cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
MAGNETICALLY LINKED STAR-DISK SYSTEMS. II. EFFECTS OF PLASMA INERTIA AND RECONNECTION IN THE MAGNETOSPHERE

Following on the results of the companion paper, we study the processes occurring in a force-free magnetosphere of a magnetically linked star-disk system as it expands owing to the rotation of the disk and, in finite time, approaches an open state. In particular, we use the self-similar solution for the magnetic field evolution to calculate the time-dependent plasma density and velocity profiles. We also perform an asymptotic analysis of the plasma velocity and density at the apex of an expanding field line as it approaches the open state. We use the resulting expressions to investigate how and when the inertial effects in the magnetosphere will intervene to slow down the expansion and to invalidate the force-free assumption. We find that the field opening drastically reduces the density near the apex of the expanding field lines (typically elongated in a direction making a ~60° angle with respect to the rotation axis) while at the same time creating a pronounced density enhancement near the rotation axis. The former effect is conducive to the triggering of microinstabilities in the current layer that forms along the direction of elongation, whereas the latter appears to be related to a mechanism for the formation of an axially outflowing condensation previously identified in axisymmetric numerical simulations. The appearance of a second outflow component along the disk surface in these simulations can also be reproduced by our model. Finally, we discuss the possibility that the expanding field lines reconnect across the current layer before they open up, leading to a quasi-periodic process of field-line expansion and reconnection.
The K(1250) enhancement in five-body final states of a 6.8 GeV/c K+ exposure

Abstract We observe the previously reported K+π−π0 enhancement near 1250 MeV in the final state K+π+π−π0 p in a 6.8 GeV/c K+p exposure. We find that this enhancement decays primarily to uncorrelated Kππ and that production is correlated with forward π+. We see no signal in the K0π+π+π−p final state where statistics are limited.
Inter-industry differences in layoff announcement effects for financial institutions

This study expands the examination of workforce layoffs by banks to include non-bank financial institutions and explores inter-industry differences in market reactions to layoff announcements. In examining inter-industry differences, we control for variables that influence the market’s reaction to a layoff announcement, such as firm size, the size of the layoff, the reason given for the layoff, and the governance structure of the firm. We provide evidence of inter-industry differences in market reaction to layoff announcements by financial institutions, with banks experiencing more favorable stock-price reactions than other types of regulated firms. These results provide evidence that bank regulation reduces asymmetric information surrounding managerial announcements to a greater degree than the regulation of other types of financial institutions.
Atomistic dynamics of interfacial processes: films, junctions and nanostructures

Studies of atomistic mechanisms, energetics and dynamics of surface and interfacial processes using computer-based molecular dynamics simulations employing realistic interaction potentials, open new avenues in investigations of basic and technological problems. Recent results of such studies are discussed for: surface processing via laser irradiation, superheating, melting, and annealing; stability, collapse and cooperative transport mechanisms of metallic nanostructures on surfaces; formation of interfacial solid and liquid junctions and their mechanical and electrical properties.
Pleistocene slope instability of gas hydrate‐laden sediment on the Beaufort sea margin

Abstract The Beaufort Sea continental slope is disrupted by a belt of massive bedding‐plane slides and rotational slumps. This zone coincides with a region of sediment containing gas hydrate, an inclusion compound of gas and water. Quantitative studies suggest that elevated pore‐fluid pressures generated as a by‐product of gas hydrate disassociation during repeated episodes of eustatic sea level lowering during Pleistocene time were a major cause of these slides. Eustatic sea level fall causes reduced pressures acting on seafloor sediment. In oceanic areas underlain by sediment with gas hydrate, the reduction of sea level initiates disassociation along the base of the gas hydrate, which, in turn, causes the release of large volumes of gas into the sediment and creates excess pore‐fluid pressures and reduced slope stability. A quantitative approach was taken to predict excess pressures at the base of the gas hydrate zone, and the stability of the overlying sediment for a variety of sediment types. Our stud...
Clinical and anatomic outcomes after endovascular coiling of middle cerebral artery aneurysms: report on 30 treated aneurysms and review of the literature

Abstract Background Endovascular treatment of middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysms has not been extensively studied. We report our experience on a select group of patients that underwent coil embolization of an MCA bifurcation aneurysm. Methods From August 1999 to January 2005, 29 patients harboring 30 MCA aneurysms were treated with coil embolization. These patients were felt to have favorable characteristics for endovascular therapy including absence of thrombus in the aneurysm, absence of an efferent artery off of the aneurysm, and ability to reconstruct the wide neck with stent reconstruction. We retrospectively reviewed their records and angiographic images to evaluate for technical result and complications. Results The mean age of our cohort was 59 ± 13 years with 19 patients presenting with a ruptured aneurysm. Complete obliteration was achieved in 24 (80%) of 30 of aneurysms on postprocedural angiography and no patient showed aneurysm regrowth at 6-month follow-up. Twenty-seven (93%) of 29 patients had no change in baseline neurological function post-embolization. There were two procedural-related complications: one intraprocedural rupture of an aneurysm and one thromboembolic stroke in the ipsilateral MCA territory. Conclusions Coil embolization of MCA bifurcation aneurysms has a high rate of complete obliteration with acceptable morbidity in our selected group of patients.
Crack tip closure and environmental crack propagation

