cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
VEECH GROUPS FOR HOLONOMY-FREE TORUS COVERS

For fixed coprime k, l ∈ ℕ and each pair (w, z) ∈ ℂ2 we define an infinite cyclic cover Σk,l(w, z) → &#x1d54b;, called a k-l-surface or k-l-cover. We show that classifies k-l-covers up to isomorphism away from a rather small set. The diagonal action of SL2(ℤ) on ℂ2 descends to , reflecting the SL2(ℤ)-action on the family of k-l-surfaces equipped with a translation structure. The moduli space of holonomy free k-l-surfaces is a compact SL2(ℤ) invariant subspace containing all k-l-surfaces with a lattice stabilizer with respect to the SL2(ℤ) action. We calculate the stabilizer, the Veech group, explicitly and represent k-l-covers branched over two points by a generalized class of staircase surfaces. Finally we study SL2(ℤ)-equivariant translation maps from the Hurwitz space of k-(d - k)-covers to Hurwitz spaces of ℤ/d-covers branched over two points.
Peroxidase as a model for reduction of tertiary amine oxides catalyzed by rat hepatic supernatant and microsomal fractions

Rat hepatic microsomal and 100,000 g supernatant fractions catalyzed an NADH- and FMN-dependent reduction of amine oxides. Horseradish peroxidase (HRP) served as a model for the amine oxide reductase located in rat hepatic 100,000 g supernatant fraction. The HRP-catalyzed reaction displayed saturation kinetics with respect to NADH and the amine oxide substrate; however, there was an optimum concentration for FMN after which inhibition was observed at increased concentrations of FMN. The reductase in the 100,000 g hepatic supernatant fraction closely paralleled HRP-catalyzed amine oxide reduction in coenzyme requirements, sensitivity to inhibitors, and substrate specificity. Moreover, the peroxidase activity of HRP and microsomal and 100,000 g supernatant fractions correlated with the NADH- and FMN-dependent amine oxide reductase activities of these enzyme preparations. The NADH- and FMN-dependent amine oxide reductase activity in 100,000 g supernatant fractions, however, did not parallel the aldehyde oxidase activity. Thus, the results indicate that there is an amine oxide reductase in rat hepatic 100,000 g supernatant fraction with catalytic properties that are modeled well by horseradish peroxidase.
What the classical aphasia categories can't do for us, and why.

Abstract A good deal of activity in contemporary aphasia research goes under the label “neurolinguistics.” What characterizes this enterprise is, among other things, its goal of identifying neurally realized computational subsystems that support language processing. In this essay the thesis is put forward that this goal will not be served by the continued exploitation of the classical (Wernicke-Lichtheim) taxonomic categories. These categories, it is argued, cannot by virtue of their “polytypic” structure support the relevant neurolinguistic generalizations.
Fast margin-based cost-sensitive classification

We present a novel classification algorithm for learning with test time budgets. In this setting, the goal is to reduce feature acquisition cost while maintaining classification accuracy. For every decision, our approach dynamically selects features based on previously observed information. Once a desired confidence of a decision is achieved, the acquisition stops and the test instance is classified. Our approach can be used in conjunction with many popular margin based classification algorithms. We use margin information from training data in the partial feature neighborhood of a test point to compute a probability of correct classification. This estimate is used to either select the next feature or to stop. We compare our algorithm to other cost-sensitive methods on real world datasets. The experiments demonstrate that our algorithm provides an accurate estimate of classification confidence and outperforms other approaches while being significantly more efficient in computation.
Vicarious reinforcement in rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta)

What happens to others profoundly influences our own behavior. Such other-regarding outcomes can drive observational learning, as well as motivate cooperation, charity, empathy, and even spite. Vicarious reinforcement may serve as one of the critical mechanisms mediating the influence of other-regarding outcomes on behavior and decision-making in groups. Here we show that rhesus macaques spontaneously derive vicarious reinforcement from observing rewards given to another monkey, and that this reinforcement can motivate them to subsequently deliver or withhold rewards from the other animal. We exploited Pavlovian and instrumental conditioning to associate rewards to self (M1) and/or rewards to another monkey (M2) with visual cues. M1s made more errors in the instrumental trials when cues predicted reward to M2 compared to when cues predicted reward to M1, but made even more errors when cues predicted reward to no one. In subsequent preference tests between pairs of conditioned cues, M1s preferred cues paired with reward to M2 over cues paired with reward to no one. By contrast, M1s preferred cues paired with reward to self over cues paired with reward to both monkeys simultaneously. Rates of attention to M2 strongly predicted the strength and valence of vicarious reinforcement. These patterns of behavior, which were absent in non-social control trials, are consistent with vicarious reinforcement based upon sensitivity to observed, or counterfactual, outcomes with respect to another individual. Vicarious reward may play a critical role in shaping cooperation and competition, as well as motivating observational learning and group coordination in rhesus macaques, much as it does in humans. We propose that vicarious reinforcement signals mediate these behaviors via homologous neural circuits involved in reinforcement learning and decision-making.
Hydromagnetic Emissions at the Geomagnetic Poles

MAGNETIC micro-pulsations of regular appearance in the frequency range 0.2–5 c/s have been studied intensively in recent years. Some of the very regular events show an envelope on an amplitude–time trace that resembles a string of pearls. They have been variously called pearls, Pc 1, hydromagnetic whistlers or hydromagnetic emissions. If these micropulsations are recorded on slowly moving magnetic tape and spectrally analysed with a ‘Sonagraph’ or ‘Rayspan’, using the speed-up technique, the emissions often display distinct structural elements. There are usually repeated series of individual emissions the frequencies of which appear to rise or fall rapidly with time as those shown in the frequency–amplitude–time displays (sonagrams) of Fig. 1.
INTERACTIONS OF THYROXINE AND THYROCALCITONIN IN THE RAT.

