cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pre-exhaustion Exercise Differentially Influences Neuromuscular Fatigue Based on Habitual Physical Activity History.

Although there is anecdotal evidence of a potential physiological benefit of pre-exhaustion exercise to enhance muscular recruitment, few studies have systematically examined the effect on neuromuscular activity. Moreover, a subject's habitual physical activity history may, in part, contribute to the muscle's response on a subsequent workbout after a single pre-exhaustion workbout. To date, no studies have examined the effect of pre-exhaustion exercise on the electromyographic fatigue threshold (EMGFT). The purpose of this study, therefore, is to determine whether pre-exhaustion exercise influences the EMGFT. Specifically, we were interested in determining whether or not there is a dichotomous response to pre-exhaustion exercise based on the individual's habitual physical activity history. Thus, we hypothesized that healthy active subjects would have reduced EMGFT values, whereas elite runners would have increased EMGFT values as a result of the pre-exhaustion exercise. Eight healthy college-aged men (mean +/- SEM, age = 24.5 +/- 0.3 years; body mass = 83.1 +/- 3.0 kg; and height = 1.80 +/- 0.02 m) and 9 elite runners (mean +/- SEM, age = 23.4 +/- 0.7 years; body mass = 70.3 +/- 2.7 kg; and height = 1.79 +/- 0.03 m) participated in current study. Each subject visited the laboratory on 2 occasions separated by 7 days and performed the single-leg knee-extensor ergometry test. For one of the visits, the subjects performed the Thorstensson test (50 continuous, concentric knee extensions) before the single-leg knee-extensor ergometry. The EMGFT was measured on both visits for all subjects. For healthy subjects, we found that the EMGFT was significantly reduced after performing the 50 isokinetic knee extensions (control: 27 +/- 6 W vs. Thorstensson: 21 +/- 6.0 W; p = 0.001), whereas for elite runners, there was no significant mean differences between the 2 visits (control: 38 +/- 3 W vs. Thorstensson: 39 +/- 2 W; p = 0.813). These results suggest that 50 repetition of isokinetic muscle action, as a method of pre-exhausting the quadriceps femoris muscles, may be influenced by the subject's habitual exercise history.
Editorial Commentary: Arthroscopic Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Debridement May or May Not Help With Ulnar-Sided Wrist Pain.

Abstract After ruling out additional potential pain generators for ulnar-sided wrist pain, arthroscopic debridement for triangular fibrocartilage complex pathology can be an effective means for decreasing pain and improving function in the short term. Arthroscopic skills aside, this procedure will not work for all comers, and establishing realistic patient expectations is essential for optimal outcomes.
Achievement of Guideline-Recommended Weight Loss Among Patients With Ischemic Stroke and Obesity.

Background and Purpose— The proportion of patients with acute ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) and obesity who successfully achieve goals for weight reduction recommended by major...
Traditional Values and Democratic Impulses: The Gender Division of Labor in Contemporary Spain

We examine the gender division of labor among married Spaniards (Family and the Use of Time Survey, 1993), testing hypotheses about secular, rational efficiency effects of employment, education, an...
KidLED: A colorful approach to children's activity awareness

Obesity in children is a growing cause of concern as it affects more than 18% of children in the United States. Sedentary behaviour is one of the contributors to childhood obesity. Technological interventions like activity trackers and fitness games have been introduced to motivate both children and adults to be physically active. Most of these technologies encourage activity by making them aware of their activity levels. While awareness of current activity levels may help motivating adults, it can be difficult for children to understand their activity levels in terms of number of steps (the most common method used by adults). Instead children should be made aware of their activity levels via simpler and easier to understand technology. Within this context, we present KidLED -- an LED activity display that represents user's activity via a simple color display rather than numbers -- designed to simplify activity tracking for children.
Incorporating Community Grant Writing as a Service Learning Project in a Nonprofit Studies Course: A Case Study

studies course can create a compelling environment for the achievement of many elements of service learning. In this case study, students are paired with local nonprofit organizations in a service-learning structure to collaboratively produce work products that improve the nonprofit’s ability to create grant proposals. The service-learning partnership provides real-life experience for students while increasing the capacity of the nonprofits. These activities allow students and their paired organizations to go beyond theory and engage in the practice of developing together the key elements of grant writing—a successful articulation of the nonprofit’s operations, value propositions, messaging, and community impact. Subscribe to JNEL
A Photoacoustic Sensing Probe Using Single Optical Fiber Acoustic Delay Line

In this paper, we report a new photoacoustics (PA) sensing probe design using a single optical fiber for both light delivery and ultrasonic detection. This is made possible by the development and use of an optically transparent ultrasound transducer, which allows the excitation light to pass through and travel along the optical fiber to reach the target. In return, the transducer senses the generated PA signal transmitted through the optical fiber as an acoustic delay line. Optical transmission testing was performed to determine the transparency of the PMN-PT transducer. For demonstration, a prototype probe was designed, fabricated, and tested with black tape and red dye solutions as the target. The detection of an embedded target in the chicken breast was also demonstrated.
Plant-based dietary approach to stage 3 chronic kidney disease with hyperphosphataemia.

