cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Extracting phylogenetic signal and accounting for bias in whole-genome data sets supports the Ctenophora as sister to remaining Metazoa

Understanding the phylogenetic relationships among major lineages of multicellular animals (the Metazoa) is a prerequisite for studying the evolution of complex traits such as nervous systems, muscle tissue, or sensory organs. Transcriptome-based phylogenies have dramatically improved our understanding of metazoan relationships in recent years, although several important questions remain. The branching order near the base of the tree, in particular the placement of the poriferan (sponges, phylum Porifera) and ctenophore (comb jellies, phylum Ctenophora) lineages is one outstanding issue. Recent analyses have suggested that the comb jellies are sister to all remaining metazoan phyla including sponges. This finding is surprising because it suggests that neurons and other complex traits, present in ctenophores and eumetazoans but absent in sponges or placozoans, either evolved twice in Metazoa or were independently, secondarily lost in the lineages leading to sponges and placozoans. To address the question of basal metazoan relationships we assembled a novel dataset comprised of 1080 orthologous loci derived from 36 publicly available genomes representing major lineages of animals. From this large dataset we procured an optimized set of partitions with high phylogenetic signal for resolving metazoan relationships. This optimized data set is amenable to the most appropriate and computationally intensive analyses using site-heterogeneous models of sequence evolution. We also employed several strategies to examine the potential for long-branch attraction to bias our inferences. Our analyses strongly support the Ctenophora as the sister lineage to other Metazoa. We find no support for the traditional view uniting the ctenophores and Cnidaria. Our findings are supported by Bayesian comparisons of topological hypotheses and we find no evidence that they are biased by long-branch attraction. Our study further clarifies relationships among early branching metazoan lineages. Our phylogeny supports the still-controversial position of ctenophores as sister group to all other metazoans. This study also provides a workflow and computational tools for minimizing systematic bias in genome-based phylogenetic analyses. Future studies of metazoan phylogeny will benefit from ongoing efforts to sequence the genomes of additional invertebrate taxa that will continue to inform our view of the relationships among the major lineages of animals.
The Resolution of Important Pharmaceutical Building Blocks by Palladium-Catalyzed Aerobic Oxidation of Secondary Alcohols

The palladium-catalyzed aerobic oxidative kinetic resolution of key pharmaceutical building blocks is described. Substrates investigated are relevant to the enantioselective preparation of Prozac ¾ , Singulair ¾ , and the promising hNK-1 re- ceptor antagonist from Merck. The latter provides the most selective aerobic oxidative kinetic resolu- tion yet described.
A Framework for the Solution of Inverse Radiation Transport Problems

Radiation sensing applications for SNM detection, identification, and characterization all face the same fundamental problem: each to varying degrees must infer the presence, identity, and configuration of a radiation source given a set of radiation signatures. This is a problem of inverse radiation transport: given the outcome of a measurement, what source terms and transport medium caused that observation? This paper presents a framework for solving inverse radiation transport problems, describes its essential components, and illustrates its features and performance. The framework implements an implicit solution to the inverse transport problem using deterministic neutron, electron, and photon transport calculations embedded in a Levenberg-Marquardt nonlinear optimization solver. The solver finds the layer thicknesses of a one-dimensional transport model by minimizing the difference between the gamma spectrum calculated by deterministic transport and the measured gamma spectrum. The fit to the measured spectrum is a full-spectrum analysis-all spectral features are modeled, including photopeaks and continua from spontaneous and induced photon emissions. An example problem is solved by analyzing a high-resolution gamma spectrometry measurement of plutonium metal.
Titanium(II)-mediated Cyclization of (Silyloxy)enynes: A Synthesis of the C9–C19 Subunit of Dictyostatin-1

Abstract Cyclization of (silyloxy)enynes with ClTi(i-PrO)3 and i-PrMgCl gives cyclic siloxanes. This cyclization offers a new approach to mixed polyacetate-polypropionate polyketides, and has been applied to the synthesis of the C9–C19 subunit of dictyostatin-1.
The Michigan Benchmark: A Microbenchmark for XML Query Processing Systems

With the continued growing popularity of the eXtensible Markup Language (XML), it is clear that large repositories of XML data will soon emerge. Several methods for managing XML databases have emerged, ranging from retrofitting commercial RDBMSs to building native XML database systems. There has naturally been an interest in benchmarking the performance of these systems, and a number of benchmarks have been proposed [1], [2], [3]. The focus of currently proposed benchmarks is to assess the performance of an XML query processing system when performing a variety of tasks for some representative application. Such benchmarks are valuable to potential users of a database system in providing an indication of the overall performance of the entire application.
Ventricular assist device implantation in the elderly.