Abstract Crack propagation rate, da/dN, and crack tip closure stress, σcc, in part-through crack fatigue specimens of aluminum alloys are drastically affected by gaseous environments. The present studies indicate that the crack closure reflects the influence of the environment on the plastic deformation at the crack tip, and, therefore, on the crack propagation rates. Postulating that da/dN is mainly determined by ΔK eff ∝ (σ max −σ cc ) (instead of ΔK ∝ (σ max −σ min ) , as is done traditionally) leads to the relationship da/dN = A(ΔK eff ) n in which A and n are virtually independent of the gaseous environment. The exponents are n ≈ 3.3 for Al 7075 T651 and n ≈ 3.1 for Al 2024 T351, respectively.
Docosahexaenoic acid suppresses apolipoprotein A-I gene expression through hepatocyte nuclear factor-3β

Background: Dietary fish-oil supplementation has been shown in human kinetic studies to lower the production rate of apolipoprotein (apo) A-I, the major protein component of HDL. The underlying mechanism responsible for this effect is not fully understood. Objective: We investigated the effect and the mechanism of action of the very-long-chain n23 (omega-3) polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), relative to the saturated fatty acid palmitic acid (PA), on the hepatic expression of apo A-I in HepG2 cells. Design: HepG2 cells were treated with different doses of DHA and PA (0‐200 lmol/L). mRNA expression levels of apo A-I were assessed by real-time polymerase chain reaction, and apo A-I protein concentrations were measured by immunoassay. DHA dosedependently suppressed apo A-I mRNA levels and also lowered apo A-I protein concentrations in the media, with maximum effects at 200 lmol/L. This concentration of fatty acids was used in all subsequent experiments. Results: To elucidate the mechanism mediating the reduction in apo A-I expression by DHA, transfection experiments were conducted with plasmid constructs containing serial deletions of the apo A-I promoter. The DHA-responsive region was mapped to the 2185 to 2148 nucleotide region of the apo A-I promoter, which binds the hepatocyte nuclear factor (HNF)-3b. Nuclear extracts from cells treated with DHA or PA had a similar nuclear abundance of HNF3b. However, electrophoresis mobility shift assays showed less binding of HNF-3b to the 2180 to 2140 sequence of the apo A-I promoter than did PA-treated cells. As shown by chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis, less HNF-3b was recruited to the apo A-I promoter in DHA-treated cells than in PA-treated cells, which supports the concept of an interference of DHA with the binding of HNF-3b to the apo A-I promoter. Conclusion: These findings suggest that, in human hepatoma HepG2 cells, DHA inhibits the binding of HNF-3b to the apo A-I promoter, resulting in the repression of apo A-I promoter transactivity and thus a reduction in apo A-I expression. Am J Clin Nutr doi: 10.3945/ajcn.111.012526.
Efficacy of Photodynamic Therapy vs Other Interventions in Randomized Clinical Trials for the Treatment of Actinic Keratoses: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

IMPORTANCE Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is used extensively to treat actinic keratoses(AKs). An analysis of the effectiveness of PDT compared with other treatments may help physicians decide what role it should play in their own clinical practices.OBJECTIVE To determine the effectiveness of PDT for the treatment of AKs relative to other methods.DATA SOURCES MEDLINE, EMBASE,Web of Knowledge, and Cochrane Central Register. No restrictions on years were placed, and all searches extended to the year of each data base inception. Our search was conducted on March 20, 2013, and included the search terms solar keratosis, actinic keratosis, photodynamic therapy, and photochemotherapy. No restrictions were used for the search string.STUDY SELECTION Only randomized PDT trials that used aminolevulinic acid hydrochloride ormethyl aminolevulinate hydrochloride as stabilizers with 10 or more participants were considered. Two of the authors undertook the search independently.DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS Data were extracted independently by the 2 authors.We assessed data quality using the Jadad scoring system and used a random-effects model for pooled data analysis.MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Primary outcome measures specified a priori were lesion response, cosmetic results, and patient satisfaction after the intervention.RESULTS Our search identified 875 journal articles and meeting abstracts.We excluded 862 owing to lack of adherence to our inclusion criteria or lack of author response to our queries for further information.We assessed 13 studies for inclusion in our final synthesis, of which 4 were eligible for final meta-analysis. The only comparator for which meta-analysis was performed was cryotherapy. The meta-analysis consisted of 641 participants, with a total of 2174 AKs treated with cryotherapy and 2170 AKs treated with PDT. Compared with cryotherapy, the pooled relative risk for the meta-analysis for complete response (lesion clearance) was 1.14 (95%CI, 1.11-1.18) at 3 months after treatment. Visual inspection of a funnel plot revealed no publication bias, which was confirmed by the Begg test (P = .80).CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Photodynamic therapy has a 14%better chance of complete lesion clearance at 3 months after treatment than cryotherapy for thin AKs on the face and scalp.
Ionization studies in laser-excited alkaline-earth vapors.