A 69-year-old man with type 2 diabetes, hypertension and stage 3 chronic kidney disease (CKD), hyperphosphataemia and borderline hyperkalaemia presented to an office visit interested in changing his diet to improve his medical conditions. He adopted a strict whole-foods, plant-based diet, without calorie or portion restriction or mandated exercise, and rapidly reduced his insulin requirements by >50%, and subsequently saw improvements in weight, blood pressure and cholesterol. His estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) increased from 45 to 74 mL/min after 4.5 months on the diet and his microalbumin/creatinine ratio decreased from 414.3 to 26.8 mg/g. His phosphorus level returned to the normal range. For individuals with CKD, especially those with obesity, hypertension, or diabetes, a strict, ad libitum whole-food, plant-based diet may confer significant benefit, although one must consider potential limitations of a creatinine-based GFR equation in the face of significant weight loss.
Increasing Operational Capacity and Reducing Costs of Rituximab Administration: A Costing Analysis.

Objective Originator intravenous rituximab is an important rheumatology treatment but is costly, and administration requires several hours. Because biosimilar rituximab may cost less and subcutaneous rituximab requires a shorter visit, both may reduce costs and increase treatment capacity (infusions per year). Methods We implemented time-driven activity-based costing (TDABC), a method to assess costs and opportunities to increase capacity, throughout the care pathway for 26 patients receiving a total of 30 rituximab infusions. Using the TDABC estimates, we created a base case, which included provider time, salaries, infusion rates and times, and drug formulation, to simulate an induction cycle (two infusions). We varied these parameters in sensitivity analyses and assessed the impact of infusion rates and formulation (biosimilar vs. subcutaneous) on capacity before and after assuming a fixed budget. Results The base-case cost was $19 452; more than 90% was due to drug cost. In sensitivity analyses, varying projected biosimilar cost led to the greatest cost savings ($8,988 per cycle). Faster infusion rates and subcutaneous rituximab increased annual capacity (300% and 800%, respectively). With a fixed budget, subcutaneous rituximab led to a relative increase in capacity over biosimilar rituximab except when biosimilar cost savings relative to originator rituximab exceeded 40%; faster biosimilar infusion rates did not meaningfully affect these findings. Conclusion Using TDABC, we demonstrate that rituximab cost is the primary driver of treatment cost, but capacity is largely driven by treatment time. Subcutaneous rituximab leads to higher capacity than biosimilar rituximab across a range of plausible costs; its use in rheumatology should be studied.
Concurrent osimertinib plus gefitinib for first-line treatment of EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

9507Background: First-line treatment with an EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) is standard of care for patients (pts) with EGFR-mutated NSCLC. The EGFR TKI osimertinib is active against the acqu...
Shedding Light on COVID-19: ADAM17 the Missing Link?

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a rapidly expanding global health crisis. A disintegrin and metalloproteinase 17 (ADAM17), an ectodomain sheddase, is a key component of ACE2 modulation and plays a complex role in inflammation and immunosurveillance. AREAS OF UNCERTAINTY: Much remains unknown regarding the immunopathogenesis of COVID-19, including how the virus affects ADAM17 expression, activity, and regulation. SEARCH STRATEGY: Three electronic databases (MEDLINE through PubMed, Embase through Ovid, and Google Scholar) were searched to identify articles relevant to ADAM17 and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 1 and 2. Relevant articles published from January 1, 2005, to April 30, 2020, were selected, and reference lists were screened and cross-referenced. We also searched preprint studies on medRxiv and bioRxiv given the rapidly evolving data on COVID-19 SARS-CoV-2. THERAPEUTIC OPINION: Infection with SARS-CoV-2 may lead to an increase in ADAM17 sheddase activity contributing to an exuberant macrophage-predominant inflammatory response and diminished immunosurveillance capacity for viral clearance. Emerging data suggest severe lung injury in COVID-19 is associated with higher levels of TNF-α and IL-6, T-cell lymphopenia and exhaustion, hypercoagulability, and a macrophage-predominant immune response. This clinical picture is consistent with dysregulation of many of the molecular pathways in which ADAM17 participates. CONCLUSIONS: Elucidation of the role of ADAM17 in COVID-19 may identify novel molecular targets for drug development and therapeutic repurposement.
Incidence and short-term outcomes of surgical bailout after transcatheter mitral valve repair with the MitraClip system.