Background: Dramatic advances in ventricular assist device (VAD) design and patient management have made mechanical circulatory support an attractive therapeutic option for the growing pool of elderly heart failure patients. Methods: A literature review of all relevant studies was performed. No time or language restrictions were imposed, and references of the selected studies were checked for additional relevant citations. Results: In concordance with the universal trend in mechanical circulatory support, continuous flow devices appear to have particular benefits in the elderly. In addition, the literature suggests that early intervention before the development of cardiogenic shock, important in all patients, is particularly paramount in older patients. Conclusions: The ongoing refinement of patient selection, surgical technique, and post-operative care will continue to improve surgical outcomes, and absolute age may become a less pivotal criterion for mechanical circulatory support. However, clear guidelines for the use of mechanical circulatory support in the elderly remain undefined.
EFFECTS OF RETAIL CONCENTRATION ON RETAIL PRICE: THE US DAIRY MARKET

This study provides an empirical investigation of the relationship between grocery retail concentration and retail dairy prices in the US. We perform the analysis based on a unique dataset on store-level retail prices provided by the Information Resources Inc. Further, we consider alternative measures of retail concentration including revenue and store selling space-based Herfindahl Hirschman Index, which we compute using a Nielsen TDLinx dataset on store characteristics. Results from a reduced-from empirical framework estimated via panel data techniques indicate that grocery retail concentration affects dairy retail prices favorably. This central result is robust to the way that retail concentration is measured and is consistent with the empirical evidence from both the US and oversees.
The Institutional Approach to Economic History: Connecting the Two Strands

This essay examines the historiography of two episodes in history—the scattering of plots in the open fields in the Middle Ages and the transition to the factory system in the Industrial Revolution—to shed light on the uses of institutional economics in economic history. In both of these episodes, economic “just-so” stories advanced our understanding of history. What animated intellectual innovation in both cases was a bold conjecture about the raison d’etre of a puzzling institutional structure. But what ultimately enriched our understanding was the process of conjecture and revision those conjectures set off. In both episodes, the revised conjectures that best withstood criticism and revision were those that saw the phenomena not as static snapshots of economic agents confronting an economic problem but rather those that embedded the phenomena within a larger economic problem and within a process of economic change. In the end it is an account of institutional change—what I call the good old New Institutional Economics—that connects the use of institutional economics to explain puzzling historical phenomenon with the role of institutional economics in addressing the big questions of economic growth.
Comparing action-query strategies in semi-autonomous agents

We consider settings in which a semi-autonomous agent has uncertain knowledge about its environment, but can ask what action the human operator would prefer taking in the current or in a potential future state. Asking queries can improve behavior, but if queries come at a cost (e.g., due to limited operator attention), the value of each query should be maximized. We compare two strategies for selecting action queries: 1) based on myopically maximizing expected gain in long-term value, and 2) based on myopically minimizing uncertainty in the agent's policy representation. We show empirically that the first strategy tends to select more valuable queries, and that a hybrid method can outperform either method alone in settings with limited computation.
Building blocks for subleading helicity operators

On-shell helicity methods provide powerful tools for determining scattering amplitudes, which have a one-to-one correspondence with leading power helicity operators in the Soft-Collinear Effective Theory (SCET) away from singular regions of phase space. We show that helicity based operators are also useful for enumerating power suppressed SCET operators, which encode subleading amplitude information about singular limits. In particular, we present a complete set of scalar helicity building blocks that are valid for constructing operators at any order in the SCET power expansion. We also describe an interesting angular momentum selection rule that restricts how these building blocks can be assembled.
Self-similar spherical collapse with tidal torque

$N$-body simulations have revealed a wealth of information about dark matter halos; however, their results are largely empirical. Using analytic means, we attempt to shed light on simulation results by generalizing the self-similar secondary infall model to include tidal torque. In this first of two papers, we describe our halo formation model and compare our results to empirical mass profiles inspired by $N$-body simulations. Each halo is determined by four parameters. One parameter sets the mass scale and the other three define how particles within a mass shell are torqued throughout evolution. We choose torque parameters motivated by tidal torque theory and $N$-body simulations and analytically calculate the structure of the halo in different radial regimes. We find that angular momentum plays an important role in determining the density profile at small radii. For cosmological initial conditions, the density profile on small scales is set by the time rate of change of the angular momentum of particles as well as the halo mass. On intermediate scales, however, $\ensuremath{\rho}\ensuremath{\propto}{r}^{\ensuremath{-}2}$, while $\ensuremath{\rho}\ensuremath{\propto}{r}^{\ensuremath{-}3}$ close to the virial radius.
A Biologically Inspired Model of Distributed Online Communication Supporting Efficient Search and Diffusion of Innovation

