cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Stokes Space Representation of Modal Dispersion

Polarization-mode dispersion in single-mode fibers can be viewed as a special case of modal dispersion in multimode and multicore optical fibers. Exploiting the similarity between these two transmission effects, modal dispersion can be modeled in a way analogous to that of polarization-mode dispersion by modifying the conventional Jones–Stokes formalism. In this paper, we review the geometrical representation of modal dispersion in the generalized Stokes space by means of the modal dispersion vector. We summarize and unify the fundamental equations that encapsulate the properties of the modal dispersion vector. We prove that the modal dispersion vector can be expressed as a linear superposition of the Stokes vectors representing the principal modes. The coefficients of this expansion are the corresponding differential mode group delays. This concise and elegant expression can be considered as a simplified definition of the modal dispersion vector and can be used to facilitate analytical calculations.
Combinations of Genomically and Immune-Targeted Therapies in Early-Phase Clinical Trials

Advances in cancer treatment have evolved from relatively nonspecific application of cytotoxic agents to mechanism-based therapies targeting oncogenic signaling pathways and, more recently, to the development of immune-based therapies that seek to activate patients’ own immune system in order to reinitiate the antitumor immune response. Some genomically targeted therapies, in addition to inhibiting molecular pathways driving tumor growth and maintenance, also possess immune-modulatory effects such as increasing tumor immunogenicity, in part by increasing T-cell trafficking into the tumor stroma and enhancing expression of tumor antigens. These observations raise the intriguing possibility that some genomically targeted therapies may be effectively combined with immunotherapies to improve overall clinical outcomes. Here, we discuss the preclinical data that serve as the foundation for testing genomically targeted therapies with immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as monoclonal antibodies targeting cytotoxic T-lymphocyte associated antigen 4, programmed cell death protein 1, and PD-1 ligand 1, as well as the clinical status of key combination trials.
A Comprehensive Psychiatric Formulation Model

It is generally accepted that psychiatric formulations ought to be part of a thorough patient evaluation. What should be included in a formulation and how it should be done, however, are less clear. The authors examine several reasons for the lack of consensus about formulations and suggest a basic definition of a psychiatric formulation. Based on underlying principles, they present a twelve component comprehensive psychiatric formulation model, illustrate its use with a case example, and discusss its clinical and educational implications.
The Preleukemic State in Virus-induced Leukemia

The evidence that retroviruses cause naturally occurring leukemia in species such as cats, wild mice, cattle, gibbon apes, and chickens is overwhelming. In most cases, but not all, the type of leukemia induced is lymphoid in origin. Recently, extensive evidence has accumulated which strongly suggests that another retrovirus, the human T cell leukemia virus (HTLV), may cause a particular type of lymphoid tumor in man, the adult T cell leukemia (ATL).
Is density-dependent growth in young-of-the-year fishes a question of critical weight?

We develop a conceptual argument thatdensity-dependent growth via reductions in preyresources are most likely to occur in the late-larvalor juvenile stage in both marine and freshwaterfishes. We use results from a suite ofindividual-based models and literature examples of avariety of marine, estuarine and freshwater species toprovide evidence of the effects of age-0 fish on theirprey. We conclude that larval-stage survival relatedto food-limited growth contributes significantly torecruitment variability. However, density-dependentregulation of cohort biomass via feedbacks derivedfrom reductions in prey resources is most likely tooccur at a ``critical-weight'' during the late-larval orjuvenile stage. This occurs when fish densitiesremain relatively high, and population consumption ishighest relative to prey density and replenishmentrate. We compare our critical weight concept toHoude's (1997) critical size hypothesis.
Mössbauer Investigation of Apollo 11 Lunar Samples

Mossbauer spectroscopy has been used to study samples of lunar dust and rocks returned on the Apollo 11 mission. In addition to iron metal, the Fe2+ minerals ilmenite, pyroxene, troilite, and iron-containing glass were identified. There was no evidence for Fe3+ or for unusual iron charge-state ions. Heavy liquids were used to separate the dust into fractions of differing specific-gravity ranges. The light part, which contained most of the glass, also contained most of the iron metal. The antiferromagnetic transition in the ilmenite of the dust and rocks was investigated by the constant-velocity counting rate method. All samples studied had transition temperatures of 57° ± 2°K, corresponding to stoichiometric FeTiO3. A magnetically separated sample of rock 10057 was used to clarify the nature of the magnetically ordered phases in the rocks, principally troilite with minor amounts of iron metal. As illustrated by the ilmenite iron to silicate iron ratio, the compositions of the dust and breccia were similar, but differed significantly from the typical rock compositions.
Global infections, local solutions: a guide for thoracic surgeons

We are excited to bring you this focused issue for the Journal of Thoracic Disease on “Medical and Surgical Management of Pulmonary Infections.” One of the specialty challenges for thoracic surgeons practicing in the Western world is the management of complex or uncommon pulmonary infections.
Impact of baseline early auditory processing on response to cognitive remediation for schizophrenia.

