cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Stress, overeating, and obesity: Insights from human studies and preclinical models

Eating disorders and obesity have become predominant in human society. Their association to modern lifestyle, encompassing calorie-rich diets, psychological stress, and comorbidity with major diseases are well documented. Unfortunately the biological basis remains elusive and the pharmacological treatment inadequate, in part due to the limited availability of valid animal models. Human research on binge eating disorder (BED) proves a strong link between stress exposure and bingeing: state-levels of stress and negative affect are linked to binge eating in individuals with BED both in laboratory settings and the natural environment. Similarly, classical animal models of BED reveal an association between acute exposure to stressors and binging but they are often associated with unchanged or decreased body weight, thus reflecting a negative energy balance, which is uncommon in humans where most commonly BED is associated with excessive or unstable body weight gain. Recent mouse models of subordination stress induce spontaneous binging and hyperphagia, altogether more closely mimicking the behavioral and metabolic features of human BED. Therefore the translational relevance of subordination stress models could facilitate the identification of the neurobiological basis of BED and obesity-associated disease and inform on the development of innovative therapies.
Quantitative proteomic characterization of redox-dependent post-translational modifications on protein cysteines

Protein thiols play a crucial role in redox signaling, in the regulation of enzymatic activity and protein function, and in maintaining redox homeostasis in living systems. The unique chemical reactivity of the thiol group makes protein cysteines susceptible to reactions with reactive oxygen and nitrogen species that form various reversible and irreversible post-translational modifications (PTMs). The reversible PTMs in particular are major components of redox signaling and are involved in the regulation of various cellular processes under physiological and pathological conditions. The biological significance of these redox PTMs in both healthy and disease states has been increasingly recognized. Herein, we review recent advances in quantitative proteomic approaches for investigating redox PTMs in complex biological systems, including general considerations of sample processing, chemical or affinity enrichment strategies, and quantitative approaches. We also highlight a number of redox proteomic approaches that enable effective profiling of redox PTMs for specific biological applications. Although technical limitations remain, redox proteomics is paving the way to a better understanding of redox signaling and regulation in both healthy and disease states.
Not worth the risk? Applying life history theory to understand rejection of the experiential recommendation

ABSTRACTDespite mounting support documenting the long-term benefits of consuming experiences versus material possessions, some consumers appear to reject the ‘experiential recommendation.’ Applying a life history theory perspective, we conducted seven studies to examine how unpredictability and harshness during childhood may translate into a decreased propensity to consume novel experiences in adulthood. Adults who experienced unpredictable and harsh childhood environments tended to devalue experiential options (studies 1A and 1B). A perceived lack of control over one’s life outcomes that translates into greater difficulty in evaluating experiential opportunities mediated the relationship between childhood background and devaluing experiential options (studies 3, 4A–C). Furthermore, prior or incidental experience with novel experiential options moderated the link between perceived lack of control over life outcomes and difficulty evaluating experiential purchase options (study 4B).
Risk of deep venous thrombosis in elective neurosurgical procedures: a prospective, Doppler ultrasound–based study in children 12 years of age or younger

OBJECTIVEThe risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) from deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is significant in neurosurgical patients. VTE is considered a leading cause of preventable hospital deaths and preventing DVT is a closely monitored quality metric, often tied to accreditation, hospital ratings, and reimbursement. Adult protocols include prophylaxis with anticoagulant medications. Children’s hospitals may adopt adult protocols, although the incidence of DVT and the risk or efficacy of treatment is not well defined. The incidence of DVT in children is likely less than in adults, although there is very little prospectively collected information. Most consider the risk of DVT to be extremely low in children 12 years of age or younger. However, this consideration is based on tradition and retrospective reviews of trauma databases. In this study, the authors prospectively evaluated pediatric patients undergoing a variety of elective neurosurgical procedures and performed Doppler ultrasound studies before and af...
A Discrete-Time Convergent Approximation of the Optimal Recursive Parameter Estimator

Abstract A new discrete-time recursive parameter estimation algorithm is derived for a very simple system. The new algorithm has the following two properties. First, as the sampling interval h approaches zero, it tends to a specific convergent approximation of the continuous-time optimal estimator. Second, as the time t approaches infinity, it tends to the state space form of the discrete-time recursive prediction error parameter estimator, but simulations show a better transient response.
Next generation modeling of microbial souring – Parameterization through genomic information

Abstract Biogenesis of hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S) (microbial souring) has detrimental impacts on oil production operations and can cause health and safety problems. Understanding the processes that control the rates and patterns of sulfate reduction is crucial in developing a predictive understanding of reservoir souring and associated mitigation processes. This work demonstrates an approach to utilize genomic information to constrain the biological parameters needed for modeling souring, providing a pathway for using microbial data derived from oil reservoir studies. Minimum generation times were calculated based on codon usage bias and optimal growth temperatures based on the frequency of amino acids. We show how these derived parameters can be used in a simplified multiphase reactive transport model by simulating the injection of cold (30 °C) seawater into a 70 °C reservoir, modeling the shift in sulfate reducing microorganisms (SRM) community composition, sulfate and sulfide concentrations through time and space. Finally, we explore the question of necessary model complexity by comparing results using different numbers of SRM. Simulations showed that the kinetics of a SRM community consisting of twenty-five SRM could be adequately represented by a reduced community consisting of nine SRM with parameter values derived from the mean and standard deviations of the original SRM.
Lung Cancer Screening Uncertainty among Patients Undergoing LDCT.

