cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reversible overexpression of BACE1-cleaved neuregulin-1 N-terminal fragment induces schizophrenia-like phenotypes in mice

Results: Increased expression of full-length Nrg1 in mouse neurons has been previously shown to enhance myelination in the central nervous system. Overexpressing Nrg1-ntfβ enhanced the expression of myelin proteins, consistent with the expected activation of the Nrg1 signaling pathway by Nrg1-ntfβ. Contrary to expectations, overexpressing Nrg1-ntfβ transgene caused schizophrenia-like behaviors in transgenic mice, and these abnormal behaviors were reversible if the expression of the Nrg1-ntfβ transgene was turned off. Our molecular assay suggests that protein levels of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors are reduced in this transgenic mouse model, which might underlie the observed social and cognitive behavioral impairments. Conclusions: Our results indicate that overexpressing the secreted form of Nrg1 is sufficient to cause schizophrenia-like behaviors in a mouse model, meaning the effect is independent of the transmembrane and C-terminal domains of Nrg1. Hence, genetic gain-offunction mutations of Nrg1 are also risk factors for schizophrenia.
Analysis of the Frequency Response of Carbon Nanotube Transistors

The characterizations of carbon nanotube transistors at high frequencies have so far been hindered by large parasitic and extrinsic capacitances. We present a quantitative analysis of the limitations imposed by probe pad parasitics on single-wall carbon nanotube transistor characterization at gigahertz frequencies. Our analysis reveals the various kinds of frequency responses that can be expected to be measured. Furthermore, we present design guidelines and a suitable device layout to achieve gain and bandwidth at gigahertz frequencies
The intersection of microbiome and host at the skin interface: genomic- and metagenomic-based insights

The past two decades have been marked by a surge in research to understand the microbial communities that live in association with the human body, in part stimulated by affordable, high-throughput DNA sequencing technology. In the context of the skin, this Perspective focuses on the current state of genomic- and metagenomic-based host-microbe research and future challenges and opportunities to move the field forward. These include elucidating nonbacterial components of the skin microbiome (i.e., viruses); systematic studies to address common perturbations to the skin microbiome (e.g., antimicrobial drugs, topical cosmetic/hygienic products); improved approaches for identifying potential microbial triggers for skin diseases, including species- and strain-level resolution; and improved, clinically relevant models for studying the functional and mechanistic roles of the skin microbiome. In the next 20 years, we can realistically expect that our knowledge of the skin microbiome will inform the clinical management and treatment of skin disorders through diagnostic tests to stratify patient subsets and predict best treatment modality and outcomes and through treatment strategies such as targeted manipulation or reconstitution of microbial communities.
Overview of the 2007 Food and Drug Administration Circulatory System Devices Panel Meeting on Patent Foramen Ovale Closure Devices

Patent foramen ovales (PFOs) are common congenital cardiac defects that are more prevalent among patients experiencing cryptogenic stroke than among those with strokes of known origin. Medical treatment for these processes is often considered inadequate, and mechanical closure of the PFO is an attractive, albeit controversial, alternative. Although it is plausible that percutaneous PFO closure will reduce the rate of recurrent stroke in these patients, randomized trials examining the efficacy of devices in this setting have not been completed. In 2007, the Food and Drug Administration convened a meeting of the Circulatory System Devices Panel to discuss the necessity of randomized trials, as well as obstacles to trial enrollment and completion.
An Alternative Terminal Step of the General Secretory Pathway in Staphylococcus aureus.

ABSTRACT Type I signal peptidase (SPase) is essential for viability in wild-type bacteria because the terminal step of the bacterial general secretory pathway requires its proteolytic activity to release proteins from their membrane-bound N-terminal leader sequences after translocation across the cytoplasmic membrane. Here, we identify the Staphylococcus aureus operon ayrRABC (SA0337 to SA0340) and show that once released from repression by AyrR, the protein products AyrABC together confer resistance to the SPase inhibitor arylomycin M131 by providing an alternate and novel method of releasing translocated proteins. Thus, the derepression of ayrRABC allows cells to bypass the essentiality of SPase. We demonstrate that AyrABC functionally complements SPase by mediating the processing of the normally secreted proteins, albeit in some cases with reduced efficiency and either without cleavage or via cleavage at a site N-terminal to the canonical SPase cleavage site. Thus, ayrRABC encodes a secretion stress-inducible alternate terminal step of the general secretory pathway. IMPORTANCE Addressing proteins for proper localization within or outside a cell in both eukaryotes and prokaryotes is often accomplished with intrinsic signals which mediate membrane translocation and which ultimately must be removed. The canonical enzyme responsible for the removal of translocation signals is bacterial type I signal peptidase (SPase), which functions at the terminal step of the general secretory pathway and is thus essential in wild-type bacteria. Here, we identify a four-gene operon in S. aureus that encodes an alternate terminal step of the general secretory pathway and thus makes SPase nonessential. The results have important implications for protein secretion in bacteria and potentially for protein trafficking in prokaryotes and eukaryotes in general.
Work in progress - lifelong learning and information retrieval practices in materials science and engineering

