cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Large-scale clustering of galaxies in general relativity

Several recent studies have shown how to properly calculate the observed clustering of galaxies in a relativistic context, and uncovered corrections to the Newtonian calculation that become significant on scales near the horizon. Here, we retrace these calculations and show that, on scales approaching the horizon, the observed galaxy power spectrum depends strongly on which gauge is assumed to relate the intrinsic fluctuations in galaxy density to matter perturbations through a linear bias relation. Starting from simple physical assumptions, we derive a gauge-invariant expression relating galaxy density perturbations to matter density perturbations on large scales, and show that it reduces to a linear bias relation in a synchronous-comoving gauge, corroborating an assumption made in several recent papers. We evaluate the resulting observed galaxy power spectrum, and show that it leads to corrections similar to an effective non-Gaussian bias corresponding to a local f_(NL,eff)≲0.5. This number can serve as a guideline as to which surveys need to take into account relativistic effects. We also discuss the scale-dependent bias induced by primordial non-Gaussianity in the relativistic context, which again is simplest in a synchronous-comoving gauge.
5-HT2A receptor antagonists improve motor impairments in the MPTP mouse model of Parkinson's disease

Clinical observations have suggested that ritanserin, a 5-HT(2A/C) receptor antagonist may reduce motor deficits in persons with Parkinson's Disease (PD). To better understand the potential antiparkinsonian actions of ritanserin, we compared the effects of ritanserin with the selective 5-HT(2A) receptor antagonist M100907 and the selective 5-HT(2C) receptor antagonist SB 206553 on motor impairments in mice treated with 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). MPTP-treated mice exhibited decreased performance on the beam-walking apparatus. These motor deficits were reversed by acute treatment with L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (levodopa). Both the mixed 5-HT(2A/C) antagonist ritanserin and the selective 5-HT(2A) antagonist M100907 improved motor performance on the beam-walking apparatus. In contrast, SB 206553 was ineffective in improving the motor deficits in MPTP-treated mice. These data suggest that 5-HT(2A) receptor antagonists may represent a novel approach to ameliorate motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease.
An FDTD algorithm with perfectly matched layers for general dispersive media

A three-dimensional (3-D) finite difference time domain (FDTD) algorithm with perfectly matched layer (PML) absorbing boundary condition (ABC) is presented for general inhomogeneous, dispersive, conductive media. The modified time-domain Maxwell's equations for dispersive media are expressed in terms of coordinate-stretching variables. We extend the recursive convolution (RC) and piecewise linear recursive convolution (PLRC) approaches to arbitrary dispersive media in a more general form. The algorithm is tested for homogeneous and inhomogeneous media with three typical kinds of dispersive media, i.e., Lorentz medium, unmagnetized plasma, and Debye medium. Excellent agreement between the FDTD results and analytical solutions is obtained for all testing cases with both RC and PLRC approaches. We demonstrate the applications of the algorithm with several examples in subsurface radar detection of mine-like objects, cylinders, and spheres buried in a dispersive half-space and the mapping of a curved interface. Because of their generality, the algorithm and computer program can be used to model biological materials, artificial dielectrics, optical materials, and other dispersive media.
Identification and modulation of a naturally processed T cell epitope from the diabetes-associated autoantigen human glutamic acid decarboxylase 65 (hGAD65).

T cell recognition of autoantigens is critical to progressive immune-mediated destruction of islet cells, which leads to autoimmune diabetes. We identified a naturally presented autoantigen from the human islet antigen glutamic acid decarboxylase, 65-kDa isoform (GAD65), by using a combination of chromatography and mass spectrometry of peptides bound by the type I diabetes (insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, IDDM)-associated HLA-DR4 molecule. Peptides encompassing this epitope-stimulated GAD65-specific T cells from diabetic patients and a DR4-positive individual at high risk for developing IDDM. T cell responses were antagonized by altered peptide ligands containing single amino acid modifications. This direct identification and manipulation of GAD65 epitope recognition provides an approach toward dissection of the complex CD4+ T cell response in IDDM.
Two-detector, asymmetric cone-beam helical SPECT

Whole-body SPECT (single photon emission computed tomography) with a helical scanning orbit is proposed to replace whole-body planar imaging. In order to correct for attenuation and avoid truncation of projection data, the use of asymmetric cone-beam imaging geometries for simultaneous transmission and emission data acquisition is being investigated. At least two detectors are required in order to provide sufficient cone-beam data. If two detectors are used, they must have opposite geometries, and the data sufficiency condition for the cone-beam geometry is such that when a detector rotates "/spl pi/ plus fan-angle", it should shift axially by a, where a is the detector size projected on the axis of rotation. By using Beacon/sup TM/ method, transmission and emission imaging geometries can be different. Various helix pitch requirements are derived here for many imaging geometries and for many detector configurations.
Stopping trials early for commercial reasons: the risk–benefit relationship as a moral compass