We report on the time behavior of ionization signals produced by laser excitation of Ca and Ba atomic vapor to high-Rydberg states. A space-charge-limited thermionic diode detector shows a long-lived (>1-msec) ionization signal. However, optical detection of atomic ions (Ca+, Ba+) shows that these species live for much shorter times (<100 μsec). These results, in conjunction with published results on mass-spectrometric studies of high-density atomic beams, suggest that our ionization signal is primarily due to molecular species (Ca2+, Ba2+). We also observed optically pumped amplified spontaneous emission and stimulated electronic Raman scattering in Ca+ and Ba+.
Toxicity Testing with in Vitro Systems: I. Ocular Tissue Culture

AbstractThere is a role for tissue culture systems in contemporary toxicology. In vitro cell and tissue culture systems can be used as screening tests, studies on mechanism of action, personnel monitoring, and risk assessment to supplement and expand whole animal studies. In vitro screening tests offer the possibility of saving time and money and could play a major role in setting priorities for product development and more extensive toxicological evaluation. Advances in organ, tissue, and cell culture techniques now make it possible to consider the evaluation of the toxicological potential of xenobiotics. These systems allow the study of general nonspecific cytotoxicity and the study of toxic effects on differentiated functions of cells from target organs and tissues. Ocular toxicity testing may use cells from the cornea, lens, retina, and other ocular tissues to examine changes in differentiated function of these specialized cell types. The development and application of a comprehensive strategy for ocu...
Applications of ripple correlation control of electric machinery

Ripple correlation control can be applied to electric drive systems in order to optimize some cost function independent of parameters. This involves correlating the perturbations in the cost function with the perturbations in the independent variable to obtain a command for the independent variable. The perturbations are normally due to ripple that is naturally present in electric drive systems. In the steady state, the fast-average value of the independent variable converges asymptotically to a point no more than the magnitude or the ripple away from the optimum set point. In certain applications, cost function observers must be created to obtain the correct correlation information. In this paper, ripple correlation control is developed and demonstrated for DC, induction, and brushless DC drives.
Genetic Fusions That Place the Lactose Genes Under Histidine Operon Control

Abstract The genes of the Salmonella histidine operon ( his ) have been placed on an F′ pro lac plasmid using genetic methods that rely on recombinational homology provided by Tn10 transposon insertions. The position and orientation of the transposed his genes permit subsequent deletion mutations to form operon fusions that put the lac genes under his operon control. Strains carrying such fusions show co-ordinate regulation of histidinol dehydrogenase and beta-galactosidase expression. While all of the operon fusions have an intact hisD gene, complementation testing and deletion mapping reveal that the genes downstream of hisD are deleted to varying extents. The beta-galactosidase produced by these operon fusions is itself a fused protein containing the amino terminus of one or another of the his enzymes. Two of the operon fusions having join-points in the hisB gene retain histidinol phosphate phosphatase activity and may produce a bifunctional protein having beta-galactosidase as well as the phosphatase activity. The methods that have been used to isolate these his-lac fusions should be applicable to other genetic systems.
Insights Into MAD2 Regulation in the Spindle Checkpoint Revealed by the Crystal Structure of the Symmetric MAD2 Dimer.

In response to misaligned sister chromatids during mitosis, the spindle checkpoint protein Mad2 inhibits the anaphase-promoting complex or cyclosome (APC/C) through binding to its mitotic activator Cdc20, thus delaying anaphase onset. Mad1, an upstream regulator of Mad2, forms a tight core complex with Mad2 and facilitates Mad2 binding to Cdc20. In the absence of its binding proteins, free Mad2 has two natively folded conformers, termed N1-Mad2/open-Mad2 (O-Mad2) and N2-Mad2/closed Mad2 (C-Mad2), with C-Mad2 being more active in APC/CCdc20 inhibition. Here, we show that whereas O-Mad2 is monomeric, C-Mad2 forms either symmetric C-Mad2–C-Mad2 (C–C) or asymmetric O-Mad2–C-Mad2 (O–C) dimers. We also report the crystal structure of the symmetric C–C Mad2 dimer, revealing the basis for the ability of unliganded C-Mad2, but not O-Mad2 or liganded C-Mad2, to form symmetric dimers. A Mad2 mutant that predominantly forms the C–C dimer is functional in vitro and in living cells. Finally, the Mad1–Mad2 core complex facilitates the conversion of O-Mad2 to C-Mad2 in vitro. Collectively, our results establish the existence of a symmetric Mad2 dimer and provide insights into Mad1-assisted conformational activation of Mad2 in the spindle checkpoint.
Endopeptidase and Glycosidase Activities of the Bacteriophage B30 Lysin

Synthetic peptides corresponding to portions of group B streptococcal peptidoglycan were used to show that the endopeptidase activity of bacteriophage B30 lysin cleaves between d-Ala in the stem peptide and l-Ala in the cross bridge and that the minimal peptide sequence cleaved is dl-γ-Glu-Lys-d-Ala-Ala-Ala. The only glycosidase activity present is that of N-acetyl-β-d-muramidase.
A Meta-Analysis of Empirically Tested School-Based Dating Violence Prevention Programs:

Teen dating violence prevention programs implemented in schools and empirically tested were subjected to meta-analysis. Eight studies met criteria for inclusion, consisting of both within and between designs. Overall, the weighted mean effect size (ES) across studies was significant, ES r = .11; 95% confidence interval (CI) = [.08, .15], p < .0001, showing an overall positive effect of the studied prevention programs. However, 25% of the studies showed an effect in the negative direction, meaning students appeared to be more supportive of dating violence after participating in a dating violence prevention program. This heightens the need for thorough program evaluation as well as the need for decision makers to have access to data about the effectiveness of programs they are considering implementing. Further implications of the results and recommendations for future research are discussed.
Tests of General Relativity at the Quantum Level

We consider several tests of general relativity at the quantum level. One of these is based on the observation that an effect of a gravitational field on a hydrogen atom is to admix states of opposite parity such as 2S1/2 and 2P1/2. This leads to a circular polarization Pγ of emitted radiation which could be sufficiently large to be detected in white dwarfs or in certain binary systems. Since the magnitude of Pγ varies from theory to theory, it is possible that a study of this effect could provide a feasible means of testing general relativity at the quantum level. We also discuss the phenomenon of gravity-induced CP-violation in fermion-antifermion systems and possible applications to KL decays.
A prospective study of ultrasound scan-guided thrombin injection of femoral pseudoaneurysm: a trend toward minimal medication.

Abstract Background: Catheterizations and endovascular procedures in which the femoral artery is cannulated are sometimes complicated by iatrogenic pseudoaneuryms. Surgical repair of pseudoaneurysms was the treatment of choice until 1991 when compression was used in those that were small. A less uncomfortable technique involving the ultrasound scan-guided injection of thrombin (UGTI) has been used more recently. The purpose of this study was to prospectively evaluate the effectiveness of ultrasound scan-guided thrombin injection (UGTI) as a treatment of iatrogenic femoral pseudoaneurysms. Methods: From December 1998 to December 2000, 3734 femoral artery catheterizations were performed, and from those, 32 consecutive patients with 33 femoral pseudoaneurysms (0.88%) of less than 8 cm were prospectively enrolled for UGTI. With sterile technique, a 21-gauge or 22-gauge spinal needle was used to access the pseudoaneurysm and thrombin (100 to 6000 international units [IU]) was slowly injected until thrombosis occurred. Results: The initial success rate was 100%. Thirty-one cases (93.9%) remained successfully thrombosed with a single injection at day 30. Recurrence of two pseudoaneurysms (6.1%) was seen at day 1 and day 8. One patient had groin cellulitis develop, and the other had a bleed into the thigh after discharge; both were treated with open surgical repair. Fifteen patients underwent UGTI on an outpatient basis with 100% successful ablation. More than half of the patients were on an inpatient basis (53.1%). Hospital stay was 1 to 9 days, with 88.2% of the patients released on day 1 or 2. However, two patients had a prolonged stay: one from open repair (day 9) and the other from a gastrointestinal bleed (day 8). Pseudoaneurysms ranged from 1.7 to 7.5 cm and lasted 1 to 17 days before UGTI. Twenty-one of the patients (65.7%) continued undergoing anticoagulant therapy at the time of injection. Ten of the last 11 cases needed less than 800 IU, and nearly half of the pseudoaneurysms (49%) successfully thrombosed with less than 600 IU. No procedural complications or mortality were noted. No statistical significance was found between occurrence of the pseudoaneurysm and sheath size (with χ2 test, P value = .05) or between the size of the pseudoaneurysm and successful thrombosis (with χ2 test: degrees of freedom, 6 − 1 = 5; P value = .227426). A mean follow-up period of 11.8 months was documented (range, 71 to 24 months). Seven patients were lost to follow-up at less than 30 days. Conclusion: Percutaneous thrombin injection of iatrogenic pseudoaneurysms is an effective treatment. Not only is it minimally painful, but it can be done as an outpatient procedure and anticoagulation therapy does not hinder the success. Minimal thrombin seems necessary to successfully treat pseudoaneurysms that may further limit procedure-related complications. (J Vasc Surg 2002;36:779-82.)
Mind the Gap! Widening Child Mortality Disparities

In parallel to the substantial expansion in global economic transactions and growth during the 1990s, there is evidence that the number of poor has increased and that income disparity among and within countries grew as well. There is, however, considerably less evidence about the situation of children related to these matters. Within this context, this paper explores the evolution of social disparities by analysing the trends in the Under-5 Mortality Rate (U5MR) by wealth level. It is common knowledge that child mortality is higher among the poorest than the richest. However, the size of this mortality gap or the way it varies in relation to the absolute level of child mortality is not as well known. This paper shows, based on a sample of 24 developing countries with comparable surveys, that the U5MR of the bottom quintile of the distribution of wealth is, on average, 2.2 times bigger than that of the wealthiest quintile. This means that, taking into account the greater fertility of poorer households, a c...
Estimation of Causal Peer Influence Effects

The broad adoption of social media has generated interest in leveraging peer inuence for inducing desired user behavior. Quantifying the causal effect of peer inuence presents technical challenges, however, including how to deal with social interference, complex response functions and network uncertainty. In this paper, we extend potential outcomes to allow for interference, we introduce well-defined causal estimands of peer-inuence, and we develop two estimation procedures: a frequentist procedure relying on a sequential randomization design that requires knowledge of the network but operates under complicated response functions, and a Bayesian procedure which accounts for network uncertainty but relies on a linear response assumption to increase estimation precision. Our results show the advantages and disadvantages of the proposed methods in a number of situations.
Urinary estrogen excretion in Cushing's syndrome.