OBJECTIVES This study sought to investigate the incidence and outcomes of surgical bailout (SB) after transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVr) with MitraClip. BACKGROUND TMVr poses a risk of serious procedural complications, possibly requiring urgent open surgery for SB. However, little is known about the risk of SB cases after TMVr. METHODS We retrospectively identified patients who underwent TMVr using the Nationwide Readmissions Database 2014-2017. SB was defined as open thoracotomy for heart and aorta during the same hospitalization. Annual hospital volume was defined as the annual number of TMVr cases in each hospital in each year. RESULTS Among 15,032 eligible patients, SB was required in 214 (1.42%), of whom 134 (62.6%) underwent mitral valve surgery (113 replacements; 21 repairs). The incidence of SB was decreasing significantly over the 4 years (5.26% in 2014; 0.43% in 2017; ptrend < .001). There was a significant nonlinear, inverse association of annual hospital volume with the incidence of SB. In-hospital death (15.0 vs. 2.1%; p < .001) and other in-hospital adverse events were significantly more frequent in patients with than without SB, whereas the 30-day readmission rate was similar (13.2 vs. 15.1%; p = .572). After adjustment for patient and hospital characteristics, SB was significantly associated with higher in-hospital mortality (odds ratio = 6.67, 95% confidence interval = 4.35, 10.23, p < .001). CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that although the incidence of SB after TMVr is decreasing, SB is required more frequently in lower-volume hospitals and carries high in-hospital mortality. Further efforts are needed to understand the reasons for SB and improve outcomes in patients needing SB.
Leading edge stability in motile cells is an emergent property of branched actin network growth

Abstract Animal cell migration is predominantly driven by the coordinated, yet stochastic, polymerization of thousands of nanometer-scale actin filaments across micron-scale cell leading edges. It remains unclear how such inherently noisy processes generate robust cellular behavior. We employed high-speed, high-resolution imaging of migrating neutrophil-like HL-60 cells to explore the fine-scale dynamic shape fluctuations that emerge and relax throughout the process of leading edge maintenance. We then developed a minimal stochastic model of the leading edge that is able to reproduce this stable relaxation behavior. Remarkably, we find that lamellipodial stability naturally emerges from the interplay between branched actin network growth and leading edge shape – with no additional feedback required – based on a synergy between membrane-proximal branching and lateral spreading of filaments. These results thus demonstrate a novel biological noise-suppression mechanism based entirely on system geometry. Furthermore, our model suggests that the Arp2/3-mediated ∼70-80o branching angle optimally smooths lamellipodial shape, addressing its long-mysterious conservation from protists to mammals. One sentence summary An experimental and computational investigation of fluctuation dynamics at the leading edge of motile cells demonstrates that the specific angular geometry of Arp2/3-mediated actin network branch formation lies at the core of a successful biological noise-suppression strategy.
Herpes simplex laryngitis: Comparison between pediatric and adult patients

Abstract Objectives Infection with herpes simplex virus (HSV) typically causes limited oral and genital symptoms, however HSV can also affect the larynx and result in severe aerodigestive symptoms. Due to the rarity of HSV laryngitis, the symptoms and clinical course of are not well understood. This study aims to more completely characterize HSV laryngitis in order to aid clinicians in understanding and recognition of HSV laryngitis. Methods Comprehensive literature search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews to identify articles relating to HSV laryngitis. Patient demographics, presenting signs and symptoms, treatment and clinical course were extracted from the selected manuscripts. Results There were 31 studies on HSV laryngitis that identified 36 patients (17 pediatric, 19 adult). The average age for pediatric patients was 11 months (9 M, 8F) and 52 years for adults (11 M, 8F). In the pediatric population, stridor was more common at presentation in comparison to the adult population (p Conclusion HSV laryngitis has a unique presentation in pediatrics and adults, but is nonspecific in both populations leading to delays in diagnosis and treatment. HSV laryngitis is associated with significant morbidity including multi-week hospital stay and risk for needing tracheostomy in both adults and pediatric population which demonstrates need for clinical awareness of this complication of HSV infection.
The structural basis for Ulp2 recruitment to the kinetochore

The step-by-step process of chromosome segregation defines the stages of the cell division cycle. In eukaryotes, signaling pathways that control these steps converge upon the kinetochore, a multiprotein assembly that connects spindle microtubules to the centromere of each chromosome. Kinetochores control and adapt to major chromosomal transactions, including replication of centromeric DNA, biorientation of sister centromeres on the metaphase spindle, and transit of sister chromatids into daughter cells during anaphase. Although the mechanisms that ensure tight microtubule coupling at anaphase are at least partly understood, kinetochore adaptations that support other cell cycle transitions are not. We report here a mechanism that enables regulated control of kinetochore sumoylation. A conserved surface of the Ctf3/CENP-I kinetochore protein provides a binding site for the SUMO protease, Ulp2. Ctf3 mutations that disable Ulp2 recruitment cause elevated inner kinetochore sumoylation and defective chromosome segregation. The location of the site within the assembled kinetochore suggests coordination between sumoylation and other cell cycle-regulated processes.
MOJAVE: Monitoring of Jets in AGN with VLBA Experiments - I. First-Epoch 15 GHz Linear Polarization Images