Abstract Background Early auditory processing (EAP) has increasingly become a focus of efforts to identify biomarkers of treatment response in schizophrenia. EAP deficits lead to poor functional outcome via impaired cognition, and treatments that target EAP may drive downstream cognitive improvements. Assessment of baseline need provides an opportunity for cognitive remediation (CR) programs that give EAP training to personalize treatment and optimize its impact. This initial efficacy study examined the differential benefit of EAP training for those with and without baseline EAP deficits as defined by performance on the Tone Matching Test. Methods 103 outpatient adults diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder were classified as having intact (48.5%) or impaired (51.5%) EAP and randomized to a CR program with restorative exercise plans that either included EAP training (N = 49) or did not (N = 54). Cognitive and functional outcomes were measured post-treatment and 3 months later. Results Only in EAP impaired participants was there a significant benefit from EAP training on verbal learning. Treatment condition did not significantly impact global cognitive or functional outcomes for either EAP group. Cognitive gains partially mediated the relationship between gains in EAP and functional capacity. Conclusion These findings support the importance of addressing basic auditory deficits when attempting to remediate higher order auditory impairments such as verbal learning. In addition, they highlight the need for routine assessment of EAP in cognitive remediation participants, as well as the need for more effective programs to reverse these impairments.
Hawking radiation from not-extremal and extremal Reissner-Nordstrom black holes

We consider the non-extremal Reissner-Nordstrom black hole and construct a wave packet that exhibits the Hawking radiation. We find the average of the number of the created particles with respect to the $|0\rangle$ vacuum state and with respect to Unruh type vacuum state. The average of the number operator in the $|0\rangle$ vacuum state consists of two terms: one is related to the Hawking radiation and the second is not related. We use the same construction for the extremal RN black hole and get that the average of the number operator with respect to the $|0\rangle$ vacuum state is also a sum of two term, where the one related to the Hawking radiation is equal to zero. This result is consistent with other works on the Hawking radiation for the extremal RN black hole.
A Causal Aspect of Epistemic Basing

An epistemologist who treats one’s having a justified belief that p as a requirement for one’s knowing that p typically maintains that at least sometimes that justified status arises in virtue of (possessing/appreciating/deploying) reasons for which one believes that p. It continues to be controversial whether there must be a causal aspect of the relationship—call it the epistemic basing relationship—between (possessing/appreciating/deploying) those reasons and believing that p. Previous causal accounts of epistemic basing have overlooked a candidate for such a causal aspect that I shall explore. I shall argue that by requiring this aspect we avoid certain puzzles faced by prior accounts formulated in terms of causes, including Peter D. Klein’s worry that those accounts run an empirical risk of allowing general skepticism, since we still understand so little about what causes believing. I shall also consider how the requirement that I propose relates to several well-known attempts by Keith Lehrer to construct counterexamples to various conditions of basing that mention causation. My goal is not to present a full analysis of epistemic basing but only to highlight the merits of one candidate for a necessary condition that specifies a causal aspect of it, that is, an aspect whose description refers at some point to causation.
Contrasting Patterns of Diterpene Acid Induction by Red Pine and White Spruce to Simulated Bark Beetle Attack, and Interspecific Differences in Sensitivity Among Fungal Associates

Conifers possess a suite of physiochemical defenses that protect their subcortical tissues from bark beetle - fungal complexes. These defenses include rapid induction of terpenoids and phenolics at the site of attack. Studies of the distribution, induction, and bioactivity of conifer terpenoids have focused heavily on monoterpenes. We assessed induction of diterpene acids in white spruce (Picea glauca) and red pine (Pinus resinosa) to fungal associates of two bark beetles, and the responses of four spruce beetle (Dendroctonus rufipennis)—associated fungi to three diterpene acids. Constitutive phloem contents differed between species, in that red pine had extremely low concentrations of diterpene acids, whereas white spruce had substantial constitutive levels. Induction differed quantitatively. Both red pine and white spruce exhibited marked increases, but red pine underwent greater increases and achieved higher concentrations than white spruce. Induction also differed qualitatively in that red pine showed lower diversity and fewer compositional changes during induction than white spruce. In red pine,fungal inoculation accompanying wounding elicited greater increases than wounding alone, but in white spruce total concentrations were higher following wounding alone. Spruce beetle fungal symbiont growth varied among species and compounds. Some diterpenes elicited both stimulatory and inhibitory effects on fungi, depending on concentration. All four fungi exhibited higher tolerances compared to those associated with pine bark beetles in previous studies. Variation in tolerances to, and potentially metabolism of, diterpene acids by symbionts may reflect differences in constitutive levels between spruce and pine, and partially explain differences in concentrations achieved during induction.
Robotic Sacral Colpopexy with Fascia Lata for Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Abstract Introduction: Robotic sacral colpopexy with mesh is a minimally invasive method to treat women suffering from pelvic organ prolapse with significant apical descent.1 There are concerns abo...
Analyzing Hospital Transfers Using INTERACT Acute Care Transfer Tools: Lessons from MOQI.