We inhabit a world that is not only “small” but supports efficient decentralized search – an individual using local information can establish a line of communication with another completely unknown individual. Here we augment a hierarchical social network model with communication between and within communities. We argue that organization into communities would decrease overall decentralized search times. We take inspiration from the biological immune system which organizes search for pathogens in a hybrid modular strategy. Our strategy has relevance in search for rare amounts of information in online social networks and could have implications for massively distributed search challenges. Our work also has implications for design of efficient online networks that could have an impact on networks of human collaboration, scientific collaboration and networks used in targeted manhunts. Real world systems, like online social networks, have high associated delays for long-distance links, since they are built on top of physical networks. Such systems have been shown to densify i.e. the average number of neighbours that an individual has increases with time. Hence such networks will have a communication cost due to space and the requirement of building and maintaining and increasing number of connections. We have incorporated such a non-spatial cost to communication in order to introduce the realism of individuals communicating within communities, which we call participation cost. We introduce the notion of a community size that increases with the size of the system, which is shown to reduce the time to search for information in networks. Our final strategy balances search times and participation costs and is shown to decrease time to find information in decentralized search in online social networks. Our strategy also balances strong-ties (within communities) and weak-ties over long distances (between communities that bring in diverse ideas) and may ultimately lead to more productive and innovative networks of human communication and enterprise. We hope that this work will lay the foundation for strategies aimed at producing global scale human interaction networks that are sustainable and lead to a more networked, diverse and prosperous society.
32Tb/s DWDM transmission system

We successfully generated 114-Gb/s PDM-8QAM optical signal by novel scheme. Intradyne coherent detection of PDM-8QAM optical signal with robust blind polarization de-multiplexing has been demonstrated by using a new cascaded multi-modulus equalization algorithm. With RZ-shaped PDM-8QAM modulation and the proposed blind polarization de-multiplexing algorithm, we demonstrate a record 33.9-Tb/s fiber capacity (320×114Gb/s) being transmitted over 580km of ultra-low-loss SMF-28 fiber utilizing C+L-band EDFA-only optical amplification and single-ended coherent detection technique, at a spectral efficiency of 4.2bit/s/Hz. Utilizing only C-band EDFA, we also demonstrate that 16.9-Tb/s capacity (160×114Gb/s)) can be transmitted over 640km of standard SMF-28 fiber.
Improving performance of topic models by variable grouping

Topic models have a wide range of applications, including modeling of text documents, images, user preferences, product rankings, and many others. However, learning optimal models may be difficult, especially for large problems. The reason is that inference techniques such as Gibbs sampling often converge to suboptimal models due to the abundance of local minima in large datasets. In this paper, we propose a general method of improving the performance of topic models. The method, called 'grouping transform', works by introducing auxiliary variables which represent assignments of the original model tokens to groups. Using these auxiliary variables, it becomes possible to resample an entire group of tokens at a time. This allows the sampler to make larger state space moves. As a result, better models are learned and performance is improved. The proposed ideas are illustrated on several topic models and several text and image datasets. We show that the grouping transform significantly improves performance over standard models.
The IRR of a project with many potential outcomes

ABSTRACTThis article shows that the internal rate of return (IRR) of a project's expected cash flow stream is a weighted average of the IRRs offered by the project's (many) possible future outcomes, where the weights are calculated using the outcome probabilities and invested capital balances. Because the invested capital associated with a particular realization is a function of the Macaulay duration of the cash flows in that outcome, the weights depend on the outcome probabilities and the effective length of each cash flow stream.
THE STIFF KNEE: AN ALGORITHMIC APPROACH TO CAUSALITY & MANAGEMENT

Stiffness remains one of the most common, and challenging post-operative complications after TKA. The exact definition of stiffness varies, and patient expectations of post-operative motion vary as well. Pre-operative motion and diagnosis (such as post-traumatic arthritis) can influence post-operative motion, and careful patient counseling about expectations is important. Post-operative stiffness should be evaluated by ruling out infection, evaluating rehabilitation efforts, and careful physical and radiographic examination. Manipulation under anesthesia (MUA) in selected cases can be helpful. The author generally prefers to perform MUA between the 6- and 8-week mark post-operatively. Careful technique is required to minimised the risk of fracture or soft tissue injury. For more chronic stiffness, revision may be indicated, especially if an etiology is identified pre-operatively (for example, an excessively thick patellar resurfacing, an oversized femoral component, gross malrotation, etc.). CT scanning can be helpful for pre-operative evaluation and planning. During revision, thorough synovectomy and release of contractures and ligamentous balancing is performed as required. Careful attention to gap balancing, component rotation, and sizing is critical. Patients should be counseled that the results of revision for stiffness are mixed and somewhat unpredictable unless a clear etiology was found intra-operatively (for example, a grossly oversized femoral component). More frequent post-operative office visits may be helpful to guide rehabilitation progress in these challenging cases.
The Stiffness of Suspension Bridges

In this paper a method is developed by which the additional cable stress and the deflection curve produced in a suspension bridge either by live load or by temperature variation may be directly cal...
Simultaneous Inference for High-Dimensional Linear Models

