cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dynamic synapses in the cortex.

Synapses are the specialized connections that allow signals to propagate from one nerve cell to the next. Their privileged position gives them a unique role in neural computation. Synapses are not merely passive relays that faithfully transmit the signal they receive. They are, rather, gatekeepers that actively govern and modulate the flow of information in neuronal circuits. It is the precise pattern of synaptic connectivity and the variable strengths of the individual connections that endow a neural circuit with the capacity to perform specific computations. Synapses are dynamic: they exhibit use-dependent changes in efficacy on timescales ranging from milliseconds to days, weeks, or longer. Many varieties of short-term synaptic plasticity have been described (reviewed by9, 17 and 6), but synapses are often studied under conditions specifically designed to minimize the effect of such plasticity. Thus, we know comparatively little about the functional consequences of short-term plasticity at central synapses. Recent papers by two groups (1, 16, 11 and 15) are beginning to address this question by investigating the synaptic responses to more behaviorally relevant neural stimuli. Their results may have important consequences for our understanding of neural coding in the central nervous system.
Advocate development in the field of developmental disabilities: a data-based conceptual model.

We proposed a taxonomy of advocate development in the field of developmental disabilities detived from the systematic evaluation of a Partnets in Policymaking program. Three developmental stages evolved: beginner, in­ volved, and activist. Self-reports of advocacy actions and outcomes were col­ lected from 3 participants with disabilities and 21 parents before and during training. A follow-up, semi-structured telephone interview was conducted 5 months after training ended. Results indicate significant improvements in the number of actions and outcomes reported by all participants. The activist group had the largest gains in actions and outcomes; they reported twice as many outcomes as did the othet participants. The implications of the proposed taxon­ omy for participants' recruitment in advocacy training programs were discussed.
IL‐12‐ and IL‐2‐induced tumor regression in a new murine model of oral squamous‐cell carcinoma is promoted by expression of the CD80 co‐stimulatory molecule and interferon‐γ

Therapy with IL-12 or IL-2 induces tumor regression in only a few patients with head-and-neck squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and the factors promoting responsiveness have not been well defined. In this study, we examined whether combined IL-12 and IL-2 therapy can induce tumor regression in a new murine model of oral SCC and determined if the anti-tumor response is promoted by expression of the immune co-stimulatory molecule CD80 and cytokine IFN-γ. In CD80-positive or -negative subclones of a BALB/c oral SCC line in syngeneic mice, we showed that systemic rIL-12 alone was comparable in effectiveness to combined therapy with IL-12 and peri-tumoral rIL-2, inducing complete regression of the CD80+ line B7E11-4scid. However, therapy with these cytokines had no effect on growth of the CD80– subclone B7E3-4scid and did not induce complete regression of the CD80+ subclone B7E11-4scid in congenic BALB/c IFN-γ knockout mice, indicating that expression of the CD80 co-stimulatory molecule and IFN-γ contributes to tumor regression. In cytokine-treated mice that rejected the CD80+ SCC line, an increase in infiltrating CD4+ lymphocytes and apoptotic bodies within the tumor specimens was observed, and resistance to rechallenge with the same tumor was detected in 50% of recipients, consistent with an immune response. Our results provide evidence that regression of oral head-and-neck SCC may be induced by therapy with systemic IL-12 and that expression of the CD80 co-stimulatory molecule by SCC and IFN-γ by the host promote IL-12 induced regression of SCC. Int. J. Cancer 86:368–374, 2000. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Error Correction Code Performance on HF, Troposcatter, and Satellite Channels

Four forward error correction techniques are examined and their performance compared on several real channels. Techniques of both adaptive and nonadaptive block and convolutional coding are examined. The Golay code is considered in a randomerror correcting mode and in an adaptive burst-random modes. Both versions employ interleaving as an added error correction aid. The adaptive convolutional code is a diffuse threshold-decoded Gallager code requiring a variable guard space, while the nonadaptive is a Massey code. The codes are commonly used rate 1/2 codes. The codes are evaluated and compared on three channels: a transcontinental HF 4800 bit/s channel between San Diego, Calif., and Bedford, Mass.; a mixed wireline microwave troposcatter 2400 bit/s channel dominated by a 583-mi troposcatter hop; and a 2400 bit/s satellite communications circuit from Ascension Island to Andover, Me., with wireline transmission from Andover, Me., to Greenbelt, Md. All three channels exhibit burst errors with the error rate decreasing and the burst error density increasing in the order in which channels were identified. The adaptive codes are shown to perform better than nonadaptive codes, although the difference is less significant for convolutional codes. Furthermore, the convolutional codes give better performance than nonconcatenated block codes.
Semicarbazide-sensitive amine oxidase in aortic smooth muscle cells mediates synthesis of a methylglyoxal-AGE: implications for vascular complications in diabetes.

