cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Collaboration in Service Recovery: Control, Effort, and Self-Serving Bias

Studies advocate co-creation of service recovery is an effective strategy, enhancing customers’ equity and loyalty. This study examines the impacts of perceived control and effort as the key benefi...
Frequency Estimation with One-Sided Error

Frequency estimation is one of the most fundamental problems in streaming algorithms. Given a stream $S$ of elements from some universe $U=\{1 \ldots n\}$, the goal is to compute, in a single pass, a short sketch of $S$ so that for any element $i \in U$, one can estimate the number $x_i$ of times $i$ occurs in $S$ based on the sketch alone. Two state of the art solutions to this problems are the Count-Min and Count-Sketch algorithms. The frequency estimator $\tilde{x}$ produced by Count-Min, using $O(1/\varepsilon \cdot \log n)$ dimensions, guarantees that $\|\tilde{x}-x\|_{\infty} \le \varepsilon \|x\|_1$ with high probability, and $\tilde{x} \ge x$ holds deterministically. Also, Count-Min works under the assumption that $x \ge 0$. On the other hand, Count-Sketch, using $O(1/\varepsilon^2 \cdot \log n)$ dimensions, guarantees that $\|\tilde{x}-x\|_{\infty} \le \varepsilon \|x\|_2$ with high probability. A natural question is whether it is possible to design the best of both worlds sketching method, with error guarantees depending on the $\ell_2$ norm and space comparable to Count-Sketch, but (like Count-Min) also has the no-underestimation property. Our main set of results shows that the answer to the above question is negative. We show this in two incomparable computational models: linear sketching and streaming algorithms. We also study the complementary problem, where the sketch is required to not over-estimate, i.e., $\tilde{x} \le x$ should hold always.
EZH2 Inhibition Compromises α4-1BB-Mediated Antitumor Efficacy by Reducing the Survival and Effector Programming of CD8+ T Cells

Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 (EZH2) inhibitors (EZH2i) are approved to treat certain cancer types. Previous studies have suggested the potential to combine EZH2i with immune checkpoint blockade targeting coinhibitory receptors like PD-(L)1 and CTLA-4, but whether it can also enhance the activity of agents targeting costimulatory receptors is not known. Here, we explore the combination between EZH2i and an agonist antibody targeting the T cell costimulatory receptor 4-1BB (α4-1BB). Our data show that EZH2i compromise the efficacy of α4-1BB in both CT26 colon carcinoma and in an in vivo protein immunization model. We link this to reduced effector survival and increased BIM expression in CD8+ T cells upon EZH2i treatment. These data support the requirement of EZH2 function in 4-1BB-mediated CD8+ T cell expansion and effector programming and emphasize the consideration that must be given when combining such antitumoral therapies.
Working memory failure in human-computer interaction: modeling and testing simultaneous demands for information storage and processing

User-generated errors in human-computer interaction are pervasive and are a major contributor to losses in user productivity. One way to combat this drop in productivity is to design human-computer interfaces that minimize the probability of user-generated errors. The traditional approach for designing user interfaces has centered around building alternative interfaces and observing the impact of each interface design on user performance. While this approach has provided us with valuable insights on how to better design user interfaces, it is also a slow and expensive approach due to its heavy reliance on experimentation. An alternative approach is to develop predictive computational models of human-computer interaction to reduce the need for experimentation. These computational models are practical, theory-driven tools that provide designers with estimates of important design parameters (e.g. execution times, learning times, error rates) for alternative interface designs. The goal of this research is to develop and test a computational model (PBI USER) for predicting Working Memory (WM) error rates in a particular type of human-computer interaction: phone-based interaction. A working version of PBI USER has been written using the CAPS cognitive architecture (Just and Carpenter, 1992), and has been used to generate predictions about the impact of three factors on WM failure: PBI features (i.e., menu structure), individual differences (i.e., WM capacity) and task characteristics (i.e., task format and number of tasks). The CAPS architecture is based on a theory of WM (Just and Carpenter, 1992) that proposes that the storage and the processing of information generate demands for WM resources. An empirical study with human subjects was conducted to test the predictions of PBI USER. Our empirical results provide strong evidence for the importance of storage demands, and moderate evidence for the importance of processing demands as predictors of WM failure in PBI. In addition, our results provide evidence for the importance of individual differences in WM capacity as a predictor of WM failure in PBI. Implications of the results for Information Systems are discussed, in addition to implications for proposed refinements to the computational model.
Treatment of intractable arterial hemorrhage during stereotactic brain biopsy with thrombin. Report of three patients.

