cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of facial attractiveness and gender on causal attributions of managerial performance

The present study examined the effect of facial attractiveness and gender on raters' evaluations of and explanations for managerial performance. Results showed attractiveness to be a potential liability for both males and females. Good performance of attractive females was more likely than that of others to be attributed to luck or bias, while that of attractive males was viewed as occurring with little effort. In addition, the poor performance of attractive individuals was blamed on lack of effort (females) or lack of ability (males). Implications of these findings are discussed.
S4-P7: Low-temperature hydrophobic wafer bonding for 1200V, 25A bi-directional Si UMOS IGBTs

A 1200V, 25A bi-directional silicon UMOS-IGBT has been successfully fabricated and characterized using a hydrophobic bonding process at low temperature (400°C) for the first time. The static and dynamic performance of our previous bi-directional DMOS-IGBT using a new developed bonding approach with glass carrier wafers are also shown in this paper as a comparison.
Internal Leadership Academy: Evaluation of One College's Program.

Over the past decade or so there has been increasing concern over the unprecedented wave of retirements of community college leaders, from department chairs all the way to presidents. There are three different venues for developing future leaders in order to offset this deficiency: university-based formal degrees, professional and continuing education programs, and informal personal self-development programs. This paper describes and evaluates the development of an institution-based program at a large, multicampus suburban college district, and its inaugural year experience.
Location, nucleotide sequence and expression of the proton-translocating subunit gene of theE. gracilis chloroplast ATP synthase

A 1700 base pairHindIII restriction fragment from theE. gracilis chloroplast chromosome has been shown to contain the gene for the proton-translocating subunit of the ATP synthase (atpH). The gene was mapped by heterologous hybridization using internal sequences of the gene from wheat and spinach chloroplast DNA. Each chloroplast chromosome contains a single copy of atpH, which is located close to the gene for the alpha subunit of the ATP synthase (atpA). The nucleotide sequence of the gene is uninterrupted by introns. The predicted sequence of 77 amino acids is 70% homologous to that of the wheat and spinach polypeptides. The gene is expressedin vivo as shown by hybridization of atpH probes to cellulose nitrate filter blots of total chloroplast RNA. 5′-proximal to the atpH locus on the clonedHindIII fragment are 38 codons from the carboxy terminus of an open reading frame which may be another ATP synthase subunit. Transcription of the ORF and the atpH gene may be as part of a large polycistronic mRNA.
Rhenium as analog for fissiogenic technetium: Eh-pH diagram (25°C, 1 bar) constraints

Abstract Fissiogenic Tc, found in radioactive waste from nuclear reactions, presents potential risk to public health due to its high radioactivity, long half life, and high solubility in surface waters. In an attempt to more thoroughly predict behavior of Tc in natural media, Eh-pH diagrams for both Tc and its chemical analog, Re, are constructed and discussed. Although Re is a rare element, its behavior in rocks is fairly well known. Eh-pH diagrams constructed for Tc and Re show that both elements are readily soluble under the conditions which occur in surface and near-surface environments but these elements will be insoluble with reduced Eh values characteristic of subsurface conditions. In reducing conditions, with sulfur absent, Re and Tc will be present primarily as oxides. With sulfur present these elements will occur as sulfide minerals. The Eh-pH diagrams indicate that Tc and Re mobility will be minimal under such low Eh conditions.
Detection of failures in switch reconfigurable antenna arrays using embedded sensing lines

In this paper we discuss the detection of switch failures in reconfigurable antenna arrays. Changes in the antenna array's electromagnetic behavior due to a switch failure are detected by measuring the S parameters of sensing lines embedded into the array substrate. Several prototypes are designed, developed and measured to validate the proposed failure detection methodology.
Nuclear structure and double beta decay: Two neutrino mode

The decay rate of the 2ν double beta decay is calculated. The effects of pairing, static quadrupole deformation, spin-isospin polarization, and the Δ_(33) isobar admixtures on the nuclear matrix elements are studied and the relation of the 2ν ββ rate and the β^- and β^+ strength is stressed. In agreement with other calculations, we predict a faster decay rate than has been observed experimentally in ^(82)Se, ^(130)Te, and ^(150)Nd.
GABAB receptor modulation of excitatory and inhibitory synaptic transmission onto rat CA3 hippocampal interneurons