We present first-epoch, milliarcsecond-scale linear polarization images at 15 GHz of 133 jets associated with AGN in the MOJAVE survey (Monitoring of Jets in Active Galactic Nuclei with VLBA Experiments). The sample consists of all known AGN with galactic latitude |b| > 2.5 deg., J2000 declination > -20 deg., and 15 GHz VLBA flux density exceeding 1.5 Jy (2 Jy for sources with declination 50%) and electric vectors aligned with the jet ridge line, consistent with optically thin emission from transverse shocks. Both weak- and strong-lined blazars show a general increase in fractional polarization with distance down the jet, but BL Lac jets are generally more polarized and have electric vectors preferentially aligned with the local jet direction. We show that these differences are intrinsic to the jets, and not due to sample bias. Distinct features in the jets of gamma-ray loud (EGRET) blazars are typically twice as luminous as those in non-EGRET blazars, and are more polarized. These differences can be adequately explained if EGRET blazars have slightly higher Doppler boosting factors than those not yet detected in gamma-rays.
Designing Cities Through Sound: A Comparative Study of Urban Spaces and Soundscapes

Sound shapes space. However, the architectural training of designers usually prioritizes visual aspects of a building or urban space without considering the sonic environment and auditory responses of humans who may engage or occupy the built environment. The concept of the “soundscape” brings together the visual and sonic environments, allowing designers to develop more nuanced, responsive, and effective spaces (Southworth, 1967, pp. 6-8) Acousticians define soundscape as “a person’s perceptual construct of the acoustic environment of that place” (Kang & Schulte-Fortkamp, 2017, p. 5). People’s interpretation of auditory sensations can lead to either positive or negative feelings regarding that specific place. Because urban spaces include both a great number of sound sources and a high number of people occupying and moving through them, the sonic environments and urban soundscapes are complex, layered, and dense. This research evaluates the sonic qualities of urban spaces to provide designers with a means by which these complex environments can be better understood, analyzed, and created. It draws on an expanding body of research in architectural acoustics, and direct observation of cities in the United States and Italy conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Rather than relying solely on numeric calculations, this work probes the notion of the “perceptual construct,” seeking to make visual these constructs. Drawings and photographs from different cities are used to study the form of the city through urban edges and the emerging concept of green acoustics. The work provides a way of creating a new architecture of public space through the lens of the sonic environment.
Radio Frequency Interference Due to Power Plane Radiation and Mitigation Using RFI and PI Co-Optimized Design in Mobile Platforms

This paper’s main focus is to study the noise radiation risk from motherboard power planes, including the mechanism of power plane radiation. A design for a power plane that is optimized for radio frequency interference (RFI) and power integrity (PI) is studied and simulation and measurement results are presented. This design has been proposed to reduce the level of RFI radiated from the power plane to the nearby antennas.
Modeling of Time-correlated Detection of Fast Neutrons Emitted in Induced SNM Fission

Abstract Neutron multiplicity methods are widely used in the assay of fissile materials. Fission reactions release multiple neutrons simultaneously. Time-correlated detection of neutrons provides a coincidence signature that is unique to fission,which enables distinguishing it from other events. In general, fission neutrons are fast. Thermal neutron sensors require the moderation of neutrons prior to a detection event; therefore, the neutron's energy and the event's timing information may be distorted, resulting in the wide time windows in the correlation analysis. Fastneutron sensing using scintillators allows shortening the time correlation window. In this study, four EJ-299-33A plastic scintillator detectors with neutron/photon pulse shape discrimination properties were modeled usingthe MCNP6 code. This sensor array was studied for time-correlated detection of fast neutrons emitted inthe induced fission of 239 Pu and (α,n) neutron sources. This paper presents the results of computational modeling of arrays of these plastic scintillator sensors as well as 3 He detectors equipped with a moderator.
The doctrine of consciousness in obstetrics and gynecology

THE YOU N G obstetrician-gynecologist who stays out of trouble, completes training, gets credentials, and thereafter moves single-mindedly along the welltrodden path of successful practice, may not be fully awake. There may be no knowledge of those who went before or of how the techniques and procedures in daily use developed. The individual may be capable of learning only from personal experience, lacking the ability or interest to learn from the experience of others, or to explore the knowledge of a subject. There is no concern with the luster or standing of the discipline, except as it affects status. All medical organizations are political, and all politicians seek to regulate. This individual objects to no plan or rule, provided that it avoids personal commitment. He thinks that he is free; he is not. He moves like a twig on the tide, making no choice or contribution of his own. He is unconscious. Webster defines “conscious,” as “sharing another’s knowledge or awareness of an inward state or outward fact.” This is the first, or archaic, definition, and the one that I prefer to the others that refer to being awake or alert. Webster defines “doctrine” as “something that is taught”-also the archaic definition. The importance of this doctrine of consciousness is the recognition by the individual obstetrician-gynecologist that he inherits a rich tradition of history and clinical accomplishment, and that his chosen discipline is nothing less than a resource for the human condition. It is difficult to overestimate the importance of this consciousness-it brings one to staff meetings, to meetings of this Association, and is the mainspring of the College’s many valuable programs. This consciousness means freedom, not privilege; open attitudes, not
Linewidth measurement of high power diode laser at 2 μm for carbon dioxide detection

The linewidth of a gallium antimonide-based laterally-coupled 2.05 µm DFB laser emitting 40 mW of power at 9 C is measured. The measured linewidth is 1.7 MHz for 500 ms and 1.4 MHz for 10 ms observation time, respectively. The combination of high power and low frequency jitter makes this laser useful for detecting CO2 in air in both in-situ and remote sensing applications. The linewidth measurement is also discussed.
A meta-analysis of pica and micronutrient status.