OBJECTIVES We explored the differences in potentially avoidable/unavoidable hospital transfers in a retrospective analysis of Interventions to Reduce Acute Care Transfers (INTERACT) Acute Transfer Tools (ACTs) completed by advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) working in the Missouri Quality Improvement (QI) Initiative (MOQI). DESIGN Cross-sectional descriptive study of 3996 ACTs for 32.5 calendar months from 2014 to 2016. Univariate analyses examined differences between potentially avoidable vs unavoidable transfers. Multivariate logistic regression analysis of candidate factors identified those contributing to avoidable transfers. SETTING Sixteen nursing homes (NHs), ranging from 120 to 321 beds, in urban, metro, and rural communities within 80 miles of a large midwestern city. PARTICIPANTS A total of 5168 residents with a median age of 82 years. MEASUREMENTS Data from 3946 MOQI-adapted ACTs. RESULTS A total of 54% of hospital transfers were identified as avoidable. QI opportunities related to avoidable transfers were earlier detection of new signs/symptoms (odds ratio [OR] = 2.35; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.61-3.42; P < .001); discussions of resident/family preference (OR = 2.12; 95% CI = 1.38-3.25; P < .001); advance directive/hospice care (OR = 2.25; 95% CI = 1.33-3.82; P = .003); better communication about condition (OR = 4.93; 95% CI = 3.17-7.68; P < .001); and condition could have been managed in the NH (OR = 16.63; 95% CI = 10.9-25.37; P < .001). Three factors related to unavoidable transfers were bleeding (OR = .59; 95% CI = .46-.77; P < .001), nausea/vomiting (OR = .7; 95% CI = .54-.91; P = .007), and resident/family preference for hospitalization (OR = .79; 95% CI = .68-.93; P = .003). CONCLUSION Reducing avoidable hospital transfers in NHs requires challenging assumptions about what is avoidable so QI efforts can be directed to improving NH capacity to manage ill residents. The APRNs served as the onsite coaches in the use and adoption of INTERACT. Changes in health policy would provide a revenue stream to support APRN presence in NH, a role that is critical to improving resident outcomes by increasing staff capacity to identify illness and guide system change. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:1953-1959, 2019.
Traumatic Experience, Human Rights Violations, and Their Intersection

The constructs of trauma theory and human rights have emerged in different disciplines over several decades as frameworks to document and address human suffering. Although traumatic events and human rights violations often occur together, an understanding of how these frameworks intersect and may complement each other has been lacking. To address this conceptual gap, this chapter examines the history, conceptual development, advances in, and limitations of these constructs, as well as how they may intersect in victims’ experiences. The authors argue for an approach that integrates these frameworks to augment our understanding of the causes and consequences of, and possible interventions for, human suffering, and to consider trauma within broader social contexts shaped by economic, social, and political imbalances of power.
The Opioid-Tolerant Patient: Opioid Optimization.

Chronic opioid use and abuse continue to plague our country despite efforts to curtail their use. Patients on chronic opioids (opioids tolerant) who undergo total joint arthroplasty have been clearly shown to have higher rates of complications, infection, and early revision compared to the opioid-naive patients. The ability to successfully wean patients off of narcotics before surgery remains challenging and fragmented at best. The utilization of a multidisciplinary team that assists with not only preoperative opioids reduction but also postoperative opioids management is critical to the successful management of these patients. This symposium focuses on the opioid-tolerant patients and a comprehensive approach to opioids optimization.
Measuring the shape of a black hole photon ring

General relativity predicts that gravitational lensing near black holes will produce narrow "photon rings" on images. Building on recent work of Johnson, Lupsasca et al. focusing on circular rings, I show that the full detailed shape and intensity profile of any prescribed ring is directly measurable on long interferometric baselines. The shape information is contained entirely in the periodicity of the visibility amplitude as a function of baseline angle, which encodes the projected diameter at that angle. These results raise the possibility of model-independent measurements of the shape of a thin ring, which can then be compared to the precise predictions of general relativity.
Complete 180-Degree Dislocation of a Rotating Platform after Closed Reduction for Mobile Bearing Spinout.