Studies of the level of plasma calcium, the hypocalcemic and bone resorptive responses to exogenous thyrocalcitonin (TCT), and the uptake of radiocalcium and radiostrontium by the skeleton and soft tissues were performed in intact and thyroparathyroidectomized rats following a single dose of 250 μg of l-thyroxine (acute T4) and after 9-21 days of administration of 125 μg of l-thyroxine 3 times a week (chronic T4). In acute T4 treated rats, the hypocalcemic effect of exogenous TCT was augmented, whereas, with chronic T4 treatment, a reduced effect of exogenous TCT was observed. The excretion of 85Sr derived from the prelabeled skeleton was reduced with both acute and chronic] T4 treatment, and exogenous TCT was normally effective in further reducing the excretion of 85Sr. Chronic treatment with T4 caused mild hypocalcemia, and significantly increased skeletal and soft tissue uptakes of 47Ca and 85Sr. These results in young rats are dissimilar to previous studies in humans and dogs in which the predominant ...
Upward Wealth Mobility: Exploring the Roman Catholic Advantage

Wealth inequality is among the most extreme forms of stratification in the United States, and upward wealth mobility is not common. Yet mobility is possible, and this paper takes advantage of trends among a unique group to explore the processes that generate mobility. I show that non-Hispanic whites raised in Roman Catholic families have been upwardly mobile in the wealth distribution in recent decades, and I find that unique fertility, marriage and education patterns contributed to this change. I also show that Catholic values related to work and money contributed to relatively high saving and portfolio behavior that facilitated mobility. The results provide important insight into the process by which childhood experiences shape adult well-being, particularly adult wealth ownership. The findings also contribute to understanding of social inequality by identifying important behaviors and processes that facilitate mobility.
MAGNIFICATION OF RESOLVING POWER OF COLLECTORS IN FREE FLOW ELECTROPHORESIS.

Abstract By means of expansion of the width of the flow channel, it is possible to augment the resolving power of a collecting system in continuous flow fractionations. The device is applicable to any method of continuous flow fractionation based on injection of the mixture as a narrow streak. The operation of the method is demonstrated in the case of serpentine channel electrophoresis.
Pixel-Aligned Warping for Multiprojector Tiled Displays

Multiprojector tiled displays offer a scalable path to high-resolution display systems, often in a large format. Such displays have been employed in a range of applications from scientific visualization to collaborative virtual environments. Images projected onto these systems have always looked less sharp than expected owing to the image warping required to achieve geometrical alignment of the partial images to form the seamless whole. Similar degradation of image quality accompanies keystone correction techniques and image warping onto nonplanar surfaces used in single projector applications. In this paper we discuss the underlying cause of the degradation of apparent image resolution, and we introduce a new class of warping techniques, called pixel-aligned warping, that tend to preserve image sharpness at the expense of strict adherence to underlying geometrical constraints that define the desired warp. We demonstrate how such techniques can be used to significantly improve the apparent sharpness of the final image.
Principles of Molecular Biology and Biomacromolecular Chemistry

Crucial events in biomineral formation—such as compartmentalization, supersaturation, precipitation, export of macromolecules, and cessation (Lowenstam and Weiner 1989)—require a “referee” who can control these events with precision and fidelity. This job falls to the cell, and in particular, a specialized cell, such as an osteoblast, odontoblast, mantle epithelium, or bacterium who has evolved or differentiated into a “molecular factory” that generates and controls the biomineralization process. Thus, to understand how biominerals form, we must first revisit basic concepts in biology that explain how cells function at the molecular level. This information will provide us with a basis for understanding subsequent chapters in this Review. To provide a basic understanding for the non-specialist, this chapter will focus on four topics. General Cell Architecture will introduce the basic components of a cell and their function. Molecular Manufacturing will describe the major biomineralization-related macromolecules and how they are created and exported for use in biomineral formation. Molecular Performance will present structural concepts of cell-generated macromolecules which function in the biomineralization process. Finally, in Molecular Manipulation, we will briefly review contemporary techniques in molecular biology and chemical synthesis that may be mentioned in other chapters of this Review. The reader should be aware that no single chapter or overview can cover all of the relevant information regarding cellular biology, molecular biology, and biochemistry, the three disciplines which outline not only the structure and function of cells and macromolecules, but also the biomineralization process itself. In fact, I would argue that it is difficult to condense decades of research and technology into a single chapter. Obviously, a lot will be left out in the process. For this reason, I strongly recommended that the reader consult basic college-level biochemistry, cell biology, and molecular biology textbooks to fill in the gaps with regard to knowledge, and/or …
IL-23 Is Required for Long-Term Control of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and B Cell Follicle Formation in the Infected Lung