Objectives Pica is the craving for and consumption of nonfood items, including the ingestion of earth (geophagy), raw starch (amylophagy), and ice (pagophagy). Pica has long been associated with micronutrient deficiencies, but the strength of this relationship is unclear. We aimed to evaluate the association between pica behavior and the risk of being anemic or having low hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Hct), or plasma zinc (Zn) concentrations. Methods We systematically reviewed studies in which micronutrient levels were reported by pica status. We calculated the pooled odds ratio for anemia or weighted mean difference in Hb, Hct, or Zn concentrations between groups practicing or not practicing pica behaviors. Results Forty-three studies including 6,407 individuals with pica behaviors and 10,277 controls were identified. Pica was associated with 2.35 times greater odds of anemia (95% CI: 1.94–2.85, P < 0.001), lower Hb concentration (−0.65 g/dl, 95% CI: −0.83 to −0.48 g/dl, P < 0.001), lower Hct concentration (−1.15%, 95% CI: −1.61 to −0.70%, P < 0.001), and lower Zn concentration (−34.3 μg/dl, 95% CI: −59.58 to −9.02 μg/dl, P = 0.008). Statistical significance persisted after excluding outliers and in subgroup analyses by pica type and life stage. Conclusion Pica is significantly associated with increased risk for anemia and low Hb, Hct, and plasma Zn. Although the direction of the causal relationship between pica and micronutrient deficiency is unknown, the magnitude of these relationships is comparable to other well-recognized causes of micronutrient deficiencies. Pica warrants greater public health attention; specifically the potential physiological mechanisms underpinning the relationship between pica and micronutrient deficiencies merit further study. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 27:84–93, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Modern Piracy and International Law: Definitional Issues with the Law of the Sea

In recent years, piracy, particularly off the coasts of Southeast Asia and the Horn of Africa, has become a major problem for global shipping and maritime safety. Piracy is an international problem, as it takes place outside state jurisdiction and affects the nationals of many states. Yet international law has proven unable to provide a framework for an effective solution to this problem. This is due in part to two main flaws in the treatment of piracy under the major document in international law, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. These two problems relate to the definition of the act, limiting piracy to events on the high seas caused for private ends between two ships, and the universal jurisdiction granted over it. The policy and scholarly communities have proposed many emendations of international law to better suit the reality of modern day piracy, but as yet none of these have gained any traction. Piracy continues to grow and alter in response to state actions, and it is too soon to tell whether any of the recent anti-piracy initiatives will have the appropriate effect.
Identification of a mutant human topoisomerase I with intact catalytic activity and resistance to 9-nitro-camptothecin

Human U-937 myeloid leukemia cells were selected for resistance to increasing concentrations of the camptothecin derivative, 9-nitro-20(S)camptothecin (9-NC). The isolated single cell clone, designated U-937/CR, was approximately 20-fold resistant to 9-NC. Analysis of topoisomerase I (topo I) gene expression in U-937/CR cells demonstrated similar mRNA levels as compared with U-937 cells. Immunoblotting with an anti-topo I serum revealed reactive proteins at 100, 75, and 67 kDa which were expressed at the same level in the parental and 9-NC-resistant clones. These cell lines also demonstrated similar levels of topo I catalytic activity as determined by assaying nuclear extracts for relaxation of supercoiled plasmid DNA. In contrast, catalytic assays performed in the presence of 9-NC demonstrated that topo I activity from U-937/CR cells was approximately 10-fold more resistant than that from U-937 cells. Nucleotide sequencing of topo I cDNAs revealed the substitution of phenylalanine (TTC) at residue 361 in U-937 cells with serine (TCC) in the 9-NC-resistant clone. Expression and partial purification of the mutant topo I protein in Escherichia coli demonstrated resistance of this enzyme to 9-NC in catalytic assays. Taken together, these findings identify a novel mutation in topo I which confers resistance to 9-NC and support the involvement of this region in the interaction between topo I and 9-NC.
Computer infectors: prevention, detection, and recovery

Abstract Computer infectors (such as logic bombs, worms, and viruses) represent a growing concern among information system (IS) professionals. Infectors may be introduced to systems intentionally by employees or by an unknown assailant under the guise of a Trojan horse or through more direct infection means. This paper identifies the organizational and technical aspects of a total infector control program. Since eradication and recovery controls cannot guarantee total damage removal, the primary objective of an infector control program is generally identified as preventing an infection. However, whether an organization should properly emphasize prevention/ detection or recovery depends on the organization's appraisal of infector threats and risks.
A comparison of sample-based Stochastic Optimal Control methods