This paper describes an exploratory case-study of information retrieval practices in one specific discipline, materials science and engineering. In particular, we examine how do the information retrieval practices of practicing professionals compare to those of undergraduate seniors? The preliminary findings provide provisional insights into the concrete retrieval skills students have and need, and suggest teaching practices (particularly in design courses) faculty can employ to help students build such skills.
1D-2 The Effect of Pulse Length on Acoustic Droplet Vaporization

As a minimally invasive alternative to current treatment of renal cell carcinoma, the use of superheated liquid perfluorocarbon droplets encased in albumin shells has been proposed to treat cancer by occlusion therapy. In response to an applied acoustic field, these droplets, which are small enough to pass through capillaries, vaporize into large gas bubbles that subsequently lodge in the vasculature. This technique, known as acoustic droplet vaporization (ADV) has been shown to successfully reduce blood flow in vivo, but for in situ conditions where attenuation is present, lower acoustic frequency and ADV threshold may be desirable. Thus, this study investigated the role of pulse durations from 20mus-20ms on ADV threshold at a low frequency of 1.44 MHz. Detection by both B-mode ultrasound and passive detection were used. The threshold was found to be 5.5-6 MPa for short microsecond pulses and decreased for millisecond pulses (3.8-4.6 MPa) when using either detector
Hypercoagulation testing in ischemic stroke.

Abstract Context.—The utility of laboratory testing for hypercoagulability in the setting of stroke is uncertain. Objective.—To review the current literature and to make recommendations with regard to laboratory testing for various hypercoagulability risk factors for ischemic stroke. Data Sources.—Published articles studying the utility of various hypercoagulation tests in predicting initial and/or recurrent stroke or transient ischemic attack as well as cerebral vein thrombosis were collected and reviewed, with an emphasis on prospective studies. Conclusions.—Certain tests, such as C-reactive protein, homocysteine, antiphospholipid antibodies, and lipoprotein(a), may be useful in patients with a history of stroke or at high risk for stroke, as evidenced by prospective data. Factor V Leiden, prothrombin G20210A, protein C, protein S, and antithrombin are not recommended for routine testing but may be useful in certain populations, such as in pediatric patients or in patients with cerebral vein thrombosis.
Tangled Pipelines: Turkey's Role in Energy Export Plans

Abstract This paper looks at Turkey's aspirations to be an energy hub for oil and natural gas exports from the Caspian Sea region and beyond. After exploring the intense politics surrounding the demarcation and siting of export pipelines from the Caspian Sea, the author goes on to discuss the complex geopolitics of the region. The article analyzes the impact of the summer 2008 Georgian–Russian war on Turkey's hopes and will illustrate the contradictions in Ankara's energy policies. The author argues that Turkey must balance its aspirations to be central to regional export schemes and its increasing energy dependence on Russia.
Transfer hydrogenative reductive amination of aldehydes in aqueous sodium formate solution

A practical direct reductive amination reaction of aldehydes in aqueous sodium formate solution which produces amines in good yields under mild conditions is described. The amount and strength of the acid additives were critical factors to affect the reaction selectivities. This reductive amination method has great application potential for the synthesis of amine products given the mild conditions, short reaction time, the use of water as a solvent, and the use of benign hydrogen sources.
A potentially violent patient

There is probably no situation more difficult for the physician than working effectively with a potentially violent patient.
Education is what's left: some thoughts on introductory archaeology

In over 30 years of graduate and undergraduate teaching, I have taught everything from large introductory offerings with an audience of 300, to advanced undergraduate seminars, even a graduate course for two people on writing about archaeology. In all these years, I am struck by two constants: the general enthusiasm of my students for archaeology and their startling lack of ability to think for themselves and be intellectually self-reliant, something found in every academic discipline. These same 30 years have encompassed a period of remarkable change in archaeology-new theoretical paradigms, the increasing emphasis on stewardship and management, startling and sometimes dramatic discoveries, and a quantum jump in our ability to extract fine-grained information from the archaeological record. Yet, every winter, when I step into the classroom to address another audience of impressionable undergraduates, I find everything is the same. The expectations of my colleagues and students, the university regulations surrounding testing and scoring, the questions students ask, even the distinctive aroma in the classroom on a wet day.
Tunnel diodes

This paper presents a review of the properties, principle of operation, and implications of the tunnel diode. Following a brief description of the unusual characteristics of this device, a discussion is given of the mechanism which leads to the negative resistance. Experiments showing the transition from the tunnel diode characteristic to that of a high-voltage avalanche diode are exhibited. The electrical characteristics of tunnel diodes are outlined making use of the small-signal equivalent circuit which represents the behavior in the negative resistance region. Diodes designed for high-frequency operation are described and examples are given of circuits which demonstrate their behavior as switches, radio receivers, and microwave oscillators. In connection with a discussion of the temperature dependence of these devices, experiments are described which demonstrate the importance of phonons in determining their characteristics at the temperature of liquid helium
Cognitive task analysis-based design and authoring software for simulation training.