Objectives Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death, yet lung screening remains underutilized. Lung cancer screening uncertainty (LCSU), including referral clarity and the perceived accuracy of screening, may hinder utilization and represent an unmet psychosocial need. This study sought to identify correlates of LCSU among lung screening patients. Methods Current and former smokers (N = 169) completed questionnaires assessing LCSU, sociodemographic variables, objective and subjective numeracy, stress, and anxiety, as part of a cross-sectional study of lung screening patients at an academic hospital. Results Patients (52% current smok- ers) reported high clarity about the reason for their lung screening referral. Less clarity was as- sociated with lower education, not receiving Medicare, and greater stress and anxiety. Patients perceived lung screening to be moderately accurate, and levels were inversely related to objective numeracy. Subjective numeracy was higher among former versus current smokers (OR = 2.5), yet was unrelated to LCSU variables. Conclusions Several sociodemographic, numeracy, and emotional factors were associated with greater LCSU. With multiple policy and clinical guidelines purporting the uptake of annual lung screening, it is important to identify patients with LCSU and tailor shared decision-making to clarify their uncertainties.
Mini-grid policy directions for decentralized smart energy models in Sub-Saharan Africa

Over one billion people are living in the dark and the majority of those who lack access to electricity reside in Sub Saharan African (SSA). In several areas of the region, it is cheaper to deploy decentralized generation systems as compared to extending the grid. The justification for these smart energy systems can be made on the basis of the available energy resources that are spread throughout SSA. Since the rural areas are remote and scattered, the deployment of suitable mini-grid generation projects can increase electrification rates. However, there is low private sector participation that may be attributed to the lack of comprehensive policies. This paper seeks to investigate current policies for mini-grid projects across SSA, in order to develop further guidelines for rural electrification. In order to engage investors as well as local entrepreneurs, mini-grid policy makers may use this development scheme to increase private sector participation.
Environmentally responsive injectable materials

: This chapter highlights the various environmental stimuli which can be utilized as a trigger for in situ formation of injectable hydrogel systems, specifically to provide a more efficient and localized method for controlled delivery of drugs and molecules. These components include temperature, electric field, pH, light, magnetic field, pressure and ionic strength, as well as biomolecular stimuli such as antigens, enzymes, thrombin, and glucose. The properties of each stimulus are described as well as their particular uses in biomedical applications.
California end-use electrification impacts on carbon neutrality and clean air

Abstract Widespread electrification, i.e., switching direct fossil fuel end-uses to electricity, coupled with renewable power use is essential to achieve aggressive greenhouse gas and criteria pollutant emission reduction targets. Few have investigated the requisite electric grid infrastructure transformation and technology path coupled with spatial and temporal resolution of criteria pollutant emissions for assessing air quality impacts. In this study, we analyze grid and emission impacts of electrifying end-use sectors while decarbonizing power generation, using detailed modeling of infrastructure stocks and economic dispatch of the electric utility grid network. Results show that decarbonizing power supply without electrifying end-use sectors can reduce total greenhouse gas emissions by only 2 percent, while partial electrification of end-use sectors alongside decarbonizing electricity generation yields up to 20.3 percent greenhouse gas emission reductions compared to 1990 levels. Spatially and temporally resolved criteria pollutant emissions portend certain scenarios that improve air quality more than others, requiring consideration of spatial and temporal emission perturbations dictated by specific electrification end-uses and power generation technology dynamics for meeting the increased electric demand.
Organizational Legitimacy, Corporate Social Responsibility, and Bottom of the Pyramid Consumers

In recent decades, multinational corporations (MNC) have increasingly penetrated bottom of the pyramid (BOP) markets due to globalization and market liberalization. To gain legitimacy within these ...
The phase-space dependence of fast-ion interaction with tearing modes

Modulation of various neutral beam sources probes the interaction of fast ions with tearing modes (TM) in the DIII-D tokamak. As measured by electron cyclotron emission, the tearing modes have an island width of ~8 cm and change phase at the q = 2 surface. (Here, m is the poloidal mode number and n is the toroidal mode number.) Deuterium neutral beam injection by six sources with differing injection geometries produces the fast ions. To study the interaction in different parts of phase space, on successive discharges, one of the six sources is modulated at 20 Hz to populate different fast-ion orbits. The modulation only changes the island width by a few millimeters, implying that any fast-ion effect on mode stability is below detection limits. When compared to the expected signals in the absence of TM-induced transport, both the average and modulated neutron signals deviate, implying that fast-ion transport occurs in much of phase space. Fast-ion D α (FIDA) measurements detect reductions in signal at wavelengths that are sensitive to counter-passing ions. Neutral particle analyzer data imply poor confinement of trapped fast ions. Calculations of the expected fast-ion transport that use measured TM properties successfully reproduce the data.
Revitalizing the OT role in school-based practice: Promoting success for all students

