cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Singular Values of Hankel Operators

In this chapter we study singular values of Hankel operators. The main result of the chapter is the fundamental theorem of Adamyan, Arov, and Krein. This theorem says that if Γ is a Hankel operator, then to evaluate the nth singular value s n (Γ) of r, there is no need to consider all operators of rank at most n, s n (Γ) is the distance from Γ to the set of Hankel operators of rank at most n. In §1 we prove the Adamyan—Arov—Krein theorem in the special case when s n (Γ) is greater than the essential norm of r. In §2 we reduce the general case to the case treated in §1. In §1 we also prove the uniqueness of the corresponding Hankel approximant of rank at most n under the same condition s n (Γ) > ||Γ||e, and we obtain useful formulas for multiplicities of singular values of related Hankel operators. We prove a generalization of the Adamyan—Arov—Krein theorem to the case of vectorial Hankel operators in §3. We also obtain in §3 a formula for the essential norm of vectorial Hankel operators.
Single-Dose Oral Dexamethasone Decreases Sore Throat Pain.

Sore throats are rarely fatal anymore, but there is really no such thing as “just a sore throat.” Whereas antibiotics have no analgesic activity, a single low dose of a corticosteroid such as oral dexamethasone—0.6 mg per kg for children at least five years of age and up to 10 mg for adults—is effective in decreasing pain in the first 24 hours.
Design of an Oscillating Sprinkler

(1985). Design of an Oscillating Sprinkler. Mathematics Magazine: Vol. 58, No. 1, pp. 29-38.
When Marijuana Is Used before Cigarettes or Alcohol: Demographic Predictors and Associations with Heavy Use, Cannabis Use Disorder, and Other Drug-related Outcomes.

Recent loosening of state and federal policy restrictions on marijuana, along with changes in social norms regarding marijuana use and decreases in prevalence of other types of substance use, may lead to increases in youth initiating marijuana before other types of substances such as alcohol and tobacco. We investigated predictors and potential consequences of initiating marijuana before other drugs for youth aged 12–21-years in the USA. Nationally representative, cross-sectional survey data from the US National Survey on Drug Use and Health supplied self-reported age of first marijuana, cigarettes, alcohol, other tobacco, and other illegal drug use among 12–21-year-old samples from 2004 to 2014 (n = 275,559). We first examined the degree to which initiating marijuana use first was associated with sex, age, race/ethnicity, and survey year. Then, we examined whether using marijuana first predicted heavy marijuana use, cannabis use disorder (CUD), alcohol use disorder (AUD), nicotine dependence (ND), or lifetime use of other illegal drugs. Among all survey youth (substance users and non-users), the proportion using marijuana first increased from 4.8 to 8.8% from 2004 to 2014. Those using marijuana first (vs. alcohol or cigarettes first) were more likely to be male and older and Black, American Indian/Alaskan Native, multiracial, or Hispanic than White or Asian. Among substance users and adjusting for age of onset and the number of substances used, using marijuana first was associated higher odds of heavy current marijuana use and CUD. In recent years, youth have been increasingly likely to use marijuana as their first drug and sequence of initiation is associated with race/ethnicity, gender, and age. Using marijuana first might increase the chance of heavy use and CUD.
ANARCHISM AND MINARCHISM; NO RAPPROCHEMENT POSSIBLE: REPLY TO TIBOR MACHAN

I shall maintain, one, that anarcho-capitalism and minarchism are logically incompatible, and thus no reconciliation between them is possible, and, two, that only the former, not the latter, is correct.
Hereditary external ophthalmoplegia, synergistic divergence, jaw winking, and oculocutaneous hypopigmentation ☆: A congenital fibrosis syndrome caused by deficient innervation to extraocular muscles

Abstract Background The congenital fibrosis syndrome is a hereditary form of external ophthalmoplegia that is considered to be a primary myopathy. Purpose To document the coexistence of two distinct forms of ocular motor synkinesis in a subgroup of patients with congenital fibrosis syndrome. Methods Clinical and intraoperative examination results and extraocular muscle biopsy specimens from four patients with congenital fibrosis syndrome were studied. Results Three patients displayed a variant of synergistic divergence characterized by simultaneous abduction with intorsion and depression of the synkinetically abducting eye. Three patients had variant of Marcus Gunn jaw winking characterized by elevation of a ptotic eyelid during mouth opening. Three patients had oculocutaneous hypopigmentation. Conclusions A subgroup of patients with congenital fibrosis syndrome display two distinct synkinetic ocular movements in conjunction with oculocutaneous hypopigmentation. The patterns of neuronal misdirection implicate a regional innervational disturbance involving cranial nerves III through VI as the underlying cause of diffuse hereditary ophthalmoplegia in these patients.
Bearing Degradation Prognosis Using Structural Break Classifier

Prognostics based on machine condition monitoring data are one of the key elements of modern maintenance philosophies. Machinery health prognosis follows a sequential methodology inclusive of various processes ranging from data acquisition till remaining useful life estimation. Every step depicts distinct statistical features, which are helpful in estimating health state of a machine. In this investigation, bearing vibration data has been analyzed by utilizing the technique of structural break point regression. Constructed model is also employed to observe degradation of bearing in different regimes to estimate remaining useful life. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.mech.24.4.20740
Fault Tolerance Model for Efficient Actor Recovery Paradigm in WSAN