ABSTRACTThe development of more effective medical simulators requires a collaborative team effort where three kinds of expertise are carefully coordinated: (1) exceptional medical expertise focused on providing complete and accurate information about the medical challenges (i.e., critical skills and knowledge) to be simulated; (2) instructional expertise focused on the design of simulation-based training and assessment methods that produce maximum learning and transfer to patient care; and (3) software development expertise that permits the efficient design and development of the software required to capture expertise, present it in an engaging way, and assess student interactions with the simulator. In this discussion, we describe a method of capturing more complete and accurate medical information for simulators and combine it with new instructional design strategies that emphasize the learning of complex knowledge. Finally, we describe three different types of software support (Development/Authoring, R...
The limits of simplicity: toward geocomputational honesty in urban modeling

Occam's razor informs us that simpler models are better. Yet models of geographical systems must often be complex to capture the richness of the human and natural environments. When critical decisions, such as those affecting human safety, depend on models, the model must be sufficient for the task, yet can become impossible for all but the modeler to understand holistically. This paper outlines five model components, and examines how a move toward simplicity impacts each, focussing on the critical stage of model calibration. Three model applications to the same data are examined in terms of how their calibrations took place. A comparison of the results shows that model outcomes are subjective, and more shaped by their role in decision-making than by scientific criteria. Model reduction, a goal as yet lacking methods, may therefore not be a useful way forward for geocomputational modeling until the full context of models and the ethics of modeling are better understood.
Intrinsic nonlinearities in the mechanics of hard sphere suspensions

The onset of nonlinear responses in near hard sphere suspensions is characterized as a function of oscillatory frequency and strain amplitude. At low frequencies where the viscous behavior dominates, the onset of nonlinearities is driven by increases in rate of strain. At high deformation frequency, where suspension mechanics is dominated by an elastic response, the nonlinear responses occur when deformation exceeds a characteristic strain. This strain is associated with the transient confinement of particles by nearest neighbors and its volume fraction dependence is through cage parameters derived from the high frequency elastic modulus. The onset of nonlinear responses takes on a universal behavior when deformation frequency is normalized by the characteristic time governing the shift from viscous to elastic behavior indicating that this transition is associated with transient particle localization and is expected to be observed for all volume fractions where pair interactions are important.
Balance in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Background Treatment for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) can impact balance through different mechanisms, including sensory and motor peripheral neuropathy, cognitive impairment, and reduced muscle strength and flexibility. To provide an overview of what is currently known about the effects of cancer treatment on balance in pediatric ALL patients and survivors and predictors of poor balance a review of literature was conducted. Methods Five databases were searched for English language original research articles which have measured balance during or after treatment for pediatric ALL. Results From a total of 9 studies included in this review, 6 have identified significant balance problems in children with ALL during or after treatment. Percentage of patients or survivors in the impaired range of balance varied between 27-69% during treatment, 7-65% a few years after completion of treatment and 14-17% many years after the completion of treatment. Factors associated with impaired balance were higher body mass index, higher doses of intrathecal methotrexate, treatment with cranial radiation, knee extensor weakness and impaired cognition. Conclusion Although heterogeneity between studies in age of the participants, age at diagnosis, the time past completion of the treatment and methods of quantifying balance make it difficult to reach a single conclusion; the evidence suggests that survivors may experience short and/or long term balance difficulties. While there is a need for additional studies to better understand the effects of impaired balance in survivors, clinicians treating both child and adult survivors of ALL need to be aware of these potential risks. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Antivirulence agents sensitize MRSA to beta-lactam antibiotics

R to antibiotics has created a severe public health problem worldwide. Thus, the development of novel antibacterial agents represents an urgent unmet medical need. An alternative approach to antibiotics is the use of antivirulence agents. These compounds do not kill bacteria as antibiotics do but inhibit the production of disease-causing toxins and other virulence factors that impair the ability of the immune system to fight the infection. Prevention of virulence factor secretion would disarm the pathogen of its deadly chemical weapons. However, antivirulence agents do not kill the pathogen. Thus, an infection might recur if the treatment is stopped. Therefore, it might be beneficial in some cases to employ a combination therapy with an antibiotic. Experiments in our laboratory indicate a synergism with beta-lactam antibiotics to which MRSA is resistant in mono therapy. Antivirulence agents sensitize MRSA to beta-lactam antibiotics. This finding opens the door to combination therapy of an antivirulence drug with “old” and inexpensive beta-lactam antibiotics. This approach has the potential to revolutionize the prevention and treatment of bacterial infections.
Clinical concentrations of chemically diverse general anesthetics minimally affect lipid bilayer properties

