cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Attenuating age-related learning deficits: emotional valenced feedback interacts with task complexity.

Previous research reveals that older adults sometimes show enhanced processing of emotionally positive stimuli relative to negative stimuli, but that this positivity bias reverses to become a negativity bias when cognitive control resources are less available. In this study, we test the hypothesis that emotionally positive feedback will attenuate well-established age-related deficits in rule learning while emotionally negative feedback would amplify age deficits—but that this pattern would reverse when the task involved a high cognitive load. Experiment 1 used emotional face feedback and revealed an interaction between age, valence of the feedback and task load. When the task placed minimal load on cognitive control resources, happy face feedback attenuated age-related deficits in initial rule learning and angry face feedback led to age-related deficits in initial rule learning and set shifting. However, when the task placed a high load on cognitive control resources, we found that angry face feedback attenuated age-related deficits in initial rule learning and set shifting, whereas happy face feedback led to age-related deficits in initial rule learning and set shifting. Experiment 2 used less emotional point feedback and revealed age-related deficits in initial rule learning and set shifting under low and high cognitive load for point gain and point loss conditions. The present research demonstrates that emotional feedback can attenuate age-related learning deficits – but only positive feedback for tasks with a low cognitive load and negative feedback for tasks with high cognitive load.
The repressor personality and avoidant information processing: A dichotic listening study

Abstract The present research was designed to investigate the proposition that repressors, operationally defined by the conjunction of low anxiety and high defensiveness, are particularly adept at avoiding the processing of information when motivated to do so. Four groups of participants (nondefensive-low anxious, high anxious, repressors, and defensive-high anxious) were administered a dichotic listening task involving neutral or negative affective words presented in the unattended ear. Participants shadowed the material presented to the attended ear and simultaneously responded to a probe task presented on a video monitor. Results revealed that repressors made significantly fewer shadowing errors than high anxious and defensive-high anxious participants and marginally significantly fewer shadowing errors than low anxious participants for both neutral and negative words. High anxious participants, however, were later able to recognize the negative words that had been presented to the unattended ear at well above chance levels, whereas the recognition memory of repressors for such negative unattended words was at chance levels. In addition, repressors' responses to a postexperiment questionnaire indicated a significantly greater number of distracting thoughts during the experiment relative to other participants. Repressors, it seems, are indeed skillful at avoidant information processing and this capacity may well be related to the emotional memory deficits they have displayed in previous research.
The proliferating role of insulin and insulin-like growth factors in cancer

Epidemiological studies have reported an increased risk of cancer in people with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and obesity, related in part to hyperinsulinemia, secondary to insulin resistance. Hyperinsulinemia leads to increased expression of insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I expression. In fact, increased insulin, IGF-I and IGF-II levels are associated with tumor growth in vitro, in animal models, and in epidemiological studies in humans. In this paper, we discuss the roles of insulin, IGF-I and IGF-II, their interaction with the insulin receptor (IR) and IGF-I receptor (IGF-IR), and their signaling pathways and regulation as these pertain to tumor growth. We explain how these pathways have been deciphered by in vitro and in vivo studies, and how they are being exploited in the development of targeted cancer therapies.
Preventing VTE in Outpatients With Cancer.

Funding/Support: Dr Khorana is supported by grants from the National Cancer Institute [K23 CA120587]; the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute [R01 HL095109]; and the V Foundation. Drs Lyman and Francis are supported by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute [R01 HL095109]. Dr Lyman is also supported by the National Cancer Institute [RC2 CA148041]. Financial/nonfinancial disclosures: The authors have reported to CHEST the following conflicts of interest: Dr Zwicker has received funding support from Sanofi-Aventis US LLC. Dr Lyman is co-chair and Drs Khorana and Francis are members of the American Society of Clinical Oncology VTE Guidelines Panel. Dr Francis is a member of a steering committee for a study sponsored by Eisai Co, Ltd, and participates in a registry sponsored by Eisai Co, Ltd. Dr Spyropoulos has reported that no potential conflicts of interest exist with any companies/organizations whose products or services may be discussed in this article. Reproduction of this article is prohibited without written permission from the American College of Chest Physicians. See online for more details.
Minorities, men, and unmarried amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients are more likely to die in an acute care facility

Studies suggest that dying at home is a more favorable experience. This study investigated where amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients die and the patient demographics associated with dying in an acute care facility or nursing home compared to home or hospice. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Multiple Cause Mortality Files from 2005 to 2010 were used to identify ALS patients and to classify place of death. Multinomial logistic regression was used to determine the association between patient demographics and place of death. Between 2005 and 2010, 40,911 patients died of ALS in the United States. Place of death was as follows: home or hospice facility 20,231 (50%), acute care facility (25%), and nursing home (20%). African Americans (adjusted multinomial odds ratio (aMOR) 2.56, CI 2.32-2.83), Hispanics (aMOR 1.44, CI 1.30-1.62), and Asians (aMOR 1.87, CI 1.57-2.22) were more likely to die in an acute care facility, whereas females (aMOR 0.76, CI 0.72-0.80) and married individuals were less likely. Hispanics (aMOR 0.68, CI 0.58-0.79) and married individuals were less likely to die in a nursing home. In conclusion, minorities, men, and unmarried individuals are more likely to die in an acute care facility. Further studies are needed to better understand place of death preferences.
General medical considerations in child and adolescent patients who present with psychiatric symptoms.

