cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Lateralization of categorical and coordinate spatial functions: A study of unilateral stroke patients

Sixty patients with unilateral stroke (half with left hemisphere damage and half with right hemisphere damage) and a control group (N = 15) matched for age and educational level were tested in two experiments. In one experiment they were first shown, on each trial, a sample drawing depicting one or more objects. Following a short delay, they were asked to identify the drawing when it was paired with a drawing in which the same object(s) was transformed in categorical or coordinate spatial relations. In the other experiment, the same subjects first were shown, on each trial, a sample drawing. They then judged which of two variants (each in one type of spatial relation) looked more similar to the sample drawing. Typically, patients with left-sided stroke mistakenly identified the categorical transformation for the sample drawing in the first task; in the second task, they judged the categorical transformation as more similar to the sample drawing. Patients with right-sided stroke mistakenly identified the coordinate transformations for the sample drawing in the first task, and, in the second task, typically judged the drawings transformed along coordinate spatial relations as more similar to the sample drawing. These findings provide evidence for complementary lateralization of the two types of spatial perception. It can therefore be inferred that separate functional subsystems process the two types of spatial relations.
Land Cover/Use Classification Using Optical and Quad Polarization Radar Imagery

With the recent increase in availability of quad polarization (HH, HV, VH and VV) radar data, the need to assess the utility of these datasets for land cover/use classification is crucial and was the premise of this study. Historically, most spaceborne radars were single wavelength and single polarization. For this study, the Japanese ALOS PALSAR quad polarization radar data was obtained at 12.5 m spatial resolution. The second data set to be used in this study was acquired by Landsat TM at a 28.5 m spatial resolution. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the classification of various land covers/uses using spaceborne quad polarization radar and optical TM data. Secondly, the study analyzed the utility and improvements that can be made to the radar and TM data with the help of using radar texture and multi sensor fusion techniques, e.g. layer stacking and Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The central valley of California has been chosen for analysis in this study. The primary methodology was to evaluate texture (Kurtosis, Mean Euclidean distance, Skewness, and Variance) at four window sizes. Supervised signature extraction and classification (maximum likelihood) was used to classify different land covers/uses, followed by an accuracy assessment. The combination of radar and Landsat consistently provided excellent classification accuracies, well over 90%. During a comparison of the two datasets, Landsat provided higher classification accuracies as compared to radar and radar texture analyzed individually. The use of texture was not able to help provide higher classification accuracies for the different classes.
Group creativity in virtual math teams: interactional mechanisms for referencing, remembering and bridging

In this paper, we present a qualitative case study of group creativity online in the domain of mathematics. We define creative work broadly, ranging from the micro-level co-construction of novel resources for problem solving to the innovative reuse of ideas and solution strategies across virtual teams. We analyze the collaborative interactions of virtual math teams with an emphasis on describing the relationship between "synchronic" aspects of creative work (i.e. single episode interactions) and their "diachronic" evolution across time and across collectivities. Our analysis indicates that the synergy between these two types of interactions and the resulting creative engagement of the teams relies on three fundamental processes: (1) referencing and the "configuration of indexicals", (2) collective remembering, and (3) bridging across discontinuities. In addition we also reflect on the aspects of the online environment used by these virtual teams which promote, support or hinder diachronic and synchronic interactions and creativity as aspects of group cognition.
Thermal Metamorphism of Primitive Meteorites—XII. The Enstatite Chondrites Revisited

Environmental Context.The first Solar System material condensed 4.567 billion years ago, rapidly forming planetesimals—solid bodies that might combine to form planets (accretion) or survive as asteroidal meteorites. Earth’s main accretion ended within the next 30 million years, but subsequent high temperatures essentially erased evidence of this history. However, heating in these early episodes produced effects uniquely recorded by 14 volatile trace elements. The volatile element composition of chondritic meteorites, whose parent material formed closest to Earth, may thus provide important information about early planetesimal evolution. Abstract.We report data for 14 trace and ultratrace elements—Au, Co, Sb, Ga, Rb, Ag, Cs, Te, Zn, Cd, Bi, Tl, In (ordered by increasing putative nebular volatility)—in 13 enstatite (E) chondrites recovered from Antarctica and two E inclusions in the Kaidun polymict breccia that fell in 1980. These data, determined by radiochemical neutron activation analysis (RNAA), essentially double the amount of information known for E chondrites, whose parent materials formed closest to the Sun in the chondrite-forming nebular region. We discuss here the data for all 29 samples studied. The meteoritic suite studied here includes both representatives of previously rare types—like high-iron EH3 and EH5 individuals—but also unique individuals and previously unknown low-iron, EL3, chondrites. Prior hypothetical assertions by others are corrected by the new data. Volatile element contents of EL3 and EH3 chondrites are variable, but comparable, like those of type 3 ordinary chondrites (i.e. H3, L3, and LL3). Volatile element contents of EH4 chondrites are at least as high as those of the E3 types, in contrast to the lower contents of H4, L4, and LL4 types. Compositionally, E3,4 chondrites reflect only nebular condensation and/or accretion processes. Volatiles in E5 and E6 chondrites—whether of EH, EL or unique ones—are depleted relative to cosmic (i.e. CI1) or E3,4 chondrite abundances. The evidence indicates that E5,6 chondrites compositionally reflect vaporization and loss of volatiles during open-system, thermal metamorphism of their parent(s); this may have been the terrestrial environment during Earth’s formation from early planetesimals. Compositional differences between Antarctic E5,6 chondrites and contemporary falls probably do not reflect weathering during the long residence of these chondrites in Antarctica. They might reflect differences in the starting compositions and/or metamorphic conditions in the parent(s).
Stable three-stranded DNA made by RecA protein.