Hippocampal stratum radiatum inhibitory interneurons receive glutamatergic excitatory innervation via the recurrent collateral fibers of CA3 pyramidal neurons and GABAergic inhibition from other interneurons. We examined both presynaptic- and postsynaptic-GABAB receptor-mediated responses at both synapse types. Postsynaptic GABAB receptor-mediated responses were absent in recordings from young (P16-18) but present in recordings from older animals (≥P30) suggesting developmental regulation. In young animals, the GABAB receptor agonist, baclofen, inhibited the amplitude of evoked EPSCs and IPSCs, an effect blocked by prior application of the selective antagonist {"type":"entrez-protein","attrs":{"text":"CGP55845","term_id":"875097176","term_text":"CGP55845"}}CGP55845. Baclofen enhanced the paired-pulse ratio and coefficient of variation of evoked EPSCs and IPSCs, consistent with a presynaptic mechanism of regulation. In addition, baclofen reduced the frequency of miniature IPSCs but not mEPSCs. However, baclofen reduced the frequency of KCl-induced mEPSCs; an effect blocked by Cd2+, implicating presynaptic voltage-gated Ca2+ channels as a target for baclofen modulation. In contrast, although Cd2+ prevented the KCl-induced increase in mIPSC frequency, it failed to block baclofen's reduction of mIPSC frequency. Whereas N- and P/Q-types of Ca2+ channels contributed equally to GABAB receptor-mediated inhibition of EPSCs, more P/Q-type Ca2+ channels were involved in GABAB receptor-mediated inhibition of IPSCs. Finally, baclofen blocked the frequency-dependent depression of EPSCs and IPSCs, but was less effective at blocking frequency-dependent facilitation of EPSCs. Our results demonstrate that presynaptic GABAB receptors are expressed on the terminals of both excitatory and inhibitory synapses onto CA3 interneurons and that their activation modulates essential components of the release process underlying transmission at these two synapse types.
Hart on natural and contractual rights

In his influential paper, 'Are There Any Natural Rights?', H. L. A. Hart offers an account of the appearance of contractual rights (i.e., rights to the fulfillment of promises or contracts) which invokes the existence of a certain natural right, viz., the equal right of all men to be free.' At least one of Hart's purposes in providing this account is to establish a link between contractual and natural rights such that the existence of the former can be appealed to as evidence for the existence of the latter. Unfortunately, the specific account which Hart offers in terms of the equal right of all men to freedom is not satisfactory for this purpose. About B's contractual right against A, Hart says, "in the case of promises and consents or authorizations" B's "claim to interfere with another's [i.e., A's] freedom is justified because he [A] has, in the exercise of his equal right to be free, freely chosen to create this claim."2 About this passage, W. K. Frankena remarks,
Cardiovascular effects of sildenafil citrate and recommendations for its use.

Sildenafil citrate is the first orally active therapy proved to be effective and safe treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED). Because men with cardiovascular disease are at increased risk of developing ED, and because ED and cardiovascular disease share important risk factors, attention has focused recently on the use of sildenafil in these men. When used in combination with nitroglycerin and other nitric oxide (NO) donors, sildenafil may potentiate major drops in blood pressure. Use of nitrate antianginal agents are an absolute contraindication to sildenafil use. In normotensive men and in men receiving antihypertensive medications evaluated in Phase II/III clinical trials, sildenafil use at the recommended doses (25-100 mg 1 hour before sexual intercourse and no more than once daily) was associated with modest, transient reductions in blood pressure and negligible effects on heart rate. In a more recent study, sildenafil was well tolerated in patients receiving antihypertensive medications and was not associated with major decreases in blood pressure. From the time of its approval in the United States in March 1998 through mid-November 1998, with approximately 6 million prescriptions written, 130 deaths were reported by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Seventy-seven of the men who died had documented cardiovascular events. Sixteen men took or were administered nitroglycerin or an organic nitrate; 3 others had nitroglycerin in their possession. Physician prescribing guidelines issued by the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) recommend caution when prescribing sildenafil to men with certain cardiovascular conditions, liver or kidney disease, and to those taking medications that may prolong sildenafil's half-life (e.g., erythromycin or cimetidine). Those with known or suspected coronary artery disease may benefit from an exercise test to determine whether resumption of sexual activity with use of sildenafil is likely to be associated with an increased risk of myocardial ischemia.
Affinity chromatography of the anterior pituitary D2-dopamine receptor

The D2-dopamine receptor from bovine anterior pituitary has been solubilized with digitonin and purified approximately 1000-fold by affinity chromatography on a new affinity support. This support consists of a (carboxymethylene)oximino derivative of the D2-selective antagonist spiperone (CMOS) covalently attached to Sepharose 4B through a long side chain. The interaction of the solubilized receptor activity with the affinity gel was biospecific. Dopaminergic drugs blocked adsorption of solubilized receptor activity to the CMOS-Sepharose with the appropriate D2-dopaminergic potency and stereoselectivity. For agonists, (-)-N-n-propylnorapomorphine greater than 2-amino-6,7-dihydroxytetrahydronaphthalene approximately equal to apomorphine greater than dopamine, whereas for antagonists (+)-butaclamol much greater than (-)-butaclamol. The same D2-dopaminergic specificity was observed for elution of receptor activity from the gel. To observe eluted receptor binding activity, reconstitution of the eluted material into phospholipid vesicles was necessary. Typically, 70-80% of the solubilized receptor was adsorbed by CMOS-Sepharose, and 40-50% of the adsorbed activity could be recovered after reconstitution of the eluted material. The overall recovery of D2-receptor activity from bovine anterior pituitary membranes was 12-15% with specific binding activity of approximately 150 pmol/mg. The reconstituted affinity-purified receptor bound ligands with the expected D2-dopaminergic specificity, stereoselectivity, and rank order of potency.
Active Mechanisms Are Needed to Describe Cell Responses to Submicrosecond, Megavolt-per-Meter Pulses: Cell Models for Ultrashort Pulses