This article focuses on general medical conditions that must be considered in children and adolescents who present with psychiatric emergencies. The author discusses special considerations in this age group, while building on previous works [1] that describe general medical considerations in adult psychiatric emergencies. Many persons in psychiatric training or practice are familiar with the dictum, ‘‘Never forget general medical conditions.’’ Koranyi [2] reported that a substantial number of patients in a psychiatric clinic setting may have serious general medical illnesses either undiagnosed or labeled as ‘‘psychosomatic.’’ Unfortunately, it is often too easy to forget this dictum during stressful circumstances, especially in emergencysettings.Bywayofcasestudies,theauthorreviewsastepwiseapproach to assessing general medical conditions in patients who present with various categories of child and adolescent psychiatric symptoms.
Contributions of weekly mean blood glucose values to hemoglobin A1c in insulin-treated type 2 diabetes: the Diabetes Outcomes in Veterans Study (DOVES).

ABSTRACT Background Daily self-monitored blood glucose testing is recommended for patients with insulin-treated type 2 diabetes. However, most patients do not test frequently enough for optimal glycemic control. Less frequent testing may be sufficient for assessing glycemic control among stable patients as well as improving patient compliance. The study objective was to evaluate the weekly contribution of glucose readings to hemoglobin (Hb)A1c during an 8-week period of intensified self-monitored blood glucose testing. Methods The authors randomly selected stable, insulin-treated subjects with type 2 diabetes. Subjects monitored their blood glucose four times daily for 8 weeks; the authors then downloaded glucose meters and measured an HbA1c. Mean blood glucose values were calculated for each of the 8 weeks. Multiple linear regression analyses examined the contribution of these mean values to the HbA1c. Results A total of 182 subjects completed the monitoring protocol; mean HbA1c was 7.63 ± 1.42%, mean glucose was 9.78 ± 2.27 mmol/L, the regression correlation was 0.77, P 0.001. A fitted multiple linear model using all 8 weekly mean blood glucose values showed large variation in their independent contributions to the HbA1c. Mean blood glucose values from consecutive weeks were highly correlated and did not provide independent information about glycemic control. Stepwise regression showed that the mean blood glucose values from weeks 4, 6, and 8 significantly and equally influenced HbA1c. Conclusions Glycemic control can be efficiently assessed by reviewing at least 5 weeks’ worth of monitoring results, focusing on alternate weeks and giving less weight to more remote readings.
Lethal synergy between sarcoma-180/TG cells and vesicular stomatitis virus in mice.

SummaryAn interaction between sarcoma-180/TG cells and vesicular stomatitis virus in adult mice resulted in the rapid onset of extensive mortality. This interaction, termed lethal synergy, occurred only at early stages of ascites induction in animals with no prior virus contact. A significant sparing effect conferred by the serotonin antagonist dibenamine was reversed by the administration of serotonin. The cause of death was not determined, but a mechanism involving hypersensitivity is indicated.
An x-ray computed tomography/positron emission tomography system designed specifically for breast imaging

Mammography has served the population of women who are at-risk for breast cancer well over the past 30 years. While mammography has undergone a number of changes as digital detector technology has advanced, other modalities such as computed tomography have experienced technological sophistication over this same time frame as well. The advent of large field of view flat panel detector systems enable the development of breast CT and several other niche CT applications, which rely on cone beam geometry. The breast, it turns out, is well suited to cone beam CT imaging because the lack of bones reduces artifacts, and the natural tapering of the breast anteriorly reduces the x-ray path lengths through the breast at large cone angle, reducing cone beam artifacts as well. We are in the process of designing a third prototype system which will enable the use of breast CT for image guided interventional procedures. This system will have several copies fabricated so that several breast CT scanners can be used in a multi-institutional clinical trial to better understand the role that this technology can bring to breast imaging.
Molecular characterization of T-type calcium channels.

Molecular cloning of the low voltage-gated, T-type, calcium channel family opened new avenues of research into their structure–function, distribution, pharmacology, and regulation. Cloning of mammalian cDNAs led to the identification of three T-channel genes: CACNA1G, encoding Cav3.1; CACNA1H, encoding Cav3.2; and CACNA1I, encoding Cav3.3. This allowed sequencing of these genes in absence epilepsy patients, and the identification of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that alter channel activity. Their distribution in thalamic nuclei, coupled with the physiological role they play in thalamic oscillations, leads to the conclusion that SNPs in T-channel genes may contribute to neurological disorders characterized by thalamocortical dysrhythmia, such as generalized epilepsy. This section reviews the structure of T-channels, how splicing affects structure and function, how SNPs alter channel activity, and how high voltage-activated auxiliary subunits affect T-channels.
Nursing silent on LGBTQ health: Rebel nurses provide hope