Abstract When RecA protein, in the form of a nucleoprotein filament containing circular single-stranded DNA (plus strand only), reacts with homologous linear duplex DNA, a directional transfer ensues of a strand from the duplex DNA to the nucleoprotein filament, resulting in the displacement of the linear plus strand in the 5' to 3' direction. The initial homologous synapsis, however, can occur at either end of the duplex DNA, or anywhere in between, and when homology is restricted to different regions of the duplex DNA, the joint molecules that form in each region show striking differences in stability upon deproteinization: distal joints greater than proximal joints much greater than medial joints. In the deproteinized distal joints, which are thermostable, 2000 nucleotide residues of the circular plus strand are resistant to P1 nuclease; both strands of the original duplex DNA remain resistant to P1 nuclease, and the potentially displaceable linear plus strand, which has a 3' homologous end, remains resistant to Escherichia coli exonuclease I. These observations suggest that RecA protein promotes homologous pairing and strand exchange via long three-stranded DNA intermediates and, moreover, that, once formed, such triplex structures in natural DNA are stable even when RecA protein has been removed.
Dry ETCH Induced Defects and H Passivation of GaAs Surfaces Produced by CH4/H2/Ar Plasmas

An investigation was performed of surface region etch-induced damage of GaAs magnetron reactive ion etched in CH4/H2/Ar gas mixtures for 10% and 20% Ar concentrations. Schottky barrier I-V measurements showed that changes in surface potential (ϕb) upon etching and subsequent annealing can be explained by a combination of H passivation effects and As removal from the surface region. Changes in Schottky barrier ideality factor (n) can be explained by the presence of etch-induced surface region defects such as donor-like As vacancies and deep level recombination centers, both of which are passivated by H. Schottky barrier C-V measurements indicated that H passivation extends about 0.3 μm below the surface. Rapid thermal annealing at 400°C for 30 s was effective in removing most of the H passivation effects.
Another Colicin V phenotype: in vitro adhesion of Escherichia coli to mouse intestinal epithelium.

Abstract Two assays were designed with which isogenic laboratory strains of Escherichia coli K-12 with and without ColV plasmids were compared for their ability to adhere in vitro to mouse intestinal epithelium. In both assays, disks of intestinal tissue were exposed to bacteria. In the first, disks were homogenized and the numbers of viable bacteria adherent to them were estimated from colony counts of plates inoculated with dilutions of the homogenates. In the second, bacteria were labeled with [14C]aspartic acid; the number of adherent cells per disk was estimated by liquid scintillation spectrometry. Data from each assay were compared by analysis of variance. In both assays, strains bearing the ColV plasmid adhered in two- to threefold-greater numbers than isogenic strains without the plasmid. These differences were highly significant statistically. A non-colicinogenic strain free of the ColV plasmid was selected by treatment of a ColV strain with sodium dodecyl sulfate. In the radioisotopic assay, the ColV strain associated with the epithelium in significantly greater numbers than the cured derivative. A ColV strain was created by conjugation; in the radioisotopic assay this strain bound to epithelium in significantly greater numbers than the recipient strain without the plasmid. The original ColV strain, when negatively stained and examined by electron microscopy, had pili that adsorbed male-specific bacteriophage, whereas its isogenic variant without ColV did not. Some such properties, coded by the plasmid, may increase the virulence of the bacteria.
Rationale for the use of calcium antagonists in the treatment of silent myocardial ischemia

Silent myocardial ischemia, whether it occurs at rest or during exercise, is associated with an unfavorable prognosis and may lead to sudden cardiac death. Agents used to treat silent myocardial ischemia have included nitrates, beta-blockers, and calcium antagonists (CAs). Despite treatment with traditional anti-ischemic agents, studies have shown that up to 40% of patients who receive what is considered to be clinically optimal antianginal therapy continue to have daily episodes of silent myocardial ischemia. The use of nitrates and beta-blockers is sometimes confounded by issues of tolerance and tolerability. Although the CAs have been found to be effective in decreasing the duration and frequency of episodes of silent ischemia, in general beta-blockers produce a greater reduction in these variables. Thus a need for effective and tolerable anti-ischemic agents persists. A new class of CAs, the tetralol derivatives, may show promise in this regard. The first of this new class, mibefradil, is characterized by selective blockade of T-type calcium-ion channels and has been shown in a few studies to reduce the frequency and duration of asymptomatic ischemic episodes in patients with stable exertional angina pectoris. Large-scale clinical trials are necessary before the efficacy and tolerability of this new CA can be compared fully with those of the beta-blockers and currently available CAs.
The breaking of interfacial waves at a submerged bathymetric ridge