ABSTRACTThis article proposes a bootstrap-assisted procedure to conduct simultaneous inference for high-dimensional sparse linear models based on the recent desparsifying Lasso estimator. Our procedure allows the dimension of the parameter vector of interest to be exponentially larger than sample size, and it automatically accounts for the dependence within the desparsifying Lasso estimator. Moreover, our simultaneous testing method can be naturally coupled with the margin screening to enhance its power in sparse testing with a reduced computational cost, or with the step-down method to provide a strong control for the family-wise error rate. In theory, we prove that our simultaneous testing procedure asymptotically achieves the prespecified significance level, and enjoys certain optimality in terms of its power even when the model errors are non-Gaussian. Our general theory is also useful in studying the support recovery problem. To broaden the applicability, we further extend our main results to general...
Predicting Misalignment Between Teachers’ and Students’ Essay Scores Using Natural Language Processing Tools

We investigated linguistic factors that relate to misalignment between students’ and teachers’ ratings of essay quality. Students (n = 126) wrote essays and rated the quality of their work. Teachers then provided their own ratings of the essays. Results revealed that students who were less accurate in their self-assessments produced essays that were more causal, contained less meaningful words, and had less argument overlap between sentences.
Formal Metrics for Large-Scale Parallel Performance

Performance measurement of parallel algorithms is well studied and well understood. However, a flaw in traditional performance metrics is that they rely on comparisons to serial performance with the same input. This comparison is convenient for theoretical complexity analysis but impossible to perform in large-scale empirical studies with data sizes far too large to run on a single serial computer. Consequently, scaling studies currently rely on ad hoc methods that, although effective, have no grounded mathematical models. In this position paper we advocate using a rate-based model that has a concrete meaning relative to speedup and efficiency and that can be used to unify strong and weak scaling studies.
Towards Viewpoint Invariant 3D Human Pose Estimation

We propose a viewpoint invariant model for 3D human pose estimation from a single depth image. To achieve this, our discriminative model embeds local regions into a learned viewpoint invariant feature space. Formulated as a multi-task learning problem, our model is able to selectively predict partial poses in the presence of noise and occlusion. Our approach leverages a convolutional and recurrent network architecture with a top-down error feedback mechanism to self-correct previous pose estimates in an end-to-end manner. We evaluate our model on a previously published depth dataset and a newly collected human pose dataset containing 100 K annotated depth images from extreme viewpoints. Experiments show that our model achieves competitive performance on frontal views while achieving state-of-the-art performance on alternate viewpoints.
Using Learning Styles of Software Professionals to Improve Their Inspection Team Performance

Inspections of software artifacts during early software development aids managers to detect early faults that may be hard to find and fix later. Results showed inspection ability does not depend on educational background and technical knowledge. This paper presents the results from an industrial empirical study, wherein the Learning Styles (i.e. ability to perceive and process information) of individual inspectors were manipulated to measure its impact on the fault detection effectiveness of inspection teams. Using inspection data from professional developers, we developed virtual teams with varying LS’s of individual inspectors and analyzed the team performance. The results from the current study show that teams of inspectors with diverse LS’s are significantly more effective at detecting faults as compared to teams of inspectors with similar LS’s. Therefore, LS’s can aid software managers to create high performance inspection team(s) and manage software quality.
Use and interpretation of rheumatologic tests: a guide for clinicians

In recent years, several new autoantibody tests have been developed and are being used in the field of rheumatology, including the antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) and myositis-specific antibodies such as anti-Jo1. Positive test results for ANCAs reveal one of two basic staining patterns: cytoplasmic (c-ANCA) or perinuclear (p-ANCA). The Jol anti-body test is often helpful at the time of diagnosis of a new case of idiopathic inflammatory myopathy. Herein this article reviews the clinical utility of the new tests in conjunction with the established autoantibody tests including antinuclear antibodies and extractable nuclear antibodies. Both the antinuclear antibody and extractable nuclear antibody tests are helpful in diagnosing connective tissue diseases. Before the results of any of these tests can be interpreted, the physician must consider the sensitivity, specificity, and negative and positive predictive values. Positive results must be analyzed in the clinical context and in relationship to other autoantibody test results.
Crystal Clear? The Relationship Between Methamphetamine Use and Sexually Transmitted Infections.

SUMMARY Public health officials have cited methamphetamine control as a tool with which to decrease HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, based on previous research that finds a strong positive correlation between methamphetamine use and risky sexual behavior. However, the observed correlation may not be causal, as both methamphetamine use and risky sexual behavior could be driven by a third factor, such as a preference for risky behavior. We estimate the effect of methamphetamine use on risky sexual behavior using monthly data on syphilis diagnoses in California and quarterly data on syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia diagnoses across all states. To circumvent possible endogeneity, we use a large exogenous supply shock in the US methamphetamine market that occurred in May 1995 and a later shock stemming from the Methamphetamine Control Act, which went into effect in October 1997. While the supply shocks had large negative effects on methamphetamine use, we find no evidence that they decreased syphilis, gonorrhea, or chlamydia rates. Our results have broad implications for public policies designed to decrease sexually transmitted infection rates. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Selective Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase Activity Sensors through the Application of Directionally Programmable D Domain Motifs