✓ Of 165 consecutive patients undergoing computerized tomography- or magnetic resonance imaging-guided stereotactic brain biopsies at the Cleveland Clinic between June, 1987, and November, 1989, four patients (2.4%) developed arterial hemorrhage refractory to conventional efforts to secure hemostasis. Craniotomy was performed in one of these patients to control the hemorrhage; in the other three, 0.5 to 2 cc of thrombin (5000 U/cc) was slowly injected via the biopsy cannula, resulting in immediate control of bleeding in all three cases. Postoperatively, the first two patients treated with 1 to 2 cc of thrombin were slow to awaken; one had evidence of vasospasm by transcranial Doppler ultrasound studies and multiple infarcts on cranial computerized tomography, while the other had a moderate-sized frontal hematoma with intracranial hypertension. After prolonged recovery periods, only mild neurological deficits persisted in both patients. The third patient, treated with 0.5 cc of thrombin, had an uneventful ...
A semantics for context-sensitive reduction semantics

This paper explores the semantics of the meta-notation used in the style of operational semantics introduced by Felleisen and Hieb. Specifically, it defines a formal system that gives precise meanings to the notions of contexts, decomposition, and plugging (recomposition) left implicit in most expositions. This semantics is not naturally algorithmic, so the paper also provides an algorithm and proves a correspondence with the declarative definition. The motivation for this investigation is PLT Redex, a domain-specific programming language designed to support Felleisen-Hieb-style semantics. This style of semantics is the de-facto standard in operational semantics and, as such, is widely used. Accordingly, our goal is that Redex programs should, as much as possible, look and behave like those semantics. Since Redex's first public release more than seven years ago, its precise interpretation of contexts has changed several times, as we repeatedly encountered reduction systems that did not behave according to their authors' intent. This paper describes the culimation of that experience. To the best of our knowledge, the semantics given here accommodates even the most complex uses of contexts available.
Mechanomyographic amplitude and frequency responses during dynamic muscle actions: a comprehensive review

The purpose of this review is to examine the literature that has investigated mechanomyographic (MMG) amplitude and frequency responses during dynamic muscle actions. To date, the majority of MMG research has focused on isometric muscle actions. Recent studies, however, have examined the MMG time and/or frequency domain responses during various types of dynamic activities, including dynamic constant external resistance (DCER) and isokinetic muscle actions, as well as cycle ergometry. Despite the potential influences of factors such as changes in muscle length and the thickness of the tissue between the muscle and the MMG sensor, there is convincing evidence that during dynamic muscle actions, the MMG signal provides valid information regarding muscle function. This argument is supported by consistencies in the MMG literature, such as the close relationship between MMG amplitude and power output and a linear increase in MMG amplitude with concentric torque production. There are still many issues, however, that have yet to be resolved, and the literature base for MMG during both dynamic and isometric muscle actions is far from complete. Thus, it is important to investigate the unique applications of MMG amplitude and frequency responses with different experimental designs/methodologies to continually reassess the uses/limitations of MMG.
Random walks and expansion in SLd(Z/pnZ)

Abstract Let S = { g 1 , … , g k } be a set of elements of SL d ( Z ) generating a Zariski dense subgroup of SL d ( R ) and let p be a sufficiently large prime. Consider the family of Cayley graphs G ( SL d ( Z / p n Z ) , π p n ( S ) ) = G n , where we vary n. Then { G n } forms an expander family. To cite this article: J. Bourgain, A. Gamburd, C. R. Acad. Sci. Paris, Ser. I 346 (2008).
The Structure of Classical Public Law

Duncan Kennedy's The Rise and Fall of Classical Legal Thought circulated in manuscript for three decades before it was formally published in 2006. This essay reviews the book's treatment of Classical public law, focusing on its two principal contributions to the historiography of the subject: the concept of legal consciousness, and the structural analysis of constitutional doctrine.
Early formula supplementation and breastfeeding duration (131.4)

Objective: To describe how supplementation with infant formula in the first two days (F2D) of life is associated with breastfeeding duration in a nationally representative sample of US births. Meth...
Ukraine : Emerging market for industrial energy efficiency opportunities

As part of the energy assistance program to help Ukraine shut down the Chernobyl nuclear reactors, the US Department of Energy (DOE) asked the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) to identify and appraise industrial energy efficiency projects in Ukraine. Most industrial enterprises in Ukraine use energy very inefficiently because the former communist system provided few incentives to conserve energy or even account for its cost. However, few industrial enterprises have the money necessary for large-scale energy-efficiency improvements. Therefore, one of the main goals of this DOE-funded program is to help the most promising enterprises obtain financing for energy efficiency projects from a variety of financial institutions, or through new, creative financing mechanisms. The program has involved several site visits to different industrial plants in Ukraine to gather preliminary data on the facilities. Among the plants visited were a glass manufacturing plant, a coke-chemical plant, a tire factory, a food processing plant, a paper mill, an alumina plant, an iron mine, a metallurgical firm, and a steel cable factory. Results of a detailed engineering analysis and a financial assessment of each plant led to a prioritized list of recommended energy efficiency measures. The measures recommended thus far include replacing an existingmore » steam plant with a base-load gas turbine cogeneration plant, replacing an existing compressed-air system with high-efficiency equipment, upgrading the glass process furnaces, upgrading the lighting system, and installation of heat recovery systems. This article describes the process of identifying opportunities and discusses the recommendations made to plant managers at two of these facilities. The article also provides an update on the implementation plans for some of the recommended energy efficiency measures at these industrial enterprises.« less
Tissue distribution of fetal liver cells following in utero transplantation in mice.

