cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nutrient timing revisited: is there a post-exercise anabolic window?

Nutrient timing is a popular nutritional strategy that involves the consumption of combinations of nutrients--primarily protein and carbohydrate--in and around an exercise session. Some have claimed that this approach can produce dramatic improvements in body composition. It has even been postulated that the timing of nutritional consumption may be more important than the absolute daily intake of nutrients. The post-exercise period is widely considered the most critical part of nutrient timing. Theoretically, consuming the proper ratio of nutrients during this time not only initiates the rebuilding of damaged muscle tissue and restoration of energy reserves, but it does so in a supercompensated fashion that enhances both body composition and exercise performance. Several researchers have made reference to an anabolic “window of opportunity” whereby a limited time exists after training to optimize training-related muscular adaptations. However, the importance - and even the existence - of a post-exercise ‘window’ can vary according to a number of factors. Not only is nutrient timing research open to question in terms of applicability, but recent evidence has directly challenged the classical view of the relevance of post-exercise nutritional intake with respect to anabolism. Therefore, the purpose of this paper will be twofold: 1) to review the existing literature on the effects of nutrient timing with respect to post-exercise muscular adaptations, and; 2) to draw relevant conclusions that allow practical, evidence-based nutritional recommendations to be made for maximizing the anabolic response to exercise.
The effect of calcium on aqueous uranium(VI) speciation and adsorption to ferrihydrite and quartz

Recent studies of uranium(VI) geochemistry have focused on the potentially important role of the aqueous species, CaUO2(CO3)3 2� and Ca2UO2(CO3)3 0 (aq), on inhibition of microbial reduction and uranium(VI) aqueous speciation in contaminated groundwater. However, to our knowledge, there have been no direct studies of the effects of these species on U(VI) adsorption by mineral phases. The sorption of U(VI) on quartz and ferrihydrite was investigated in NaNO3 solutions equilibrated with either ambient air (430 ppm CO2 )o r 2% CO 2 in the presence of 0, 1.8, or 8.9 mM Ca 2+ . Under conditions where the Ca2UO2(CO3)3 0 (aq) species predominates U(VI) aqueous speciation, the presence of Ca in solution lowered U(VI) adsorption on quartz from 77% in the absence of Ca to 42% and 10% at Ca concentrations of 1.8 and 8.9 mM, respectively. U(VI) adsorption to ferrihydrite decreased from 83% in the absence of Ca to 57% in the presence of 1.8 mM Ca. Surface complexation model predictions that included the formation constant for aqueous Ca2UO2(CO3)3 0 (aq) accurately simulated the effect of Ca 2+ on U(VI) sorption onto quartz and ferrihydrite within the thermodynamic uncertainty of the stability constant value. This study confirms that Ca 2+ can have a significant impact on the aqueous speciation of U(VI), and consequently, on the sorption and mobility of U(VI) in aquifers.
Creating Political Order: Maintaining Student Engagement through Reacting to the Past

Su urveys of entering college freshmen indicate that there is more interest in politics today than has been the case in the recent past. Incoming students report the highest levels of discussion of politics in high school in decades, increasing ideological identification, and increased commitment to community service (Pryor et al. 2006). When I took responsibility for a freshman seminar in LaGrange College's multidisciplinary core program, I decided to use this new interest in politics to fulfill the course objectives of stimulat ing critical thinking and reading, developing research and presen tation skills, and increasing awareness of other cultures. To meet this challenge, I designed a course based on simulations using Reacting to the Past games.' Simulations have long been recom mended as a tool for promoting active learning, stimulating stu dent participation, and spurring interest in political science courses (Walcott 1980). They have been developed for a variety of politi cal science subjects in recent years (see, for example, Shellman 2001 or Franke 2006). Further, there is empirical evidence that the use of simulations both stimulates learning and substantially increases student involvement (Pappas and Peaden 2004; Galatas 2006). I reasoned that a course utilizing an experiential learning design substantially different from those students had taken in high school and based on examining the perennial political prob lems underlying contemporary events would best accomplish the course objectives. This article describes the course I developed and the simula tion methods at its center. I describe the way the games were used in my freshman seminar, pointing out some of the differences and similarities between Reacting games and other simulations. Finally, I present some results from a comparison of the course
Construct Measurement in Information Systems Research: An Illustration in Strategic Systems

This study seeks to highlight construct measurement issues in information systems (IS) research. It describes the normative process of construct measurement and identifies the difficult problems involved in measurement and some ways in which these difficulties may be overcome. An illustrative construct-operationalization study in the area of strategic systems outlines how the normative guidelines may be applied to IS. Some specific recommendations for IS include developing a preliminary model of the construct even if there is little previous measurement research, devoting greater attention to predictive validity because a lack of theories in IS precludes the examination of nomological validity, verifying the assumptions underlying the computation of an overall index, and examining the measurement properties of the index.
The Strengthening Families Initiative and Child Care Quality Improvement: How Strengthening Families Influenced Change in Child Care Programs in One State