With the advancement of healthcare initiatives and legislative mandates, occupational therapists are facing the demand of providing health promotion and prevention services to a variety of populati...
RETROSPECTIVE APPLICATION OF APPROPRIATENESS CRITERIA FOR INFERIOR VENA CAVA FILTER PLACEMENT AT A TERTIARY CARE ACADEMIC INSTITUTION

The availability of retrievable inferior vena cava filters (IVCF) has significantly increased the number IVCF placements. Unfortunately, there is not consensus on indications for IVCF placement. Numerous societies have provided guidelines which are not entirely congruent We performed a
Education and Charity

Most people don’t think of the educational system as working a transfer of income partly because there is not all that much income in it. Nevertheless, when we think of wealth, human capital is one of the more important parts of the wealth of any modern nation. The bulk of this human capital is acquired after we leave the educational system as a result of participation in various economic activities, and our human capital, to a large extent, is knowledge of those activities. But although this is true, the start of accumulating human capital in the educational system is very important. This is particularly true with the higher educational systems, but it is also true to some extent in the lower schools.
Cul-de-sac incision for strabismus surgery in older patients.

INTRODUCTION A limbal surgical approach for strabismus surgery is often recommended for older patients, in the belief that the conjunctiva of older patients is too thin and prone to tear during surgery performed through a cul-de-sac incision. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of the cul-de-sac approach in patients more than 40 years of age. METHODS This is a retrospective analysis of consecutive patients more than 40 years of age who underwent strabismus surgery using a modified cul-de-sac approach to reduce manipulation of the conjunctiva during surgery. RESULTS A total of 32 cul-de-sac incisions were used to operate on 37 muscles in 19 consecutive patients more than 40 years old. The man age was 58 yeasr (41-77 years) with 8 patients (12 incisions) more than 60 years old. Absorbable sutures were used to close 28 of the incisions, with 19 incisions requiring 1 suture, 7 requiring 2 sutures, and 2 incisions in 2 patients requiring more than 2 sutures. Tears resulting in extension of the conjunctival incision occurred in several patients, but no other complications were encountered. One week following surgery, 28 (87.5%) of the incisions were well closed, while a small opening was noted with 4 (12.5%) of the incisions, but none required further intervention, and all healed well. CONCLUSION Strabismus surgery can be performed through a cul-de-sac incision in older patients. Slight modifications of the surgical technique to prevent excessive manipulation of the incision and to reduce the risk of tearing the conjunctiva are helpful. The cul-de-sac approach offers some important potential advantages to older patients undergoing strabismus surgery.
Wednesday, September 26, 2018 10:35 AM – 12:00 PM Understanding Lumbar Stenosis/Spondylolisthesis: 17. Preoperative lumbar corticosteroid injections and infection rates in lumbar arthrodesis

BACKGROUND CONTEXT Lumbar corticosteroid injections are commonly employed in the nonoperative management of lumbar spinal pathology. Their effect on subsequent surgery is unclear. Some studies suggest an elevated risk of postoperative infection, while other studies do not demonstrate an elevated risk. PURPOSE We sought to characterize the overall postoperative infection rate in patients undergoing lumbar spine arthrodesis in a military health system patient population and evaluate the correlation of lumbar corticosteroid injections to postoperative infection rate. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING Retrospective cohort study. PATIENT SAMPLE All patients within the Military Health System Data Repository. OUTCOME MEASURES Postoperative infection rate. METHODS The Military Health System Data Repository was searched for all patients who underwent single level lumbar arthrodesis from 2009 to 2014. CPT codes were used to identify the subset of patients who also received preoperative lumbar corticosteroid injections. These patients were stratified by timing, type, and number of injections. Postoperative infection within 90 days of surgery was identified using ICD-9 codes. Infection rates were compared to the control group of patients who did not receive preoperative lumbar corticosteroid injections. RESULTS The search identified 3,403 patients who had undergone lumbar arthrodesis from 2009 to 2014 within the military health system. A total of 612 patients had received lumbar corticosteroid injections prior to surgery (348 epidural, 264 facet). The control group consisted of the remaining 2,791 patients. Overall postoperative infection rate was 1.47% with an infection rate in the injection group of 1.14% versus 1.54% in the control group. When stratified by time, infection rates ranged from 0% to 1.85% in the injection groups. No differences between control and injection groups reached statistical significance in any subgroup analysis. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates postoperative infection rate is not significantly increased in patients receiving lumbar corticosteroid injections prior to lumbar arthrodesis. No differences were observed in infection rates based on the type (facet vs. epidural) or number of injections prior to surgery. Furthermore, no significant differences were observed based on the timing of injections prior to surgery. This study demonstrates the safety of preoperative lumbar corticosteroid injections in the setting of lumbar arthrodesis. FDA DEVICE/DRUG STATUS This abstract does not discuss or include any applicable devices or drugs.
Gaining independence with E-print Archives and OAI: Report on the 2nd Workshop on the Open Archives Initiative, October 17-19, 2002, CERN, Geneva, Switzerland

