cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract 1808: Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) N-glycosylation modulates angiogenic signaling

Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels from pre-existing vessels, is required for tumor growth and metastasis. Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) is one of the most important receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) among the VEGF receptor subfamily, and activation of VEGFR-2 is essential for tumor angiogenesis. The extracellular domain of VEGFR-2 contains seven immunoglobulin-like (Ig) domains, each with multiple potential N-glycosylation sites. N-glycosylation is thought to play a central role in receptor stability, ligand binding and trafficking. However, to date the occupancy and glycoform distributions at each of the potential N-glycosylation sites and their putative role(s) in VEGFR-2 function remain largely unknown. The objective of this study is to investigate the functional importance of VEGFR-2 N-glycosylation in VEGFR-2 angiogenic signaling. Porcine aortic endothelial (PAE) cells with ectopic expression of VEGFR-2 were treated with PNGase F to remove N-linked glycans or heat-denatured PNGase F as a control. Following PNGase F treatment for 4 hours, cells were treated with VEGF-A ligand for 0, 5, 10 or 30 minutes. VEGFR-2 phosphorylation (activation) was measured via Western blot with an anti-pTyr-1054-VEGFR-2 antibody. In addition, a polyclonal anti-VEGFR2 antibody was used to immunoprecipitate untreated and PNGase F-treated VEGFR-2 from PAE cell lysates. Evaluation of the N-glycosylation sites targeted by PNGase F was carried out by gel electrophoresis, followed by protease digestion and MS/MS analysis. MS/MS data were processed using Proteome Discoverer 1.4. To obtain site-specific glycosylation information we performed proteolysis of VEGFR-2, glycopeptide enrichment via hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) and subsequent analysis of glycopeptides with an Agilent 6550 Quadrupole Time-of-Flight (Q-TOF) MS using collision-induced dissociation. We detected a dramatic increase in ligand-mediated activation of VEGFR-2 after treatment with PNGase F, suggesting that certain N-linked glycans may hinder ligand access to the VEGF binding site, or that removal of N-linked glycans results in conformational changes that lead to increased activation of the receptor by VEGF-A. To explore this observation in greater detail, we have created a series of VEGFR-2 N-glycosylation site mutants, and we are now using the mutants to determine which glycosylation sites are involved in the observed modulation of VEGFR-2 signaling. Citation Format: Kevin B. Chandler, Deborah R. Leon, Rosana D. Meyer, Nader Rahimi, Catherine E. Costello. Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) N-glycosylation modulates angiogenic signaling [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 1808. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-1808
On the coupled ferroelectric‐electrochromic effect of ε‐WO3

A reversible electrochromic effect has been observed for the first time in flame spray pyrolysis (FSP) processed e-WO3 thin films without the use of an ion storage layer and an electrolytic layer. The dark coloration that appears upon the application of a voltage in films deposited on top of interdigitated gold electrodes is localized to the low voltage (-) electrode arm and it switches to the opposite arm upon a reversal of the polarity. Raman spectroscopy indicated that the coloration was not due to intercalation. It is argued here that the coloration is driven by the asymmetric ferroelectric properties of the e-WO3 crystals and that this electrochromic reversibility is intrinsically coupled with the polarization switching of the device. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Middle Road Media: A Codification Research Case on the Accounting for Software Development Activities

ABSTRACT The accounting for software development costs is a complex issue within the financial accounting curriculum. While intermediate-level texts address the relevant issues, this case provides ...
Emergencies in Hemophilia

Abstract Hemophilia is a severe congenital bleeding disorder associated with both spontaneous and traumatic bleeding episodes that can require emergent medical evaluation. Many persons with hemophilia (PWH) utilize the emergency department for the initial management of acute bleeding events. Prompt administration of factor replacement products is crucial in controlling acute bleeds and minimizing potential associated morbidity. PWH who have inhibitory antibodies can be especially difficult to treat, as they often require by-passing agent therapies to obtain hemostatic control. Although consultation with an experienced hematologist is always warranted, initial management of acute complications in hemophilia is emergent, which necessitates emergency care providers to have a strong understanding of the current treatment principles in this complex condition.
Phosphorus uptake in Florida marshes

Four Florida wetlands have been studied, by various groups, to provide data on hydrology, biota, and water chemistry. A subset of that data is here further analysed to determine the unifying principles of phosphorus removal. The uptake of this nutrient was found to be first order on an areal basis for long term average performance. Flow-through wetlands exhibit strong gradients in the direction of flow. The first order rate equation was used in conjunction with mass balances on water, soils and biota for water and phosphorus, to determine values of the rate constant ranging from 6.4 to 13 m/yr.
Research methods in performance validity testing studies: Criterion grouping approach impacts study outcomes.