Transplantation of hepatic stem cells in utero has been advanced as a potential clinical approach to a variety of diseases, including deficiencies of coagulation factors. Although syngeneic transpl...
Signed graphs whose signed Colin de Verdière parameter is two

A signed graph is a pair ( G , Σ ) , where G = ( V , E ) is a graph (in which parallel edges are permitted, but loops are not) with V = { 1 , ? , n } and Σ ? E . The edges in Σ are called odd and the other edges even. By S ( G , Σ ) we denote the set of all real symmetric n × n matrices A = a i , j with a i , j < 0 if i and j are adjacent and all edges between i and j are even, a i , j 0 if i and j are adjacent and all edges between i and j are odd, and a i , j = 0 if i ? j and i and j are non-adjacent. The parameter ? ( G , Σ ) of a signed graph ( G , Σ ) is the largest nullity of any positive semidefinite matrix A ? S ( G , Σ ) that has the Strong Arnold Property. By K 3 = we denote the signed graph obtained from ( K 3 , ? ) by adding to each even edge an odd edge in parallel. In this paper, we prove that a signed graph ( G , Σ ) has ? ( G , Σ ) ? 2 if and only if ( G , Σ ) has no minor isomorphic to ( K 4 , E ( K 4 ) ) or K 3 = .
Self-evaluative intrusive thoughts impede successful searching on the Internet

This study examined the association between self-evaluative intrusive thoughts and performance in an Internet search task. Participants performed an information search on the Internet, completed the Cognitive Interference Questionnaire [CIQ; Journal of Consulting & Clinical Psychology, 46 (1978), 102], and then responded to a self-assessment questionnaire on their search performance. Participants reported fewer self-evaluative than other task-related intrusive thoughts; however, higher levels of self-evaluative intrusions were predictive of poorer search performance. Participants who experienced more self-evaluative intrusive thoughts were also less satisfied with their search performance. Other task-related thoughts were unrelated to measures of search performance or participant satisfaction with their searches. These results are discussed in the context of information processing and self-regulatory models of cognitive interference and performance and provide one explanation for how concerns with self-evaluation can undermine performance in Internet search tasks.
Cytochrome c-catalyzed membrane lipid peroxidation by hydrogen peroxide

Abstract Cytochrome c 3+ -catalyzed peroxidation of phosphatidylcholine liposomes by hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) was indicated by the production of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, oxygen consumption, and emission of spontaneous chemiluminescence. The iron chelator diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) only partially inhibited peroxidation when H 2 O 2 concentrations were 200 μ m or greater. In contrast, iron compounds such as ferric chloride, potassium ferricyanide, and hemin induced H 2 O 2 -dependent lipid peroxidation which was totally inhibitable by DTPA. Cyanide and urate, which react at or near the cytochrome—heme, completely prevented lipid peroxidation, while hydroxyl radical scavengers and superoxide dismutase had very little or no inhibitory effect. Changes in liposome surface charge did not influence cytochrome c 3+ plus H 2 O 2 -dependent peroxidation, but a net negative charge was critical in favoring cytochrome c 3+ -dependent, H 2 O 2 -independent lipid auto-oxidative processes. These results show that reaction of cytochrome c with H 2 O 2 promotes membrane oxidation by more than one chemical mechanism, including formation of high oxidation states of iron at the cytochrome—heme and also by heme iron release at higher H 2 O 2 concentrations. Cytochrome c 3+ could react with mitochondrial H 2 O 2 to yield “site-specific” mitochondrial membrane lipid peroxidation during tissue oxidant stress.
Model immune complexes formed between monoclonal antibodies and a novel bivalent affinity label

Abstract Murine monoclonal anti-dinitrophenyl antibodies were produced by lymphocyte hybridomas and incubated with a new bivalent affinity label, bis-(dinitrofluorobenzene)-pimelic acid amide. Stable dimers were isolated from the resulting mixture of immune complexes in high purity. Experiments were performed to show that the immune complexes are covalently cross-linked through antibody active sites. Model dimers were also formed with varying ratios of monoclonal anti-hapten antibodies based on immunoglobulin isotype. The potential uses of these complexes for analyses of the biological activites of immune aggregates are discussed.
A comparison of the movement of enucleate fragments from interphase and mitotic amebae.

Abstract Enucleate fragments from amebae in division are capable of more normal movement than enucleate fragments of interphase amebae. It is suggested that the fragments of dividing cells have a greater capacity for normal movement because a relatively large amount of a labile factor important for ameboid movement is liberated from the nucleus at the beginning of mitosis.
Primary cysts and neoplasms of the mediastinum: recent changes in clinical presentation, methods of diagnosis, management, and results.