In this paper, we compare the performance of two scenario-based numerical methods to solve stochastic optimal control problems: scenario trees and particles. The problem consists in finding strategies to control a dynamical system perturbed by exogenous noises so as to minimize some expected cost along a discrete and finite time horizon. We introduce the Mean Squared Error (MSE) which is the expected $L^2$-distance between the strategy given by the algorithm and the optimal strategy, as a performance indicator for the two models. We study the behaviour of the MSE with respect to the number of scenarios used for discretization. The first model, widely studied in the Stochastic Programming community, consists in approximating the noise diffusion using a scenario tree representation. On a numerical example, we observe that the number of scenarios needed to obtain a given precision grows exponentially with the time horizon. In that sense, our conclusion on scenario trees is equivalent to the one in the work by Shapiro (2006) and has been widely noticed by practitioners. However, in the second part, we show using the same example that, by mixing Stochastic Programming and Dynamic Programming ideas, the particle method described by Carpentier et al (2009) copes with this numerical difficulty: the number of scenarios needed to obtain a given precision now does not depend on the time horizon. Unfortunately, we also observe that serious obstacles still arise from the system state space dimension.
Locally linear landmarks for large-scale manifold learning

Spectral methods for manifold learning and clustering typically construct a graph weighted with affinities from a dataset and compute eigenvectors of a graph Laplacian. With large datasets, the eigendecomposition is too expensive, and is usually approximated by solving for a smaller graph defined on a subset of the points (landmarks) and then applying the Nystrom formula to estimate the eigenvectors over all points. This has the problem that the affinities between landmarks do not benefit from the remaining points and may poorly represent the data if using few landmarks. We introduce a modified spectral problem that uses all data points by constraining the latent projection of each point to be a local linear function of the landmarks' latent projections. This constructs a new affinity matrix between landmarks that preserves manifold structure even with few landmarks, allows one to reduce the eigenproblem size, and defines a fast, nonlinear out-of-sample mapping.
Donkey anaphora in sign language I: E-type vs. dynamic accounts

There are two main approaches to the problem of donkey anaphora (e.g. If John owns a donkey, he beats it). Proponents of dynamic approaches take the pronoun to be a logical variable, but they revise the semantics of quantification so as to allow an indefinite to bind a variable that is not within its scope. Older dynamic approaches took this measure to apply solely to indefinites; recent dynamic approaches have extended it to all quantifiers. By contrast, proponents of E-type analyses take the pronoun to go proxy for a definite description (with it = the donkey, or the donkey that John owns); in order to satisfy its uniqueness presupposition, they combine this approach with an analysis of if-clauses as quantifiers over situations. While competing accounts make very different claims about the coindexing relations that should be found in the syntax, these relations are not morphologically realized in spoken languages. But they are arguably realized in sign languages, namely through pointing. We argue that data from French and American Sign Language favor recent dynamic approaches. First, in those cases in which E-type analyses and dynamic analyses make different predictions about the formal connection between a pronoun and its antecedent, dynamic analyses are at an advantage. Second, it appears that the same formal mechanism is used irrespective of the indefinite or non-indefinite nature of the antecedent, which argues for recent dynamic approaches over older ones.
Implementing I.R. technology in semiconductor industries

Infrared Thermography (I.R.) is a powerful tool for efficient preventive electrical maintenance work. We use this technology for electrical equipment scanning in order to prevent unscheduled downtime of equipment and potential fires, stemming from poor electrical connections. Equipment which can benefit from IR scans include: Clean Room Machines, power panels, bus bars, transformers, disconnects, etc. These are all periodically checked during semiannual or annual Preventive Maintenance (P. M.) routines. In the last years we realized savings in the millions of dollars, as a result of I.R. survey findings. Besides the important fact of saving money and equipment downtime by locating problems before they happen, an active Infrared Thermography program makes our industrial environment a safer and more productive place to work.
Postnatal development of synaptic properties of the GABAergic projection from the inferior colliculus to the auditory thalamus

The development of auditory temporal processing is important for processing complex sounds as well as for acquiring reading and language skills. Neuronal properties and sound processing change dram...
Measuring sustainability: Why the ecological footprint is bad economics and bad environmental science

Abstract The ecological footprint is a measure of the resources necessary to produce the goods that an individual or population consumes. It is also used as a measure of sustainability, though evidence suggests that it falls short. The assumptions behind footprint calculations have been extensively criticized; I present here further evidence that it fails to satisfy simple economic principles because the basic assumptions are contradicted by both theory and historical data. Specifically, I argue that the footprint arbitrarily assumes both zero greenhouse gas emissions, which may not be ex ante optimal, and national boundaries, which makes extrapolating from the average ecological footprint problematic. The footprint also cannot take into account intensive production, and so comparisons to biocapacity are erroneous. Using only the assumptions of the footprint then, one could argue that the Earth can sustain greatly increased production, though there are important limitations that the footprint cannot address, such as land degradation. Finally, the lack of correlation between land degradation and the ecological footprint obscures the effects of a larger sustainability problem. Better measures of sustainability would address these issues directly.
Ultrastructural studies of beef heart mitochondria. II. Adenine nucleotide induced modifications of mitochondrial morphology.

