cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Must, knowledge, and (in)directness

This paper presents corpus and experimental data that problematize the traditional analysis of must as a strong necessity modal, as recently revived and defended by von Fintel and Gillies (in Nat Lang Semant 18(4):351–383, 2010). I provide naturalistic examples showing that must p can be used alongside an explicit denial of knowledge of p or certainty in p, and that it can be conjoined with an expression indicating that p is not certain or that not-p is possible. I also report the results of an experiment involving lotteries, where most participants endorsed a sentence of the form must not-p despite being instructed that p is a possibility. Crucially, endorsement was much higher for must in this context than for matched sentences with knowledge or certainty expressions. These results indicate that the requirements for felicitous use of must are weaker than for know and certain rather than being at least as strong, as the epistemic necessity theory would predict. However, it is possible to account for these data while retaining the key insights of von Fintel and Gillies’ analysis of the evidential component of must. I discuss several existing accounts that could be construed in this way and explain why none is completely satisfactory. I then propose a new model that embeds an existing scalar theory into a probabilistic model of informational dynamics structured around questions and answers.
Abstract 115: Hydrochlorothiazide Lowers Systemic Blood Pressure Predominantly Through Vasodilation in Conditions Associated with Vasoconstriction

Thiazide derivatives are specific inhibitors of the Na+_Cl- Co-transporter (NCC) in the kidney distal tubules, and the most commonly used diuretic for the treatment of mild hypertension. The mechanism by which thiazides reduce the blood pressure (i.e. renal vs. extra renal) is not well understood. The blood pressure response to thiazides requires an initial volume loss (averaging about 1.5 kg) since it is not observed in individuals who are ingesting a high-salt diet. The objective of this study was to elucidate the renal and extra renal effects of thiazides. Using NCC deficient mice, we demonstrate that hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), a commonly used thiazide derivative, reduces blood pressure in the presence of volume-depletion and augmentation of circulating angiotensin levels but not in mice with normal vascular volume (NCC KO at baseline = 131.6 ± 4.4 vs. NCC KO with HCTZ = 125.8 ± 3.7 mm Hg) vs. (volume depleted NCC KO at baseline = 118.2 ± 4.1 vs. volume depleted NCC KO with HCTZ= 96.37± 4.5 mm Hg; p <0.05). The reduction in blood pressure by HCTZ occurs in the absence of increased salt excretion or urine output, indicating its extra-renal mechanism. Echocardiography demonstrated no significant changes in cardiac index in response to the drop in blood pressure by HCTZ (WT at baseline = 0.639 ± 0.05 vs. WT with HCTZ = 0.590 ± 0.01 ml/min/g) vs. (volume depleted NCC KO at baseline = 0.617± 0.07 vs. volume depleted NCC KO with HCTZ = 0.509 ± 0.04 ml/min/g). The antihypertensive effects of HCTZ were abrogated in the presence of paxilline, a specific blocker of large conductance calcium activated potassium channels (BK channels) in the vascular smooth muscle cell. Western blotting demonstrated enhanced expression of BK channels in vascular system of volume depleted NCC deficient mice vs. WT mice. Our results indicate that systemic vasoconstriction, as observed in volume depleted states, will amplify the extra-renal effects of HCTZ to lower blood pressure through vasodilation irrespective of the status of its renal target NCC. Patients with congestive heart failure who are on a combination of a loop diuretic and HCTZ are at increased risk of significant hypotension subsequent to the activation of extra-renal effects of HCTZ, specifically when they become volume depleted.
Analysis of S-HIS Dual-Regression Retrievals during the HS3 Field Campaign

We analyze retrieved atmospheric state profiles from S-HIS measured upwelling radiances during the NASA HS3 field campaign (2012-2014 hurricane seasons). The retrieved profiles were compared to nearly 1500 AVAPS dropsondes during the mission.
Physical Organic Approach to Persistent, Cyclable, Low-Potential Electrolytes for Flow Battery Applications

The deployment of nonaqueous redox flow batteries for grid-scale energy storage has been impeded by a lack of electrolytes that undergo redox events at as low (anolyte) or high (catholyte) potentials as possible while exhibiting the stability and cycling lifetimes necessary for a battery device. Herein, we report a new approach to electrolyte design that uses physical organic tools for the predictive targeting of electrolytes that possess this combination of properties. We apply this approach to the identification of a new pyridinium-based anolyte that undergoes 1e– electrochemical charge–discharge cycling at low potential (−1.21 V vs Fc/Fc+) to a 95% state-of-charge without detectable capacity loss after 200 cycles.
Abstract 4041: Interleukin-10 Concentration and Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) Event Risk in the Estrogen Replacement and Atherosclerosis (ERA) Study