Abstract Major changes have recently occurred in the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of primary lesions of the mediastinum. New diagnostic techniques and improved therapy have led to more objective preoperative diagnoses as well as better long-term results. These features are clearly demonstrated in a series of 400 consecutive patients with primary lesions of the mediastinum seen at Duke University Medical Center. Of these, 99 (25%) had a primary cystic lesion. The primary tumors included thymic neoplasms (17%), neurogenic tumors (14%), lymphoma (16%), germ cell tumors (11%), and a miscellaneous group. Malignant neoplasms were present in 166 patients (42%). The anterosuperior mediastinum was the most commonly involved site of a primary cyst or neoplasm (54%), followed by the posterior mediastinum (26%) and the middle mediastinum (20%). Symptoms were present in 62% of the patients and included chest pain (30%), dyspnea (16%), fever and chills (20%), and cough (16%). Of the lesions found on routine chest roentgenograms, 83% were benign. In contrast, 57% of the lesions in symptomatic patients were malignant. Prior to 1967, 94% of asymptomatic lesions were benign, but this figure has now decreased to 76%. Fifty percent of symptomatic patients had a malignant neoplasm before 1967 compared with 62% after that year. Newer diagnostic techniques have greatly enhanced the accuracy of the preoperative diagnosis. They include radioisotopic scanning, monoclonal antibodies, hormonal assay, electron microscopy, fine-needle aspiration biopsy, computed tomographic scans, and magnetic resonance imaging. Each has a definite role and is specifically illustrated as being quite important in this series. Long-term results have improved, and there have been no surgical deaths among the 236 patients operated on during the last 26 years of this study.
A rapid technique for the preparation of factor V deficient plasma.

Abstract A relatively rapid procedure for the preparation of factor V deficient plasma utilizing incubation of human plasma with disodium ethylenediaminetetracetic acid (Na2 -EDTA) is described. This procedure for preparing factor V deficient plasma consistently yields plasma suitable for use as a subtrate in the assay for factor V.
Minimax Control of MIMO Systems over Multiple TCP-like Lossy Networks

This paper considers a minimax control problem over multiple packet dropping channels. The channel losses are assumed to be Bernoulli processes, and operate under the transmission control protocol (TCP); hence acknowledgments of control and measurement drops are available at each time. Under this setting, we obtain an output feedback minimax controller, which are implicitly dependent on rates of control and measurement losses. For the infinite-horizon case, we first characterize achievable H∞ disturbance attenuation levels, and then show that the underlying condition is a function of packet loss rates. We also address the converse part by showing that the condition of the minimum attainable loss rates for closed-loop system stability is a function of H∞ disturbance attenuation parameter. Hence, those conditions are coupled with each other. Finally, we show the limiting behavior of the minimax controller under the disturbance attenuation parameter.
Voices in ICT for development

Researchers from around the world tell us about their personal and institutional efforts in international development.
Carbonation of peridotites and decarbonation of siliceous dolomites represented in the system CaO-MgO-SiO2-CO2 to 30 kbar

The decarbonation of siliceous dolomite produces rocks including the minerals forsterite, orthopyroxene and clinopyroxene, characteristic of peridotites. Selected reactions in the system CaO-MgO-SiO_2 –CO_2 are reviewed and published data at crustal and mantle pressures are compared with previously unpublished experimental results between 15 and 30 kbar for five reactions: (0) magnesite + clinopyroxene = dolomite + orthopyroxene; (1) magnesite + quartz = enstatite + CO_2; (5) dolomite + orthopyroxene + quartz = clinopyroxene + CO_2; (3) magnesite + enstatite = forsterite + CO_2; (6) dolomite + orthopyroxene = clinopyroxene + forsterite+ CO_2. Reactions (0), (1) and (5) meet at an invariant point near 1090°C and 34 kbar. Reactions (3) and (6) represent the carbonation of model harzburgite and Iherzolite, respectively. Dolomites in reaction (6) contain more than 70 wt.% CaCO_3, at temperatures below the crest of the calcite-dolomite solvus, they are magnesian calcites. Phase relationships for carbonated model peridotites in the presence of H_2O, compared with estimated depths and temperatures of equilibration of xenoliths from the Premier Mine kimberlite, indicate that within limited depth intervals solid magnesite-harzburgite can coexist with partially melted lherzolite. Eruption of kimberlite could transport xenoliths of Iherzolite and magnesite-harzburgite. Experiments indicate that the magnesite dissociates within minutes during uprise. This observation is consistent with the proposal of Boyd and Gurney that low-calcium garnets in kimberlites of the Kaapvaal-Rhodesian craton are produced by disruption of magnesite disseminated through depleted harzburgites in the roots of the craton, within the diamond stability field.
Characterization of pregnancy outcome following thiram-induced ovulatory delay in the female rat.

Abstract A single injection of the dithiocarbamate fungicide, thiram, suppresses the proestrous surge of LH and delays ovulation for 24 h. In this study, we examined fertility after a thiram-induced delayed ovulation. Females were injected with thiram (50 mg/kg, IP) on proestrus (1300 h) and mated on the following evening. Control and thiram-treated, but nondelayed, females were injected and mated on the same day. The number of females in the thiram-delayed group that became pregnant was reduced and litter size on GD 20 was reduced; however, no obvious morphological anomalies were seen. The number of pregnant females and litter size was not altered in the thiram-nondelayed rats, indicating that it is the thiram-induced delay in ovulation and not the exposure to thiram per se that was responsible for altered pregnancy outcome. On GD 7 and 11, the number of live fetuses per litter was reduced in the delayed females, but the number of implantation sites was not different from controls. On GD 11 the mean developmental score, head length, crown-rump length, and somite number in the delayed group were also reduced, indicating retarded development of live embryos. These results demonstrate that delayed ovulation induced by a single thiram exposure does not alter the number of oocytes released or the number that implant. However, the concepti from these females are compromised during midgestation.
A TECHNIQUE OF BLADDER NECK CLOSURE COMBINING PROSTATECTOMY AND INTESTINAL INTERPOSITION FOR UNSALVAGEABLE URETHRAL DISEASE