Why has the nursing profession as a whole failed to take notice of LGBTQ issues? One of the major nursing policy advocacy organizations in the US – the American Academy of Nursing – just last year, became the first national nursing organization to speak out publicly in support of an LGBTQ issue – marriage equality. Not only have US-based nursing organizations been “hands off”, but, for the most part, nursing scientists have as well. Eliason, Dibble, and DeJoseph (2010) examined all of the articles published in the 10 top nursing journals over a 5-year period. They found that only 8 articles, or 0.16%, were about LGBTQ health, and of those, most of the authors were from outside the US. Some of this could be because of the kind of research that is funded in the US, although this may be improving. The Institute of Medicine (2011) published a comprehensive report on the status of LGBT Health, and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) now supports LGBTQ-related research. Another reason that the US nursing profession is silent on LGBTQ issues is because it is generally heterosexist and conservative (Shattell, 2013). There have been some US nurse scientists who have fought to bring LGBTQ health issues and a more progressive nursing agenda to the fore. For example, in the early 1980s Cassandra: Radical Feminist Nurses Network organized and formed a non-hierarchical national organization of women who believed in feminist philosophy (Cassandra, n.d.). Incidentally, the name “Cassandra” was chosen to honor a piece of writing by Florence Nightingale in 1852 – “Cassandra: An Angry Outcry Against the Plight of Victorian Women”. Cowling, Chinn, and Hagedorn (2000) more than 10 years later wrote the Nurse Manifesto to increase the power and independence of nursing, which was founded on feminist and equality principles. A more recent example is one of the first books authored by nurses about LGBTQ health, “LGBTQ Cultures: What Health Care Professionals Need to Know About Sexual and Gender Diversity (Eliason, Dibble, DeJoseph, & Chinn, 2009). Lavender Health Resource, also developed by nurses, is another nurse-led initiative (Lavender Health Resource, n.d.). Another is “Lesbian Health 101” (Dibble & Robertson, 2010), which is the first
Chemistry of Nuclear Recoil 18F Atoms. V. Mechanism and Systematics in CH3CF3

Nuclear recoil 18F atoms undergo hot F‐for‐F and F‐for‐H atomic substitution and hot F‐for‐CH3 and F‐for‐CF3 alkyl replacement reactions in CH3CF3. The primary absolute yields corresponding to these processes are 3.56 ± 0.07, 8.22 ± 0.09, 5.79 ± 0.31, and 8.5 ± 2.5 % (estimated value), respectively. The total primary hot yield for organic products is 26.1 ± 2.5 %, and that for all hot reactions including F‐to‐HF and F‐to‐F2 abstraction is 83 ± 3 %. There is no evidence in favor of hot F‐for‐2F or F‐for‐2H double substitution reactions in CH3CF3. Recoil 18F exhibits approximately a sixfold systematics preference for alkyl replacement reactions at the carbon—carbon bond in CH3CF3 relative to the average of substitution reactivities at carbon—fluorine and carbon—hydrogen bonds. The per‐bond preference for primary substitution reactions at carbon—hydrogen relative to carbon—fluorine bonds is 2.30 ± 0.06. The sums of primary hot yields for organic products are comparable for recoil 18F in CH3CF3 vs recoil 3H i...
Synthesis and structure of five-coordinate tris-phosphine cyclooctadiene iridium complexes

Abstract The syntheses of two new tris-phosphine cyclooctadiene (COD) iridium complexes are reported. In the first, [Ir(COD)(PMe3)3]Cl·0.5H2O, the geometry about iridium is square pyramidal. In the second, [Ir(COD)(tripod)][BF4] [tripod = 1,1,1-tris(diphenyl-phosphinomethyl)ethane], the geometry about iridium is trigonal bipyramidal. Both complexes are fluxional with very low activation barriers for rearrangement. These complexes are compared with other five-coordinate COD complexes reported in the literature.
Active sulfate absorption in rabbit ileum: dependence on sodium and chloride and effects of agents that alter chloride transport.

