cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Root morphological effects on Mg uptake in five tall fescue lines

A greenhouse experiment was conducted with tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) lines to determine the influence of root diameter and Mg concentration in nutrient solution on Mg uptake into shoots and roots. Propagules of 4 clonal tall fescue lines differing in root morphology, and a selection of ‘Kentucky 31’ (Ky 31), were grown for 39 or 70 days in 12-liter tanks containing a complete nutrient solution and Mg concentrations of 3, 21, 42, 125, 250, and 500 µM as MgSO4. Root diameters averaged 0.98mm for line AU-7; 0.83mm for line AU-264; O.72mm for line AU-718; 0.72mm for line AU-5; and 0.69mm for Ky 31. At 39 days. leaf Mg concentration increased from about 1200µg/g at the 3µM concentration to about 2200 to 2400µg/g at the 125µM Mg concentration. Consistently, the large diameter root (LDR) lines AU-7 and AU-264 contained less Mg than the small diameter root (SDR) lines AU-5 and AU-718 and the selection of Ky 31 at both 39 and 70 days. Root Mg concentration was 50% of leaf Mg concentration. An Eadie-Hofstee plot indicated that influx of Mg proceeds via dual uptake mechanisms. The influx mechanism of the tall fescue line AU-7 appears to be saturated at a lower Mg concentration than the other fescue lines. SDR lines AU-5 and AU-718 have a larger capacity to accumulate Mg from solution.
Murphy, Punishing International Terrorists

Book review of Punishing Internatiomal Terrorists: The Legal Framework for Policy Initiatives by John F. Murphy.
Rearing the Rough-Headed Corn Stalk-Beetle

The rough-headed corn stalk-beetle (Euetheola rugiceps) is a local pest in Arkansas. Under certain conditions the stand of corn is destroyed in numerous localities scattered over a large part of the state. Life history studies reported in this paper deal with preparation of food materials, and give the duration of the various developmental stages.
CFD-Based Redesign of a Low-Boom Supersonic Demonstrator Concept (Invited)

To design a more realistic low-boom supersonic demonstrator concept, theoretical engines on a previously designed low-boom configuration were replaced with F-100 type engines. The original nacelles for the theoretical engines were replaced with larger nacelles that were assumed to be adequate to house the F-100 engine. This paper describes the process for redesigning the configuration and discusses the rationale for the design changes. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis was used to compute the equivalent area (Ae) of the configuration during the redesign process. The goal of redesigning the configuration to match the CFD Ae of the configuration to a low-boom target was accomplished. The ground signature for the CFD Ae of the redesigned configuration has similar low-boom characteristics as to that of the original low-boom configuration with theoretical engines.
Millimeter wave transmission studies of YBa2Cu3O7-delta thin films in the 26.5 to 40.0 GHz frequency range

Millimeter wave transmission measurements through YBa2Cu3O7−δ thin films on MgO, ZrO2 and LaA1O3 substrates, are reported. The films (0.2 to 1.0 μm) were deposited by sequential evaporation and laser ablation techniques. Transition temperatures Tc, ranging from 89.7 K for the laser ablated film on LaA1O3 to approximately 72 K for the sequentially evaporated film on MgO, were obtained. The values of the real and imaginary parts of the complex conductivity, σ1 and σ2, are obtained from the power transmitted through the film, assuming a two fluid model. The magnetic penetration depth is evaluated from the values of σ2. These results will be discussed together with the frequency dependence of the normalized transmission amplitude, P/Pc, below and above Tc.
Some E‐Optimal Designs for the One‐Way and Two‐Way Elimination of Heterogeneity

SUMMARY In exploratory experiments aimed at providing as much information as possible on the effects of the treatments being studied and where heterogeneity needs to be eliminated in one or two directions, use of an equally replicated block or row-column design may mean wasting some of the available experimental units. In this paper we prove the E-optimality of several different types of block and row-column designs that have unequally replicated treatments; such unequally replicated designs can maximize the information on treat- ment effects without wasting units. BLOCK designs are used for experiments where it is important to eliminate heterogeneity in one direction. Those considered here have v treatments arranged in b blocks containing k experimental units each. The structure of any such block design is determined by its v x b incidence matrix whose (i, j)th entry gives the number of times treatment i occurs in block j. In many experimental situations, the position that an experimental unit occupies within a block can also affect observed responses. When this happens, row-column designs can often be used to eliminate heterogeneity in two directions. The row-column designs considered here have bk experimental units arranged in a rectangular array of b columns and k rows such that each unit receives only one of the v treatments being studied. We say that a block or row-column design is equally replicated if each treatment is replicated the same number of times and otherwise unequally replicated. This paper gives some optimal block and row-column designs which can be used where equal replication is impossible if all the available experimental material is to be used. Let d denote an arbitrary row-column design such as is described above. Observations Ymnp obtained after applying the mth treatment to the unit occurring in the nth column and pth row are assumed to follow the usual three-way additive model, i.e.
1 MOLECULAR PREDICTORS OF CLINICAL RESPONSE TO THE PROTEASOME INHIBITOR BORTEZOMIB: CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS FOR INDIVIDUALIZED PATIENT-SPECIFIC ANTI-CANCER THERAPEUTIC ALGORITHMS