General anesthetics have revolutionized medicine by facilitating invasive procedures, and have thus become essential drugs. However, detailed understanding of their molecular mechanisms remains elusive. A mechanism proposed over a century ago involving unspecified interactions with the lipid bilayer known as the unitary lipid-based hypothesis of anesthetic action, has been challenged by evidence for direct anesthetic interactions with a range of proteins, including transmembrane ion channels. Anesthetic concentrations in the membrane are high (10-100 mM), however, and there is no experimental evidence ruling out a role for the lipid bilayer in their ion channel effects. A recent hypothesis proposes that anesthetic-induced changes in ion channel function result from changes in bilayer lateral pressure that arise from partitioning of anesthetics into the bilayer. We examined the effects of a broad range of chemically diverse general anesthetics and related nonanesthetics on lipid bilayer properties using an established fluorescence assay that senses drug-induced changes in lipid bilayer properties. None of the compounds tested altered bilayer properties sufficiently to produce meaningful changes in ion channel function at clinically relevant concentrations. Even supra-anesthetic concentrations caused minimal bilayer effects, although much higher (toxic) concentrations of certain anesthetic agents did alter lipid bilayer properties. We conclude that general anesthetics have minimal effects on bilayer properties at clinically relevant concentrations, indicating that anesthetic effects on ion channel function are not bilayer-mediated but rather involve direct protein interactions.
An Analytical Framework for Optimizing Design and Selection of Nonvocal Communication Techniques

Abstract Numerous electronic devices have become available to serve as surrogate communication channels for people with severe neuromotor impairment which precludes speech. The following paper offers an analytical framework by means of which problems of design and selection of nonvocal communication systems may be approached. A major concern is improvement of the intolerably slow rate characteristic of communication device use by disabled nonvocal patients. Another problem is the complexity of making an appropriate prescriptive choice so as to optimize communication performance and user satisfaction. Treatments of these issues are proposed which are based on an analysis of factors determining rate and a set of measures of objective and subjectively perceived ease of operation and benefit.
Functional airway obstruction observed with hyperpolarized 129Xenon-MRI

Hyperpolarized 129 Xenon-MRI (HP 129 Xe MRI) is an emerging imaging modality that allows assessment of both ventilation and gas transfer. Most research to date has focused on non-malignant pulmonary diseases. However, the capability of evaluating the two primary physiological processes of the lung (ventilation and gas transfer) makes HP 129 Xe MRI a promising imaging modality in the management of patients with lung cancer.
A practical guide to conducting and writing medical record review studies.

Purpose A practical guide to conducting and reporting medical record review studies, including instruction and insights on topics ranging from idea conception to manuscript submission, is provided. Summary Research based on the retrospective collection and analysis of data from medical records is often the first type of research conducted by new investigators; such research can be particularly useful in high-acuity populations and is often more feasible and cost-effective than prospective studies. The research process begins with formulating a valid hypothesis-driven or exploratory research question and refining it into one that is testable; this can be facilitated by incorporating information from various sources (e.g., relevant literature, consultation with experts, observations of practice). Accurate sample size calculations are important in ensuring study feasibility (i.e., the estimated sample sizes required can be obtained). Appropriate data collection methods are particularly crucial in medical record review studies; key considerations include pertinent variables, systematic subject identification, standardized data collection instruments, training of data collectors to minimize interrater variability, processes to ensure the accuracy and reliability of data, and blinded collection of the outcome variable. Checklists are provided to guide investigators in retrospective data collection, manuscript preparation, and decisions regarding authorship eligibility and sequencing. Conclusion The quality of medical record review studies and the likelihood of their acceptance for publication can be improved through adherence to recommended standards of research design, data collection and analysis, ethical authorship, and manuscript preparation.
Top ten tips for glenoid exposure in shoulder arthroplasty

Abstract Glenoid exposure is the most difficult part of total shoulder arthroplasty. This manuscript will outline 10 tips for glenoid exposure that the author has found useful in achieving good glenoid exposure. These include, tilting the operating table away from the surgical side, having a variety of retractors available, removing all humeral osteophytes, making an accurate humeral cut, achieving optimal humeral positioning, ensuring proper retractor placement, utilizing a laminar spreader in select situations, achieving adequate capsular release on the humeral side, excising the anteroinferior capsule from the glenoid, and releasing the posteroinferior capsule from the glenoid.
Assessing Value-Added Outcomes Assessment.