Intracellular effects of submicrosecond, megavolt-per-meter pulses imply changes in a cell's plasma membrane (PM) and organelle membranes. The maximum reported PM transmembrane voltage is only 1.6 V and phosphatidylserine is translocated to the outer membrane leaflet of the PM. Passive membrane models involve only displacement currents and predict excessive PM voltages (∼25 V). Here we use a cell system model with nonconcentric circular PM and organelle membranes to demonstrate fundamental differences between active (nonlinear) and passive (linear) models. We assign active or passive interactions to local membrane regions. The resulting cell system model involves a large number of interconnected local models that individually represent the 1), passive conductive and dielectric properties of aqueous electrolytes and membranes; 2), resting potential source; and 3), asymptotic membrane electroporation model. Systems with passive interactions cannot account for key experimental observations. Our active models exhibit supra-electroporation of the PM and organelle membranes, some key features of the transmembrane voltage, high densities of small pores in the PM and organelle membranes, and a global postpulse perturbation in which cell membranes are depolarized on the timescale of pore lifetimes.
Data reorganization engines for the next generation of system-on-a-chip FPGAs

Field-Programmable-Core-Arrays (FPCA) will include various computing cores for a wide variety of applications ranging from DSP to general purpose computing. With the increasing gap between core computing speeds and memory access latency, managing and orchestrating the movement of data across multiple cores will become increasingly important. In this paper we propose data reorganization engines that allow a wide variety of data reorganizations intra- as well as inter-memory modules for future FPCAs. We have experimented with a suite of data reorganizations pervasive in DSP applications. Our limited set of experiments reveals that the proposed designs for these engines are flexile and use little design area in current FPGA fabrics, making them amenable to be easily integrated in future FPCAs as either soft- or hard- macros.
Case Study of a Marine Filter Curtain System for Coliform Reduction at a Public Beach

A floating marine filter curtain system (boom) was placed around a tidal beach on Long Island Sound to reduce coliform levels following storm events. Coliform data were collected inside and outside the boom over a three-year period. The results showed a 93% reduction in total coliforms and a 73% reduction in fecal coliforms, based on a comparison of the medians. Exceedences of the applicable water quality standards were reduced by 98% for total coliforms, and 81% for fecal coliforms. The method by which the boom actually reduces bacteria levels is thought to be a combination of filtration of solids, and the alteration of hydraulic conditions at the beach.
Iron and cadmium capture gamma-ray photofission measurements

Photofission measurements have been made in {sup 238}U, {sup 232}Th, and {sup 237}Np in iron and cadmium capture gamma-ray spectra in cylindrical neutron-driven gamma-ray sources in the thermal column of the National Bureau of Standards (NBS) Reactor. The gamma-ray source strength was measured with neutron activation foils and by direct counting of activations produced in the metal cylinders. Photofission measurements were made with NBS miniature fission chambers. The integral photofission cross sections were compared with differential measurements by integrating the capture gamma-ray spectra with measured cross-section shapes. The integral cross sections measured in the capture gamma-ray fields are lower than the cross sections calculated from measured differential data.
Current opinion in essential thrombocythemia: pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management.

A working diagnosis of essential thrombocythemia (ET) is made in the presence of nonreactive thrombocytosis and after the exclusion of another chronic myeloid disorder that may mimic ET in its presentation. Clinically, ET is characterized by vasomotor symptoms, thrombohemorrhagic complications, recurrent fetal loss, and transformation of the disease into either myelofibrosis with myeloid metaplasia or acute myeloid leukemia. Median survival in the majority of patients is close to that of an age-adjusted normal population, and current therapy has not been shown to either retard or hasten leukemic transformation, which is reported to occur in 1% to 20% of patients. The use of hydroxyurea in high-risk patients with ET has reduced the incidence of thrombosis, and recent studies have suggested the value of keeping the platelet count below 400 x 10(9)/L in such cases. The incidence of thrombosis in low-risk patients may not be high enough to warrant the use of cytoreductive therapy. Although effective in controlling vasomotor symptoms, aspirin therapy has not been shown to influence the risk of either recurrent thrombosis or first-trimester miscarriage in ET. Recent laboratory studies have suggested that hematopoiesis in ET may not always be clonal. Similarly, there is substantial heterogeneity in both megakaryocyte/platelet surface expression of the thrombopoietin receptor (c-Mpl) and bone marrow microvessel density. Clinicopathologic correlates to these biologic parameters are currently being defined.
Air Pollution and Activity During Transportation by Car, Subway, and Walking

Background: Little evidence exists about the health risks and benefits associated with using public buses and subways rather than cars. The objective of the current study was to assess the magnitude and variance of personal exposure to particulate matter 2.5 microns or smaller (PM2.5) and concomitant physical activity energy expenditure (PAEE) for transportation by car, subway, or walking.
Comparing existing MAC tables – hints to possible developments