Purpose: We describe a technique of bladder neck detachment and augmented closure incorporating total prostatectomy and urinary diversion in men with complex bladder and urethral pathology due to fistula, radiation and neurogenic dysfunction.Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 5 men 38 to 61 years old who presented with unsalvageable urethral pathology, including prostate cancer in 2. All 5 patients underwent radical prostatectomy and augmented bladder neck closure with creation of a continent catheterizable stoma in 4 and chimney diversion in 1.Results: Bladder neck closure was performed with interposition of an ileocecal patch in 4 cases and sigmoid colon in 1. At a mean followup of 6 months no fistula, recanalization or urinoma developed. Delayed complications included stomal stenosis, stomal incontinence requiring collagen injection and rupture of the augmented bladder in 1 case each. The 2 men with prostate cancer had undetectable prostate specific antigen.Conclusions: P...
Proximal tibial osteophytes and their relationship with the height of the tibial spines of the intercondylar eminence: paleopathological study

Objective Tibial spiking (i.e., spurring of tibial spines), eburnation, and osteophytes are considered features of osteoarthritis. This investigation employed direct inspection of the medial and lateral tibial plateaus in paleopathological specimens to analyze the frequency and morphological features of osteoarthritis and to define any relationship between the size of osteophytes and that of the intercondylar tibial spines.
Bilateral adrenal myelolipomas with Cushing's syndrome.

A 24-year-old woman with non—pituitary dependent Cushing's syndrome was found to have bilateral adrenal myelolipomas at surgery. These benign tumors consist of bone marrow and fat and are uncommon incidental findings that are discovered by computed tomography. Myelolipomas have rarely been associated with Cushing's syndrome, but the cause of the syndrome has not always been defined, because the reports preceded modern diagnostic methods. Careful examination of the adrenal glands from our patient showed a fusion of myelolipoma elements and adrenal cells without distinct adenomas or the typical nodular pattern of adrenal hyperplasia. This report suggests that adrenal myelolipomas and atypical hyperplasia of the zona fasciculata may be anatomically and functionally related. ( JAMA 1988;259:3034-3036)
Incident diverticular disease is inversely related to vigorous physical activity.

Purpose In 1995, the Health Professionals Follow-up Study published an isolated report of lower diverticular disease risk in physically active men, particularly among those who ran. The purpose of this article was to assess whether this finding can be verified among older men and women of the National Runners’ Health Study.
Separation of 3-D displacement components in the white light speckle method

Abstract Measurement of in-plane and out-of-plane displacement components using the white light speckle method is considered for three different cases. The first is applicable when in-plane components are small and stresses are directly related to the second differential of the out-of-plane component. The other cases involve components of the same order of magnitude but require recording of either one or two specklegrams. Evidence of experimental demonstration of each case is given.
The stagnant labor market: some aspects of the bleak picture

In this paper, we examine the labor market during the Great Recession and find some startling features underlying the stagnation and decline of 2007-10. The population in the labor force has stagnated while the population that is out of the labor force has grown sharply. For the first time since we have had adequate data, the likelihood of an individual leaving the labor force from being unemployed is higher than the likelihood that he or she will move from unemployment to employment. We argue that the most plausible reasons for the continued slump in the labor market have to do with inadequate aggregate demand and are not because of structural or skill-mismatch reasons.
The Effects of the Digital Divide on E-Government: An Emperical Evaluation

E-government is revolutionizing the way government agencies interact with citizens. E-services improve the responsiveness, efficiency and transparency of the public sector. Unfortunately, these benefits may not be realized by the entire population. A digital divide exists in society, both from an access point of view and from a skills point of view. This study explores the potential effects of the digital divide on e-government by surveying a diverse group of citizens to identify the demographic characteristics that impact use of e-government services. The results indicate that income, education, age and frequency of Internet use significantly impact the use of e-government services. We discuss the implications of these findings and provide suggestions for future research.
Diagnosis of asthma in children under five.

Cough and wheeze are common symptoms in childhood, but mostly do not signify a serious illness. On the basis of history and examination, such children should be allocated into one of five diagnostic categories. Very few need additional tests, although there are specific pointers in the initial evaluation which should actively be sought, and result in referral for investigation. In a community setting, isolated cough with no wheeze or breathlessness is most unlikely to be due to asthma. In pre-school children who cannot perform lung function tests, a therapeutic trial of asthma treatment may be indicated, but a three step protocol is mandatory, stopping therapy if there appears to be a response, and only restarting if symptoms recur. In older children, documentation of variable airflow obstruction before giving a diagnosis of asthma is important, to avoid overdiagnosis. Prophylactic therapy on a long term basis with inhaled steroids in preschool children does not reduce the likelihood of progression to asthma in mid-childhood, and the results of treatment in terms of symptoms are disappointing.
Did drug therapy contribute? Severe pelvic organ prolapse followed initiation of high-dose glucocorticoid treatment