Strengths and weaknesses of the value-added model of outcomes assessment in higher education are reviewed. Recommendations are made for researchers choosing this model.
Our Expanding Solar System: Planets and Moons

Since prehistoric times, people have observed that some of the points of light in the sky moved differently from the others. The Classical Greeks called these entities “wandering stars”, and they were associated with various deities and came to take on astrological significance. They numbered seven; in our terminology, they were the Sun, Moon, and the naked eye planets of Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn. Their apparent course in the sky could be plotted, and they were assigned to specific spheres in the then popular geocentric world view.
Electroactive decomposition products cause erroneous intercalation signals in sodium-ion batteries

Abstract Three-electrode configurations allow targeted studies of reaction mechanisms, including charge storage in and interphase formation on electrode materials for emerging sodium-ion batteries. However, using sodium metal as a reference electrode results in spontaneous formation of electroactive soluble decomposition products in an ester-based electrolyte. These electrolyte decomposition products undergo oxidation at carbon electrodes at potentials that can be mistaken for reversible sodium (de)intercalation, thus obscuring true measurements of material properties.
Estimating Causal Relationships Between Women’s Representation in Government and Corruption:

Does increasing the representation of women in government lead to less corruption, or does corruption prevent the election of women? Are these effects large enough to be substantively meaningful? S...
Guaranteed State Estimation

This chapter deals with the problem of set-membership or “guaranteed” state estimation. The problem is to estimate the state of a dynamic process from partial observations corrupted by unknown but bounded noise in the system and measurement inputs (in contrast with stochastic noise). The problem is treated in both continuous and discrete time. Comparison with stochastic filtering is also discussed.
A Bidirectional Front-End for Discrete Resonating Transducers Based on A Non Ring Oscillator

This paper presents a novel method to transform a ring oscillator (RO) into a bidirectional front-end for discrete resonating transducers. The idea behind this method consists in taking advantage of the high parasitic capacitance of these transducers, in order to transform the positive feedback of the RO into a negative feedback loop. Thus, the circuit will be unable to oscillate and will provide the same behaviour of an amplifier. The operation of the proposed circuit has been verified by performing simulations of a three stages RO, connected to the Butterworth Van Dike model of a real transducer (MURATA MA40S4R), which is characterized by a resonant frequency of 40kHz. The whole circuit was implemented in AMS-350nm CMOS technology with a power supply of 3.3V. Simulation results show that a stable RO can be used as bidirectional front-end, characterized by a voltage gain of 49dB and an average power consumption of 1.3mW.
Primary Mammary-Like Carcinoma of the Lung: A Case Report of a Distinct Type of Primary Lung Carcinoma.

A case of a primary lung carcinoma with histologic and immunohistochemical features of a mammary carcinoma is presented. The patient is a 72-year-old man who presented with symptoms of cough and dy...
Media Frames of Voluntary Childlessness in the United States from 1989 to 2018

Voluntary childlessness (VC) is a family communication issue which has garnered media attention for over 30 years. Guided by framing theory, in the present study we analyze media frames of voluntary childlessness in the United States between 1989 and 2018 to critically examine the formation of discourses governing childfree families over time. Guided by mixed method media frame analysis, 103 news articles were inductively thematized and then deductively coded to identify and quantify the dominant frames and the frame elements (i.e., story characters and generalizations to ongoing phenomena) that comprised them. Results first offer demographic information which provides necessary context to indicate from whom and where news coverage of VC is produced. Results further indicated five dominant frames of childfree families, seven character categories which elucidate who is (and is not) represented in news media coverage of VC, and three domains of generalizations which underscore the connection between VC and population changes, policy issues, and cultural and social shifts. Findings also offer empirical support for changes in frames and frame elements over time. The present findings offer a historical and culturally situated view of voluntary childlessness over the past three decades. Implications for theory and practice are discussed.
18F-Fluciclovine PET/CT in Therapeutic Decision Making for Prostate Cancer: A Large Single-Center Practice-Based Analysis.

Methods We carried out a retrospective cohort study of patients with BR after primary treatment of PC who received imaging with 18F-fluciclovine PET/CT at our institution between January 2010 and January 2019. PET/CT results were compared with biopsy, conventional imaging results, and/or response to PC therapy. 18F-Fluciclovine PET/CT performance statistics and effects on treatment planning were calculated. Results A total of 328 patients with a median age of 71 years (range, 47-90 years) and median serum prostate-specific antigen level of 1.6 ng/mL (0.02-186.7 ng/mL) were included. Three hundred thirty-six 18F-fluciclovine PET/CT scans were analyzed and classified as positive (65%), negative (25%), or equivocal (10%) based on radiology reports. Sensitivity was 93% (95% confidence interval, 86%-96%) and specificity was 63% (95% confidence interval, 45%-77%). Of patients with known management recommendations post-PET/CT, scan results changed or influenced pre-PET/CT management plans in 73%, and 58% of recommendations involved treatment modality decisions. Overall, 82% of patients' actual management was concordant with post-PET/CT recommendations. Of evaluable patients, 116 (35%) had some form of post-PET radiotherapy included in their care plans, with 95% receiving radiotherapy at a PET-avid target. Conclusions In the largest single-institutional cohort to date, 18F-fluciclovine PET/CT showed value in the workup of PC in the setting of BR, with noteworthy influence over clinical management decisions. Further studies are needed to evaluate whether PET/CT-based changes in management are associated with improved outcomes.
Using Flight Shifting to Mitigate Delay in Multiple Airport Regions