Publicly available mass absorption coefficients (MAC) tables do not comprise accuracy data and are typically created from relatively old sources. The idea of comparing tables is not new (De Boer), but current software tools make it possible to quickly develop interactive software to analyze the discrepancies in finer detail and get hints to the reason for the difference. Such a tool has been created and used to compare six public domain databases. Several reasons for sizeable discrepancies have been identified, ranging from probable typos to misplaced or missing absorption edges. In addition to the discrepancies that can reasonably be pigeonholed huge differences exist for all elements below 1000eV. Because there are many cases where reliable standards are scarce or inexistent the development of a better, consistent MAC table especially in the low energy and low Z regions, and with reliable error bars is a requirement for further development of XRF methods in many advanced fields such as waste management, user safety (RoHS), renewable energy sources and many more. The international initiative for improved FP which involves several industrial and academic organizations aims to address the issue as a whole, i.e. not only for MAC. Creating such a complete database requires considerable resources; the comparison tool may alleviate the effort in the MAC field by readily showing which energy regions and elements deserve more attention.
Slower processing speed after treatment for pediatric brain tumor and acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Background Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and brain tumor (BT) survivors are at risk for post-treatment IQ declines. The extent to which lower scores represent global cognitive decline versus domain-specific impairment remains unclear. This study examined discrepancies between processing speed and estimated IQ (EIQ) scores and identified clinical characteristics associated with score discrepancies in a sample of pediatric cancer survivors. Procedure Survivors (50 ALL, 50 BT) ages 12–17 years completed cognitive testing. The Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence provided an untimed measure of general reasoning ability (EIQ). The age-appropriate Wechsler Intelligence Scale provided a Processing Speed Index (PSI) score. Scores were examined and compared. Results Survivors' PSI scores were lower than their EIQ scores (BT t(45) = 6.3, p < 0.001; ALL t(49) = 6.9, p < 0.001). For BT survivors, lower PSI scores were associated with history of craniospinal irradiation, t(44) = 3.3, p < 0.01. For ALL survivors, lower PSI scores were associated with male gender, grade retention, and time since diagnosis, F(3, 46) = 10.1, p < 0.001. Clinically significant EIQ-PSI score discrepancies were identified in 41.3% of BT and 14.0% of ALL survivors. Conclusions Many pediatric BT and ALL survivors exhibit slower processing speed than expected for age, whereas general reasoning ability remains largely intact. Risk factors associated with larger EIQ-PSI discrepancies include the following: BT diagnosis, craniospinal irradiation (BT only), male gender, and younger age at diagnosis (ALL only). Grade retention was frequent and associated with lower EIQ scores (both groups) and PSI scores (ALL only). Describing post-treatment cognitive declines using global measures of intellectual ability may underestimate dysfunction or fail to isolate specific underlying deficits contributing to impairment. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reversed Temperature-Dependent Propagation Delay Characteristics in Nanometer CMOS Circuits

The supply voltage to threshold voltage ratio is reduced with each new technology generation. The gate overdrive variation with temperature plays an increasingly important role in determining the speed characteristics of CMOS integrated circuits. The temperature-dependent propagation delay characteristics, as shown in this brief, will experience a complete reversal in the near future. Contrary to the older technology generations, the speed of circuits in a 45-nm CMOS technology is enhanced when the temperature is increased at the nominal supply voltage. Operating an integrated circuit at the prescribed nominal supply voltage is not preferable for reliable operation under temperature fluctuations. A design methodology based on optimizing the supply voltage for temperature-variation-insensitive circuit performance is proposed in this brief. The optimum supply voltage is 45% to 53% lower than the nominal supply voltage in a 180-nm CMOS technology. Alternatively, the optimum supply voltage is 15% to 35% higher than the nominal supply voltage in a 45-nm CMOS technology. The speed and energy tradeoffs in the supply voltage optimization technique are also presented
Heterogeneity of Lipopolysaccharide Phenotype among Salmonella typhi Strains

Comparison of the Vi antigen, lipopolysaccharide, and protein components of the cell surface of three strains of Salmonella typhi showed that differences in lipopolysaccharide contributed most to distinctions in serum survival, whereas differences in Vi antigen content had no apparent effect.
Effect of processing conditions on the physicochemical and sensory characteristics of Stanley plum paste

Stanley plums were processed into pastes by heat concentration to 25 and 30 degrees Brix. The soluble solids of these two pastes were increased to 40 and 45 degrees Brix, respectively, by sugar addition. The influence of processing techniques on the physicochemical and sensory characteristics of pastes was evaluated. Heat concentration resulted in a significant decrease in titratable acidity, total anthocyanins, and total pectin. Pastes showed pseudoplastic behavior within the shear rate range of 20 to 100 rpm. Sugar addition had darkening effect on color, but no noticeable effect on rheological properties of the pastes. It was not feasible to concentrate plum pastes beyond 40 degrees Brix. Paste pH was not affected by processing conditions. Sensory evaluation indicated that preference could be adequately predicted by flavor and color under the condition that degrees Brix/acid ratio was suitable.
New developments in laser acceleration of beams