Abstract Rotating-platform total knee arthroplasty was designed to help decrease backside polyethylene wear and allow maximal conformity between the femoral and tibial components, but there have been multiple reports of dislocation and spinout of these implants. There are 4 case reports in the literature of knee dislocations with 180° rotation of the platform, 3 of which occurred during relocation attempts. This is only the second case in a posterior-stabilized mobile-bearing device. We present a case of complete 180° dislocation of a rotating platform after closed reduction in a posterior-stabilized total knee arthroplasty, with subsequent conversion to hinge knee arthroplasty.
Why China Survived the Asian Financial Crisis

The Chinese economy shows a remarkable resemblance to those of pre-crisis Thailand, Indonesia, South Korea and Malaysia — especially the asset bubbles, high reliance on banking intermediation, poor prudential supervision, and fragility of the financial system. Yet, China defied the common prediction and did not succumb to the financial crisis. What explains the China ability to withstand a major region-wide financial crisis? This study addresses this complex question, besides elaborating the reform measures China must implement to immune itself from future financial crises or its contagion effects. JEL Classification: O53. O57.
Optimizing favorable outcomes when counseling the gifted: A best practices approach:

This article provides an integration of the empirical research literature on child psychotherapy and what the author has gleaned, first hand, in counseling work with gifted children and youth, and ...
Abstract PR10: Alterations in carbon and nitrogen metabolism in lung cancer

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. The critical barrier in lung cancer treatment is a lack of effective therapies at later stages of the disease. Lung cancer genome sequencing supports the idea that combinations of mutations act in concert to foster malignancy and disease progression. Among these, KRAS and LKB1 mutations represent “driver” changes in tumor development. Importantly, mutations in these genes also perturb signal transduction to promote a form of metabolism conducive to tumor growth. Metabolic reprogramming is considered to be fundamental to malignant transformation; thus, identifying molecular links between these mutations and metabolism, and targeting the resulting metabolic pathways, may produce better therapies. To gain broader insight into metabolic reprogramming and potential dependencies in different KRAS/LKB1 co-mutant (KL) model systems, we analyzed metabolome and gene expression profiling of tumors derived from genetically engineered mouse models of lung cancer. These two datasets independently revealed that both mouse and human KL co-mutants are associated with elevated hexosamine biosynthesis pathway (HBP) expression, a metabolic pathway that requires the interplay between nitrogen and carbon metabolism. Upregulation of the HBP in co-mutants resulted in enhanced global N-acetyl glucosamine modification (O-GlcNAcylation) and glycosylation, modification involved in important processes occurring in cancer, such as cell signaling and communication, cell-matrix interactions, immune modulation and metastasis formation. KL cells have elevated HBP metabolites and higher hexosamine biosynthesis rates. By small scale RNAi screening and chemical inhibition of the HBP, we uncovered that KL co-mutants are dependent on Glutamine-Fructose-6-Phosphate Transaminase 2 (GFPT2), a rate-limiting enzyme in the pathway. GFPT2 inhibition selectively reduced KL cell growth in culture and xenografts. Importantly, high GFPT2 expression predicts poor prognosis in human NSCLC patients, considerably more so than low LKB1 expression alone. Our study illuminates the functional significance of the interplay between carbon and nitrogen metabolism in cancer, not only for primary cancer growth but also for tumor aggressiveness and may lead to new avenues for developing novel targeted therapeutics. Citation Format: Jiyeon Kim. Alterations in carbon and nitrogen metabolism in lung cancer [abstract]. In: Abstracts: AACR Special Virtual Conference on Epigenetics and Metabolism; October 15-16, 2020; 2020 Oct 15-16. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(23 Suppl):Abstract nr PR10.
Efficient Resource Management of Clustered Multi-Processor Systems Through Formal Property Exploration

Modern embedded systems have adopted the clustered Chip Multi-Processor (CMP) paradigm in conjunction with dynamic frequency scaling techniques to improve application performance and power consumption. Nonetheless, modern applications are becoming more aggressive in terms of computational power. At the same time, the integration of multiple cores in the same cluster has resulted in significant increase of power consumption creating thermal hotspots. Conventional design approaches consider fixed power and temperature constraints, which are mostly extracted experimentally leading many times to pessimistic run-time decisions and performance losses. In this paper, we present a unified framework for efficient resource management of clustered CMPs by enabling formal property exploration and integrating robustness analysis. Specifically, we bridge the gap between run-time decisions and design-time exploration by using Parametric Signal Temporal Logic (PSTL) for mining the values of system constraints. Then, we utilize the extracted values to enhance the decisions of the run-time resource manager. Results on the Odroid-XU3 show that the proposed methodology offers more coarse- and fine-grain optimizations.
Phase I test development for a brief assessment of transactional success in aphasia: methods and preliminary findings of main concepts in non-aphasic participants

One obstacle for clinicians and third-party payers embracing a participation-based framework for assessing and treating aphasia is the dearth of clinically convenient instruments for measuring chan...
Semidynamical Systems in Banach Space