Research Findings: This study investigated how the Strengthening Families through Early Care and Education initiative in Illinois (SFI) influenced change in 4 child care programs. Findings indicate that SFI influenced quality improvements through 4 primary pathways: (a) Learning Networks, (b) the quality of training, (c) the engagement of program directors, and (e) the organizational climate at programs. SFI's multilevel model of implementation was key to its effectiveness. Two barriers to improving family partnership practices were identified: lack of cultural competence and a negative organizational climate. Practice or Policy: First, quality improvement and professional development efforts are likely to be more effective in promoting real change when they target multiple levels of the context in and around child care programs. SFI's multilevel implementation approach is a model. Second, quality improvement efforts in the area of family engagement may be more effective when specific attention is given t...
Pazopanib: An Oral Multitargeted Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor for Use in Renal Cell Carcinoma

Objective:To summarize the currently available clinical data on pazopanib, as well as review the merits and adverse effects of pazopanib in the treatment of renal cell carcinoma (RCC).Data Sources:A literature search was performed of MEDLINE, PubMed, and the American Society of Clinical Oncology abstracts from January 1995 to February 2010, using the primary search terms pazopanib, GW786034, Votrient, and tyrosine kinase inhibitors.Study Selection and Data Extraction:All available English-language articles and trials that described the pharmacokinetics, pharmacology, pharmacodynamics, clinical activity, or adverse effects of pazopanib were reviewed.Data Synthesis:Pazopanib is a second-generation multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) that has exhibited antiangiogenic and antitumor activity. Phase 1 clinical trials have established the safety and tolerability of pazopanib 800 mg orally daily. Phase 2 and 3 studies have shown promising activity in RCC, including treatment naive or cytokine-pretreated...
Free testosterone levels are associated with mobility limitation and physical performance in community-dwelling men: the Framingham Offspring Study.

Context: Mobility limitation is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The relationship between circulating testosterone and mobility limitation and physical performance is incompletely understood. Objective: Our objective was to examine cross-sectional and prospective relations between baseline sex hormones and mobility limitations and physical performance in community-dwelling older men. Design, Setting, and Participants: We conducted cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses of 1445 men (mean age 61.0 ± 9.5 yr) who attended Framingham Offspring Study examinations 7 and 8 (mean 6.6 yr apart). Total testosterone (TT) was measured by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry at examination 7. Cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses of mobility limitation and physical performance were performed with continuous (per sd) and dichotomized [low TT and free testosterone (FT) and high SHBG vs. normal] hormone levels. Main Outcome Measures: Self-reported mobility limitation, subjective health, ...
The Effects of Auxiliary Subunits on Kv2.1 Pharmacology

Voltage-gated potassium channels (Kv) are transmembrane proteins that respond to changes in membrane potential and regulate the flux of potassium ions across the cell membrane. It has been long known that auxiliary proteins that associate with voltage-gated ion channels can modify the channel in a number of ways, including cell-surface expression, voltage-dependent activation and inactivation, and pharmacology. Recent studies identified AMIGO-1 (amphoterin-induced gene and open reading frame) as an auxiliary subunit for Kv2.1 that increases the surface expression of the channel. Moreover, the presence of AMIGO alters the voltage dependency of activation of the channel (Peltola et al, 2011), suggesting a possible interaction site with Kv2.1 voltage sensors. These structural motifs are a well-known target of gating-modifier toxins isolated from venomous animals. Here, we investigate the role of AMIGO on the pharmacology of Kv2.1 expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes. We hypothesize that AMIGO forms interactions with the voltage-sensing domains of Kv2.1, and thereby alters the binding affinity of the toxins. We find that the presence of AMIGO causes the channel to open at more hyperpolarized voltages, and influences the ability of gating modifier toxins to bind and inhibit the channel.
Aortic root dissection complicating coronary bypass surgery

Four cases are presented of aortic root dissection after aortocoronary bypass surgery in which the origin of the intimal tear was at or very near the aortic site of saphenous vein anastomosis. Two cases were documented at autopsy. In one of two cases diagnosed with aortography, the patient underwent surgical correction and survived. All patients had long-standing severe hypertensive cardiovascular disease or severe generalized atherosclerotic disease, or both. Clinical awareness of aortic dissection after coronary bypass surgery in this group of patients should make early diagnosis with successful surgical correction feasible.
Face and body emotion recognition depend on different orientation sub-bands

ABSTRACTFace and body perception are both disrupted by picture-plane inversion—180-degree rotation leads to poorer recognition and discrimination. For face stimuli, this inversion effect is carried by horizontally-oriented structures, which also carry more information for identity than vertical orientations. We examined whether face and body emotion recognition exhibited similar dependencies on low-level orientation energy (horizontal vs. vertical features) and whether the inversion effect for faces and bodies expressing different emotional expressions is carried by different orientation sub-bands. We asked observers to classify happy/sad faces and bodies that were filtered to include only horizontal orientation energy, only vertical orientation energy, or both orientations. We found that face and body emotion recognition rely on different low-level features—faces required horizontal features, while bodies required vertical features. In neither case was the inversion effect limited to the optimal band for...
Case 29: Bronchospasm – An Unusual Cause