OBJECTIVE Performance validity test (PVT) research studies commonly utilize a known-groups design, but the criterion grouping approaches within the design vary greatly from one study to another. At the present time, it is unclear as to what degree different criterion grouping approaches might impact PVT classification accuracy statistics. METHOD To analyze this, the authors used three different criterion grouping approaches to examine how classification accuracy statistics of a PVT (Word Choice Test; WCT) would differ. The three criterion grouping approaches included: (1) failure of 2+ PVTs versus failure of 0 PVTs, (2) failure of 2+ PVTs versus failure of 0-1 PVT, and (3) failure of a stand-alone PVT versus passing of a stand-alone PVT (Test of Memory Malingering). RESULTS When setting specificity at ≥.90, WCT cutoff scores ranged from 41 to 44 and associated sensitivity values ranged from .64 to .88, depending on the criterion grouping approach that was utilized. CONCLUSIONS When using a stand-alone PVT to define criterion group status, classification accuracy rates of the WCT were higher than expected, likely due to strong correlations between the reference PVT and the WCT. This held true even when considering evidence that this grouping approach results in higher rates of criterion group misclassification. Conversely, when using criterion grouping approaches that utilized failure of 2+ PVTs, accuracy rates were more consistent with expectations. These findings demonstrate that criterion grouping approaches can impact PVT classification accuracy rates and resultant cutoff scores. Strengths, weaknesses, and practical implications of each of the criterion grouping approaches are discussed.
Pseudoaneurysm Formation Subsequent to Pulmonary Artery Catheter-Induced Hemorrhage

Pulmonary artery (PA) rupture and hemorrhage is the most dreaded (and potentially fatal) complication of PA catheters. The reported mortality from this complication is 50% [1]. There is very little information available regarding followup and management subsequent to the initial successful control of bleeding. We report a case of pulmonary artery rupture resulting in massive hemorrhage and subsequent development of a PA aneurysm. This aneurysm formation can result in delayed pulmonary hemorrhage with potentially fatal consequences. This case emphasizes the need for follow-up after the successful management of the initial PA rupture.
Raman characterization of alkanethiols and the application of alkanethiols to electroreflectance spectroscopy

A series of novel Raman bands has been observed in the surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectra of self assembled monolayers (SAMs) of alkanethiols on Au and Ag surfaces. The novel Raman bands display a resonance effect, observed with excitation in the 630 to 710 nm range. The bands exhibit a chain length dependence at room temperature, occurring in SAMs with n>9 methylene groups. At liquid nitrogen temperatures, SAMs with /; > 6 display the bands, indicating a dependence on monolayer structure. Alkanethiol isotopic labeling studies involving substitutions of '"'C and '*S reveal that the novel bands are not likely of a vibrational origin. In addition, SAMs of (CH3-(CH2)9-Se)2 on .Au yield identical spectra (within ± I cm* ) as the alkanethiol SAMs. Electrode potential studies of SERS have shovm that charge transfer effects are not the source of the bands. Impurities on the SERS elearode surfaces do aot appear to be source of the novel bands. INTRODUCTION The self-assembly of molecules to form monolayers, especially alkanethiols, on Au and .Ag metal surfaces has been extensively studied, in the past several years.'"* The relative ease of alkanethiol monolayer preparation, their well-ordered structure and their general ruggedness have all contributed to their study. The affinity of the thiol headgroup for a
Single and blended maize volatiles as attractants for diabroticite corn rootworm beetles.

Synthetic maize volatiles and analogs dispensed singly and blended were tested for attractiveness to western (WCR, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera) and northern corn rootworm beetles (NCR, D. barberi) in maize fields. Newly identified attractants included syn-benzaldoxime, especially for NCR, and β-caryophyllene for WCR females. (±)-Linalool was more effective than was (−)-linalool. Myrcene, (+)-β-pinene, and (−)-β-pinene were unattractive. Adding methyl salicylate to (±)-linalool, (+)-α-terpineol, or β-ionone appeared to synergistically increase capture of WCR females, but dispensing the terpenes in binary blends did not. Dose–response data for methyl salicylate, (±)-linalool, and a blend of both compounds confirmed the synergy. β-Caryophyllene, but not (−)-α-pinene, added to the latter blend produced a further synergistic increase in WCR female capture that did not vary with sesquiterpene dose from 1.0 to 100 mg. Indole addition to the same blend caused an increase in WCR female captures indicative of synergy, assuming that each did not individually lure different segments of the WCR female population. The green leaf volatiles (Z)-3-hexenyl acetate and (Z)-3-hexen-1-ol were unattractive alone and had no influence on efficacy of traps baited with 3.3 mg each of (±)-linalool, methyl salicylate, and β-caryophyllene. The latter mixture captured about half as many WCR females as did 10 mg of 4-methoxycinnamaldehyde, a potent WCR attractant standard. Substituting β-ionone for (±)-linalool yielded a ternary blend that captured more beetles than did the aldehyde and was unaffected by aldehyde addition. Olive oil, which has been used to sustain attractant volatilization, did not affect captures. The results show that the blending of maize volatiles has the potential to greatly improve efficacy of lures having promising applications in corn rootworm population management.
Chromatin Template Remodeling and Steroid Receptor Transactivation of MMTV