Abstract Semicarbazide-sensitive amine oxidase (SSAO) catalyzes formation of methylglyoxal (MG) from aminoacetone; MG then reacts with proteins to form advanced glycation end products or AGEs. Because of its potential to generate MG, SSAO may contribute to AGE-associated vascular complications of aging and diabetes. We developed a method to measure SSAO activity in bovine aortic smooth muscle cells (BASMC) based on the oxidation of 2 ′ ,7 ′ -dichlorofluorescin by hydrogen peroxide and horseradish peroxidase. The SSAO activity was completely inhibited by 10 mM semicarbazide. Argpyrimidine is a readily detectable fluorescent product of the reaction between MG and arginine. Cell lysates incubated with aminoacetone formed argpyrimidine in a reaction that was inhibited by 20 mM semicarbazide. Immunostaining of tissue sections showed that aminoacetone-treated rats (normal as well as diabetic) formed more argpyrimidine in aortic smooth muscle than untreated controls. We believe that SSAO can enhance AGE synthesis in the macrovasculature of diabetic individuals by production of MG.
Autonomous mobile robot navigation and learning

Research focused on the development and experimental validation of intelligent control techniques for autonomous mobile robots able to plan and perform a variety of assigned tasks in unstructured environments is presented. In particular, an autonomous mobile robot, HERMIES-IIB intelligence experiment series, is described. It is a self-powered, wheel-driven platform containing an onboard 16-node Ncube hypercube parallel processor interfaced to effectors and sensors through a VME-based system containing a Motorola 68020 processor, a phased sonar array, dual manipulator arms, and multiple cameras. Research on navigation and learning is examined. >
The future—can we learn from the past?

Abstract We know that the current problems of resistance among bacterial pathogens to commonly prescribed antibiotics is, in part, attributable to inappropriate prescribing. If we are to rectify matters, we must learn from past mistakes and take appropriate measures to ensure that community-acquired infections do not become as untreatable as certain nosocomial infections are now. This means that we must be able to predict efficacy out-comes better so that we can make more effective use of available antibiotics. Animal studies suggest that the duration of time that an antibiotic exceeds the MIC of the causative pathogen (i.e., at least 40 to 50% of the dosing interval) is a good prognostic indicator for the efficacy of beta-lactam antibiotics. Clinical studies are now being published that confirm the value of time above MIC. Use of this information should enhance efficacy and may delay the pace of developing antibiotic resistance, allowing time for new antimicrobial agents to be researched and brought to market.
Age Differences in Future Orientation and Delay Discounting

Age differences in future orientation are examined in a sample of 935 individuals between 10 and 30 years using a delay discounting task as well as a new self-report measure. Younger adolescents consistently demonstrate a weaker orientation to the future than do individuals aged 16 and older, as reflected in their greater willingness to accept a smaller reward delivered sooner than a larger one that is delayed, and in their characterizations of themselves as less concerned about the future and less likely to anticipate the consequences of their decisions. Planning ahead, in contrast, continues to develop into young adulthood. Future studies should distinguish between future orientation and impulse control, which may have different neural underpinnings and follow different developmental timetables.
Efectos de la Extracción de Maderas sobre la Diversidad de Mamiferos Pequeños en Bosques de Tierras Bajas de la Guayana Venezolana1

Abstract The responses of small mammal communities to forest disturbance by logging were evaluated. The study area was located in the Imataca Forest Reserve (Venezuelan Guayana Region), where vegetation was predominantly lowland rain forest. Field analyses were based on a comparative inventory of species inhabiting primary forests and areas disturbed by selective logging. The taxonomic groups used as indicators of the ecological impact of logging belonged to the orders Didelphimorphia, Chiroptera, and Rodentia (families Sciuridae, Muridae, and Echimyidae). The following sampling methods were used: (1) mist nets; (2) traps in 2.4 ha grids (each with 120 stations: 60 at ground level and 60 in trees); and (3) diurnal and nocturnal sight surveys. Total sampling effort consisted of 1904 net-hours, 10,320 trap-nights, and 567 h of direct observations. At least 83 mammalian species inhabited the evaluated forests (74.7 percent corresponding to Chiroptera), of which 15.3 percent were restricted to primary forest....
The Functions and Meanings of Ohio Hopewell Ceremonial Artifacts in Ethnohistorical Perspective

Clear projectile points knapped from quartz crystals. Five-tone, cane panpipes sheathed in silver and copper. Shiny hemispheres of copper, schist, or chlorite, sometimes hollow, sometimes solid. Alligator teeth, real and copper effigies. Plummets made of shell too light to have served as net sinkers. Barracuda jaws. These and other fantastic artifacts were socially and spiritually loud-spoken in the ceremonies and lives of Ohio Hopewell people. What are Western archaeologists to make of them, today, removed 2000 years and many cultural forms from Ohio Hopewell societies?
Comment: The S.E.C. and the Damsel in Distress: A Contextual Analysis of the Duty of Best Execution

Scholars have wondered why the law provides more protections to investors of securities than to borrowers of subprime mortgages even though the former are more likely to be more sophisticated consumers. I argue that the S.E.C created this unexpected regulatory framework without facing an insurmountable amount of protest because it tapped into a popular discourse about feminine frailty and highlighted the gender and vulnerability of the earliest victims of securities fraud. To substantiate this point, I focus on the S.E.C’s development of the duty of best execution.
Founder CEOs and Innovation: Evidence from S&P 500 Firms