IL-23 is required for the IL-17 response to infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, but is not required for the early control of bacterial growth. However, mice deficient for the p19 component of IL-23 (Il23a(-/-)) exhibit increased bacterial growth late in infection that is temporally associated with smaller B cell follicles in the lungs. Cxcl13 is required for B cell follicle formation and immunity during tuberculosis. The absence of IL-23 results in decreased expression of Cxcl13 within M. tuberculosis-induced lymphocyte follicles in the lungs, and this deficiency was associated with increased cuffing of T cells around the vessels in the lungs of these mice. Il23a(-/-) mice also poorly expressed IL-17A and IL-22 mRNA. These cytokines were able to induce Cxcl13 in mouse primary lung fibroblasts, suggesting that these cytokines are likely involved in B cell follicle formation. Indeed, IL-17RA-deficient mice generated smaller B cell follicles early in the response, whereas IL-22-deficient mice had smaller B cell follicles at an intermediate time postinfection; however, only Il23a(-/-) mice had a sustained deficiency in B cell follicle formation and reduced immunity. We propose that in the absence of IL-23, expression of long-term immunity to tuberculosis is compromised due to reduced expression of Cxcl13 in B cell follicles and reduced ability of T cells to migrate from the vessels and into the lesion. Further, although IL-17 and IL-22 can both contribute to Cxcl13 production and B cell follicle formation, it is IL-23 that is critical in this regard.
Critical Role of LuxS in the Virulence of Campylobacter jejuni in a Guinea Pig Model of Abortion

Previous studies on Campylobacter jejuni have demonstrated the role of LuxS in motility, cytolethal distending toxin production, agglutination, and intestinal colonization; however, its direct involvement in virulence has not been reported. In this study, we demonstrate a direct role of luxS in the virulence of C. jejuni in two different animal hosts. The IA3902 strain, a highly virulent sheep abortion strain recently described by our laboratory, along with its isogenic luxS mutant and luxS complement strains, was inoculated by the oral route into both a pregnant guinea pig virulence model and a chicken colonization model. In both cases, the IA3902 luxS mutant demonstrated a complete loss of ability to colonize the intestinal tract. In the pregnant model, the mutant also failed to induce abortion, while the wild-type strain was highly abortifacient. Genetic complementation of the luxS gene fully restored the virulent phenotype in both models. Interestingly, when the organism was inoculated into guinea pigs by the intraperitoneal route, no difference in virulence (abortion induction) was observed between the luxS mutant and the wild-type strain, suggesting that the defect in virulence following oral inoculation is likely associated with a defect in colonization and/or translocation of the organism out of the intestine. These studies provide the first direct evidence that LuxS plays an important role in the virulence of C. jejuni using an in vivo model of natural disease.
New prussian blue analogues constructed from the [Cr(CN)5NO3-] and [Cr(CN)64-] anions. A building block approach to high TN ferrimagnets

The synthesis and characterization of Prussian blue analogues derived from the pentacyanonitrosylchromate(I) and hexacyanochromate(II) ions are discussed. By addition of triflate salts of either Mn II or Cr II , occasionally in the presence of a cesium source, four new molecular magnets have been obtained: K0.5Mn(Cr(CN)5NO)0.83•4H2O•1.5MeOH (1), Cs0.5Cr(Cr(CN)5NO)0.83•2H2O•0.6MeOH (2), Cr(Cr(CN)5NO)0.5•2H2O- •1.8MeOH (3), and Cr(Cr(CN)6)0.5•3H2O (4). The powder XRD patterns for (1) and (4) can be indexed to face-centered cubic unit cells with a = 10.63(4) and 10.37(4) A,respectively. IR spectra are consistent with the view that the nitrosyl ligands in the pentacyanonitrosylchromate salts are bridging: the νNO stretching frequency is ca. 60-110 cm -1 higher than that of the potassium salt K3(Cr(CN)5NO). The compounds undergo spontaneous ferrimagnetic ordering at temperatures of 31, 89, 127, and 238 K, respectively, and they exhibit hysteretic behavior at 4.5 K with coercive fields of 8, 10, 11, and 330 G. For the solids containing chromium(II) centers, saturation magnetization and room temperature susceptibility measurements suggest that these centers are low-spin (S=1). Overall, the (Cr(CN)5NO 3- ) anion affords Prussian blue analogues with lower magnetic ordering temperatures than does the related (Cr(CN)6 3- ) anion; this probably reflects the lower symmetry of the pentacyanonitrosylchromate ion and the fact that it contains fewer unpaired electrons.
Proteomic analysis of ubiquitin ligase KEAP1 reveals associated proteins that inhibit NRF2 ubiquitination

Findings offer mechanistic insight into the broad cytoprotection afforded cancer cells that activate the NRF2 transcription factor, as a route to escape killing by cytotoxic therapeutic treatments.
Happy 20th birthday, AI EDAM