Decisions by industry sponsors to end clinical trials early for commercial reasons have been the subject of controversy. I argue that the principal consideration in assessing these decisions ought to be the way in which the termination would affect the trial's risk-benefit relationship. If there is not yet sufficient benefit to be gained from the study to offset the risks to which participants were exposed and it is expected that important scientific information would be obtained if the trial were continued, early termination constitutes an unethical alteration of the risk-benefit relationship. This violates the grounds on which permission is given to conduct human research, patients consent to participate, and investigators agree to conduct studies. These knowable and avoidable changes in risk-benefit relationship should generally be seen as impermissible.
Multistate modeling and simulation for regulatory networks

Many protein regulatory models contain chemical species best represented as having multiple states. Such models stem from the potential for multiple levels of phosphorylation or from the formation of multiprotein complexes. We seek to support such models by augmenting an existing modeling and simulation system. Interactions between multistate species can lead to a combinatorial explosion in the potential state space. This creates a challenge when using Gillespie's stochastic simulation algorithm (SSA). Both the network-free algorithm (NFA) and various rules-based methods have been proposed to more efficiently simulate such models. We show how to further improve NFA to integrate population-based and particle-based features. We then present a population-based scheme for the stochastic simulation of rule-based models. A complexity analysis is presented comparing the proposed simulation methods. We present numerical experiments for two sample models that demonstrate the power of the proposed simulation methods.
The Nature of the Beast: Organizational Structures and the Lethality of Terrorist Attacks

Why are some terrorist organizations so much more deadly then others? This article examines organizational characteristics such as ideology, size, age, state sponsorship, alliance connections, and control of territory while controlling for factors that may also influence lethality, including the political system and relative wealth of the country in which the organization is based. Using data from the Memorial Institute for the Prevention of Terrorism's Terrorism Knowledge Base (TKB), we use a negative binomial model of organizational lethality, finding that organizational size, ideology, territorial control, and connectedness are important predictors of lethality while state sponsorship, organizational age, and host country characteristics are not.
Rethinking Homelessness Prevention among Persons with Serious Mental Illness

During recent years, the need to consider effective and innovative ways to prevent and end homelessness among individuals with serious mental illness has been abetted by an increased and more sophisticated understanding of the composition of the homeless population, the emergence of evidence-based practices to address homelessness, and the passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. This article summarizes the evolving understanding of the role that serious mental illness plays in homelessness as well as the interventions that are effective at preventing and ending homelessness among persons with serious mental illness. This summary contextualizes a discussion of the practice and policy agenda to address homelessness among people with serious mental illness using a new prevention framework and considering the opportunities inherent in increased affordable health care coverage for very low-income individuals with serious mental illness.
Effects of angular acceleration on man: choice reaction time using visual and rotary motion information

This experiment was concerned with the effects of rotary acceleration on choice reaction time (RTc) to the motion of a luminous line on a cathode-ray tube. Specifically, it compared the (RTc) to rotary acceleration alone, visual acceleration alone, and simultaneous, double stimulation by both rotary and visual acceleration. Thirteen airline pilots were rotated about an earth-vertical axis in a precision rotation device while they observed a vertical line. The stimuli were 7 rotary and visual accelerations which were matched for rise time. The pilot responded as quickly as possible by displacing a vertical controller to the right or left. The results showed a decreasing (RTc) with increasing acceleration for all conditions, while the (RTc) to rotary motion alone was substantially longer than for all other conditions. The (RTc) to the double stimulation was significantly longer than that for visual acceleration alone.
Managing International Teams

The article presents a review of the book “Managing International Teams,” by Nicola Phillips.
Winter-type california tobacco rattle virus in its relation to the infected cell

Particles of California tobacco rattle virus (CTRV) were observed in thin sections of vascular elements of leaves showing oak leaf symptoms. At no time during this study were particles observed in mesophyl cells of these leaves. A peculiar chloroplast breakdown is described.
Examining Diversity/Multicultural Training among Campus Recreation Departments:

Colleges and universities are facing the challenge of providing an environment of acceptance. As a cocurricular activity within higher education, campus recreation programs are expected to provide opportunities for students to become aware and appreciative of cultures or individuals different from themselves. The main purpose of this study was to address the lack of research on diversity/multicultural training programs within campus recreation departments. In this study, we explored the diversity/multicultural training that was offered, the benefits of this training, and the growing need for these programs within campus recreation departments. Of the 105 campus recreation departments surveyed, 93% indicated they agree or strongly agree that campus recreation leadership is fully committed to the long-term success of diversity/multicultural awareness strategies and initiatives. However, only 44% stated they currently provide or implement diversity/multicultural training. Diversity/multicultural training may...
Current concepts in the surgical management of chronic and recurrent acute sinusitis