This study aims to improve operational performance of a multiple airport region (MAR) by analyzing interdependent capacity scenarios of that MAR airports and redistributing airport traffic to make more efficient use of the available capacity. We propose to shift flights between MAR airports in order to reduce flight delays. Both the deterministic and stochastic versions of a flight shift model are formulated as a mixed-integer linear program (MILP). The proposed methodology is applied to New York MAR, which includes five airports, using data for the year 2015. The deterministic model is applied to short-term flight reassignment where the MAR capacity scenario is known and flights are re-assigned on the day of operations, while the stochastic model is applied to re-assign flights in the original flight schedule based on capacity scenario probabilities. Results of both models show that by rescheduling flight landing airport and landing time, the total flight delay in the New York MAR could be significantly reduced, even when a high airport reassignment cost is assumed.
Mensch, Freiheit und Kreativität

Das Selbst hat, abgesehen davon, das es in der Lage ist, Dinge zu erfahren (wie in den Kapiteln IV und V beschrieben), noch andere Fahigkeiten. Es kann auch Dinge tun. Und so werden wir mit dem Problem des freien Willens konfrontiert. Wir konnen fragen: haben wir einen freien Willen oder sind all unsere Entscheidungen die Auserungen von etwas, das angeboren ist, plus Erziehung und Konditionierung? Wenn gesagt wird: „Ich habe keinen freien Willen“, konnen zwei Einwande gemacht werden: diese Aussage konnte das Resultat von Konditionierung sein, wobei die Versuchsperson darauf trainiert ist, sie wie ein Papagei zu wiederholen — dies macht sie bedeutungslos; oder die Versuchsperson kann angeben, das sie den freien Willen habe, nur diese Aussage zu machen. Dies wurde eine willkurliche und sich selbst widerlegende Aussage darstellen.
PSL for runtime verification: theory and practice

PSL is a property specification language recently standardized as IEEE 1850TM-2005 PSL. It includes as its temporal layer a linear temporal logic that enhances LTL with regular expressions and other useful features. PSL and its precursor, Sugar, have been used by the IBM Haifa Research Laboratory for formal verification of hardware since 1993, and for informal (dynamic, simulation runtime) verification of hardware since 1997. More recently both Sugar and PSL have been used for formal, dynamic, and runtime verification of software. In this paper I will introduce PSL and briefly touch on theoretical and practical issues in the use of PSL for dynamic and runtime verification.
Methods for Transferring Results of Innovative Research in Computer-Based Instruction to Academia and Industry

It is a common and popular criticism that education is declining in the United States. Several studies exist which in fact support this criticism. Possible solutions to the crisis in education are numerous. One family of solutions involves accelerating the process of transferring the results of educational research into academia and industry. This paper describes several particular ways of doing this with regard to educational research involving computer-based instruction (CBI). The methods for accelerated transfer described here are interesting from an educational perspective because they indicate that it is possible to treat educational institutions as full partners in industry research and development efforts. The methods and examples are interesting from a computer science perspective because they describe techniques for building data collection into software for the specific purpose of refining the software. Data collected could be used in the field to dynamically modify the look and feel of an interface or it could be used in the laboratory to refine the application product. The results reported herein are encouraging and indicate that these methods might be applied more widely.
Cultural Conventions of Pictorial Representation: Iconic Literacy and Education

The interpretation of visual images is learned. Styles of depiction are rooted in cultural milieus within which they have agreed-upon meanings. An image cannot be expected to convey the same information outside its milieu. Several illustrations in this article give the reader a chance to test his or her own culture perceptions. To Westerners living in a “ carpentered ” environment, an optical illusion will make one line seem longer than another of egual length, A forest dweller first observing large objects at a distance may believe them to be much smaller, because the limited range of vision in a forest does not require adjustment for distance when judging size. While perception is conditioned by environment, the two-dimensional visual image is characterized by iconic conventions that are culturally mediated. Awareness of the strengths as well as the limitations of particular conventions can help educators use visual images more effectively in cross-cultural contexts. A formative research model is proposed for this purpose
Revisional bariatric surgery can improve refractory metabolic disease.