Interleukin-10 (IL−10) is a cytokine with both pro- and anti-inflammatory properties. Limited biochemical and clinical evidence suggest a link between IL−10 and coronary heart disease (CHD). However, more data are needed to clarify the relationship between IL−10 and risk for CHD events. METHODS: The present study was a secondary analysis of the Estrogen Replacement and Atherosclerosis (ERA) trial which was a randomized clinical trial that examined the effects of hormone replacement therapy on post-menopausal women with known coronary atherosclerosis. IL−10 concentration, measured at baseline, was treated as both a continuous and categorical variable. Cox proportional hazards models were used to compute hazard ratios as estimates of relative risk for CHD events. RESULTS: There were 71 events over an average 3.2 year follow-up. Incident rates were higher for individuals with IL−10 concentrations equal to or greater than the median level (1.04 pg/mL) compared to those individuals below the median level (30% vs. 18.5 %, p=0.02). The cumulative incidence of CHD events was significantly greater in individuals with IL−10 concentrations ≥1.04 pg/mL (p=0.01). A one standard deviation increase in baseline IL−10 concentration was associated with a 34% greater risk of a CHD event (HR 1.34 [1.06–1.68], p=0.01). This elevated risk was not altered by interleukin-6, C-reactive protein, or additional cardiovascular risk factors. CONCLUSION: Elevated IL−10 concentration was associated with an increased risk for future cardiovascular events in post-menopausal women with established coronary atherosclerosis.
How many, how often, and how new? A multivariate profiling of mobile app users

Abstract Despite enormous demand for and explosive growth of mobile phone apps in recent years, few studies have been conducted to arrive at a multi-faceted valuation of app users. Our paper addresses this important gap in literature. Drawing on Household Production Theory and Hedonic and Utilitarian Consumption Theory, we investigate how mobile app users behave in the dimensions of possession quantity, usage Frequency, and acquisition Recency. We propose a multivariate model to examine these behaviors jointly and calibrate it using data from a survey of app users. We take a Bayesian MCMC computational approach for model calibration. The results are consistent with our theoretically derived expectations. The significance of the findings is discussed.
Mannheim’s Critique of Behaviorism

This brief paper examines some aspects of Karl Mannheim’s critique of behaviorism. While Mannheim correctly asserts that man’s purposes and meanings are important, he errs in assuming that such meanings can be grasped only by a verstehende Psychologie. Other problems discussed are Mannheim’s failure to distinguish “ideology” and “rationale,” and his misunderstanding of the abstract nature of scientific explanation.
Protection of Natural Habitats within the Military Land, Experiences from U.S. Army, Europe

The U.S. Army in Europe has taken a proactive approach towards integrating environmental protection into all military activities. Military training areas have developed into lands of extremely high ecological value. They have become the most important retreat areas for threatened and endangered flora and fauna species. The abundance of species demonstrates that military land use and species protection are not mutually exclusive, but form a symbiotic relationship. Military training and the subsequent readiness of troops have highest priority. The integration of professional natural resources protection into military mission requirements assures continued existence of natural habitats while simultaneously providing classrooms for realistic and effective military training on a sustainable basis.
New Rulers in the City: Local Political Institutional Transition and International Entrepreneurship

This study explores how subnational political institutional differences affect where within an economy multinational enterprises decide to locate new ventures. Previous research has shown that cross-national political institutional differences affect a multinational firm’s new venture location strategy. However, we know little about how subnational institutional differences affect multinational enterprise new venture location strategy within the same economy. This is an important question because vastly different formal and informal rules of the game may prevail in different subnational regions within the same economy, affecting not only new venture strategies, but also the effectiveness of those strategies. We develop a theoretical framework proposing that local political institutional transitions create opportunities, but also uncertainties, for new ventures. Whether opportunities outweigh the uncertainties depend on the content, frequency and political-structural consequences of the transition. The the...
New analytic criterion for FCC single crystals

Abstract In this paper a three-dimensional analytical criterion for description of the onset of plastic deformation in cubic single crystals is presented. The criterion is pressure-insensitive and form-invariant to any transformation belonging to the symmetry class of the given crystal. For most FCC single crystals the criterion involves five independent coefficients, which can be determined based on the yield stresses in different crystal orientations. Comparisons with single crystal data on aluminum and copper single crystals show that the criterion can successfully describe the difference in yielding anisotropy between FCC crystals.
Ceramic Chip Carriers

Ceramic chip carriers which utilize area-array interconnections have been used in industry applications for over 30 years. This chapter provides ceramic chip carrier examples for each of the six market applications which include High Performance, Cost Performance, Commodity, Hand Held and Communication, Automotive and Memory. Materials and properties are summarized for standard alumina chip carriers, high-performance materials, thin-film materials, and high-thermal-performance materials. Fabrication processes include comparisons for thick film, dry pressed and multilayer ceramics with and without advanced thin-film wiring. Thin-film wiring provides the highest level of wiring for both Single Chip Modules (SCM) and Multi-chip Modules (MCM). Relative comparisons are also made for availability, cost, characteristics and various application form factors.
Singular Value Decomposition