Since overproduction of estrogens could conceivably play a role in the pathologic physiology of Cushing’s syndrome, an attempt was made to isolate, identify, and quantitate the urinary estrogens excreted by a 58-year-old postmenopausal woman with metastatic adrenocortical carcinoma and Cushing’s syndrome. By means of countercurrent distribution and paper chromatography, estrone and estriol were identified and isolated in a fluorometrically homogeneous form. During the control period the patient excreted 5.7 micrograms of estrone and 34.2 micrograms of estriol daily as measured by photofluorometry. Upon the administration of ACTH, the excretion of estrone increased 12-fold and that of estriol 5-fold. The isolated estrogens were assayed for biologic activity and the positive results were in reasonable agreement quantitatively with the fluorometric measurements. The acetate derivatives of the isolated estrogens were prepared, and their behavior upon paper chromatography was found to be identical with that of...
Expression of Gamma Interferon-Dependent Genes Is Blocked Independently by Virion Host Shutoff RNase and by US3 Protein Kinase

Gamma interferon receptor α (IFN-γRα) is stable but posttranslationally modified in herpes simplex virus 1(F) [HSV-1(F)]-infected cells. Studies with antibody directed to the phosphorylation site indicate that IFN-γRα is phosphorylated by the US3 kinase. The modification is abolished in cells infected with ΔUS3, ΔUL13, or Δ(US3/UL13) mutant virus. Transcripts of the IFN-γ-dependent genes do not accumulate in cells transduced with the US3 protein kinase and treated with IFN-γ. In contrast, the accumulation of IFN-γ-dependent gene transcripts is suppressed in cells infected with the wild-type virus, in cells infected with the ΔUS3 mutant virus, and to a lesser extent in the ΔUL41 virus-infected cells. The accumulation of IFN-γ-dependent gene transcripts in ΔUL41-infected cells could be due at least in part to a significant delay and reduction in the accumulation of the US3 protein. The results suggest that the expression of IFN-γ-dependent genes is blocked independently by the degradation of IFN-γ-dependent gene transcripts—a function of the virion host shutoff RNase—and by posttranslational modification of the IFN-γRα protein.
Understanding Cost-Effectiveness Analyses: An Explanation Using Three Different Analyses of Lung Cancer Screening

OBJECTIVE. Cost-effectiveness analyses (CEAs) contribute to informed decision making, at both the practitioner and societal levels; therefore, understanding CEAs is valuable for radiologists. In light of the recently published National Lung Cancer Screening Trial (NLST) CEA, we aim to explain the terminology, methods, and heterogeneity of CEAs. CONCLUSION. We compared the NLST results to two example lung cancer screening CEAs (which do not rely on NLST data). Both examples assessed screening but reached substantially different conclusions.
On the provenance of judgments of conditional probability

Abstract In standard treatments of probability, Pr ( A | B ) is defined as the ratio of Pr ( A ∩ B ) to Pr ( B ) , provided that Pr ( B ) > 0 . This account of conditional probability suggests a psychological question, namely, whether estimates of Pr ( A | B ) arise in the mind via implicit calculation of Pr ( A ∩ B ) / Pr ( B ) . We tested this hypothesis (Experiment 1) by presenting brief visual scenes composed of forms, and collecting estimates of relevant probabilities. Direct estimates of conditional probability were not well predicted by Pr ( A ∩ B ) / Pr ( B ) . Direct estimates were also closer to the objective probabilities defined by the stimuli, compared to estimates computed from the foregoing ratio. The hypothesis that Pr ( A | B ) arises from the ratio Pr ( A ∩ B ) / [ Pr ( A ∩ B ) + Pr ( A ¯ ∩ B ) ] fared better (Experiment 2). In a third experiment, the same hypotheses were evaluated in the context of subjective estimates of the chance of future events.
Noise pollution, phase VI: The effects of the onset of industrial noise on the physiological and psyshological functions

During Phase I, II, III, IV, and V of this study it was proven that industrial noise stress caused physiological effects such as fetal damage and hearing impairment; and psychological effects such as poor performance skills and aggressive behavior. Since gerbils were subjected to many hours of industrial noise stress to prove these results, it was wondered at what point the body reacts to noise.
Osteoporosis: an evolutionary perspective.