Case notes A healthy 68-year-old woman who had had 3 viable offspring and who had undergone hysterectomy had a 3-year history of mild vaginal prolapse. The condition was not bothersome. Afterbeingdiagnosedwithtemporalarteritis,herrheumatologist began treating her with oral prednisone, 100 mg daily. Within 1monthofcorticosteroidinitiation,sheexperiencedcomplete vaginal-vault eversion. The vaginal wall quickly became ulcerated, and she was unable to ambulate because of terrible pain thatwasrelatedtothemassiveprolapse.Twomonthslater,she was severely debilitated and confined to a scooter. During this time period, she also experienced steroid-induced diabetes mellitus and osteopenia. On examination, total eversion of the vaginal vault was noted.Deepulcerationscoveredapproximately60%ofthevagina and were more prominent along the dependent portions of the prolapse (Figures 1 and 2). The genital hiatus measured 3.9 in (10 cm); the vaginal length measured 4.3 in (11 cm). Placement of a size-8 Gellhorn pessary (3.5) failed. Subsequently, the patient was instructed to coat the vagina with estrogen cream and cover the medication with an occlusive dressing (plastic wrap) each night. Because the ulcerations were not infected, no oral or topical antibiotics were prescribed. Conclusions Support of the pelvic floor is maintained by connective tissue, ligaments, and muscles. 1 These supportive structures (ie, the endopelvicfasciaandcardinal-uterosacralligaments)arecomposed of varying compositions of collagen, elastin, smooth muscle, fibroblasts, and vascular structures. 2 Collagen and elastin help provide both strength and flexibility to the pelvic
Glutathione disulfide variability in normal human blood.

A prevailing opinion is that glutathione disulfide (GSSG) levels in human blood are very low, but many studies have reported variable results. Therefore, our objective was to determine valid processing conditions for GSSG measurement and apply them to normal human blood samples. Reproducibility and stability of GSSG were demonstrated in acid extracts of a single sample of fresh whole blood by repetitive measurements during a 6-h period in which the %CVs were <10. In contrast, in normal subjects tested repeatedly over several years, GSSG values ranging from <2 to 166 nmol per 1010 red blood cells were obtained and the overall %CV was 46. Lower GSSG values were obtained in hemolysates and ultrafiltrates. Thus, these results indicate that blood GSSG concentrations differ due to biological variation using optimal processing conditions.
Environmental leaching behaviour of copper-nickel bearing Duluth gabbro and flotation tailings

Abstract The leaching characteristics of copper-nickel bearing Duluth gabbro and flotation tailings in contact with water were studied in the laboratory through agitation leaching in shake flasks (up to 8 months) and percolation leaching in columns (up to 96 months). The influence of sulphur content and bacterial activity on acid generation and heavy metal ion release from the above materials was assessed and the acid buffering characteristics of typical flotation tailings were evaluated, along with those of constituent minerals such as olivine, plagioclase and biotite separated from the tailings. Duluth gabbro copper-nickel ores and flotation tailings exhibit good acid-neutralizing capacity and equilibrate with water at neutral or mildly alkaline pH levels. The presence of bacterial activity significantly increases acid production and metal ion release and there is a direct relationship between percent sulphur and the acid generation trend. External additions of calcite or mottled taconite tails to the gabbro and tailings reduce heavy metal ion release substantially and arrest acid generation efficiently.
Notes on plane partitions. I

Abstract In this paper an expression is obtained for the generating function B k ( x ) = ∑ n = 0 ∞ b k ( n ) x n where bk(n) is the number of k-rowed partitions of n whose nonzero parts decrease strictly along each row. As an application, a new proof is given of Mac Mahon's theorem that A k ( x ) = ∑ n = 0 ∞ a k ( n ) x n = ∏ v = 0 ∞ ( 1 − x v ) − min ⁡ ( v , k ) where ak(n) is the total number of k-rowed partitions of n.
Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 regulate 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 receptors synergistically in rat osteosarcoma cells

Abstract In this study, we examined the effect of activation of protein kinase C (PKC) pathways on the regulation of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D receptors (VDR) in rat osteosarcoma (ROS) 17/2.8 cells. Activation of PKC with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) resulted in a time- and dose-dependent increase in VDR expression in ROS cells. Treatment of ROS cells with 4α-phorbol 12,13-dedeconate, a PKC-inactive phorbol ester, had no effect on VDR expression. Oleoyl acetyl glycerol (OAG), a synthetic diacylglycerol, stimulated VDR up-regulation in ROS cells. The PKC inhibitors (H-7, staurosporin, and sphingosine) all blocked PMA-mediated up-regulation of VDR in a dose-dependent manner. We next examined the interaction of 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 and PKC activation by PMA on the regulation of VDR in ROS cells. We found that PMA or 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 treatment alone resulted in a 50 and 200% increase in VDR, respectively. PMA treatment alone resulted in a 50% increase in VDR protein and a marginal 20% increase in VDR mRNA. 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 up-regulation of VDR was associated with a 2-fold increase in VDR mRNA. In contrast, co-treatment of ROS cells with PMA and 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 resulted in a synergistic 10-fold induction of VDR mRNA and the appearance of a 7.2 kb VDR transcript. VDR protein was also synergistically up-regulated by combined PMA and 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 treatment of ROS cells. Scatchard analysis demonstrated that the synergistic effect of PMA and 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 on VDR protein expression was not associated with any change in the affinity of VDR for 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 . The synergistic effect of 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 and PMA on VDR expression supports a link between PKC signal pathways and the function of VDR.
Peripheral trigeminal nerve surgery for patients with atypical facial pain