It was previously believed that sinusitis lasting longer than 3 months might lead to irreversible disease. Experience with functional endoscopic sinus surgery indicates that this is rarely the case. Functional endoscopic sinus surgery describes an approach whereby target areas of obstruction are cleared of disease, which allows for ventilation of secondarily involved sinuses and return of mucociliary function. Although endoscopic sinus surgery is one of the techniques most frequently used to manage chronic sinus disease, it is not a suitable surgical approach for every otolaryngologist or all patient settings. Success with this endoscopic approach for chronic sinus disease is based primarily on rigorous perioperative medical care and postoperative surgical debridement. The greatest advancement that the nasal endoscope has brought to patient care is the ability to diagnose disease and follow objectively the effects of different treatment modalities. This advantage is recognized by allergists and used at several centers.
Learning Technologies in Support of Self-Directed Learning

Self-directed learning is a continuous engagement in acquiring, applying and creating knowledge and skills in the context of an individual learner's unique problems. Effectively supporting self-directed learning is one of the critical challenges in supporting lifelong learning. Self-directed learning creates new challenging requirements for learning technologies. Domain-oriented design environments address these challenges by allowing learners to engage in their own problems, by providing contextualized support, and by exploiting breakdowns as opportunities for learning. Economies of educational knowledge constitute an emerging concept in which communities contribute toward the creation of information repositories, which can be reused and evolved by all members of the community for the creation of new environments. We argue and demonstrate that domain-oriented design environments can serve as models for these economies, that a software reuse perspective provides us with insights into the challenges these developments face, and that the creation and evolution of these economies are best understood as problems in self-directed learning. Reviewers: Terry Anderson (U. Alberta), Frank Webster (U. Oxford-Brookes) Interactive elements: The WebNet system described in the article is on the Web. From the LAN Design Environment link, you get to a screen image of an interactive Java applet illustrating the WebNet application. A demonstration of the WebNet system described in this article can be found at http://www.cs.colorado.edu/~gerry/WebNet/site/webnet.htm
The Impact of Late-Life Parental Death on Adult Sibling Relationships: Do Parents' Advance Directives Help or Hurt?

The authors examined whether the effect of parental death on adults siblings’ relationship quality varies on the basis of the presence and perceived effectiveness of a deceased parent’s formal preparations for end-of-life care. The authors used data from the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study and focused on the relationship quality of a bereaved adult child and his or her randomly selected sibling. Parental death was associated with a decrease in sibling closeness. The parent’s use of advance directives (living will and durable power of attorney for health care) did not have uniformly positive effects on adult siblings’ relationship quality. Sibling relationships suffered when the living will was believed to “cause problems,” but relationships improved when the deceased parent named someone other than his or her spouse or a child as durable power of attorney for health care. The authors discuss the implications for developing effective end-of-life preparations that benefit both the decedent and surviving kin.
A Scheme of Dynamic Initialization of the Boundary Layer in a Primitive Equation Model

Abstract A scheme of dynamic initialization of a primitive equation model is proposed with an emphasis on the dynamic adjustment in the boundary layer. The pre-initialintion analysis is important since the restorative method is used in the subsequent dynamic initialization. The first phase of dynamic initialization is designed to establish a reasonable boundary layer structure. For this purpose, a time integration of the primitive equations is performed under a strong constraint such that all meteorological fields except momentum in the boundary layer are frozen. Use of an implicit form for the vertical diffusion term is recommended. The second phase is formulated to reduce the high-frequency noise in the final initialized field. Cyclic integration with a selective damping scheme is carried out under a restorative constraint. The proposed scheme is applied to a case of simple zonal flow and the evolution of the boundary layer flow is shown. The scheme is also tested for a cam of mature tropical cyclone. S...
Dynamic contrast-enhanced quantitative susceptibility mapping with ultrashort echo time MRI for evaluating renal function

Dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) MRI can provide key insight into renal function. DCE MRI is typically achieved through an injection of a gadolinium (Gd)-based contrast agent, which has desirable T1 quenching and tracer kinetics. However, significant T2* blooming effects and signal voids can arise when Gd becomes very concentrated, especially in the renal medulla and pelvis. One MRI sequence designed to alleviate T2* effects is the ultrashort echo time (UTE) sequence. In the present study, we observed T2* blooming in the inner medulla of the mouse kidney, despite using UTE at an echo time of 20 microseconds and a low dose of 0.03 mmol/kg Gd. We applied quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) and resolved the signal void into a positive susceptibility signal. The susceptibility values [in parts per million (ppm)] were converted into molar concentrations of Gd using a calibration curve. We determined the concentrating mechanism (referred to as the concentrating index) as a ratio of maximum Gd concentration in the inner medulla to the renal artery. The concentrating index was assessed longitudinally over a 17-wk course (3, 5, 7, 9, 13, 17 wk of age). We conclude that the UTE-based DCE method is limited in resolving extreme T2* content caused by the kidney's strong concentrating mechanism. QSM was able to resolve and confirm the source of the blooming effect to be the large positive susceptibility of concentrated Gd. UTE with QSM can complement traditional magnitude UTE and offer a powerful tool to study renal pathophysiology.
Genetic Linkage Analysis: Simple Solutions for Complex Traits?