The major current paradigm for our understanding of transcriptional regulation in eukaryotic cells is delineated within a set of concepts that are generally referred to as the protein-protein, or looping model. Under this view (Fig. 1), the proteins involved in gene activation, or repression, at a given locus are thought to interact cooperatively with each other in such a way that the stability of a given activating (or repressing) complex is initiated and maintained by direct contacts between the various members of the multifactorial group. The absence of one member of the complex would lower the affinity sufficiently to establish an equilibrium condition with the complex dissociated from the DNA regulatory sequence, and control of the target promoter would thus be exerted. According to this model, the primary function of DNA is simply to organize recognition sites for the various regulatory proteins in such a way that kinetically favorable protein-protein interactions can occur. That is, the DNA serves as a two-dimensional “string,” assembling recognition sites for the appropriate factors in space so that the local concentration exceeds that required to facilitate assembly of the initiating complex.
An Interdisciplinary Educational Project Connecting Smart City Technology with Local Communities

This poster presentation demonstrates an ongoing research effort that combines smart city technologies with strategic communication and graphic design via a course Advertising Campaigns, to maximize the societal impact and better connect with local communities.
Impact of Variable Field of View in Indoor Visible Light Communications Networks

We propose a dynamic field of view receiver in a dense network of overhead optical access points. Through analysis, simulation, and experimentation, we demonstrate a 3X improvement in SNR over fixed field of view optical receivers.
Dynamic echo signatures created by a biomimetic sonar head

Certain bat species (e.g. horseshoe bats, family Rhinolophidae) are known for conspicuous deformations of the emission baffles (noseleaves) and reception baffles (ears). Previously reported numerical studies and experiments with biomimetic reproductions of these baffles have shown that such deformations can result in time-variant emitter/receiver characteristics. However, it has not been investigated whether these time-variant characteristics could also manifest themselves in likewise time-variant properties in echoes from targets of varying complexity. To investigate this question, a biomimetic sonar head complete with deformable emission and reception baffles has been used to ensonify targets with different simple geometries (sphere, cylinder, and cube) as well as random, more natural target geometries (artificial plants) from distances of about 1 meter. Time-variant echo signatures were found in all these cases, i.e. irrespective of target complexity and whether the time-variance was injected into the emission, the reception, or into both. This demonstrates that although the time-variant emission/reception characteristics had been previously measured only under careful conditions, they are capable of impacting real-world echoes. Even targets with distributed clouds of scattering facets did not obscure the effects of the changing conformation states. Hence these changes in ear position created by baffle deformations could serve the animals or man-made sonar systems that mimic them to encode additional echo information through time-variant echo signatures.
Cohort differences on the CVLT-II and CVLT3: Evidence of a negative Flynn effect on the attention/working memory and learning trials.

Although cohort effects on IQ measures have been investigated extensively, studies exploring cohort differences on verbal memory tests, and the extent to which they are influenced by socioenvironme...
Co-occurrence of positive staff interactions and positive affect in memory-care residents: An observational study.

OBJECTIVES With high numbers of persons with dementia living in residential care, it is vital to maximize psychosocial well-being for this population in this setting. The current study observed whether proportions of positive affect in residents differed based on co-occurring staff (typically certified nurse assistants) interaction types. METHODS A trained research team observed staff/resident interactions and affect in residents with dementia in common areas of a residential memory care unit (n = 22; observations over one year, or 6999 minutes total). RESULTS The most observed resident affect type was neutral (53.1% of all minutes observed), followed by positive affect (44.5%). The most common staff interaction type was neutral/no interaction (81.1% of all minutes observed), followed by positive staff interactions (18.1%). There was very little resident negative affect (2.4%) and staff negative interactions (.8%) observed. When staff had neutral/no/negative interactions, residents were positive 36% of the time, whereas when staff had positive interactions with them, residents were positive 81% of the time (z = 28.84, p < .001). A qualitative review of field notes identified themes and subthemes providing a more thorough understanding and context for the resident affect and staff interactions. While quantitative analyses suggested low rates of negative staff interaction, field notes highlight that neutral or no interactions with residents sometimes comprised missed opportunities, as well as more problematic lack of interaction (ignoring). CONCLUSIONS Not just avoiding negative interactions, but eliciting positive social interactions between staff and residents is important in promoting positive affect and overall wellbeing in persons with dementia.
Elucidation of Diverse Solid-State Packing in a Family of Electron-Deficient Expanded Helicenes via Microcrystal Electron Diffraction (MicroED)**