A 4 year old child, 24 kg, is scheduled for a diagnostic upper endoscopy. Her major complaint is intermittent vomiting of unknown cause. Her medical history is significant for asthma. She takes nebulized albuterol, but only when needed. On physical exam you find nothing wrong and her lungs are clear to auscultation. On the day of surgery she is treated prophylactically with 2.5 mg nebulized albuterol and oral midazolam is given with good effect. At the patient’s request an inhalation induction is performed using sevoflurane (up to 8% inhaled concentration) and 50% N2O in oxygen. The patient falls asleep and an oral airway is inserted and positive-pressure ventilation is instituted by bag-mask ventilation with peak airway pressures of approximately 20 cm H2O. You establish IV access and administer Lidocaine 36 mg (1.5 mg/kg) to prevent reflex bronchoconstriction caused by among other things endotracheal intubation [1]. Immediately after the lidocaine, the patient develops diffuse bilateral expiratory wheezes and a dramatic increase in peak inspiratory pressures. You discontinue N2O and ventilate with sevoflurane in 100% oxygen. The oxygen saturation remains at 100% and the vital signs remain stable. No rashes or other signs of anaphylactic or anaphylactoid reactions are seen.
Extrapolation Technique Pitfalls in Asymmetry Measurements at Colliders

Asymmetry measurements are common in collider experiments and can sensitively probe particle properties. Typically, data can only be measured in a nite region covered by the detector, so an extrapolation from the visible asymmetry to the inclusive asymmetry is necessary. Often a constant multiplicative factor is more than adequate for the extrapolation and this factor can be readily determined using simulation methods. However, there is a potential, avoidable pitfall involved in the determination of this factor when the asymmetry in the simulated data sample is small. We nd that to obtain a reliable estimate of the extrapolation factor, the number of simulated events required rises as the inverse square of the simulated asymmetry; this can mean that an unexpectedly large sample size is required when determining its value.
If the Train Should Jump the Track ...: Divergent Interpretations of State and Federal Employment Discrimination Statutes

As interpretational issues surrounding federal employment discrimination statutes have become more complex and controversial, there have arisen more opportunities for parallel state anti-discrimination law to jump the track and take alternative courses. Not surprisingly, when dealing with their own parallel state statutes, a number of state appellate courts in recent years have chosen this course of action. Even where state and federal employment discrimination have not yet taken different paths, the potential for such divergent interpretations of state and federal anti-discrimination law has increased in recent years to the point where we may enter an era not unlike that of the new judicial federalism of the 1970s with respect to employment discrimination law. This Article attempts to provide a workable approach for dealing with situations where state courts confront issues of interpretation already addressed by the federal courts in the area of employment discrimination law.
Memory impairments in alcoholism: effects of age and education.

Memory impairments related to alcoholism and to age (young, middle, and old) were examined as a function of educational level (low, high). Factoring of 14 different memory test scores from 93 alcoholics and 73 controls into four components indicated that alcohol-related impairments in verbal memory were observed in adults with low, but not high levels of education. Similarly, agerelated decrements in visual-spatial and verbal memory tasks (Components I and II) affected mainly low-education alcoholics and controls. On these components, age and alcoholism did not interact, but were additive. Effects of education were reflected in verbal but not nonverbal tasks (Auditory and Design Recognition, Components III and IV). Neither years of heavy drinking, lifetime consumption, nor abstinence (80% had
Nonenhanced hybridized arterial spin labeled magnetic resonance angiography of the extracranial carotid arteries using a fast low angle shot readout at 3 Tesla

To evaluate ungated nonenhanced hybridized arterial spin labeling (hASL) magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) of the extracranial carotid arteries using a fast low angle shot (FLASH) readout at 3 Tesla. In this retrospective, institutional review board-approved and HIPAA-compliant study, we evaluated the image quality (4-point scale) of nonenhanced hASL MRA using a FLASH readout with respect to contrast-enhanced MRA (CEMRA) in 37 patients presenting with neurologic symptoms. Two certified neuroradiologists independently evaluated 407 arterial segments (11 per patient) for image quality. The presence of vascular pathology was determined by consensus reading. Gwet’s AC1 was used to assess inter-rater agreement in image quality scores, and image quality scores were correlated with age and body mass index. Objective measurements of arterial lumen area and sharpness in the carotid arteries were compared to values obtained with CEMRA. Comparisons were also made with conventional nonenhanced 2D time-of-flight (TOF) MRA. CEMRA provided the best image quality, while nonenhanced hASL FLASH MRA provided image quality that exceeded 2D TOF at the carotid bifurcation and in the internal and external carotid arteries. All nine vascular abnormalities of the carotid and intracranial arteries detected by CEMRA were depicted with hASL MRA, with no false positives. Inter-rater agreement of image quality scores was highest for CEMRA (AC1 = 0.87), followed by hASL (AC1 = 0.61) and TOF (AC1 = 0.43) (P < 0.001, all comparisons). With respect to CEMRA, agreement in cross-sectional lumen area was significantly better with hASL than TOF in the common carotid artery (intraclass correlation (ICC) = 0.90 versus 0.66; P < 0.05) and at the carotid bifurcation (ICC = 0.87 versus 0.54; P < 0.05). Nonenhanced hASL MRA provided superior arterial sharpness with respect to CEMRA and 2D TOF (P < 0.001). Although inferior to CEMRA in terms of image quality and inter-rater agreement, hASL FLASH MRA offers an alternative to 2D TOF for the nonenhanced evaluation of the extracranial carotid arteries at 3 Tesla. Compared with 2D TOF, nonenhanced hASL FLASH MRA provides improved quantification of arterial cross-sectional area, vessel sharpness, inter-rater agreement and image quality.
Effect of stress on blood levels of guanine nucleotides.