We report experimental results in which ultra-short duration (femtosecond) laser pulses from tabletop lasers are focused to intensities above 10/sup 19/ W/cm/sup 2/ onto either gas jets or thin solid-density films. At such extreme electromagnetic field strengths (10/sup 11/ V/cm), plasmas are formed in which the electrons oscillate relativistically, creating gigabar pressure. The displacement of electrons-but not the heavier ions-from the region of the laser focus drives large space-charge fields (exceeding 1 GeV/cm). For laser pulses that are short compared with a plasma period, this takes the form of a wakefield, which accelerates MeV energy beams of electrons. For pulses long compared with a plasma period, we show that a Coulomb explosion accelerates protons (or other ions) to energy in excess of 10 MeV in well-collimated beams. In both cases, not only is this acceleration gradient up to a thousand times greater than in radio-frequency accelerators, but we also found that their transverse geometrical emittances are at least comparable, e.g., up to 10/sup 10/ particles per pulse and divergence angles as low as 1 for electrons and 20 for protons. Additionally, the repetition rate of the electron gun is 10 Hz, a thousand-fold improvement over its past performance. In order to reduce the large electron energy spread, we show experimentally the injection of electrons into a laser-driven plasma wave by use of a separate synchronized laser pulse.
Educating reflective practitioners

One of the marks of true professionalism is the ability to learn from reflection on practice. Observing the practice of themselves and others provides practitioners with essential knowledge in addition to the core knowledge of the profession. Programs in technical communication, especially graduate programs, should foster the habits and skills of reflecting on practice. This panel discussion will demonstrate ways we have incorporated reflection on learning into our degree programs in technical communication at Mercer University.
Do Solvated Electrons (eaq–) Reduce DNA Bases? A Gaussian 4 and Density Functional Theory-Molecular Dynamics Study

The solvated electron (eaq–) is a primary intermediate after an ionization event that produces reductive DNA damage. Accurate standard redox potentials (Eo) of nucleobases and of eaq– determine the extent of reaction of eaq– with nucleobases. In this work, Eo values of eaq– and of nucleobases have been calculated employing the accurate ab initio Gaussian 4 theory including the polarizable continuum model (PCM). The Gaussian 4-calculated Eo of eaq– (−2.86 V) is in excellent agreement with the experimental one (−2.87 V). The Gaussian 4-calculated Eo of nucleobases in dimethylformamide (DMF) lie in the range (−2.36 V to −2.86 V); they are in reasonable agreement with the experimental Eo in DMF and have a mean unsigned error (MUE) = 0.22 V. However, inclusion of specific water molecules reduces this error significantly (MUE = 0.07). With the use of a model of eaq–-nucleobase complex with six water molecules, the reaction of eaq– with the adjacent nucleobase is investigated using approximate ab initio molecula...
Comment on “New Experimental Data and Reference Models for the Viscosity and Density of Squalane”

This comment clarifies a substantial issue raised in the subject paper. An empirical model for the pressure dependence of the viscosity of squalane was presented and some published data for high pressure were rejected on the basis of inconsistency with this viscosity model which is known to be very limited in range of pressure.
Magneto-Optical Properties of a Ferronematic Colloid

Fabrication of a thermotropic ferronematic colloid is reported, consisting of a 1% concentration of magnetite nanorods dispersed in a commercially obtained liquid crystal (LC). To produce the nanorods, solvothermal synthesis was utilized by adding Fe(CO) 5 to a reaction solution of hexadecylamine and oleic acid in n-octanol. The procedure allows for tailoring of the size and shape of the nanorods. The magnetic nanorods were functionalized with oleic acid. Magneto-optic and electro-optic properties of the colloid were characterized. Specifically, static measurements were performed to determine the birefringence and magnetic and electric Freedericksz thresholds. From the dynamic measurements, the switching time was determined. The nanorods increased the effective magnetic anisotropy of the LC. Depending on nanorod dimensions, the colloid demonstrated faster switching speeds, especially in the presence of crossed electric and magnetic fields.
Multistep Galvanic Exchange Synthesis Yielding Fully Reduced Pt Dendrimer-Encapsulated Nanoparticles

Here we outline a new method for synthesizing fully reduced Pt dendrimer-encapsulated nanoparticles (DENs). This is achieved by first synthesizing Cu DENs of the appropriate size through sequential dendrimer loading and reduction steps, and then galvanically exchanging the zerovalent Cu DENs for Pt. The properties of Pt DENs having an average of 55, 140, and 225 atoms prepared by direct chemical reduction and by galvanic exchange are compared. Data obtained by UV–vis spectroscopy, X-ray absorption spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and high-resolution electron microscopy confirm only the presence of fully reduced Pt DENs when synthesized by galvanic exchange, while chemical reduction leads to a mixture of reduced DENs and unreduced precursor. These results are significant because Pt DENs are good models for developing a better understanding of the effects of finite size on catalytic reactions. Until now, however, the results of such studies have been complicated by a heterogeneous mixture of ...
A critical period of vulnerability to adolescent stress: epigenetic mediators in mesocortical dopaminergic neurons

