cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Top advances in functional genomics and translational biology for 2013.

The year 2013 has witnessed exciting advances in cardiovascular research exemplified by discovery leveraging genomics, proteomics and metabolomics platforms, genome editing, translation in individualized disease modeling, and application of regenerative therapies. New knowledge generated through integrative analysis has informed the understanding of molecular mechanisms that can now be validated and exploited to expedite management of biological processes. The Functional Genomics and Translational Biology Council from the American Heart Association (www.my.americanheart.org/fgtbcouncil) has the mission of advancing new discoveries in the fields of genetics, omics technologies, and translational biology and facilitate their application in cardiovascular health and disease. By creating a multidisciplinary collaborative environment, this Council integrates scientific knowledge from molecules to populations to contribute to the global American Heart Association goal of building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. With input from the Early Career Committee of the Council on Functional Genomics and Translational Biology, we considered many outstanding articles and selected 10 advances published during 2013. In this Special Report, we summarize some relevant articles related to each of those advances and highlight their significance in the cardiovascular field. Cardiac hypertrophy is an increasingly prevalent condition because of population aging with limited therapeutic options to prevent its progression to heart failure. Loffredo et al1 hypothesized that loss of systemic factors may be responsible for the stiffening and enlargement of the ventricles and thereby a therapeutic target for the treatment of systolic heart failure. Using a model of parabiosis (surgically linking the systemic circulation of 2 animals), they demonstrated that exposure to a young circulatory environment can reverse age-induced cardiac hypertrophy in old mice. Proteomic analysis of old and young adult plasma enabled identification of the growth differentiation factor 11, a member of the transforming growth factor-β superfamily, as a factor with decreasing blood levels in aging mice. …
Detecting and Isolating Mass Balance Errors in Reaction Based Models in Systems Biology

Abstract Motivation The growing complexity of reaction-based models necessitates early detection and resolution of model errors. This paper addresses mass balance errors, discrepancies between the mass of reactants and products in reaction specifications. One approach to detection is atomic mass analysis, which uses meta-data to expose atomic formulas of chemical species. Atomic mass analysis isolates errors to individual reactions. However, this approach burdens modelers with expressing model meta-data and writing excessively detailed reactions that include implicit chemical species (e.g., water). Moreover, atomic mass analysis has the shortcoming of not being applicable to large molecules because of the limitations of current annotation techniques. The second approach, Linear Programming (LP) analysis, avoids using model meta-data by checking for a weaker condition, stoichiometric inconsistency. But this approach suffers from false negatives and has large isolation sets (the set of reactions implicated in the stoichiometric inconsistency). Results We propose alternatives to both approaches. Our alternative to atomic mass analysis is moiety analysis. Moiety analysis uses model meta-data in the form of moieties present in chemical species. Moiety analysis avoids excessively detailed reaction specifications, and can be used with large molecules. Our alternative to LP analysis is Graphical Analysis of Mass Equivalence Sets (GAMES). GAMES has a slightly higher false negative rate than LP analysis, but it provides much better error isolation. In our studies of the BioModels Repository, the average size of isolation sets for LP analysis is 55.5; for GAMES, it is 5.4. We have created open source codes for moiety analysis and GAMES. Availability and Implementation Our project is hosted at https://github.com/ModelEngineering/SBMLLint, which contains examples, documentation, source code files, and build scripts used to create SBMLLint. Our source code is licensed under the MIT open source license. Contact jlheller@uw.edu Supplementary information: None.
O Benefício da Terapia Cognitivo-Comportamental na Tontura Persistente Postural-Paroxística: The Benefits of Cognitive Behavior Therapy in Persistent Postural-Paroxysmal Dizziness

INTRODUCTION: Persistent postural-paroxysmal dizziness is a recently recognized entity, affecting about 10% of the patients complaining with dizziness. Its treatment involves pharmacological therapy with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, associated or not with a vestibular rehabilitation program. Given the difficult management of these patients and resistance to conventional treatment, cognitive behavioral therapy appears as a treatment possibility for this condition. The objective of this study is to determine if there is benefit in using cognitive behavioral therapy in the treatment of persistent postural-paroxysmal dizziness.METHODOLOGY: A search was performed using the keywords “persistent postural perceptual dizziness”, “cognitive behavioral therapy”, “phobic postural vertigo” in the following databases: National Guideline Clearinghouse, Canadian Medical Association Practice Guidelines InfoBase, DARE - Database of abstracts of reviews of effectiveness, Evidence-Based Medicine and PubMed. Other articles mentioned in the initial research were also included.RESULTS: Three articles were identified in the databases. Two additional articles mentioned in the initial research were included. In total five articles were included: two case-control studies and three literature reviews.DISCUSSION: The benefit of cognitive behavioral therapy as part of a multidisciplinary approach is consensual. Improvements in dizziness, anxiety and depression have been reported in these patients. There was also improvement in postural control and decrease in the medication dosages required. The long-term effects of cognitive behavioral therapy are still inconsistent.CONCLUSION: Cognitive behavioral therapy seems to be a valid therapeutic option in association with other measures. We stress the lack of scientific evidence in this area and the need for further studies.
Tank-Mixing Pesticides without Disasters