Accurate and quantitative methods for measuring the dynamic fluctuations of protein kinase activities are critically needed as diagnostic tools and for the evaluation of kinase-targeted inhibitors, which represent a major therapeutic development area in the treatment of cancer and other diseases. In particular, rapid and economical methods that utilize simple instrumentation and provide quantitative data in a high throughput format will have the most impact on basic research in systems biology and medicine. There are over 500 protein kinases in the human kinome. Among these, the mitogen activated protein (MAP) kinases are recognized to be central players in key cellular signaling events and are associated with essential processes including growth, proliferation, differentiation, migration, and apoptosis. The major challenge with MAP kinase sensor development is achieving high selectivity since these kinases rely acutely on secondary interactions distal to the phosphorylation site to impart substrate specificity. Herein we describe the development and application of selective sensors for three MAP kinase subfamilies, ERK1/2, p38α/β, and JNK1/2/3. The new sensors are based on a modular design, which includes a sensing element that exploits a sulfonamido-oxine (Sox) fluorophore for reporting phosphorylation, a recognition and specificity element based on reported docking domain motifs and a variable linker, which can be engineered to optimize the intermodule distance and relative orientation. Following rigorous validation, the capabilities of the new sensors are exemplified through the quantitative analysis of the target MAP kinases in breast cancer progression in a cell culture model, which reveals a strong correlation between p38α/β activity and increased tumorgenicity.
Catalytic SN2'- and Enantioselective Allylic Substitution with a Diborylmethane Reagent and Application in Synthesis.

A catalytic method for the site- and enantioselective addition of commercially available di-B(pin)-methane to allylic phosphates is introduced (pin=pinacolato). Transformations may be facilitated by an NHC–Cu complex (NHC=N-heterocyclic carbene) and products obtained in 63–95 % yield, 88:12 to >98:2 SN2′/SN2 selectivity, and 85:15–99:1 enantiomeric ratio. The utility of the approach, entailing the involvement of different catalytic cross-coupling processes, is highlighted by its application to the formal synthesis of the cytotoxic natural product rhopaloic acid A.
(Ag2TeS3)2·A2S6 (A = Rb, Cs): Layers of Silver Thiotellurite Intergrown with Alkali-Metal Polysulfides

The layered compounds RbAg(2)TeS(6) and CsAg(2)TeS(6) crystallize in the noncentrosymmetric space group P6(3)cm, with a = 19.15 A, c = 14.64 A, and V = 4648 A(3) and a = 19.41 A, c = 14.84 A, and V = 4839 A(3), respectively. The structures are composed of neutral [Ag(2)TeS(3)] layers alternating with charge-balanced salt layers containing polysulfide chains of [S(6)](2-) and alkali-metal ions. RbAg(2)TeS(6) and CsAg(2)TeS(6) are air- and water-stable, wide-band-gap semiconductors (E(g) ∼ 2.0 eV) exhibiting nonlinear-optical second-harmonic generation.
Individualism and Political Disorder

Contents: Foreword Roger Congleton PART I INTRODUCTION Introduction: Political Disorder and Decay PART II ANALYSIS AND APPLICATION 1. Majoritarian Logic 2. Rationality as Prudence: Another Reason for Rules 3. The Efficacy of Arbitrary Rules (Buchanan and Yoon) 4. Variations on Tullock's Road Model 5. Symmetric Tragedies: Commons and Anti-commons 6. Majoritarian Management of the Commons 7. Universalism through common access: an alternative model of distributive politics 8. Majoritarian Exploitation of Fiscal Commons: General Taxes -Differential Transfers 9. All Voting is Strategic 10. Public Choice and the Extent of the Market 11. Choosing for Others: A Neglected Element in the Theory of Collective Action 12. The Cost of Collectivization, Per Se PART III: AMERICA'S FISCAL TRAGEDY 13. Institutional Sources of American Fiscal Tragedy Index
Optimal Deployment of Distributed Generation Using a Reliability Criterion

This paper presents an optimal planning approach toward the design of cost-efficient and reliable microgrids. The proposed approach uses simulated annealing (SA) to determine the optimal size and location of a mix of distributed generation (DG) candidate technologies to achieve stipulated reliability criteria. The deployment plan consists of adding suitable quantities of DG at appropriate locations, and is optimal in that the cost of expansion is minimized. The paper develops the models and the approach, and describes an SA-based implementation. The method is demonstrated on a standard test system, and the application of the method as a planning tool is illustrated by means of two case studies: 1) optimal expansion of an existing distribution system into a microgrid and 2) evaluation of the impact of projected prices on the deployment strategy. Relative penetration of different DG technologies is also analyzed.
A Network Formation Model Based on Subgraphs.