The proteasome inhibitor bortezomib is an active agent for treatment of advanced multiple myeloma (MM). However, similarly to other novel anti-cancer therapies, drug resistance (de novo or acquired) of MM cells to bortezomib curtails its clinical benefit. Unfortunately, no currently available clinical parameters can definitively predict response to bortezomib on an individual patient basis. This creates the impetus to identify molecular markers to identify in advance patients with low probability of response to bortezomib. Utilizing oligonucleotide microarray chips (which simultaneously quantify the expression of ˜ 22,200 genes), we characterized the baseline gene expression profiles of a panel of 40 patient-derived human MM cell lines, as well as the gene expression profiles of MM tumor cells isolated at baseline (i.e. prior to bortezomib therapy) from 45 relapsed refractory MM patients enrolled into a phase II clinical trial of bortezomib. Using a compendium of bioinformatic analyses, including hierarchical/functional clustering, relevance networks and pattern recognition analyses, we identified putative predictor genes correlating with ex vivo MM tumor cell responsiveness to bortezomib and genes differentially expressed in bortezomib-treated responders vs. non-responders, leading to generation of a composite candidate molecular signature associated with high risk for early disease progression after bortezomib treatment (median progression-free survival of 10 months for patients with vs. without this high-risk molecular signature, p = 0.012, log-rank test). Additional cross-validation of this molecular signature is independently provided by analyses of tumor samples from bortezomib-treated patients of a separate phase III randomized trial comparing bortezomib vs. high-dose dexamethasone in advanced MM. Interestingly, genes predicting for response to bortezomib are distinct from genes predicting response to other conventional (e.g. cytotoxic chemotherapy) or novel therapies, consistent with the distinct mechanism of action of bortezomib, i.e. the inhibition of proteasome function in tumor cells. Our study offers insight into the mechanisms regulating the anti-tumor activity of bortezomib and builds a framework for rational design of future individualized treatment protocols tailored to each patient9s tumor molecular features, an important step towards improving patient outcome and unnecessary risk for potential treatment-related adverse events.
Stress management in primary care: physicians' beliefs and patterns of practice.

We examined attitudes and practices related to stress management in a random sample of Texas primary care physicians. Two fifths of the physicians indicated that avoiding undue stress was very important, and more than one third reported that they gathered information about stress on a routine basis. Over two thirds of the physicians said that they had counseled their patients regarding stress and 13 percent had referred patients with high stress to outside programs. The physicians’ confidence that they had the skills to help patients with high stress, their belief in the benefits of avoiding undue stress, and their estimate of patient follow-through on recommendations were positively associated with history-taking and counseling regarding stress. Recommendations for medical education include incorporating information about stress and health into medical school curriculums, building skills in stress management, and increasing feedback from patients who have coped successfully with high stress.
Mohave Indian gathering of wild plants.

ABSTRACTAboriginally the Mohave Indians of the lower Colorado River gathered about half of their food supply. Besides fishing and hunting activities, a large variety of plant foods was collected. Most important of these were the pods of mesquite and screwbean trees. Others included numerous wild seeds, nuts, greens, roots and berries. Some of these were used for medicinal purposes.
Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Fine Needle Aspiration in the Diagnosis and Staging of Pancreatic Tumors

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is useful in the detection of pancreatic carcinoma. One of its major limitations is the lack of specificity for malignancy, both for the primary tumor and for associated lymph nodes due to its inability to distinguish malignant infiltration from benign inflammation. EUS-guided fine needle aspiration (FNA) has now been developed, which allows for a tissue diagnosis of the primary tumor as well as lymph nodes, liver metastasis, and peritoneal/pleural fluid. The addition of EUS-guided FNA, with the specificity of a tissue diagnosis, to the high sensitivity and vascular assessment of EUS alone makes this the modality of choice for the diagnosis and staging of pancreatic carcinoma. The results of preliminary studies along with discussion regarding the technique, safety, cytologic adequacy, diagnostic accuracy, clinical utility, and future trends of EUS-guided FNA in pancreatic tumors are presented.
Glutamate dehydrogenase activities in microdissected rat nephron segments: effects of acid-base loading.