SummaryStudies using C14-labelled guanylic acid demonstrated a rapid disappearance of these substances from the blood of intact and adrenalectomized rats. The application of tourniquets across the hind limbs of these animals produced a significantly decreased clearance of the label from the blood after the tourniquet was removed. It is suggested that changes in liver function together with increased release of intracellular nucleotides resulting from lymphatic involution or cellular damage may act to increase the blood nucleotide pool and cause an apparent slowing of the disappearance of the C14 from the blood.
Among-site variation in riparian vegetation of the southern California transverse ranges

-Data from 37 sites in the Transverse Ranges in southern California were used to assess the influence of a variety of environmental variables on among-site variation in riparian vegetation. Ordination and regression analyses indicated that elevation, unit stream power, fire history and valley width all have significant impacts on the composition of this vegetation. TWINSPAN classification generated four species groups: a Baccharis glutinosa/Salix laevigata group that appears related to low elevations, high stream power and recent fire; a Populusfremontii/Alnus rhombifolia group associated with high stream power, but longer time since burning and higher elevations; a Salix lasiolepis/Rosa californica group typically found at high elevation sites with low stream power; and a Platanus racemosa/Adenostoma fasciculatum group that did not show a clear environmental preference.
Direct Identification of Hundreds of Expression-Modulating Variants using a Multiplexed Reporter Assay

Summary Although studies have identified hundreds of loci associated with human traits and diseases, pinpointing causal alleles remains difficult, particularly for non-coding variants. To address this challenge, we adapted the massively parallel reporter assay (MPRA) to identify variants that directly modulate gene expression. We applied it to 32,373 variants from 3,642 cis-expression quantitative trait loci and control regions. Detection by MPRA was strongly correlated with measures of regulatory function. We demonstrate MPRA's capabilities for pinpointing causal alleles, using it to identify 842 variants showing differential expression between alleles, including 53 well-annotated variants associated with diseases and traits. We investigated one in detail, a risk allele for ankylosing spondylitis, and provide direct evidence of a non-coding variant that alters expression of the prostaglandin EP 4 receptor. These results create a resource of concrete leads and illustrate the promise of this approach for comprehensively interrogating how non-coding polymorphism shapes human biology.
Generalized theory of diffusion based on kinetic theory

We propose to use spin hydrodynamics, a two-uid model of spin propagation, as a generalization of the diusion equation. We show that in the dense limit spin hydrodynamics reduces to Fick’s law and the diusion equation. In the opposite limit spin hydrodynamics is equivalent to a collisionless Boltzmann treatment of spin propagation. Spin hydrodynamics avoids unphysical eects that arise when the diusion equation is used to describe to a strongly interacting gas with a dilute corona. We apply spin hydrodynamics to the problem of spin diusion in a trapped atomic gas. We nd that the observed spin relaxation rate in the high temperature limit [Sommer et al., Nature 472, 201 (2011)] is consistent with the diusion constant predicted by kinetic theory.
Challenges and disparities in the application of personalized genomic medicine to populations with African ancestry

To characterize the extent and impact of ancestry-related biases in precision genomic medicine, we use 642 whole-genome sequences from the Consortium on Asthma among African-ancestry Populations in the Americas (CAAPA) project to evaluate typical filters and databases. We find significant correlations between estimated African ancestry proportions and the number of variants per individual in all variant classification sets but one. The source of these correlations is highlighted in more detail by looking at the interaction between filtering criteria and the ClinVar and Human Gene Mutation databases. ClinVar’s correlation, representing African ancestry-related bias, has changed over time amidst monthly updates, with the most extreme switch happening between March and April of 2014 (r=0.733 to r=−0.683). We identify 68 SNPs as the major drivers of this change in correlation. As long as ancestry-related bias when using these clinical databases is minimally recognized, the genetics community will face challenges with implementation, interpretation and cost-effectiveness when treating minority populations. Personalized medicine requires accurate and ethnicity-optimized reference genome panels. Here, the Consortium on Asthma among African-ancestry Populations in the Americas (CAAPA) evaluates typical variant filters and existing genome databases against newly sequenced African-ancestry populations.
Association Between Radiation Therapy, Surgery, or Observation for Localized Prostate Cancer and Patient-Reported Outcomes After 3 Years