Increased life expectancy has led to an overall aging of the population and greater numbers of elderly people. Therefore, the number of people with osteoporosis has increased substantially, accompanied with an epidemic of hip fractures. Osteoporosis is an age-related systemic condition that naturally occurs, among mammals, only in humans. Osteoporosis is known to be highly heritable. However, assuming a genetic determinant for this post-reproductive disease to be transmitted from one generation to the next is counter-intuitive, based on the principles of human evolution, I will attempt to provide an explanation of the phenomenon from the point of view of evolution, selection, and changed environment in humans, which contributed to human longevity, while on other hand, contribute to diseases of civilization, including osteoporosis. There is a need to delve into evolution of human species in search for adaptive patterns to a specific environment that humans are operating in the last couple of millennia, to clarify whether “good” and “bad” genes exist, and how to find and correct them. The answer to the above questions will help us to identify causes of the current epidemic of osteoporosis and to pin-point a tailored treatment.
Sublethal Exposure to UV Radiation Affects Respiration Rates of the Freshwater Cladoceran Daphnia catawba

Abstract We examined the effects of UV radiation (UVR) on metabolic rates of the freshwater cladoceran Daphnia catawba. We exposed D. catawba to UVB for 12 h in a lamp phototron at levels of 2.08 and 4.16 kJ m−2 both with and without concomitant exposure to UVA and visible photorepair radiation (PRR). We also included a group that received PRR only and a dark control group. Respiration rates were measured for 6 h following exposure. Respiration rates increased by 31.8% relative to the dark control at the lowest level of UVB stress (2.08 kJ m−2 UVB with PRR), whereas respiration was inhibited by 70.3% at the highest stress level (4.16 kJ m−2 UVB without PRR). Survival rates in the group that received PRR only and the group exposed to 2.08 kJ m−2 and PRR were not significantly different from that in the control group; however, the survival rate was reduced for all other UVR exposures. We hypothesize that enhanced respiration rates reflect energetic costs related to repair of cellular components damaged by s...
Operations Research in Rail Pricing and Revenue Management

Market-based pricing decisions in U.S. freight rail are relatively new. Prior to 1980, U.S. freight rail prices were closely regulated by the federal government, leaving little flexibility for railroads to manage prices, and to a large degree handicapping the railroads financially. Since 1980, railroads have undergone an operating renaissance, rationalizing both physical plant and operating plan efficiencies. At the same time, while still obligated to “common carrier” commitments to continue service, railroads have been freed to price services according to market forces.
A study of nembutal and scopolamine for the relief of pain in five hundred deliveries

AT THE Evanston Hospital during the past two years we have used nembutal and scopolamine for the relief of pain in the majority of the obstetric cases. During the time that these 500 cases used in this study were accumulating, we delivered 783 patients which means that we administered these drugs to 63.8 per cent. Two hundred and seventyfive were primiparas and 225 were multiparas. The two groups will be reported separately and then some of the totals will be givPn.
THE CHANGING DYNAMICS OF EMPLOYMENT RELATIONS IN CHINA:AN EVALUATION OF THE RISING LEVEL OF LABOR DISPUTES

The industrial relationship had experienced significant changes ever since the reform and opening-up policy in China,particularly in 1990s,as a result of the changes ownership forms,industrial structures,labor organizing patterns as well as enterprise management models.Consequently,the economic and social system reforms led to diversification of employee types,their demands and expectations.Thus,it was of vital importance to build smooth and efficient systems,recognizing,representing,and coordinating various demands of the employees and expectations and strive for harmonious employment relations.This paper analyzed the content,scope and main reasons of the increasing labor disputes in China and their relations with ownership forms,enterprises size and economic development.In addition,new trends and characteristics of China's labor disputes were also discussed.
S768I Mutation in EGFR in Patients with Lung Cancer

Abstract Introduction Epidermal growth factor receptor gene ( EGFR ) mutations are relatively common oncogenic drivers in non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The outcomes of patients who present with less common EGFR mutations or more than one EGFR mutation are uncertain. We reviewed our experience with the S768I mutation of exon 20 of EGFR to provide insight into the clinical significance of this mutation. Methods We used a natural language search program to search our electronic medical record system and every EGFR mutation analysis of patients with NSCLC treated at Mayo Clinic that was performed in our Department of Molecular Genetics to identify patients with EGFR S768I mutation. Relevant clinical and laboratory data were abstracted for selected cases, including evaluation of response after treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Results A total of 1527 patients with NSCLC who underwent EGFR testing were reviewed. The S768I mutation was present in nine patients (0.59%), four of whom were female. Only three had an isolated S768I mutation, four had a concurrent G719 mutation, and two had a concurrent L858R mutation. Among patients with stage IV disease treated with erlotinib (n = 4), one had an isolated S768I mutation and three had additional mutations (two patients with G719 and one patient with L858R). The tumor response to erlotinib of patients with stage IV disease was highly variable (progression-free survival ranged from 3 to 30 months and overall survival ranged from 5 to more than 51 months). Conclusions S768I mutations in exon 20 of the EGFR gene are rare and are typically seen in conjunction with sensitizing EGFR mutations. Because of this mutation's rarity and the variability of responses of treated cases, its exact prognostic and predictive role is not fully understood. In our experience, S768I mutations in isolation do not necessarily confer sensitivity to erlotinib, but in conjunction with sensitizing EGFR mutations, S768I mutations do not restrict efficacy.
Bladder leiomyosarcoma and pelvic fibroblastic tumor following cyclophosphamide therapy.