The molecular basis of vulnerability to stress during the adolescent period is largely unknown. To identify potential molecular mediators that may play a role in stress-induced behavioral deficits, we imposed social isolation on a genetically vulnerable mouse model. We report that 3-week (5-8 weeks of age) adolescent stress in combination with disrupted-in-schizophrenia 1 (Disc1) genetic risk elicits alterations in DNA methylation of a specific set of genes, tyrosine hydroxylase, brain-derived neurotrophic factor and FK506 binding protein 5. The epigenetic changes in the mesocortical dopaminergic neurons were prevented when animals were treated with a glucocorticoid receptor (GR) antagonist RU486 during social isolation, which implicates the role for glucocorticoid signaling in this pathological event. We define the critical period of GR intervention as the first 1-week period during the stress regimen, suggesting that this particular week in adolescence may be a specific period of maturation and function of mesocortical dopaminergic neurons and their sensitivity to glucocorticoids. Our study may also imply the clinical significance of early detection and prophylactic intervention against conditions associated with adolescent social stress in individuals with genetic risk.
Induction of Lung Cancers in Preselected, Localized Sites in the Dog

Cancers were induced in 10 dogs in preselected sites within the lung. These 10 animals were among 89 dogs enrolled in 10 protocols with different carcinogens, doses, and techniques over 6 years. The 10 dogs that developed cancers were included in five of these protocols; 4 of the cancers were included in one of the protocols. The administered carcinogens included the aromatic hydrocarbons benzo[a]pyrene (BP), N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU), 7, 12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA), 3-methylcholanthrene (MCA), and yttrium-91 (91Y) beta radiation. The techniques of application included intrabronchial and intrapulmonary sustained-release implants of DMBA and 91Y, serial intrabronchial submucosal injections of BP, DMBA and MCA, or topical application of MNU. The intervals from the first application of a carcinogen to the diagnosis of malignant disease ranged from 8 to 56 months. Of the tumors induced, 9 were centrally located squamous cell carcinomas and 1 was a peripherally located carcinosarcoma. Four of the dogs were killed or died with stage 3 disease. The remaining 6 dogs are alive and are being evaluated serially; all 6 are in stage 1.
Dietary Recommendations for Non-alcoholic Beverages

Coffee, tea, and milk is either beneficial or at least health neutral for cardiovascular and cancer health, for this reason consumption should be promoted. Fruit and vegetable juices can be useful for improving nutritional health when the respective whole food is unavailable, but they can represent a source of excess caloric and sodium intake. Soft drinks represent a source excess caloric intake and their consumption should be limited. Energy drinks are popular with young people and no peer-reviewed papers have documented deleterious effects related to their consumption. Caffeine content in beverages varies widely, although adverse health effects from its consumption do not warrant general caution for non-pregnant persons.
Effects of Oxidative Stress on Mesenchymal Stem Cell Biology

Mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent stem cells present in most fetal and adult tissues. Ex vivo culture-expanded MSCs are being investigated for tissue repair and immune modulation, but their full clinical potential is far from realization. Here we review the role of oxidative stress in MSC biology, as their longevity and functions are affected by oxidative stress. In general, increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) inhibit MSC proliferation, increase senescence, enhance adipogenic but reduce osteogenic differentiation, and inhibit MSC immunomodulation. Furthermore, aging, senescence, and oxidative stress reduce their ex vivo expansion, which is critical for their clinical applications. Modulation of sirtuin expression and activity may represent a method to reduce oxidative stress in MSCs. These findings have important implications in the clinical utility of MSCs for degenerative and immunological based conditions. Further study of oxidative stress in MSCs is imperative in order to enhance MSC ex vivo expansion and in vivo engraftment, function, and longevity.
Surgical management of regional ileitis, ulcerative colitis, and granulomatous colitis.

Although the etiology remains unknown, so that medical and surgical treatments are not definitive and curative, control of the disease and the preservation of life are possible in most patients with careful management – primarily medical, at least initially.
SU-G-JeP3-15: Is the Reproducibility with Respect to Bone of Tumor Position at Simulation for Breath Hold CT Scans Correlated to the Reproducibility for Multiple Breath Hold CBCTs at Treatment in SBRT Thoracic Patients?