Abstract Background It remains unclear if patients undergoing revisional surgery for inadequate weight loss/recidivism can achieve improvement of refractory metabolic syndrome (MetS). Objective We aimed to evaluate metabolic outcomes after reoperative bariatric surgery for unsatisfactory weight loss in patients with refractory MetS. Setting Academic Hospital. Methods We retrospectively reviewed all revisional bariatric surgery cases performed for inadequate weight loss/recidivism at our center and analyzed all cases in which the patient had ongoing uncontrolled diabetes or MetS. Results In total, 121 reoperative bariatric cases for inadequate weight loss/recidivism were identified. Of those, 31.4% (N = 38) had MetS and 33.9% (N = 41) were diabetic at the time of primary bariatric surgery. At revisional surgery, 15 (39.5%) patients still met criteria for MetS and 7 (17.1%) had hemoglobin A 1c (HbA 1c )≥6.0%. Of those with refractory MetS (N = 15) at revisional surgery, a mean percent excess weight loss (%EWL) of 59.4±21.2% at mean 40.1±29.9 months follow-up corresponded to a mean decrease in triglyceride of 65.2 mg/dL, mean increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) of 12.1 mg/dL, and mean decrease in plasma glucose of 58.8 mg/dL. Mean percent total weight loss was 27.3%. One patient still met criteria for MetS. Of those with HbA 1c ≥6.0% at reoperative surgery (N = 7), a mean %EWL of 63.0±22.9% at mean 51.6±36.6 months follow-up corresponded to a mean decrease in HbA 1c of 1.6%. Three patients still had HbA 1c ≥6.0%, but only 1 had HbA 1c ≥ 6.5%. Conclusion Although further research is needed, this report suggests that revisional bariatric surgery is capable of treating both inadequate weight loss and refractory metabolic disease.
Multiple spatially related pharmacophores define small molecule inhibitors of OLIG2 in glioblastoma.

// Igor F. Tsigelny 1,2,3,* , Rajesh Mukthavaram 3,* , Valentina L. Kouznetsova 2,3,* , Ying Chao 3 , Ivan Babic 3 , Elmar Nurmemmedov 4 , Sandra Pastorino 3 , Pengfei Jiang 3 , David Calligaris 5 , Nathalie Agar 5 , Miriam Scadeng 6 , Sandeep C. Pingle 3 , Wolfgang Wrasidlo 1,3 , Milan T. Makale 3 and Santosh Kesari 1,3,7 1 Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA 2 San Diego Supercomputer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA 3 Translational Neuro-oncology Laboratories, Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA 4 The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA 5 Harvard Medical School, Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA 6 FMRI Research Center, Department of Radiology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA 7 Current Address: John Wayne Cancer Institute at Providence Saint John’s Health Center, Santa Monica, CA, USA * These authors have contributed equally to this work Correspondence to: Igor F. Tsigelny, email: // Santosh Kesari, email: // Keywords : in silico rational drug design, pharmacophore, inhibitor scaffold, transcription factors, OLIG2 Received : September 01, 2015 Accepted : October 14, 2015 Published : October 30, 2015 Abstract Transcription factors (TFs) are a major class of protein signaling molecules that play key cellular roles in cancers such as the highly lethal brain cancer—glioblastoma (GBM). However, the development of specific TF inhibitors has proved difficult owing to expansive protein-protein interfaces and the absence of hydrophobic pockets. We uniquely defined the dimerization surface as an expansive parental pharmacophore comprised of several regional daughter pharmacophores. We targeted the OLIG2 TF which is essential for GBM survival and growth, we hypothesized that small molecules able to fit each subpharmacophore would inhibit OLIG2 activation. The most active compound was OLIG2 selective, it entered the brain, and it exhibited potent anti-GBM activity in cell-based assays and in pre-clinical mouse orthotopic models. These data suggest that (1) our multiple pharmacophore approach warrants further investigation, and (2) our most potent compounds merit detailed pharmacodynamic, biophysical, and mechanistic characterization for potential preclinical development as GBM therapeutics.
The Role of Social Policy in Life-Cycle Transitions

This article examines the theory, research, and social policy relating to family and individual life-cycle transitions for people with disabilities in the United States. The article describes the degree to which transitions are sensitive to policy design and the broad social and cultural context of transitions. Examples from the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act illustrate both promising and inadequate policy responses to life-cycle transitions. A series of questions is intended to guide future enactment and analyses of social policies that affect life-cycle transitions.
Eye movements as probes of lexico-semantic processing in a patient with primary progressive aphasia

Eye movement trajectories during a verbally cued object search task were used as probes of lexico-semantic associations in an anomic patient with primary progressive aphasia. Visual search was normal on trials where the target object could be named but became lengthy and inefficient on trials where the object failed to be named. The abnormality was most profound if the noun denoting the object could not be recognized. Even trials where the name of the target object was recognized but not retrieved triggered abnormal eye movements, demonstrating that retrieval failures can have underlying associative components despite intact comprehension of the corresponding noun.
Do molecular diagnostics add to clinical characteristics in selecting patients for gefitinib treatment

Do molecular diagnostics add to clinical characteristics in selecting patients for gefitinib treatment?
Does Third‐Party Enforcement or Domestic Institutions Promote Enduring Peace After Civil Wars? Policy Lessons From an Empirical Test