Using a novel data set on founder CEOs in S&P 500 firms for the period from 1993 to 2003, this paper investigates the relationship between founder CEOs and innovation. While entrepreneurs as individuals have long been considered change agents, it is not clear whether entrepreneurs as managers of large organizations may facilitate organizations’ innovation performance. Our main results show that the existence of a founder CEO is correlated with a 31 percent increase in the citation-weighted patent count before we control for R&D spending and a 23 percent increase in the citation-weighted patent count after we control for R&D spending, suggesting that founder CEOs are more effective and efficient innovators than professional CEOs. As boundary conditions of the relationship, we find that the positive effect of founder CEOs on innovation is stronger in more competitive and innovative industries. Furthermore, our results suggest that founder CEOs are more likely to take their firms in a new technological direction. Finally, we provide evidence that the innovations of founder CEO-managed firms create more financial value than the innovations of professional CEO-managed firms. Our findings are particularly convincing because the results are consistent across various robustness checks that control for potential selection issues and other endogeneity concerns.
Streptobacillary fever. An unusual cause of infectious arthritis.

A 77-year-old farmer presented with a two-week history of fever, chills, nausea, and generalized symmetric polyarthritis. One week before his illness, the patient was bitten on the right wrist by a rat. His temperature was 38.3 °C. There was a 3-cm raised tender papule at the inoculation site. The left sternoclavicular joint, several proximal interphalangeal and metacarpal joints, and both wrists and ankles were painful and swollen. Synovial fluid white blood cell count was 104,000/mm3, with 90% neutrophils and 8% band forms. Gram’s stain demonstrated many gram-negative coccobacillary organisms. The patient was initially treated with oxacillin and ampicillin (8 g/day of each antibiotic) for two days and then with procaine penicillin (600,000 units administered intramuscularly twice a day) for a total of 14 days. The arthritis symptoms gradually resolved. Streptobacillus moniliformis grew from a synovial fluid culture from the left ankle and the lesion of the right wrist. This case report demonstrates the rare occurrence of rat-bite fever manifested by septic arthritis successfully treated with penicillin.
Rhetoric and a Body Impolitic: Self-Definition and Mary Mcleod Bethune's Discursive Safe Space

ABSTRACTMary McLeod Bethune is one of the most profound and influential African Americans in the history of American democracy. To some, she was often characterized as the “female Booker T. Washington,” because she was held in high regard by both White and Black audiences. She is notably respected for her avid persistence to uplift the race, advocating quality education and civil rights for Blacks. However, though her life and work single-handedly changed U.S. race relations, Bethune is not well known as a rhetor. With all the speeches, presentations, lectures, meetings, and conversations she had, most scholarship on her life is primarily concentrated in history or there is a one-to-two page overview of her entire life in almanacs or biographical sources, still excluding scholarly explication of Bethune's rhetoric. The goal of this article is to provide this rhetorical examination. To continue to build, as rhetorical scholar Olga Davis noted a Black female rhetorical tradition, my aim is to demonstrate th...
Tobacco Thrips-Nematode Control on Virginaia-Type Peanuts

Control of Frankliniella fusca (Hinds), on ‘Florigiant’ cultivar of the large-seeded, Virginia-type peanut did not result in yield or value increases. There was a trend for increased’ yields from the nematicidal effects of DBCP, 1,2-dihromo-3-chloropropane, and prophos, O -ethyl S, S -dipropyl phosphorodithioate. Yields and values from the insecticidal-nematicidal treatments were not better than from the nematicides alone, while treatments for thrips control (without nematicidal effects) tended to reduce yields and value. Combinations of carbofuran al 1.0 lb active ingredient per acre with DBCP at 8.0 lb AI/acre, or prophos at 4.0 lb AI/acre were highly effective in reducing populations of northern rootknot nematodes, Meloidogyne hapla Chitwood.
Inhibition of protein and RNA synthesis in HeLa cells by levallorphan and levorphanol.

The effects of levallorphan, N-allyl-3-hydroxymorphinan, on biosynthetic functions of intact HeLa cells and subcellular fractions were examined. When cell cultures were treated in vivo with the agent, DNA and lipid synthesis were unaffected; the incorporation of guanine into ribosomal, rapidly labeling, and soluble RNA was reduced; and the RNA polymerase activity of isolated nuclei was depressed. The inhibitory action on RNA synthetic functions seemed to result from a reduction in the protein synthesizing capacity of the cell, which was correlated with dissociation of the polysomes and a reduced ability of subcellular fractions from treated cells to support the incorporation of amino acids. When added directly, levallorphan did not inhibit the synthesis of protein and RNA by in vitro systems. The data presented support the conclusions that the primary effect of levallorphan is the inhibition of protein synthesis, brought about by interference with the utilization of messenger RNA. The results confirm the strong dependence of RNA synthesis in HeLa cells on synthesis of protein.
Prolonged incubation of skeletal muscle in vitro: prevention of increases in glucose transport