In 1997, in a farewell message in Volume 11, Issue 1, of AI EDAM I recounted how the journal came to be established in 1987 and how I became the Founding Editor. At that point I was handing over the reigns to a new Editor, Bill Birmingham. Five years later, Bill turned the enterprise over to our current Editor, Dave Brown. Now, a total of 20 years has passed. Twenty years, a goodly length of time in our current world. How have we done?
Bit matrix multiplication in commodity processors

Registers in processors generally contain words or, with the addition of multimedia extensions, short vectors of subwords of bytes or 16-bit elements. In this paper, we view the contents of registers as vectors or matrices of individual bits. However, the facility to operate efficiently on the bit-level is generally lacking. A commodity processor usually only has logical and shift instructions and occasionally population count instructions. Perhaps the most powerful primitive bit-level operation is the bit matrix multiply (BMM) instruction, currently found only in supercomputers like Cray. This instruction multiplies two ntimesn bit matrices. In this paper, we show the power of BMM. We propose and analyze new processor instructions that implement simpler BMM primitive operations more suitable for a commodity processor. We show the impact of BMM on the performance of critical application kernels and discuss its hardware cost.
Lack of nonspecific protection against all-cause nonrotavirus gastroenteritis by vaccination with orally administered rotavirus vaccine.

OBJECTIVES: Acute gastroenteritis (AGE) is recognized as a global, common threat to child survival, especially in developing countries. Rotavirus, in particular, has been implicated as a leading cause of severe AGE; however, there are numerous other pathogens that also cause AGE. Several studies have demonstrated that oral vaccination against rotavirus has generated the unanticipated benefit of protecting against AGE caused by nonrotavirus pathogens. METHODS: Safety and efficacy of the pentavalent bovine-human reassortant rotavirus vaccine were studied in multiple populations, including children of the Navajo and White Mountain Apache tribes in the southwestern United States. Stool specimens were collected from children with AGE and tested for rotavirus using an enzyme immunoassay. Analyses were conducted to detect the presence or absence of a vaccine effect on incidence, severity, and duration of AGE in which rotavirus was not detected. RESULTS: The majority of AGE (N = 558: 472 nonrotavirus vs 86 rotavirus) occurred between August 2002 and March 2004 among children ranging from ages 4 to 23 months. The incidence of nonrotavirus AGE was similar by vaccine groups with an incidence rate ratio of 1.07 (incidence rate ratio = vaccinated/unvaccinated, 95% confidence interval 0.89-1.29). The hazards of first, second, third, or any AGE in which rotavirus was not detected differed little by vaccination status (P > 0.05). Duration of symptoms and severity of nonrotavirus AGE were similar by vaccine group. CONCLUSIONS: There was no vaccine effect on frequency or severity of nonrotavirus AGE.
Cellulase Activity of Poronia Oedipus

Cellulolytic enzymes are produced by Poronia oedipus grown on soluble and insoluble forms of cellulose. Cellulase production is negligible when the organism is grown in the presence of glucose. Opt...
Epidemiology of Bacteriuria and Its Relation to Pyelonephritis

Bacterial infections of the urinary tract include many clinical entities described variously as asymptomatic bacteriuria, cystitis, pyelitis, and acute and chronic pyelonephritis. Any patient may have infection of the kidney or suffer from its sequelae, depending upon the natural history of recurrent or persistent infection. Unlike many other disease states in which the course is highly predictable, pyelonephritis is more likely to be a process of a series of infections, some of which may have a distinct effect on the kidney itself. Of all diseases, pyelonephritis perhaps requires more careful definition by delineation of natural history over time.
Radiographic feasibility study of cortical bone trajectory and traditional pedicle screw dual trajectories

OBJECTIVE In 2009, Santoni and colleagues described a novel technique of posterior instrumentation; the cortical bone trajectory (CBT) was described as a caudocephalad and medial-to-lateral trajectory. Reported indications for CBT fixation include patients with osteoporosis, single-level degenerative disease, or adjacent-segment disease (ASD). In cases of revision surgery, it is technically possible and beneficial to place a traditional pedicle screw and a CBT screw at the same spinal level and side. It remains unclear as to the feasibility of placing both a traditional and a CBT screw at all levels of the lumbar spine and with varying trajectories of the preexisting traditional pedicle screws. Therefore, the authors conducted a study to radiographically assess the feasibility of using CBT and traditional pedicle screws at the same level in a large patient population. METHODS Using a 3D Spine Navigation WorkStation, the authors assessed 47 lumbar spine CT scans. These images were obtained from 2 disparate groups of patients: those who had previously undergone traditional pedicle instrumentation (prior surgery group) and those who had not (no prior surgery group). The authors virtually placed traditional pedicle and CBT screws at each lumbar level bilaterally. It was then determined if the dual trajectories were feasible, as defined by the presence or absence of a collision of the screw trajectories based on 3D imaging. RESULTS Overall, the authors evaluated 47 patients and were able to successfully plan dual trajectories in 50% of the pedicles. The no prior surgery group, compared with the prior surgery group, had a significantly greater success rate for dual trajectories. This difference was most significant in the lower lumbar levels (L3-5) where the prior instrumented group had success rates lower than 40% compared with the no prior surgery group's success rate, which was greater than 70%. There was a significant difference between each lumbar level in the lower spine. CONCLUSIONS There is a significant difference in the feasibility of planning CBT screws in patients who have undergone prior pedicle instrumentation compared with placing CBT and traditional pedicle screws simultaneously, but dual trajectory pedicle screws are a feasible option for posterior lumbar spinal instrumentation, especially as a de novo option in osteoporotic patients or in patients with ASD who underwent previous pedicle instrumentation. Ultimately, the practical clinical utility and biomechanical effects on the spine and instrumentation construct would require additional study.
Unsteady Turbulent Flows

