cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Theory of mind as inverse reinforcement learning

We review the idea that Theory of Mind—our ability to reason about other people's mental states—can be formalized as inverse reinforcement learning. Under this framework, expectations about how mental states produce behavior are captured in a reinforcement learning (RL) model. Predicting other people’s actions is achieved by simulating a RL model with the hypothesized beliefs and desires, while mental-state inference is achieved by inverting this model. Although many advances in inverse reinforcement learning (IRL) did not have human Theory of Mind in mind, here we focus on what they reveal when conceptualized as cognitive theories. We discuss landmark successes of IRL, and key challenges in building human-like Theory of Mind.
Targeting ticagrelor: a novel therapy for emergency reversal.

Newer P2Y12 inhibitors are prescribed in place of clopidogrel for patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and are associated with significant bleeding risks. Currently, limited options exist for the management of life-threatening bleeding or acute reversal for patients on P2Y12 inhibitor therapy, specifically ticagrelor. Various interventions, including platelet transfusion and desmopressin, have been studied for ticagrelor reversal demonstrating limited success. PB2452 is a novel monoclonal antibody which binds to both ticagrelor and its active metabolite resulting in a rapid return of platelet aggregation. PB2452 has been studied in animal models and, most recently, in a Phase I trial in healthy volunteers. In animal models, PB2452 displayed rapid reversal of ticagrelor and its metabolites and return to near normal levels of platelet aggregation within 60 min. In healthy human volunteers, cohorts that received higher dose bolus and infusions of PB2452 over 12–16 h resulted in maximal and sustained reversal of ticagrelor inhibition of platelet aggregation. While it is currently not US Food and Drug Administration approved, future Phase 2 and 3 studies are currently underway that may lead to new directions for patients on ticagrelor therapy who require urgent reversal.
In the Eye of the Beholder: Students' Views of Mentors in Psychology.

The purpose of the present study was to determine whether students’ views of mentors have changed as a function of the increased number of faculty members conducting research and the inclusion of u...
Control of Rab7a activity and localization through endosomal type Igamma PIP 5‐kinase is required for endosome maturation and lysosome function

The small GTPase Ras-related protein Rab-7a (Rab7a) serves as a key organizer of the endosomal-lysosomal system. However, molecular mechanisms controlling Rab7a activation levels and subcellular translocation are still poorly defined. Here, we demonstrate that type Igamma phosphatidylinositol phosphate 5-kinase i5 (PIPKIγi5), an endosome-localized enzyme that produces phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate, directly interacts with Rab7a and plays critical roles in the control of the endosomal-lysosomal system. The loss of PIPKIγi5 blocks Rab7a recruitment to early endosomes, which prevents the maturation of early to late endosomes. PIPKIγi5 loss disturbs retromer complex connection with Rab7a, which blocks the retrograde sorting of Cation-independent Mannose 6-Phosphate Receptor from late endosomes. This leads to the decreased sorting of hydrolases to lysosomes and reduces the autophagic degradation. By modulating the retromer-Rab7a connection, PIPKIγi5 is also required for the recruitment of the GTPase-activating protein TBC1 domain family member 5 to late endosomes, which controls the conversion of Rab7a from the active state to the inactive state. Thus, PIPKIγi5 is critical for the modulation of Rab7a activity, localization, and function in the endosomal-lysosomal system.
Cleveland Clinic Akron General Urology Residency Program's COVID-19 Experience.