During experiments involving prolonged incubation of skeletal muscle, we observed large increases in glucose transport activity. The basal rate of 3-O-methylglucose (3-MG) transport increased two- to fourfold in rat epitrochlearis muscles incubated for 9 h without insulin in Krebs-Henseleit buffer supplemented with 8 mM glucose. The stimulatory effect of a low concentration of insulin (30 microU/ml, added during the final 30 or 60 min of incubation) on glucose transport activity was enhanced 2.5-fold after 6 h and approximately 5-fold after 9 h of incubation. Exposure of muscles to 100 microU/ml of insulin for the first 8 h inhibited slightly but significantly the increase in insulin-stimulated 3-MG transport over a 9-h incubation period. Incubation of muscles in minimal essential medium (MEM) for 9 h inhibited the time-dependent rise in basal and insulin-stimulated transport by approximately 45%. The effect of MEM was reproduced with MEM essential, but not nonessential, amino acids. Incubation of muscles with MEM plus 100 microU/ml of insulin for the first 8 h prevented the increases in 3-MG transport activity measured after a 9-h incubation period. Muscles incubated for 9 h maintained ATP and phosphocreatine concentrations, and changes in glycogen concentrations were small. Thus we have defined conditions for long-term incubation of skeletal muscle under which a progressive increase in glucose transport is prevented.
Concordant and Discordant EGFR Mutations in Patients With Multifocal Adenocarcinomas: Implications for EGFR-Targeted Therapy

Abstract Purpose Adenocarcinoma remains the most common subtype of lung cancer in the United States. Most patients present with tumors that are invasive and often metastatic, but in some patients, multiple precursor in situ or minimally invasive adenocarcinoma tumors develop that can be synchronous and metachronous. These precursor lesions harbor the same spectrum of genetic mutations found in purely invasive adenocarcinomas, such as EGFR , KRAS , and p53 mutations. It is less clear, however, whether separate lesions in patients who present with multifocal disease share common underlying genetic driver mutations. Methods Here we review the relevant literature on molecular driver alterations in adenocarcinoma precursor lesions. We then report 4 patients with multifocal EGFR mutant adenocarcinomas in whom we performed molecular testing on 2 separate lesions. Findings In 2 of these patients, the mutations are concordant, and in 2 patients, the mutations are discordant. A review of the literature demonstrates increasing evidence that lesions with discordant mutations may confer a more favorable prognosis because they are unlikely to represent metastases. Implications Our findings suggest that the emergence of the dominant EGFR driver alteration is often independent between lesions in patients with multifocal adenocarcinomas, and thus the same targeted therapy may not be effective for all lesions. However, genetic testing of multiple lesions can help to distinguish separate primary tumors from metastatic disease.
Excavations at Pueblo Del Monte and the Classic Period Hohokam Problem

Excavations at Pueblo del Monte, a late Classic period Hohokam site in the lower Salt River valley, conducted by Arizona State University in 1970 and 1971, have produced data bearing on the problem...
The Modern Presidency and Theories of Accountability: Old Wine and Old Bottles

The question this article poses is "how accountable is the modern presidency?" That question begets others such as "to whom are presidents accountable?" and "on what matters are presidents held to account?" The article attempts to clarify the concept of accountability and to identify several of its dimensions. It also relates the idea of accountability to other notions important to a theory of the modern presidency such as "responsibility." The concept of presidential accountability is defined here simply as "being answerable." That simple definition is viewed from the perspective of constitutional logic and from the perspective of various forms and sources of accountability such as a priori checks and a posteriori sanctions, as well as legal, institutional, political and moral sources of accountability. An assessment of the state of accountability in the modern presidency leads me to emphasize the political sources of accountability, especially its plebiscitory dimensions, and its continuous (a posterior...
Security challenges in smart surveillance systems and the solutions based on emerging nano-devices

Modern smart surveillance systems can not only record the monitored environment but also identify the targeted objects and detect anomaly activities. These advanced functions are often facilitated by deep neural networks, achieving very high accuracy and large data processing throughput. However, inappropriate design of the neural network may expose such smart systems to the risks of leaking the target being searched or even the adopted learning model itself to attackers. In this talk, we will present the security challenges in the design of smart surveillance systems. We will also discuss some possible solutions that leverage the unique properties of emerging nano-devices, including the incurred design and performance cost and optimization methods for minimizing these overheads.
Streamer initiation in liquid hydrocarbons under divergent field conditions

It is well established that electrical breakdown of a dielectric liquid is preceded by the initiation and propagation of streamers [1,2,3]. While considerable attention has been focused on the propagation of these streamers, little information has been published on their initiation. Rzad et al.[2] performed calculations to arrive at initiation voltages as a function of gap size for divergent field conditions. Experimental studies of streamer initiation voltages, however, have not been reported so far in the literature. This situation is probably due to the difficulties encountered in trying to observe the initiation process. This paper reports preliminary results from a detailed study of the initiation process in a highly purified liquid hydrocarbon under divergent field conditions using high spatial and temporal resolution shadowgraphic techniques. Present photographic techniques provide information on the appearance of shadows beyond the contour of the electrode without revealing the initiation site on the surface of the electrode. The photographic records published in the literature generally represent views of the whole gap yielding limited spatial resolution.
Extracellular vesicles in liver diseases

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membrane-bound vesicles that are released by cells into their extracellular environment, have selective enrichment of specific proteins and RNA, and can mediate intercellular communication. In this review we highlight recent observations of the role of EVs in liver injury, viral hepatitis, alcoholic or nonalcoholic liver disease, biliary tract disease, and liver cancers. Potential applications as markers of diseases or for therapeutic applications are outlined to emphasize the new opportunities that are arising from the study of EVs.
Dysregulation of Actin Polymerization in Hematopoietic Cells Transformed by Bcr-Abl.