We develop a new class of random-graph models for the statistical estimation of network formation that allow for substantial correlation in links. Various subgraphs (e.g., links, triangles, cliques, stars) are generated and their union results in a network. The challenge in estimating the frequencies with which subgraphs 'truly' form is that subgraphs can overlap and may also incidentally generate new subgraphs, and so the true rate of formation of the subgraphs cannot generally be inferred just by counting their presence in the resulting network. We provide estimation techniques for recovering the rates at which the underlying subgraphs were formed from the observation of a single (large) network. We provide results on identification of the true underlying rates of subgraph formation from various statistics, as well as a new Central Limit Theorem for correlated random variables that establishes asymptotic normality for our estimators. We also show that if the network is sparse enough then direct counts of subgraphs are consistent and asymptotically normal estimators. We illustrate the models with applications.
Meroterpenoids with Antiproliferative Activity from a Hawaiian-Plant Associated Fungus Peyronellaea coffeae-arabicae FT238

Three unusual polyketide-sesquiterpene metabolites peyronellins A–C (1–3), along with the new epoxyphomalin analog 11-dehydroxy epoxyphomalin A (4), have been isolated from the endophytic fungus Peyronellaea coffeae-arabicae FT238, which was isolated from the native Hawaiian plant Pritchardia lowreyana. The structures of compounds 1–4 were characterized based on NMR and MS spectroscopic analysis. The absolute configuration (AC) of the compounds was determined by electronic circular dichroism (ECD). Compound 4 showed antiproliferative activity with an IC50 of 0.5 μM against OVCAR3, and it also strongly inhibited Stat3 at 5 μM.
B-Mode Gray Scale Ultrasound of the Head in the Newborn and Young Infant

A technique using commercially available B-mode gray scale ultrasonography for imaging the head in the newborn and young infant is described. Serial scans were performed at several angles from the canthomeatal line. Images of technical quality previously unobtainable are shown. Normal anatomic structures such as ventricles, cerebral peduncles, pons, cerebellum, sulci, gyri, choroid plexus, falx cerebri, and tentorium cerebelli can be demonstrated. From April 1978 through December 1978, 165 gray scale ultrasonograms of the head on 111 children younger than 2 years were performed; 63 normal and 48 abnormal patients were studied, with hydrocephalus of various etiologies the most common abnormality. Porencephalic cysts, developmental anomalies, intraventricular and intracerebral hemorrhages, cephalohematoma, subdural hematomas, and arteriovenous malformations were demonstrated. Because of its safety and relatively low cost, ultrasonography proved to be an excellent method for following ventricular size and shunt function.
Sol-gel template synthesis and characterization of BaTiO3 and PbTiO3 nanotubes

In this communication, the synthesis and characterization of the first perovskite nanotubes made by sol−gel template synthesis is demonstrated. SEM shows that the structures formed are 200-nm outer diameter tubes with 50-μm lengths. TEM and electron diffraction reveal that the tubes are polycrystalline. In a comparison of the d-spacing between electron and bulk powder X-ray diffraction patterns, the crystalline phase of the nanotubes were assigned cubic for barium titatnate (BaTiO3) and tetragonal for lead titanate (PbTiO3).
Simpler, Faster, and More Robust T-Test Based Leakage Detection

The TVLA procedure using the t-test has become a popular leakage detection method. To protect against environmental fluctuation in laboratory measurements, we propose a paired t-test to improve the standard procedure. We take advantage of statistical matched-pairs design to remove the environmental noise effect in leakage detection. Higher order leakage detection is further improved with a moving average method. We compare the proposed test with standard t-test on synthetic data and physical measurements. Our results show that the proposed tests are robust to environmental noise.
Horn Upper Bounds and Renaming

Selman and Kautz proposed an approach to compute a Horn CNF approximation of CNF formulas. We extend this approach and propose a new algorithm for the Horn least upper bound that involves renaming variables. Although we provide negative results for the quality of approximation, experimental results for random CNF demonstrate that the proposed algorithm improves both computational efficiency and approximation quality. We observe an interesting behavior in the Horn approximation sizes and errors which we call the “Horn bump”: Maxima occur in an intermediate range of densities below the satisfiability threshold.
The neostriatal mosaic: multiple levels of compartmental organization.