Abstract Purpose of Review The current COVID-19 pandemic has proposed challenges to urology residency programs all over the nation, resulting in alterations in surgical volumes and academic curriculums. In this review, we propose a structured academic outline allowing for the preservation of the academic vitality. Additionally, we offer a model that optimizes resident coverage at hospitals, the preservation of surgical skills, and the designation of daily reserves as the pandemic worsens. Recent Findings Currently, there is no structured framework for urology residency programs to adhere to in the face of a global pandemic or natural disaster. Urologic surgical emergencies arise and exceptional urologic care must continue to be provided. Despite lower surgical volumes and the inability for teams to meet in person, there are still robust opportunities for urologic surgical residents and faculty to maintain their surgical skills and mental sharpness. Changes within the medical field are already beginning to take shape, especially related to telehealth and virtual learning. Summary While each urology residency program is comprised of a different number of residents and hospitals, we propose a framework which serves to maintain a urology program's academic atmosphere and surgical talent in the face of the current pandemic or future natural disaster.
Complexity of resting brain dynamics shaped by multiscale structural constraints

The brain is a complex, nonlinear system, exhibiting ever-evolving patterns of activities even without external inputs or tasks. Such intrinsic or resting neural dynamics has been found to play critical roles in the normal functioning of the brain and psychiatric disorders. It remains a challenge, however, to link the intrinsic dynamics to the underlying structure, in part, due to the nonlinearity. Here we use a nonlinear-dynamical model to examine how the complexity of intrinsic neural dynamics, in terms of multistability and temporal diversity, is sculpted by structural properties across scales. Our model combines a population-level model (Wilson-Cowan) with additional biophysical constraints (from the Wong-Wang-Deco model). We show that multistability can emerge at the whole-brain level even when individual brain regions are by themselves monostable. The multi-functionality and memory capacity associated with multistability are thus synergistic properties of the whole-brain, irreducible to properties of its parts. The exact size of the functional repertoire and memory capacity is a joint product of the nonlinearity in the local dynamics and the topology of the large-scale network. Similarly, temporal diversity of the brain is determined by both local structural differences and the topology of the global network. Together, this work unravels an intertwined and circular relationship between local and global properties in defining the intrinsic dynamic organization of the brain. Looking forward, the model can be used to probe the multiscale mechanisms underlying psychiatric disorders and the effective scales for treatment.
Rolling Soup Cans Down an Inclined Plane

In a familiar demonstration, a hoop and a solid disk of the same diameter and mass are started from rest at the top of an inclined plane and race to the bottom. The disk reaches the bottom with a larger speed than the hoop and arrives first. Why?
Effectiveness and safety of biodegradable calcium sulfate antibiotic beads as adjuvant therapy in vascular graft infections

This is a retrospective cohort study evaluating the safety and effectiveness of biodegradable calcium sulfate antibiotic beads in vascular graft infections compared with standard of care. No differences in acute kidney injury or hypercalcemia were observed between the cohorts. Recurrence of infection did not occur in the 13-patient bead cohort compared with 14 patients who had recurrence in the 45-patient nonbead cohort with a number needed to treat of 4.0.
Restoration of SIRT3 gene expression by airway delivery resolves age-associated persistent lung fibrosis in mice.

Aging is a risk factor for progressive fibrotic disorders involving diverse organ systems, including the lung. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, an age-associated degenerative lung disorder, is characterized by persistence of apoptosis-resistant myofibroblasts. Here we demonstrate that sirtuin 3 (SIRT3), a mitochondrial deacetylase, is downregulated in the lungs of humans with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and in mice subjected to lung injury. Overexpression of Sirt3 cDNA via airway delivery restored the capacity for fibrosis resolution in aged mice, in association with activation of the forkhead box transcription factor FoxO3a in fibroblasts, upregulation of pro-apoptotic members of the Bcl2 family and recovery of apoptosis susceptibility. While transforming growth factor-β1 reduced levels of SIRT3 and FOXO3A in lung fibroblasts, cell non-autonomous effects involving macrophage-secreted products were necessary for SIRT3-mediated activation of FOXO3A. Together, these findings reveal a novel role of SIRT3 in pro-resolution macrophage functions that restore susceptibility to apoptosis in fibroblasts via a FOXO3A-dependent mechanism. Using a mouse model of lung fibrosis, the authors find that overexpression of SIRT3 in myofibroblasts lowers their threshold for apoptosis, allowing their clearance from tissues and restoration of the lost capacity for fibrosis resolution in aged mice.
Parent-Child Relationship Satisfaction and Psychological Distress of Parents and Emerging Adult Children