Many human disorders are either partially or wholly determined by genetic factors. The identification of these genetic defects at the DNA level is a major goal with important implications. Such identification could greatly increase our understanding of diseases whose pathophysiology and clinical course are currently unknown. In turn, this could lead to logical improvements in the way the disorder is treated. Furthermore, antenatal diagnosis and the identification of carriers could provide the opportunity for more accurate genetic counseling.
Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) in African American patients: A retrospective study of clinical, molecular, and therapeutic differences in a sample population treated at UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center (UAB CCC)

21035 Background: SEER registry data indicate African Americans (AA) have a lower incidence of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) but face higher lymphoma-specific mortality rates than Caucasians (C). To investigate this we compared outcomes between AA & C patients (pts) with DLBCL treated at UAB CCC. Correlative histologic & molecular studies of established prognostic features were performed to investigate differences. Methods: After IRB approval, DLBCL pts diagnosed '95-'06 were identified from pathology & referral databases. Baseline demographic & clinical data were extracted, including treatment (Rx), response & survival. Expression patterns of CD10, bcl-6, & MUM-1 were used to identify germinal center B-cell-like (GCB) vs non-GCB molecular subtype of DLBCL based on algorithm of Hans et al (2004). HLA-DR, bcl-2, & CD138 expression was determined. A 2:1 age- & gender-matched comparison of C to A pts was performed to evaluate differences. Descriptive analysis with X2 & Wilcoxon nonparametric tests & Kaplan Me...
Mothers’ Parenting Stress and Engagement: Mediating Role of Parental Competence

ABSTRACTGuided by role-strain theory and the spillover hypothesis, this study used data (n = 2,637) from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study to examine the link between mothers’ parenting stress, perceived parental competence, and parental engagement when the child was age 1, 3, and 5, respectively. Analyses were based on a multiple-sample path analysis that tested direct and indirect effects for mothers of biologically intact and nonintact families. Mothers who reported higher levels of parenting stress at child age 1 experienced lower levels of perceived parental competence at child age 3. Higher levels of perceived parental competence at child age 3 predicted increased mother–child engagement levels at child age 5. Test of indirect effects confirmed that perceived parental competence mediated the relationship between parenting stress and parental engagement for mothers of intact and nonintact families. Implications are discussed.
Single-molecule insights into retention at a reversed-phase chromatographic interface.

The efficiency of chromatographic separations decreases markedly when peaks exhibit asymmetry (e.g., “peak tailing”). Theoretically, these effects can arise from heterogeneous adsorption kinetics. To investigate the nature and consequences of such heterogeneity, we used a combination of single-molecule imaging and reversed-phase liquid chromatography (RPLC). In both single-molecule and macroscopic RPLC experiments, the stationary phase was hydrophobic end-capped (trimethylsilyl-functionalized) silica, which we exposed to different methanol/water solutions (50%–62% methanol), containing a fluorescent fatty acid analyte. Super-resolution maps based on single-molecule observations revealed rare, strong adsorption sites with activity that varied significantly with methanol concentration. The adsorption and desorption kinetics on the strong sites were heterogeneous and positively correlated, suggesting a broad underlying distribution of site binding energies. Adsorption equilibrium on the strong sites was more...
Generation of Novel Thyroid Cancer Stem-Like Cell Clones: Effects of Resveratrol and Valproic Acid.

Anaplastic thyroid cancer is an aggressive and highly lethal cancer for which conventional therapies have proved ineffective. Cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) represent a small fraction of cells in the cancer that are resistant to chemotherapy and radiation therapy and are responsible for tumor reoccurrence and metastasis. We characterized CSCs in thyroid carcinomas and generated clones of CSC lines. Our study showed that anaplastic thyroid cancers had significantly more CSCs than well-differentiated thyroid cancers. We also showed that Aldefluor-positive cells revealed significantly higher expression of stem cell markers, self-renewal properties, thyrosphere formation, and enhanced tumorigenicity. In vivo passaging of Aldefluor-positive cells resulted in the growth of larger, more aggressive tumors. We isolated and generated two clonal spheroid CSC lines derived from anaplastic thyroid cancer that were even more enriched with stem cell markers and more tumorigenic than the freshly isolated Aldefluor-positive cells. Resveratrol and valproic acid treatment of one of the CSC lines resulted in a significant decrease in stem cell markers, Aldefluor expression, proliferation, and invasiveness, with an increase in apoptosis and thyroid differentiation markers, suggesting that these cell lines may be useful for discovering new adjuvant therapies for aggressive thyroid cancers. For the first time, we have two thyroid CSC lines that will be useful tools for the study of thyroid CSC targeted therapies.
The Use Of Neuropathic Pain Drugs In Patients With Sickle Cell Disease Is Associated With Older Age and Female Gender