In many modern applications involving large data sets, statisticians are confronted with a large m×n matrix X = (x ij) that encodes n features on each of mobjects. For instance, in gene microarray studies x ij represents the expression level of the ith gene under the jth experimental condition [13]. In information retrieval, x ij represents the frequency of the jth word or term in the ith document [2]. The singular value decomposition (svd) captures the structure of such matrices. In many applications there are alternatives to the svd, but these are seldom as informative or as numerically accurate.
Applications of Next-Generation Sequencing Technologies to the Study of the Human Microbiome

Abstract The human microbiome plays a pivotal role in human biology. Ever since microbial analysis shifted from culture-dependent techniques to genetic sequencing, there has been a surge of interest in the human microbiome's role in both human physiology and associated disease states. Today, sequencing modalities range from classic Sanger sequencing to high-throughput next-generation techniques such as pyrosequencing, sequencing by synthesis (oligo ligation detection), single molecule real-time detection, and even semiconductor technology. Together with the advent of new bioinformatics programs and technology, this plethora of data can quickly be screened for errors, analyzed for taxonomy, and quantitated and compared to online databases. As a result of these advancements, specific gut microbiota has already been found to be associated with certain diseases, such as the increased risk of peptic ulcer disease and gastric adenocarcinomas in H. pylori-positive individuals. However, the microbiome is also being examined as a potential factor in a number of other disease processes such as the inflammatory bowel diseases, type II diabetes, and colorectal cancer. While many studies have reported associations between the gut microbiome and diseases, causality has often yet to be established. Continued research is needed to answer such questions.
Time-dependent thermal strain behavior of Zerodur from 270K to 310K

Three samples of Schott Zerodur were recently measured using Jet Propulsion Laboratory's Cryogenic Dilatometer Facility. The initial purpose of these tests was to provide precision CTE measurements to help correlate thermomechanical models with the actual performance of NASA's Space Interferometry Mission (SIM) TOM-1C testbed. A total of six Zerodur test samples, as well as the SIM testbed mirror were machined from the same block of glass. Thermal strain as a function of time, sample temperature, and cooling rate were measured over a temperature range of 270K to 310K. Presented in this paper is a discussion of the sample configuration, test facilities, test method, data analysis, test results, and future plans.
Fluorescence Made Easier: Fluorescence Techniques for the Novice Episode 3:. Avoiding Those Pesky Artifacts: Sources of Error in Spectra and Steady State Measurements

For those contemplating employing fluorescence methods in their experiments, there are some potential artifacts and sources of error that can invalidate results. With a little care, these artifacts can be avoided to produce the kind of results that will make the reviewers jump for joy (and accept your paper). We will cover some sources of error arising from issues arising from the sample itself, and basic problems with fluorometers. At the end we have a handy checklist for when your spectrum comes out looking really messed up.
Stereoselective Synthesis of Pseudopeptide Microbial Agent AI-77-B

An efficient and highly stereoselective synthesis of the gastroprotective natural product AI-77-B is described. The stereocenters of the hydroxy amino acid moiety were generated by an ester-derived titanium-enolate-mediated syn-aldol reaction, a Curtius rearrangement, and application of Dondoni's aldehyde homologation. Condensation with the dihydroisocoumarin fragment and subsequent deprotecting transformations furnished optically active AI-77-B.
When Transgender Employees Come Out: Perceived Support and Cultural Change in the Transition Process

Increased visibility of transgender people challenges employers to create inclusive workplaces for those who transition in the workplace. Published studies and prescriptive works have examined work...
Dynamic photoacoustic imaging of neurovascular coupling in salivary glands.

Abstract The purpose of this study was to apply photoacoustic imaging (PAI), a relatively new imaging method, to non-invasively map neurovascular dynamics in salivary glands. Dynamic PAI with co-registered ultrasound (US) was performed in mice to monitor salivary gland hemodynamics in response to exogenous muscarinic receptor stimulation (pilocarpine) and blockade (atropine). Pilocarpine increased salivary gland oxygen saturation (%sO2) within minutes after administration, which was abrogated by atropine. A significant correlation was observed between change in %sO2 measured by PAI and saliva secretion. PAI is a novel imaging method that can be used for functional assessment of neurovascular dynamics in salivary glands.
Impact of scale-aware deep convection on the cloud liquid and ice water paths and precipitation using the Model for Prediction Across Scales (MPAS-v5.2).

Abstract. The cloud liquid water path (LWP), ice water path (IWP), and precipitation simulated with uniform- and variable-resolution numerical experiments using the Model for Prediction Across Scales (MPAS) are compared against Clouds and the Earth's Radiant Energy System (CERES) and Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission data. Our comparison between monthly-mean model diagnostics and satellite data focuses on the convective activity regions of the tropical Pacific Ocean, extending from the Tropical Eastern Pacific Basin where trade wind boundary layer clouds develop to the Western Pacific Warm Pool characterized by deep convective updrafts capped with extended upper-tropospheric ice clouds. Using the scale-aware Grell–Freitas (GF) and Multi-scale Kain–Fritsch (MSKF) convection schemes in conjunction with the Thompson cloud microphysics, uniform-resolution experiments produce large biases between simulated and satellite-retrieved LWP, IWP, and precipitation. Differences in the treatment of shallow convection lead the LWP to be strongly overestimated when using GF, while being in relatively good agreement when using MSKF compared to CERES data. Over areas of deep convection, uniform- and variable-resolution experiments overestimate the IWP with both MSKF and GF, leading to strong biases in the top-of-the-atmosphere longwave and shortwave radiation relative to satellite-retrieved data. Mesh refinement over the Western Pacific Warm Pool does not lead to significant improvement in the LWP, IWP, and precipitation due to increased grid-scale condensation and upward vertical motions. Results underscore the importance of evaluating clouds, their optical properties, and the top-of-the-atmosphere radiation budget in addition to precipitation when performing mesh refinement global simulations.
Ecological footprints of war: an exploratory assessment of the long-term impact of violent conflicts on national biocapacity from 1962–2009