Importance Understanding the adverse effects of contemporary approaches to localized prostate cancer treatment could inform shared decision making. Objective To compare functional outcomes and adverse effects associated with radical prostatectomy, external beam radiation therapy (EBRT), and active surveillance. Design, Setting, and Participants Prospective, population-based, cohort study involving 2550 men (≤80 years) diagnosed in 2011-2012 with clinical stage cT1-2, localized prostate cancer, with prostate-specific antigen levels less than 50 ng/mL, and enrolled within 6 months of diagnosis. Exposures Treatment with radical prostatectomy, EBRT, or active surveillance was ascertained within 1 year of diagnosis. Main Outcomes and Measures Patient-reported function on the 26-item Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite (EPIC) 36 months after enrollment. Higher domain scores (range, 0-100) indicate better function. Minimum clinically important difference was defined as 10 to 12 points for sexual function, 6 for urinary incontinence, 5 for urinary irritative symptoms, 5 for bowel function, and 4 for hormonal function. Results The cohort included 2550 men (mean age, 63.8 years; 74% white, 55% had intermediate- or high-risk disease), of whom 1523 (59.7%) underwent radical prostatectomy, 598 (23.5%) EBRT, and 429 (16.8%) active surveillance. Men in the EBRT group were older (mean age, 68.1 years vs 61.5 years, P P Conclusions and Relevance In this cohort of men with localized prostate cancer, radical prostatectomy was associated with a greater decrease in sexual function and urinary incontinence than either EBRT or active surveillance after 3 years and was associated with fewer urinary irritative symptoms than active surveillance; however, no meaningful differences existed in either bowel or hormonal function beyond 12 months or in in other domains of health-related quality-of-life measures. These findings may facilitate counseling regarding the comparative harms of contemporary treatments for prostate cancer.
The Influence of Smoking on Breast feeding Among Women Who Quit Smoking During Pregnancy.

Introduction Understanding factors related to breast-feeding intention, initiation, duration, and weaning among women who quit smoking as a result of pregnancy may inform interventions to increase breast-feeding rates among women who smoke. Methods Women (N = 300) who quit smoking as a result of pregnancy and enrolled in a postpartum relapse prevention trial were interviewed about breast-feeding intention prior to delivery. Breast-feeding initiation, duration, reasons for weaning, and relapse to smoking were assessed at 12-weeks postpartum. Results The majority of pregnant former smokers intended to breastfeed (68%), and actual rates of breast feeding were higher (74%). Among women who initiated breast feeding, weaning before 2 months was common (41%). For most women (69%), smoking had no effect on breast-feeding decisions. Among the 31% of women who reported that smoking influenced their feeding decisions, 83% indicated that they did not smoke or decreased smoking frequency in order to breastfeed while 17% did not breastfeed or quit breast feeding in order to smoke. Women who decided to forgo breast feeding to smoke were significantly more likely to have a high school education or less (p < .001) and to be African American (p < .0001) than those who had other reasons not to breastfeed. Conclusions Most women who quit smoking during pregnancy initiate breast feeding, and the majority report smoking did not influence feeding decisions. Importantly, among women for whom smoking did influence feeding decisions, most reported changing smoking behavior to enable breast feeding. Interventions to increase breast-feeding initiation and duration may decrease postpartum relapse and improve maternal and infant health. Implications This study extends the literature on women's perception of the influence of smoking on breast feeding by assessing breast-feeding intent, initiation, duration, and reasons for weaning longitudinally among women who quit smoking as a result of pregnancy. The results support a need for additional research to determine the effectiveness of breast feeding supports as a component of interventions to reduce postpartum smoking relapse.
Studies with intravenous gitalin. II. Ballistocardiographic and electrokymographic observations.

Abstract An electrokymographic and ballistocardiographic study has been undertaken in order to study the effect of intravenous injections of various cardiac glycosides including strophanthin, gitalin, lanatoside C, and digitoxin. The electrokymogram of the left ventricular border or an optical ballistocardiogram were recorded before injection, soon after the injection, and about one hour later. Comparison was made between various glycosides in the same subjects. Eleven persons were studied by means of electrokymography, three normal persons and eight clinical patients. Fourteen persons were studied by means of ballistocardiography, three normal persons and eleven clinical patients. Five persons were studied by means of both methods. All clinical patients presented evidence of congestive failure. Correlation of the changes in amplitude of left ventricular electrokymography with those of the heart rate revealed early decrease in one out of three normal persons and in five out of eight clinical patients. On the other hand, one hour after injection, there was an increase in two out of eight clinical patients while a decrease was still present in three out of eight. No significant change was found in normal persons one hour after injection. Correlation of the changes of the ballistocardiographic complex IJK with those of the heart rate showed early decrease in two out of three normal persons, and in eight out of eleven clinical patients. One hour after injection, a relative decrease was found in three out of three normal persons, and in seven out of eleven clinical patients. Three out of eleven clinical patients presented a relative increase. The early decreased amplitude of pulsations of the left ventricle took place in a greater percentage of clinical patients than of normal persons. This decrease can be explained by the result of a reduced venous return to the heart and points to a similarity of early action of digitalis glycosides in normal persons and in patients in failure. On the other hand, one hour after the injection, one-fourth of the clinical patients presented increase of the electrokymographic and ballistocardiographic waves. This can be explained by direct stimulation of the myocardium and was not present in normal persons. No significant difference was found between the various cardiac glycosides in either the peripheral or the myocardial effect. This indicates that: (1) Gitalin has a similar effect to that of other glycosides of the digitalis group; (2) clinical differences found by other workers and by the authors between the therapeutic ratio of gitalin and that of other glycosides are not due to basic difference in the mechanism of action.
A Linear Method for the Design of Optimal Nonlinear Filters for Non-Gaussian Processes