Abstract We report a case of leiomyosarcoma in the bladder 8 years after completion of 45 months of cyclophosphamide chemotherapy for Hodgkin’s disease. One year after cystoprostatectomy a large fibroblastic tumor arose in the soft tissues of the pelvis.
Contrast-enhanced μCT of the intervertebral disc: A comparison of anionic and cationic contrast agents for biochemical and morphological characterization.

The objective of this study was to quantify and compare the contrast-enhancing properties of the anionic contrast agent ioxaglate/Hexabrix, and cationic contrast agent CA4+ for biochemical and morphological characterization of the intervertebral disc (IVD) via μCT. Optimal contrast agent concentrations were determined by incubating rat lumbar IVDs in dilutions of Hexabrix-320 (20%, 30%, 40%, and 50%) and CA4+ (10, 20, 30, and 40 mg I/ml). μCT imaging was performed at 70 kVp, 114 μA, and 250 ms integration time, 12 μm voxel size. The kinetics of contrast enhancement were quantified with cumulative incubations for 0.5, 1, 2, 12, 16, 20, and 24 h using both agents. Agreement in morphological quantification was assessed via serial scans of the same IVDs. Correlation of attenuation to glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content was determined by enzymatic digestion of IVDs, subsequent μCT imaging, and GAG quantification via dimethylmethylene blue assay. Forty percent Hexabrix and 30 mg I/ml CA4+ were chosen as optimal concentrations. Hexabrix enabled greater delineation of the IVD from surrounding tissues, and CA4+ had the lowest uptake in surrounding soft tissue. Twenty-four hour incubation was sufficient for >99% equilibration of both agents. A high level of agreement was observed in the quantification of IVD volume (ICC = 0.951, r = 0.997) and height (ICC = 0.947, r = 0.991). Both agents exhibited strong linear correlations between μCT attenuation and GAG content (Hexabrix: r = -0.940; CA4+ : r = 0.887). Both agents enable biochemical and morphological quantification of the IVD via contrast-enhanced μCT and are effective tools for preclinical characterization. © 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:1067-1075, 2017.
His Work/Our Work: Advancing the Learning Values of James Kenneth Mitchell’s Hazards in Context Framework

The principal objective of this essay is to pay tribute to James Kenneth Mitchell and his service to Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, the larger academic community, practitioner circles...
CLASSICAL STATISTICAL MECHANICS VERSUS QUANTAL STATISTICAL THERMODYNAMICS: A STUDY IN CONTRASTS·

This meeting seems to have two important leitmotifs which are in a certain disharmony with each other. First the tendency to establish mathematical probability theory and statistics as a universal scheme covering all aspects of rational inference, and second, the insistence that the laws of quantum mechanics (QM) are outside our traditional methods of reasoning to the extent that they require the adoption of a new ‘quantum logic’.
Interactive Visualizations for Workplace Tasks

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems pose usability challenges to all but the most sophisticated of users. One challenge arises from complex menu structures that hinder system navigation. Another issue is the lack of support for discovering and exploring relationships between the data elements that underlie transactions performed with the system. We describe two dynamic, interactive visualizations, the Dynamic Task Map and the Association Map, which were designed to assist users in ERP system navigation and data exploration activities. We present two laboratory studies comparing the use of these visual components to SAP interfaces. Results from an initial empirical evaluation revealed performance gains when using the visual components compared to the default SAP interface. A follow-up study showed users’ overall preference for the visual interface, although no significant user performance differences were detected. User-reported mental effort associated with the visual interface was lower compared to the SAP table-based presentation.
Leveraging Siglec-8 endocytic mechanisms to kill human eosinophils and malignant mast cells

Background Sialic acid–binding immunoglobulin-like lectin (Siglec)-8 is a cell-surface protein expressed selectively on human eosinophils, mast cells, and basophils, making it an ideal target for the treatment of diseases involving these cell types. However, the effective delivery of therapeutic agents to these cells requires an understanding of the dynamics of Siglec-8 surface expression. Objectives We sought to determine whether Siglec-8 is endocytosed in human eosinophils and malignant mast cells, identify mechanisms underlying its endocytosis, and demonstrate whether a toxin can be targeted to Siglec-8–bearing cells to kill these cells. Methods Siglec-8 surface dynamics were examined by flow cytometry using peripheral blood eosinophils, mast cell lines, and Siglec-8–transduced cells in the presence of inhibitors targeting components of endocytic pathways. Siglec-8 intracellular trafficking was followed by confocal microscopy. The ribosome-inhibiting protein saporin was conjugated to a Siglec-8–specific antibody to examine the targeting of an agent to these cells through Siglec-8 endocytosis. Results Siglec-8 endocytosis required actin rearrangement, tyrosine kinase and protein kinase C activities, and both clathrin and lipid rafts. Internalized Siglec-8 localized to the lysosomal compartment. Maximal endocytosis in Siglec-8–transduced HEK293T cells required an intact immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motif. Siglec-8 was also shuttled to the surface via a distinct pathway. Sialidase treatment of eosinophils revealed that Siglec-8 is partially masked by sialylated cis ligands. Targeting saporin to Siglec-8 consistently caused extensive cell death in eosinophils and the human mast cell leukemia cell line HMC-1.2. Conclusions Therapeutic payloads can be targeted selectively to eosinophils and malignant mast cells by exploiting this Siglec-8 endocytic pathway.
French Poetic Realism and American Noir: “It’s always too late’”