Unidirectional fluxes of35SO4 across and into rabbit ileal epithelium were measured under short-circuit conditions, mostly at a medium SO4 concentration of 2.4mm. Unidirectional mucosa (m)-to-serosa (s) ands-to-m fluxes (J ms,J sm) were 0.456 and 0.067 μmoles hr−1 cm−2, respectively.J ms was 2.7 times higher in distal ileum than in mid-jejunum. Ouabain abolished net SO4 transport (J net) by reducingJ ms. Epinephrine, a stimulus of Cl absorption, had no effect on SO4 fluxes. Theophylline, a stimulus of Cl secretion, reducedJ ms without affectingJ sm, causing a 33% reduction inJ net. Other secretory stimuli (8-Br-cAMP, heat-stable enterotoxin, Ca-ionophore A23187) had similar effects. Replacement of all Cl with gluconate markedly reducedJ net through both a decrease inJ ms and an increase inJ sm. The anion-exchange inhibitor, 4-acetoamido-4′-isothiocyano-2,2′-sulfonic acid stilbene (SITS), when added to the serosal side, reducedJ ms by 94%, nearly abolishingJ net. SITS also decreasedJ sm by 75%. Mucosal SITS (50 μm) was ineffective. 4,4′-diisothiocyano-2,2′-sulfonic acid stilbene (DIDS) had effects similar to SITS but was less potent. Measurements of initial rates of epithelial uptake from the luminal side (J me) revealed the following: (1)J me is a saturable function of medium concentration with aV max of 0.94 μmoles hr−1 cm−2 and aK 1/2 of 1.3mm; (2) replacing all Na with choline abolishedJ me; (3) replacing all Cl with gluconate increasedJ me by 40%; (4) serosal SITS had no effect onJ me; and (5) stimuli of Cl secretion had no effect onJ me or increased it slightly. Determination of cell SO4 with35SO4 indicated that, at steady-state, the average mucosal concentration is 1.1 mmoles per liter cell water, less than half the medium concentration. Cell SO4 was increased to 3.0mm by adding SITS to the serosal side. Despite net transport rates greater than 1.4 μEq hr−1 cm−2, neither addition of SO4 to the SO4-free medium nor addition of SITS to SO4-containing medium altered short-circuit current. The results suggest that (1) ileal SO4 absorption consists of Na-coupled influx (symport) across the brush border and Cl-coupled efflux (antiport) across the basolateral membrane; (2) the overall process is electrically neutral; (3) the medium-to-cell Cl concentration difference may provide part of the driving force for net SO4 absorption; and (4) since agents affecting Cl fluxes (both absorptive and secretory) have little effect on SO4 fluxes, the mechanisms for their transcellular transports are under separate regulation.
An Undergraduate Laboratory Activity Demonstrating Bacteriophage Specificity

Bacteriophage are among the most diverse and numerous microbes inhabiting our planet. Yet many laboratory activities fail to engage students in meaningful exploration of their diversity, unique characteristics, and abundance. In this curriculum activity students use a standard plaque assay to enumerate bacteriophage particles from a natural sample and use the scientific method to address questions about host specificity and diversity. A raw primary sewage sample is enriched for bacteriophage using hosts in the family Enterobacteriaceae. Students hypothesize about host specificity and use quantitative data (serial dilution and plaque assay) to test their hypotheses. Combined class data also help them answer questions about phage diversity. The exercise was field tested with a class of 47 students using pre- and posttests. For all learning outcomes posttest scores were higher than pretest scores at or below p = 0.01. Average individualized learning gain (G) was also calculated for each learning outcome. Students’ use of scientific language in reference to bacteriophage and host interaction significantly improved (p = 0.002; G = 0.50). Improved means of expression helped students construct better hypotheses on phage host specificity (G = 0.31, p = 0.01) and to explain the plaque assay method (G = 0.33, p = 0.002). At the end of the exercise students also demonstrated improved knowledge and understanding of phage specificity as related to phage therapy in humans (p < 0.001; G = 51).
Generation of vorticity and velocity dispersion by orbit crossing

We study the generation of vorticity and velocity dispersion by orbit crossing using cosmological numerical simulations, and calculate the backreaction of these effects on the evolution of large-scale density and velocity divergence power spectra. We use Delaunay tessellations to define the velocity field, showing that the power spectra of velocity divergence and vorticity measured in this way are unbiased and have better noise properties than for standard interpolation methods that deal with mass-weighted velocities. We show that high resolution simulations are required to recover the correct large-scale vorticity power spectrum, while poor resolution can spuriously amplify its amplitude by more than 1 order of magnitude. We measure the scalar and vector modes of the stress tensor induced by orbit crossing using an adaptive technique, showing that its vector modes lead, when input into the vorticity evolution equation, to the same vorticity power spectrum obtained from the Delaunay method. We incorporate orbit-crossing corrections to the evolution of large-scale density and velocity fields in perturbation theory by using the measured stress tensor modes. We find that at large scales (k{approx_equal}0.1h Mpc{sup -1}) vector modes have very little effect in the density power spectrum, while scalar modes (velocity dispersion) can induce percent-level correctionsmore » at z=0, particularly in the velocity divergence power spectrum. In addition, we show that the velocity power spectrum is smaller than predicted by linear theory until well into the nonlinear regime, with little contribution from virial velocities.« less
Reduction of the Breit Coulomb equation to an equivalent Schrödinger equation, and investigation of the behavior of the wave function near the origin.