Wireless sensor and actor networks (WSAN) is an area where sensors and actors collaborate to sense, handle and perform tasks in real-time. Thus, reliability is an important factor. Due to the natural of WSAN, actor nodes are open to failure. Failure of actor nodes degrades the network performance and may lead to network disjoint. Thus, fault tolerance techniques should be applied to insure the efficiency of the network. In an earlier work, the authors proposed an efficient actor recovery paradigm (EAR) for WSAN which handles the critical actor node failure and recovery while maintaining QoS. EAR is supported with node monitoring and critical node detection (NMCND), network integration and message forwarding (NIMF), priority-based routing for node failure avoidance (PRNFA) and backup selection algorithms. In this article, the authors extend the work by adding a fault tolerance mathematical model. By evaluating the model, EAR shows to manage fault tolerance in deferent levels. To evaluate the effectiveness, the EAR fault tolerance is evaluated by simulation using OMNET++ Simulation. In addition, EAR reliability is measured and compared with RNF, DPCRA, ACR, and ACRA.
Childhood and Adolescent Abuse History, Fear of Negative Evaluation, and Social Interaction Self-Statements: A Correlational Analysis

The purpose of this study was to determine if a link may be found between abuse history, fear of negative evaluation, and negative self-statements concerning heterosocial interaction. Participants were 59 female and 39 male college students from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Correlational analyses were done for both genders between measures of childhood and adolescent abuse history, fear of negative evaluation, and the use of positive vs. negative self-statements concerning social interaction. Positive correlations were obtained between the scale for sexual abuse and fear of negative evaluation, and between the scale for sexual abuse and the negative self-statement scale in the female group. T-tests revealed a significant difference between genders for total scores on the Child Abuse and Trauma Scale (CAT; Sanders & Becker-Lausen, 1995) and for the negative home environment/neglect subscale of the CAT. The findings suggest that women with history of sexual abuse may be at risk during social interactions with men. Findings of a significant difference between genders on the CAT, specifically in the area of negative home environment/neglect imply that girls suffer a higher level of abuse in this area than do boys.
600.35 Indexed Left Atrial Volume Derived by Computed Tomography and 1-Year Mortality in Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

Increased left atrial volume (LAV) is an important marker of poor outcomes in patients with aortic stenosis undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Computed tomography (CT) -based assessment of LAV is a more accurate method than traditional echocardiographic assessment. We
Characterization of SiC Trench MOSFETs in a Low-Inductance Power Module Package

This paper evaluates the temperature-dependent static and switching characteristics of SiC Trench mosfet s in a low-inductance multiple-chip power module. First, a phase-leg power module package design with integrated decoupling capacitance is proposed and fabricated based on the P-cell/N-cell concept, and the module design including the substrate layout and packaging material selection are discussed. With the fabricated power module, the temperature-dependent static and switching characteristics of the SiC Trench mosfet s are comprehensively investigated, and the key performance differences from the traditional SiC planar mosfet s are discussed. Specifically, compared to the SiC mosfet s with planar structure, the SiC Trench mosfet s are observed to have a different temperature coefficient in term of the turn- off switching loss. Detailed analysis is provided as well to explain the experimental results.
Partially Covered Versus Uncovered Self-Expandable Metal Stents: Coating Nor Diameter Affect Clinical Outcomes

Jaundice is a common initial presentation of malignant biliary stricture. In patients with life expectancies that are greater than 3 months, self-expanding metal stents (SEMS) offer a larger diameter stent with longer patency and fewer complications compared to plastic stents. There have been conflicting results in the published literature as to efficacy and safety between the various SEMS types and diameters. We compared stent coating (PCSEMS vs USEMS) and diameter on clinical outcomes regarding management of malignant biliary obstruction. A retrospective cohort study was conducted using a database of consecutive patients who underwent an ERCP with biliary SEMS placement (only 8 and 10 mm) between 2009 and 2017. In total, 278 patients who had SEMS at ERCP for malignant biliary obstruction were included (213 PCSEMS vs 65 USEMS). The groups were demographically evenly matched. Clinical success rates and patency duration were not statistically significant between PCSEMS and USEMS (98.1% vs 95.5%, P = 0.36, and 302.5 vs 225.5 days, P = 0.72, respectively). Adverse event rates were similar between both PCSEMS and USEMS with regard to overall adverse events. Stent diameter did not have an impact on overall clinical success (98.9% vs 95.3%, P = 0.11) or patency duration (239 days vs 336 days, P = 0.51). Our comparison of PCSEMS versus USEMS and 8 mm versus 10 mm showed no difference in clinical efficacy or adverse events between the two SEMS coatings and diameter, illustrating that coating and size do not matter in regard to stent choice, despite prior suggestive data.
A higher order approximate static condensation method for multi-material diffusion problems