The breaking of periodic progressive two-layer interfacial waves at a Gaussian ridge is investigated through laboratory experiments. Length scales of the incident wave and topography are used to parameterize when and how breaking occurs. Qualitative observations suggest both shear and convection play a role in the instability of waves breaking at the ridge. Simultaneous particle image velocimetry (PIV) and planar laser-induced fluorescence (PLIF) measurements are used to calculate high resolution, two-dimensional velocity and density fields from which the local gradient Richardson number Ri g is calculated. The transition to breaking occurred when 0.2 ≤ Ri g ≤ 0.4. In these wave-ridge breaking events, the destabilizing effects of waves steepening in shallow layers may be responsible for breaking at higher Ri g than for similar waves breaking through shear instability in deep water (Troy & Koseff, J. Fluid Mech., vol. 543, 2005b, p. 107). Due to the effects of unsteadiness, nonlinear shoaling and flow separation, the canonical Ri g > 0.25 is not sufficient to predict the stability of interfacial waves. A simple model is developed to estimate Ri g in waves between finite depth layers using scales of the incident wave scale and topography. The observed breaking transition corresponds with a constant estimated value of Ri g from the model, suggesting that interfacial shear plays an important role in initial wave instability. For wave amplitudes above the initial breaking transition, convective breaking events are also observed.
A Rhesus Rhadinovirus Viral Interferon (IFN) Regulatory Factor Is Virion Associated and Inhibits the Early IFN Antiviral Response

The interferon (IFN) response is the earliest host immune response dedicated to combating viral infection. As such, viruses have evolved strategies to subvert this potent antiviral response. Two closely related gammaherpesviruses, Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) and rhesus macaque rhadinovirus (RRV), are unique in that they express viral homologues to cellular interferon regulatory factors (IRFs), termed viral IRFs (vIRFs). Cellular IRFs are a family of transcription factors that are particularly important for the transcription of type I IFNs. Here, we demonstrate a strategy employed by RRV to ensure rapid inhibition of virus-induced type I IFN induction. We found that RRV vIRF R6, when expressed ectopically, interacts with a transcriptional coactivator, CREB-binding protein (CBP), in the nucleus. As a result, phosphorylated IRF3, an important transcriptional regulator in beta interferon (IFN-β) transcription, fails to effectively bind to the IFN-β promoter, thus inhibiting the activation of IFN-β genes. In addition, we found R6 within RRV virion particles via immunoelectron microscopy and, furthermore, that virion-associated R6 is capable of inhibiting the type I IFN response by preventing efficient binding of IRF3/CBP complexes to the IFN-β promoter in the context of infection. The work shown here is the first example of a vIRF being associated with either the KSHV or RRV virion. The presence of this immunomodulatory protein in the RRV virion provides the virus with an immediate mechanism to evade the host IFN response, thus enabling the virus to effectively establish an infection within the host. IMPORTANCE Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) and the closely related rhesus macaque rhadinovirus (RRV) are the only viruses known to encode viral homologues to cellular interferon regulatory factors (IRFs), known as vIRFs. In KSHV, these proteins have been shown to play major roles in a variety of cellular processes and are particularly important in the evasion of the host type I interferon (IFN) response. In this study, we delineate the immunomodulatory mechanism of an RRV vIRF and its ability to assist the virus in rapid immune evasion by being prepackaged within the virion, thus providing evidence, for the first time, of a virion-associated vIRF. This work further contributes to our understanding of the mechanisms behind immunomodulation by the RRV vIRFs during infection.
Critical Thinking in the Management Classroom: Bloom's Taxonomy as a Learning Tool:

This article discusses the use of Bloom's taxonomy as a metacognitive framework for the student-centered management class, or what contemporary education researchers call scaffolding. The taxonomy is a six-level classification system that uses observed student behavior to infer the level of cognitive achievement. The article surveys thinking within general education and within management education, which draws on Bloom's taxonomy, and then describes suggested uses of the taxonomy. Empirical evaluation of its effect on student achievement follows, as do thoughts about ways colleagues might use this tool to empower their management students as self-responsible learners in the classroom.
Improving emotion regulation with CBT in young children with high functioning autism spectrum disorders: A pilot study.