The Breit equation for two equal-mass spin-1/2 particles interacting through an attractive Coulomb potential is separated into its angular and radial parts, obtaining coupled sets of first-order differential equations for the radial wave functions. The radial equations for the /sup 1/J/sub J/, /sup 3/J/sub J/, and /sup 3/P/sub 0/ states are further reduced to a single, one-dimensional Schroedinger equation with a relatively simple effective potential. No approximations, other than the initial one of an instantaneous Coulomb interaction, are made in deriving this equation; it accounts for all relativistic effects, as well as for mixing between different components of the wave function. Approximate solutions are derived for this Schroedinger equation, which gives the correct O(..cap alpha../sup 4/) term for the 1 /sup 1/S/sub 0/ energy and for the n/sup 1/J/sub J/ energies, for J>0. The radial equations for the /sup 3/(J +- 1)/sub J/ states are reduced to two second-order coupled equations. At small r, the Breit Coulomb wave functions behave as r/sup ..nu..//sup -1/, where ..nu.. is either ..sqrt..J(J+1)+1-..cap alpha../sup 2//4 or ..sqrt..J(J+1)-..cap alpha../sup 2//4 . The /sup 1/S/sub 0/ and /sup 3/P/sub 0/ wave functions therefore diverge at the origin as r/sup //sup ..sqrt..//sup 1-//sup ..cap alpha..//sup <2//4 -1$.more » This divergence of the J = 0 states, however, does not occur when the spin-spin interaction, -(..cap alpha../r)..cap alpha..x..cap alpha.., is added to the Coulomb potential.« less
Prior sport participation and spectator sport consumption: socialization and soccer.

Abstract The purpose of this study was to compare the relative importance of social influences related to soccer consumption based on respondents' prior participation in the sport. The sample consisted of spectators at a professional soccer match who completed a questionnaire that assessed soccer consumption (games on television, attendance, and merchandise consumption) and the influence of seven contextual social variables stemming from consumer behavior literature (children, father, friends, internet, media, mother, and siblings). Mean comparisons and regression results found that familial influences were significantly more important for those that played soccer while children's influence was more important for non-soccer participants.
Quantification of immunoreactive viral influenza proteins by immunoaffinity capture and isotope-dilution liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

An immunocapture isotope dilution mass spectrometry (IC-IDMS) method was developed to quantify antibody-bound influenza hemagglutinins (HA) in trivalent influenza vaccines (TIV). Currently, regulatory potency requirements for TIV require HA quantification based on the single radial immunodiffusion (SRID) assay, which is time-consuming, laborious, and requires production of large quantities of reagents globally. In IC-IDMS, antiserum to the HA of interest captured viral proteins that were in the correct conformation to be recognized by the antibodies. The captured proteins were digested, and evolutionarily conserved tryptic peptides were quantified using isotope-dilution liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. IC-IDMS relies on antibody–antigen binding similar to SRID but incorporates the accuracy and precision of IDMS. Polyclonal antibodies (pAb-H3) prepared by injection of sheep with purified H3 HA captured 82.9% (55.26 fmol/μL) of the total H3 HA (66.69 fmol/μL) from the commercial TIV and 93.6%...
Concept design of a new generation military vehicle

This paper presents the development of an advanced concept for a next generation military vehicle based on state of the art technologies. The vehicle's platform will be directly suitable for high mobility applications for instance: Special Forces missions, Marine reconnaissance missions, and commercial racing in events such as Bajas and the Paris - Dakar. The platform will be a 10000 -14000 lbs high-speed multi-purpose vehicle, designed for extreme off-road operation. A completely new suspension concept is expected to be developed and the new vehicle topology will accommodate a new generation hybrid-electric power train. The dynamic performance targets are 125 mph off-road and 0-60 in 7 seconds. The concept design will focus also on survivability mainly through the use of a new vehicle topology (herein referred to as "island") specifically designed to enhance crew protection. The "island" topology consists in locating the powertrain and other vehicle equipment and subsystems around the crew compartment. Thus, even in the event of an external shield penetration the crew compartment remains protected by the surrounding equipment which serves in an additional role as a secondary shield. The paper presents vehicle specifications, performance capabilities, simulation models and virtual models of the vehicle.
Physical models of cognition

This paper presents and discusses physical models for simulating some aspects of neural intelligence, and, in particular, the process of cognition. The main departure from the classical approach here is in utilization of a terminal version of classical dynamics introduced by the author earlier. Based upon violations of the Lipschitz condition at equilibrium points, terminal dynamics attains two new fundamental properties: it is spontaneous and nondeterministic. Special attention is focused on terminal neurodynamics as a particular architecture of terminal dynamics which is suitable for modeling of information flows. Terminal neurodynamics possesses a well-organized probabilistic structure which can be analytically predicted, prescribed, and controlled, and therefore which presents a powerful tool for modeling real-life uncertainties. Two basic phenomena associated with random behavior of neurodynamic solutions are exploited. The first one is a stochastic attractor—a stable stationary stochastic process to which random solutions of a closed system converge. As a model of the cognition process, a stochastic attractor can be viewed as a universal tool for generalization and formation of classes of patterns. The concept of stochastic attractor is applied to model a collective brain paradigm explaining coordination between simple units of intelligence which perform a collective task without direct exchange of information. The second fundamental phenomenon discussed is terminal chaos which occurs in open systems. Applications of terminal chaos to information fusion as well as to explanation and modeling of coordination among neurons in biological systems are discussed. It should be emphasized that all the models of terminal neurodynamics are implementable in analog devices, which means that all the cognition processes discussed in the paper are reducible to the laws of Newtonian mechanics.
Extending JPF to verify distributed systems