Tank-mixing several pesticides is a common practice in conducting pest control. Tank mixes can consist of much more than just pesticides, such as fertilizers, micronutrients, and adjuvants. However, applicators must be aware of potential problems given that there are so many potential combinations when combining these products. Manufacturers cannot possibly test for all of these combinations, so both chemical and physical incompatibility are a concern with the practice. This new 4-page document, written by Frederick M. Fishel and published by the UF/IFAS Pesticide Information Office, describes some common-sense practices to help overcome costly tank-mixing errors.https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pi285
Large nonreciprocal absorption and emission of radiation in type-I Weyl semimetals with time reversal symmetry breaking

The equality between the spectral directional emittance and absorptance of an object under local thermodynamic equilibrium is known as Kirchhoff's law of radiation. The breakdown of Kirchhoff's law of radiation is physically allowed by breaking time reversal symmetry and can open opportunities for nonreciprocal light emitters and absorbers. Large anomalous Hall conductivity and angle recently observed in topological Weyl semimetals, particularly type-I magnetic Weyl semimetals and type-II Weyl semimetals, are expected to create large nonreciprocal electromagnetic wave propagation. In this work, we focus on type-I magnetic Weyl semimetals and show via modeling and simulation that nonreciprocal surface plasmon polaritons can result in pronounced nonreciprocity without an external magnetic field. The modeling in this work begins with a single pair of Weyl nodes, followed by a more realistic model with multiple paired Weyl nodes. Fermi-arc surface states are also taken into account through the surface conductivity. This work points to the promising applicability of topological Weyl semimetals for magneto-optical and energy applications.
Immunity and Prenatal Alcohol Exposure

Alcohol has been recognized as a teratogen for over 150 years.1 In 1968, a constellation of birth defects which would become known as the Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) was described in France,2 and confirmed shortly thereafter in the United States.3 An explosion of case reports ensued, and a number of clinical and animal investigations were initiated.4 A general consensus from these studies is that in uteroalcohol exposure produces a continuum of alcohol-related birth defects, also known as fetal alcohol effects (FAE), and that FAS represents the severe end of that spectrum. To date, only limited human studies have been conducted on the immune status of children with FAS,5-7 and none have been done on alcohol-exposed children without the full-blown syndrome. The present study is aimed at filling these gaps in knowledge.
Petrographic evidence for ediacaran microbial mat-targeted behaviors from the great basin, United States

Abstract The lower Member of the Wood Canyon Formation contains a variety of simple late Precambrian–early Cambrian dwelling and grazing traces, typical of early bioturbators. The traces, dominated by Planolites and Palaeophycus, are heavily abundant throughout sections comprised of higher energy siliciclastics. Two of which, Chicago Pass and Boundary Canyon (California, USA), also contain evidence for targeted microbial mat penetration by undermat mining organisms below and into the PC–C boundary. The co-occurence of penetrative burrows within microbial microlaminae, surficial trails, and dwelling structures is characteristic of the complex Ediacaran trace fossil, Lamonte trevallis, as described by Meyer et al., (2014) from the Dengying Formation of South China. The specimens from the Wood Canyon Formation present similar structures resulting from altering behaviors of epibenthic locomotion, undermat mining, and dwelling ( Meyer et al., 2014 ). Principally, grain size analyses confirmed the presence of microbial mat-targeted mining, seemingly resistant to overprinting by co-occurring horizontal traces. Therefore, we have classified the traces present in the California sections as Lamonte trevallis, broadening the geographic extent of this particular mining behavior in the Precambrian and the instances of complex bioturbating behaviors preceding the Cambrian substrate revolution.
Tart Cherry Increases Lifespan in Caenorhabditis elegans by Altering Metabolic Signaling Pathways

Aging and healthspan are determined by both environmental and genetic factors. The insulin/insulin-like growth factor-1(IGF-1) pathway is a key mediator of aging in Caenorhabditis elegans and mammals. Specifically, DAF-2 signaling, an ortholog of human IGF, controls DAF-16/FOXO transcription factor, a master regulator of metabolism and longevity. Moreover, mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress are both linked to aging. We propose that daily supplementation of tart cherry extract (TCE), rich in anthocyanins with antioxidant properties may exert dual benefits for mitochondrial function and oxidative stress, resulting in beneficial effects on aging in C. elegans. We found that TCE supplementation at 6 μg or 12 μg/mL, increased (p < 0.05) the mean lifespan of wild type N2 worms, respectively, when compared to untreated control worms. Consistent with these findings, TCE upregulated (p < 0.05) expression of longevity-related genes such as daf-16 and aak-2 (but not daf-2 or akt-1 genes) and genes related to oxidative stress such as sod-2. Further, we showed that TCE supplementation increased spare respiration in N2 worms. However, TCE did not change the mean lifespan of daf-16 and aak-2 mutant worms. In conclusion, our findings indicate that TCE confers healthspan benefits in C. elegans through enhanced mitochondrial function and reduced oxidative stress, mainly via the DAF-16 pathway.
Justice in a Brave New World