Most large-scale studies exploring the relationship between natural resources or climate change and conflict have looked at how environmental factors lead to conflict. This paper reverses that causal arrow and presents an exploratory large-N study of 187 countries from 1962 to 2009 assessing the long-term impact of violent conflicts on their environment. I also look at how this relationship is affected by economic and political factors. I use national biocapacity data calculated by the Global Footprint Network as a measure of environmental resources. The results indicate that in the long run, the impact of conflicts on a country’s biocapacity is mediated by wealth and democratization. I find that both wealth and democratization are necessary to mitigate the environmental impact of wars. I also find that countries with high levels of democratization and low per capita GDP and countries with low levels of democratization and high per capita GDP experience a decline in their biocapacity in the long run as the intensity of conflict increases. These findings underscore how advanced, industrialized democracies export the environmental risk of wars onto other countries, which has implications for environmental security and international environmental justice.
Indoor visible light positioning system with multipath reflection analysis

Multipath-induced dispersion is one of the major concerns for complex indoor environments affecting the positioning accuracy. This paper investigates the impact of multipath reflections numerically on the VLC positioning systems. Power distribution is first calculated, then the positioning accuracy in terms of root mean square (RMS) error is analyzed.
Efficiency of UAV-based last-mile delivery under congestion in low-altitude air

Abstract Emerging unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technologies have motivated logistics carriers to seek last-mile parcel delivery through the air so as to benefit from its convenience and flexibility. However, UAV-based delivery services are limited by several binding factors, such as low battery capacities and short delivery range, which in turn require simultaneous use of a large fleet for commercial scale operations. In such cases, congestion in low-altitude air will inevitably arise. This paper investigates self-organized UAV traffic flow in low altitude 3D airspace, and formulates the user equilibrium condition as a set of partial differential equations. We propose a finite element scheme to numerically solve the traffic equilibrium and compute system performance. Two specific test scenarios for last-mile freight delivery systems are studied, including one with a conventional ground-based distribution facility, and the other with a novel concept of airborne fulfillment center. We evaluate the operational cost and energy consumption of these systems under a variety of system configurations. The results provide insights that could be useful for logistic carriers and policy makers to achieve efficiency and sustainability for last-mile delivery.
Multiparametric radiomics for predicting the aggressiveness of papillary thyroid carcinoma using hyperspectral images

Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is primarily treated by surgical resection. During surgery, surgeons often need intraoperative frozen analysis and pathologic consultation in order to detect PTC. In some cases pathologists cannot determine if the tumor is aggressive until the operation has been completed. In this work, we have taken tumor classification a step further by determining the tumor aggressiveness of fresh surgical specimens. We employed hyperspectral imaging (HSI) in combination with multiparametric radiomic features to complete this task. The study cohort includes 72 ex-vivo tissue specimens from 44 patients with pathology-confirmed PTC. A total of 67 features were extracted from this data. Using machine learning classification methods, we were able to achieve an AUC of 0.85. Our study shows that hyperspectral imaging and multiparametric radiomic features could aid in the pathological detection of tumor aggressiveness using fresh surgical spemens obtained during surgery.
Severe maternal morbidity and Black-white differences in Washington State.

Rates of severe maternal morbidity (SMM) are significantly higher among Black women and some data suggests further worsening of these rates among hospitals with the highest proportion of Black deli...
Relocations in container depots for different handling equipment types: Markov models

Abstract This paper proposes a family of Markov models to analytically characterize the distribution of the number of relocations per retrieval in a container depot. We focus on empty container yards, which, while ubiquitous in worldwide logistics, have rarely been studied in the literature, as most prior research has addressed container movements in ports. We build on the few models available in the literature by: (1) expanding the assumed material handling equipment type (we consider three of the most common types used in practice); and (2) allowing for container arrivals during the retrieval process. These aspects are rarely considered but are particularly relevant for empty container depot practices. We show the effect of various yard configurations and material handling equipment types on the probability distribution of the number of relocations. Our approach can also consider time periods of imbalance by assuming an arrival rate greater than or less than the retrieval rate. The results of these models can be used in planning yard layouts, selecting material handling equipment, and determining staffing and overtime levels. Specifically, container relocations during retrievals directly contribute to operational costs, and so accurate models estimating those are required for any planning purposes. While we focus on empty container yards, the models can be applicable to port side container areas as well, particularly ones in developing countries where overhead yard cranes are not employed as often. Therefore, this paper contributes to both the literature and the practice of container depots.
A Tropomycin-Related Kinase B Receptor Activator for the Management of Ocular Blast-Induced Vision Loss.