Abstract Actin polymerization is a fundamental cellular process that controls cytoskeletal functions such as adhesion, migration, and homing. This dynamic cellular process is spatiotemporally regulated in normal cells but its dysregulation is often observed in tumor cells and is believed to contribute to tumor metastasis. Hematopoietic cells isolated from Bcr-Abl positive leukemia patients exhibit multiple abnormalities in cytoskeletal function. The mechanism associated with these abnormalities is not completely understood. Previously, we showed that the expression of Bcr-Abl in hematopoietic cells induces tyrosine phosphorylation of Ableson interactor (Abi) 1 and ubiquitin dependent degradation of Abi 2. The dysregulation of Abi 1 and Abi 2 requires the SH3 domain and C-terminal proline-rich sequences of Bcr-Abl. Deletion of these sequences in Bcr-Abl not only abrogates Abi-1 tyrosine phosphorylation and Abi-2 degradation but also impairs leukemogenic activity of Bcr-Abl. Notably, the mutant Bcr-Abl with deletion of these sequences failed to induce splenomegaly in a bone marrow transplant mouse model. Because Abi proteins have been shown to function as a key regulator of actin polymerization, we examined the F-actin organization in Ba/F3 cells transformed by wild type Bcr-Abl (p185wt) and a mutant Bcr-Abl defective in signaling to Abi (p185ΔSH3ΔC). Actin polymerization is increased in Ba/F3 cells transformed by either p185wt or p185ΔSH3ΔC, as compared to control Ba/F3 cells. However, the pattern of F-actin organization in these cells appears different. The expression of p185wt induces a localized abnormal F-actin structure which is not observed in control Ba/F3 cells and the Ba/F3 cells transformed by p185ΔSH3ΔC. We have characterized this abnormal F-actin structure and show that it co-localizes with Bcr-Abl. Investigation is now underway to determine whether the Abi/WAVE pathway is involved in Bcr-Abl-induced abnormal F-actin structure. These studies may provide insight into the mechanism by which Bcr-Abl induces cytoskeletal abnormalities in CML cells.
Label-free tumor cell detection and differentiation based on electrical impedance spectroscopy

This paper presents a Lab-on-a-Chip (LoC) type MEMS scale non-invasive biosensor for detecting and differentiating tumor cells at single cell level based on their electrical properties. Presented device requires no cell labelling, cell stressing, cell immobilization or device functionalization. Device is composed of a microfluidic channel etched in silicon with semi-parallel micro-electrodes fabricated on channel sidewalls. Cells were detected by the impedance increase produced when they move along the channel and differentiated by analyzing impedance data at two frequencies. Device was tested with four human tumor cell lines and latex beads. Cells from all tested cell lines and latex beads were successfully detected and differentiation was demonstrated. Opacity was calculated to be 0.815, 0.201, 0.615, 0.275 and 0.1 for latex beads, MDA-MB-231 cells, MCF-7 cells, SK-OV-3 cells and ES-2 cells respectively. Thus, presented device possesses potential not only to detect, but also to differentiate circulating tumor cells in blood for diagnostic and research procedures.
Structure of a physician assistant (PA)-managed survivorship practice within a multidisciplinary breast clinic

6087 Background: In the last two decades, success in breast cancer screening and treatment has resulted in evolution of a growing patient population with unique medical needs. The American Cancer S...
The Relationship Between the Insulin Receptor Substrates and Metabolic Disease

Although the regulation of plasma glucose is a dominant response associated with insulin action, glucose homeostasis depends on the integration of insulin signals in many tissues and cells—hepatocytes, muscle, adipose, hypothalamic neurons, pancreatic β-cells, and others (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7). Understanding how insulin action is coordinated and modulated in these tissues by heterologous signaling cascades is a challenging scientific question of clinical importance.
Coffee, Immigrants and Growth in Brazil

How does an agricultural commodity affect development? Exporting commodities have generally been thought of as curses. I argue that the late nineteenth century coffee boom in Southeast Brazil triggered a mass European migration and transformed the local economy into a commercial society, both of which contributed to local development. I find that immigration left a local legacy of higher incomes, better public goods provision and higher quality fiscal governance, and that coffee affected development indirectly through its impact on immigration.
Chapter 2 – DETERMINANTS