A method for measurement of glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) activity in single renal tubules was employed to determine the distribution and regulation of GDH in tubule segments. Fresh microdissected tubules from collagenase-treated kidneys were permeabilized by hyposmotic shock and freezing. The rate of conversion of alpha-ketoglutarate, NH4+, and NADH to glutamate and NAD was measured at 37 degrees C fluorometrically. Very high activities were found in proximal tubule segments (150-210 pmol.min-1.mm tubule length-1), intermediate values (40-90 pmol.min-1.mm-1) in distal convoluted tubules, cortical thick ascending limbs, connecting tubules, medullary thick ascending limbs, and lower values (5-30 pmol.min-1.mm-1) in cortical collecting ducts, inner medullary collecting ducts, outer medullary collecting ducts, outer medullary thin limbs, and inner medullary thin limbs. To determine the effects of acid-base loading on GDH activity, 0.28 M NH4Cl (acid) or 0.28 M NaHCO3 (alkali) was added to the animals' drinking water for 7 days. Acid intake by the rats increased GDH activity in S1 and S2 proximal tubules by threefold, with no effect in other segments, including S3 proximal tubules. Alkali intake decreased GDH activity in the S3 proximal tubule by 40%, with no effect in other segments. We conclude that GDH activities are highest in proximal tubule segments and are regulated only in proximal tubule segments. Thus the results are consistent with the view that the proximal tubule is the chief site of the regulated production of ammonium in the kidney.
Marriage, Science, and Secret Intelligence in the life of Rudyerd Boulton (1901-1983): An American in Africa

W. Rudyerd Boulton was a museum ornithologist in New York, Pittsburgh and Chicago who became a specialist in the birds of Africa, notably Angola. He participated in several expeditions to Africa and the Americas, but published little. With the onset of World War II, he joined the newly formed US intelligence and espionage agency, the Office of Strategic Services. He became head of the Secret Intelligence desk for Africa and was connected to the top-secret import of Congolese uranium for atomic bomb development. His postwar career remains largely classified, but in 1953 he was employed in a personnel office of the Central Intelligence Agency. Retired in 1958, he then moved to Southern Rhodesia, where he managed the Atlantica Foundation, an organisation of his own making, which appeared to have extensive funding of unknown origins. Boulton spent the rest of his life on his ‘ecological research station’, a farm outside Salisbury that he offered to American and Rhodesian scientists as a research base. A retired CIA official who moved to Africa during decolonisation is inherently suspicious. Despite exhaustive efforts, Boulton’s continuing connection to Washington could not be documented. In fact, several indications – including his own managerial shortcomings – argue against the conclusion that he moved to Africa as a CIA plant. This paper provides an alternative explanation for his relocation, that it was the organic culmination of decades of self-construction effected through three marriages to accomplished women, two of whom were wealthy. Through his partnerships with Laura Craytor, Inez Cunningham Stark, and Louise Rehm, he developed into an expert on African nature, a liberal on American racial matters, and a wealthy patron of scientific work. Evidence of Boulton’s intelligence gathering may yet turn up, but for now the intimate politics of his life provides a better way to explain his relocation to Africa. Although American interests cannot explain his presence, his American origins mattered in that his African retirement was based on wealth, prestige and racial privilege gained in that country.
DNA repair in Bacillus subtilis

Competent B. subtilis are more UV sensitive than the non-competent population of the culture. This increased sensitivity is lost in mutants unable to induce the ‘SOS system’ (recA1, recG13), in mutants defective in the induction of prophage PBSX (xin), and in late stage competent cells. Moreover, bacteriophage ϕ105 produced from transfected cells are less restricted on strain YB880 than bacteriophage produced from infected cells. Therefore, competent cells (those capable of being transfected) have a DNA modification system, whereas the average log phase cell does not. These data support the hypothesis that the development of competence is correlated with the activation or derepression of the “SOS” system in B. subtilis.
Personal Reflections on High- T c Superconductivity

The resistance to electronic conduction in a metal is caused by the scattering of the conducting electrons by phonons as well as by impurities and lattice imperfections. The diamagnetism as well as the absence of resistance of a superconductor below the critical temperature T c leads to a model of pairs of conducting itinerant electrons of opposite spin captured in a potential well created by cooperative, dynamic atomic displacements. The Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieffer (BCS) model of superconductivity describes opposite-spin Cooper pairs of itinerant electrons captured rather than scattered below T c by vibrating, cooperative atomic displacements. The concept of capture of pairs of itinerant or molecular orbital electrons by cooperative atomic displacements led Alex Mueller to explore with Bednorz whether dynamic, cooperative Jahn-Teller deformations might capture mobile electron pairs below a higher T c than predicted by the BCS model. Static cooperative Jahn-Teller distortions of crystals containing Mn(III) or Cu(II) in octahedral sites had been identified as well as the role of dynamic cooperative Jahn-Teller deformations in the creation of chemical inhomogeneities in the ferrimagnetic oxospinels of the first RAM memory of the digital computer. Since superconductive electron pairs would need to be trapped itinerant electrons, a ceramic containing mixed-valent Cu(III)/Cu(II) cations was a logical choice for Alex Mueller to begin his investigation. The discovery of Bednorz and Mueller of high-temperature superconductivity in a copper oxide in 1986 broke the mindset that the BCS mechanism for capturing superconductive electron pairs was the only mechanism for the superconductive phenomenon.
Special needs hurricane shelters and the ageing population: development of a methodology and a case study application.