Abstract Low levels of ADP, dADP, ATP and dATP induce a distinctive ultrastructure in the network of inner mitochondrial membranes whilst oxygen consumption is essentially unchanged. Induction of a coalesced membrane morphology by these adenine nucleotides is not prevented by oligomycin or low temperature (0° C), but is blocked by atractyloside. Other purine and pyrimidine nucleotides will not substitute for adenine nucleotides. These observations strongly indicate that gross morphological transitions of the inner membranes induced by adenine nucleotides are not intermediate energy transducing forms of oxidative phosphorylation, but probably reflect the consequences of specific and stoichiometric binding of adenine nucleotides to the translocation sites of the inner mitochondrial membrane.
A balanced approach to choledocholithiasis

We set out to review and evaluate the results of an algorithm for managing choledocholithiasis in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. We performed retrospective review of patients with choledocholithiasis at the time of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) between March 1993 and August 1999. All patients were operated on under the direction of one surgeon (M.E.A), following a consistent algorithm that relies primarily on laparoscopic transcystic common bile duct exploration (TCCBDE) but uses laparoscopic choledochotomy (LCD) when the duct and stones are large or if the ductal anatomy is suboptimal for TCCBDE. Intraoperative endoscopic retrograde sphincterotomy (ERS) is done if sphincterotomy is required to facilitate common bile duct exploration (CBDE). Postoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is utilized when this fails. Preoperative ERCP is used only for high-risk patients. A total of 728 LC were performed, and there were 60 instances (8.2%) of choledocholithiasis. Primary procedures consisted of 47 TCCBDE; 37 of them required no other treatment. In five cases, the stones were flushed with no exploration. Intraoperative ERS was performed three times as the only form of duct exploration. LCD was utilized twice; one case also required intraoperative ERS, and the other had a postoperative ERCP for stent removal. One patient with small stones was observed, with no sequelae. Preoperative ERCP was done twice as the primary procedure. Of the 10 cases that were not completely cleared by TCCBDE, three had a postoperative ERCP and seven had an intraoperative ERS, one of which required a postoperative ERCP. There were three complications (6%) related to CBDE, with no long-term sequelae. There were four postoperative complications (6.7%) and no deaths. The mean number of procedures per patient was 1.12. The average postoperative hospital stay was 1.8 days (range, 0–14). Choledocholithiasis can be managed safely by laparoscopic techniques, augmenting with ERCP as necessary. This protocol minimizes the number of procedures and decreases the hospital stay.
The effect of the addition of a polyglutamate motif to RGD on peptide tethering to hydroxyapatite and the promotion of mesenchymal stem cell adhesion.

Abstract Mimicking endogenous bone-binding proteins, RGD peptides have been synthesized with polyacidic amino acid domains in order to ionically tether the peptides to bone-like synthetic biomaterials, including hydroxyapatite (HA). However, a direct comparison of unmodified RGD with polyacidic-conjugated RGD has not been performed, and thus a benefit for the acidic domain has not been established. We evaluated the peptide/HA bond of RGD peptides with and without an attached polyglutamate sequence (E 7 ), as well as examined mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) adhesion and morphology as they were affected by the conjugated peptide. We found that significantly more E 7 RGD was bound to HA than RGD at all coating concentrations tested, and moreover, more E 7 RGD was retained on the HA surface even after extended washing in serum-free media. Consistent with in vitro results, higher levels of E 7 RGD than RGD remained on HA that had been implanted in vivo for 24 h, indicating that the polyacidic domain improved peptide-binding efficiency. At several peptide concentrations, E 7 RGD increased cell adhesion compared to RGD surfaces, establishing a biological benefit for the E 7 modification. In addition, HA pre-coated sequentially with low-density E 7 RGD (1–10 μg/ml) and serum (FBS) stimulated cell adhesion and spreading, compared to either coating alone, suggesting that an ionic linkage allows for the potential adsorption of serum proteins to unoccupied sites, which may be important for bone formation in vivo. Collectively, these results suggest that tethering peptides to HA via a polyglutamate domain is an effective method for improving the peptide/HA bond, as well as for enhancing MSC adhesion.
Nuclear receptor complement of the cnidarian Nematostella vectensis : phylogenetic relationships and developmental expression patterns