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on determinants. Every square matrix has associated with it a scalar called its determinant. Given a square matrix A, a minor is the determinant of any matrix formed from A by the removal of an equal number of rows and columns. To find the determinant of a matrix A of arbitrary order, (1) pick any one row or any one column of the matrix—dealer's choice, (2) for each element in the row or column chosen, find its cofactor, and (3) multiply each element in the row or column chosen by its cofactor and sum the results. This sum is the determinant of the matrix. The chapter discusses some useful properties of determinants. Most of these properties are presented in terms of row operations; they are, however, equally valid for the analogous column operations. If one row of a matrix consists entirely of zeros, then the determinant is zero.
Economic Theory and DEA

Recently the nonparametric techniques of efficiency measurement known as data envelopment analysis (DEA) have been frequently applied in economic studies of productivity. The DEA models compare the performance of a decision-making unit (DMU) or a firm with a standard measure. The standard measure, constructed in various ways through suitable linear programming (LP) models yields potential or frontier output. The difference between the firm’s actual output and its potential output enables one to arrive at a measure of the firm’s technical efficiency. Recent applications of DEA models include the comparisons of the British prison system by Ganley and Cubbin (1992), the information theory applications by Sengupta (1993) and the various public and private sector applications by Fried et al. (1993).
Response by Obokata and Borlaug to Letters Regarding Article, "evidence Supporting the Existence of a Distinct Obese Phenotype of Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction"

We thank Drs Koutsampasopoulos, Jin-shan, Carbone, and colleagues for their interest in our recent publication characterizing cardiovascular structure, function, and reserve capacity in patients with the obese phenotype of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF).1 Koutsampasopoulos et al point out that diabetes mellitus was more prevalent in obese HFpEF and that this might confound interpretation. To address their concern, we have performed additional subanalyses. We observed no differences between obese HFpEF with (n=33) and without (n=66) diabetes mellitus in biventricular structure or function, ventricular interaction, rest and exercise hemodynamics, or exercise capacity (all P >0.2). This finding indicates that the observed differences in the obese HFpEF group are not simply ascribable to diabetes mellitus alone. Jin-shan and Xue-bin point out the high prevalence of hypertension and diabetes mellitus in patients with obese HFpEF in our study.1 The authors propose a study in patients with obese HFpEF with no …
Psychopharmacology for Neurologists

Neurologists frequently encounter patients with psychiatric conditions, either primary or as a complication of neurologic disease. All neurologists see patients with mood disorders, and many are comfortable prescribing a first-line agent such as an SSRI. In fact, a majority of mood disorders are treated by non-psychiatrists. Newer data shows the high prevalence of mood disorders in neurologic disease, such as Parkinson disease, stroke, and dementia. Depression occurs in a third of survivors of stroke and is associated with higher mortality. Depression has also been noted to increase the likelihood of later dementia.
The Space $$\mathcal{D}^{\prime}(\Omega )$$ of Distributions

In this chapter the space of distributions is introduced and studied from the perspective of a topological vector space with various other additional features, such as the concept of support, multiplication with a smooth function, distributional derivatives, tensor product, and a partially defined convolution product. Here the nature of distributions with higher-order gradients continuous or bounded is also discussed.
Personal Ideals and Professional Responsibilities

The concept of role responsibilities has been central to professional ethics during the past two decades.1 Responsibilities are obligations which call for intelligence and good judgment2, and professional role responsibilities are those minimum responsibilities which all practitioners acquire upon entry into a profession. Some are attached to all professions: for example, obligations to respect client autonomy, maintain confidentiality, be truthful, and serve the public good. Others are connected to particular professions, such as the obligations of health professionals to promote health and the responsibilities of attorneys to protect legal rights.
Mapping Learning Styles in the Classroom

(1981). Mapping Learning Styles in the Classroom. Proceedings of the Annual Conference of the Western College Reading Association: Vol. 14, Proceedings of the Fourteenth Annual Conference of the WCRA. Theme: Challenge Reassessment Affirmation, pp. 18-23.
Tropomyosin: function follows structure.

Tropomyosin is known as the archetypal coiled coil, being the first to be sequenced and modeled. Studies of the structure and dynamics of tropomyosin, accompanied by biochemical and biophysical analyses of tropomyosin, mutants and model peptides, have revealed the complexity and subtleties required for tropomyosin function. Interruptions in the canonical coiled coil allow for bends and regions of local instability that are required for tropomyosin to bind to the helical actin filament. This chapter highlights insights gained from recent structural studies as they relate to variations in tropomyosin’s coiled-coil structure that are essential for binding to actin and the relationship of periodic repeats to actin molecules in the filament.
Characteristics of folic acid-binding protein in folate-deficient serum.