The problem of turbulence is certainly one of the well-known “unsolved” problems in mechanics. It has challenged some of the most respected scientists of our times. New physical concepts have thus been invented, and the efforts to understand the problems stimulated the development of elegant stochastic theories. However, such methods are far from producing meaningful engineering results for practical problems. The designer still relies on heuristic phenomenological models that may appear almost arbitrary to the rigorous analyst. It is within this framework that we introduce here one more dimension in the problem that further increases its complexity: time dependence.
Load history and sequence effects on cyclic deformation and fatigue behavior of a thermoplastic polymer

Abstract The effect of load history and sequence on the cyclic deformation and fatigue behavior of polyether ether ketone (PEEK) thermoplastic was experimentally investigated. Various uniaxial strain-controlled multi-block fatigue tests were conducted, including (1) fully-reversed (Re = −1) two-, three- and four-block loadings with adjusted frequency to maintain a nominal temperature rise on the specimen gage surface, (2) fully-reversed two-block loading to study the frequency effect, and (3) pulsating tension (Re = 0) two-block loading to investigate the combine effect of pre-loading and mean stress/strain on cyclic deformation and fatigue behavior. For all fatigue tests under fully-reversed (Re = −1) multi-block loading, cyclic stability of PEEK specimens was achieved at approximately the same reversal and with similar stress amplitudes as those without pre-loading under identical test conditions. Additionally, for tests with Re = −1, pre-loading was found to have a significant beneficial effect on PEEK fatigue resistance, irrespective of the load sequence (i.e. high-low or low-high). However, no obvious load history and sequence effect on fatigue behavior of PEEK was observed for pulsating tension (Re = 0) block loading tests. Experimental results also revealed that increasing test frequency generally leads to higher fatigue lives.
Effects of photovoltaic systems on power quality

Renewable Energy Resources (RER) are growing steadily and they are projected to supply all the electricity demand in the future. Currently, wind and solar energy resources have the highest rates of growth, and specifically in the recent years, solar energy has been number one in growth rate among all types of renewable resources. However, dealing with the solar energy's intermittent nature is the main challenge of its utilization. Fluctuations of received solar irradiance can cause significant variations to the output of Photovoltaic (PV) systems. Those output variations can also affect voltage and current at the Point of Common Coupling (PCC) and consequently, power quality of the system. In this work, fluctuations of a PV system due to a cloud shadow are simulated and their effects on Total Harmonic Distortion (THD), and Individual Harmonic Distortion (IHD) during the period in which the cloud shadow passes over the PV system are studied. Simulations results show that decrease in received irradiance caused by the cloud shadow can significantly impact the current THD of the system. Moreover, the effect of the impedance between the utility grid and the PCC on voltage THD is assessed.
Simplification of Meinong’s Ontology and Epistemology

Meinong’s theories of knowledge and ontology are, at first, second, and third sight, a very complicated subject matter. The Meinongian Universe is a vast and divers one. But in agreement with the mature Meinong, especially the Meinong who had familiarized himself with the new developments in mathematics, especially geometrical axiomatic systems, and logic, this universe can be significantly streamlined1. That will be done in the following. But nothing can be discussed concerning his value theory and theory of valuation (Werthaltung) without at least explaining his theory of knowledge or theory of presentation and his corresponding ontology before streamlining it. A clarification concerning the term “valuation” is appropriate. It is not very precise. It means the presentation of a negative or positive value by a feeling, it also means the attribution of a positive or negative value to an object2.
Oxidation by Remote Functionalization Methods

‘Oxidation’ is not a well-defined concept in organic chemistry. It hardly ever involves simply the removal of electrons, and when covalent bonds are being made and broken some arbitrary choices must be made. When a CH bond is converted to a COH bond, we say that the CH bond has been ox- idized. Similarly, the conversion of ethane to ethylene is generally considered to be an oxidation, and hydrogenation of an alkene is generally considered a reduction. However, if these conversions are indirect we must specify in which step the oxidation or reduction occurred.
Creating a Growth Portfolio

This technical note is the fourth in a series focusing on business growth. It addresses how to create a diversified Growth Portfolio based on the Learning Launch experiments. The note covers how growth requires several key elements—the right individuals and organizational mindsets, the right internal enabling system, and the right processes, which include experimental learning and creating and managing Growth Portfolios. Excerpt UVA-S-0199 Rev. Mar. 15, 2012 Creating a Growth Portfolio Creating a portfolio of growth initiatives (Growth Portfolio) is a critical process in the quest for growth. This technical note is the fourth in a series focusing on business growth. The first, “Growth Is the Dynamic Confluence of Strategy, Entrepreneurship, and Values,” examined what we know about business growth and challenged the commonly held beliefs about growth and introduced Smart Growth, a new research-based growth model. The second technical note, “Growth Is Much More Than Just a Strategy: It's a System,” focused on the necessity of aligning strategy, culture, structure, HR policies and processes, leadership behaviors, and measurements and rewards to enable and promote growth behaviors and processes within an organization. The third technical note, “Learning Launches: Doing Growth Experiments,” outlined a key growth process. This technical note, the final in this series, addresses how to create a diversified Growth Portfolio based on the Learning Launch experiments. Growth requires several key elements—the right individuals and organizational mindsets, the right internal enabling System, and the right processes, which include experimental learning and creating and managing Growth Portfolios. The Truth . . .
Exploiting and engineering hemoproteins for abiological carbene and nitrene transfer reactions.