As science fiction has become reality, we should consider the implications of our new technologies for our system of justice. In addition to DNA, we are now regularly using cameras, geo-tracking, facial recognition software, brain scans, computers, and much more to discern and record our physical and mental surroundings. Existing technology and more we cannot yet imagine will increasingly take the place of often unreliable evidence, such as that provided by eyewitnesses. Yet, we have given far too little thought as to how these advances should impact our civil and criminal dispute resolution systems. Historically, many justice systems have emphasized the importance of finding the truth. Our new forms of technology will arguably help us discover the truth, and thereby potentially enhance justice. Upon reflection, however, it is not clear that our scientific innovations will necessarily yield greater truth, much less justice. The products of our technology will inevitably be subject to human interpretation and argument, and justice has always been about far more than truth. This Article argues that we should focus on three critically important issues as we consider how to redesign our system of justice to accommodate our new technology. First, recognizing that judges and jurors will often lack the competence to interpret scientific data, we should rely more heavily on neutral scientific experts. Second, in light of the psychology of multiple interpretations, we will want to ensure that our technological evidence is interpreted by a diverse audience. Third, the greatest contribution of our powerful new technology may be that it helps us recognize that justice involves much more than finding the truth. Even assuming we could agree on what happened in the past, alternative visions of justice influence how a community will want to deal with past events, such as through punishment, compensation, reparations, apology, or in other ways. By deemphasizing the centrality of truth, we can focus more on other important aspects of justice, including examining motivations, healing community rifts, enunciating community norms, providing procedural justice, protecting human rights, and providing cost-effective access to our dispute resolution system. Focusing on this broad array of concerns will encourage us to reform our litigation system in creative ways and also to rely more heavily on non-litigation approaches to justice.
Public Health Analytics and Big Data

Increasing accessibility and availability of heterogeneous data sources, growing data science competencies across the public health workforce, and a preponderance of evidence on the value and benefits of artificial intelligence present a rosy future for public health analytics. However, navigating the complex, computer science-heavy analytics domain and translating these concepts for application in public health is no easy task. This chapter introduces the basic concepts of data and analytics for the public health domain, together with practical considerations, challenges, and solutions that may influence public health analysts in applying these methods in practice.
Spiritually competent orientation in supervision: application of the cultural third

Mental health professionals generally lack competency for addressing religion and spirituality in counseling settings. The spiritual competencies of the Association for Spiritual, Ethical, and Reli...
Learning to endure: A qualitative examination of the protective factors of homeless transgender and gender expansive youth engaged in survival sex.

Background: Transgender and gender expansive (TGE) youth face a number of adversities that are associated with deleterious consequences, including mental health problems, substance misuse, suicide,...
Sexual Freedom's Shadows

Tim Dean's book-length reflections on barebacking subculture, an event in themselves, also supply an occasion for examining same-sex sexuality as it is lived by a number of men who have sex with men. This review essay begins with some of Dean's foundational claims, in particular, the argument that an “elaborate subculture” organized “around men who fuck without protection precisely in order to become infected” exists and is flourishing on the sexual and social scene. In addition to assessing the claim on its own terms, the essay situates it alongside the ideology of sexual freedom, an outlook on sexual life that, in important ways, has long shaped and animated gay male sexuality as thought and practice. After introducing the ideology of sexual freedom, barebacking subculture's norms, described by Dean, are catalogued in its light, and revealed as continuous with it. Far from being a wholly novel chapter in the history of same-sex sexuality, barebacking subculture is exposed as a variation on a much older, and darker, sexual theme, retooled and keyed to possibilities specially available in the age of HIV/AIDS. Having noted that Dean's account of barebacking subculture effectively documents a lived experiment of and in the ideology of sexual freedom, the essay then turns to Dean's own normative stance on barebacking subculture. His “ethics of cruising,” in which promiscuity—including sexual promiscuity—is heralded, is closely examined. Despite Dean's recommendations, this ethical stance is ultimately challenged for the ways that it, like some dimensions of barebacking subculture, themselves in line with the ideology of sexual freedom, affirmatively promotes the social, hence legal, erasure and invisibility of injuries that are sexually produced, including through same-sex sex. The essay ends with a question about how to respond.
Dynamically tunable third-harmonic generation with all-dielectric metasurfaces incorporating phase-change chalcogenides.