Abstract The paper studies an approximate static condensation method for the diffusion problem with discontinuous diffusion coefficients. The method allows for a general polygonal mesh which is unfitted to the material interfaces. Moreover, the interfaces can be discontinuous across the mesh edges as typical for numerical reconstructions using the volume or moment-of-fluid methods. We apply a mimetic finite difference method to solve local diffusion problems and use P 1 (mortar) edge elements to couple local problems into the global system. The condensation process and the properties of the resulting algebraic system are discussed. It is demonstrated that the method is second order accurate on smooth solutions and performs well for problems with high contrast in diffusion coefficients. Experiments also show the robustness with respect to position of the material interfaces against the underlying mesh.
Localized Radial Roll Patterns in Higher Space Dimensions

Localized roll patterns are structures that exhibit a spatially periodic profile in their center. When following such patterns in a system parameter in one space dimension, the length of the spatia...
Patient-reported outcomes (PRO) before and after colorectal cancer (CRC) by race in a national survey.

53Background: There is significant disparities in the incidence, stage at diagnosis, and survival of CRC by race, however there is little evidence for disparities in patient reported health—an impo...
Making Space for a Makerspace in Counselor Education: The Creative Experiences of Counseling Graduate Students

The purpose of this phenomenological inquiry was to understand the creative experiences of counseling graduate students using a makerspace to develop a counseling intervention. The first author con...
Molecular testing strategies in the evaluation of fetal skeletal dysplasia.

The aim of this study was to characterize the fetal sonographic findings and the approach utilized to obtain a definitive diagnosis through molecular testing strategies. This is a retrospective cas...
Nanoporous Co/Mn-Mixed Metal Oxides Templated via Polysulfones for Amine Oxidation

Herein, we report syntheses of microporous and mesoporous mixed metal oxides templated via an anionic surfactant. The effects of acid treatment, solvent type, and the amount of metal incorporation ...
Understanding the sigmatropic shifts of cyclopenta-2,4-dien-1-yltrimethylsilane in its Diels–Alder addition

To understand its dynamic processes in the Diels–Alder addition, temperature-dependent dynamic processes of cyclopenta-2,4-dien-1-yltrimethylsilane [1-(C5H5)Si(Me)3] are investigated by DFT computations. The degenerate sigmatropic migration of Si(Me)3 is found to be the dominant factor with a Gibbs free energy of activation of 13.2 kcal mol−1. The contribution from suprafacial hydrogen shifts is negligible, and the antarafacial sigmatropic hydrogen shifts are excluded due to their relatively high Gibbs barriers. Thermodynamically controlled Diels–Alder addition is obtained, which involves the critical interconversion between the 2,4-dienyl isomer 1 and 1,4-dienyl isomer 3.
Abstract 1086: Pancreatic cancer musters HER2 signaling through DUSP6 to circumvent therapeutic MAPK inhibition

Background: Oncogenic KRAS is present in almost all cases of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway is the most cardinal signaling cascade utilized by KRAS, but targeting RAF or MEK, the key signaling nodes within this pathway has been clincally unsuccesful, largely due to ERK reactivation. Targeting ERK kinases has recently emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy, with several ERK inhibitor combinations now ongoing in clinical trials. However, resistance to ERK inhibitionn is inevitable and should be investigated. Aim: Identify adaptive mechanisms that can be targeted to potentiate ERK inhibitors in PDAC to facilitate development of novel therapeutic combinations. Methods: Reverse-phase protein array (RPPA) was used in early-passage patient-derived cell lines (PDCLs) to identify potential resistance mechanisms. These were confirmed using RNA interference and overexpression in PDAC cell lines and PDCLs. The promising combinations were tested in heterotypic spheroid cultures and in 30 early-passaged PDAC patient-derived xenografts (PDXs). Results: RPPA showed dramatic downregulation of DUSP4 and DUSP6 protein levels following MEK and ERK inhibition in PDAC cells, which coincided with phospho-activation of HER2 and HER3. Knockdown of DUSP6, but not DUSP4, was sufficient in activating HER2. Conversely, overexpression of DUSP6 curbed HER2 and ERK activation. Combined ERK inhibitor (ulixertinib) and bortezomib was able to prevent DUSP4 and DUSP6 downregulation in vitro but was ineffective in curbing in vivo tumor growth. On the other hand, ulixertinib plus PI3K or pan-HER inhibitor afatinib is effective in PDCLs in vivo. Addition of gemcitabine greatly augmented the therapeutic efficacy of these combinations and achieved prolonged tumor suppression in several PDX models. Conclusions: Our study provided novel mechanisic insight on how PDAC cells evade MAPK inhibition via mustering HER2 signaling, as well as rational therapeutic combinations that can be readily tested in clinical trials. Keys: DUSP6, HER2, KRAS, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, therapeutic resistance Citation Format: Ashenafi Shiferaw Bulle. Pancreatic cancer musters HER2 signaling through DUSP6 to circumvent therapeutic MAPK inhibition [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2021; 2021 Apr 10-15 and May 17-21. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(13_Suppl):Abstract nr 1086.
Taking the pulse of bioprocesses: at-line and in-line monitoring of mammalian cell cultures