What causes peaceful resolution of civil wars to endure rather than to collapse into renewed fighting? Existing studies predict that third-party peace enforcement by the United Nations (UN) or domestic institutions such as democracy, parliamentary, and presidential institutions and the proportional representation (PR) electoral system promotes enduring peace in societies that have emerged from a civil war. However, extant empirical works test the effect of third-party enforcement but not the impact of domestic institutions on peace after civil wars. Hence, I test the impact of democracy, presidential, and parliamentary institutions, electoral systems—PR and majoritarian—and third-party enforcement by the UN on the durability of peace after termination of civil wars. Results from a bootstrapped Weibull duration model show that democracy and the PR electoral system significantly reduces the likelihood that civil war may recur, but that third-party enforcement by the UN does not have a significant effect on the hazard rate of peace spells. A brief case study analysis of recent attempts to build democratic institutions in Cambodia and Kosovo by the international community also supports the claims posited in this article.
Surfactant−Surfactant Interactions in Mixed Monolayer and Mixed Micelle Formation

The relationship between the interaction between the same two surfactants in a mixed monolayer at the air/aqueous solution interface (βσ) and their interaction in a mixed micelle in the aqueous phase (βM) was investigated, in 0.1 M NaCl at 25 °C. All the interactions investigated were attractive (having negative β values) and had relatively stronger interaction in the mixed monolayer than in the mixed micelle, except for mixtures of anionic surfactants and some polyoxyethylenated (POE) nonionic surfactants, where relatively stronger interaction occurs in the mixed micelle. It is shown that the relative strengths of the interactions at the interface and in the micelle in the anionic−POE nonionic mixtures are determined by the branching and bulkiness of the hydrophobic and hydrophilic groups of the surfactants in the mixture. Interaction in the mixed micelle is reduced by branching in the hydrophobic group in either surfactant of the mixture. Branching close to the hydrophilic group of the anionic surfactan...
Anomalous Mössbauer fraction in small magnetic particles due to magnetostriction

Abstract The biological molecule ferritin and its proven synthetic counterpart polysaccharide iron complex (PIC) have been shown to contain small ( -3 .
Antagonism of β-Endorphin-Induced Prolactin Release by α-Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone and Corticotropin-Like Intermediate Lobe Peptide*

The ability of two proopiomelanocortin-derived peptides, αMSH and corticotropin-like intermediate lobe peptide (CLIP) [ACTH (18–39)] to antagonize the stimulation of PRL secretion by β-endorphin (βEP) was studied in the rat. When 50 ng j8EP were injected into the lateral cerebral ventricle, plasma PRL rose from a mean baseline of 1.87 ± 0.43 μg/ml (± SEM) to a peak of 23.0 ± 3.67 μg/ml 10 min after the injection. When the same animals received 500 ng αMSH together with 50 ngβEP, the peak concentration of PRL was reduced by 74% to 6.05 ± 1.43 μg/ml (p < 0.005). After the injection of 500 ng CLIP together with 500 ng βEP, the peak concentration of PRL was reduced by 47% to 12.8 ± 3.09 μg/ml (p < 0.01). Total PRL release, determined by calculating the areas under the plasma PRL concentration curves, was also significantly reduced by the injection of αMSH or CLIP. A dose of 100 ng a-MSH or CLIP also antagonized the stimulation of PRL secretion by 50 ng βEP. PRL release was reduced by 62% after administration ...
Prevalence and clinical characteristics of a high cardiac output state in patients with multiple myeloma

Abstract purpose: This study was undertaken to define the prevalence and clinical characteristics of patients with a high cardiac output state associated with multiple myeloma. patients and methods: Specifically, we evaluated clinical, laboratory, and two-dimensional and Doppler echocardiographic data in 36 patients with multiple myeloma. Cardiac output was determined noninvasively by a pulsed Doppler technique. results: A high cardiac output state, defined as a cardiac index greater than or equal to 4.0 L/minute/m 2 , was present in eight of 34 (23.5%) subjects in whom cardiac output was measurable. None of the known causes of high output states could be identified in these patients. Four patients developed high output congestive heart failure, two of whom died. Age, sex, degree of anemia, serum calcium level, immunoglobulin type, or disease stage did not differ significantly between subjects with or without high output states. However, severe bone involvement was significantly more frequent in those patients with high cardiac output states, occurring in all eight patients with high cardiac indexes compared with nine of 26 patients with low or normal cardiac indexes (p = 0.001). conclusion: These data demonstrate that high cardiac output states are relatively common in patients with multiple myeloma and are associated with the presence of extensive bone disease.
Key Issues in Intergovernmental Relations in the Post-Reagan Era: Implications for Change

The author identifies key issues that were judged to be of critical importance to intergovernmental relations at the end of the Reagan administration. Judgments were made by two panels of intergovernmental experts, selected by reputational technique, as part of an exploratory study conducted at the U.S. General Accounting Office. The purpose of the research was to provide data useful for thinking about likely directions of intergovernmental change in the 1990s, thereby updating the literature on key intergovernmental issues. The results suggest that there will be limited change in the direction of a Madisonian middle ground, with some increasing importance of the intergovernmental roles of state and local governments. Given the present pattern of symbolic presidential leadership in intergovernmental relations, the narrowing of the federal grants-in-aid role in domestic affairs is expected to continue.