Subwavelength nonlinear optical sources with high efficiency have received extensive attention, although strong dynamic controllability of these sources is still elusive. Germanium antimony telluride (GST) as a well-established phase-change chalcogenide is a promising candidate for the reconfiguration of subwavelength nanostructures due to the strong non-volatile change of the index of refraction between its amorphous and crystalline states. Here, we numerically demonstrate an electromagnetically-induced-transparency-based silicon metasurface actively controlled with a quarter-wave asymmetric Fabry–Perot cavity incorporating GST to modulate the relative phase of incident and reflected pump beams. We demonstrate a giant third-harmonic generation (THG) switch with a modulation depth as high as ∼70dB at the resonant band. We also demonstrate the possibility of multi-level THG amplitude modulation for the fundamental C-band by controlling the crystallization fraction of GST at multiple intermediate states. This study shows the high potential of GST-based fast dynamic nonlinear photonic switches for real-world applications ranging from communications to optical computing.
Chemistry and Breeding of Cruciferous Vegetables

The Cruciferae are represented by a number of genera and species of economic importance as crops, ornamentals and weeds. Among the crucifers, brassicas, Brassica sp. and radishes Raphanus sativus are of considerable importance as vegetables, sources of edible and industrial oils, animal feeds, green manure and condiments.21 Among the brassicas are six interrelated species, three of which are diploid, B. nigra (n = 8), B. oleracea (n = 9), B. campestrf (n = 10) and three of which represent the amphi-diploid derivatives of the diploids, B. carinata (n = 17), B. juncea (n = 18) and B. napus (n = 19) (Yarnell, 1956). Radish has a haploid genome 9 chromosomes (n = 9) (Table 1, Figure 1).
Pyridoxine-responsive anemias in man.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the patterns in which pyridoxine-responsive anemia has manifested itself, reviews the information that has recently appeared in the literature concerning the disorder, and presents follow-up observations concerning two patients. Patients with pyridoxine-responsive anemia have been found to have increased numbers of sideroblasts in the marrow when these were adequately searched for. These sideroblasts are of the abnormal type described as “ringed” because of the unusual size, number, and perinuclear distribution of the siderotic granules. Pyridoxine-responsive anemias, therefore, are to be classified as sideroblastic anemias. Like other anemias within this category, they may be of hereditary or acquired type. Elves has investigated 83 individuals in a family and found pyridoxine-responsive anemia in six middle-aged men. Initially, two had normal hemoglobin levels but both showed iron loading that responded to the administration of pyridoxine. Sideroblastic anemia accompanying infectious mononucleosis with elevated serum iron and normal tryptophan metabolism has been described in the chapter. The chapter describes a remarkable pyridoxine-induced biochemical change in a patient with sideroblastic anemia and carcinoma of the prostate while on stilbestrol therapy.
Genomic organization of human MXI1, a putative tumor suppressor gene

Abstract MXI1,a member of theMYCfamily of transcription factors, is thought to negatively regulateMYCfunction and may therefore be a potential tumor suppressor gene. Using detailed restriction mapping and partial DNA sequencing analysis, we have determined the genomic organization of the humanMXI1gene to facilitate a search for mutations that affectMXI1function. The gene spans a region of approximately 60 kb on chromosome 10q24–q25 and comprises six exons. The correspondence of these exons to previously identified Mxi1 functional domains suggests that alternatively spliced transcripts may regulate Mxi1 functional activity. The presence of a cryptic ATG start codon in exon 2 suggests that a functional protein missing the SIN3-interacting domain (exon 1) may be generated by alternative splicing. Finally, we have identified two polymorphic regions within theMXI1locus: a polymorphic CA repeat in the third intron and an AAAAC polymorphism in the noncoding region of exon 6. These findings will facilitate the analysis of tumors for the presence of inactivating mutations inMXI1coding and regulatory sequences.
Direct synthesis of ZSM-5 crystals on gold modified by zirconium-phosphonate multilayers

Thin zeolite films are of interest in selective membranes and in dilute gas sensors. The effect of composition, pH, aging, and duration of synthesis on integrity of thin ZSM-5 films on Au surfaces was evaluated. Substrates were prepared by sputtering Au onto mica supports, followed by modification of these Au surfaces by zirconium-phosphonate multilayers to help induce nucleation. These substrates were then immersed into synthesis solutions. When high pH (∼13) solutions were used, crystallization on the substrate surface could not be achieved due to peeling off the Au layer from the support. Low pH (∼7.5) solutions resulted in large ZSM-5 crystals on the substrate surface, but without formation of a continuous film. Crystal growth was monitored by visually evaluating substrates after different periods of time during synthesis. Small crystals were observed on the surface at the earlier stages of crystallization. It was also observed that fully-grown crystals were formed on the substrate surface in half of the time required for the completion of crystallization (all gel consumed) in the bulk solution, and that there were more crystals on the surface earlier in the synthesis compared to when synthesis was complete. In all cases studied, crystals grew in isolated “islands”; never as a continuous film. Aging gels at room temperature had no effect on the films formed.
Sanctioning Reputation Mechanisms in Online Trading Environments with Moral Hazard