This paper presents our work on model checking distributed applications. We refer to distributed applications as a collection of communicating processes, regardless of their physical locations and the communication means. Our work targets applications written in Java. It relies on the multiprocess support included in Java Pathfinder (JPF) version 7 which allow for verifying the bytecode of distributed applications. The basic support for distributed applications in JPF does not account for communication between processes. In this work, we address this limitation. The work is implemented as a JPF extension which models inter- process communication (IPC) mechanisms. It uses a form of partial order reduction (POR) to explore all possible executions of a distributed Java application. Moreover, our approach provides a functionality to check the given distributed application against possible network failures which can occur at the operating system or the hardware layer.
Relationship between MRI-based mechanical activation delays and direct intraoperative measurements of electrical delay in patients undergoing cardiac resynchronization

Background Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) can be used to create maps of left ventricular (LV) mechanical activation delay by analyzing time-dependent radial motion of the myocardium. Local electrograms (EGM) can be obtained during the CRT procedure to measure local electrical activation delay in the LV myocardium. Preoperative MRI assessment of regional dyssynchrony would be useful to guide CRT lead placement. However, the relationship between electrical and mechanical dyssynchrony has not been studied in humans. We hypothesized that intraoperative electrical delay times will correlate with MR-based mechanical delay times.
Substrate oxidation by copper-dioxygen adducts : Mechanistic considerations

A series of copper−dioxygen adducts [{CuII(MePY2)R}2(O2)](B(C6F5)4)2 (1R), systematically varying in their electronic properties via ligand pyridyl donor substituents (R = H, MeO, and Me2N), oxidize a variety of substrates with varying C−H or O−H bond dissociation enthalpies. Detailed mechanistic studies have been carried out, including investigation of 1R thermodynamic redox properties, 1R tetrahydrofuran (THF) and N,N‘-dimethylaniline (DMA) oxidation kinetics (including analyses of substrate dicopper binding equilibria), and application of mechanistic probes (N-cyclopropyl-N-methylaniline (CMA) and (p-methoxyphenyl)-2,2-dimethylpropanol (MDP)), which can distinguish if proton-coupled electron-transfer (PCET) processes proceed through concerted electron-transfer proton-transfer (ETPT) or consecutive electron-transfer proton-transfer (ET/PT) pathways. The results are consistent with those of previous complementary studies; at low thermodynamic driving force for substrate oxidation, an ET/PT is operable, b...
The effect of site and type of nerve injury on spinal glial activation and neuropathic pain behavior.

A number of rat peripheral neuropathy models have been developed to simulate human neuropathic pain conditions. The current study sought to determine the relative importance of site versus type of peripheral nerve injury in eliciting mechanical allodynia and spinal glial responses. Rats received one of seven different surgical treatments at the L5 spinal level: spinal nerve cryoneurolysis, spinal nerve tight ligation, dorsal root cryoneurolysis, dorsal root tight ligation, dorsal root transection, ventral root tight ligation, or laminectomy/dural incision sham. Foot-lift response frequency to mechanical stimulation of the ipsilateral hindpaw was assessed postlesion on days 1, 3, 5, and 7. L5 spinal cords were retrieved for immunohistochemical analysis of microglial (OX-42) and astrocytic (anti-glial fibrillary acidic protein) responses. Both types of spinal nerve lesion, freeze and tight ligation, produced rapid and profound mechanical allodynia with intense glial responses. Dorsal root lesions also resulted in intense mechanical allodynia; however, glial responses were almost exclusively astrocytic. Ventral root tight ligation and sham provoked no marked behavioral changes and only sporadic glial responses. Direct dorsal horn communication with the dorsal root ganglion was not a crucial factor in the development of mechanical allodynia, since decentralization of the L5 DRG by complete L5 dorsal root lesion produced profound mechanical sensitization. Conversely, microglial activation responses appear to be dependent upon dorsal root ganglion-mediated signals and, contrary to behavioral responses, were robust only when the lesion was made peripheral to the cell body. Astrocytic activation was always observed following axonal injury and reliably coexisted with behavioral responses.
A comparison of attention, processing and strategy use by adults with and without acquired brain injuries.

Primary objective: To compare the visual attention, processing and strategy use of adults with and without acquired brain injuries (ABI).Design and methods: A repeated-measures, matched groups design was used with 30 adults. Pre-test/post-test measures included three functional computer tasks. Weekly measures included a computerized version of PASAT and two computerized matching tasks.Interventions: Six weekly sessions consisted of computerized tasks designed to challenge visual attention and processing.Results: Both groups improved on all measures. The participants without neurological impairments performed better on all measures. Both groups used similar strategies to complete the visual attention and processing tasks. Strategy use was much more prolific among participants without neurological deficits.Conclusions: ABI results in reduced visual attention and processing during functional computerized tasks and in the ability to use strategies for these deficit areas. Despite better visual attention and p...
Kiefer ordering of simplex designs for first- and second-degree mixture models