Recent experience of hurricanes, particularly in the southeast United States, has heightened awareness of the multifaceted nature of and the challenges to effective disaster relief planning. One key element of this planning is providing adequate shelter at secure locations for people who evacuate. Some of these individuals will have ‘special needs', yet there is little research on the relationship with shelter space. This study designed a geographic information systems-based network optimisation methodology for the siting of special needs hurricane relief shelters, with a focus on the transportation component. It sought to find new locations for shelters that maximise accessibility by vulnerable populations, given capacity constraints, concentrating on the ageing population. The framework was implemented in a medium-sized metropolitan statistical area in the state of Florida where data suggest a possible deficit in special needs shelter space. The study analysed options for increasing special needs shelter capacity, while considering potential uncertainties in transportation network availability.
Amyloid scaffolds as alternative chlorosomes

Living systems contain remarkable functional capability built within sophisticated self-organizing frameworks. Defining the assembly codes that coordinate these systems could greatly extend nanobiotechnology. To that end, we have highlighted the self-assembling architecture of the chlorosome antenna arrays and report the emulation and extension of their features for the development of cell-compatible photoredox materials. We specifically review work on amyloid peptide scaffolds able to (1) organize light-harvesting chromophores, (2) break peptide bilayer symmetry for directional energy and electron transfer, and (3) incorporate redox active metal ions at high density for energy storage.
One Point of View: Radical Innovation and Corporate Regeneration

(1994). One Point of View: Radical Innovation and Corporate Regeneration. Research-Technology Management: Vol. 37, No. 4, pp. 10-10.
Understanding the co-loading and releasing of doxorubicin and paclitaxel using chitosan functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes by molecular dynamics simulations

Two widely used anticancer drugs, doxorubicin (DOX) and paclitaxel (PTX), possess distinct physical properties and chemotherapy specificity. In order to investigate their interaction mechanism with single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), co-loading and releasing from the SWCNTs, all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were firstly carried out for different SWCNT systems, followed by binding free energy calculation with MM-PBSA. The results indicate that the co-loading of DOX and PTX onto the pristine SWCNT is exothermic and spontaneous. The DOX molecules predominantly interact with the SWCNT via π–π stacking through the conjugated aromatic rings, while the separated aromatic rings of PTX also primarily interact with the SWCNT through π–π stacking yet supplemented by an X–π (X = C–H, N–H and CO) interaction. Moreover, the strongest binding of DOX and PTX with the pristine SWCNT shows similar strength (ΔG: −32.0 vs. −33.8 kcal mol−1). For the chitosan functionalized SWCNT (f-SWCNT), the DOX and PTX molecules still prefer binding to the sidewall of the CNT rather than binding with the polymer, and the non-covalent functionalization of the SWCNT with chitosan decreases the binding of DOX and PTX with the sidewall of the f-SWCNT as compared with the DOX/PTX–SWCNT system (ΔG: −24.0 and −21.9 kcal mol−1). The protonation of chitosan and drug molecules further weakens the interaction between DOX/PTX and the f-SWCNT, and shows a consequent displacement of the drug molecules, triggering the release of the drugs. The variation of binding strength of the three systems (DOX/PTX–SWCNT, DOX/PTX–f-SWCNT, and DOXH+/PTXH+–f-SWCNT) was also discussed in terms of the histogram or frequency of the distance from the drugs to the SWCNT. In addition, the encapsulation of two DOX molecules by the f-SWCNT is considerably stronger than the binding of the other six drug molecules to the sidewall, indicating that the encapsulation of anticancer drugs may also play a very important role and should be considered in the drug delivery.
Firearm Storage Practices and Risk Perceptions Among a Nationally Representative Sample of U.S. Veterans With and Without Self‐Harm Risk Factors

Despite the disproportionate use of firearms in Veteran suicides and the well-established link between firearm access and suicide, little is known about how Veterans store their firearms or what they think about the relationship between firearm access and suicide risk. Using data from 2015 nationally representative online survey (response rate 60.9%), we compare characteristics of Veteran firearm owners with and without self-harm risk factors with respect to how they store their firearms and their beliefs about suicide risk related to firearms. Overall, one in three U.S. Veteran firearm owners store household firearms loaded and unlocked, one in twenty believe that a firearm increases household suicide risk, and one in four consider their loaded and unlocked firearm to be inaccessible to suicidal household members. Storage practices and risk perceptions are similar among those with and without self-reported suicide risk factors. Affecting risk perceptions may be a critical aspect of interventions addressing lethal means safety among U.S. Veterans.
Copernicus and the Critics of Ptolemy

L'A. decrit et analyse le realisme de Copernic dans ses travaux de recherche sur l'astronomie ainsi que les critiques de Ptolemee dans la prediction de la position des planetes
The population of Cuba: The growth and characteristics of its labor force

Abstract Cuba is a country with a demographic profile that resembles the situation of more developed nations: birth and death rates are low, life expectancy is high, the proportion of the population in working ages is also high, and the number of elderly persons is expanding rapidly. Cuba also has an educated population and a universal public education system. This paper analyzes Cuba's current demographic picture, and emphasizes the characteristics of its labor force that will influence dynamic change. Overall, the contribution of the labor force to the development of a market economy is likely to be positive, given its low dependency ratio, the high level of education, and the value placed on entrepreneurship.
Animal models for hepatitis C