Purpose: To evaluate correlation between the reproducibility of tumor position under feedback guided voluntary deep inspiration breath hold gating at simulation and at treatment. Methods: All patients treated with breath hold (BH) have 3-6 BH CTs taken at simulation (sim). In addition, if the relationship between the tumor and nearby bony anatomy on treatment BH CT(or CBCT) is found to be greater than 5 mm different at treatment than it was at sim, a repeat BH CT is taken before treatment. We retrospectively analyzed the sim CTs for 19 patients who received BH SBRT lung treatments and had repeat BH CT on treatment. We evaluated the reproducibility of the tumor position during the simulation CTs and compared this to the reproducibility of the tumor position on the repeat treatment CT with our in-house CT alignment software (CT-Assisted Targeting for Radiotherapy). Results: Comparing the tumor position for multiple simulation BH CTs, we calculated: maximum difference (max) = 0.69cm; average difference (x) = 0.28cm; standard deviation (σ) = 0.18cm. Comparing the repeat BH CBCTs on treatment days we calculated: max = 0.44cm; x = 0.16cm; σ = 0.22cm. We also found that for 95% of our BH cases, the absolute variation in tumor position within the same imaging day was within 5mm of the range at the time of simulation and treatment. We found that 75% of the BH cases had less residual tumor motion on treatment days than at simulation. Conclusion: This suggests that a GTV contour based upon the residual tumor motion in multiple BH datasets plus 2 mm margin should be sufficient to cover the full range of residual tumor motion on treatment days.
Motor outcomes of feedback delays and implicit/explicit strategy use: experimental considerations and clinical implications

Sensorimotor adaptation requires integration of internal models of motor control with feedback from the external environment. As highlighted by Brudner, Kethidi, Graeupner, Ivry, and Taylor (J Neur...
Advanced Thermoplastic Matrix Composites

(1988). Advanced Thermoplastic Matrix Composites. Materials and Processing Report: Vol. 3, No. 2, pp. 3-4.
A Simple Infection Control Protocol Durably Reduces External Ventricular Drain Infections to Near-Zero Levels

Objective External ventricular drains (EVDs) historically have a high rate of infection, and EVD infections are a cause of significant morbidity and mortality. We have shown previously that a simple infection control protocol reduced the rate of EVD infections during a 3-year period, and the present study examines whether infection rates were durably reduced over an additional 4 years. Methods Retrospective analysis of EVDs placed in the intensive care unit of a tertiary neurosurgical center over an additional 4 year follow-up period. Results In the 4-year follow-up period, 189 EVDs were placed in 173 patients. The previously observed decrease in cerebrospinal fluid culture positivity from 9.8% in the baseline period to 0.8% in the first 3 years of the protocol period continued in the 4-year follow-up period (0%, 0 of 189 EVD placements, 0 per 1000 catheter-days; P P Conclusions A straightforward EVD infection control protocol substantially and durably reduces EVD infections to a near-zero rate.
The Problem is the Solution: the Role of Biofuels in the Transition to a Regenerative Agriculture

Due to the rapid rate of soil loss, fossil energy dependence and climate change gases associated with industrial agriculture, the current model cannot provide sustainable food or energy in the future. It is imperative that international agricultural and energy policies be coordinated so that a transition to new regenerative systems can be achieved. Biofuels can play a key role in this transition by increasing long-term prices of all commodities, thereby creating the opportunity for farmers to invest in regenerative practices. Such a policy must be implemented simultaneously with national and international investments in research, extension and infrastructure of regenerative agriculture.
Epigenetics in formation, function, and failure of the endocrine pancreas.

Abstract Background Epigenetics, in the broadest sense, governs all aspects of the life of any multicellular organism, as it controls how differentiated cells arrive at their unique phenotype during development and differentiation, despite having a uniform (with some exceptions such as T-cells and germ cells) genetic make-up. The endocrine pancreas is no exception. Transcriptional regulators and epigenetic modifiers shape the differentiation of the five major endocrine cell types from their common precursor in the fetal pancreatic bud. Beyond their role in cell differentiation, interactions of the organism with the environment are also often encoded into permanent or semi-permanent epigenetic marks and affect cellular behavior and organismal health. Epigenetics is defined as any heritable – at least through one mitotic cell division – change in phenotype or trait that is not the result of a change in genomic DNA sequence, and it forms the basis that mediates the environmental impact on diabetes susceptibility and islet function. Scope of review We will summarize the impact of epigenetic regulation on islet cell development, maturation, function, and pathophysiology. We will briefly recapitulate the major epigenetic marks and their relationship to gene activity, and outline novel strategies to employ targeted epigenetic modifications as a tool to improve islet cell function. Major conclusions The improved understanding of the epigenetic underpinnings of islet cell differentiation, function and breakdown, as well as the development of innovative tools for their manipulation, is key to islet cell biology and the discovery of novel approaches to therapies for islet cell failure.
Immunotoxicology of Metals

This review provides information on how our understanding of the immunotoxicology of select inorganic agents, that is, metals, has evolved over the past ≈ 40 + years. Specifically, it covers the literature to date dealing with arsenic, cadmium, chromium, nickel, vanadium, and zinc, in each of their various (in)organic forms with differing chemistries, sizes, and solubilities. For each metal, some background information regarding occupational/environmental levels that are readily encountered is presented. Thereafter, specific effects on humoral, cell-mediated, and innate immune functions are provided. For some metals, potential mechanisms of action are presented. Lastly, the article reports on information on immunotoxicologic mechanisms for these (and for silver and copper) that have been gleaned since the rise of proteomics, transcriptomics, genomics, etc., and even more recently, epigenomics (i.e., heritable changes). Though a large review, it is impossible to cover all metals, including some Readers may think merit more of a place here than presented. It certainly would be worthwhile to have had provided information on immunotoxicologic effects of aluminum, beryllium, lead, manganese, mercury, platinum, and/or iron. It is hoped subsequently, one or more authors will survey the literature covering those metals and provide a review of each alone—or several in compilation.
Excess Risk Bounds for the Bayes Risk using Variational Inference in Latent Gaussian Models