For mixture models on the simplex, we discuss the improvement of a given design in terms of increasing symmetry as well as obtaining a larger moment matrix under the Loewner ordering. The two criteria together constitute the Kiefer design ordering. The latter can be discussed either in the usual Scheffe model algebra, or in Kronecker product algebra which better reflects the symmetries of the simplex experimental region. For the first-degree mixture model, we show that the vertex points design is the unique optimal design under the Kiefer ordering. For the second-degree mixture models with two or three ingredients, complete class results relative to the Kiefer ordering are derived. A brief overview of related literature completes the paper.
The Geometry of Quantum Chaos

The simplest chaotic Hamiltonian systems arise in geometry: a point particle moving freely on a 2 or 3 dimensional manifold of constant negative curvature. There is tremendous variety representing both bound state and scattering situations, quite in contrast to the non-chaotic motion on surfaces of constant positive curvature. The classical mechanics has been studied for almost a century and reduces to an enumeration and description of geodesic lines which in turn are closely connected with the topology of the manifold. Physics enters only in a trivial manner since everything can be scaled with the (kinetic) energy of the particle. In the quantum mechanics of these motions, however, the energy is the essential parameter, and one can ask how the two mechanics are related to each other. Quite surprisingly, Feynman's path integral gives the same answer as its classical approximation, just as in the harmonic oscillator. In 3 dimensions, this result holds for the propagator itself, while in 2 dimensions it is true only for the trace and yields Selberg's trace formula. A few striking examples of constant negative curvature spaces will be shown. Thus, quantum chaos can be understood in terms of classical chaos in spite of their qualitatively different features: fractal for the latter, smooth for the former.
A designed supramolecular protein assembly with in vivo enzymatic activity

The generation of new enzymatic activities has mainly relied on repurposing the interiors of preexisting protein folds because of the challenge in designing functional, three-dimensional protein structures from first principles. Here we report an artificial metallo-β-lactamase, constructed via the self-assembly of a structurally and functionally unrelated, monomeric redox protein into a tetrameric assembly that possesses catalytic zinc sites in its interfaces. The designed metallo-β-lactamase is functional in the Escherichia coli periplasm and enables the bacteria to survive treatment with ampicillin. In vivo screening of libraries has yielded a variant that displays a catalytic proficiency [(k(cat)/K(m))/k(uncat)] for ampicillin hydrolysis of 2.3 × 10(6) and features the emergence of a highly mobile loop near the active site, a key component of natural β-lactamases to enable substrate interactions.
An alternative derivation of aligned rank tests for regression

Abstract A new method for deriving aligned rank tests and their efficacy is presented. The approach makes use of the asymptotic version of the rank transformation. Under the null hypothesis, the transformed data conform to a linear model and thus an F-test statistic based on the transformed data is easily constructed. Properties of the empirical process are then used to show that the F-statistic based on the rank transformation is asymptotically equivalent to the F-statistic based on the asymptotic version of the rank transformation. This approach has a strong heuristic flavor making it more suitable for classroom presentation.
Review of the Housing Allowance Program

Housing allowances are being touted as the popular solution to the low-income housing problem. This article briefly examines the historical background, past research, factors, and issues which must be considered in designing an effective program. Major household concerns considered are: equity, eligibility and allowance formulas. Attention is given to program goals and their influence on the amount and kind of subsidy, definition of income and allowance formula selected. The response of the housing market to the new demand created is examined along with related factors such as requirements that recipients live in standard dwelling units and collusion opportunities for landlords and recipients. Based on research conducted on the food stamp program, household expenditure change is projected. Finally the impact of a housing allowance on other support programs and the need for program integration and administrative simplicity is considered.
Evidence of genetic susceptibility to infectious mononucleosis: a twin study

Infectious mononucleosis is a clinical manifestation of primary Epstein–Barr virus infection. It is unknown whether genetic factors contribute to risk. To assess heritability, we compared disease concordance in monozygotic to dizygotic twin pairs from the population-based California Twin Program and assessed the risk to initially unaffected co-twins. One member of 611 and both members of 58 twin pairs reported a history of infectious mononucleosis. Pairwise concordance in monozygotic and dizygotic pairs was respectively 12·1% [standard error (s.e.)=1·9%] and 6·1% (s.e.=1·2%). The relative risk (hazard ratio) of monozygotic compared to dizygotic unaffected co-twins of cases was 1·9 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1·1–3·4, P=0·03], over the follow-up period. When the analysis was restricted to same-sex twin pairs, that estimate was 2·5 (95% CI 1·2–5·3, P=0·02). The results are compatible with a heritable contribution to the risk of infectious mononucleosis.
Gliotoxic actions of excitatory amino acids.