Although schizophrenia may result from dysfunction of the cerebral cortex the possible indirect involvement of the basal ganglia may be important as this neural system provides a major neural system through which the cortex affects behavior. Processing of cortical input occurs within the striatum, which is the main component of the basal ganglia, where excitatory cortical imput is transformed to oppositely modulate the output nuclei of the basal ganglia. The details of this transformation, as well as the role of dopamine in this process, are beginning to unfold. Striatal projections to the globus pallidus, through connections with the subthalamic nucleus, modulate excitatory input to the output neurons of the basal ganglia, GABAergic neurons in the internal segment of the globus pallidus and in the substantia nigra, whereas striatal projections directly to these neurons, provide inhibitory inputs. Thus, cortically driven activity in these two striatal output pathways oppositely modulate the output neurons of the basal ganglia. Dopamine appears to play a crucial role in this transformation. D1 and D2 dopamine receptors are specifically expressed by striatonigral and striatopallidal neurons, respectively. The direct action of dopamine through these receptors appears to oppositely modulate the responsiveness of striatal output pathways to cortical input. Insights into the role of dopaminergic function within the basal ganglia may have direct relevance to the development of treatments for schizophrenia.
Oxidation State 10 Exists

In a recent paper, Wang et al. found an iridium-containing compound with a formal oxidation state of 9.[5] This is the highest oxidation state ever found in a stable compound. To learn if this is the highest chemical oxidation state possible, Kohn–Sham density functional theory was used to study various compounds, including PdO42+, PtO42+, PtO3F22+, PtO4OH+, PtO5, and PtO4SH+, in which the metal has an oxidation state of 10. It was found that PtO42+ has a metastable state that is kinetically stable with a barrier height for decomposition of 31 kcal mol−1 and a calculated lifetime of 0.9 years. All other compounds studied would readily decompose to lower oxidation states.
Effect of Primidone on Dentate Nucleus γ-Aminobutyric Acid Concentration in Patients With Essential Tremor.

Objectives It is not known whether current use of the medication primidone affects brain γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) concentrations. This is an important potential confound in studies of the pathophysiology of essential tremor (ET), one of the most common neurological diseases. We compared GABA concentrations in the dentate nucleus in 6 ET patients taking primidone versus 26 ET patients not taking primidone. Methods (1)H magnetic resonance spectroscopy was performed using a 3.0-T Siemens Tim Trio scanner. The MEGA-PRESS J-editing sequence was used for GABA detection in 2 cerebellar volumes of interest (left and right) that included the dentate nucleus. Results The right dentate GABA concentration was similar in the 2 groups (2.21 ± 0.46 [on primidone] vs 1.93 ± 0.39 [not on primidone], P = 0.15), as was the left dentate GABA concentration (1.61 ± 0.35 [on primidone] vs 1.67 ± 0.34 [not on primidone], P = 0.72). The daily primidone dose was not associated with either right or left dentate GABA concentrations (P = 0.89 and 0.76, respectively). Conclusions We did not find a difference in dentate GABA concentrations between 6 ET patients taking daily primidone and 26 ET patients not taking primidone. Furthermore, there was no association between daily primidone dose and dentate GABA concentration. These data suggest that it is not necessary to exclude ET patients on primidone from magnetic resonance spectroscopy studies of dentate GABA concentration, and if assessment of these concentrations was to be developed as a biomarker for ET, primidone usage would not confound interpretation of the results.
Respiratory infections and antimicrobial therapy.

Staphylococcal Infections PARADOXICALLY, although many antibiotics originally effective against staphylococci have been developed, serious staphylococcal infections are becoming increasingly common. Two major factors appear to be involved. First is the more frequent use of hospitals for care of patients with major illnesses and childbirth. The concentration in hospitals of the most susceptible elements in the population results in their being exposed to all of the prevalent pathogens but particularly to the ubiquitous Staphylococcus. Besides becoming infected themselves these patients may become carriers and transmit their staphylococci to members of the family. Almost all infants acquire such infections while in the hospital, and soon all members of the family become carriers, especially the mother. Second is the great ability of the staphylococci to develop tolerance to antibiotic agents to which they originally were susceptible. This is more of a problem with the Staphylococcus than with any other organism. First penicillin-resistant organisms emerged, and now, to a lesser degree in most instances, there
Tariff concessions in the Kennedy Round and the structure of protection in West Germany: An econometric assessment

Abstract Interindustry variation in reductions in nominal tariffs, effective tariffs and total (tariff and nontariff) protection in West Germany consequent on Kennedy Round concessions are analyzed and compared to a similar analysis of United States concessions. Although structural changes in alternative forms of protection appear quite different in the two countries, evidence suggests that both countries, while subscribing to freer trade, have continued to maintain a policy compatible primarily with the short-run interests of labor.
Comprehensive Protection of Genetic Information: One Size Privacy or Property Models May Not Fit All

There has been a recent increase in genetic rights legislation as states have begun to grapple with the question of what rights individuals have to their genetic information. Most states have enacted legislation regulating third party use of genetic information; however, the majority of these statutes mirror the federal Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act in that they only address health insurance companies and employers. Fifteen states have passed broader legislation that endows individuals with more comprehensive control over their genetic information. Of these states, five provide individuals with a property interest in their genetic data and ten grant a privacy interest. This article argues that the laws are so broadly written that they may become unworkable in practice and therefore will fail to adequately protect individuals and their genetic interests. State legislatures would benefit from a narrowly-tailored model law that addresses individuals’ concerns. Additionally, states should create regulations for areas such as newborn screening, paternity testing, and law enforcement biobanks to ensure full protection for individuals in all situations.
RELATIVISM AND NORMATIVE NONREALISM: BASING MORALITY ON RATIONALITY