Material fundamental to the existence and qualitative behavior of partial differential equations and differential delay equations (to name just two areas) are developed in this chapter. The general formulation is an evolution equation in a Banach space. The work of Crandall and Liggett on the nonlinear version of the Hille — Yosida — Phillips theorem for linear semigroups has spawned an elegant analysis of nonlinear evolution equations in Banach spaces. One special feature of the semigroup generation theorem (linear or nonlinear) is that we obtain a representation of the solutions to du/dt + Au = 0 in terms of the operator A. The classical approach was to establish the existence, uniqueness, and continuous dependence of the solutions of the particular partial differential equation, for example, and then demonstrate that the solutions generate a semigroup. This was essentially the approach we also took in Chapter IV.
NGOs, Political Protest, and Civil Society

This book argues that non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have an important effect on political participation in the developing world. Contrary to popular belief, they promote moderate political participation through formal mechanisms such as voting only in democracies where institutions are working well. This is a radical departure from the bulk of the literature on civil society that sees NGOs and other associations as playing a role in strengthening democracy wherever they operate. Instead, Carew Boulding shows that where democratic institutions are weak, NGOs encourage much more contentious political participation, including demonstrations, riots, and protests. Except in extreme cases of poorly functioning democratic institutions, however, the political protest that results from NGO activity is not generally anti-system or incompatible with democracy - again, as long as democracy is functioning above a minimal level.
Anomalous Dispersion in Numerical Models of Wave Spectra

When numerical models are used to compute wave spectra at relatively large distances from a storm, the results may be characterized by a patchy distribution of wave energy. This patchiness is a direct consequence of the discrete nature of the wave spectrum in numerical models. To avoid this problem by increasing resolution is computationally expensive, so it is useful to seek a numerical scheme which might minimize this effect. A finite-element analysis suggests that such a scheme might involve advection terms which are averaged over adjacent spectral contributions.
Underpinnings: Five foundational doctrines of motivational science

This chapter introduces the reader to the humanistic orientation and profile approach used to study motivated behavior throughout the text. First, three personal vignettes are presented to behaviorally illustrate several important concepts related to motivation. Next, readers will uncover five foundational principles that define how motivation is described and expressed. Some common misconceptions about motivation are revealed and clarified. Additionally, the chapter illuminates one of the major themes of the text: self-awareness. The chapter concludes with the completion of a self-assessment designed to determine the reader’s overall knowledge of motivation and specifically assess some of the principles covered later in the text.
Herpes zoster in patients with treated Wegener's granulomatosis. A possible role for cyclophosphamide.

In review of the ongoing protocol for the treatment of Wegener's granulomatosis with cyclophosphamide at the National Institutes of Health, an increased incidence of herpes zoster infection was noted. There were a total of nine episodes in seven of a total of 65 patients with a 255 patient year follow-up. The infections occurred while the patients were in complete clinical remission during immunosuppressive therapy. Cutaneous dissemination was noted in two episodes, but no visceral or central nervous system involvement was noted despite continuation of immunosuppressive therapy. The major causal factor of the increased incidence of herpes zoster appeared to be the cyclophosphamide therapy.
Identification of a major continuous epitope of human alpha crystallin

Human lens proteins were digested with trypsin or V8 protease, and the resulting peptides resolved on a C18 reverse phase column. Fractions from this column were probed with polyclonal antiserum made against the whole alpha crystallin molecule. Peptides in the seropositive fraction were purified to homogeneity, then characterized by mass spectral analysis and partial Edman degradation. The tryptic and V8 digests contained only one seropositive peptide that was derived from the C-terminal region of the alpha-A molecule. To determine the exact boundaries of the epitope, various size analogues of this region were synthesized and probed with anti-alpha serum. Together, these studies demonstrate that the major continuous epitope of the alpha-A chain includes the sequence KPTSAPS, corresponding to residues 166-172 of the human alpha-A crystallin chain.
Thermodynamic Irreversibility and the Arrow of Time

In this article, a topological perspective will be used to establish the long sought for, non-statistical, connection between dynamic mechanical systems, thermodynamic irreversibility, and the arrow of time 1. In effect, it will be demonstrated that the Boltzmann paradox can be resolved in terms of Continuous Topological Evolution [1], which differs from classical geometric theories of Continuous Evolution without topological change. Consider the definitions: 1. Causal evolution is defined as a map of C1 functions from a domain of base variables to a unique range of base variables. The maps may be many to one and are not necessarily homeomorphisms. 2. Prediction implies that well behaved functional forms (not just numeric point data) on the range of base variables can be deduced from functional forms defined on the domain of base variables. 3. Retrodiction implies that functional forms on the domain can be deduced from functional forms on the range.
Control of nonholonomic systems and decomposition of skew symmetric matrices