Background Although neuropathic pain is becoming an increasingly recognized component of sickle cell disease (SCD) pain, national data regarding the use of neuropathic pain drugs in SCD patients do not exist. Furthermore, factors associated with the development of neuropathic pain in SCD are not well characterized. In non-SCD pain populations, neuropathic pain is associated with older age and female gender. Older age is also associated with increased thermal pain sensitivity, a marker of neuropathic pain, in both SCD patients and pain populations without SCD. Thus, the objectives of our study were to describe the use of neuropathic pain drugs in children with SCD and determine factors associated with the use of these drugs. We hypothesized older age and female gender would be associated with increased use of neuropathic pain drugs. Methods We used the Pediatric Health Information System (PHIS) Database (2004-09) to investigate the use of neuropathic pain drugs in SCD patients during hospital admission. The PHIS provides comprehensive inpatient data, including detailed drug information, from 43 children’s hospitals in the United States. All visits with a SCD-related (any genotype) ICD-9 discharge diagnosis (i.e., primary, secondary, tertiary) were included. To limit confounding, visits that included any psychiatric, seizure, or headache diagnosis in addition to a SCD diagnosis were excluded since neuropathic pain drugs also treat these disorders. The drugs of interest were based on published neuropathic pain treatment guidelines originally created for patients without SCD and included antiepileptics, tricyclic antidepressants, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine the impact of age and gender on the use of neuropathic pain drugs with the outcome being whether a neuropathic pain drug was or was not prescribed during that admission. Age was classified into 4 groups (0-4, 5-10, 11-14, and 15-18 years) for clinical interpretation. Results A total of 61,325 visits met inclusion criteria. Mean age was 9.8 (±5.7) years. The proportions of visits in each age group were: 0-4 (24%), 5-10 (26%), 11-14 (22%), 15-18 (28%) and 49% were female. The majority had HbSS disease (73.7%). We found 3.6% were prescribed one or more neuropathic pain drugs with the majority (3.3%) receiving one drug. There was no difference in the use of neuropathic pain drugs over time (2004-09). The most commonly used drugs were: amitriptyline (47.4%), gabapentin (27.7%), phenytoin (12.3%), and fluoxetine (11.2%) with pregabalin, venlafaxine, paroxetine, and nortriptyline used infrequently. In multivariate analysis, compared to the reference group of 0-4 years, the odds of receiving a neuropathic pain drug increased significantly and sequentially for each older age group (Table 1). Female patients were more likely to be taking a neuropathic pain drug [OR 1.8 (CI 1.6-1.9; p Conclusions Neuropathic pain drugs were infrequently prescribed ( Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Expressions and correlation of IL-6 and Stat3 proteins in cervical carcimomas

OBJECTIVE: To explore the function of signal transducers and activation of transcription3 and IL-6 in cervical squmaus cell carcinomas,and the relationship with cliniclopathological parameters.METHODS: Using immunohistochemical assay,the expression of Stat3 gene in 15 normal cervical tissues,50 cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and 44 cervical squmaus cell carcimomas were detected.RESULTS: The positive rates of IL-6 in NCE,CIN and ICC were 6.7%(1/15),54.0%(27/50) and 75.0%(33/44),respectively,and the positive rate of IL-6 in ICC was significant higher than those in NCE and CIN(χ2 were 9.570 and 4.314,respectively;P were 0.007 and 0.037,respectively).The expression of IL-6 was correlated significantly with histological grade and pelvic lymph node metastasis,not correlated with age,FIGO,intravascular infiltration and deep muscularis propria infiltration(all P0.05).The positive rates of Stat3 in NCE,CIN and ICC were 13.3%(2/15),46.0%(23/50) and 84.1%(37/44),respectively;and the positive rate of Stat3 in ICC was significant higher than those in NCE and CIN(χ2 were 14.708 and 24.995,respectively;P were 0.000,respectively).The expression of Stat3 was correlated significantly with histological grade,but not correlated with age,FIGO,pelvic lymph node metastasis,intravascular infiltration and deep muscularis propria infiltration(all P0.05).There was a positive correlation between IL-6 and Stat3,r=0.471,P=0.001.CONCLUSION: IL-6 and Stat3 protein overexpressions may play an important role in the initiation of cervical cancer.
Riparian vegetation recovery in Yellowstone: The first two decades after wolf reintroduction