This report covers the presentations of CERN's (Centre Europeen pour la Recherche Nucleaire) second workshop on the Open Archives Initiative (OAI) held in Switzerland in October 2002.
Optimal dividend policy when risk reserves follow a jump–diffusion process with a completely monotone jump density under Markov-regime switching

Abstract The paper studies optimal dividend distribution for an insurance company whose risk reserves in the absence of dividends follow a Markov-modulated jump–diffusion process with a completely monotone jump density where jump densities and parameters including discount rate are modulated by a finite-state irreducible Markov chain. The major goal is to maximize the expected cumulative discounted dividend payments until ruin time when risk reserve is less than or equal to zero for the first time. I extend the results of Jiang (2015) for a Markov-modulated jump–diffusion process from exponential jump densities to completely monotone jump densities by proving that it is also optimal to take a modulated barrier strategy at some positive regime-dependent levels and that value function as the fixed point of a contraction is explicitly characterized.
Der autokatalytische Charakter der Nukleinsynthese als Grundlage der Kontinuität der Lebewesen und der Vererbung

Das Spermatozoon hat zwei Wirkungen auf das Ei: es regt erstens die Entwicklung an, und zweitens ubertragt es die vaterlichen Eigenschaften. Wir haben uns bisher wesentlich nur mit der entwicklungserregenden Wirkung des Spermatozoons beschaftigt und die vererbende Wirkung ganz auser Acht gelassen. Wir wollen uns nunmehr der vererbenden Wirkung zuwenden.
Thalidomide and Analogues

Abstract The synthetic and biological aspects of the Jekyll and Hyde pharmaceutical thalidomide are reviewed from the vantage point of a synthetic chemist. The metabolic and in vivo hydrolytic fate of thalidomide is discussed as well as the synthesis of metabolites and metabolic analogues for evaluation of their biological activity. As a consequence of its antiinflammatory nature, the discovery of thalidomide and its antitumor necrosis factor-α properties are detailed and the impact on the introduction of analogues which paved the way for the well-known therapeutics lenalidomide and pomalidomide. The long-standing issue of the configuration of thalidomide and its effect on activity are discussed with respect to the synthesis and evaluation of configurationally stable analogues. Water-soluble and “click” derivatives are identified with the goal of both emphasizing the historically poor bioavailability of the drug and the usefulness of conjugating thalidomide itself with functional ligands. Pertaining to derivatives of a “newly discovered” orphan drug, the chapter addresses the synthesis and evaluation of many more thalidomide analogues which are of interest as therapeutics in many forms of cancer as well as immunotherapy. Finally, many of the more plausible modes of action and the much-debated molecular targets, including the more recent studies involving cereblon, are detailed.
Deep learning approach to detect malicious attacks at system level: poster

Host based intrusion detection systems monitor operations for significant deviations from normal and healthy behavior. Anomalies are patterns in data that do not conform to the expected normal behavior. System call analysis has been conclusively established as the best method to reveal details about the program behavior. Therefore, attackers create new exploits that makes major impact at the system call level. In this research, we developed an enhanced and optimized deep learning LSTM (Long Short Term Memory) network, for anomaly detection, trained on sequences of system calls. Our model detects any anomalous behavior in the system calls with 80% accuracy.
Speech timing strategies in elderly adults

This study investigated two speech timing patterns in healthy elderly adults. Earlier research reported that young adults adjust consonant duration according to: (1) utterance length and (2) spatial distance between the consonant articulation and adjacent vowel target. Specifically, fricative durations decreased with increases in utterance length and fricative durations were found to be longer in final vowel /i/ environments than /α/ environments. DiSimoni (1974a-c) found that the first of these patterns emerged in children between three and six years of age but the second, " lineal compensation", was not yet statistically evident even in his nine-year-old subjects. The present investigation examined the speech of ten elderly subjects (67-81 years) for the presence of these temporal patterns; the results were compared to 21-28-year-old controls. Although overall speech rate of the older adults was significantly slower, older and younger subject groups both exhibited the two " compensatory" effects under investigation, supporting the view that speech timing control may be somewhat resistant to effects of aging. Maintenance of anticipatory processing by older subjects may depend on slowed rate as a compensatory mechanism for reduced structural and physiological capabilities. Alternatively, increasing tendencies toward caution and concern with precision may account for slowed rate as well as preserved temporal efficiency.
Whole-Genome Sequences of Salmonella Isolates from an Ecological Wastewater Treatment System.