Summary Atypical facial pain (AFP) is characterized by a constant, poorly defined anatomically aching pain, lacking the paroxysmal quality, trigger point activation, and well-defined anatomical distribution of trigeminal neuralgia. This study examines a set of AFP patients with respect to their responses to external decompression (4 patients) and neurectomy (11 patients). Criteria for trigeminal nerve exploration were: failure of non-operative treatments, the ability to control pain temporarily with local anesthetic nerve blocks, and pain generally located within the anatomical distribution of the affected nerve. Decision as whether to perform an external decompression or neurectomy was based on gross anatomical findings during exploration. A retrospective interview was conducted to evaluate the effects of the chosen procedure in regard to subjective level of pain, freedom from restrictions placed on activities of daily living, and past medical history, including history of the facial pain. The neurectomy procedure (p = 0.022), medical history of autoimmune disease (p = 0.004), and preoperative pain distribution on the left side (p = 0.042), were all found to have a positive effect on outcome. History of psychiatric treatment (p = 0.055) and preoperative affected activities of daily living (p = 0.026) significantly adversely affected the outcome.
The action of alkali on di-O-(2-bromoethylidene)-d-mannitols: Formation of an unusually acid-stable acetal linkage

Abstract When cis,trans -1,2:5,6-di- O -(2-bromoethylidene)- d -mannitol and cis,cis -1,2:5,6-di- O -(2-bromoethylidene)- d -mannitol were treated with dilute, boiling sodium hydroxide, 5,6- O -( S )-(2-bromoethylidene)-3:1,2- O -[( R )-1-ethanyl-2-ylidene]- d -mannitol ( 3 ) and 3:1,2;4:5,6-di- O -[( R )-1-ethanyl-2-ylidene]- d -mannitol ( 10 ) were produced; the structures were established by a combination of chemical transformations, 1 H-n.m.r. spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry. The bicyclo ether-acetal linkage in 3 and 10 proved unusually resistant to hydrolysis by acid.
Horseradish peroxidase acute ototoxicity and the uptake and movement of the peroxidase in the auditory system of the guinea pig.

When guinea pig cochlea was perfused in vivo with a solution of 1 % horseradish peroxidase (HRP) in artificial perilymph, the enzyme was found in the basilar membrane, spiral limbus, some outer and inner hair cells and some supporting cells and it was gradually cleared away with time. Acute signs of cell damage included swelling, vacuolization and diffuse labeling of some hair cells, but stereocilia remained normal in configuration. Albino melanocytes of the spiral ligament were also damaged, and vacuolization of Reissner's membrane occurred after 10% HRP. Both concentrations caused a gradual decline in CM, showing that HRP is acutely oto-toxic but its mode of action is unknown. No retrograde transport of HRP to spiral ganglion cells or to brain stem neurons occurred, but some brain stem neurons took up HRP from the neuropil following diffusion from the cochlea.
Class, territory and party: political change in Britain, 1945–1974

. Two theoretical traditions in the study of European voter alignments emphasize alternatively class and territorial structuring of mass politics. Until the 1970′s the developmental paradigm resting on the class-based, stable polity model of the 1945–1970 period ruled the research agenda. The weakening of party alignments in the 1970′s and the introduction of the competing territorial paradigm challenged the dominant model. This research tests both models in Britain against the supposed stability of the 1945–1970 period. The results demonstrate that while the developmental model fits Britain as a whole quite well, the introduction of regional polity analysis exposes considerable instability of voter and party alignments, uneven class development and the mobilization of cultural cleavages, dynamics which undergird the politics of cultural defence and find expression in the nationalist parties in the 1970′s. In questioning the assumed stability of the 1945–1970 period the findings challenge the foundations of the current debates on realignment in Britain.
Mechanical properties of the radula protractor of Busycon canaliculatum.

Der Radula Protractormuskel vonBusycon canaliculatum unterscheidet sich vom Herzmuskel, aber er verhalt sich wie andere glatte Muskeln von andern Mollusken in der Beziehung zwischen passiver und aktiver Kraft.
As Roughly 700,000 Prisoners Are Released Annually, About Half Will Gain Health Coverage And Care Under Federal Laws

During 2009, 730,000 prisoners were released from federal and state prisons—a 21 percent increase from the number of prisoners released in 2000. Poor health and poor health coverage have been major challenges for former prisoners trying to reintegrate into the community and find work. We discuss these challenges and the likely effect of recent federal legislation, including the Second Chance Act, the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, and the Affordable Care Act. We estimated that with the implementation of health reform, up to 33.6 percent of inmates released annually—more than 245,000 people in 2009—could enroll in Medicaid. Similarly, we estimated that up to 23.5 percent of prisoners released annually—more than 172,000 people in 2009—could be eligible for federal tax credits to defray the cost of purchasing insurance from state health exchanges. This health insurance, combined with new substance abuse services and patient-centered medical home models, could dramatically improve the health a...
Requirement for the PI3K/Akt pathway in MEK1-mediated growth and prevention of apoptosis: identification of an Achilles heel in leukemia