Hepatitis C remains a global epidemic. Approximately 3 % of the world’s population suffers from chronic hepatitis C, which is caused by hepatitis C virus (HCV)—a positive sense, single-stranded RNA virus of the Flaviviridae family. HCV has a high propensity for establishing a chronic infection. If untreated chronic HCV carriers can develop severe liver disease including fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Antiviral treatment is only partially effective, costly, and poorly tolerated. A prophylactic or therapeutic vaccine for HCV does not exist. Mechanistic studies of virus-host interactions, HCV immunity, and pathogenesis as well as the development of more effective therapies have been hampered by the lack of a suitable small animal model. Besides humans, chimpanzees are the only species that is naturally susceptible to HCV infection. While experimentation in these large primates has yielded valuable insights, ethical considerations, limited availability, genetic heterogeneity, and cost limit their utility. In search for more tractable small animal models, numerous experimental approaches have been taken to recapitulate parts of the viral life cycle and/or aspects of viral pathogenesis that will be discussed in this review. Exciting new models and improvements in established models hold promise to further elucidate our understanding of chronic HCV infection.
Silent point mutation in DsRed resulting in enhanced relative fluorescence intensity

Codon Red Identification and optimization of fluorescent proteins, coupled with advances in imaging technology, have been a boon to the analysis of gene expression in vivo and in vitro. Of availabl...
Commitment to Coaching: Using the Sport Commitment Model as a Theoretical Framework with Soccer Coaches

Huckleberry, Sheri D., Ph.D., June 2011, Curriculum and Instruction, Commitment to Coaching: Using the Sport Commitment Model as a Theoretical Framework with Soccer Coaches (pp. 193) Director of Dissertation: Dianne M. Gut Athletic coaches have the potential to be among the most influential people in a young person’s life and athletes often idolize their coaches. The impact a coach has on an athlete endures psychologically, physically, and emotionally. This study embraced the Sport Commitment Model (Scanlan, T. K., Carpenter, P. J., Schmidt, G. W., Simons, J. P., & Keeler, B., 1993a; Scanlan, T. K., Russell, D. G., Magyar, T. M., & Scanlan, L. A.,, 2009) as a theoretical framework to understand the antecedents of coaches’ commitment to coaching. The goal of this study was to examine the viability of the Coaches’ Commitment Model (CCM) with soccer coaches. The theoretical framework of the SCM provided a mechanism to understand the determinants of soccer coaches’ commitment to coaching, as the modified measurement model met satisfactory model fit (χ = 753.5 [df = 215], CFI = .954, NNFI = .946, RMSEA = .039, and SRMR = .0388). While the structural model failed to converge, this does not mean the SCM is not a viable theoretical framework for coaches. The theory behind the models (i.e., SCM and CCM) is that enjoyment, involvement alternatives/other priorities, personal investments, social constraints, involvement opportunities/valuable opportunities and social support predict coaches’ commitment. The soccer coaches in the study seem to express their lifelong involvement in sports, thus their commitment to coaching. Overall, they have been long 4 time athletic participants and consider themselves more than just novice coaches. Additionally, the opportunity to coach and work with athletes was the strongest predictor of coaches’ commitment. Furthermore, these coaches not only value the opportunities to work with their athletes, they enjoy coaching. Approved: _____________________________________________________________ Dianne M. Gut Associate Professor of Teacher Education
Biconvex and Difference of Convex Functions (D.C.) Problems

Biconvex and Difference of Convex functions (D.C.) problems are subclasses of the general C 2 nonlinear programming problems. However, they possess special structure and therefore are treated separately in this chapter.
An Overview of Cutaneous Lymphomas

Classifications of cutaneous lymphomas, Two recent systems both had problems, Revised European-American Classification of Lym­phomas (REAL), European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC)
It’s Personal: The Impact of Victimization on Motivations and Career Interests Among Criminal Justice Majors at Diverse Urban Colleges

This article extends a small but significant body of work on the motivations of criminal justice students to enter the major and to pursue a criminal justice career (Krimmel & Tartaro 1999; Gabbido...
PARP inhibition in vivo blocks alcohol-induced brain neurodegeneration and neuroinflammatory cytosolic phospholipase A2 elevations