Bayesian models are established as one of the main successful paradigms for complex problems in machine learning. To handle intractable inference, research in this area has developed new approximation methods that are fast and effective. However, theoretical analysis of the performance of such approximations is not well developed. The paper furthers such analysis by providing bounds on the excess risk of variational inference algorithms and related regularized loss minimization algorithms for a large class of latent variable models with Gaussian latent variables. We strengthen previous results for variational algorithms by showing they are competitive with any point-estimate predictor. Unlike previous work, we also provide bounds on the risk of the \emph{Bayesian} predictor and not just the risk of the Gibbs predictor for the same approximate posterior. The bounds are applied in complex models including sparse Gaussian processes and correlated topic models. Theoretical results are complemented by identifying novel approximations to the Bayesian objective that attempt to minimize the risk directly. An empirical evaluation compares the variational and new algorithms shedding further light on their performance.
Aircraft Response to Turbulence Including Wakes

The nature of atmospheric turbulence and the means for establishing aircraft response is reviewed, both from discrete-gust and spectral interpretations. Application is then made to the situation of wake turbulence encounter to show the nature and magnitude of the loads that result. Specific cases are treated, with encounters perpendicular to and parallel to the wake, to bring out the main parameters that are significant. General relations are also developed to show how the wake “gust” forces on the encountering airplane are related to the lift on the aircraft generating the wake. It is shown that normal loads in excess of 2 g’s may be produced by a perpendicular encounter of a wake vortex, and that uncontrollable rolling moments may be caused by encounters along the axis of a vortex.
Trainee Knowledge of Imaging Appropriateness and Safety: Results of a Series of Surveys From a Large Academic Medical Center.

Objective In order to provide high quality care to their patients and utilize imaging most judiciously, physician trainees should possess a working knowledge of appropriate use, radiation dose, and safety. Prior work has suggested knowledge gaps in similar areas. We aimed to evaluate the knowledge of imaging appropriateness, radiation dose, and MRI and contrast safety of physician trainees across a variety of specialties. Methods Between May 2016 and January 2017, three online surveys were distributed to all interns, residents, and fellows in ACGME accredited training programs at a large academic institution over two academic years. Results Response rates to three surveys ranged from 17.2% (218 of 1266) for MRI and contrast material safety, 19.1% (242 of 1266) for imaging appropriateness, to19.9% (246 of 1238) for radiation dose. Overall 72% (509 of 706) of survey respondents reported regularly ordering diagnostic imaging examinations, but fewer than half (47.8%; 470 of 984) could correctly estimate radiation dose across four commonly performed imaging studies. Only one third (34%; 167 of 488) of trainees chose appropriate imaging in scenarios involving pregnant patients. Trainee post-graduate year was not significantly correlated with overall radiation safety scores, and no significant difference was found between radiation safety or appropriate imaging scores of those who participated in a medical school radiology elective vs. those who did not. A total of 84% (57 of 68) of radiology trainees and 43% (269 of 630) of non-radiology trainees considered their knowledge adequate but that correlated only weakly correlated to actual knowledge scores (p Conclusions Knowledge gaps pertaining to appropriateness and imaging safety exist among many trainees. In order to enhance the value of imaging at the population level, further work is needed to assess the most appropriate method and stage of training to address these knowledge gaps.
Anticancer Properties of Halogenated Pyrrolo[3,2‐d]pyrimidines with Decreased Toxicity via N5 Substitution

Halogenated pyrrolo[3,2-d]pyrimidine analogues have shown antiproliferative activity in recent studies, with cell accumulation occurring in the G2/M stage without apoptosis. However, the mechanism of action and pharmacokinetic (PK) profile of these compounds has yet to be determined. In order to investigate the PK profile of these compounds, a series of halogenated pyrrolo[3,2-d]pyrimidine compounds was synthesized and first tested for activity in various cancer cell lines followed by a mouse model. EC50 values ranged from 0.014 – 14.5 μM, and maximum tolerated doses (MTD) in mice were between 5–10 mg/kg. This indicates a wide variance in activity and toxicity that necessitates further study. To decrease toxicity, a second series of compounds was synthesized with N5 alkyl substitutions in an effort to slow the rate of metabolism, which was thought to be leading to the toxicity. The N-substituted compounds demonstrated comparable cell line activity (EC50 values between 0.83 – 7.3 μM) with significantly decreased toxicity (MTD = 40 mg/kg). Finally, the PK profile of the active N5-substituted compound shows a plasma half-life of 32.7 minutes, and rapid conversion into the parent unsubstituted analogue. Together, these data indicate that halogenated pyrrolo[3,2-d]pyrimidines present a promising lead into potent antiproliferative agents with tunable activity and toxicity, and rapid metabolism.