ABSTRACT Twenty-seven Salmonella isolates were collected from four locations within an ecological wastewater treatment system located at The Pennsylvania State University and were subjected to whole-genome sequencing. The sequences obtained were used for in silico characterization, including serotyping and phylogenetic relatedness analysis.
Predictors of obesity

Abstract According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), obesity in adults is defined as a body mass index (BMI), calculated by weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared, of ≥ 30. Obesity in children and adolescents is defined more quantitatively as a BMI at or above the 95th percentile of the CDC sex-specific BMI-for-age growth charts. Obesity affects >13 million US children and is associated with the development of well-documented adverse health consequences into adulthood, including diabetes mellitus and coronary heart disease. Moreover, children who are obese are more likely to carry this extra weight into adulthood, which considerably impacts their overall health and well-being.
The Labor Productivity Gap between Formal Businesses Run by Women and Men

This study analyzes gender differences in labor productivity in the formal private sector, using data from 126 mostly developing economies. The results reveal a sizable unconditional gap, with labo...
Maintenance Costs and Advanced Maintenance Techniques: Survey and Analysis

The costs/benefits associated with investing in advanced maintenance techniques is not well understood. Using data collected from manufacturers, we estimate the national losses due to inadequate maintenance and make comparisons between those that rely on reactive maintenance, preventive maintenance, and predictive maintenance. The total annual costs/losses associated with maintenance is estimated to be on average $222.0 billion, as estimated using Monte Carlo analysis. Respondents were categorized into three groups and compared. The first group is the top 50 % of respondents that rely on reactive maintenance, measured in expenditures. The remaining respondents were split in half based on their reliance on predictive maintenance. The top 50 % of respondents in using reactive maintenance, measured in expenditures, compared to the other respondents suggests that there are substantial benefits of moving away from reactive maintenance toward preventive and/or predictive maintenance. The bottom 50 %, which relies more heavily on predictive and preventive maintenance, had 52.7 % less unplanned downtime and 78.5 % less defects. The comparison between the smaller two groups, which rely more heavily on preventive and predictive maintenance, shows that there is 18.5 % less unplanned downtime and 87.3 % less defects for those that rely more on predictive than preventive.
A Fading Affect Bias First: Specific Healthy Coping with Partner-Esteem for Romantic Relationship and Non-Relationship Events

The Fading Affect Bias (FAB) is the faster fading of unpleasant affect than pleasant affect. Research suggests that the FAB is an indicator of general healthy coping, but it has not shown consistent specific healthy coping via differential relations of the FAB to individual differences across event types. Although previous research did not find specific healthy coping for the FAB across romantic relationship events, these researchers did not include non-relationship control events. Therefore, we examined the relation of the FAB to various relationship variables across romantic relationship events and non-relationship control events. We found general healthy coping in the form of robust FAB effects across both event types and expected relations between relationship variables and the FAB. We also found three significant three-way interactions with the FAB showing specific healthy coping for partner-esteem, which is novel for the FAB. Rehearsal ratings mediated all the three-way interactions.
Intensity dependence of multiply charged atomic ions from argon clusters in moderate nanosecond laser fields

We report the laser intensity dependence of multiply charged atomic ions (MCAIs) Arn+ with 2 ≤ n ≤ 8 from argon clusters in focused nanosecond laser fields at 532 nm. The laser field, in the range of 1011–1012 W/cm2, is insufficient for optical field ionization but is adequate for multiphoton ionization. The MCAI sections of the mass spectra for clusters containing 3700 and 26 000 atoms are dominated by Arn+ with 7 ≤ n ≤ 9, extending to Ar14+. While the distributions of the MCAIs remain largely constant throughout the intensity range of the laser, the abundance of Ar+ relative to the abundances of the MCAIs increases dramatically with increasing laser intensity. Consequently, exponential fittings of the yields result in a larger exponent for Ar+ than for MCAIs, and the exponents of MCAIs with 2 ≤ n ≤ 8 are similar, with only slight variations for different charge states. The width of the arrival time and, hence, the corresponding kinetic energy of Ar+ also increases with increasing laser intensities, while the width of the arrival time of MCAIs remains constant throughout the range of measurements. These results call for more detailed theoretical investigations in this regime of laser–matter interactions.
Prevention and treatment of VZV infections in patients with HIV.