Solid-state packing plays a defining role in the properties of a molecular organic material, but it is difficult to elucidate in the absence of single crystals that are suitable for X-ray diffraction. Herein, we demonstrate the coupling of divergent synthesis with microcrystal electron diffraction (MicroED) for rapid assessment of solid-state packing motifs, using a class of chiral nanocarbons-expanded helicenes-as a proof of concept. Two highly selective oxidative dearomatizations of a readily accessible helicene provided a divergent route to four electron-deficient analogues containing quinone or quinoxaline units. Crystallization efforts consistently yielded microcrystals that were unsuitable for single-crystal X-ray diffraction, but ideal for MicroED. This technique facilitated the elucidation of solid-state structures of all five compounds with <1.1 A resolution. The otherwise-inaccessible data revealed a range of notable packing behaviors, including four different space groups, homochirality in a crystal for a helicene with an extremely low enantiomerization barrier, and nanometer scale cavities.
NMR illuminates intrinsic disorder

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) has long been instrumental in the characterization of intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) and intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs). This method continues to offer rich insights into the nature of IDPs in solution, especially in combination with other biophysical methods such as small-angle scattering, single-molecule fluorescence, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), and mass spectrometry. Substantial advances have been made in recent years in studies of proteins containing both ordered and disordered domains and in the characterization of problematic sequences containing repeated tracts of a single or a few amino acids. These sequences are relevant to disease states such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's diseases, where disordered proteins misfold into harmful amyloid. Innovative applications of NMR are providing novel insights into mechanisms of protein aggregation and the complexity of IDP interactions with their targets. As a basis for understanding the solution structural ensembles, dynamic behavior, and functional mechanisms of IDPs and IDRs, NMR continues to prove invaluable.
The DNA binding domain of the Vibrio vulnificus SmcR transcription factor is flexible and binds diverse DNA sequences

Quorum sensing gene expression in vibrios is regulated by the LuxR/HapR family of transcriptional factors, which includes Vibrio vulnificus SmcR. The consensus binding site of Vibrio LuxR/HapR/SmcR proteins is palindromic but highly degenerate with sequence variations at each promoter. To examine the mechanism by which SmcR recognizes diverse DNA sites, we generated SmcR separation-of-function mutants that either repress or activate transcription but not both. SmcR N55I is restricted in recognition of single base-pair variations in DNA binding site sequences and thus is defective at transcription activation but retains interaction with RNA polymerase (RNAP) alpha. SmcR S76A, L139R and N142D substitutions disrupt the interaction with RNAP alpha but retain functional DNA binding activity. X-ray crystallography and small angle X-ray scattering data show that the SmcR DNA binding domain exists in two conformations (wide and narrow), and the protein complex forms a mixture of dimers and tetramers in solution. The three RNAP interaction-deficient variants also have two DNA binding domain conformations, whereas SmcR N55I exhibits only the wide conformation. These data support a model in which two mechanisms drive SmcR transcriptional activation: interaction with RNAP and a multi-conformational DNA binding domain that permits recognition of variable DNA sites.
Anytime Algorithms for MaxSAT and Beyond

Given a propositional formula $F$ in Conjunctive Normal Form (CNF), a SAT solver decides whether it is satisfiable or not. It is often required to find a solution to a satisfiable CNF formula F, which optimizes a given Pseudo-Boolean objective function Ψ, that is, to extend SAT to optimization. MaxSAT is a widely used extension of SAT to optimization. A MaxSAT solver can be applied to optimize a Pseudo-Boolean objective function Ψ, given a CNF formula F, whenever Ψ is a linear function. MaxSAT has a diverse plethora of applications, including applications in computer-aided design, artificial intelligence, planning, scheduling and bioinformatics. A variety of approaches to MaxSAT have been developed over the last two decades. In this tutorial, we focus on anytime MaxSAT algorithms, where an anytime algorithm is expected to find better and better solutions, the longer it keeps running. The anytime property is crucial in industrial applications, since it allows the user to: 1) get an approximate solution even for very difficult instances, and 2) trade quality for performance by regulating the timeout. Anytime MaxSAT solvers have been evaluated at yearly MaxSAT Evaluations since 2011 in the so-called incomplete tracks. We trace the evolvement of anytime MaxSAT algorithms over the last decade and lay out the algorithms, applied by the winners of MaxSAT Evaluation 2020. Furthermore, we touch upon anytime algorithms for optimization problems beyond MaxSAT, such as bit-vector optimization and the problem of optimizing an arbitrary not-necessarily-linear function, given a CNF formula. Finally, we discuss challenges and future work.
Testing Trade-Off and Pecking Order Predictions About Dividends and Debt