Normative nonrealism denies (a) that some things are good or bad or right or wrong independently of facts about the attitudes of moral agents, and (b) that attitude-independent normative facts determine what is rational. An influential nonrealist approach to rationality comes from Richard Brandt's account of rationality in terms of “full information.” Using Brandt's account as illustrative, this paper identifies a serious problem for nonrealist normative theories based on theories of rationality. The paper argues that nonrealist accounts of rationality that oppose relativism cannot successfully handle the most serious threat from relativists: namely, a threat from a ‘Why care?’ open-question argument that stems from the question why one should care about being rational in a certain respect or sense. The paper identifies the bearing of ‘Why care?’ questions on the conflict between internalism and externalism regarding practical reasons. The main lesson is that ‘Why care?’ questions wreak havoc for nonrelativist nonrealist approaches to rationality and reason-based morality.
Interactive Voice Response-An Innovative Approach to Post-Stroke Depression Self-Management Support.

Automated interactive voice response (IVR) call systems can provide systematic monitoring and self-management support to depressed patients, but it is unknown if stroke patients are able and willing to engage in IVR interactions. We sought to assess the feasibility and acceptability of IVR as an adjunct to post-stroke depression follow-up care. The CarePartner program is a mobile health program designed to optimize depression self-management, facilitate social support from a caregiver, and strengthen connections between stroke survivors and primary care providers (PCPs). Ischemic stroke patients and an informal caregiver, if available, were recruited during the patient’s acute stroke hospitalization or follow-up appointment. The CarePartner program was activated in patients with depressive symptoms during their stroke hospitalization or follow-up. The 3-month intervention consisted of weekly IVR calls monitoring both depressive symptoms and medication adherence along with tailored suggestions for depressive symptom self-management. After each completed IVR call, informal caregivers were automatically updated, and, if needed, the subject’s PCP was notified. Of the 56 stroke patients who enrolled, depressive symptoms were identified in 13 (23 %) subjects. Subjects completed 74 % of the weekly IVR assessments. A total of six subjects did not complete the outcome assessment, including two non-study-related deaths. PCPs were notified five times, including two times for suicidal ideation and three times for medication non-adherence. Stroke patients with depressive symptoms were able to engage in an IVR call system. Future studies are needed to explore the efficacy of an IVR approach for post-stroke self-management and monitoring of stroke-related outcomes.
End-to-end optimization of nonlinear transform codes for perceptual quality

We introduce a general framework for end-to-end optimization of the rate-distortion performance of nonlinear transform codes assuming scalar quantization. The framework can be used to optimize any differentiable pair of analysis and synthesis transforms in combination with any differentiable perceptual metric. As an example, we consider a code built from a linear transform followed by a form of multi-dimensional local gain control. Distortion is measured with a state-of-the-art perceptual metric. When optimized over a large database of images, this representation offers substantial improvements in bitrate and perceptual appearance over fixed (DCT) codes, and over linear transform codes optimized for mean squared error.
Massive Computation for Understanding Core-Collapse Supernova Explosions

How do massive stars explode? Progress toward the answer is driven by increases in compute power. Petascale supercomputers are enabling detailed 3D simulations of core-collapse supernovae that are elucidating the role of fluid instabilities, turbulence, and magnetic field amplification in supernova engines.
Inhibition of Cytochrome P450 2B6 Activity by Voriconazole Profiled Using Efavirenz Disposition in Healthy Volunteers

Cytochrome P450 2B6 (CYP2B6) metabolizes clinically important drugs and other compounds. Its expression and activity vary widely among individuals, but quantitative estimation is hampered by the lack of safe and selective in vivo probes of CYP2B6 activity. Efavirenz, a nonnucleoside HIV-1 reverse transcriptase inhibitor, is mainly cleared by CYP2B6, an enzyme strongly inhibited in vitro by voriconazole. To test efavirenz metabolism as an in vivo probe of CYP2B6 activity, we quantified the inhibition of CYP2B6 activity by voriconazole in 61 healthy volunteers administered a single 100-mg oral dose of efavirenz with and without voriconazole administration. The kinetics of efavirenz metabolites demonstrated formation rate-limited elimination. Compared to control, voriconazole prolonged the elimination half-life (t1/2) and increased both the maximum concentration of drug in serum (Cmax) and the area under the concentration-time curve from 0 h to t (AUC0-t) of efavirenz (mean change of 51%, 36%, and 89%, respectively) (P 0.8; P < 0.0001). This study demonstrates the mechanisms of voriconazole-efavirenz interaction, establishes the use of a low dose of efavirenz as a safe and selective in vivo probe for phenotyping CYP2B6 activity, and identifies several easy-to-use indices that should enhance understanding of the mechanisms of CYP2B6 interindividual variability. (This study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under identifier NCT01104376.).