Real-time and near real-time monitoring of cell culture processes are critical to the evolving process analytical technology (PAT) paradigm for upstream bioprocessing. The responses measured from these analytical instruments can enable rapid feedback to perturbations that can otherwise lead to batch failures. Historically, real-time monitoring of bioreactor processes has been relegated to parameters such as pH, dissolved oxygen, and temperature. Other analytical results, such as cell growth and metabolites, are provided through manual daily sampling. In order to reduce sample error and increase throughput, real-time and near real-time instruments have been developed. Here we discuss recent advances in these technologies. This article aims to focus on other developing at-line and in-line technologies that enable monitoring of bioreactor processes, including dielectric spectroscopy, NIR, off-gas spectrometry, integrated at-line HPLC, and nanofluidic devices for monitoring cell growth and health, metabolites, titer, and product quality.
Letterhead Bias and Blind Review: An Analysis of Prevalence and Mitigation Efforts

Claims regarding letterhead bias in legal academia have been limited to anecdotes and hyperbolic assertions such as how “[s]omebody from a top 5 school could bluebook a ham sandwich and get it published in a top 10 journal.” This Article reports the findings of a first-of-its-kind study designed to measure the effects of letterhead bias on legal scholarship. As the first quantitative analysis into the subject, this research illuminates the prevalence of letterhead bias and the effectiveness of blind review in combating it. Furthermore, the methodology allows for analysis of how blind review affects the often-criticized practice of self-publishing.
The Coronary Circulation in Hypertrophy and in Syndrome X

Although the contribution of epicardial coronary artery disease in ischemic syndromes is incontrovertible, in recent years much interest has shifted to the pathophysiologic relevance of disease or dysfunction of the coronary microcirculation (defined as intramyocardial arteries and arterioles too small to be visualized angiographically). Animal studies have shown the major contribution of intramyocardial arteries, proximal to the arteriolar bed, to coronary resistance, limitations in coronary flow reserve, and impaired coronary autoregulation in experimental left ventricular hypertrophy, and have shown evidence for microvascular endothelial dysfunction in early atherosclerosis. Despite imperfect techniques for measurement of coronary blood flow in humans, several studies have shown limitations in coronary flow reserve in familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and pressure-induced left ventricular hypertrophy that may be causally related to inducible myocardial ischemia in these patients. Mechanisms for impaired coronary flow reserve in hypertrophy are likely multifactorial and may include increased resting and stress-induced coronary flow requirements without neovascularization, detrimental effects of abnormal diastolic relaxation on intramyocardial coronary flow, and medial and intimal thickening of intramyocardial coronary arteries. More controversial is the presence and significance of coronary microvascular dysfunction in patients with chest pain syndromes in the absence of left ventricular hypertrophy, often with abnormal noninvasive testing, and designated as Syndrome X or microvascular angina. Although several studies have shown limited coronary flow responses to pacing or pharmacologic vasodilators, and heightened sensitivity of the coronary microcirculation to ergonovine in this patient population, proof that these altered coronary flow dynamics truly cause myocardial ischemia during stress has been elusive. Selection of patients on the basis of abnormal radionuclide studies may be more fruitful in making the connection between abnormal coronary flow dynamics and inducible myocardial ischemia than selection of patients on the basis of their exercise EKG. Coronary artery disease may also be associated with coronary microvascular dysfunction, and hypercholesterolemia and hypertension, which are commonly associated with obstructive coronary artery disease, also adversely affect the coronary microcirculation. Such involvement may explain why a subset of patients continue to have symptoms and evidence of inducible ischemia despite adequate revascularization by percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty or coronary bypass grafting. Further studies will undoubtedly clarify the mechanisms and the extent of coronary microvascular dysfunction in ischemic syndromes, in addition to clarifying suitable therapeutic interventions.
Effect of morphology on fracture toughness of unsaturated polyester-based hybrid nanocomposites

Abstract A hybrid ternary system of thermoplastic/clay/thermoset was synthesized to produce a tougher unsaturated polyester without reducing the glass transition temperature or the elastic modulus. The effects of material characteristics and morphology on fracture toughness were explored. Three synthesis variables control these characteristics: the ratio of methyl methacrylate to styrene used as curing agents, clay loading, and the content of a thermoplastic copolymer of styrene and methyl methacrylate. Specific ranges of these variables were chosen to minimize the effect of the characteristics of each phase on fracture toughness in order to evaluate the influence of morphology. The thermoplastic component contains the vast majority of the silicate layers and forms a second phase, dispersed throughout the continuous thermoset-rich phase. These particles can perturb the propagating crack front causing crack deflection and/or crack pinning where the latter mechanism provides a large increase in fracture toughness of unsaturated polyester. Clay loading is the most important factor on the fracture mechanism by affecting the impenetrability of the thermoplastic-rich particles and the morphology. A non-monotonic correlation between fracture toughness and the ratio of thermoplastic-rich particle radius to interparticle distance is developed allowing for the design of hybrid nanocomposites with desired toughness.
Clinical aspects of TDP-43 proteinopathy, neurofilament inclusion body disease and dementias lacking distinctive proteinopathy.

