding coloured models, ‘single-trained’ butterflies consistently alighted most frequently on their oviposition training colour. Green-trained butterflies landed on nontrained colours only about 4% of the time, while butterflies trained to red, yellow or blue made about 23% of their landings on nontrained colours; of those nontrained landings, most were on green. The majority of ‘dual-trained’ butterflies made the greatest number of visits to both training colours in the appropriate behavioural context; that is, they probed the models of their sucrose-associated colour and alighted on the models of their oviposition-associated colour. Landings or probes on nontrained colours in one context were consistently biased towards what was learned in the alternative context, suggesting an information–processing constraint in the butterflies. This paper provides a clear demonstration that butterflies can learn in two behavioural contexts within a short span of time. A capacity for such dual conditioning presumably permits female butterflies to forage effectively for egg-laying sites and nectar resources even when those activities are intermingled in time.  2003 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd on behalf of The Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour.
X chromosome effects and their interactions with mitochondrial effects

We report a simple and rapid method for detecting additive genetic variance due to X-linked loci in the absence of marker data for this chromosome. We examined the interaction of this method with an established method for detecting mitochondrial linkage (another source of sex-asymmetric genetic covariance). When applied to data from the Collaborative Study on the Genetics of Alcoholism, this method found evidence of X-chromosomal linkage for one continuous trait (ntth1) and one discrete trait (SPENT). Evidence of mitochondrial contribution was found for one discrete trait (CRAVING) and three continuous traits (ln(CIGPKYR), ecb21, and tth1). Results for ntth1 suggest that methods that do not also allow for male-female heterogeneity in environmental variance may be overly conservative in detection of X-chromosomal effects.
Gender Differences In Multiple Jobholding: Moonlighting Among Teachers

Moonlighting can be considered an alternative source of work-related outcomes for the individual. This is especially true for occupations which are known to have high rates of multiple jobholding, such as uniformed professions (police, firefighters), medical fields (nursing, physicians) and teachers and therefore warrants study by organization and occupation researchers. In this paper the findings of a recent multiple jobholding survey of 312 k-12 teachers are reported. Among the findings are differences in the patterns of moonlighting behavior between female and male teachers. These differences include the prevalence, pay and type of moonlighting activity.
Dynamic Theory of Evolutionary Process of Constrained Contract Optimization and Adaptation to Evolving Shocks and Blockers, During the Agent’s Employment in the Firm

This paper examines some of the implications that technological innovations have had on the retail side of the commercial banking industry in the recent decade. These innovations enabled financial institutions to overcome previous constraining “blockages” to growth and costs savings, such as geographic distances and volume processing obstacles but at the same time also removed many of the previous “blockages” that prevented competitors from invading their turf. The nature of such constraints (or “blockages”) has changed as technology changed, and the financial intermediation delivery has changed with it. Although this paper focuses on the innovations relevant to retail banking, many of the implications can be of interest to other aspects of the financial services industry outside the scope here. While enabling a greater variety of services and improved productivity, technology poses challenges to society since non-banks are often less regulated, compared to depository institutions. As noted in recent studies, despite the free spill-over of information, technology has the potential to increase monopolistic powers of institutions that develop advantages in the use of propriety information and technology. This paper reviews some recent innovations in the financial services industry that have a further potential role in the continuation of the transformation process. One needs to become familiar with them before one can proceed with further contemplation of the challenges that they pose to the banking and non-banking industries. This paper also addresses ongoing dynamic exogenous challenges that corporate boards and CEO’s face with continually changing economic and socio-political and technological challenges that make “yesterday’s conventional wisdom and strategy actual “Blockers” to risk taking and growth going forward. The paper is suggesting a theory model that is undoubtedly far from being perfect or free of to challenges, but nevertheless can hopefully stir further research into new applications and empirical tests that can be relevant to financial markets stakeholders and policy makers and regulators.
Don’t Throw the Rocks!: Cultivating Care With a Pedagogy Called Rocks-in-the-Basket

Due to the current focus on individual achievement in education, relational ethical stances, such as care ethics, are particularly important. To be prepared to teach care ethics, teachers need exposure to pedagogies that cultivate students’ capacity to care. Care refers to the capacity to become aware of and attend to others’ needs. This study examined a case of care theory in practice through a pedagogical strategy called “rocks-in-the-basket.” The findings illuminate what is involved in translating care ethics into pedagogical features: (1) without predefining caring, the rocks-in-the-basket experience increased students’ awareness of what constitutes care through reflection, (2) a dialogue fostered learning about care, and (3) the practice cultivated a focus on caring acts that otherwise might be overlooked and therefore gave rise to opportunities for students and teachers to develop the habit of mind to confirm each other. These pedagogical features illuminate how to translate a care perspective towar...
Recovery of Pregnandiol in Urine of Men Treated with Progesterone.