We consider in this paper some applications of two problems to nonlinear control and linear algebra. Problem A concerns a skew symmetric matrix with elements belonging to a commutative algebra. It is desirable to minimize the matrix. Problem B concerns optimal decomposition for a skew symmetric matrix with complex elements and positive numbers. It is shown how one may obtain new spectral inequalities for matrices using an optimal control problem. The crucial point in this reduction is a time scalability property. We would like to point out here that as the development of linear control theory gave a push to the development of linear algebra, nonholonomic control theory will enrich polylinear algebra. >
Coordination and Cooperation in Dyadic Relationships

A Markov model with a coordination parameter is developed to depict coordination and cooperation decision processes in 2 × 2 game relationships. The parameters of the model can be used to define and measure various forms of influence. The model is applied to data collected using a prisoner‘s dilemma payoff structure to represent the superior-subordinate relationship. The results demonstrate the usefulness of the model and the measures of influence. Superiors and subordinates are more likely to coordinate following mutual cooperation, achieving matching behaviors more frequently than an independent-decisions model would predict. Subordinates show slightly more influence over leaders‘ behaviors than vice versa.
Effects of neurotoxins on pancreatic islets. Elucidation of a possible role for sodium channels in the secretory response.

Abstract The neurotoxins veratridine and Leiurus toxin were used to characterize the nature of the sodium channel in the pancreatic β-cell membrane in relation to metabolc and secretory events. Insulin release and glycolytic flux were measured on batch-incubated rat islets. Veratridine, 200 μM, but not 10 μM, elicited a secretory response in the presence of 5.6 mM (basal) glucose, but did not influence the response to 15.3 mM glucose. Leiurus toxin, 20 nM, together with basal glucose and 10 μM veratridine induced insulin release, although Leiurus toxin, alone, was not effective. The secretory responses to the neurotoxins, but not 15.3 mM glucose, were blocked by tetrodotoxin. Glucose utilization was enhanced by 200 μM veratridine in the presence of basal glucose. Leiurus toxin at 20 nM increased the glycolytic rate which was further enhanced by the addition of 10 μM veratridine. The increments in glycolytic flux were partially or completely blocked by tetrodotoxin. Ouabain, 1.0 mM, had no effect on the secretory response to veratridine, but completely blocked the veratridine-induced increase in glycolytic flux. These observations indicate that the sodium channels in the β-cell membrane are pharmacologically similar to those in neuronal plasma membranes. Furthermore, the secretory response elicited by neurotoxins may occur independently of an increase in glycolytic flux. The major role of glycolytic flux may be to provide energy for extrusion of sodium from the β-cell.
Abstract 16817: Body Fatness is Associated With Carotid Intima-Media Thickness in Non-Obese Adults

Background: Adults with normal body mass index (BMI) but high body fat percentage have higher cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk than subjects with normal weight and low fat mass. However, the association of body fat and subclinical atherosclerosis in carotid artery in non-obese individuals has not been reported. Our aim was to test the hypothesis that even in the absence of obesity by BMI, IMT correlates with total fat and fat distribution. Additional aim was to test the possible interaction between gender, fat and IMT. Methods: We measured the carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) with ultrasound in three different locations (common carotid artery, bifurcation and internal carotid artery) and created a composite value averaging all IMT measurements in 135 healthy volunteers with a BMI 2 and without major CVD risk factors. Body composition was measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. We did raw and multivariate analyses adjusting for age, gender, height squared, systolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, and total muscle mass. Results: Age (mean ±SD) was 44 ±9 yrs, range 29-65 yrs, 56% women, 45% Whites, 44% Asians, 10% Hispanic, 1% African-American. There was no statistically significant interaction between gender, fatness and IMT. Composite IMT was 0.50 ±0.11 mm, median 0.49, IQR 0.42-0.56. Total fat and centrally distributed fat were positively associated with IMT. (Figure) Conclusion: In healthy, non-obese adults without major CVD risk factors, greater body fat content was independently and directly associated with higher IMT. The association between body fat and IMT appeared to be different between genders, but the study was not powered to assess gender differences.
The labour of learning: overcoming the obstacles facing union-worker centre collaborations:

In the USA, the UK and elsewhere, community unionism appears a potentially fruitful strategy for organizing the growing numbers of workers holding precarious employment. In the USA there is increasing interest in a form of community unionism that may gain traction in the UK: union-worker centre collaborations. Unions and worker centres have struggled to collaborate, however, because of their structural, cultural and ideological differences. This article examines a rare case of successful union-worker centre collaboration, asking why this collaboration emerged, what challenges it has faced, and why it has succeeded. Data show this collaboration emerged due to organizational crises, linked to broader economic changes, and individual learning following semi-successful organizing campaigns. The collaboration overcame challenges stemming from the differences between unions and worker centres through intra- and inter-organizational learning. Two conditions facilitated this outcome: bridge builders and state sup...
Influence of Carbon on SOx Emissions from Glass Processing