During the seven decades of gray wolf (Canis lupus) absence in Yellowstone National Park intensive browsing by Rocky Mountain elk (Cervus elaphus) suppressed the growth of young deciduous woody plants within the park's northern ungulate winter range. Since wolf reintroduction, 24 assessments of deciduous woody plants in riparian areas have been published, including eleven on willow (Salix spp.), six on aspen (Populus tremuloides), five on cottonwood (Populus angustifolia and Populus trichocarpa), and one each on berry-producing shrubs and thinleaf alder (Alnus incana spp. tenuifolia). All but two of these studies found increases in plant height, stem diameter, stem establishment, canopy cover, or recruitment. More than half of the studies measured ungulate browsing and, in all instances, increased growth/cover of woody plants over time occurred concurrently with a decrease in browsing. Almost half of the studies also compared observed plant community changes to climatic/hydrologic variables but the results of these analyses were often inconsistent. Although the long-term warming and drying trends underway in northern Yellowstone appear unlikely to have contributed to the occurrence of improved riparian plant communities during the last two decades, these vegetation changes were consistent with reestablishment of a tri-trophic cascade involving an intact large predator guild, elk, and woody plant species. This early stage of vegetation recovery in northern Yellowstone, although not occurring everywhere, represents a major departure from the wide-spread suppression of woody plants by elk browsing that occurred in the decades when wolves were absent.
Prospecting Cognition and Geochemical Anomaly Characteristics in Qingshankou Area,Hubei Province

Cu,Pb,Zn,Ag elements of the 41 single-element anomalies and 6 General anomalies were delineated through 1/5 000 geological survey work in cross-section of rock,and the circle of those of the primary halo were analyzed.The distribution of anomalies better reflected geological and geochemical characteristics of the area,showed good agreements with copper-polymetallic mineralization have been found in ground surface,which provided geochemical basis for the next step to expand seeking copper-polymetallic mine in the region and showed indicative significance for prospecting.
Study on Ion-Flux Measurement and Safety Protection at ±500 kV HVDC Converter Station

Shutter type sensors are adopted to measure the DC voltage field by using the electric current created by electric charges with periodical changes.The electric current intercepted by ground insulation metal plate is used to measure the ion-flux.The DC field and ion-flux was measured at 8 typical locations within different equipment in the Guangzhou HVDC converter station,and a comparison was conducted between the data with and without construction equipment.Through an analysis of the effects of DC field and ion-flux on human body,the paper makes an evaluation of the safety protection level of the personnel working in converter station.
Evaluation of Computer-Assisted Instruction (CAI) by Analytic Appraisal

Evaluation deserves special consideration in this volume because it frequently influences the selection of methods and media to use for producing educational programs and is needed for refining production and for selecting materials after they are completed.
Vitamin C oxidation mediates protein aging by oxoaldehyde stress in lens and brain

Oxoaldehyde stress recently emerged as a major mechanism of damage to cellular and extracellular structures in aging and age-related diseases. The prevailing mechanism invoques methylglyoxal production as a consequence of glycolysis and impairment of arginine residues through the formation of the methyglyoxal hydroimidazolone MG-H1. We have here tested the hypothesis that in tissues rich in ascorbic acid, such as lens and brain, vitamin C can contribute to this damage. MG-H1 quantitated by LC/MS was found several fold increased in lens and brain from transgenic mice expressing the human vitamin C transporter 2 (hSVCT). Immunostaining of MG-H1 was intense in aging and vitamin C incubated human lens proteins and colocalized with neuronal plaques in brain from Alzheimer disease (AD) subjects. MG-H1 levels by LC/MS in AD hippocampus extract were two-four fold increased. Modeling studies and intraventricular injection of 13C-labeled ascorbic acid revealed that ascorbic acid backbone carbons 4-6 were incorporated into MG-H1 in vitro and in vivo, likely via a glyceraldehyde precursor. The results raise novel and important questions concerning the role of vitamin C in the aging lens and brain.
Medical Improv: A Novel Approach to Teaching Communication and Professionalism Skills

Effective communication in clinical care requires more than just understanding words. In this essay, the authors describe the potential of “medical improv” to help teach us to listen and communicat...
From Heterogeneity to Concentration: Latino Immigrant Neighborhoods and Collective Efficacy Perceptions in Los Angeles and Chicago.

Latino immigrant presence in urban neighborhoods has been linked with reduced neighborhood cohesion in social disorganization–based ethnic heterogeneity hypotheses and enhanced cohesion in immigration revitalization approaches. Using the 2000–2002 Los Angeles Family and Neighborhood Survey and the 1994–1995 Project on Human Development in Chicago Neighborhoods Community Survey, we explore the association between Latino immigrant concentration and both levels of, and agreement about, neighborhood collective efficacy. Findings from multilevel models with heteroskedastic variance indicate that Latino immigrant concentration exhibits a nonlinear association with collective efficacy. At low levels, increases in Latino immigrant concentration diminish collective efficacy, consistent with a heterogeneity hypothesis. The negative association between Latino immigrant concentration and collective efficacy declines in magnitude as immigrant concentration increases and, particularly in LA, becomes positive beyond a threshold, consistent with an immigration revitalization effect. We also find an inverse nonlinear pattern of association with the variance of collective efficacy. At low levels, increasing Latino immigrant concentration increases the variance of collective efficacy (reflecting more disagreement), but beyond a threshold, this association becomes negative (reflecting increasing agreement). This pattern is observed in both LA and Chicago. The prevalence of social interaction and reciprocated exchange within neighborhoods explains a modest proportion of the Latino immigrant concentration effect on mean levels of collective efficacy in Chicago, but does little to explain effects on the mean in LA or effects on the variance in either LA or Chicago. These findings offer insight into the complex role Latino immigrant presence plays in shaping neighborhood social climate.
Neuroendocrine Tumors (NETs) of the Mediastinum and Thymus