Pressure waves from explosions or other traumatic events can damage the neurons of the eye and visual centers of the brain, leading to functional loss of vision. There are currently few treatments ...
Telemedicine in Pediatric Training: A National Needs Assessment of the Current State of Telemedicine Education in Pediatric Training

Purpose To describe the current state of telemedicine within pediatric training programs to inform development of a national telemedicine training curriculum for pediatric trainees. Methods We conducted an anonymous cross-sectional survey of pediatric residency (Fall 2020) and fellowship program directors (Spring 2021) on their current telemedicine practices in pediatric post-graduate training. Results Forty-eight U.S. pediatric residency programs (n=48/198, 24%) and 422 fellowship programs completed the survey (n=422/872, 48%); combined response rate 44% (n=470/1,070). Pre-COVID-19, 12% (n=57/470) of programs surveyed reported using telemedicine in their training program, but during the pandemic 71% (n=334/470) reported telemedicine use with trainees. Over 71% (n=334/470) agreed that a formalized curriculum is important, yet 69% (n=262/380) of programs reporting telemedicine use either did not have a curriculum or were unsure if one existed at their program. Respondents who were unsure/not likely to add a telemedicine curriculum and/or indicated that a telemedicine curriculum would not be important (52% n=243/470), cited "time" (55%, n=136/243) most frequently as a barrier. Conclusions Our needs assessment indicates marked increase in use of telemedicine with trainees by respondent pediatric training programs, with fewer than 50% reporting a formalized training curriculum and most agreeing that a curriculum is important.
Vegetation of the Santa Catalina Mountains: community types and dynamics

This paper interprets plant community dynamics within three major vegetation regions - the Sonoran desert, the Encinal and coniferous forest - which extend from 700 m to the summit (2 766 m) on the south slope of the Santa Catalina Mts., Arizona. On the bajada, Larrea tridentata and disturbed desert scrub communities have been degraded by overgrazing and Carnegiea gigantea reproduction is failing on many sites. In the Spinose, suffrutescent desert scrub on protected lower mountain slopes Carnegiea is reproducing but mature populations are periodically decimated by freezing temperatures. In the desert grassland, graminoids or Agave schottii dominate, the former favored by fire, the latter by fire protection. In the Encinal above 1 220 m an open oak woodland dominated by Quercus oblongifolia is transitional to the pine, oak woodland where fire and drought result in several community segregates. A relict Cupressus arizonica forest is restricted to certain canyons. Above the Encinal (2 100 m) a Pinus ponderosa-Q. hypoleucoides forest is replaced by a less xeric P. ponderosa forest. In the latter a dense pine understory develops with fire protection and savanna-like pine stands are favored by fire. At higher elevations a mature Pseudotsuga menziesii, Abies concolor forest dominates the north-facing slopes where fire plays a significant factor in its perpetuation. An even-aged subalpine Abies lasiocarpa stand on the north slope below the summit suggests post-fire origin. In the Pinaleno Mts. to the northeast, mixed conifer and spruce, fir forests complete the vegetation gradient typical of these southwest mountain ranges. Here fire and windthrows interact in maintaining a mosaic of pure or mixed even or uneven-aged stands.
Abstract 4032: Targeting the isoprenoid biosynthetic pathway in a murine model of metastatic prostate cancer

The isoprenoid biosynthetic pathway (IBP) provides substrates for the post-translational modification of key proteins in regulating malignant cell properties, including proliferation, migration, and invasion. Several studies have found broad inhibitors of the IBP, such as statins, to significantly reduce the risk of advanced prostate cancer (PCa), potentially through their induced-reduction of geranylgeranylated proteins. However, such inhibition of the entire IBP is limited by side effects resulting from depletion of all isoprenoids and their products. We have developed a novel compound, geranylgeraniol bisphosphonate (GGOHBP), selectively targeting geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase (GGDPS) and reducing the post-translational modification of geranylgeranylated proteins. Luciferase-expressing human-derived 22Rv1 PCa cells were injected into the left ventricle of 20 mice using bioluminescence imaging (BLI) to visualize tumor development. After three weeks 18/20 mice had developed tumors and daily subcutaneous (SQ) injections of 1.5mg/kg GGOHBP were given for one month. All 18 mice developed mandible tumors, 13 developed adrenal gland tumors, 4 developed intestinal tumors, 2 developed femoral tumors, 2 developed liver tumors, and 1 developed a tumor in an unidentified location in the chest cavity. Ex vivo photon count analyses revealed an 80% (p=0.1458) reduction in adrenal gland tumors of the treated mice as compared to vehicle-treated controls. This corresponded to a 54% (p=0.0007) reduction in total adrenal gland tumor weight in the treated as compared to the control mice. Western blot analysis of the adrenal gland tumors and one intestinal tumor showed a reduction in Rap1A geranylgeranylation in the treated mice and not the control mice, while non-tumorous tissues showed no Rap1A alteration. A follow-up study of non-tumor bearing mice given SQ injections of 1.25 or 1.5 mg/kg GGOHBP daily did not reveal alterations in Rap1A geranylgeranylation in the adrenal glands, kidneys, liver, or heart. Our findings detail a novel compound capable of preferentially altering the IBP in the adrenal gland tumors of a murine model of metastatic PCa. Future work defining the mechanism behind this focal effect and the adrenal gland isoprenoid environment will allow compound optimization and further understanding of the IBP9s role in PCa metastasis. Citation Format: Jacqueline E. Reilly, Jeffrey D. Neighbors, Nadine Bannick, Michael D. Henry, Craig H. Kuder, Raymond J. Hohl. Targeting the isoprenoid biosynthetic pathway in a murine model of metastatic prostate cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 4032. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-4032
Subintimal angioplasty with a true reentry device for treatment of chronic total occlusion of the arteries of the lower extremity