This paper investigates the connections between French Poetic Realism of the 1930s and American film noir and argues that their significance has been understated. The goals of this study are three-fold. It begins with an examination of the treatment of Poetic Realism in the most significant critical views of the genealogy of American film noir; then several films are analyzed in some detail to reinforce the connections and contrasts in specific French and American films. The paper concludes with several proposals about why the role of Poetic Realism has been so often presented as relatively insignificant.
Analysis of ordered categorical responses, assuming an underlying continous variable

We consider inferences about the probability of an individual be­ longing to a particular one of m ordered categories. Whether an indi­ vidual belongs to the category is assumed to be determined by whether an underlying continuous random variable, which follows a linear model, falls within the of m intervals whose endpoints are unknown. The resulting model for the probabilities is reparameterized so that the new parameters are identifiable. Conditions are given which ensure the asymptotic normality of the maximum likelihood esti­ mator. Confidence intervals are derived for the probability of a re­ sponse being in a particular category. The procedures are illustrated via an example.
High Order Approximation by Multivariate Sublinear and Max-Product Operators Under Convexity

Here we search quantitatively under convexity the approximation of multivariate function by general multivariate positive sublinear operators with applications to multivariate Max-product operators. These are of Bernstein type, of Favard-Szasz-Mirakjan type, of Baskakov type, of sampling type, of Lagrange interpolation type and of Hermite-Fejer interpolation type. Our results are both: under the presence of smoothness and without any smoothness assumption on the function to be approximated which fulfills a convexity assumption. It follows (Anastassiou, Approximations by multivariate sublinear and max-product operators under convexity, submitted, 2017, [4]).
First-Order Differential Equations

First-order differential equations provide a rich example of differential equations of many forms, most of which we can solve easily in the formal sense, and many of which we can solve and actually get answers. From calculus, we need the rules of differentiation, both the formulas (for sums, products, quotients, chain rule, and so on) and the derivatives of the standard Mathematica functions (x n , trigonometric functions, logarithms, exponentials, hyperbolic functions, and the like), and techniques of integration. We will likely see an example of most of the kinds of integrals that you ever attempted. If this sounds like bad news, the good news is that Mathematica can do these integrations for you. You will serve as the mastermind, and Mathematica will do the labor. Your responsibility is to ensure the correctness of the work that you are having Mathematica do, but Mathematica will do these correctness and consistency checks for you. You control what is being done; Mathematica does the hard work. It is important that you manually do some examples of problems of each type. The reason for this is that if you have no idea how to do a problem yourself, then it is not too likely that you will know how to guide Mathematica through the solution process.
Interaction of Macromolecular Drugs with Receptors

Leonardo da Vinci, in that part of his writings which is currently known as Hammer Codex, put forward a hypothesis to explain the circulation of water in the world. Although this renaisance scientist correctly specified all the elements involved, he erroneously rejected rain as a serious factor and suggested that water circulation was due to spontaneous seepage of water from the seas through underground porous rocks to the mountains, from where the rivers flow again. Obviously, we often overestimate the adverse effects of an erroneous hypothesis; such a hypothesis may be temporarily useful and definitely does not limit more rational analyses by others. Appreciation of these aspects of research suitably prepares a reader for the present chapter. Experimental observations described here are hopefully as solid as the rocks, rivers, and rain of da Vinci. We cannot be as certain about the correctness of the hypotheses explaining the observations, but at least the hypotheses are guaranteed harmless to anyone who finds a better explanation.
Developmental origins of fusion-negative rhabdomyosarcomas

Rhabdomyosarcomas (RMS) are very heterogeneous tumors that can be divided into three major groups: alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma, and pleomorphic rhabdomyosarcoma. Concerted efforts over the past a decade have led to an understanding of the genetic underpinnings of many human tumors through genetically engineered models; however, left largely behind in this effort have been rare tumors with poorly understood chromosomal abnormalities including the vast majority of RMS lacking a pathognomonic translocation, i.e. fusion-negative RMS. In this chapter, we review the characteristic genetic abnormalities associated with human RMS and the genetically engineered animal models for these fusion-negative RMS. We explore not only how specific combinations of mutations and cell of origin give rise to different histologically and biologically distinguishable pediatric and adult RMS subtypes, but we also examine how tumor cell phenotype (and tumor "stem" cell phenotype) can vary markedly from the cell of origin.
Clinical Study of Tuberculous Meningitis in Children

목 적 : 소아의 결핵성 뇌막염은 소아 결핵중 가장 심한 후유증을 남기므로 조기 발견과 치료를 요하는 질환으로 국내에서의 소아 결핵성 뇌막염 발생은 1980년대에 와서 전반적으 로 다른 폐외결핵과 함께 현저히 감소된 양상을 보이고 있다. 그러나 소아 결핵이 소멸되고 있지 않은 우리나라 실정에서 실제 결핵성 뇌막염...