Folate-deficient serum contains a specific glutamates in preference to reduced folic acid-binding protein (FABP) that has a folates. FABP retards the delivery and rapid association and slow dissociation rate uptake of 3H-PGA into HeLa cell monofor the binding of 3H-pteroylglutamic acid layer cultures. The characteristics of FABP (3H-PGA). FABP is also present in normal suggest it to be a membrane-derived intraserum but in lesser amounts. The molecu- cellular folate storage protein and perhaps lar weight of FABP is less than 1 00.000 an important regulator of folate uptake into and may represent more than one protein. the cell and a storage site for folyl polyFABP elutes as a beta globulin and is glutamates. The characteristics of serum recovered in the transferrin band region in FABP suggest it to be similar to beta lactopolyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. FABP globulin (the folate-binding protein isolated binds oxidized folyl-. mono-, and poly- from cow’s milk). P REVIOUS WORK has shown that the folate in serum is, for the most part, removed by dialysis1 and is rapidly cleared in vivo from the serum following infusion.2 In vitro studies have shown serum to be a poor binder of folic acid.3 However, more recent studies have revealed that a small fraction of endogenous serum folate is nondialyzable and is bound to a large molecular weight protein fraction.4’5 The existence of a large molecular weight protein that avidly binds folic acid in both human and cow’s milk,3’6 the bone marrow of some patients with chronic myeloid leukemia,7 and in some pregnant women8 further suggests that a specific binding protein exists for folic acid. We have reported that serum from patients with folate deficiency contains folic acid-binding protein (FABP), which binds 3H-pteroylglutamic acid (3H-PGA).9’#{176} This FABP is measurable in early folate deficiency and is not measurable immediately following folic acid replacement. The characteristics of FABP in serum, milk, and bone marrow and its possible physiologic significance in folate metabolism form the basis of this report.
THE ASTERACEAE OF NORTHWESTERN PICO ZUNIL, A CLOUD FOREST IN WESTERN GUATEMALA

From 2003 to 2005, 46 genera and 96 species of native Asteraceae were collected on the northwestern slopes of Pico Zunil, a montane cloud forest habitat in southwestern Guatemala. Combining the present survey with past collections, a total of 56 genera and 126 species of Asteraceae have been reported from Pico Zunil, five of which are naturalized Old World species. In the present study, the Heliantheae contains the greatest number of native species (29). The most diverse genus is Ageratina (Eupatorieae, 9 species). Species richness of native Asteraceae measured along an elevational gradient ranged from a low of 16 species at 3400-3542 m to a high of 68 species at 2300-2699 m, where human land use most actively affects cloud forest habitat. Of the plants collected, Ageratina rivalis and Verbesina sousae were new species records for Guatemala. Six more species were new records for the Departmen to f Quetzaltenango: Ageratina pichinchensis, A. prunellaefolia, A. saxorum, Koanophyllon coulteri, Stevia triflora, and Telanthophora cobanensis. In addition, 16 of the 96 native species collected are known only from to the western montane departments of Guatemala and the montane regions of southern Chiapas, Mexico. We provide a base of information against which future studies can measure temporal changes in presence of species such as may accompany environmental changes resulting from human activities and/or climate change.
Survey of Retail Alfalfa Sprouts and Mushrooms for the Presence of Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella, and Listeria with BAX, and Evaluation of this Polymerase Chain Reaction–Based System with Experimentally Contaminated Samples

BAX, a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based pathogen detection system, was used to survey retail sprouts and mushrooms for contamination with Escherichia coil O157:H7, Salmonella, Listeria spp., and Listeria monocytogenes. No Salmonella or E. coli O157:H7 was detected in the 202 mushroom and 206 alfalfa sprout samples screened. L. monocytogenes was detected in one sprout sample, and seven additional sprout samples tested positive for the genus Listeria. BAX also detected Listeria species in 17 of the mushroom samples. Only 6 of 850 PCR assays (0.7%) failed to amplify control DNA, and therefore reagent failures and the inhibition of PCR by plant compounds were rare. The sensitivity of the detection system was evaluated by assaying samples inoculated with 10 CFU of each of the pathogens. One hundred seventy-two alfalfa sprout samples were inoculated with E. coli O157:H7, and two sets of 130 samples were experimentally contaminated with Salmonella Enteritidis and L. monocytogenes. The frequency of detection depended on the protocols used for inoculation and culturing. Inoculation of samples with approximately 10 CFU from frozen stocks yielded detection rates of 87.5 and 94.5% for L. monocytogenes and Salmonella Enteritidis, respectively, in mushrooms. The corresponding rates for alfalfa sprouts were 94.5 and 76.3%. The E. coli O157:H7 detection rate was 100% for mushrooms but only 48.6% for sprouts when standard BAX culture protocols were used. The substitution of an overnight incubation in modified E. coli medium for the 3-h brain heart infusion incubation increased the rate of E. coli O157:H7 detection to 75% for experimentally contaminated sprouts. The detection rate was 100% when E. coli O157:H7 cells from a fresh overnight culture were used for the inoculation. Test sensitivity is therefore influenced by the type of produce involved and is probably related to the growth of pathogens in the resuscitation and enrichment media.
Nurturing care framework for inclusive early childhood development: opportunities and challenges

The nurturing care framework (NCF) for early childhood development (ECD) launched at the 2018 World Health Assembly opens a range of opportunities and challenges for child neurodisability professionals. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities frame these pathways for collaboration and progress. This overview of the NCF and its contexts in inclusive ECD identifies avenues for innovation and collaboration in harmony with the field's clinical, scientific, and advocacy agendas. One avenue involves enhancing the alignment between health systems and human rights. A second avenue involves neurodisability professionals engaging with nurturing care as leaders, partners, and implementers. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: Participation and leadership by neurodisability professionals can enhance quality and impact. A rights-based framework that includes young children with disabilities and their families is widely encouraged.
Abstract City: The Phenomenological Basis for the Failures of Modernist Urban Design