Objective To report the efficacy and safety of the Outback® LTD® Re-Entry Catheter in reentering the distal true lumen during percutaneous intentional extraluminal revascularization (PIER). Background Reentry catheters are used to treat chronic, total arterial occlusions of the lower extremities when standard methods of recanalization have failed. Success and complication rates of these catheters in the real world are uncertain and variable. Methods A retrospective review of our peripheral catheterization database from January 2004 to September 2009 was undertaken to identify consecutive cases of peripheral chronic total occlusions (CTOs) requiring the use of the Outback reentry catheter. Patient demographics, indication for the procedure, location and extent of occlusion, procedural success, and complications were studied. Results A total of 51 patients were identified. Of the 51, 28 (54.9%) patients presented with nonhealing ulcer and 22 (43.1%) had lifestyle-limiting claudication. One patient presented with acute limb ischemia. There were 6 (11.8%) patients with common iliac artery occlusion, 2 (3.9%) with external iliac artery occlusion, 1 (1.9%) with common femoral artery occlusion, 35 (68.6%) with superficial femoral artery occlusion, 6 (11.8%) with popliteal artery occlusion, and 1 (1.9%) with tibioperoneal artery occlusion. Median lesion length was 230 mm. Procedural success was achieved in 49 patients (96.1%). There was 1 (1.9%) periprocedural complication. Conclusion Use of Outback® LTD® Re-Entry Catheter is a safe and valuable option for PIER/subintimal angioplasty and recanalization in patients with symptomatic lower-extremity CTOs. However, long-term patency remains unknown. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Deficiency of the Housekeeping Gene Hypoxanthine–Guanine Phosphoribosyltransferase (HPRT) Dysregulates Neurogenesis

Neuronal transcription factors play vital roles in the specification and development of neurons, including dopaminergic (DA) neurons. Mutations in the gene encoding the purine biosynthetic enzyme hypoxanthine–guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HPRT) cause the resulting intractable and largely untreatable neurological impairment of Lesch–Nyhan disease (LND). The disorder is associated with a defect in basal ganglia DA pathways. The mechanisms connecting the purine metabolic defect and the central nervous system (CNS) phenotype are poorly understood but have been presumed to reflect a developmental defect of DA neurons. We have examined the effect of HPRT deficiency on the differentiation of neurons in the well-established human (NT2) embryonic carcinoma neurogenesis model. We have used a retrovirus expressing a small hairpin RNA (shRNA) to knock down HPRT gene expression and have examined the expression of a number of transcription factors essential for neuronal differentiation and marker genes involved in DA biosynthetic pathway. HPRT-deficient NT2 cells demonstrate aberrant expression of several transcription factors and DA markers. Although differentiated HPRT-deficient neurons also demonstrate a striking deficit in neurite outgrowth during differentiation, resulting neurons demonstrate wild-type electrophysiological properties. These results represent direct experimental evidence for aberrant neurogenesis in HPRT deficiency and suggest developmental roles for other housekeeping genes in neurodevelopmental disease.
Clinical Outcome of Patients Who Develop PAF After CABG Surgery

This was a retrospective analysis of patients who had CABG surgery at our hospital over a 12-month period to determine the intermediate-term prognosis of those who had developed PAF after their operation before hospital discharge. Of 317 patients who were operated by a single surgical group, 116 (37%) had AF postoperatively of whom 112 had the paroxysmal form. Of these, 36 were treated with class I or III antiarrhythmic drugs and rate control drugs (group 1) and 76 were treated with rate control alone (group 2). Group 3 consisted of 151 randomly selected patients who did not have AF. All patients were reevaluated at 6 weeks to determine their rhythm and clinical status. Only one patient each in groups 1 and 2 was in AF 6 weeks after discharge. There was a trend toward a higher mortality and morbidity in group 2 patients. PAF after coronary surgery appears to be a self-limited disease process. In this cohort of patients, the rate of recurrence of AF after discharge was similar in patients receiving class I or class III antiarrhythmic drugs together with rate control agents compared to those receiving rate control drugs alone.
Recreational housing and local government finance

Abstract One of the important aspects of community development planning for tourism involves the assessment of benefits and costs associated with touristic activities to local units of government. The primary objective of this study was to identify the impact of recreational housing development on the financial position of local governments within a rural setting. Using census data for Wisconsin counties, a “holistic” type model of fiscal impact is specified and estimated. Results suggest that recreational housing development just pays for itself in terms of the ability of local governments to generate revenues when compared to the demands placed on services, as measured by expenditures.
Formation and fate of extranuclear chromatin bodies in Tetrahymena.