Publisher Summary This chapter emphasizes that neurodegenerative diseases are classified based on the finding of different proteins on immunohistochemistry at the histological level. When prominent tau deposition is noted by the neuropathologist, the disorder is considered a tauopathy. Pick's disease with Pick bodies, corticobasal degeneration, progressive supranuclear palsy, argyrophilic grains disease, and sporadic multiple system tauopathy are examples of diseases with abnormal tau deposition. Lewy body disease and multiple system atrophy are examples of synucleinopathies. Recently, the TAR DNA binding protein 43 (TDP-43) was identified to be associated with the frontotemporal lobar degenerations and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The chapter discusses the clinical features of tau- and alpha-synuclein-negative diseases. These are discussed under three disease groups, including the TDP-43 proteinopathies, neurofilament inclusion body disease, and the dementias lacking distinctive proteinopathy. Some of these diseases have overlapping clinical features.
Money Resolutions, a Sketchbook

The purpose of this paper is to identify those broad behaviors and mental ideas that commonly underpin poor people's money management practices. A metaphorical image is associated with each of these behaviors and mental ideas in order to make them come to life more strongly. The aspiration is to depict them in a way that poor people themselves could understand and relate to.
A Structured Operational Modelling of the Dolev-Yao Threat Model

In the areas of computer security and cryptography a standard model for adversaries is the Dolev-Yao threat model. In the areas of formal analysis of complex, concurrent, communication and reactive systems, one of the foundations for formal analysis methodologies is a structured operational semantics (SOS) for Milner’s process algebra Calculus of Communicating Systems (CCS). In this paper we provide a CCS-SOS modelling of the Dolev-Yao threat model. The intuitively appealing modelling indicates a suitability for the well studied formal analysis methodologies based on CCS-SOS being applied to computer security and cryptography.
Violence Risk Assessment in Release Decisions for NGRI Acquittees: Awareness of Practical Realities

ABSTRACT When a criminal defendant is found not guilty by reason of insanity and committed to a state forensic hospital, the hospital bears the responsibility of treating the offender to decrease the risk for future violence. Principles of risk management and risk-reduction are the cornerstones of effective treatment in such contexts. Although traditional violence risk assessment may be useful in identifying static risk factors that contribute to a patient's violence risk status, dynamic risk factors relevant to a patient's risk state are the focus of risk-reduction interventions. When a release decision must be made, evaluators should utilize information about both the patient's risk status relative to others and present risk state on dynamic factors. A structured professional judgment model of violence risk assessment may be most useful in this process. However, even when evaluators use the most current and comprehensive methods to conduct a violence risk assessment, the ultimate release decision is in ...
On Economies of Scale and Persistent Performance in Corporate-Bond Mutual Funds

Studies of stock mutual funds find little evidence of persistence in performance. The most common interpretation for such limited persistence is that dispersion in performance is driven largely by managers’ luck. However, Berk and Green (2004) contend that managers are skilled and limited persistence is due to diseconomies of scale in mutual funds. In contrast to the findings of diseconomies of scale in stock mutual funds, we find no relation between performance and lagged fund size in corporate-bond mutual funds. Without diseconomies, bond funds display persistence in performance that is long-lived. Prior winners outperform prior losers for the next four years, net or gross of expenses. Moreover, prior winners generate positive alpha gross of expenses for the next four years. This persistence in performance is evident controlling for various fund characteristics and seems largely due to dierences in managers’ skills, as opposed to luck.
Spiral antenna on broadband uniform-height progressive EBG structure without vias

Spiral antennas work over broadband, but conventional EBG structures work over narrow frequency band. Bandwidth of EBG structures can be increased by cascading EBG vertically in multiple layers or progressively in a single layer. This paper presents a uniform height via-less broadband progressive EBG structure designed for spiral antennas. The design is fabricated and simulated boresight gain and return loss performances are compared against measurements. The effects of feed point soldering to the spiral are also discussed.
Second Language Acquisition in Applied Linguistics: 1925–2015 and beyond

Taking 1925, the founding year of Language, the journal of the Linguistics Society of America, as a benchmark for ‘the past’, and 2015 as benchmark for ‘the present’, the author considers what was known then and what is known now about second language acquisition in applied linguistics. The field has grown more complex and interdisciplinary over the past 90 years, and developed in ways the founders could not have predicted. Because the essential mission of applied linguistics is to cross disciplinary and physical borders in the process of understanding and resolving language-related problems of all kinds, and because those problems are often unpredictable, the author concludes it would be foolhardy to try to predict the future of applied linguistics—particularly if applied linguists continue to do their jobs as ‘border-crossers’.
Effect of N-R transitions during partial reinforcement pretraining on subsequent resistance to discrimination

Three groups of 12 rats received 25 pretraining trials to each future discriminandum employed in a subsequent differential brightness conditioning problem. Groups NR and RN received partial reinforcement (PRF) pretraining either with or without, respectively, transitions from nonrewarded to rewarded trials (N-R transitions). Group CRF received consistent reinforcement during pretraining. A fourth group (n=12), Group NP, received no pretraining. During discrimination learning, one-half of the rats in each group received all their daily S+ trials preceding their daily S− trials (+− sequence); the remainder of the rats received an intermixed sequence of trials to S+ and S− (+−+ sequence). Discrimination learning was faster under the +− sequence than under the +−+ condition, and discrimination learning was retarded in Group NR relative to the other three groups, which did not differ from one another, under both the +− and +−+ discrimination sequence conditions. The results are discussed with Reference to previous experiments demonstrating N-R transition effects on discrimination learning, a theoretical extension of sequential theory to discrimination learning, and the effects of nondifferential reinforcement prior to discrimination learning on learned irrelevance.
TR(I)Pping towards treatment for ischemia.