The surge in reports of heme-dependent proteins as catalysts for abiotic, synthetically valuable carbene and nitrene transfer reactions dramatically illustrates the evolvability of the protein world and our nascent ability to exploit that for new enzyme chemistry. We highlight the latest additions to the hemoprotein-catalyzed reaction repertoire (including carbene Si–H and C–H insertions, Doyle–Kirmse reactions, aldehyde olefinations, azide-to-aldehyde conversions, and intermolecular nitrene C–H insertion) and show how different hemoprotein scaffolds offer varied reactivity and selectivity. Preparative-scale syntheses of pharmaceutically relevant compounds accomplished with these new catalysts are beginning to demonstrate their biotechnological relevance. Insights into the determinants of enzyme lifetime and product yield are providing generalizable cues for engineering heme-dependent proteins to further broaden the scope and utility of these non-natural activities.
Oil, Hard Power and U.S. Hegemony

In late 2014 and early 2015, the United States dramatically increased its presence in the oil market. This tremendous increase in production, which placed the United States ahead of every OPEC country besides Saudi Arabia, caused a global change in supply and demand that dropped the price of crude oil to $58 per barrel. This translated to an average gasoline price of $2.55 per gallon nationally on Dec. 15, 2014. The price drop reverberated throughout the global economy, affecting countries from Malaysia to Norway. In Venezuela, for example, it is estimated that a one dollar drop in the price of oil will cost the country approximately $770 million in annual revenue. The United States’ decision to act influenced the entire world, and this is no surprise – economic control is just one of the many facets of hard power and hegemony.
Hydrophobic Solvation of Gases (CO2, CH4, H2, Noble Gases) in Clay Interlayer Nanopores

In the past few years, experimental studies have shown that CO2 is roughly 5 times more soluble in water-saturated clay interlayer water than in bulk liquid water. The fundamental basis of this selectivity remains unknown, as does its relevance to other gases. Here, we use molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and gravimetric adsorption experiments to determine the solubilities of CO2, CH4, H2, and noble gases in clay interlayer water. Our results confirm that clay minerals, despite their well-known hygroscopic nature, have a significant hydrophobic character at the atomistic scale. The affinity of dissolved gases for the clay surface shows significant variations related to the size and shape of the adsorbing molecules and the structuring of interfacial water by clay surfaces. Our results indicate that dissolved gases likely do not behave as inert tracers in fine-grained sedimentary rocks such as shale and mudstone, as routinely assumed in groundwater hydrology studies. Our results have implications for the...
Glyburide and retinoic acid synergize to promote wound healing by anti-inflammation and RIP140 degradation

Chronic inflammation underlies the development of metabolic diseases and individuals with metabolic disease often also suffer from delayed wound healing due to prolonged inflammation. Resolving inflammation provides a therapeutic strategy in treating metabolic diseases. We previously showed that during an anti-inflammatory response when macrophages were alternatively (M2) polarized, retinoic acid (RA) dramatically activated arginase 1 gene (Arg1), a gene crucial for wound healing. Here we report that a widely used sulfonylurea drug for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), glyburide, enhances the anti-inflammatory response and synergizes with RA to promote wound healing. Our data also delineate the mechanism underlying glyburide's anti-inflammatory effect, which is to stimulate the degradation of a pro-inflammatory regulator, Receptor Interacting Protein 140 (RIP140), by activating Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CamKII) that triggers specific ubiquitination of RIP140 for degradation. By stimulating RIP140 degradation, glyburide enhances M2 polarization and anti-inflammation. Using a high-fat diet induced obesity mouse model to monitor wound healing effects, we provide a proof-of-concept for a therapeutic strategy that combining glyburide and RA can significantly improve wound healing. Mechanistically, this study uncovers a new mechanism of action of glyburide and a new pathway modulating RIP140 protein degradation that is mediated by CamKII signaling.
Kirtan Kriya Meditation: A Promising Technique for Enhancing Cognition in Memory-Impaired Older Adults

This chapter reviews some of the predictors and markers for Alzheimer’s, focusing on stress for the breadth of its impact and because it is an amenable target for treatment. We then describe a low cost and easy to learn meditation technique, Kirtan Kriya, that can not only lower stress, but preliminary evidence suggests it also increases cognitive ability among those with incipient Alzheimer’s Disease.
Allopurinol-induced nephrotoxicity : protection by the antioxidant, butylated hydroxytoluene