Abstract Attention is devoted in the present paper to obtaining the optimal mean square estimate X ^ ( t ) of X(t) given the observations {Y(s): t0≤ s≤ t }, where X and Y are jointly defined second-order non-Gaussian (i.e., not necessarily Gaussian) real-valued stochastic processes on an interval I: t0≤ t ≤ tf of the real line with known statistics. The underlying filter is represented by a Volterra functional series belonging to a generalized Fock space Fρ. Generalized Fock spaces are reproducing kernel Hilbert spaces of nonlinear functionals introduced by de Figueiredo and Dwyer (1980). In such a setting. a new linear equation in the space Fρ, which the optimal nonlinear filter must satisfy. is derived. This equation reduces to the Wiener-Hopf equation in the linear Gaussian case. Finally. a new class of nonlinear filters is presented which is optimal for a wide class of non-Gaussian stochastic processes. and is simple to implement.
Community and Population Density

In Chapter 11 population structure was discussed in relation to reproduction. Reproduction is a major factor in changes in density, which in turn influence reproductive rates; this is one of the best known density-dependent phenomena. The density of a population reflects the interaction of communal physical and biotic elements. This chapter describes some examples of the relationships between community structure, exogenous factors and fluctuations in density.
Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles more strongly affect bacteria compared to algae in stream ecosystems

Titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) is a novel nano-particulate contaminant found in surface waters. Nano-TiO 2 is commonly used in numerous pharmaceutical and personal care products ranging from make-up to pill casings, and is an additive in food and household products. Despite the commercialized use of TiO 2 , its increased presence in surface waters, and toxic effects on stream organsims, little information exists on how nano-TiO 2 affects stream ecosystems as a whole. We examined the effect of various concentrations (0.5 - 3 mg/L) of nano-TiO 2 on stream ecosystems by measuring the response of algal and microbial communities to acute (12 hr) and chronic (22 day) exposures. We measured gross primary production (GPP), community respiration (CR), and chlorophyll a (chl a ) concentrations on intact algae from a local stream.We expected metabolic function of both algal and microbial components of the benthic biofilm to decline with exposure due to sensitivities to metal oxides. However, we found exposure to any of the concentrations of nano-TiO 2 tested caused CR to decrease compared to controls, but, GPP either increased or stayed the same as our controls. We found algal chl a concentraions to increase in the high exposure treatment. Since nano-TiO 2 had a negative effect on the microbes, we hypothesized that either autotrophs were released from microbial competition and increased chl a production, or that shading from TiO 2 particles may have caused increased chl a production. Additional studies investigating the effects of higher concentrations and longer exposure times to these compounds are warranted.
Estimates on the Complementary Subspace

If C is decomposed by Λ we know from Theorem 20.1 there is a constant matrix B = BΛ whose eigenvalues coincide with Λ such that $${\rm{T}}\left( {\rm{t}} \right){\rm{\phi }}{}^{\rm{P}} \Lambda = \Phi e^{{\rm{Bt}}} {\rm{a}},{\rm{where\phi }}{}^{\rm{P}} \Lambda = \Phi {\rm{a}}$$ .
Heating Effects in Rio Blanco Rock

Samples of ''sandstone'' from near the site of the upper Rio Blanco nuclear explosion were heated in the laboratory at temperatures between 600 and 900$sup 0$C. The composition and amount of noncondensable (dry) gas released were measured and compared to the amount and composition of gas found underground following the explosion. The gas released from the rock heated in the laboratory contained approximately 80 percent CO$sub 2$ and 10 percent H$sub 2$; the balance was CO and CH$sub 4$. With increasing temperature, the amounts of CO$sub 2$, CO, and H$sub 2$ released increased. The composition of gas released by heating Rio Blanco rock in the laboratory is similar to the composition of gas found after the nuclear explosion except that it contains less natural gas (CH$sub 4$, C$sub 2$H$sub 6$ . . .). The amount of noncondensable gas released by heating the rock increases from approximately 0.1 mole/kg of rock at 600$sup 0$C to 0.9 mole/ kg at 900$sup 0$C. Over 90 percent of the volatile components of the rock are released in less than 10 h at 900$sup 0$C. A comparison of the amount of gas released by heating rock in the laboratory to the amount of gas releasedmore » by the heat of the Rio Blanco nuclear explosion suggests that the explosion released the volatile material from about 0.42 mg of rock per joule of explosive energy (1700 to 1800 tonnes per kt). (auth)« less
Factors Impacting Pathologic Complete Response after Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Breast Cancer: A Single-Center Study