Background and Aims: This pilot study tested the efficacy of a developmentally modified CBT for young children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) to teach emotion regulation strategies for reducing anger and anxiety, commonly noted problems in this population. Method: Eleven 5–7 year-old children participated in a CBT-group while parents participated in psychoeducation. Children were randomly assigned to an experimental or delayed-treatment control group. Results: From pre- to post-treatment, all children had less parent reported negativity/lability, better parent reported emotion regulation, and shorter outbursts, and also generated more coping strategies in response to vignettes. Parents also reported increases in their own confidence and their child's ability to deal with anger and anxiety. Conclusions: This study suggests that young children with high functioning ASD may benefit from CBT to improve regulation of anger and anxiety, and parent training may improve parental self-efficacy. Future studies are needed to make conclusions about its efficacy.
Influence of Host Age on Patch Use by a Quasi-Gregarious Egg Parasitoid

Abstract In quasi-gregarious egg parasitoids, the effects of host age on patch use can be significant because host quality declines with host age; this occurs simultaneously in all hosts in a patch (i.e., egg mass). We assessed such effects in the laboratory using Gryon obesum Masner, an egg parasitoid of Euschistus conspersus Uhler. Host eggs hatched ≈6 d after oviposition; therefore, individual parasitoid females were allowed to oviposit on egg masses (14 eggs/mass) of 0-, 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, and 5-d-old hosts. We measured body size and developmental time of parasitoid progeny from these hosts. On egg masses of 0-, 2-, 4-, and 5-d-old hosts, we observed ovipositional behavior of parasitoid wasps, and estimated rates of host acceptance, progeny survival, and patch residence time. There was a general decline in host quality with host age. Exposure of wasps to 5-d-old hosts resulted in reduced percentage parasitism, lowered acceptance and ovipositional success per patch, increased patch time, reduced survival ...
Adenosine Signaling Mediates Osteogenic Differentiation of Human Embryonic Stem Cells on Mineralized Matrices.

Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) are attractive cell sources for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine due to their self-renewal and differentiation ability. Design of biomaterials with an intrinsic ability that promotes hESC differentiation to the targeted cell type boasts significant advantages for tissue regeneration. We have previously developed biomineralized calcium-phosphate (CaP) matrices that inherently direct osteogenic differentiation of hESCs without the need of osteogenic-inducing chemicals or growth factors. Here, we show that CaP matrix-driven osteogenic differentiation of hESCs occurs through A2b adenosine receptor (A2bR). The inhibition of the receptor with an A2bR-specific antagonist attenuated mineralized matrix-mediated osteogenic differentiation of hESCs. In addition, when cultured on matrices in an environment deficient of calcium phosphate (CaP) minerals, exogenous adenosine promoted osteogenic differentiation of hESCs, but was attenuated by the inhibition of A2bR. Such synthetic matrices that intrinsically support osteogenic commitment of hESCs are not only beneficial for bone tissue engineering, but can be used as a platform to study the effect of the physical and chemical cues to the extracellular milieu on stem cell commitment. Insights into the cell signaling during matrix-induced differentiation of stem cells will also help define the key processes and enable discovery of new targets that promote differentiation of pluripotent stem cells for bone tissue engineering.
The War on Drugs in Colombia: The Environment, the Treadmill of Destruction and Risk-Transfer Militarism

Ecological damage, including global climate change, is commonly connected to practices and behaviors associated with economic activity and the Treadmill of Production (ToP). Less attention is paid to the connection between the military and environmental degradation, but recently the Treadmill of Destruction (ToD) has been documented as a global phenomenon with negative environmental effects. The ToD directly and indirectly contributes to environmental problems on many fronts, but one of the least obvious means by which the U.S. military influences the environment is through its policies supporting the "war on drugs. " The U.S. military aids Latin American countries, particularly Colombia, in the war on drugs in a number of capacities, including military support and training, weaponry, fumigation of crops, and logistical and surveillance support. The effort of the United States to curb the proliferation of illegal drug crops in Colombia is the most direct role that the military has played in this effort. Within the context of the "war on drugs" the United States is now engaged in risk-transfer militarism in which the consequences of this military action are borne by the Global South. We document the scope, magnitude, and consequences of the ToD in the war on drugs and the ways it negatively impacts the environment. Our argument reframes the ToD by emphasizing the role of risk-transfer militarism within the emergence of "new" wars as represented in the case of Colombia.
An Experimental Investigation of Procurement Auctions with Asymmetric Sellers

Electronic reverse auctions are a commonly used procurement mechanism. Research to date has focused on suppliers who are ex ante symmetric in that their costs are drawn from a common distribution. However, in many cases, a seller's range of potential costs depends on their own operations, location, or economies of scale and scope. Thus, understanding how different bidder types impact auction outcomes is key when designing an auction. This study reports the results of the first controlled laboratory experiment designed to compare prices between first-price and second-price procurement auctions for homogeneous goods when seller cost types are asymmetric and the number of bidders varies. The results indicate that first-price auctions generate lower prices regardless of market composition. The results also reveal that first-price auctions are at least weakly more efficient than second-price auctions despite the theoretical prediction that the reverse should hold in asymmetric auctions. Post hoc analysis of individual bidders' behavior in first-price auctions revealed evidence that bidders systematically underbid when their cost realizations were close to the lower bound. Furthermore, bidders adjust their behavior based on the type of the other bidders in the market in a manner inconsistent with theory. Consequently, adding a third bidder to a two-bidder market is not advantageous to the buyer unless that third bidder is a low-cost type.
Determination on the concentration of Phenytoin Sodium in serum by HPLC