SYNOPSIS The fate of extranuclear chromatin bodies (ECBs) formed by exclusion of macronuclear material at the time of karyokinesis was followed quantitatively in Tetrahymena pyriformis strain GL-I. In a logarithmic growth phase culture, 51% of the dividing cells produced one (43%) or more (8%) ECBs. Most of these gradually disappear before the next cell division, but ˜ 13% are retained and carried into subsequent cell cycles. The random distribution of ECBs into anterior or posterior daughter cells, their staining and morphological characteristics, and their rapid loss in cells in starvation medium, all indicate that ECBs play no more of a role in cellular activity than that of an internally produced food vacuole.
Human Melanoma Cells Express Functional Endothelin-1 Receptors

Current evidence suggests that endothelium-derived factors enhance human melanoma vascular invasion. Therefore, we studied human melanoma cell expression of receptors to the endothelium-derived peptide, endothelin-1 (ET-1), and determined if they respond to ET-1 with proliferation and chemokinesis. Human metastatic melanoma cell lines were found to have specific, saturable, high affinity ET-1 binding. Northern analysis and competitive inhibition studies confirmed that melanoma cells express the ETB receptor isoform. Ten nanomolar ET-1 caused an 8.2 to 25.5-fold increase in intracellular free calcium. ET-1 was found to be a weak mitogen for melanoma cells, however, melanoma cell chemokinesis was significantly increased by ET-1. These data suggest that ET-1 may be involved in providing a chemokinetic and growth factor environment that enhances perivascular proliferation and invasiveness of melanoma cells.
Growth of cranial synchondroses and sutures requires polycystin-1

Abstract In vertebrates, coordinated embryonic and postnatal growth of the craniofacial bones and the skull base is essential during the expansion of the rostrum and the brain. Identification of molecules that regulate skull growth is important for understanding the nature of craniofacial defects and for development of non-invasive biologically based diagnostics and therapies. Here we report on spatially restricted growth defects at the skull base and in craniofacial sutures of mice deficient for polycystin-1 (Pkd1). Mutant animals reveal a premature closure of both presphenoid and sphenooccipital synchondroses at the cranial base. Furthermore, knockout mice lacking Pkd1 in neural crest cells are characterized by impaired postnatal growth at the osteogenic fronts in craniofacial sutures that are subjected to tensile forces. Our data suggest that polycystin-1 is required for proliferation of subpopulations of cranial osteochondroprogenitor cells of both mesodermal and neural crest origin during skull growth. However, the Erk1/2 signalling pathway is up-regulated in the Pkd1-deficient skeletal tissue, similarly to that previously reported for polycystic kidney.
Roles of academic directors on US Fortune 500 boards

Purpose – This paper aims to examine the prevalence of directors of US Fortune 500 firms who come from an academic background, and possible unique reasons for their appointment.Design/methodology/approach – Based on extant theory of the resource‐dependence roles of non‐management directors, this study proposes and tests three hypotheses concerning distinctive reasons firms may appoint an academic to their boards. Academic directors may serve unique roles in increasing board demographic diversity, increasing firm intellectual capital, and providing links to local geographic constituents. Using year 2002 data from the US Fortune 500 firms, this study presents descriptive statistics and uses t‐tests and χ2 tests to examine hypotheses.Findings – Firms having academics on their boards have greater board demographic diversity than firms without an academic director. Firms with academic directors have the same average emphasis on knowledge‐based earnings as other firms. Academics associated with US top‐ranked un...
Coherent Holes in a Semiconductor Quantum Dot

Building a quantum computer requires finding a system with long-lived coherence—one in which the wave function of a quantum state maintains its phase over time. In solid-state implementations of quantum information processing, coherent states can be generated with electron spins, and semiconductor quantum dots are powerful platforms for preparing, controlling, and measuring electron spin coherence ( 1 ). However, interactions between the electron spin and its environment destroy the fragile coherence ( 2 ) and lead to a loss of information. On page 70 of this issue, Brunner et al. ( 3 ) address this problem by using “holes”—positive charge carriers that result from unfilled states in an electronic band. They demonstrate that one measure of coherence, the inhomogeneous dephasing time of the hole spin, is at least an order of magnitude longer than that for electron spins.
A comparative study of larval cannibalism in three species of ladybird