Confirming predictions shared by the trade-off and pecking order models, more profitable firms and firms with fewer investments have higher dividend payouts. Confirming the pecking order model but contradicting the trade-off model, more profitable firms are less levered. Firms with more investments have less market leverage, which is consistent with the trade-off model and a complex pecking order model. Firms with more investments have lower long-term dividend payouts, but dividends do not vary to accommodate shortterm variation in investment. As the pecking order model predicts, short-term variation in investment and earnings is mostly absorbed by debt. The finance literature offers two competing models of financing decisions. In the trade-off model, firms identify their optimal leverage by weighing the costs and benefits of an additional dollar of debt. The benefits of debt include, for example, the tax deductibility of interest and the reduction of free cash flow problems. The costs of debt include potential bankruptcy costs and agency conflicts between stockholders and bondholders. At the leverage optimum, the benefit of the last dollar of debt just offsets the cost. The tradeoff model makes a similar prediction about dividends. Firms maximize value by selecting the dividend payout that equates the costs and benefits of the last dollar of dividends. Myers (1984) develops an alternative theory known as the pecking order model of financing decisions. The pecking order arises if the costs of issuing new securities overwhelm other costs and benefits of dividends and debt. The financing costs that produce pecking order behavior include the transaction costs associated with new issues and the costs that arise because of management’s superior information about the firm’s prospects and the value of its risky securities. Because of these costs, firms finance new investments first with retained earnings, then with safe debt, then with risky debt, and finally, under duress, with equity. As a result, variation in a firm’s leverage
A robust vasculogenic microfluidic model using human immortalized endothelial cells and Thy1 positive fibroblasts

Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and stromal cells, such as human lung fibroblasts (FBs), have been widely used to generate functional microvascular networks (μVNs) in vitro. However, primary cells derived from different donors have batch-to-batch variations and limited lifespans when cultured in vitro, which hampers the reproducibility of μVN formation. Here, we immortalize HUVECs and FBs by exogenously expressing human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) to obtain stable endothelial cell and FB sources for μVN formation in vitro. Interestingly, we find that immortalized HUVECs can only form functional μVNs with immortalized FBs from earlier passages but not from later passages. Mechanistically, we show that Thy1 expression decreases in FBs from later passages. Compared to Thy1 negative FBs, Thy1 positive FBs express higher IGFBP2, IGFBP7, and SPARC, which are important for angiogenesis and lumen formation during vasculogenesis in 3D. Moreover, Thy1 negative FBs physically block microvessel openings, reducing the perfusability of μVNs. Finally, by culturing immortalized FBs on gelatin-coated surfaces in serum-free medium, we are able to maintain the majority of Thy1 positive immortalized FBs to support perfusable μVN formation. Overall, we establish stable cell sources for μVN formation and characterize the functions of Thy1 positive and negative FBs in vasculogenesis in vitro.
Primary and Secondary Prevention of Ischemic Heart Disease in Women

Cardiovascular disease remains the number one cause of mortality among women. With increasing awareness of heart disease in women and increasing focus on including more women in trials, mortality from cardiovascular disease has fallen. Despite this, more women than men die from cardiovascular disease, and increasing cardiovascular disease is seen in young women. Preventive therapies have been the focus of recent guidelines to close this gap. In this review, data for primary and secondary prevention therapies for ischemic heart disease in women will be reviewed.
Developing a Personal Style: Janet Flanner's Literary Journalism

Abstract Janet Flanner's writing has received little attention in the history of literary journalism. Yet Flanner saw herself as writing journalism in a literary style. Beginning in 1925 as the French correspondent for The New Yorker, Flanner developed a personal style that relied on the richness of accurate and penetrating details to reveal an inner story, a story shaped around a central theme, told in an intimate and often humorous or ironic voice. By closely examining her work from 1925 through the 1930s, this article discusses Flanner's development of her own style of literary journalism in which she used many of the techniques later identified as those of “new journalism,” and argues that her work should be included as a part of any history of literary journalism.
Optical Fiber Waveguide Methods for Advanced Materials

Optical fiber waveguide sensors are attractive for the evaluation of advanced materials. Such sensors may be embedded directly witnin graphite- epoxy laminates, for example, to monitor composite cure conditions. They may be attached to a structure or embedded within that structure to determine dynamic location displacements or distributed structural vibrations. They also may be employed as monitors of quasi-static strain, temperatures, acoustic emission and impact location in nondestructive evaluation systems.
Teaching real-world analysis skills with a goal-based scenario

This paper introduces a software architecture useful for teaching a particular class of real-world analysis tasks. It is based on a kind of teaching framework called a goal-based scenario, a "learning by doing" environment in which the student acts in a realistic role and obtains helpful coaching while performing assigned tasks. I describe a fully operational prototype system, Financial Report Analyst (FRA), which was built using this architecture. In FRA, the student learns skills in financial statement analysis by playing the role of a lending officer at a bank. The approach offers several advantages over the traditional business case method. Usability tests of FRA were conducted with students in the Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University. It is proposed that the software architecture is applicable to teaching a variety of realistic analysis tasks, both inside and out of the domain of business administration.
Spiraling up and down the spiral development staircase [software development process]

Provides information about a software project team that successfully implemented the spiral development process and how the technical communication team adapted to the process. Key points described in this paper include: defining development process models; defining the spiral development process model; describing our spiral development process model; planning the information units; staffing the technical communication team; and adapting to the spiral development process. >
Massive Modularity and Brain Evolution

Quartz (2002) argues that some recent findings about the evolution of the brain (Finlay and Darlington 1995) are inconsistent with evolutionary psychologists’ massive modularity hypothesis. In substance, Quartz contends that since the volume of the neocortex evolved in a concerted manner, natural selection did not act on neocortical systems independently of one another, which is a necessary condition for cognition to be massively modular. In this article, I argue that Quartz’s argument fails to undermine the massive modularity hypothesis.
Cellular approaches to environmental stress resistance.