Varicella zoster virus (VZV) infections in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients are known to have a different disease spectrum from that seen in other types of patients. Varicella in children with HIV infection is likely to be more serious than in otherwise healthy children and routine antiviral therapy is recommended. There is evidence that the development of varicella in HIV-infected children is not associated with progression to AIDS suggesting that it may be safe to immunize HIV-infected children with live attenuated varicella vaccine. There are no published data on varicella in HIV-infected adults however probably because most adults have already experienced varicella prior to HIV infection. Zoster in HIV-infected children differs somewhat from that in HIVinfected adults. In particular HIV-infected children who develop varicella in the setting of severe immunodeficiency are at an especially high risk to develop zoster. Given the low rate of toxicity of aciclovir as well as its ease of administration and its efficacy in hastening the healing of VZV infections prompt treatment with this antiviral agent is recommended for both HIV-infected children and adults. Foscarnet should be used for zoster that is strongly suspected or proven to be caused by aciclovir-resistant VZV. Patients with HIV for whom there is no evidence of significant immunosuppression and who have not had varicella should be immunized with live attenuated varicella vaccine as a preventative measure for both varicella and zoster. It is hoped that immunization of VZV seropositive HIV-infected patients will decrease the incidence of zoster. Studies to determine this are under way. (authors)
Multidisciplinary Research: Implications for Agricultural and Applied Economists

We detail the rewards and barriers to participating in multidisciplinary research (MDR) using a 2011 survey of applied economists at U.S. universities. We compare these findings with an earlier 1993 survey to assess if rewards and barriers have changed over time. Different administrative levels of U.S. universities are sending contradictory signals regarding rewards from MDR. External funding agencies convey positive signals. Although the scope and breadth of questions addressed by applied economists are changing over time, institutional incentives and reward structures are not keeping pace with these changes. Progress toward adapting to new professional demands has been slow.
A Resolution-based Procedure for Default Theories with Extensions

Default logic, introduced by Reiter, is an effective nonmonotonic reasoning system. In addition to being a stand alone paradigm for nonmonotonic reasoning, default logic has also been used to represent other nonmonotonic reasoning systems such as the stable model semantics and the well-founded semantics of logic programs. This paper complements these results by describing a sound and complete resolution based proof procedure for a large class of default theories.
L'extinció experimental: un procés quantificable i predictible?

Extinction of a response (instrumentally conditioned) usually is measured by the number of responses emitted until the rate stabilization near zero. The present work is an attempt to describe in a best way, the rate's decrement in extinction. For three groups of rats, submitted to different conditions of training and extinction, we have deduced extinction equations from empirical data. The equations showed to be a linear functions, where the origin ordinate were equivalent to resistance to extinction, and the slope equivalent to process speed (these were flatter in the case ofgeneralization decrement). Both are capable to discrimine significantly different groups (by analysis of variance). The integral of the functions (behind time zero and the time expended by each subjectto make a four or more minuts pause) is the same for al1 the groups. The integral are interpreted as definitory of the extinction process after certain number of reinforcements. The implications of the results into a more general theory of instrumental conditioning are discussed.
Evidence for the release of newly acquired ascorbate and alpha-aminoisobutyric acid from the cytosol of adrenomedullary chromaffin cells through specific transporter mechanisms.

Primary cultures of bovine adrenomedullary cells actively take up ascorbic acid and alpha-aminoisobutyric acid (AIB). Following a brief incubation with L-[14C] ascorbic acid and alpha-[methyl-3H]aminoisobutyric acid, cells stimulated with the nicotinic agonist 1,1-dimethyl-4-phenylpiperazinium iodide or by membrane depolarization with high [K+] or veratridine released newly acquired ascorbic acid (NA-ascorbate) and AIB. NA-ascorbate and endogenous catecholamines are differentially released under a variety of conditions suggesting that release of both substances cannot originate from the same subcellular compartment. In contrast, the release profile for NA-ascorbate and AIB, a putative cytosolic marker, suggest that both of these molecules are released from a cytosolic compartment. Cells permeabilized with the detergent digitonin release catecholamines only in the presence of external Ca2+, whereas release of NA-ascorbate and AIB is Ca2+-independent and time- and detergent concentration-dependent. If the osmolality of the external medium is made either hyper- or hypoosmotic, 1,1-dimethyl-4-phenylpiperazinium iodide-induced release of endogenous catecholamines is inhibited. Release of NA-ascorbate and AIB, however, is progressively inhibited with increasing osmolality and enhanced with decreasing osmolality. Furthermore, differential release of NA-ascorbate and AIB as compared to soluble acetylcholinesterase, which is apparently released form the cisternae of the endoplasmic reticulum, was also observed. To determine the mechanism by which NA-ascorbate and AIB are released from the cell, the requirements for their maximal release were investigated. Release of NA-ascorbate and AIB was sensitive to inhibitors (both metabolic and transport) and to changes in the external ionic environment. The metabolic inhibitors carbonyl cyanide p-trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone and KCN (when incubated simultaneously with 2-deoxyglucose) inhibited NA-ascorbate and AIB release by greater than 75%. In contrast, the Na+-K+-ATPase inhibitor ouabain enhanced veratridine-induced release of NA-ascorbate by nearly 100% and had an even greater effect on AIB release. Changes in the external ionic environment (i.e. Na+ and/or Cl- substitution) inhibited both NA-ascorbate and AIB release to varying degrees. Substitution of Cl- by various anions inhibited NA-ascorbate and AIB release to a much greater degree than endogenous catecholamine release. Complete substitution of NaCl with sucrose inhibited release of NA-ascorbate and AIB release by greater than 80%, while Na+ substituted with Li+ inhibited release of all three molecules by about 50%.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Comparison of the extrusion rate of Crawford tubes