Objective:To establish HPLC method to determine the concentration of Phenytoin Sodium in serum.Methods:The chromatographic column was Hypersil C18(4.6 mm×200 mm,10 μm),the mobile phase was methanol and water(50∶50),the flow rate was 0.8 ml/min,and the detective wavelength was 230 nm.3 μl sulphuric acid solution(6 M) was added to serum and was mixed evenly,then Phenytoin Sodium was extracted by evaporated ethylether.Results:The linear range of Phenytoin Sodium in serum was 2.00-150.00 mg/L.The recovery rates of mild,middle and high concentration(8.33,33.33,100.00 mg/L) were 98.40%,95.50%,102.71% respectively,and the within-day RSD and day to day RSD were both lower than 5%.Conclusion:The method is accurate,sensitive and simple,which can satisfy the requisition of determination of Phenytoin Sodium in serum.
Abstract A39: H3K9 methyltransferases G9a/Glp link the chromatin regulation of lung adenocarcinoma tumor propagating cells and lung bronchiolaveolar stem cells

Proper epigenetic control of transcription is essential for stem cell homeostasis and is frequently disrupted in cancer, but this has not been well investigated in lung biology or lung disease. We determined to test if lung stem cells and lung cancer stem cell-like tumor propagating cells (TPCs) shared mechanisms of chromatin regulation and if these contributed to the TPC cell fate. We have previously demonstrated that the stem cell marker Sca-1 enriches for mouse bronchioalveolar stem cells (BASCs) and cancer stem celll-like lung adenocarcinoma cells with enhanced metastatic and tumor propagation abilities (TPCs). A FACS screen of lung adenocarcinoma cell lines revealed that UNC0638, an inhibitor of H3K9me1/2 methyltransferases G9a and Glp enriches for high Sca-1 expressing, TPC-like cells. Gene expression analysis of primary adenocarcinomas shows that G9a/Glp are down-regulated in Sca-1+ metastatic TPCs. Furthermore, analysis of 400+ early stage patient lung adenocarcinomas reveals that low G9a expression and high expression of KDM3A, an H3K9me1/2 demethylase, significantly correlate with worse survival (P=0.008, P=0.002). This implies that dysregulation of H3K9me1/2 is also a significant factor in human disease. Depletion of G9a throughout tumorigenesis causes significant increases in tumor burden and in a Lox-stop-Lox-Kras; p53-flox mouse model of lung adenocarcinoma. Tumors generated with a Cre/shG9a lentivirus had a significantly higher tumor burden, tumor grade (P These findings demonstrate that common means of epigenetic regulation exist between mouse lung stem cells and lung TPCs, and suggests that lung TPCs may adopt these whilst promoting disease progression. Determining the precise mechanisms of this regulation will be important for our understanding of lung biology and disease, with potential implications for the diagnosis and treatment of human adenocarcinoma. Citation Format: Samuel P. Rowbotham, Carla F. Kim. H3K9 methyltransferases G9a/Glp link the chromatin regulation of lung adenocarcinoma tumor propagating cells and lung bronchiolaveolar stem cells. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Chromatin and Epigenetics in Cancer; Sep 24-27, 2015; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(2 Suppl):Abstract nr A39.
Economics of Providing Antineoplastic Drugs in a Manufacturer-Mixed Bulk Package

The cost impact of converting from a hospital-mixed (HM) system for preparing antineoplastic-drug doses to a manufacturer-mixed bulk package (MMBP) system in a 565-bed comprehensive cancer center is analyzed. The cost per dose for nine antineoplastic agents--bleomycin, cisplatin, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, fluorouracil, methotrexate, mitomycin, vinblastine, and vincristine--was assessed for each system. The average dose for each drug was determined by reviewing nearly 2200 physician orders collected over nine days. Cost per dose was calculated by allocating the costs associated with the production of multiple-dose containers and withdrawal of a single dose. A time-and-motion study using standard industrial engineering methodology measured labor times for all tasks associated with the production of drug doses. Calculated costs included direct labor, drug expense, supply expense, drug waste, waste removal, overhead, management labor, and inventory reduction. Operating costs (labor, supplies, overhead, and waste and waste removal) were reduced by an average of 26% per dose for all drugs, using the MMBP system. This institution produces a high volume of antineoplastic admixtures; thus, the impact on operating costs is likely to be different in other institutions. The total measured operating and drug acquisition costs decreased for three drugs, marginally increased for five drugs, and increased substantially for one drug. Based on this institution's use of the nine antineoplastic agents, the total first-year savings from conversion from the HM system to the MMBP system would be $31,219, including a one-time inventory reduction of $94,621. However, in subsequent years, use of the MMBP system would result in increased costs of $63,402.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Ultrafast Infrared Study of the UV Photodissociation of Mn2(CO)10

An ultrafast infrared study of the UV photodissociation of Mn2(CO)10 in cyclohexane reveals dynamics for parent and product vibrational relaxation and for bridge formation of the Mn2(CO)9 product.
TOPOLOGICAL SOLUTIONS IN THE SELF-DUAL CHERN-SIMONS THEORY - EXISTENCE AND APPROXIMATION