The objective of plant breeding is to develop crop varieties with maximum yield potential and suitable quality characteristics under relatively controlled cultural conditions. Unlike natural selection where survival to pass on propagules to the next generation is the ultimate criteria, artificial selection involves maximizing yield and quality by fitting genotypes to optimum environments. Highly productive crop genotypes have been developed in this manner resulting in dramatically increased yields (1). Crop improvement objectives in the coming decades, however, will be even more complex and will involve the need for increasing land unit yields with even less inputs as well as utilizing marginal lands for agriculture (2). This will involve the need for crop varieties which can be productive under less than optimal environmental conditions (3, 4).
Concurrent Implementation of Asynchronous Transition Systems

The synthesis problem is to decide for a deterministic transition system whether a Petri net with an isomorphic reachability graph exists and in case to find such a net (which must have the arc-labels of the transition system as transitions). In this paper, we weaken isomorphism to some form of bisimilarity that also takes concurrency into account and we consider safe nets that may have additional internal transitions. To speak of concurrency, the transition system is enriched by an independence relation to an asynchronous transition system. For an arbitrary asynchronous transition system, we construct an ST-bisimilar net. We show how to decide effectively whether there exists a bisimilar net without internal transitions, in which case we can also find a history-preserving bisimilar net without internal transitions. Finally, we present a construction that inserts a new internal event into an asynchronous transition system such that the result is history-preserving bisimilar; this construction can help to find a history-preserving bisimilar net (with internal transitions).
Integrating multiple disciplines in an environmental engineering curriculum with field exercises

Summary form only given. Field exercises are being used to integrate multidisciplinary elements of science and engineering in lower and upper division environmental engineering courses. These activities are being developed and implemented with the input of practicing professionals in the field of environmental engineering and science. The goal of the project is to provide experiences throughout our environmental engineering option for undergraduate students that imitate real-world problems in an authentic setting. These exercises will be designed to: (1) stimulate student interest and knowledge in real problems; (2) develop the ability to synthesize information from different disciplines; (3) impart confidence to find information and resources independently; (4) provide opportunities to apply science and technology to practical problems; (5) motivate students to work effectively in a group; and (6) improve communication skills. The field exercises will be implemented primarily in the introductory courses of the environmental engineering. Two lower division courses, "Aquatic Chemistry for Environmental Engineers" and "Environmental Biotechnology", and the students' first upper division environmental engineering course, "Introduction to Environmental Engineering and Water Resources", are targeted for five of eight field projects. The remaining exercises will be implemented in upper division, analysis and design electives.
A note on “real and complex Fritz John theorems”

Abstract In a recent paper by Craven and Mond a unified proof is given of the Fritz John necessary theorem for nonlinear programming problems over cone domains. This note will underscore some necessary assumptions that are needed to establish this generalization which are not stated, but assumed in the proofs given by Craven and Mond.
Radioreagent methods of chemical analysis

The basic requirements, the feasibility and the potentialities of the radioreagent method is discussed.
Adrenergic Drugs and Blockade on Coronary Arterioles and Myocardial Contraction

The 3 adrenergic substances, epinephrine, levarterenol and isopropylarterenol, were injected into a coronary artery of anesthetized dogs while recording the coronary artery flow (electromagnetic meter) and pressure. The effects of these substances on the peripheral coronary pressure (PCP) were recorded by occluding the flow proximal to the pressure gage. All 3 substances caused a qualitatively similar increase in myocardial contraction and dilation of the coronary arterioles.
As go the feet...: on the estimation of attentional focus from stance

The estimation of the direction of visual attention is critical to a large number of interactive systems. This paper investigates the cross-modal relation of the position of one's feet (or standing stance) to the focus of gaze. The intuition is that while one CAN have a range of attentional foci from a particular stance, one may be MORE LIKELY to look in specific directions given an approach vector and stance. We posit that the cross-modal relationship is constrained by biomechanics and personal style. We define a stance vector that models the approach direction before stopping and the pose of a subject's feet. We present a study where the subjects' feet and approach vector are tracked. The subjects read aloud contents of note cards in 4 locations. The order of visits' to the cards were randomized. Ten subjects read 40 lines of text each, yielding 400 stance vectors and gaze directions. We divided our data into 4 sets of 300 training and 100 test vectors and trained a neural net to estimate the gaze direction given the stance vector. Our results show that 31% our gaze orientation estimates were within 5°, 51% of our estimates were within 10°, and 60% were within 15°. Given the ability to track foot position, the procedure is minimally invasive.
Understanding, diagnosing, and modeling the causes of fracture network complexity in unconventional reservoirs