This paper offers a systematic exploration of reputation mechanism design in trading environments with opportunistic sellers, imperfect monitoring of a seller's actions and two possible seller effort levels, one of which has no value to buyers. The objective of reputation mechanisms in such settings is to induce sellers to exert high effort as often as possible. I study the impact of various mechanism parameters (such as the granularity of solicited feedback, the format of the public reputation profile, the policy regarding missing feedback, and the rules for admitting new sellers) on the resulting market efficiency. I find that the maximum efficiency that is attainable through reputation mechanisms is bounded away from the hypothetical first-best case where sellers could credibly pre-commit to full cooperation by a factor that is related to the probability that cooperating sellers may receive "unfair" bad ratings. Furthermore, the maximum efficiency is independent of the length of past history summarized in a seller's public reputation profile. I apply my framework to a model of eBay's feedback mechanism and conclude that eBay's simple mechanism is capable of inducing the maximum theoretical efficiency independently of the number of recent ratings that are being summarized in a seller's profile. I also derive optimal policies for dealing with missing feedback and easy online identity changes.
Estradiol acts during a post-pubertal sensitive period to shorten free-running circadian period in male Octodon degus.

The free-running circadian period is approximately 30 min shorter in adult male than in adult female Octodon degus. The sex difference emerges after puberty, resulting from a shortened free-running circadian period in males. Castration before puberty prevents the emergence of the sex difference, but it is not a function of circulating gonadal hormones as such, because castration later in life does not affect free-running circadian period. The aim of this study was to determine whether or not the shortening of the free-running circadian period in male degus results from exposure to gonadal hormones after puberty. We hypothesized that masculinization of the circadian period results from an organizational effect of androgen exposure during a post-pubertal sensitive period. Male degus were castrated before puberty and implanted with capsules filled with dihydrotestosterone (DHT), 17b-estradiol (E2) or empty capsules at one of three ages: peri-puberty (2‐7 months), post-puberty (7‐12 months), or adulthood (14‐19 months). Long-term exposure to DHT or E2 did not result in a shortened free-running circadian period when administered at 2‐7 or 14‐ 19 months of age. However, E2 treatment from 7 to 12 months of age decreased the free-running circadian period in castrated males. This result was replicated in a subsequent experiment in which E2 treatment was limited to 8‐12 months of age. E2 treatment at 7‐12 months of age had no effect on the free-running circadian period in ovariectomized females. Thus, there appears to be a post-pubertal sensitive period for sexual differentiation of the circadian system of degus, during which E2 exposure decreases the free-running circadian period in males. These data demonstrate that gonadal hormones can act during adolescent development to permanently alter the circadian system.
The Sixth Annual Translational Stem Cell Research Conference of the New York Stem Cell Foundation

The New York Stem Cell Foundation's "Sixth Annual Translational Stem Cell Research Conference" convened on October 11-12, 2011 at the Rockefeller University in New York City. Over 450 scientists, patient advocates, and stem cell research supporters from 14 countries registered for the conference. In addition to poster and platform presentations, the conference featured panels entitled "Road to the Clinic" and "The Future of Regenerative Medicine."
Combined endoscopic and percutaneous drainage of organized pancreatic necrosis.

Background Severe acute pancreatitis is often complicated by organized necrosis, which can lead to abscess formation and clinical deterioration. We sought to devise a combined endoscopic and percutaneous approach to drainage of organized pancreatic necrosis, with the primary goal of preventing the formation of chronic pancreaticocutaneous fistulae, and secondary goals of avoiding the need for surgical necrosectomy and reducing endoscopic resource utilization. Design Retrospective review of an institutional review board–approved database. Setting Single North American tertiary referral center. Patients Patients with severe acute pancreatitis complicated by organized necrosis requiring drainage. Interventions CT-guided percutaneous drain, followed immediately by endoscopic transenteric drainage. Main Outcome Measurements Development of chronic pancreaticocutaneous fistulae, number of endoscopic procedures requiring follow-up drainage, need for surgical necrosectomy, procedure-related morbidity, and mortality. Results Fifteen patients (12 males, 3 females; mean age, 58 years) underwent combined modality drainage. All procedures were technically successful. Immediate complications included fever and hypotension (n = 2); late complications included parenchymal infection after drain removal (n = 1). Twenty-five total endoscopies (4 for drain manipulation) were performed in the cohort subsequent to the initial drainage. After a median duration of follow-up of 189 days, percutaneous drains were removed in all 13 patients in whom this was attempted; no patients had development of chronic pancreaticocutaneous fistulae. There were no deaths, and no patients required surgery. Limitations Highly selected patient population, lack of comparison group, single-center experience. Conclusions In some highly selected patients with infected or symptomatic organized pancreatic necrosis, combined modality drainage results in favorable clinical outcomes with low associated, procedure-related morbidity. Pancreaticocutaneous fistulae and surgical necrosectomy were avoided with minimal endoscopic resource utilization.
Diagnostics for Assessing Regression Models