A study in this issue found that suppressing expression of TRPM7 in hippocampal CA1 neurons conferred resistance to ischemic cell death, preserved cell function and prevented ischemia-induced deficits in memory.
The Resolution of the Ideal of 2 × 2 Minors of a 2 × nMatrix of Linear Forms

Abstract Let k be an algebraically closed field and let S = k [ x 1 ,…, x m ]. Let M be a 2 × n matrix of linear forms of S and let I 2 ( M ) denote the ideal generated by the determinants of the 2 × 2 minors of M . We study in this paper the minimal finite free resolution of S / I 2 ( M ) as an S -module. M corresponds to a certain 2-dimensional vector space L of m × n matrices, that is, to a matrix pencil. The Kronecker–Weierstrass theory of such matrix pencils provides a normal form for L , and we characterize the resolution of S / I 2 ( M ) in terms of this normal form. In particular, if the general element of L is injective, we explicitly construct the minimal resolution of S / I 2 ( M ) by repeated application of the horseshoe lemma. For any M , we express the regularity of S / I 2 ( M ) as a function of the invariants of L .
The Effect of Some Organic Additives Upon a Soil Nematode Population and Associated Natural Enemies

The effects of several organic additives, dung (steer manure), green manure (alfalfa), rotted wood shavings, oat hay, and chicken manure, upon the nematode fauna of an agricultural soil were studied and compared with unamended soil containing plant roots. Observations were also made on nematode predators and parasities. Easily decomposable amendments resulted in large increases in numbers of microphagus nematodes. The population of predacious Dorylaimus spp. was not influenced greatly by organic materials. The effects upon microphagus species differed for certain amendments. Dung and green manure appeared to promote greatest activity of predacious fungi.
Trimethylsilyl triflate as an initiator for cationic polymerization: Improved initiation through the use of promoters

Trimethylsilyl triflate (TMSOTf) can be used as an initiator for the cationic polymerization of alkenes and heterocycles. However, TMSOTf without additives and promoters acts inefficiently. Initiation in the cationic polymerization of tetrahydrofuran is slow because of unfavorable charge distribution in the trimethylsilyltetrahydrofuranium cation—a product of the reaction of monomer with TMSOTf. Acetone, 1,3-dioxolane, and 1,2-propylene oxide have been used as promoters to react with TMSOTf to create more reactive initiating species and to improve efficiency of initiation. Of these promoters, 1,2-propylene oxide has been the most successful. When TMSOTf has been used to initiate the polymerization of 2-methyl-2-oxazoline, unfavorable charge distribution in the N-trimethylsilyl-2-methyl-2-oxiranium cation has produced an unreactive imine dimeric cation which extends the time required for polymerization to several weeks. 1,2-Propylene oxide has been utilized to prevent formation of the imine dimeric cation by producing a more reactive initiating species. In the polymerization of isobutyl vinyl ether initiated by TMSOTf, 1,2-propylene oxide has been shown to be ineffective as a promoter, but acetone can be used successfully. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
TATA-binding Protein Variants That Bypass the Requirement for Mot1 in Vivo

Mot1 is an essential TATA-binding protein (TBP)-associated factor and Snf2/Swi2 ATPase that both represses and activates transcription. Biochemical and structural results support a model in which ATP binding and hydrolysis induce a conformational change in Mot1 that drives local translocation along DNA, thus removing TBP. Although this activity explains transcriptional repression, it does not as easily explain Mot1-mediated transcriptional activation, and several different models have been proposed to explain how Mot1 activates transcription. To better understand the function of Mot1 in yeast cells in vivo, particularly with regard to gene activation, TBP mutants were identified that bypass the requirement for Mot1 in vivo. Although TBP has been extensively mutated and analyzed previously, this screen uncovered two novel TBP variants that are unique in their ability to bypass the requirement for Mot1. Surprisingly, in vitro analyses reveal that rather than having acquired an improved biochemical activity, one of the TBPs was defective for interaction with polymerase II preinitiation complex (PIC) components and other regulators of TBP function. The other mutant was defective for DNA binding in vitro yet was still recruited to chromatin in vivo. These results suggest that Mot1-mediated dissociation of TBP (or TBP-containing complexes) from chromatin can explain the Mot1 activation mechanism at some promoters. The results also suggest that PICs can be dynamically unstable and that appropriate PIC instability is critical for the regulation of transcription in vivo.
Chemical simulation of the biogenesis of cedrene