The conventional concept of hydraulic fracturing is that a single planar fracture forms at the wellbore and propagates through the formation. In recent years, there has been a growing realization that stimulation often generates fracture networks that are volumetric and complex. Network complexity is valuable for enhanced recovery because it increases stimulated fracture surface area. The complex fracture network concept has the potential to impact stimulation design and modeling, formation evaluation from well logs and other data, measurements of the minimum principal stress, and many other areas. However, before these concepts can be applied fully, it will be necessary to resolve fundamental questions about the physical processes that give rise to complexity and to develop new modeling tools that are capable of describing these processes. In this article, I review the literature to describe a few conceptual models that have been proposed to explain complexity in unconventional resources. I discuss the n...
The effect of barium enemas and barium sulfate on healing of colorectal biopsy sites

Twelve mongrel dogs had superficial and deep colon biopsies above and below the peritoneal reflection. Six of the animals were given a barium enema; two had a barium enema immediately, two in three days, and two in six days. The animals were sacrificed 48 hours after the barium enema; the sigmoid was removed and tissue was examined macroscopically and microscopically. When healing rates of the biopsy sites were compared with those of control animals, there was no difference. The results suggest that barium has no deleterious effect on the healing of superficial or deep colorectal biopsies.
PCNA Is Required for Initiation of Recombination-Associated DNA Synthesis by DNA Polymerase δ

Genetic recombination ensures proper chromosome segregation during meiosis and is essential for genome stability and tumor suppression. DNA synthesis after Rad51-mediated DNA strand invasion is a crucial step during recombination. PCNA is known as the processivity clamp for DNA polymerases. Here, we report the surprising observation that PCNA is specifically required to initiate recombination-associated DNA synthesis in the extension of the 3' end of the invading strand in a D loop. We show using a reconstituted system of yeast Rad51, Rad54, RPA, PCNA, RFC, and DNA polymerase delta that loading of PCNA by RFC targets DNA polymerase delta to the D loop formed by Rad51 protein, allowing efficient utilization of the invading 3' end and processive DNA synthesis. We conclude that PCNA has a specific role in the initiation of recombination-associated DNA synthesis and that DNA polymerase delta promotes recombination-associated DNA synthesis.
The optical properties of some alkali metal tungsten bronzes from 0.1 to 38 eV

Abstract The optical properties of the alkali metal tungsten bronzes are investigated. A review of existing data and the interpretation thereof is presented. Our absorptivity or reflectivity data for two cubic Na bronzes and for a tetragonal K bronze in the energy range 0.1 to 38 eV are displayed; the data are Kramers-Kronig analyzed and the optical constants are obtained. When feasible, comparisons are made with the existing data for the bronzes as well as for ReO 3 , which is structurally similar. The interpretation of optical constants is based on an existing band structure for ReO 3 and modifications thereto are suggested.
Perforating Calcinosis Cutis Presenting as Milia

Two children with unusual milia-like lesions on the pubic and groin area were found to have idiopathic perforating calcinosis cutis. The inconspicuous clinical appearance may escape detection unless a biopsy is performed.
Reduced kappa-opioid activity in a rat model of cholestasis

Abstract Increased endogenous opioid activity has been implicated in cholestatic pruritus. In the present study, we have further defined the involvement of opioids in cholestasis. Rats underwent either bile duct ligation or a sham operation. Five days after surgery, brains were removed and agonist-stimulated [ 35 S]GTPγS binding was measured in ten brain regions. Serum endomorphin-2, leu-enkephalin and dynorphin A levels were measured using ELISA on day five. Microdialysis to the dorsal hypothalamic area was conducted in the same animal before and after cholestasis. Dialysate endomorphin-1, leu-enkephalin and dynorphin A levels also were measured. Delta- and kappa-stimulated binding was significantly decreased in cholestasic animals compared to controls in the dorsal hypothalamic area. The serum dynorphin A level was lower in the cholestasic group than in controls (2.56 ± 0.09 and 3.29 ± 0.22 ng/ml, respectively, P
Dependence of Alkyl Chain Conformation of Simple Ionic Surfactants on Head Group Functionality As Studied by Vibrational Sum-Frequency Spectroscopy

The conformational order of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), sodium dodecylsulfonate (DDS), dodecyltrimethylammonium chloride (DTAC), and dodecylammonium chloride (DAC) adsorbed at the D2O/CCl4 interface has been examined by total internal reflection sum-frequency vibrational spectroscopy (VSFS). The vibrational sum-frequency spectra indicate the presence of gauche conformations in the hydrocarbon chains of SDS, DDS, DTAC, and DAC at all surface coverages examined. An increase in the surface concentration of surfactant at the D2O/CCl4 interface results in the reduction of gauche defects in the hydrocarbon chain as determined from the intensity ratio of the methyl to methylene symmetric stretch vibrational modes. Analysis of the SF vibrational spectra suggest significantly different alkyl chain conformations for the cationic and anionic surfactants examined. The alkyl chains of the cationic surfactants DTAC and DAC possess the fewest gauche defects, while SDS and DDS display more disorder in the hydrocarbon c...
Weekly luteal-phase dosing with enteric-coated fluoxetine 90 mg in premenstrual dysphoric disorder: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