Abstract In this paper a globally convergent computational scheme is established to approximate a topological multivortex solution in the recently discovered self-dual Chern-Simons theory in R 2 . Our method which is constructive and numerically efficient finds the most superconducting solution in the sense that its Higgs field has the largest possible magnitude. The method consists of two steps: first one obtains by a convergent monotone iterative algorithm a suitable solution of the bounded domain equations and then one takes the large domain limit and approximates the full piane solutions. It is shown that with a special choice of the initial guess function, the approximation sequence approaches exponentially fast a solution in R 2 . The convergence rate implies that the truncation errors away from local regions are insignificant.
Differential Kv1.3, KCa3.1, and Kir2.1 expression in “classically” and “alternatively” activated microglia

Microglia are highly plastic cells that can assume different phenotypes in response to microenvironmental signals. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) promote differentiation into classically activated M1-like microglia, which produce high levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and nitric oxide and are thought to contribute to neurological damage in ischemic stroke and Alzheimer's disease. IL-4 in contrast induces a phenotype associated with anti-inflammatory effects and tissue repair. We here investigated whether these microglia subsets vary in their K+ channel expression by differentiating neonatal mouse microglia into M(LPS) and M(IL-4) microglia and studying their K+ channel expression by whole-cell patch-clamp, quantitative PCR and immunohistochemistry. We identified three major types of K+ channels based on their biophysical and pharmacological fingerprints: a use-dependent, outwardly rectifying current sensitive to the KV 1.3 blockers PAP-1 and ShK-186, an inwardly rectifying Ba2+ -sensitive Kir 2.1 current, and a Ca2+ -activated, TRAM-34-sensitive KCa 3.1 current. Both KV 1.3 and KCa 3.1 blockers inhibited pro-inflammatory cytokine production and iNOS and COX2 expression demonstrating that KV 1.3 and KCa 3.1 play important roles in microglia activation. Following differentiation with LPS or a combination of LPS and IFN-γ microglia exhibited high KV 1.3 current densities (∼50 pA/pF at 40 mV) and virtually no KCa 3.1 and Kir currents, while microglia differentiated with IL-4 exhibited large Kir 2.1 currents (∼ 10 pA/pF at -120 mV). KCa 3.1 currents were generally low but moderately increased following stimulation with IFN-γ or ATP (∼10 pS/pF). This differential K+ channel expression pattern suggests that KV 1.3 and KCa 3.1 inhibitors could be used to inhibit detrimental neuroinflammatory microglia functions. GLIA 2016;65:106-121.
Backscattered Stokes Parameters from Semi-Infinite Rayleigh Scattering Media Exposed to a Laser

The backscattered radiation from a medium exposed to a polarized laser beam is the focus of this work. Previously, the spatially varying reflection matrix for a Rayleigh scattering semi-infinite medium exposed to a normally directed, Gaussian beam was analyzed. The method of analysis was the integral transform method and a modified Ambarzumian’s method. In this study, the spatially varying reflection matrix is used to produce the distribution of backscattered radiation emergent from the medium for linearly and circularly polarized incident radiation. A circularly polarized incident beam produces a radially varying distribution, whereas a linearly polarized beam produces a distribution that has both radial and azimuthal variations. Graphical results are presented, and comparisons are made to limiting values and experimental observations.
Ensuring community and agricultural resiliency to climate change: Ceremonial practices as emic adaptive strategies

This paper is an analysis of emic versus etic approaches to climate change resiliency, taking as a case study the traditional ceremony performed by farmers in eastern Flores, Indonesia to rid their fields of rats. This paper begins by providing a theoretical framework discussion on the dominant etic and emic academic research on monsoons and climate change impacts on agriculture. The rat ceremony performed in villages throughout East Flores is a local custom used to rid agricultural fields of pests—often rats—that come from the surrounding forests to feed on the agricultural crops when the rains become erratic. This paper argues that analyzing the rat ceremony through an emic lens allows for better future resiliency to monsoon shifts due to climate change. It is argued that the rat ceremony demonstrates a way in which community resiliency is strengthened by an adaptive approach that supports an already existing community ceremony that emphasizes two essential tenets: community solidarity and coexistence with nature. Both tenets directly promote community resiliency. An explicit emphasis on emic approaches to climate change challenges could help re-define how resiliency is understood and supported within vulnerable communities such as rural villages. Key words: Climate Change, Adaptation, Resiliency, Pests, Indonesia, Emic, Etic Data of the article First received : 30 March 2016 | Last revision received : 28 November 2016 Accepted : 05 December 2016 | Published online : 23 December 2016 URN: nbn:de:hebis:34-2016111451451
UBiT2: a client-side web-application for gene expression data analysis

We present a purely client-side web-application, UBiT2 (User-friendly BioInformatics Tools), that provides installation-free, offline alignment, analysis, and visualization of RNA-sequencing as well as qPCR data. Analysis modules were designed with single cell transcriptomic analysis in mind. Using just a browser, users can perform standard analyses such as quality control, filtering, hierarchical clustering, principal component analysis, differential expression analysis, gene set enrichment testing, and more, all with interactive visualizations and exportable publication-quality figures. We apply UBiT2 to recapitulate findings from single cell RNA-seq and Fluidigm BiomarkTM multiplex RT-qPCR gene expression datasets. UBiT2 is available at http://pklab.med.harvard.edu/jean/ubit2/index.html with open-source code available at https://github.com/JEFworks/ubit2.
Monte Carlo Simulations of the Uptake of Chiral Compounds on Solid Surfaces.