Abstract Cultures of neonatal Type I astrocytes of the rat were exposed to a series of excitatory amino acid analogs to identify those compounds that were gliotoxic. In addition to l -α-aminoadipate, a previously identified gliotoxin, l -homocysteate, l -serine-O-sulfate, l -α-amino-4-phosphonobutyrate and l -α-amino-3-phosphono-propionate were also found to induce a sequence of degenerative events that led to the lysis of the astrocytes. Cellular injury was assessed by quantifying the activity of lactate dehydrogenase present in the surviving astrocytes. Prior to lysis, the cells went through a succession of distinctive morphological changes, the most prominent of which involved nuclear alterations. The nuclei appeared swollen, contained “pale” or “watery” nucleoplasm and exhibited a very prominent nuclear membrane and obvious nucleoli. These astrocytes appeared quite similar in appearance to the Alzheimer's Type II astrocytes, principally associated with the pathology of hepatic encephalopathy. The nuclear anomalies, which are thought to be indicative of cellular damage and compromised function, were also produced by the endogenous transmitters l -glutamate and l -aspartate, although with time, the affected astrocytes appeared to recover and return to normal morphology, without lyzing. These findings suggest that excessive levels of excitatory amino acids may induce cellular damage to astrocytes, as well as neurons. Once damaged, the resulting reductions in astrocyte function may further contribute to CNS losses and the overall pathology attributed to the excitatory amino acids.
Do Stock Prices Fully Reflect the Implications of Special Items for Future Earnings

Previous research (Rendleman, Jones, and Latane [1987]; Freeman and Tse [1989]; Bernard and Thomas [1990]; and Ball and Bartov [1996]) indicates that security prices do not fully reflect predictable elements of the relation between current and future quarterly earnings. We investigate whether this finding also holds for the special items component of earnings. Given that special items are prominent in financial analysis and are assumed to have relatively straightforward implications for future earnings (special items are assumed to be largely transitory), one might expect that prices would fully impound the implications of special items for future earnings. Based on the “two-equation” approach used in Ball and Bartov [1996] and other studies (e.g., Abarbanell and Bernard [1992]; Sloan [1996]; Rangan and Sloan [1998]; and Soffer and Lys [1999]), we find that while prices reflect relatively more of the effects of special items compared to other earnings components, we still reject the null hypothesis that prices fully impound the implications of special items for future earnings. The “two-equation” approach assesses the consistency of coefficients in a pair of prediction and pricing equations, and thus depends on an assumed functional form. However, a less structured abnormal returns methodology like that used in Bernard and Thomas [1990] also supports the conclusion that the implications of special items are not fully impounded in prices. Specifically, a trading strategy based only on the sign of special items earns small but statistically significant abnormal returns during a 3-day window four quarters subsequent to the original announcement of special items.
Correlation of vital capacity with other indices of disease in obstructive emphysema.

SUMMARY The pulmonary function studies of 170 patients with evidence of chronic obstructive pulmonary emphysema have been analyzed to determine the status of the vital capacity in this disease and its degree of correlation with other lung volumes and capacities, the RV/TLC ratio and the maximum breathing capacity. Ten per cent of the group with evidence of "moderate" or "advanced" disease demonstrated a VC from 90-130 per cent of normal predicted and would, on the basis of VC measurement alone, be falsely judged as "normal." Conversely, 35 patients or 21 per cent of the group classified in the "mild" or "moderate" disease categories had abnormally low VC's. Thus, utilizing VC as the sole indicator of disease severity, nearly one-third of the group would be incorrectly evaluated and would represent either "false positive" or "false negative" diagnoses. Although the general trend is for VC to deteriorate with advanced degrees of COPE, exceptions to this occur with sufficient frequency to invalidate use of the VC alone for diagnosis of this condition or estimation of its severity. From the standpoint of function testing, evaluation of a patient should rather be based on complete lung volume determinations, MBC, RV/TLC ratio and pulmonary nitrogen washout curves. 20,21
Use of electronic medical records for clinical research in the management of type 2 diabetes

Abstract Background Essential to optimal diabetes care is the organization and management of complex clinical data. An EMR system can facilitate better management of clinical and clinical-related information by standardizing care and increasing the efficiency of delivering quality care to patients. However, studies have not described clinical characteristics of patients with type 2 diabetes in a primary practice setting that utilizes an EMR system. Objective To describe the demographic characteristics, clinical measures, and resource utilization of patients with type 2 diabetes in a primary care setting that employs an EMR system. Methods Patients ≥18 years of age, having two or more visits with their physicians (January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012), and with a recorded diagnosis of diabetes (ICD-9-CM: 250.xx) were retrospectively identified from the GE Centricity ® EMR database of a primary care physician group. Demographic characteristics, clinical measures, and resource utilization were evaluated. Descriptive statistics were conducted using frequencies and proportions for categorical data and means and standard deviations for continuous variables. Results 5170 patients with type 2 diabetes were identified for year 2012. Majority of patients with type 2 diabetes were males (53.38%), whites (86.63%), and obese (62.19%); had HbA1c levels 9% were the youngest, had higher average office visits/patient, and had a higher prevalence of depression, obesity, elevated LDL-C and lower HDL-C levels. Conclusions This study provides insight into the potential risk factors for diabetes such as the presence of obesity, dyslipidemia, and depression, specifically in patients with HbA1c levels above 9%. Physicians should use evidence-based benchmarks in the development of EMR disease management programs to improve patient outcomes and quality of care.