Carbon reacts with Na2SO4 in glass batches, influencing SOx emissions. To study the role of carbon active surface area (ASA) in the decomposition phenomena, Na2SO4 is reacted with three carbons with a wide ASA range. The decomposition behavior was evaluated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and evolved gas analysis via mass spectrometry and Fourier transform infrared spectrometry. Higher carbon ASA yields lower decomposition temperatures. SOx emissions are realized at temperatures as low as 773 K. Isothermal Na2SO4–C decomposition initiates via the nucleation of Na2S. The rate constants for the nucleation regime are normalized against ASA, yielding an activation energy of 275 kJ/mol for nucleation.
Population pressure in Pakistan.

Abstract This study attempts to determine the effective population-carrying capacity of land in Pakistan under the existing socio-economic system. Statistical analysis provides the structural framework in which agricultural activities influence the concentration of population in Pakistan. Regression techniques have been used to show which factors are significant in determining the pressure of population in the country, and to present areal variations between the observed and predicted values of population density.
An eigenstructure approach to noninteracting control synthesis

The eigenstructure constraints imposed by decoupling and the compatibility of controllability subspaces is examined. These eigenstructure constraints are then used to develop guidelines to design decoupling controllers which produce small loop interactions when the system undergoes small perturbations. An example is considered.
Measurement of free radical oxygen generation by cyrochrome c reduction requirement for cytochrome c oxidase blockade

Data is presented showing that one commercial preparation of cytochome c, used to trap and measure free radical superoxide anion, can be contaminated with cytochrome c oxidase activity. This activity can vary from lot to lot, can introduce variability into the measurement of superoxide anion and can result in falsely low estimations of free radical formation. This cytochrome c oxidase activity can be inhibited by low (0.2 mM ) concentrations of KCN. Blockade of the cytochrome c oxidase activity allows reproducible measurement of superoxide anion formation at low levels by red cells.
Predictive Ability of the General Ability Index (GAI) versus the Full Scale IQ among Gifted Referrals.

The General Ability Index (GAI) is a composite ability score for the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children—Fourth Edition (WISC–IV) that minimizes the impact of tasks involving working memory and processing speed. The goal of the current study was to compare the degree to which the Full Scale IQ (FSIQ) and the GAI predict academic achievement in math and reading among a group of 88 children tested for gifted programming. All students had significant variability among their index scores on the WISC–IV. Whereas both the FSIQ and GAI significantly predicted standardized achievement test scores in reading and math, the FSIQ explained more of the variance. In sequential regression analyses, both working memory and verbal comprehension scores explained significant, unique variance in reading and math scores. However, measures of processing speed and perceptual reasoning did not account for significant amounts of variance in achievement scores over and above measures of working memory and verbal comprehension. The inclusion of working memory scores in calculation of the FSIQ appears to account for the difference in prediction between the FSIQ and the GAI.
Spontaneous Magnetization in the M[N(CN)2]2 (M = Cr, Mn) Weak Ferromagnets

Octahedral M[N(CN)2]2 (M = Cr, Mn) have been prepared and exhibit a spontaneous magnetization below ordering temperatures of 47 and 16 K, respectively, due to a transition to a weak-ferromagnetic g...
Black Rot of Orchids Caused by Phytophthora cactorum and Phytophthora palmivora in Florida

Several species of Phytophthora have been reported to cause economic damage on orchids worldwide. Of these, P. cactorum and P. palmivora have the widest host range across orchid genera, and they are the most common species affecting commercial orchid production in Florida. The objective of this guide is to provide a practical diagnostic resource for black rot on orchids in Florida.
The attentional boost effect really is a boost: Evidence from a new baseline

In the attentional boost effect, participants encode images into memory as they perform an unrelated target-detection task. Later memory is better for images that coincided with a target rather than a distractor. This advantage could reflect a broad processing enhancement triggered by target detection, but it could also reflect inhibitory processes triggered by distractor rejection. To test these possibilities, in four experiments we acquired a baseline measure of image memory when neither a target nor a distractor was presented. Participants memorized faces presented in a continuous series (500- or 100-ms duration). At the same time, participants monitored a stream of squares. Some faces appeared on their own, and others coincided with squares in either a target or a nontarget color. Because the processes associated with both target detection and distractor rejection were minimized when faces appeared on their own, this condition served as a baseline measure of face encoding. The data showed that long-term memory for faces coinciding with a target square was enhanced relative to faces in both the baseline and distractor conditions. We concluded that detecting a behaviorally relevant event boosts memory for concurrently presented images in dual-task situations.
Estimating a Project's Completion Time Distribution Using Intelligent Simulation Methods