SummaryWhereas previously, sodium pregnandiol glucuroni-date was found only in pregnancy or in women with functioning endometriums, it has now been demonstrated in the urine of 2 men suffering with Addison's disease who were treated with 30 mg of progesterone daily, and in one normal young male with the same treatment.
Comparative Study of Analytical Models to Predict Warpage in Microelectronics Packages

Warpage is a critical concern in the microelectronics industry for several decades. It is a root cause of failures during manufacturing processes such as open solder joints. Also the excessive warpage generates the delamination and die cracking which degrade the package reliability. Thus, the accurate estimation of package warpage is one of the important factors to improve the package reliability. The purpose of this study is to select the best analytical model for prediction of warpage of microelectronic packages. This paper compares the warpage prediction from corrected Suhir’s theory and classical laminate theory. Both analytical models can provide quick warpage estimation when package is subjected to thermal loading. The warpage evaluation was performed based on both analytical models and compared with the experimental result. Also a finite element analysis (FEA) was performed and the result was compared with analytical models. The digital image correlation (DIC) technique was employed to observe the real-time out-of-plane deformation of the test sample exposed to temperature loading. Three layer test vehicle having the die, underfill, and aluminum plate was assembled for this study. Underfill material properties were characterized with DIC and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). The result indicates that Laminate theory provides the better prediction of warpage when underfill layer thickness is comparable with die and substrate layer thickness. This study helps to design more reliable components with design parameters being optimized in early stage of the development using analytical solutions.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Oxidative Stress and Cytotoxicity Induced by Ferric-Nitrilotriacetate in HepG2 Cells That Express Cytochrome P450 2E1

Iron can potentiate the toxicity of ethanol. Ethanol increases the content of cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1), which generates reactive oxygen species, and transition metals such as iron are powerful catalysts of hydroxyl radical formation and lipid peroxidation. Experiments were carried out to attempt to link CYP2E1, iron, and oxidative stress as a potential mechanism by which iron increases ethanol toxicity. The addition of ferric-nitrilotriacetate (Fe-NTA) to a HepG2 cell line expressing CYP2E1 decreased cell viability, whereas little effect was observed in control cells not expressing CYP2E1. Toxicity in the CYP2E1-expressing cells was markedly enhanced after the depletion of glutathione. Lipid peroxidation was increased by Fe-NTA, especially in cell extracts and medium from the CYP2E1-expressing cells. Toxicity was completely prevented by vitamin E or by 6-hydroxy-2,5,7,8-tetramethylchroman-2-carboxylic acid, which also decreased the lipid peroxidation. Levels of ATP were lowered by Fe-NTA, and this was associated with a decreased rate of oxygen consumption by permeabilized cells with substrates donating electrons to complexes I, II, and IV of the respiratory chain. This mitochondrial damage was prevented by vitamin E. Toxicity was accompanied by DNA fragmentation, and this fragmentation was prevented by antioxidants. Overexpression of bcl-2 decreased the toxicity and DNA fragmentation produced by the combination of CYP2E1 plus Fe-NTA, as did a peptide inhibitor of caspase 3. These results suggest that elevated generation of reactive oxygen species in HepG2 cells expressing CYP2E1 leads to lipid peroxidation in the presence of iron, and the ensuing prooxidative state damages mitochondria, releasing factors that activate caspase 3, leading to a loss in cell viability and DNA fragmentation.
Projecting future drug expenditures--2000.

Drug cost projections for 2000 and factors that are likely to influence drug costs are discussed. The total increase in drug costs in 2000, assuming there are no major unforeseen events (e.g., Medicare coverage of outpatient prescriptions or important new drugs) can be anticipated to be 12-15% above that in 1999. Prescription drug expenditures are projected to increase an average of 11.2% annually between 1999 and 2001. Although there were fewer new drug approvals in the first half of 1999 than in 1998, we can expect that many new, important, and probably expensive agents will be coming to market in 2000. Analysts calculate that pharmaceutical companies invested approximately $24 billion in research and development in 1999, and there are predictions that mergers within the pharmaceutical industry will reduce the number of major pharmaceutical firms to 13. The introduction of pharmacogenomics is of great interest because of its potential to significantly affect drug therapy and the discovery of new agents. Sales of generic drugs are anticipated to increase from $12 billion in 1999 to $14 billion in 2000. Competition between the brand-name and generic drug industries is intensifying, but it remains unclear whether generic drug pricing will offset brand-name price increases. Internet pharmacy has become a reality and is under federal and state scrutiny. The pharmaceutical and drug distribution industries are changing dramatically, and there is concern that many new prescription drugs will not be readily available to patients because of their high cost. Should this occur, action by the federal government is a possibility.
SP0184 Selecting the Best Journal for Communicating Research Findings