The present study was conducted to provide morphological evidence for allopurinol-induced nephrotoxicity in rats and its prevention by the antioxidant butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). The kidneys of male Sprague Dawley rats fed a diet containing 0.3% allopurinol for 25 days exhibited a marked increase in the weight (2.5 times) as compared to the controls (without allopurinol). Upon microscopic examination, extensive tubulo-interstitial injury leading to structural damage was observed. Feeding BHT (0.4%) along with 0.3% allopurinol brought about a remarkable amelioration of the nephrotoxicity. The results indicate that usage of BHT along with the antiurecemic drug, allopurinol, may be helpful in improving the allopurinol-induced nephrotoxicity observed in some gout patients.
Diffusion and Permeation of Hydrogen Isotopes in Fusion Reactors: a Survey

Conceptual designs of fusion reactors indicate that efficient containment and recovery of tritium are essential to the economics and safety of the system. The various problems associated with tritium containment and recovery are illustrated by considering a specific reactor design, and the candidate materials and estimated operating conditions are identified. The principal thermodynamic and kinetic relations for hydrogen solubility, diffusivity, and permeability are summarized, and the available experimental data for the candidate materials are surveyed. On the basis of this survey, the need for additional data is outlined.
A MICROPROCESSOR STEPPING-MOTOR CONTROLLER

A new concept for digital computer control of multiple stepping motors which operate in a severe electromagnetic pulse environment is presented. The motors position mirrors in the beam-alignment system of a 100-kJ CO2 laser. An asynchronous communications channel of a computer is used to send coded messages, containing the motor address and stepping-command information, to the stepping-motor controller in a bit serial format over a fiber-optics communications link. The addressed controller responds by transmitting to the computer its address and other motor information, thus confirming the received message. Each controller is capable of controlling three stepping motors. The controller contains the fiber-optics interface, a microprocessor, and the stepping-motor driver circuits. The microprocessor program, which resides in an EPROM, decodes the received messages, transmits responses, performs the stepping-motor sequence logic, maintains motor-position information, and monitors the motor's reference switch. For multiple stepping-motor application, the controllers are connected in a daisy chain providing control of many motors from one asynchronous communications channel of the computer.
Postoperative Radiographic Evaluation Following Adult Spine Deformity Correction: The Impact on Subsequent Management and Associated Risk of Radiation Exposure.

Abstract Background During the follow-up visits after Adult Spine Deformity (ASD) surgery, obtaining surveillance radiographs is a usual practice, and this study tried to identify evidence to support or refute such practice. Methods This is a retrospective, diagnostic case series (Level IV) of 49 patients. We identified the abnormal radiographic findings and their association with need for revision surgery. We determined the odds of obtaining an abnormal radiographs that lead to revision surgery at each of the given time intervals of follow-up. We also estimated the risk versus benefit of obtaining radiographs at each of the given time intervals of follow-up. Results We identified a total of 11 individual types of abnormal postoperative radiographic findings. Of them, the two radiographic findings that always needed revision surgery because of the associated clinical presentation were pedicle screw pullout and bilateral rod fracture. One abnormal radiographic finding that was never associated with revision surgery was the halo around a pedicle screw. In each of the given postoperative time intervals of follow-up at which the routine radiographs were obtained, we noted that the odds of noticing abnormal radiographic finding that lead to revision surgery was always >1. We found that the cumulative hazard rate for exposure to radiation was significantly higher during the initial follow-up visits when compared to subsequent follow-up visits. Conclusion This study finds evidence to support the practice of routine postoperative radiographic evaluation of patients who come for follow-up after ASD surgery.
CO Displacement in an Oxidative Addition of Primary Silanes to Rhodium(I).

The rhodium dicarbonyl {PhB(OxMe2)2ImMes}Rh(CO)2 (1) and primary silanes react by oxidative addition of a nonpolar Si–H bond and, uniquely, a thermal dissociation of CO. These reactions are reversible, and kinetic measurements model the approach to equilibrium. Thus, 1 and RSiH3 react by oxidative addition at room temperature in the dark, even in CO-saturated solutions. The oxidative addition reaction is first-order in both 1 and RSiH3, with rate constants for oxidative addition of PhSiH3 and PhSiD3 revealing kH/kD ∼ 1. The reverse reaction, reductive elimination of Si–H from {PhB(OxMe2)2ImMes}RhH(SiH2R)CO (2), is also first-order in [2] and depends on [CO]. The equilibrium concentrations, determined over a 30 °C temperature range, provide ΔH° = −5.5 ± 0.2 kcal/mol and ΔS° = −16 ± 1 cal·mol–1K–1 (for 1 ⇄ 2). The rate laws and activation parameters for oxidative addition (ΔH⧧ = 11 ± 1 kcal·mol–1 and ΔS⧧ = −26 ± 3 cal·mol–1·K–1) and reductive elimination (ΔH⧧ = 17 ± 1 kcal·mol–1 and ΔS⧧ = −10 ± 3 cal·mol–1K...
Crashing eclamptic patient and a resulting peri-mortem C-section.