it is well established that nerolidol and farnesol afford bisabolenes on acidtreatment' and that the appropriate spiranes (such as a-alaskene, 2 "a-acoradiene" and "a-acorenoln5) afford natural a-cedrene in high yield. Thus the demonstration of an efficient (bisabolene--cspiranel-cyclization would constitute a total synthesis of cedrene that parallels the proposed biogenesis so closely that it could be considered an example of chemical simulation of biogenesis. The recent report of Ohta and Hirose' concerning the occurrence of cedrenes in the complex product mixture resulting from BF3 treatment of farnesol prompts us to report a portion of our work in this area. With nerolido1 (rather than farnesol) cyclization can be effected with high selectivity under mild conditions resulting in an efficient (25% yield) synthesis of acedrene. Using optically active nerolidol , the optical activity (or lack of it) of various products allows us to define the mechanism of the chemical transformation in some detail and to contrast it to the likely in vivo process. _Asymmetric Induction in the Cyclization of (+)-Nerolidol
Zolpidem (Ambien): a pediatric case series.

AbstractBackground: In 1993, the nonbenzodiazepine sedative-hypnotic zolpidem tartrate (Ambien®) was approved for use in the US. Zolpidem has an imidazopyridine structure and possesses a rapid onset of action and a short half-life. The toxic threshold and profile have not been well established in the pediatric population. Methods: All pediatric zolpidem exposures reported to a regional poison information center over 24 months were reviewed retrospectively from the American Association of Poison Control Centers Toxic Exposure Surveillance System data collection forms. Results: Twelve pediatric zolpidem exposures were reported. Seven were unintentional (ages 20 mon-5 y) and five were intentional misuse/suicide (ages 12–16 y). The regional poison information center was contacted within 1 h in ten cases with onset of symptoms within 10 to 60 min (mean 31.6 min). One child had no effect with 2.5 mg. As little as 5 mg caused symptoms with minor outcome in six unintentional ingestions (5–30 mg). Minor to moderat...
TRACI 2.0: the tool for the reduction and assessment of chemical and other environmental impacts 2.0

TRACI 2.0, the Tool for the Reduction and Assessment of Chemical and other environmental Impacts 2.0, has been expanded and developed for sustainability metrics, life cycle impact assessment, industrial ecology, and process design impact assessment for developing increasingly sustainable products, processes, facilities, companies, and communities. TRACI 2.0 allows the quantification of stressors that have potential effects, including ozone depletion, global warming, acidification, eutrophication, tropospheric ozone (smog) formation, human health criteria-related effects, human health cancer, human health noncancer, ecotoxicity, and fossil fuel depletion effects. Research is going on to quantify the use of land and water in a future version of TRACI. The original version of TRACI released in August 2002 (Bare et al. J Ind Ecol 6:49–78, 2003) has been used in many prestigious applications including: the US Green Building Council’s LEED Certification (US Green Building Council, Welcome to US Green Building Council, 2008), the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s BEES (Building for Environment and Economic Sustainability) (Lippiatt, BEES 4.0: building for environmental and economic sustainability technical manual and user guide, 2007) which is used by US EPA for Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (US Environmental Protection Agency, Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (EPP), 2008d), the US Marine Corps’ EKAT (Environmental Knowledge and Assessment Tool) for military and nonmilitary uses (US Marine Corps, Environmental knowledge and assessment tool (EKAT): first time user’s guide, 2007), and within numerous college curriculums in engineering and design departments.
HOW SELECTIVE IS SELECTIVE POSTERIOR RHIZOTOMY

Abstract Although selective posterior rhizotomy has become an increasingly utilized surgical treatment for spasticity, the procedure is unstandardized and is performed differently at various medical centers. Most surgeons use some form of direct dorsal rootlet stimulation with intraoperative multichannel electromyographic response monitoring. Electrophysiological monitoring offers the theoretical advantage of identifying pathologic reflex circuits for interruption while preserving those pathways that are “normal”. However, the monitoring technique most commonly used has not been critically evaluated and, therefore, its value remains uncertain. In 22 selective posterior rhizotomy procedures performed for spastic cerebral palsy, the authors were unable to identify a single electromyographic response that could be called normal by presently accepted criteria. Dorsal rootlets were chosen for division on the basis of relative degrees of abnormality. Intraoperative electromyographic monitoring of a nonspastic patient produced tracings suggestive of spasticity by presently accepted criteria. These discrepancies suggest that current electrophysiological monitoring in selective posterior rhizotomy should be reevaluated.
Amplification of acoustic waves in piezoelectric semiconductor plates

Abstract Two-dimensional equations for coupled extensional, flexural and thickness-shear motions of thin plates of piezoelectric semiconductors are obtained systematically from the three-dimensional equations by retaining lower order terms in power series expansions in the plate thickness coordinate. The two-dimensional equations are specialized to crystals of 6 mm symmetry and are simplified by thickness-shear approximation. Propagation of thickness-shear waves and their amplification by a dc electric field are analyzed.
From Mail Order To E-Commerce: Competition, Regulation, and Politics of Nonstore Retailing in Germany