Background: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is the standard treatment for patients with locally advanced breast cancer which was recently introduced for operable breast cancer especially to achieve negative margins in breast conservation. Several studies have shown that Pathologic complete response (pCR) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy increases survival rate. The aim of this study therefore, was to evaluate the rate of pathologic complete response and its effective factors in breast cancer research center (BCRC). Methods: During a cross-sectional study, 179 patients with stage I to III breast cancer, who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer research center from 1997 to 2014, were included. Cases with pathologic complete response were defined as no tumor residue in the breast tissue and axillary region. This group of patients was compared with patients who had residual tumor at pathology. Data were analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistics using SPSS 19. Results: The mean age of patients was 45.4 years. Thirty-four patients (19%) were identified in the pathological complete response group (pCR). There was no significant difference between the pCR and non-pCR groups with respect to Age, Menopausal status, Family history of breast cancer, Tumor size, Histological type, Hormone receptors, Her-2neu and Phenotypic subtypes. However, ki67 index was significantly different between the two groups of patients, indicating that in patients with Ki67 of more than 40, pCR was the most observed (P = 0.01). Conclusions: This study showed that among the demographic, clinical, pathological and therapeutic factors, Ki67 can be a predicting factor for pathologic complete response after neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
Raising goats in the southern-pine silvopasture system: challenges and opportunities

Pasture-based goat operation is popular among small-scale farmers; however, it may be challenging when forage availability is limited. Grazing opportunity can be increased by developing silvopastures after thinning pine plantations. To successfully manage silvopastures, it is important to understand animals’ interaction with trees. The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of goats in the southern pine silvopasture system. Studies were conducted at two sites: Atkins Agroforestry Research and Demonstration Site, Tuskegee (Site 1), and Plantersville Silvopasture Demonstration Site, Plantersville, Alabama (Site 2). Site 1 consisted of six acres of longleaf (Pinus palustris Mill.) and loblolly (Pinus taeda L.) pine trees (10–11 years old, 147 ± 21.1 trees/acre; longleaf 52.14%, loblolly 47.86%). Site 2 comprised of 14 acres of 17–18 years old loblolly pine silvopastures. Both sites were planted with cool- and warm-season forages, and plots were rotationally grazed with goats (Site 1—Kiko wethers; Site 2—mixed breed of goats) during the 2015–2016 grazing seasons. Goat performance (live weight, body condition score, and FAMACHA score) was monitored every 2 weeks in Site 1, and trees were inspected for possible damage in both sites. Goats performed better while grazing cool-season forages during the spring. In Site 1, goats debarked pine trees, especially longleaf pines during the cool-season grazing period. No debarking was observed in Site 2. This study showed that southern pine silvopastures could provide a good grazing opportunity, but trees can be vulnerable to goats even when they are 10–11 years of age.
Chemical and Structural Stabilities of Layered Oxide Cathodes

The chemical and structural stabilities of layered oxides are compared by investigating bulk Li1-xMO2 (M = Mn, Co, and Ni) samples obtained by chemically extracting lithium from LiMO2. While the Li1-xCoO2 system tends to lose oxygen from the lattice at deep lithium extraction with (1–x) 0.3. The loss of significant amount of oxygen leads to a sliding of oxide layers and the formation of a major P3 and minor O1 phases for the end member CoO2-δ with 5=0.33 while Ni0.85Co0.15O2-δ with a small amount of δ=0.1 maintains the initial O3 layer structure. However, Li1-xNi0.85Co0.15O2-δ suffers from structural instability under mild heat (T < 50°C) due to a migration of Ni3+ ions from the nickel layer to the lithium layer. The Li1-xMnO2 system also experiences structural instability. The differences in the structural and chemical stabilities are explained based on crystal field stabilization energies and the relative positions of metal:3d and O:2p bands.
Profiles and profile comparisons between Dark Triad constructs on self‐presentation tactic usage and tactic beliefs

OBJECTIVE The present research profiled antisocial personality constructs in relation to tactical self-presentation behaviors and various beliefs associated with such tactical behavior. METHOD An MTurk sample (N = 524; Mage = 37.89; 61% female) completed indices of the Dark Triad (DT; narcissism, Machiavellianism, psychopathy) and self-reported their use of various self-presentation tactics, their beliefs about the subjective logic for executing the tactics (which encompassed ratings of the tactics' utility, ease of execution, and normativity), and the potential for each tactic to arouse self-recrimination. RESULTS Results revealed high convergence between the DT constructs on a relatively malignant approach to self-presentation. DT constructs related to enhanced usage, enhanced subjective logic, and reduced self-recrimination ratings for all the tactics, except pro-social ones (exemplification and apologizing). Nonetheless, results also revealed some notable anticipated instances of nonconvergences between the DT constructs and tactic usage. CONCLUSIONS The findings highlight that DT constructs function rather similarly at the level of self-presentation and suggest value in considering the DT constructs as indicative of strategic, subjectively logical image cultivation and defense behavior.
Characteristics of Spontaneous Spinal Cord Infarction and Proposed Diagnostic Criteria.