Aim To compare the outcomes of dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) using traditional Crawford tubes (TCT) and Crawford tubes with suture (CTS) in the lumen. Methods Retrospective case series consisting of patients who underwent DCR between 2008 and 2013. Results A total of 61 DCRs were performed on 50 patients. Patients who underwent DCR using CTS had higher rates of prolapse compared to the TCT group (50% vs 9.4%; P=0.003). Stent removal occurred earlier in patients who received CTS (3.3mo vs 5.1mo; P=0.004). Success rates were equivalent between the two groups (75% vs 81.1%; P=0.684). Conclusion CTS in the lumen increases the risk of prolapse, prompting earlier tube removal in patients following DCR for nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO). Earlier removal of tubes does not appear to significantly decrease success rates.
Association between use of bleeding avoidance strategies and risk of periprocedural bleeding among patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.

Context Bleeding complications with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are associated with adverse patient outcomes. The association between the use of bleeding avoidance strategies and post-PCI bleeding as a function of a patient's preprocedural risk of bleeding is unknown. Objective To describe the use of 2 bleeding avoidance strategies, vascular closure devices and bivalirudin, and associated post-PCI bleeding rates in a nationally representative PCI population. Design, Setting, and Patients Analysis of data from 1 522 935 patients undergoing PCI procedures performed at 955 US hospitals participating in the National Cardiovascular Data Registry (NCDR) CathPCI Registry from January 1, 2004, through September 30, 2008. Main Outcome Measure Periprocedural bleeding. Results Bleeding occurred in 30 654 patients (2%). Manual compression, vascular closure devices, bivalirudin, or vascular closure devices plus bivalirudin were used in 35%, 24%, 23%, and 18% of patients, respectively. Bleeding events were reported in 2.8% of patients who received manual compression, compared with 2.1%, 1.6%, and 0.9% of patients receiving vascular closure devices, bivalirudin, and both strategies, respectively (P Conclusions In a large national PCI registry, vascular closure devices and bivalirudin were associated with significantly lower bleeding rates, particularly among patients at greatest risk for bleeding. However, these strategies were less often used among higher-risk patients.
Consumption Patterns of the Millenial Generational Cohort

This study constructs a consumption profile for the Generation Y age cohort using responses to the Consumer Expenditure Survey furnished by the Bureau of Labor Statistics from the financial crisis period. This generation was theorized to employ both economic reasons, i.e. preferences for inexpensive products, and the desire to comply with the values and normative beliefs of social referent groups. For the rent or buy a home decision, the variability of income, risk of foreclosure and loss of mobility governed the consumption choice. For the purchase a new car or a used car decision, economic considerations dominated with variability of income being the sole explanatory variable for the choice. Family size and the need to conform to group norms explained the choice of bringing food from home to the workplace. Socialization opportunities and group identification explained the decision to eat lunch away from the workplace. Family size and desire for group conformity explained vacation expenditure as they did for bringing food from home. For both furniture and large appliances and small appliances, the need to conform to group norms was significant suggesting that they may be the subject of social interactions. Given that investment in a private education is often considered a luxury, the proportion of the family budget allocated to this expense was significant along with the expected need for conformity with group values.
Doping induced magnetic transition in Mn-based molecular systems

Abstract Using density functional theory with generalized gradient approximation for exchange and correlation potential we show that the magnetic coupling between Mn atoms in Mn 2 Cl n molecular systems can be manipulated not only by varying the number of Cl atoms but also by doping simple metal atoms such as Li and Mg. The switching between antiferromagnetic to ferromagnetic couplings is brought about by competition between double exchange and superexchange mechanisms. Ability to control the magnetic coupling in molecular systems can have technological potential for future microelectronics.
PURIFICATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF OLIGOMERIC SPECIES OF AN AROMATIC AMINO ACID AMINOTRANSFERASE FROM LACTOCOCCUS LACTIS SUBSP. LACTIS S3

Two oligomeric species of an aromatic amino acid aminotransferase (Ar-AT) were purified and characterized from Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis S3. The more abundant species, Ar-AT1, was purified over 2,200-fold with a 3% recovery. The molecular masses of Ar-AT1 were determined to be 42 kDa and 84 kDa by SDS-PAGE and gel filtration, respectively. The molecular masses of the less abundant species, Ar-AT2, were 42 kDa and 170 kDa, respectively. Both Ar-AT1 and Ar-AT2 have identical N-terminal sequences which indicates they are homodimeric and homotetrameric forms of the same enzyme. The Ar-ATs catalyze e pyridoxal-5'-phosphate dependent transamination of Phe, Tyr, Trp, Leu and Met utilizing α-ketoglutarate as the amino acceptor. Km values of the two Ar-ATs for Trp, Tyr and Phe ranged from 0.65 to 2.43 mM. However, differences were observed in the pI and specific activities between the two Ar-ATs. The pI values of Ar-AT1 and Ar-AT2 were 4.63 and 3.93, respectively. The Vmax/Km ratios of Ar-AT2 for Trp, Tyr and Phe were three-fold greater than that of Ar-AT1, indicating that Ar-AT2 is more catalytically efficient on these amino acids than Ar-AT1.
Variability of IgE protein measurement in cell-culture supernatants: Results from a multicenter collaborative study