A Monte Carlo algorithm was developed and used to describe and explain previous experimental results associated with the kinetics of the uptake of chiral molecules on solid surfaces. The specific system simulated in this study is the adsorption of propylene oxide (PO) on Pt(111) surfaces. The surface was represented by a square lattice, and the time evolution of the adsorption, starting from a clean surface, was simulated via a number of sequential events chosen using a stochastic approach based on the so-called Master equation and derived from the formalism advanced by Gillespie. Two main assumptions were required to explain the experimental results: (1) that adsorption is assisted by previously adsorbed molecules, that is, that the probability for sticking is higher next to other adsorbates than on empty isolated sites, and (2) that the geometry adopted by the new adsorbate next to an old one is defined and different for homochiral versus heterochiral pairs. Our model was able to quantitatively reproduc...
Therapy For Silent Ischemia: Nitrates

Nitrates are the oldest of the standard therapeutic agents for ischemic heart disease, first employed as amyl nitrite as reported by Brunton in 1867 (1), and then as nitroglycerin itself by Murrell in 1879 (2). The historical background of nitrate therapy, and particularly its use as a homeopathic remedy, has been elegantly summarized by Fye (3) in a recent review. In spite of long use and unquestioned efficacy in the vast majority of patients with angina, the physiologic actions of nitrates are multiple and complex, with remarkable gaps in our understanding of how efficacy is exerted.
Carbon chain length of biofuel- and flavor-relevant volatile organic compounds produced by lignocellulolytic fungal endophytes changes with culture temperature.

Abstract Three fungal endophytes from the genus Nodulisporium were studied for volatile organic compound (VOC) production. All three fungi grew on a wide range of carbon substrates ranging from simple sugars to waste biomass sources. The fungi synthesized a number of long and short-chain VOCs, including eucalyptol; 1-butanol, 3-methyl; 1-octen-3-ol; and benzaldehyde, all with potential applications as biofuel or flavor compounds. As culture temperature decreased, average VOC carbon chain length increased, especially for VOCs associated with fatty acid metabolism. The results provide a template for controlling synthesis of desired VOCs through selection of species and culturing conditions.
Thirty-day non-seizure outcomes following temporal lobectomy for adult epilepsy.

Abstract Objective Multi-institutional rates of acute adverse outcomes other than seizures after temporal lobectomy (TL) are not well understood. Here we analyzed short-term morbidity and mortality following TL using a validated national database. Patients and methods The multi-institutional American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database was queried by Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code for TL procedures performed for adult patients with diagnoses related to epilepsy from 2008 to 2014. Patient demographics, operative variables, hospital variables, preoperative laboratory values, and preexisting comorbidities were analyzed using univariate and multivariate techniques to determine associations with 30-day postoperative morbidity and mortality. Results A total of 202 TL procedures were analyzed, 80 (39.6%) with intraoperative electrocorticography (ECOG) and 122 (60.4%) without ECOG. Mean age was 40.4 ± 13.7 years, and 47.5% of patients were male. Overall morbidity and mortality were 11.4% and 2.0%, respectively. The most common adverse outcomes were reoperation (5.4%), stroke with residual deficit (2.5%), failure to wean from ventilator (2.0%), and surgical site infection (2.0%). Adverse event rates were not significantly different between TLs with and without ECOG (13.1% vs. 8.8%, p = 0.375). Independent predictors of adverse events included prior stroke (OR 7.60, 95% CI 1.22–47.17, p = 0.029) and chronic steroid use (OR 10.90, 95% CI 1.03–115.79, p = 0.048). Diabetes mellitus (p = 0.078) and older age (p = 0.145) approached but did not reach significance in the multivariate model. Conclusions We report rates of acute morbidity and mortality following TL procedures using a national database. These findings can be used both to assist with patient selection as well as patient counseling prior to surgery.
Identification and Control of Linear Distributed Parameter Systems Through the Use of Experimentally Determined Singular Functions