Many critics have pointed to the failures of modernist urban design, which include its obliteration of thriving neighborhoods, isolation of functions and production of alienating spaces hostile to ...
Intratracheal SERCA2a Gene Therapy Interrupts the Formation of Plexiform Lesions and Rescues from Heart Failure in Severe Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Introduction Drugs fail to improve long term outcomes in pulmonary hypertension (PAH), especially survival in end stages. Severe PAH presents with deadly high pulmonary vascular resistance [PVR] due to the progression of irreversible plexiform lesions [PLX], resulting in heart failure [HF]. SERCA2a [S2A], a calcium handling protein, has been shown effective in PAH via reprogramming endothelial and vascular smooth muscle cells via improving pulmonary flow and disrupting neointimal proliferation. Preliminary S2A studies have shown efficacy in reducing mean PA pressure [mPAP], however in less severe PAH models without HF or PLX. Here, we used a severe surgical PAH HF model and evaluated S2A gene therapy. Hypothesis S2A gene therapy will reduce PVR and rescue from HF via reducing the degree of PLX. Methods Twenty rats were divided between control or treatment groups, n=10 ea. All rats were induced with severe PAH via left pneumonectomy combined with Sugen (25mg/kg). Grade 4 maximum plexiform lesions develop with mPAP >35 mmHg @ 3 weeks. AAV1.S2A was administered via intratracheal aerosol at 2.5 × 1012 VGC after 3 weeks. MRI was performed at baseline, 3 and 6 weeks terminal with invasive mPAP. Harvest assays performed: QPCR of AAV1.S2A genome copies, S2A expression, and PLX pathology. Results S2A rats survived at 80% compared to control 50%. QPCR detection was very high in 5 S2A animals [1314±858 GC/cell], remaining 3 with average 2.5 fold in pulmonary smooth muscle anatomy 1B. Unlike control, which presented with higher frequency Grade 4 PLX 1C, the majority of S2A specimens had Grade 1-3 with less occurrence of PLX 1D. Conclusion S2A gene therapy is effective in reducing the progression of PLX. Gene therapy may serve as an adjunctive option for severe PAH patients.
An illustration of Bayesian approximate measurement invariance with longitudinal data and a small sample size

This article illustrates the Bayesian approximate measurement invariance (MI) approach in Mplus with longitudinal data and small sample size. Approximate MI incorporates zero-mean small variance pr...
Quantifying the Relationship between Conformational Dynamics and Enzymatic Activity in Ribonuclease HI Homologues.

Ribonuclease HI (RNHI), a ubiquitous, non-sequence-specific endonuclease, cleaves the RNA strand in RNA/DNA hybrids. RNHI functions in replication and genome maintenance, and retroviral reverse tra...
Perspectives of Urban Adolescent Black Males and Their Parents on Well Care

Abstract Objective Adolescents have fewer well-care visits than all other age groups. Males and ethnic minorities are seen least often. We elicited from Black adolescent males and their parents key drivers of teen well-care seeking. Methods We conducted separate semistructured interviews with Black adolescent males and their parents. We recruited parent-teen dyads from West Philadelphia. Eligible teens were age 13 to 18, with no complex chronic health conditions. We purposively sampled teens who had not received preventive care in at least 2 years, some of whom had since returned to care and some not. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and coded by 2 coders using the constant comparative method, resolving discrepancies by consensus. Interviews continued until thematic saturation. Results We interviewed 23 Black adolescent males (mean age 15) and 22 parents (20 mothers). Participants understood that teens should routinely receive preventive care. Four themes emerged: receiving preventive care is important to knowing teens are mentally and physically well; remembering to schedule/attend visits is challenging - participants find appointment reminders helpful; mothers noted that males of all ages are generally disengaged from health care; teens and parents felt that a “good” parent ensures teens receive preventive care. Conclusions Black adolescent males and their parents value regular preventive care as an opportunity to ensure the teen is physically and mentally well, but competing priorities interfere with care receipt. Results support testing the impact of reminders on receipt of care in this population. These reminders may be most effective if directed at mothers and focused on “good parenting.”
Advocating for Users’ Privacy Protections: A Case study of COVID-19 apps

Mobile apps are being utilized in different regions around the world for contract tracing during this COVID-19 pandemic and many of these apps require personal information to be shared. The COVID-19 crisis has demonstrated how critical it is that we embrace virus-response opportunities given to us through technology, but we should also keep in mind that while we use these novel technologies to combat the pandemic, we must also ensure that users’ privacy and security is contained. Therefore, in this project we assessed privacy controls that are offered in COVID-19 apps and what users are identifying to be their preferences if they were to adopt a COVID-19 app. Our results show that while the majority of the apps did not provide adequate privacy controls, users do consider these to be important factors in their decision making. In addition, we believe our preliminary findings can provide foundation for inclusive privacy features that is human-centered.