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) of the mediastinum and thymus are rare and are usually discovered incidentally. Rosai and Higa were the first to acknowledge the existence of carcinoid tumors in the thymus and to separate them from more common tumors arising in this location, such as thymoma. The source of the primary NETs of the thymus has been proposed that they are derived from Kulchitsky cells. In this chapter we discussed the World Health Organization (WHO) classification of the NETs. We also spotlighted on some chromosomal imbalances that have been found by investigators in the most recent molecular biology literatures of the thymic NETs, as gain of chromosome (Xp, 7p, 7q, 11q, 12q, 20q, and 19p) and loss (6q, 6p, 4q, 3p, 10q, 11q, and 13q). Losses of heterozygosity (LOH) at chromosome 1p and loss of chromosomes 3, 9p21, and Y have been also reported. At the end of this chapter, we discussed the up-to-date prognosis, management, response evaluation, and follow-up of the patient.
RALB provides critical survival signals downstream of Ras in acute myeloid leukemia.

// Craig E. Eckfeldt 1, 2 , Emily J. Pomeroy 1 , Robin D.W. Lee 1 , Katherine S. Hazen 1 , Lindsey A. Lee 1 , Branden S. Moriarity 2, 3 , David A. Largaespada 2, 3, 4 1 Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Transplantation, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA 2 Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA 3 Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA 4 Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA Correspondence to: Craig E. Eckfeldt, email: eckf0002@umn.edu Keywords: RAS signaling, RALB, TBK1, BCL2, acute myeloid leukemia (AML) Received: April 20, 2016 Accepted: August 11, 2016 Published: August 20, 2016 ABSTRACT Mutations that activate RAS proto-oncogenes and their effectors are common in acute myeloid leukemia (AML); however, efforts to therapeutically target Ras or its effectors have been unsuccessful, and have been hampered by an incomplete understanding of which effectors are required for AML proliferation and survival. We investigated the role of Ras effector pathways in AML using murine and human AML models. Whereas genetic disruption of NRAS ( V12 ) expression in an NRAS ( V12 ) and Mll-AF9 -driven murine AML induced apoptosis of leukemic cells, inhibition of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) and/or mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling did not reproduce this effect. Conversely, genetic disruption of RALB signaling induced AML cell death and phenocopied the effects of suppressing oncogenic Ras directly – uncovering a novel role for RALB signaling in AML survival. Knockdown of RALB led to decreased phosphorylation of TBK1 and reduced BCL2 expression, providing mechanistic insight into RALB survival signaling in AML. Notably, we found that patient-derived AML blasts have higher levels of RALB-TBK1 signaling compared to normal blood leukocytes, supporting a pathophysiologic role for RALB signaling for AML patients. Overall, our work provides new insight into the specific roles of Ras effector pathways in AML and has identified RALB signaling as a key survival pathway.
Finding and analyzing likely models that describe neural population responses

In this paper, we outline a manner in which we determine likely models that can describe a given set of neural population response data. We then use this information regarding the likelihood of all possible models to determine the Kullback-Leibler distance between neural population responses to different stimulus conditions.
How States Can Take a Stand Against Prison Profiteers

In recent years, state corrections departments have faced pressure to provide better prison conditions, while simultaneously cutting costs. Many critics have touted the emergence of privatized prison services as a cost-effective resolution. However, those services shift the costs on to some of the poorest and most vulnerable consumers, prisoners and their families. This Note explores how private companies providing prison banking services to state correctional facilities use unfair practices to increase profits. The umbrella of prison banking services includes deposits into inmate trust accounts, which allow prisoners to purchase necessities, as well as prepaid debit release cards, which are used to return money to prisoners upon release. This Note describes how certain private companies retain a monopoly on these services, and are awarded contracts based on the amount of commission paid to state correctional facilities. As a result of paying those commissions and having no incentive to cut costs, private companies drive up their prices and charge consumers exorbitant rates to make deposits or to utilize prepaid cards. These practices are disproportionately affecting prisoners’ families who provide their incarcerated loved ones with monetary support, as well as released inmates struggling to get back on their feet post-incarceration. Statistically speaking, both of these groups are more likely to be low-income and least able to manage additional financial strain. This Note proposes state-level legislation to better protect consumers from these abuses and outlines five key provisions that, if adopted, will serve to prevent private companies from increasing their profit margins at the expense of vulnerable consumers.
Media Campaigns and Perceptions of Reality