Abstract Background Cardiac arrest in pregnancy is high acuity, low occurrence event. It involves the coordination of multiple teams to take care of ultimately two patients. This is further compounded by physiology that is frequently unfamiliar to the providers taking care of the patient. Case report This case report will detail sudden onset eclampsia in a patient whose condition deteriorated rapidly into cardiac arrest. It will delve into the complexities of managing this complex disease process and how the multi-disciplinary team quickly integrated to manage both the mother and the baby. Why should the emergency physician be aware of this?: Cardiac arrest in pregnancy is an incredibly difficult situation due to both the physiological differences in the pregnant woman and the emotional factors on the treating providers (1). Due to its rarity, the pregnant cardiac arrest situation should be frequently reviewed to ensure appropriate care when the time arrives. The per-mortem c-section for a woman in cardiac arrest is a critical resuscitation technique that must be understood by providers who take care of critically ill patients ranging from emergency medicine to obstetrics and gynecology (Ob/Gyn) clinicians.
Assessment of Midline Lingual Point-Pressure Somatosensation Using Von Frey Hair Monofilaments

Detection and discrimination threshold estimates for oral point pressure are assessed using Von Frey Hair monofilaments. Consistent with previously published protocols, threshold estimates are determined using a two-interval forced choice (2-IFC) paradigm with a three down/one up approach. Detection threshold estimates determine the mean force in which a participant can identify the presence of pressure. During the detection threshold procedure, the participant is instructed to choose which of two sequentially presented observation intervals contained the tactile test stimulus. If the participant performs three correct detections in a row (i.e., 3 'hits'), the researcher decreases the stimulus to the next lower target force level. With one incorrect detection (a 'miss'), the researcher increases the force delivered to the next higher level. This threshold estimation approach is known as a 3-down/1-up adaptive staircase. Reponses are recorded on a paper ballot, and a participant's estimated threshold is defined as the geometric mean of five reversals. During the discrimination threshold procedure, the participant is asked to make a choice between two serially presented stimuli as to which is the "harder" or "stronger" pressure. The same scoring of 'hits', 'misses', and stopping points are used. Detection and discrimination testing for oral point pressure at tongue midline takes approximately 20 min to complete. Using these commercially-available clinical tools, individual touch sensation profiles for the midline tongue can be achieved in a relatively time and cost effective means.
22 – Microsatellite protocols

Publisher Summary New techniques are permitting molecular biologists and geneticists to systematically evaluate and compare large areas of the human genome. Much of this analysis is based on the PCR amplification of microsatellites. This chapter explores the microsatellite protocols. Microsatellites have been particularly useful for comparative genetics and genomic mapping as their first description because of several fortuitous characteristics, such as first, microsatellite sequences show a high degree of length polymorphism. Human subjects average >70% heterozygosity at individual microsatellites. Second, microsatellite sequences are abundant and evenly distributed throughout the genome. Microsatellite analysis is becoming instrumental in gene discovery. The detailed allelotyping provided by microsatellites has enabled geneticists to localize familial disease genes by linkage analysis. Microsatellite analysis has been instrumental in the discovery of tumor suppressor genes deleted in malignant tumor cells. Tumor suppressor genes are usually inactivated by deletion of one allele and point mutation of the other allele. Progressive discovery of new microsatellite sequences and their markers has enabled the development of a comprehensive map of the human genome. Over 5000 microsatellites have been utilized in this endeavor as of 1996, and the number of microsatellite markers identified has increased 10-fold duting the past 5 years, permitting finer resolution of the genetic mapping. The chapter discusses the protocols of microsatellites and also provides troubleshooting for modification of these protocols. In addition, the chapter also provides interpretation of microsatellite analysis.
Subjective Versus Objective Assessment of Cognitive Functioning in Primary Care.

Purpose: This study examined the clinical utility of highly efficient subjective and objective screens of cognitive impairment. Method: Participants (N = 124, age ≥ 65, mean = 73.59, SD = 6.26) completed a 2-item questionnaire of subjective memory functioning, a brief computerized cognitive test, and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Next, participants were assigned to 1 of 4 conditions, based on their subjective (low/high) and objective (impaired/unimpaired) levels of cognitive functioning. Further analysis divided the sample into age-based groups (ie, age Results: The proportion of participants in the impaired subsample (ie, MoCA Conclusion: Screening protocols in which cognitive testing is administered subsequent to patient complaint are prone to underdiagnosis. In addition, common dementia screens are insensitive to subjective deficits and healthy cognitive aging. Therefore, they may lead to dismissing valid concerns that deserve preventive attention. Primary care needs efficient screening tools that are sensitive to prodromal decline.
Beneficial reuse of treated municipal wastewater and flue gas carbon dioxide via combined ion exchange

Abstract Combined ion exchange (CIX) treatment of wastewater effluent and ion-exchange regeneration using flue gas carbon dioxide (CO2) was investigated as a way of beneficially joining the water and energy sectors. CIX treatment removed calcium, magnesium, sulfate, nitrate, phosphate, and dissolved organic carbon from wastewater effluent. Regeneration of CIX using sodium chloride, sodium bicarbonate, hydrochloric acid, and CO2 was investigated. Carbon dioxide had a lower regeneration efficiency compared with the other regeneration solutions. Alternative CO2 regeneration conditions were evaluated to gain insight on the effects of increased gas pressure, increased contact time, and increased rate of CO2 dissolution on regeneration efficiency.