Abstract Chronic alcoholism promotes brain damage that impairs memory and cognition. High binge alcohol levels in adult rats also cause substantial neurodamage to memory-linked regions, notably, the hippocampus (HC) and entorhinal cortex (ECX). Concurrent with neurodegeneration, alcohol elevates poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) and cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) levels. PARP-1 triggers necrosis when excessively activated, while cPLA2 liberates neuroinflammatory ω-6 arachidonic acid. Inhibitors of PARP exert in vitro neuroprotection while suppressing cPLA2 elevations in alcohol-treated HC-ECX slice cultures. Here, we examined in vivo neuroprotection and cPLA2 suppression by the PARP inhibitor, veliparib, in a recognized adult rat model of alcohol-binging. Adult male rats received Vanilla Ensure containing alcohol (ethanol, 7.1 ± 0.3 g/kg/day), or control (dextrose) ± veliparib (25 mg/kg/day), by gavage 3x daily for 4 days. Rats were sacrificed on the morning after the final binge. HC and ECX neurodegeneration was assessed in fixed sections by Fluoro-Jade B (FJB) staining. Dorsal HC, ventral HC, and ECX cPLA2 levels were quantified by immunoblotting. Like other studies using this model, alcohol binges elevated FJB staining in the HC (dentate gyrus) and ECX, indicating neurodegeneration. Veliparib co-treatment significantly reduced dentate gyrus and ECX neurodegeneration by 79% and 66%, respectively. Alcohol binges increased cPLA2 in the ventral HC by 34% and ECX by 72%, which veliparib co-treatment largely prevented. Dorsal HC cPLA2 levels remained unaffected by alcohol binges, consistent with negligible FJB staining in this brain region. These in vivo results support an emerging key role for PARP in binge alcohol-induced neurodegeneration and cPLA2-related neuroinflammation.
Hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis: Mechanisms, Diagnosis, Neuropsychological Phenotypes, and Treatments

Similar to that of other endocrine glands, the thyroid has extensive effects on the central nervous system.
Minorization-Maximization-based Steepest Ascent for Large-scale Survival Analysis with Time-Varying Effects: Application to the National Kidney Transplant Dataset

The time-varying effects model is a flexible and powerful tool for modeling the dynamic changes of covariate effects. However, in survival analysis, its computational burden increases quickly as the number of sample sizes or predictors grows. Traditional methods that perform well for moderate sample sizes and low-dimensional data do not scale to massive data. Analysis of national kidney transplant data with a massive sample size and large number of predictors defy any existing statistical methods and software. In view of these difficulties, we propose a Minorization-Maximization-based steepest ascent procedure for estimating the time-varying effects. Leveraging the block structure formed by the basis expansions, the proposed procedure iteratively updates the optimal block-wise direction along which the approximate increase in the log-partial likelihood is maximized. The resulting estimates ensure the ascent property and serve as refinements of the previous step. The performance of the proposed method is examined by simulations and applications to the analysis of national kidney transplant data.
The Community of Inquiry: An Approach to Collaborative Learning

Sociocognitive theorists have stressed the importance of both teacher and peer collaboration in learning and academic achievement. Such collaboration may be lacking in an art education modelled on the tradition of the solitary artist producing original works of art in the studio. This paper describes the Philosophy for Children program in critical thinking, its pedagogical approach involving the community of inquiry, and the sociocognitive learning theories upon which it is based. This program may serve as a pedagogical model for development of collaborative learning approaches in art education, especially within the discipline of aesthetics.
Pre-Operative Antithyroid Antibodies in Differentiated Thyroid Cancer.

Abstract Objective To evaluate the significance of antithyroglobulin and antithyroid peroxidase antibody levels associated with locoregional metastatic disease in patients with well-differentiated thyroid cancer. Methods Patients underwent initial treatment for well-differentiated thyroid cancer at our institution between 2014 and 2018. The following variables were collected: age, sex, pre-operative thyroid-stimulating hormone, thyroglobulin, antithyroglobulin antibody (TgAb), antithyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb), the extent of surgery, T-stage, N-stage, extrathyroidal extension (ETE), extranodal extension (ENE), lymphovascular invasion, and multifocal disease. The relationships between disease status and pre-operative TPOAb, TgAb, thyroglobulin, and thyroid-stimulating hormone were analyzed. Results A total of 405 patients (mean age, 52 years) were included in the study, of which 66.4% were women. Elevated TgAb was associated with the presence of lymph node metastases (LNM) in both the central and lateral neck (P Conclusion Elevated pre-operative TgAb was an independent predictor of nodal metastases and ENE, while elevated TPOAb was associated with a lower pathologic T- and N-stage. Pre-operative antithyroid antibody titers may be useful to inform the disease extent and features.
Properties of Human α1-Antitrypsin

Human blood plasma is known to contain at least six proteinase inhibitors[1]. Two of these proteins, α2-macroglobulin and α1antitrypsin, are normally present in the most significant quantities in plasma and the latter has been found to account for at least 70% of the total inhibitory activity. This protein, which should more accurately be described as an α1-proteinase inhibitor because of its broad inhibition spectrum, has been implicated in several pathological conditions primarily when low levels of the molecule are present in plasma [2].
Fixed-dose Combination Therapy in Hypertension: Focus on Fixed-dose Combination of Amlodipine and Valsartan (Exforge ® )