In this article we analyze the evolution of nonstore retailing in Germany. We examine the foundations of German e-commerce with a history of mail-order retailing, and analyze how its distinct regulatory environment and continuity in consumer practices affected the way in which e-commerce developed in Germany. In particular, regulations and the politics of retail trade in Germany played a role in shaping competition between the storefront and nonstore sectors. This study builds upon the analysis for Japan and the United States already conducted elsewhere, and shows how e-commerce evolved as an extension of the longstanding tradition of nonstore retailing and the competitive strength the sector developed vis-a-vis the storefront sector.
Application of Fe isotopes to tracing the geochemical and biological cycling of Fe

Over 100 high-precision Fe isotope analyses of rocks and minerals are now available, which constrain the range in d 56 Fe values (per mil deviations in 56 Fe/ 54 Fe ratios) in nature from � 2.50xto +1.5x. Re-assessment of the range of d 56 Fe values for igneous rocks, using new ultra-high-precision analytical methods discussed here, indicate that igneous Fe is isotopically homogeneous to F0.05x, which represents an unparalleled baseline with which to interpret Fe isotope variations in nature. All of the isotopic variability in nature lies in fluids, rocks, and minerals that formed at low temperature. Equilibrium (‘‘abiotic’’) isotopic fractionations at low temperatures may explain the range in d 56 Fe values; experimental measurements indicate that there is a large isotopic fractionation between aqueous Fe(III) and Fe(II) (DFe(III)–Fe(II)=2.75x). However, many of the natural samples that have been analyzed have an unquestionable biologic component to their genesis, and the range in d 56 Fe values are also consistent with the experimentally measured isotopic fractionations produced by Fereducing bacteria. In this work, we touch on a number of aspects of Fe isotope geochemistry that bear on its application to geochemical problems in general, and biological cycling of metals in particular. We report on new state-of-the-art Fe isotope analytical procedures, which allow precisions of F0.05x( 56 Fe/ 54 Fe) on samples <300 ng in size. In addition, we discuss the implications of experimental work on Fe isotope fractionations during metabolic processing of Fe by bacteria and the need to take a ‘‘mechanistic’’ approach to understanding the pathways in which Fe isotopes may be uniquely fractionated by biology. Additionally, we discuss experimental methods, such as the use of enriched isotope tracers that are necessary to evaluate if experimental isotope exchange reactions are transient kinetic fractionations, equilibrium isotopic exchange reactions, or a combination of both, which can be caused by the complexities of multiple isotope exchange reactions taking place in an experimental system. D 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Modeling Human Recursive Reasoning Using Empirically Informed Interactive Partially Observable Markov Decision Processes

Recursive reasoning of the form what do I think that you think that I think (and so on) arises often while acting in multiagent settings. Previously, multiple experiments studied the level of recursive reasoning generally displayed by humans while playing sequential general-sum and fixed-sum, two-player games. The results show that subjects experiencing a general-sum strategic game display first or second level of recursive thinking with the first level being more prominent. However, if the game is made simpler and more competitive with fixed-sum payoffs, subjects predominantly attributed first-level recursive thinking to opponents thereby acting using second level. In this article, we model the behavioral data obtained from the studies using the interactive partially observable Markov decision process, appropriately simplified and augmented with well-known models simulating human learning and decision. We experiment with data collected at different points in the study to learn the models parameters. Accuracy of the predictions by our models is evaluated by comparing them with the observed study data, and the significance of the fit is demonstrated by comparing the mean squared error of our model predictions with those of a random hypothesis. Accuracy of the predictions by the models suggest that these could be viable ways for computationally modeling strategic behavioral data in a general way. While we do not claim the cognitive plausibility of the models in the absence of more evidence, they represent promising steps toward understanding and computationally simulating strategic human behavior.
Blood volume measurement as a tool in diagnosing syncope.

ABSTRACT Background The cause of syncope remains unknown in 24% to 37% of cases even after standard diagnostic tests. Measuring blood volume may elucidate the mechanisms of syncope in the individual patient and prove helpful in determining optimal therapy. This report includes the largest set of blood volume measurements performed in syncope patients to date. Methods We performed radioisotopic blood volume measurement (Daxor BVA-100) on 539 patients who presented to our center with syncope/presyncope of unclear etiology. There were 202 men and 337 women, ages 16 to 88 years; many were receiving treatment at the time they were referred to our center. We also measured blood pressure, heart rate, and cardiac index before and during tilt, with complete data available for 411 patients. Results Blood volume derangements ranged from − 32% to + 116% deviation from normal. Hematocrit could not be used to predict volume status. Volume depletion was found in 241 (44.7%) patients and volume expansion was found in 63 (11.7%). Blood pressure, heart rate, and cardiac index before and during tilt did not correlate with any component of blood volume and could not be used to predict volume status. Conclusions Syncope patients are heterogeneous with respect to blood volume, and blood volume derangements are common and are not identified through tilt table testing. Empirically prescribed pharmacological treatment for syncope is frequently inappropriate. Blood volume measurement should be included in syncope diagnosis.