Abstract We concern ourselves with diagnostics for checking the overall and local goodness of fit of a model s(x) used in the regression of Y on x ∈ U = [0, 1] d . The model for s(x) is a functional form that depends on a finite number of unknown parameters. Two statistics, Λ and Λ w , are proposed that measure the level of agreement between the model fit to the data and the nonparametric kernel estimator on m preselected points in U. Conditions are given under which Λ and λ w , are asymptotically equivalent. Both of these statistics measure overall lack of fit and are related to the deviance. Their asymptotic distribution under the null model and under local alternatives is derived. This work is motivated by the local mean deviance plot of Landwehr, Pregibon, and Shoemaker for assessing overall lack of fit in logistic regression. Their plot is summarized by our test statistics and is extended to other likelihood based regressions of Y on x.
The Long-Run Link between Money Growth and Inflation

Is inflation always a monetary phenomenon? Many economists believe that the link between money growth and inflation in the U.S. has weakened over the last two decades due in part to the Federal Reserve's policy experiment in 1979–1982 and innovations in the financial sector of the economy. I find that the long-run relationship between money growth and inflation is strong in a statistical sense and important economically. The key result is that the trend or growth component in CPI inflation is entirely due to the trend component of monetary base growth. (JEL C32, E31, E51)
Protein energy landscapes as studied by a generalized-ensemble approach with Tsallis statistics

Abstract Recent uses of Tsallis statistical mechanics in investigations of protein energy landscapes are reported. The free-energy landscape of a small peptide is evaluated at various temperatures and an estimate for its characteristic temperatures calculated.
Semi-micro solid-phase extraction of organic compounds from aqueous and biological samples

Abstract A technique is described for performing solid-phase extractions on a semi-micro scale. Thin membrane disks 4 mm in diameter containing lightly sulfonated polystyrene or Silicalite particles are placed in the hub of a syringe needle. Aqueous samples (1–6 ml) are passed through the membrane disks and the extracted compounds are subsequently eluted with 20–50 μl of an organic solvent. Unlike solid-phase micro extraction (SPME) which uses a coated fiber, the present method is essentially a total extraction technique. Recoveries >90% were generally obtained for a wide variety of test compounds. The same test compounds in human urine, albumin and human serum samples can be extracted without any pretreatment other than addition of a suitable surfactant. A “double-pass” technique was developed for convenient field sampling.
β-Blocker therapy in acute myocardial infarction: Evidence for underutilization in the elderly☆

Abstract purpose: To assess the impact of patient age on the use of β-blocker therapy in the management of acute myocardial infarction. patients and methods: The population studied consisted of 4,762 patients hospitalized with validated acute myocardial infarction in 16 hospitals in the Worcester, Massachusetts, Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area during the years 1975, 1978, 1981, 1984, 1986, and 1988. Logistic regression analysis was employed to control for relevant demographic and clinical variables in evaluating the independent effect of patient age as a determinant of receipt of β-blocker therapy during the hospitalization. results: A consistent trend toward reduced use of β-blocker therapy in older patients was demonstrated. After adjustment for demographic and clinical variables (gender; prior history of angina, hypertension, or diabetes mellitus; myocardial infarction characteristics; complications including congestive heart failure and shock; and use of digoxin and diuretics), odds ratios for receipt of β-blocker therapy relative to patients less than 55 years of age were 0.61 for those 55 to 64; 0.52 for those 65 to 74; 0.36 for those 75 to 84; and 0.26 for those 85 or older. Analyses performed for each study year demonstrated results consistent with those for the overall study population. conclusion: The results of this population-based study suggest that there are substantial opportunities for expanded use of β-blocker therapy in elderly patients who have sustained an acute myocardial infarction.
UV, Luminescence, and FTIR Characterization of Cure Reaction in Bisphenol A Dicyanate Ester Resin

To develop cure monitoring techniques for bisphenol A dicyanate ester (BPADCY) resin, UV, fluorescence, phosphorescence, and IR spectra were investigated. UV−vis spectra during the cure reaction indicates that the cyclotrimerization of cyanate esters to form triazine rings is the principal reaction, as supported by IR spectroscopic results. During the cure reaction, very strong luminescence emission has been found. Fluorescence emission intensity around 420 nm first increases, followed by decrease with a small red shift as the cure reaction proceeds. The aromatically substituted cyanurates formed during the cure reaction and their inner filter effect are responsible for the observed emission and its trend in intensity. In-situ fluorescence characterization showed similar results for the catalyzed cure reaction with cobalt acetylacetonate/nonylphenol as well as bisphenol A catalyzed resin in comparison to purified BPADCY, except for the faster rate in fluorescence spectral change. Phosphorescence emission ...
Changes in the academic environment: Threat or opportunity?