Abstract. 1. Cannibalism was studied under laboratory conditions in three species of Coccinellidae (Coleoptera): Cycloneda sanguinea, Olla v-nigrum, and Harmonia axyridis. Larval cannibalism varied among species, C. sanguinea > H. axyridis ≥ O. v-nigrum. 2. Larvae of all species cannibalised more in response to reduced food availability (14 h starvation daily) than in response to reduced food quality (dry Ephestia eggs). 3. Larvae of H. axyridis cannibalised siblings at lower rates than non-siblings, but larvae of C. sanguinea and O. v-nigrum did not. Rates of cannibalism increased significantly with increasing size disparity among larvae of all three species. 4. Cannibalism in C. sanguinea and H. axyridis, but not in O. v-nigrum, increased with larval density, suggesting that not all attacks on conspecifics are driven by hunger. 5. Costs, not benefits, were the predominant effects of exclusively and partially cannibalistic diets. A diet of conspecific eggs yielded survival equivalent to the Ephestia egg diet for H. axyridis and O. v-nigrum, but developmental time was extended and adults were smaller. Larvae of C. sanguinea had superior survival and faster development on conspecific eggs than on the Ephestia egg diet. Only H. axyridis larvae survived as well on diets comprised exclusively or partially of conspecific larvae as on Ephestia eggs, although they developed more slowly.
Some Evidence from Japan on the Efficiency of Land Markets

When an investor enters the real-estate market, can he detect a profitable parcel of land simply by observing how its price (or, more realistically, prices of like parcels in its general vicinity) has behaved in the immediate past? For example, if we observe land prices in a certain of a city or even of a country to be rising at a rapid rate, is it reasonable to expect prices there to continue to rise at this rapid rate? If so, the market is said to be 'inefficient'. Current prices in that market do not fully capitalize expected future price changes. This paper asks if the Tokyo land market is inefficient and concludes that it is. If the government data on this market can be trusted, there are wide divergences in mean rates of appreciation across parcels that cannot be explained by differences in risk and that are not being closed through arbitrage. It appears that an investor in land can make an above average return on his funds by discovering where land prices have been rising at an above average rate and by investing in land in this area. If sustained by similar analyses of other land markets, this finding will give quantitative content to land economists' intuition that land markets are different from other speculative markets (for example, the stock and commodities markets), which are well known to be highly efficient.
On ℓ p -summability of the characteristic values of intergral operators onL(R N )

LetB p (L 2) (0<p<∞) denote the space of all compact linear operatorsK onL(R N ) with the following property: the sum ofp-th powers of all positive eigenvalues (repeated according to their multiplicity) of the nonnegative compact operator (K * K)1/2 converges. We prove aB p -criterion for an integral operatorK onL(R N ), for 0<p≤2. We require that its kernel have sufficient fractional smoothness and decay at infinity. Our proof is based on a suitable factorization of the operatorK which involves fractional powers (H+λI)−ω λ≥0, 0<ω≤1, of the resolvent of the selfadjoint elliptic operatorH=(−Δ) m +M onL(R N ).
Emerging Consensus: Results from the Second Wave of Statistical Studies on Civil War Termination

This study searches for consensus findings in the burgeoning statistical literature on civil war termination. Several trends are identified: the final outcomes of civil wars are largely dependent on the military situation; the duration of civil wars, by contrast, depends to a great degree on contextual factors such as inter-ethnic relations, the fragmentation of violence, and economic incentives; while compromise settlements reduce the risk of post-war massacres, they take longer to achieve than military victories and are more likely to collapse into renewed warfare. These results also suggest an intervener's dilemma: while external military intervention can lead to compromise and prevent genocide, it also prolongs the killing and may increase the risk of war recurrence. Interveners appear to have more success after wars than during them. Several other puzzles emerge from the statistical results, which call for theoretical development and further qualitative and quantitative analysis.
The Kohonen self-organizing map: a tool for the clustering and alignment of single particles imaged using random conical tilt

An important step in determining the three-dimensional structure of single macromolecules is to bring common features in the images into register through alignment and classification. Here, we took advantage of the striking computational properties of the Kohonen self-organizing map (SOM) to align and classify images of channels obtained by random conical geometry into more homogeneous subsets. First, we used simulations with artificially created images to deduce simple geometrical rules governing the mapping of bounded (differing in size and shape) and unbounded (differing in in-plane orientation) variations in the output plane. Second, we measured the effect of noise on the accuracy of the algorithm to separate homogeneous subsets. Finally, we applied the rules ascertained in the previous steps to separate freeze-fracture images of the cytoplasmic and external domains of the small (approximately 118 kDa) aquaporin-0 water channel. Comparison with the results obtained from a similar input set using alignment-through-classification showed that both methods converged to stable classes exhibiting the same overall shapes (tetragonal and octagonal) for the cytoplasmic and external views of the channel. Processing with the SOM, however, was simplified by the utilization of the geometric rules governing the mapping of bounded and unbounded variations as well as the lack of subjectivity in selecting the reference images during alignment.