Abstract Background: Because the symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) are limited to the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, the potential benefit of luteal-phase dosing has been hypothesized. Objective: This multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial evaluated the efficacy and tolerability of enteric-coated fluoxetine 90 mg given once or twice during the luteal phase for the treatment of PMDD. Methods: Study drug was given 14 and 7 days before expected menses during the luteal phase of 3 menstrual cycles. After a screening period and single-blind placebo lead-in period, eligible women were randomized to 1 of 3 treatment groups: enteric-coated fluoxetine 90 mg on both days (LPWD×2); placebo 14 days before menses and enteric-coated fluoxetine 90 mg 7 days before menses (LPWD×1); or placebo on both days (PLC). The primary efficacy measure was change from baseline in mean luteal-phase scores on the Daily Record of Severity of Problems (DRSP). Secondary efficacy measures included scores on the Rating Scale for Premenstrual Tension Syndrome, Clinician-Rated (PMTS-C); the Clinical Global Impression (CGI)—Severity scale; and the Patient Global Impression (PGI)—Improvement scale. Quality of life was assessed using the Sheehan Disability Scale. Results: Two hundred fifty-seven women were randomized to treatment. At the end of the study, the LPWD×2 group had statistically significant improvements in DRSP total, DRSP mood subtotal, DRSP social functioning subtotal, PMTS-C, CGI-Severity, PGI-Improvement, and Sheehan Disability Scale work and family life scores compared with LPWD×1 and PLC (each measure, P P = 0.037). Across all treatment groups, 5 patients discontinued due to nonserious adverse events. Rates of discontinuation for any reason did not differ between the 3 treatment groups. Conclusion: The findings of this study support the efficacy and tolerability of enteric-coated fluoxetine 90 mg given twice during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle for the treatment of PMDD.
Comparing newer and longer-term residents' perceptions and actions in response to forest insect disturbance on Alaska's Kenai Peninsula: A longitudinal perspective

Abstract Many parts of rural America have experienced various types of reverse migration flows from urban areas since the 1970s. Recent rural in-migration is increasingly driven by people seeking natural amenities, and tends to concentrate in traditional natural resource-based communities or wildland–urban interface areas. These communities are often at risk from a variety of ecological disturbances (e.g., insects, wildfires, and droughts) that are expected to be exacerbated by environmental change across different scales. A common strategy in studying the potential social, economic, and environmental impacts of rural in-migration is to compare rural migrants to non-migrants on relevant perceptions, attitudes, and activities. However, despite the highly dynamic nature of rural population change, few studies have assessed temporal shifts in migrant-nonmigrant differences. Alaska's Kenai Peninsula has experienced both a large spruce bark beetle outbreak and substantial in-migration in recent decades. Drawing on longitudinal survey data (2004 and 2008) from six rural communities there, this study explores the evolution of differences between newer and longer-term rural residents in community experience, perceptions, and activeness in response to the beetle outbreak. The analysis revealed newcomers initially indicated higher degrees of perceived tree mortality and forest risks, but lower levels of community wildfire experience, satisfaction with private landowners and government land managers, and participation in typical community activities and community response to the beetle disturbance when compared with longer-term residents. The difference between the two resident groups in community activeness became even greater over the four-year study period despite a general trend of coalescent community emergency experience and perceptions among local residents.
Developmental differences in renal sulfate reabsorption: transport kinetics in brush border membrane vesicles.

Renal tubular reabsorption of inorganic sulfate is greater in younger than older guinea pigs. To determine the mechanism of this difference, we studied the transport of inorganic sulfate in renal brush border membrane vesicles (BBMV) obtained from young ( 60 days). BBMV were obtained by mechanical and osmotic disruption of dissected renal cortices followed by magnesium precipitation and differential centrifugation. After the membranes were incubated for 10 s in solutions containing inorganic sulfate at several concentrations (0.1–10 mM) and trace amounts of35sulfur uptake, reabsorption transport kinetics (Vmax andKm) were estimated. BBMV obtained from young guinea pigs demonstrated higher sodium-sulfate contransport,Vmax (51.79±4.34 pmol/mg protein per s) than those obtained from adult animals (Vmax=34.28±9.17 pmol/mg per s),P<0.05.Vmax values are represented as means plus or minus standard deviation. No differences inKm were observed. Our results indicate that age-related differences in renal inorganic sulfate reabsorption are due to a higherVmax for sodium-sulfate contransport in the younger animals, suggesting a higher density of sodium-sulfate cotransporters or an increased cotransport turnover rate in this age group.