Hypertension is the leading cause of disability and cardiovascular mortality world-wide. Approximately one-third of the US adult population and over a billion people world-wide have hypertension. Despite increased awareness of hypertension and availability of many effective antihypertensive agents, only one third of patients achieve their target blood pressure (BP). All expert panels now recommend use of combination therapy for stage 2 and higher hypertension and for individuals who are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Amlodipine, a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker and Valsartan, an angiotensin II receptor (AT1-R) antagonist are widely used antihypertensive agents. Their efficacy in lowering systolic and diastolic BP and reducing CVD events has been demonstrated in several randomized trials. Fixed-dose combination of amlodipine and valsartan (A/V) has been shown to be more effective in lowering BP than monotherapy with either of these agents alone in randomized trials with comparable side effect profile. Approximately 80%–90% of patients with stage 1–2 hypertension receiving A/V fixed-dose combination achieve significant response, defined as a mean sitting diastolic BP 10 mmHg reduction from the baseline. Subgroup analyses show that A/V fixed-dose combination is equally effective in older individuals (>65), Blacks, in patients with isolated systolic hypertension, and in those who fail monotherapy. Furthermore, A/V fixed-dose combination is well tolerated and simplifies antihypertensive regimen enhancing patient adherence and a better BP control compared to monotherapy.
New Interpretation of MIMO Quantitative Feedback Theory

Horowitz's Quantitative Feedback Theory provides a graphical control design technique for uncertain servo tracking systems. Horowitz has generalized his method to solving MIMO problems. This paper reinterpretes his MIMO design approach from the perspective of Inverse Nyquist Array method The MIMO servo design goal is reformulated to contain two objectives: reaching the demanded tracking performance in individual channels and achieving the specified degree of diagonal dominance for reducing cross coupling effects. The Nichols plots of Gershgorin or Ostrowski circles are used to deduce the needed compensation for the desired degree of diagonal dominance. Together with the Horowitz bounds for achieving the desired tracking performance, the admissible loop transmission can be determined. Thus a MIMO design is converted into an equivalent set of SISO design problems guaranteed to achieve the original MIMO performance specification.
Expansion Plans in Iowa Contract Hog Production

Contract hog production has been a growing portion of the pork industry especially during the past few decades. Production contracting involves an agreement between at least two parties. The agreement specifies the division of resources which will be used in hog production. They can vary by type of production, type of contract, and responsibilities of each contracting party. Contractors, who are usually owners of the hogs, generally provide the feeder pigs or breeding stock along with the feed necessary for production. Growers, those working in the production of animals, typically provide the facilities and labor and are compensated for their time and resources involved. Expenses such as veterinary costs or utilities can be paid by the grower,- owner, or shared as contracts vary. Growers are usually compensated or a per head or per pound of gain basis, though other types of agreements do exist.
A simple barcode verification system for radiolabeled blood cell procedures

2226 Objectives: A verification system for labeling procedures of blood cells (e.g., leukocytes, red blood cells, and platelets, etc.) is extremely important to ensure that the radiolabeled blood cells are returned to the correct patient. The objective of this study was to put into practice an effective procedure that incorporates verification, accountability, and guidance during the critical identification steps of the radiolabeling process. Methods: To eliminate the possibility of re-injecting the incorrect radiolabeled blood product into a patient, two crucial steps of patient identification during the above procedure were identified, i.e., (1) the initial withdrawal of whole blood and (2) the re-injecting of radiolabeled blood cells. To guide the nuclear medicine technologist through these two verification steps, a simple and practical barcode system was established. Prior to starting a blood cell labeling procedure, barcode labels specific to each patient are placed on the patient’s wristband, blood draw syringes, centrifugation tubes, and the re-injection syringe. Our barcode system incorporates a “parent/child” verification scheme in which the “child” barcode must match the “parent” barcode before proceeding to the next step of the procedure. The “child” barcodes are defined as the barcodes found on the blood-draw syringes and the re-injection syringe, while the “parent” barcode is defined as the barcode on the patient wristband. During the two crucial identification steps, the barcode system is used to insure that there is a correct match between the parent barcode (patient wristband) and the child barcode (syringes). In the case of mismatched barcodes, a unique alarm and light display will notify the technologist of an incorrect parent and child relationship. Results: Our barcode system can be easily implemented with minimal expense. This system is very easy to use and should not compromise the efficiency of the radiolabeling procedure. Conclusions: By using our unique barcode system as an adjunct to a technologist’s verbal check of the patient’s identity along with the color-coding verification and “one hood for one blood-cell radiolabeling” policy that we have previously instigated, it provides additional assurance that radiolabeled blood cells are being returned to the correct patient.
Internet delivery of instruction: issues of best teaching practice, administrative hurdles, and old‐fashioned politics

The authors describe the preparation and execution of a statistics and a fine arts course, each of which was offered in parallel to an on‐campus classroom group and an online Internet group. The authors address the pedagogical, administrative, and political issues that must be resolved before one can legitimately offer a course of study to an Internet audience that the instructor will never physically see. Pedagogical issues are paramount if the goal is to achieve best teaching practice. In addition, there are numerous administrative hurdles to resolve where admission officers, registrars, and governing boards are working from a traditional mindset where rules and guidelines are based on local geography and physical presence. Further, political issues quickly present themselves, including time issues, faculty‐colleague and administrator perceptions of “legitimate teaching activity”, and valuations of the course.
On some academic theories of mathematical objects