Economic and technological changes converge on the connection between publishers and libraries. Arguing that the current library budget crisis is clearly different from previous crises, Paula Kaufman describes changes in university environments and in libraries’ strategies for coping with higher prices and strained budgets. Shifts in spending patterns from books to serials, gaining access to materials by means other than purchasing them, overpublishing, technological transformations, and the entry of new players into the scholarly publishing arena will all affect the ways that publishers publish and libraries acquire.
Unbundling the “Big Deal” with Pay-Per-View of E-journal Articles

Academic libraries have been exploring alternatives to publisher's “Big Deal” e-journal packages due to budgetary restrictions, complicated and inflexible contracts, and questions about the value of adding peripheral titles to their collections. A possible alternative to e-journal bundles is Pay-Per-View (PPV), which allows articles to be purchased on an individual basis. This article explores one library's experiences beginning to unbundle a publisher's “Big Deal,” using a mix of individual journal subscriptions and PPV. It provides detailed analysis of articles purchased by PPV when library patrons were offered unfettered access to virtually the entire publisher's collection for the first time. It also offers suggestions on how to improve PPV infrastructure for adoption by academic libraries, including extending the viewing period, offering customizable intercept messages, enhancing usage reporting, and making it possible to limit access to titles within the collection.
Synaptic activity-induced Ca2+ signaling in avian cochlear nucleus magnocellularis neurons

Neurons of the avian cochlear nucleus magnocellularis (NM) receive glutamatergic inputs from the spiral ganglion cells via the auditory nerve and feedback GABAergic inputs primarily from the superior olivary nucleus. We investigated regulation of Ca2+ signaling in NM neurons with ratiometric Ca2+ imaging in chicken brain slices. Application of exogenous glutamate or GABA increased the intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in NM neurons. Interestingly, GABA-induced Ca2+ responses persisted into neuronal maturation, in both standard and energy substrate enriched artificial cerebrospinal fluid. More importantly, we found that electrical stimulation applied to the glutamatergic and GABAergic afferent fibers innervating the NM was able to elicit transient [Ca2+]i increases in NM neurons, and the amplitude of the Ca2+ responses increased with increasing frequency and duration of the electrical stimulation. Antagonists for ionotropic glutamate receptors significantly blocked these [Ca2+]i increases, whereas blocking GABAA receptors did not affect the Ca2+ responses, suggesting that synaptically released glutamate but not GABA induced the Ca2+ signaling in vitro. Furthermore, activation of GABAA receptors with exogenous agonists inhibited synaptic activity-induced [Ca2+]i increases in NM neurons, suggesting a role of GABAA receptors in the regulation of Ca2+ homeostasis in the avian cochlear nucleus neurons.
P03-22 - Perturbations in p50 auditory evoked potential and hallucinatory behavior in schizophrenia

Earlier findings suggested auditory evoked potentials as diagnostic measure in schizophrenia. However, the relationship between different components of middle latency auditory evoked response (MLAER) and clinical symptoms of schizophrenia is unclear. In this study we explored the relationship between the amplitude of P50 potential and hallucinatory behavior in medicated schizophrenic patients. MLAER from thirty seven outpatient, clinically stable medicated schizophrenic patients (mean age 43.5 years, SD = 11.7), twenty six males, were measured. The evoked potentials were elicited in a paired click paradigm. The amplitude of P50, measured from pre-stimulus baseline, was studied. The bandpass filter was 1-50 Hz. Twenty seven (20 males) patients experienced hallucinatory behavior. Schizophrenic patients with hallucinatory behavior had significantly (p
A protein contortionist: core mutations of GB1 that induce dimerization and domain swapping.

Abstract Immunoglobulin-binding domain B1 of streptococcal protein G (GB1), a small (56 residues), stable, single-domain protein, is one of the most extensively used model systems in the area of protein folding and design. Recently, NMR and X-ray structures of a quintuple GB1 core mutant (L5V/A26F/F30V/Y33F/A34F) that showed an unexpected, intertwined tetrameric architecture were determined. Here, we report the NMR structure of another mutant, derived from the tetramer by reverting the single amino acid position F26 back to the wild-type sequence A26. The structure reveals a domain-swapped dimer that involves exchange of the second β-hairpin. The resulting overall structure comprises an eight-stranded β-sheet whose concave side is covered by two α helices. The dimer dissociates into a partially folded, monomeric species with a dissociation constant of 93(±10) μM.
The role of buyer and supplier relationships in integrating TQM through the supply chain

Abstract Many academics and practitioners have alluded to the importance of total quality management (TQM) principles and the important role the purchasing function plays in the quality process. However, the role of the buyer–supplier relationship in the TQM process has not been directly investigated to any large extent. Three hypotheses concerning the role of buyer–supplier relationships in the success of TQM implementation were tested. The results demonstrate that buyer–supplier relationships are different in firms with successful TQM programs. Hypothesis 1 suggests that those firms with successful TQM programs will have more formal mechanisms for interacting with suppliers. The second hypothesis suggests that business units with more successful TQM programs exhibit a greater degree of competitive focus and single sourcing. The third hypothesis relates to a higher level understanding of internal and external customer needs by successful TQM adopters. All hypotheses were supported. The buyer–supplier relationships in firms with successful TQM programs are different than firms with less successful TQM programs.
Ideology Trumps Meteorology: Why Many Television Weathercasters Remain Unconvinced of Human-Caused Global Warming

TV weathercasters are a potentially important source of climate change information: They are a widely trusted source; they have frequent access to large audiences; and most have discussed climate c...
Global patterns of terrestrial biological nitrogen (N2) fixation in natural ecosystems