The Raf/MEK/ERK kinase cascade plays a critical role in transducing growth signals from activated cell surface receptors. Using DeltaMEK1:ER, a conditionally active form of MEK1 which responds to either beta-estradiol or the estrogen receptor antagonist 4 hydroxy-tamoxifen (4HT), we previously documented the ability of this dual specificity protein kinase to abrogate the cytokine-dependency of human (TF-1) and murine (FDC-P1 and FL5.12) hematopoietic cells lines. Here we demonstrate the ability of DeltaMEK1:ER to activate the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt/p70 ribosomal S6 kinase (p70(S6K)) pathway and the importance of this pathway in MEK1-mediated prevention of apoptosis. MEK1-responsive cells can be maintained long term in the presence of beta-estradiol, 4HT or IL-3. Removal of hormone led to the rapid cessation of cell proliferation and the induction of apoptosis in a manner similar to cytokine deprivation of the parental cells. Stimulation of DeltaMEK1:ER by 4HT resulted in ERK, PI3K, Akt and p70(S6K) activation. Treatment with PI3K, Akt and p70(S6K) inhibitors prevented MEK-responsive growth. Furthermore, the apoptotic effects of PI3K/Akt/p70(S6K) inhibitors could be enhanced by cotreatment with MEK inhibitors. Use of a PI3K inhibitor and a constitutively active form of Akt, [DeltaAkt(Myr(+))], indicated that activation of PI3K was necessary for MEK1-responsive growth and survival as activation of Akt alone was unable to compensate for the loss of PI3K activity. Cells transduced by MEK or MEK+Akt displayed different sensitivities to signal transduction inhibitors, which targeted these pathways. These results indicate a requirement for the activation of the PI3K pathway during MEK-mediated transformation of certain hematopoietic cells. These experiments provide important clues as to why the identification of mutant signaling pathways may be the Achilles heel of leukemic cell growth. Leukemia treatment targeting multiple signal transduction pathways may be more efficacious than therapy aimed at inhibiting a single pathway.
Psychiatric resident and faculty views on and interactions with the pharmaceutical industry.

Objective Sales visits, or detailing, by pharmaceutical industry representatives at academic institutions has been increasingly criticized. The authors surveyed psychiatric residents and faculty members on their views and interactions with representatives of the pharmaceutical industry.
Output feedback control under randomly varying distributed delays

An output feedback control law has been formulated in a stochastic setting, based on the principles of minimum variance filtering and dynamic programming, for application to processes that are subjected to randomly varying distributed delays. The proposed estimation and control law for delay compensation is built on the concept of the conventional linear quadratic Gaussian (LQG), called delay compensated linear quadratic Gaussian (DCLQG). Although the certainty equivalence property of LQG does not hold for DCLQG in general, the combined state estimation and state feedback approach of DCLQG offers a suboptimal solution to the control problem under randomly varying distributed delays. DCLQG is potentially applicable to analysis and synthesis of control systems for vehicle management of future generation aircraft where a computer network is employed for distributed processing and on-line information exchange between diverse control and decision-making functions. Results of simulation experiments are presented to demonstrate efficacy of the proposed DCLQG algorithm for flight control of an advanced aircraft.
Comparison of total cholesterol levels in blood serum with lipid concentrations in human coronary arteries. (A second interim report.).

This report, which is concerned with only one facet of the serum lipid/atherosclerosis problem, gives the results of a comparison of the levels of total serum cholesterol, determined serially durin...
Regulation of MMP10 Expression by the Transcription Factor CHF1/Hey2 is Mediated by Multiple E Boxes

The cardiovascular restricted bHLH transcription factor CHF1/Hey2 has been reported to play an important role in regulation of vascular smooth muscle phenotype and gene expression, but the downstream target genes that mediate these effects have not been completely elucidated. We have previously found that loss of CHF1/Hey2 in vascular smooth muscle cells leads to dysregulated expression of the matrix metalloproteinase gene MMP10 after treatment with PDGF. Here we report that loss or knockdown of CHF1/Hey2 in vascular smooth muscle cells leads to increased expression and activity of MMP10 at baseline, suggesting a direct effect of CHF1/Hey2 on MMP10 promoter regulation. To test this hypothesis, we assessed the effects of CHF1/Hey2 on a 2.5 kb MMP10 promoter region upstream of the transcriptional start site. We found that this region contains multiple elements including 12 E-boxes that mediate constitutive activity and repression by CHF1/Hey2 in 293T cells and A7r5 smooth muscle cells. Surprisingly, mutation of these E-boxes not only abolished CHF1/Hey2 repression, but also diminished constitutive expression. In addition, we observed that some of these mutations unmasked an activator function for CHF1/Hey2, which has not been previously described. These findings support the hypothesis that CHF1/Hey2 is an important regulator of MMP10 expression.