Discussion de L. Taran, " Speussipus of Athens " (Leiden, 1981), et notamment de son interpretation des livres M et N de la " Metaphysique " d'Aristote. L'A. commente trois aspects de cette interpretation : la doctrine platonicienne des nombres ideaux| l'ontologie mathematique de Speusippe| les principes mathematiques de ce dernier
Daily stress, coping, and dietary restraint in binge eating

Objective The current study evaluated whether psychological stress, use of specific coping strategies, and trait dietary restraint would prospectively predict binge eating episodes. Method After completing a baseline measure of restraint, 46 binge eating college women kept daily diaries assessing depressed affect, stress, coping, and binge eating for 30 days. Results Regardless of level of depressed mood, higher stress was associated with increased risk of same-day binge eating; distraction coping was associated with increased risk of future binge eating; social support was associated with decreased risk of same-day binge eating; and women with high versus low dietary restraint showed different patterns of relationship for stress, coping, and binge eating. Discussion Vulnerability to binge eating in women who differ in terms of dietary restraint level may vary as a function of their coping responses to stress. Results highlight the complexities of stress and coping in binge eating. © 2004 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 36: 204–212, 2004.
A modified weak Galerkin finite element method for the Stokes equations

A modified weak Galerkin (MWG) finite element method is introduced for the Stokes equations in the primary velocity-pressure formulation. This method is based on the weak Galerkin (WG) finite element method developed recently in Wang and Ye (0000). The unknowns associated with element boundaries in the WG method have been eliminated in the MWG method. As the result, the MWG method has fewer degrees of freedom. Optimal-order error estimates are established for the corresponding numerical approximation in various norms. Numerical results are presented to confirm the theory.
Neuroimaging: do we really need new contrast agents for MRI?

Abstract The use of exogenous contrast media in magnetic resonance imaging of the brain has brought dramatic improvement in the sensitivity of detection and delineation of pathological structures, such as primary and metastatic brain tumors, inflammation and ischemia. Disruption of the blood brain barrier leads to accumulation of the intravenously injected contrast material in the extravascular space, leading to signal enhancement. Magnetic resonance angiography benefits from T 1 -shortening effects of contrast agent, improving small vessel depiction and providing vascular visualization even in situations of slow flow. High speed dynamic MRI after bolus injection of contrast media allows tracer kinetic modeling of cerebral perfusion. Progressive enhancement over serial post-contrast imaging allows modeling of vascular permeability and thus quantitative estimation of the severity of blood brain barrier disruption. With such an array of capabilities and ever improving technical abilities, it seems that the role of contrast agents in MR neuroimaging is established and the development of new agents may be superfluous. However, new agents are being developed with prolonged intravascular residence times, and with in-vivo binding of ever-increasing specificity. Intravascular, or blood pool, agents are likely to benefit magnetic resonance angiography of the carotid and cerebral vessels; future agents may allow the visualization of therapeutic drug delivery, the monitoring of, for example, gene expression, and the imaging evaluation of treatment efficacy. So while there is a substantial body of work that can be performed with currently available contrast agents, especially in conjunction with optimized image acquisition strategies, post processing, and mathematical analysis, there are still unrealized opportunities for novel contrast agent introduction, particularly those exploiting biological specificity. This article reviews the current use of contrast media in magnetic resonance neuroimaging, discusses some of the developing strategies for new applications of imaging with these agents and finally offers some views and indications for contrast agents currently under development, as well as some speculation on unsolved problems in neuroimaging, and opportunities for novel contrast agents.
Leishmania tropica: Uptake of methionine by promastigotes

Abstract Promastigotes of Leishmania tropica transport methionine against a concentration gradient through a saturable system. This concentrative uptake requires metabolic energy and is sensitive to temperature and sulfhydryl reagents such as N -ethyl maleimide. Intracellular methionine exchanges with external methionine. Preformed methionine pools are lost at low temperatures and in the presence of energy uncouplers such as 2,4-dinitrophenol. Glucose stimulates uptake rates presumably by providing additional energy. In short term uptake experiments lasting 10 min, the incorporation of methionine into cellular material is negligible. Thus almost all methionine taken up goes into the amino acid pools where a small fraction (less than 20%) is metabolized, chiefly into l -methionine sulfoxide and cystathionine. In 10-min experiments, over 80% of the total intracellular label constitutes unaltered methionine. At steady state, unaltered methionine in the intracellular pool is at a concentration about 12–17 times that found in the external medium.
Learning by doing: developing fellows’ academic skills through collaborative research

Physicians in postgraduate training are expected to learn research methods but how best to achieve that curricular goal is unclear. This article describes a novel educational approach to develop research skills among infectious disease fellows. Five infectious disease fellows and two faculty members participated in a collaborative research project as a vehicle for active, problem-based learning. During the learning experience several tasks with specific learning objectives were achieved. The authors evaluated the weaknesses and strengths of the collaborative research project as an educational program. This problem-based approach for learning research methods seems more effective than traditional methods and may be applicable to a broad range of training programs.