Human activities have clearly caused dramatic alterations of the terrestrial nitrogen cycle, and analyses of the extent and effects of such changes are now common in the scientific literature. However, any attempt to evaluate N cycling processes within ecosystems, as well as anthropogenic influences on the N cycle, requires an understanding of the magnitude of inputs via biological nitrogen fixation (BNF). Although there have been many studies addressing the microbiology, physiology, and magnitude of N fixation at local scales, there are very few estimates of BNF over large scales. We utilized >100 preexisting published estimates of BNF to generate biome- and global-level estimates of biological N fixation. We also used net primary productivity (NPP) and evapotranspiration (ET) estimates from the Century terrestrial ecosystem model to examine global relationships between these variables and BNF as well as to compare observed and Century-modeled BNF. Our data-based estimates showed a strong positive relationship between ecosystem ET and BNF, and our analyses suggest that while the model's simple relationships for BNF predict broad scale patterns, they do not capture much of the variability or magnitude of published rates. Patterns of BNF were also similar to patterns of ecosystem NPP. Our “best estimate” of potential nitrogen fixation by natural ecosystems is ∼195 Tg N yr−1, with a range of 100–290 Tg N yr−1. Although these estimates do not account for the decrease in natural N fixation due to cultivation, this would not dramatically alter our estimate, as the greatest reductions in area have occurred in systems characterized by relatively low rates of N fixation (e.g., grasslands). Although our estimate of BNF in natural ecosystems is similar to previously published estimates of terrestrial BNF, we believe that this study provides a more documented, constrained estimate of this important flux.
Potential biocontrol agents of Portulaca oleracea L. from the Neotropics.

Abstract Surveys of the insects attacking common purslane Portulaca oleracea were carried out in Trinidad and other locations in the Caribbean and South America to assess their potential for biological control of this weed in Papua New Guinea. Host-range studies were conducted on two of these insects, and several species are recommended for further investigations and eventual release in countries where Po. oleracea is a serious weed.
Children Socializing Children: Practices for Negotiating the Social Order Among Peers

The articles in this special issue were originally part of a session entitled Children Socializing Children: Cultural Production, Participation and Authoritative Discourse in Peer Play Interactions at the 2005 International Pragmatics Associations meetings at Riva del Garda, Italy. We thank Karin Aronsson and Jenny Cook-Gumperz for their comments on our articles.
On the eventual periodicity of with a period-four parameter

In this paper, we will study the max difference equation in the title when is a constant sequence or period-four sequence of real numbers greater than one. In the former case, we provide an alternative proof to that already given in Amleh, Hoag, and Ladas, 1998, A difference equation with eventually periodic solutions, Computers and Mathematics with Applications, 36, 401–404, and Grove and Ladas, 2005, Periodicities in Nonlinear Difference Equations (Boca Raton: Chapman & Hall/CRC), where we show that every solution is eventually periodic with period 4. We prove that every solution is eventually periodic with period 8 in the latter case.
Monomeric, not tetrameric species are responsible for the colossal dielectric constant of copper phthalocyanine derived from pyromellitic dianhydride

Mass spectrometric analysis indicates that the copper(II) phthalocyanine derived from pyromellitic dianhydride is a mononuclear species, not a tetranuclear species as previously thought. The peripheral substitution of the phthalocyanine core with eight carboxylic acid groups, rather than extended conjugation, is responsible for the extraordinary dielectric constant associated with this material.
LONG TERM HUMAN BONE MARROW CULTURE (LTHMC) USING BONE MARROW ASPIRATES FROM CHILDREN

To investigate whether small volumes of marrow aspirates are suitable for LTHMC, we cultured 22 marrow aspirates from children with a variety of hematological disorders according to the method of Coulombel et al (Blood 62:291, 1983). 5-40×106 buffy coat cells recovered from 3-4 ml of marrows were cultured in α medium with 10−6 Mol hydrocortisone, 12.5% horse serum and 12.5% fetal calf serum in 35mm dishes at 2×106 cells/dish. Demidepopulation of nonadherent cells was done weekly. Differentials on nonadherent cell showed early and late myeloid cells till 5th week, after which 95-98% of the cells were macrophages. An increase in the lymphocytes proportion for the first 3-4 weeks was observed. Studies of 3 specimens with monoclonal antibody OKT-3 revealed positive cells in 0 of the 3 nonadherent fractions, and 0.1% positive cells in adherent fraction in 1 at 2-3 week of culture. Adherent cell layer with nests of small round cells in "cobblestone-like" arrangement was established in 18 of 22 specimens within 2 weeks. There was clear association between the presence of the cobblestone-like cells and generation of CFU-C colonies by adherent cells. None of 5 adherent specimens without these round cells formed CFU-C colonies, while 3 of 3 adherent specimens with the cobblestone-like cells formed 5-9 colonies/5×104 cells plated. We conclude that establishment of LTHMC is possible with a small volume of aspirated marrows from pediatric patients, and that presence of cobblestone-like cells indicates generation of stem cells in the adherent layer.