Abstract The sensitivity, specificity, and precision of immunoassays for quantitation of IgE in cell-culture supernatants were tested in a multicenter trial involving 22 laboratories. Fourteen coded test samples included cell-culture medium alone, culture medium with varying concentrations of polyclonal or myeloma IgE, and medium from unstimulated or pokeweed mitogen (PWM)-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC)-culture supernatants. Two laboratories reported measurable IgE in non-IgE-containing control samples. Although the IgE content of a single 0.50 ng%ml polyclonal IgE sample should have been measured easily by the claims of all laboratories, only 13 laboratories measured IgE in this sample in 22 of the 48 assays. Most laboratories could measure both polyclonal and myeloma IgE at 5.0 nglml; however, the IgE determinations for the myeloma proteins were nearer the predicted value. Although 15 laboratories found measurable IgE in the PWM-stimulated PBMC-culture supernatants from a single nonatopic donor, the levels did not differ significantly from that measured in unstimulated PBMC-culture supernatants. Three laboratories reported considerably higher IgE levels in the PWM-stimulated PBMC-culture supernatants than in other PBMC-culture supernatants. Only 13 laboratories could quantitate IgE in each of coded duplicate samples containing 0.50 nglml polyclonal IgE. These findings indicate a wide variability in the sensitivity, specificity, and precision of assays used to quantitate low levels of IgE protein. Investigators should be encouraged to make greater use of existing national and international reference materials in the standardization and performance of their IgE immunoassays.
Evaluation of the Striped Bass as a Pond‐reared Food Fish

Abstract Two-day-old larvae of striped bass (Morone saxatilis) were trained to accept artificial feed. When the fish reached 10 g, 1080 were stocked in a 0.4-ha hatchery pond. The fish were stocked on 7 August 1976 and harvested 441 days later on 19 October 1977. They were fed daily through the fall of 1976 and again during the spring, summer, and fall of 1977. The fish stopped feeding in the fall when the water temperature fell to 7°C, and resumed feeding in the spring when the temperature reached 16°C. Once they began to feed, they fed well when the temperature was above 10°C, but poorly when the temperature was 29°C or higher. The fish were fed 291 of the 441 days during which they were held in the pond. The rate of growth was 2.03 g per fish per day; 980 kg/ha of striped bass were produced. Food conversion was 2.8 for the 85% of the population that ate the artificial feed. Survival was 91.8%.
Functional dissociation between PIKfyve-synthesized PtdIns5P and PtdIns(3,5)P2 by means of the PIKfyve inhibitor YM201636

PIKfyve is an essential mammalian lipid kinase with pleiotropic cellular functions whose genetic knockout in mice leads to preimplantation lethality. Despite several reports for PIKfyve-catalyzed synthesis of phosphatidylinositol 5-phosphate (PtdIns5P) along with phosphatidylinositol-3,5-biphosphate [PtdIns(3,5)P2] in vitro and in vivo, the role of the PIKfyve pathway in intracellular PtdIns5P production remains underappreciated and the function of the PIKfyve-synthesized PtdIns5P pool poorly characterized. Hence, the recently discovered potent PIKfyve-selective inhibitor, the YM201636 compound, has been solely tested for inhibiting PtdIns(3,5)P2 synthesis. Here, we have compared the in vitro and in vivo inhibitory potency of YM201636 toward PtdIns5P and PtdIns(3,5)P2. Unexpectedly, we observed that at low doses (10–25 nM), YM201636 inhibited preferentially PtdIns5P rather than PtdIns(3,5)P2 production in vitro, whereas at higher doses, the two products were similarly inhibited. In cellular contexts, YM201636 at 160 nM inhibited PtdIns5P synthesis twice more effectively compared with PtdIns(3,5)P2 synthesis. In 3T3L1 adipocytes, human embryonic kidney 293 and Chinese hamster ovary (CHO-T) cells, levels of PtdIns5P dropped by 62–71% of the corresponding untreated controls, whereas those of PtdIns(3,5)P2 fell by only 28–46%. The preferential inhibition of PtdIns5P versus PtdIns(3,5)P2 at low doses of YM201636 was explored to probe contributions of the PIKfyve-catalyzed PtdIns5P pool to insulin-induced actin stress fiber disassembly in CHO-T cells, GLUT4 translocation in 3T3L1 adipocytes, and induction of aberrant cellular vacuolation in these or other cell types. The results provide the first experimental evidence that the principal pathway for PtdIns5P intracellular production is through PIKfyve and that insulin effect on actin stress fiber disassembly is mediated entirely by the PIKfyve-produced PtdIns5P pool.