Nuclear receptors are a superfamily of metazoan transcription factors that regulate diverse developmental and physiological processes. Sequenced genomes from an increasing number of bilaterians have provided a more complete picture of duplication and loss of nuclear receptors in protostomes and deuterostomes but have left open the question of which nuclear receptors were present in the cnidarian-bilaterian ancestor. In addition, nuclear receptor expression and function are largely uncharacterized within cnidarians, preventing determination of conserved and novel nuclear receptor functions in the context of animal evolution. Here we report the first complete set of nuclear receptors from a cnidarian, the starlet sea anemone Nematostella vectensis. Genomic searches using conserved DNA- and ligand-binding domains revealed seventeen nuclear receptors in N. vectensis. Phylogenetic analyses support N. vectensis orthologs of bilaterian nuclear receptors in four nuclear receptor subfamilies within nuclear receptor family 2 (COUP-TF, TLL, HNF4, TR2/4) and one putative ortholog of GCNF (nuclear receptor family 6). Other N. vectensis genes grouped well with nuclear receptor family 2 but represented lineage-specific duplications somewhere within the cnidarian lineage and were not clear orthologs of bilaterian genes. Three nuclear receptors were not well-supported within any particular nuclear receptor family. The seventeen nuclear receptors exhibited distinct developmental expression patterns, with expression of several nuclear receptors limited to a subset of developmental stages. N. vectensis contains a diverse complement of nuclear receptors including orthologs of several bilaterian nuclear receptors. Novel nuclear receptors in N. vectensis may be ancient genes lost from triploblastic lineages or may represent cnidarian-specific radiations. Nuclear receptors exhibited distinct developmental expression patterns, which are consistent with diverse regulatory roles for these genes. Understanding the evolutionary relationships and developmental expression of the N. vectensis nuclear receptor complement provides insight into the evolution of the nuclear receptor superfamily and a foundation for mechanistic characterization of cnidarian nuclear receptor function.
Factors Affecting the Maintenance of CO2 Levels and the Survival of Bovine Spermatozoa in Carbonated Diluents

Summary Several studies have demonstrated the necessity of maintaining CO 2 levels and reducing oxygen in the sealed ampule for optimum sperm survival during storage in the carbonated Illini variable temperature (IVT) diluent. For improved survival, it was found that the head space in the sealed ampule should be as small or smaller than the fluid phase. The addition of catalase greatly improved sperm livability, particularly when the extended semen was sealed in ampules with a large head space, indicating that oxygen damage was occurring. Flushing the ampules with CO 2 immediately before filling resulted in better sperm survival when no catalase was used during storage at 26.5C. A glucose oxidase-catalase preparation added to the diluent supported sperm livability as well at 5C, but was poorer at 26.5C than the diluent containing crystalline catalase. Extended semen survived much better at room temperature (22–27C) when stored in sealed glass ampules than when stored in porous plastic bulbs. The importance of controlled CO 2 levels was also demonstrated by extending semen with IVT diluents in which the CO 2 was generated by the reaction of citric acid with sodium bicarbonate. Sperm survival was best in the diluent containing the most CO 2 and was progressively poorer as the amounts of CO 2 were decreased when stored at 5 and 26.5C.
Identification and characterisation of a novel heat shock protein 90 inhibitor ONO4140.

Abstract Heat shock protein (Hsp) 90 is a key component of the super-chaperone complex that maintains functionally active conformation of various client proteins. Many of these client proteins regulate important nodal points in multiple signalling pathways that promote cancer cell growth and survival. Inhibitors of Hsp90, therefore, have the potential of functioning as anti-cancer agents with pleiotropic effects. Identification of novel Hsp90 inhibitors with more favourable pharmacological properties is a priority in cancer therapy. To achieve this goal, we screened a compound library using a biochemical assay based on refolding of denatured firefly luciferase. The assay revealed high sensitivity, reliability and reproducibility with a Z -factor of 0.81 ± 0.17. Six Hsp90 inhibitory compounds identified by this screening with IC 50 values between 1.0 and 6 μM were further characterised for anti-proliferative activity by Cell Titer-Blue Cell Viability Assay using multiple tumour cell lines. Of particular interest was ONO4140 with lowest GI 50 values in three different cancer cell lines viz; DU-145, BT-474 and K562 cell lines. This study also revealed that short-term exposure of tumour cells with ONO4140 is sufficient to inhibit the catalytic activity of Hsp90, evaluated through disruption of Hsp90-p23 association by immunoprecipitation. This short term exposure appears to initiate events like degradation of Hsp90 client proteins such as ErbB2/Her-2 and Akt with concomitant inhibition of survival signalling leading to the apoptotic death of tumour cells as seen by western blotting and Caspase Glow-3,7 assay. The study also reveals that apoptosis following Hsp90 inhibition with ONO4140 occurs via Caspase9–Caspase3 intrinsic apoptotic pathway, a process that is likely triggered by inactivation of Akt. In conclusion, we have identified a novel class of synthetic compounds which show potent Hsp90 inhibitory action in preclinical studies. The discovery of this novel class of synthetic Hsp90 inhibitors with simple chemical backbone allows us to conduct further structural modifications to improve their potency and pharmacokinetic properties for use in cancer therapy.
Review of agglomeration in ferrofluids

Ideally, magnetic colloids have sufficient surfactant and thermal agitation to prevent the agglomeration of the particles. However, agglomeration has been observed in light scattering, light microscope observations, pulsed magnetization measurements, and gravitational settling experiments. Agglomerate sizes have ranged from a chain of a few particles to ellipsoidal clumps of more than 1010particles. The agglomeration appears to be reversible and strongly dependent upon the applied magnetic field and the particular ferrofluid. Theoretical approaches are based either on equilibrium statistical mechanics (for small agglomerates) or on a) minimizing the energy per particle and b) calculating a critical hydrodynamic shear stress (for large agglomerates under gravitational settling). We review the experiments, the theories, and some areas for future research.