Humans act, at least partly, on the basis of how they think others expect them to act. This means that humans have the capacity to know what others think or expect them to do. Some researchers have argued that understanding what others think is essential to social life and that successful human relationships depend on our ability to read the minds of others (Gavita 2005; Symbolic Interaction). How good are we, though, at knowing what others think or expect us to do? Data show that there is often a negative correlation between our perceived ability to know what others are thinking and what they are actually thinking (Davis & Kraus 1997). In other words, those who are more confident about their ability to know what others are thinking are, in fact, less accurate, compared to those who are less confident. Accuracy, however, may not be important in this context because what we choose to do usually depends on our perceptions more strongly than on objective reality ( Media and Perceptions of Reality; Social Perception). Keywords: Cognitive Psychology; Strategic Communication and PR; perception
Microfluidic methods for aptamer selection and characterization

Nucleic acid aptamers have tremendous potential as molecular recognition elements in biomedical targeting, analytical arrays, and self-signaling sensors. However, practical limitations and inefficiencies in the process of selecting novel aptamers (SELEX) have hampered widespread adoption of aptamer technologies. Many factors have recently contributed to more effective aptamer screening, but no influence has done more to increase the efficiency, scale, and automation of aptamer selection than that of new microfluidic SELEX techniques. This review introduces aptamers as a powerful chemical and biological tool, briefly highlights traditional SELEX techniques and their limitations, covers in detail the recent advancements in microfluidic methods of aptamer selection and characterization, and suggests possible future directions of the field.
Functional mediation analysis with an application to functional magnetic resonance imaging data

Causal mediation analysis is widely utilized to separate the causal effect of treatment into its direct effect on the outcome and its indirect effect through an intermediate variable (the mediator). In this study we introduce a functional mediation analysis framework in which the three key variables, the treatment, mediator, and outcome, are all continuous functions. With functional measures, causal assumptions and interpretations are not immediately well-defined. Motivated by a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study, we propose two functional mediation models based on the influence of the mediator: (1) a concurrent mediation model and (2) a historical mediation model. We further discuss causal assumptions, and elucidate causal interpretations. Our proposed models enable the estimation of individual causal effect curves, where both the direct and indirect effects vary across time. Applied to a task-based fMRI study, we illustrate how our functional mediation framework provides a new perspective for studying dynamic brain connectivity. The R package cfma is available on CRAN.
Differences in the Neighborhood Retail Food Environment and Obesity Among US Children and Adolescents by SNAP Participation.

Objective The goal of this study was to understand the association between children's neighborhood food access and overweight/obesity in a national sample of US households, and whether this association differs by Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participation or household purchases. Methods Data were obtained from the National Household Food Acquisition and Purchase Survey (2012-2013; n = 3,748 children aged 2 to 18 years). Logistic regression was used to examine associations between neighborhood retail food access (≤1 mile from home), food purchases (including sugary beverages), and overweight/obesity, stratified by SNAP status (1,720 participants, 453 eligible nonparticipants, 1,575 SNAP ineligible). Store types included supermarkets/grocery, combination grocery/other (independent drug, dollar, and general stores), convenience, fast food, and non-fast food restaurants. Results Odds of childhood overweight/obesity (OR [95% CI]) were higher with greater access to combination grocery/other stores overall (1.10 [1.03-1.17]) and for children in SNAP (1.14 [1.05-1.24]). Eligible non-SNAP children had higher odds of overweight/obesity with greater access to convenience stores (1.11 [1.04-1.18]). The average child lived in a household with 6.3% of total spending at food outlets on sugary beverages (SNAP: 8.3%, eligible non-SNAP: 7.7%, SNAP ineligible: 5.5%). Conclusions Greater neighborhood access to combination grocery/other stores is associated with higher obesity prevalence for children overall and those in SNAP.
Real Estate Asset Allocation and the Decisionmaking Framework Used by Pension Fund Managers

Executive Summary. This study summarizes a survey that examined the decisionmaking process used by large defined benefit pension plans in their real-estate-only portfolios. Most researchers have concluded that a well-diversified portfolio should contain at least 10%-20% real estate. But it is well documented that pension plans typically hold less than 4%, on average, in equity real estate. The survey results provide some evidence to partially explain the divergence of theory from practice, as the decisionmaking process differs substantially from that recommended by theory. Furthermore, the decisionmaking process for equity real estate investment differs by size and type of fund, making generalizations across funds inappropriate. Furthermore, reported allocations may actually be incomparable across pension funds, since managers disagree about the classification of REIT shares (i.e., if they are real estate or common stock).
N-tert-Butyl-2-methyl­propanamide

The title compound, C8H17NO, crystallizes with two independent mol­ecules in the asymmetric unit. In the crystal, inter­molecular N—H⋯O hydrogen bonding is observed between neighboring mol­ecules, forming continuous mol­ecular chains along the c-axis direction.