Other researchers have indicated the theoretical problems of using the PERT techniques commonly described in elementary operational research and operations management texts. Monte Carlo simulation has often been suggested as an alternative means of analyzing PERT networks but simulating a network of real world proportions is often assumed to be prohibitively expensive. This paper measures the accuracy and cost of standard PERT and simulation methods for real world sized problems. In addition, several computational heuristics are described and tested that indicate that simulation is a viable alternative. The results indicate that intelligent simulation of PERT networks is considerably more accurate than standard PERT analysis and is definitely not cost prohibitive.
Analysis of gene expression in poplar trees (Populus deltoides x nigra, DN34) exposed to the toxic explosive hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX).

Poplar plants (Populus deltoides × nigra, DN34) growing under hydroponic conditions were exposed to 50 mg L−1 of hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX) for 24 h. The expression of genes potentially involved in the metabolism of toxic explosives was analyzed by reverse-transcriptase (RT) real-time PCR. Genes under study were selected by reference to corresponding genes that were previously shown to be upregulated in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana by exposure to 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) (Ekman et al., 2003. Plant Physiol., 133, 1397–1406). The target genes investigated include several genes encoding for enzymes known to be involved in the detoxification of xenobiotic pollutants, such as glutathione S-transferases (GSTs), cytochrome P-450s (CYPs), NADPH-dependent reductases, and peroxidases. Starting from A. thaliana TNT-inducible genes, corresponding Populus sequences were retrieved from the JGI Poplar Genome Project database and were used to design gene-specific primers. 18S ribosomal DNA (...
Radiation and Chemical Activation of ras Oncogenes in Different Mouse Strains

A survey of a large series of radiation- or chemically induced thymic lymphomas in (AKR X RF)F1, RF/J, 129/J, and C57BL/6J mouse strains for activated ras oncogenes showed that of the tumors contai...
Toward a Synthesis of Hirsutellone B by the Concept of Double Cyclization

This account describes a strategy for directly forming three of the six rings found in the polyketide natural product hirsutellone B via a novel cyclization cascade. The key step in our approach comprises two transformations: a large-ring-forming, nucleophilic capture of a transient acylketene and an intramolecular Diels–Alder reaction, both of which occur in tandem through thermolyses of appropriately functionalized, polyunsaturated dioxinones. These thermally induced “double cyclization” cascades generate three new bonds, four contiguous stereocenters, and a significant fraction of the polycyclic architecture of hirsutellone B. The advanced macrolactam and macrolactone intermediates that were synthesized by this process possess key features of the hirsutellone framework, including the stereochemically dense decahydrofluorene core and the strained para-cyclophane ring. However, attempts to complete the carbon skeleton of hirsutellone B via transannular carbon–carbon bond formation were undermined by comp...
Stochastic systems in Riemannian manifolds

A formulation of stochastic systems in a Riemannian manifold is given by stochastic differential equations in the tangent bundle of the manifold. Brownian motion is constructed in a compact Riemannian manifold as well as the horizontal lift of this process to the bundle of orthonormal frames. The solution of some stochastic differential equations in the tangent bundle of the manifold is defined by the transformation of the measure for the manifold-valued Brownian motion by a suitable Radon-Nikodym derivative. Real-valued stochastic integrals are defined for this Brownian motion using parallelism along the Brownian paths. A stochastic control problem is formulated and solved for these stochastic systems where a suitable convexity condition is assumed.
Telomeres and telomerase in ageing and cancer.

Telomeres lie at the ends of human chromosomes and contain long tandem repeats of a simple nucleotide sequence. Because DNA replication cannot proceed to the very end of chromosomes, copies of these repeats are lost at each cell division. If the telomeres shorten below a critical length, the cells will eventually die as a result of genomic instability. Aging cells usually avoid death by entering senescence before the critical telomere length is reached. Malignantly transformed, immortal cells overcome senescence but they must still avoid the final, critical shortening of telomeres to survive. In the vast majority of cases, tumor cells achieve this by activating the telomerase enzyme, a ribonucleoprotein complex which repairs the end of chromosomes and prevents telomere shortening. Normal mortal cells do not normally express telomerase, although some stem cell populations which must regenerate thought the life span of the organism, retain enzyme activity. Cellular senescence can be overcome by inducing telomerase expression in mortal cells, firmly establishing the role of telomere length in the senescence signaling pathway. In tumor cells, the evidence of a role for telomerase in immortality is still largely correlative, with 80–90% of tumors expressing telomerase activity. To establish whether telomerase activity is important in maintaining the malignant phenotype, attempts have been made to inactivate it in tumor cells, using a variety of approaches, where there is evidence that disrupting telomerase function can result in the induction of apoptosis. The background and implications of these observations is discussed.