Abstract A new method is presented for the identification of linear Distributed Parameter Systems (DPS) given only limited a priori information about the physical process. Knowledge of the locations of a finite number of spatially varying control actuators and the locations of point measurements is assumed. Basic information from the system inputs and outputs is used to identify approximate spatial characteristics of the DPS. The identification procedure results in a pseudo-modal input/output model for the system, Identification of the spatial character of the process is accomplished by assuming the general model of a linear time-invariant compact unsymmetric integral operator. The kernel of this integral operator is expressed in terms of two sets of orthonormal basis functions, known as singular functions, whose existence is given by singular value theory. Approximations to these singular functions are determined numerically from input/output data using Galerkin's method and the Singular Value Decomposition. Application of this procedure to DPS described by both a self-adjoint and a non-self-adjoint parabolic PDE model is demonstrated. The usefulness of the identified model for an example control system design is shown
Towards Detecting Sex Offenders in Social Networks

This paper presents some preliminary work on detecting sex offenders who might register in social networks under assumed identities using data mining, string matching, and weight-biased scoring.
Reduced brain insulin signaling: A seminal process in Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis

The synaptic dysfunction and death of neurons that mediate memory and cognition account together for the behavioral symptoms of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Reduced insulin signaling in the brain is a hallmark of AD patients, even in the absence of systemic type 1 or type 2 diabetes, prompting some researchers to refer to AD as brain-specific, or type 3 diabetes. A key question that arises about this signature feature of AD is "how, if at all, does the brain's impaired ability to utilize insulin contribute to the behavioral deficits associated with AD?" The fact that type 2 diabetes is a risk factor for AD suggests a causative role for impaired insulin responsiveness in AD pathogenesis, but how that might occur at a detailed molecular level had been elusive. Here we review recent findings that mechanistically link soluble forms of amyloid-β (Aβ) and tau, the respective building blocks of the amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles that accumulate in the brains of AD patients, with neuronal decline that is associated with poor insulin responsiveness and may begin long before AD symptoms become evident. We discuss how Aβ and tau work coordinately to deprive neurons of functionally accessible insulin receptors and dysregulate normal signaling by the protein kinase, mTOR. Finally, we suggest how newly gained knowledge about pathogenic signaling caused by reduced brain insulin signaling might be exploited for improved early detection and therapeutic intervention for AD. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'Metabolic Impairment as Risk Factors for Neurodegenerative Disorders.'
In-office arthroscopy for the evaluation of chronic knee pain: A case report:

This is a case report detailing the use of in-office needle arthroscopy (mi-eye 2™) in a patient with chronic knee pain and inconclusive magnetic resonance imaging findings. The patient is a 40-year-old male who presented to our clinic after an extended history of right knee pain along the medial aspect with previous failed treatments. Magnetic resonance imaging without contrast had demonstrated full-thickness chondral fissuring of the lateral patellar facet, mild abnormal signals of the proximal patellar tendon and Hoffa's fat pad, and intact anterior cruciate ligament and posterior cruciate ligament. The patient was previously treated with an ultrasound-guided injection of 2 cm3 of 1% lidocaine without epinephrine and 1 cm3 of Kenalog-40 and scheduled for follow-up. At follow-up, clinical examination showed antalgic gait, minimal tenderness along medial joint line, medial pain in deep flexion, and no pain when in varus or valgus. Due to continued discomfort with a negative magnetic resonance imaging, in-office diagnostic arthroscopy was performed using mi-eye 2 revealing a tear of the mid-body of the medial meniscus. The patient subsequently underwent arthroscopic repair and is recovering well with complete resolution of medial joint pain. This report highlights the clinical utility of in-office diagnostic arthroscopy in the management of patients with persistent knee pain and negative or equivocal findings on magnetic resonance imaging.
Crystallographically degenerate B2 precipitation in a plastically deformed fcc-based complex concentrated alloy

Bcc-ordered B2 and fcc phases manifest three different orientation relationships (ORs) in the same microstructure: Kurdjumov–Sachs, Nishiyama–Wasserman and Pitsch. This unique microstructure was de...
Comment on the distinction between hazard and safety in evaluation of human health hazards on use of dichlorvos, especially in resin strips.

Gillett et al. (1972) conclude that the information available on dichlorvos resin strips does not reveal any substantial hazardous effect on human beings. The resin strip formulation offers several distinct advantages regarding acute safety hazard, and dichlorvos is rapidly degraded within the environment and within or on the surface of the body. However, the nature of the DDVP resin strip potentially provides for continuous exposure 2, either through continuous occupation of a treated dwelling (e. g., a housewife at home) or through exposure in several treated areas (home, business, shop) throughout a community in which these strips are used. As distinct from the more common discontiuous methods of exposure, a method of treatment involving continuous exposure seems to require an especially detailed examination of the safety of the method. The process of evaluation of a chemical and its application method for safety also of necessity involves an examination of the criteria or standards used to evaluate safety and the adequacy of the system of judgment used in certifying safety. Some questions are specifically involved in the evaluation of DDVP-containing insecticide strips; others relate more generally to toxicology, evaluation of chemicals, and the considerations of how our society — the overlapping industrial, academic, governmental, and consumer communities — copes or fails to cope with these matters. A concensual definition of safety was not reached by the authors, and the spectrum of opinion concerning this definition probably represents the diversity in society at large. Thus, the larger questions of risk/assurance and cost/benefit of the use of dichlorvos resin strips are very much related to the attitudes and values of evaluators.