Importance Spinal cord infarction (SCI) is often disabling, and the diagnosis can be challenging without an inciting event (eg, aortic surgery). Patients with a spontaneous SCI are often misdiagnosed as having transverse myelitis. Diagnostic criteria for SCI are lacking, hindering clinical care and research. Objective To describe the characteristics of spontaneous SCI and propose diagnostic criteria. Design, Setting, and Participants An institution-based search tool was used to identify patients evaluated at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, from January 1997 to December 2017 with a spontaneous SCI. Patients provided written consent to use their records for research. Participants were 18 years and older with a diagnosis of spontaneous SCI (n = 133), and controls were selected from a database of alternative myelopathy etiologies for validation of the proposed diagnostic criteria (n = 280). Main Outcomes and Measures A descriptive analysis of SCI was performed and used to propose diagnostic criteria, and the criteria were validated. Results Of 133 included patients with a spontaneous SCI, the median (interquartile range) age at presentation was 60 (52-69) years, and 101 (76%) had vascular risk factors. Rapid onset of severe deficits reaching nadir within 12 hours was typical (102 [77%]); some had a stuttering decline (31 [23%]). Sensory loss occurred in 126 patients (95%), selectively affecting pain/temperature in 49 (39%). Initial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) spine results were normal in 30 patients (24%). Characteristic MRI T2-hyperintense patterns included owl eyes (82 [65%]) and pencil-like hyperintensity (50 [40%]); gadolinium enhancement (37 of 96 [39%]) was often linear and located in the anterior gray matter. Confirmatory MRI findings included diffusion-weighted imaging/apparent diffusion coefficient restriction (19 of 29 [67%]), adjacent dissection/occlusion (16 of 82 [20%]), and vertebral body infarction (11 [9%]). Cerebrospinal fluid showed mild inflammation in 7 of 89 patients (8%). Diagnostic criteria was proposed for definite, probable, and possible SCI of periprocedural and spontaneous onset. In the validation cohort (n = 280), 9 patients (3%) met criteria for possible SCI, and none met criteria for probable SCI. Conclusions and Relevance This large series of spontaneous SCIs provides clinical, laboratory, and MRI clues to SCI diagnosis. The diagnostic criteria proposed here will aid clinicians in making the correct diagnosis and ideally improve future care for patients with SCI. The validation of these criteria supports their utility in the evaluation of acute myelopathy.
Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist Modulates Liver Inflammation and Fibrosis in Mice in a Model-Dependent Manner

Background: Interleukin-1 (IL-1)β and IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) have been proposed as important mediators during chronic liver diseases. We aimed to determine whether the modulation of IL-1β signaling with IL-1Ra impacts on liver fibrosis. Methods: We assessed the effects of IL-1β on human hepatic stellate cells (HSC) and in mouse models of liver fibrosis induced by bile duct ligation (BDL) or carbon tetrachloride treatment (CCl-4). Results: Human HSCs treated with IL-1β had increased IL-1β, IL-1Ra, and MMP-9 expressions in vitro. HSCs treated with IL-1β had reduced α-smooth muscle actin expression. These effects were all prevented by IL-1Ra treatment. In the BDL model, liver fibrosis and Kuppfer cell numbers were increased in IL-1Ra KO mice compared to wild type mice and wild type mice treated with IL-1Ra. In contrast, after CCl-4 treatment, fibrosis, HSC and Kupffer cell numbers were decreased in IL-1Ra KO mice compared to the other groups. IL-1Ra treatment provided a modest protective effect in the BDL model and was pro-fibrotic in the CCl-4 model. Conclusions: We demonstrated bivalent effects of IL-1Ra during liver fibrosis in mice. IL-1Ra was detrimental in the CCl-4 model, whereas it was protective in the BDL model. Altogether these data suggest that blocking IL-1-mediated inflammation may be beneficial only in selective liver fibrotic disease.
Ustilago maydis Viruses and Their Killer Toxins

Abstract The dsRNA viruses that persistently infect Ustilago maydis are members of the family Totiviridae. In a symbiotic manner, the virus genomes encode ‘killer toxins’ that are secreted by the host and attack strains of U. maydis that are not infected by that viral strain. Three strains of U. maydis have been identified that secrete the KP1, KP4, and KP6 toxins. These toxins do not share significant sequence similarity amongst themselves or with the killer toxins from Saccharomyces cerevisiae. All three toxins appear to have distinct atomic structures and modes of action. KP4 blocks calcium channels while KP6 causes lysis by an unknown mechanism.