The publication and dissemination of investigative findings are the final step in the scientific process and remain as critical as ever for the evaluation, broader discussion, and replication of scientific discoveries. Despite the explosion in new vehicles for publishing data, with greater speed, visibility, and options for scholarly journals, scientific findings nevertheless require careful organization into a formalized structure that permits facile and objective evaluation by peer reviewers. Significant time and preparation are required, and the selection of an appropriate journal is a key feature of this process. Herein, main points for the effective preparation and submission of scientific data to target journals is presented from the perspective of the Editorial Board of Arthritis & Rheumatology. Disclosure of Interest None declared
A decision framework for an adaptive behavioral intervention for physical activity using hybrid model predictive control

Physical inactivity is a major contributor to morbidity and mortality worldwide. Many physical activity behavioral interventions at present have shown limited success addressing the problem from a long-term perspective that includes maintenance. This paper proposes the design of a decision algorithm for a mobile and wireless health (mHealth) adaptive intervention that is based on control engineering concepts. The design process relies on a behavioral dynamical model based on Social Cognitive Theory (SCT), with a controller formulation based on hybrid model predictive control (HMPC) being used to implement the decision scheme. The discrete and logical features of HMPC coincide naturally with the categorical nature of the intervention components and the logical decisions that are particular to an intervention for physical activity. The intervention incorporates an online controller reconfiguration mode that applies changes in the penalty weights to accomplish the transition between the behavioral initiation and maintenance training stages. Simulation results are presented to illustrate the performance of the controller using a hypothetical model for physical activity interventions, under realistic conditions.
Bundling Drought Tolerance and Index Insurance to Reduce Rural Household Vulnerability to Drought

With projections of more severe and more frequent extreme weather, farmers’ vulnerability to weather shocks such as drought will remain central to global poverty concerns and policy debates for decades. Drought-tolerant crop varieties have attracted widespread attention. Index insurance has garnered similar enthusiasm. In many settings, neither drought tolerance nor index insurance in isolation will be sufficient; the full potential of either might be tapped only when bundled with the other. Drought-tolerant crops may protect against moderate drought only, leaving farmers exposed to extreme drought. Drought index insurance can provide a more complete protection, but farmers may be unwilling to pay its premium. Proper bundling of the two innovations may help resolve this conundrum by leveraging complementarities between them. This chapter calibrates such a bundled drought tolerance–drought index insurance package in the context of Ecuador to illustrate the possibility.
Fc Gamma Rll (CD32b) Expression Affects Anti-CD20 Monoclonal Antibody Cellular Responses and Is Down Regulated in Rituximab Resistant Pre-Clinical Models

Rituximab9s primary mechanisms-of-action include: antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CMC), induction of apoptosis and anti-proliferation. The acquirement of phenotypic changes in cancer cells or host immune cells over time may affect rituximab responsiveness and underscores the complexity of the potential mechanisms-of-resistance to anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). Laboratory studies had demonstrated the importance of FcγRIIa and FcγRIII activating receptors in the biological activity of rituximab and other monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) in cancer medicine. Recently, investigators had focused their efforts in the study of FcγRIIb function expressed primarily on normal and malignant B-cells and its role in inflammatory conditions or hematological malignancies. FcγRIIb is an inhibitory low affinity Fcg receptor capable to induce potent inhibitory (apoptotic) signals via immune receptor tyrosine-based inhibition motif (ITIM). Previously, we generated several rituximab-resistance lymphoma cell lines (RRCL) and demonstrated a global down-regulation of CD20. On the other hand, forced expression of CD20 in RRCL did not restore rituximab sensitivity suggesting the existence of additional mechanisms of resistance to mAbs targeting CD20 (Tsai et al Clin Cancer Res. 2012;18:1039-50). To this end, we evaluated the expression and significance of FcγRIIb (CD32b) in RRCL. FcγRIIb gene and protein expression levels were determined in a panel of rituximab sensitive (RSCL) or RRCL by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and western blotting respectively. Subsequently, we silenced FcγRIIb in RSCL using siRNA interference and evaluated changes in the capacity of several mAbs targeting CD20 (rituximab, ofatumumab, and obinotuzumab) of inducing CMC or ADCC in vitro. RRCL were found to have almost a complete loss in FcgRIIb mRNA and protein levels when compared to RSCL. In addition, silencing of FcγRIIb in RSCL decreased the capacity of rituximab (P=0.04 [ADCC] and P=0.15 [CMC]), ofatumumab (P=0.02 [ADCC] and P =0.10 [CMC]), and obinituzumab (P=0.02 [ADCC] and P Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Statement of Commissioner Gail Heriot in the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights's Report, Encouraging Minority Students to Pursue Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Careers

In October of 2010, the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights released a report entitled "Encouraging Minority Students to Pursue Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Careers." This article, written by Commissioner Gail Heriot, is her individual statement in that report. In it, she discusses empirical and other data indicating that students who receive preferential treatment in admissions (and whose academic credentials are thus significantly below the norm for that particular institution) are less likely to follow through with an intent to major in STEM than students with identical academic credentials who attend a school where those credentials put them in the broad center of the class.