This study examined the associations between parent-child relationship satisfaction and psychological distress among emerging adult children and their parents. It also investigated whether these associations varied across ethnic groups. Based on related theories and research, we hypothesized negative “actor” and “partner” associations between parent-child relationship satisfaction and psychological distress among both the parents and emerging adult children, with a stronger “actor” association among parents. We also hypothesized that the negative “actor” association between emerging adult children’s relationship satisfaction with their parents and their own psychological distress would be stronger among Hispanic emerging adult children than among their non-Hispanic peers. The sample included 183 non-Hispanic and Hispanic parent-emerging adult child dyads. Emerging adult children were recruited from two large universities in the U.S. Both the emerging adult children and their primary parents were invited to participate in an online survey and reported their parent-child relationship satisfaction, symptoms of depression and anxiety, and demographics. Results from Actor-Partner Interdependence Model (APIM) revealed a significant association between parents’ relationship satisfaction with their emerging adult children and their own psychological distress (“actor effect” for parents). Further, a moderating effect by ethnicity was found such that the association between emerging adult children’s relationship satisfaction with their parents and their own psychological distress was stronger among Hispanic emerging adult children than among their non-Hispanic peers (stronger “actor effect” for Hispanic emerging adult children). These findings have important implications for researchers and practitioners regarding intergenerational relationships and ethnic/cultural differences.
The Impact of HPV DNA/p16 in Laryngeal/Hypopharyngeal Cancer: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Abstract Background This meta-analysis seeks to investigate the association between HPV and p16 status with overall survival in laryngeal and hypopharyngeal carcinoma. Methods Medline, Scopus, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library were used to identify studies for inclusion. Abstracts that discussed HPV/p16 status and prognosis in laryngeal or hypopharyngeal carcinoma were included. Next, full-text articles were screened and included based upon a checklist established a priori. Pooled hazard ratios for overall survival were generated using a random effects model. RevMan 5.3, Meta Essentials, and OpenMeta[Analyst] were used for statistical analysis. Results Thirteen studies published between 2014 and 2019 with sample sizes ranging from 31 to 9,656 were selected for inclusion in this meta-analysis. The pooled data demonstrated that p16 status was not significantly associated with OS in either laryngeal or hypopharyngeal carcinoma with HRs of 1.03 (95% CI: 0.73–1.45; p = 0.88) and 1.02 (95% CI: 0.55–1.86; p = 0.96), respectively. The pooled data showed that HPV status was predictive of OS in laryngeal cancer with 0.63 (95% CI: 0.41–0.97; p = 0.03). Conclusions Our results suggest that p16-positivity does not provide a survival benefit in LC and HPC. This is in contrast to studies in the oropharynx, where p16 status is a standard proxy for HPV infection and HPV infection is associated with improved prognosis.
High Throughput Satellites

This chapter reviews the industry evolution to the high‐throughput satellite (HTS) era, and describes the key technology areas and performance elements, which are expected to define the communications satellite industry into the next several decades. The move to the HTS generation of satellite communications has provided a significant increase in data handling capacity and throughput for all primary satellite communications services, fixed satellite service (FSS), broadcast SS (BSS), and mobile SS (MSS). The fundamental addition in the architecture of the HTS compared to earlier generations is the use of multi‐beam antennas to provide coverage to the service area, rather than the individual wide beams or spot beams of earlier satellites. The chapter discusses the anticipated role of satellite technology in 5G cellular, and presents a brief overview of the evolution of cellular mobile technologies through previous generations that will provide a useful perspective on how satellite networks will fit into the 5G telecommunications infrastructure.
Tiltable UV-LED Lithography for 3D Microfabrication

This paper presents a tiltable UV-LED lithography system for 3D microfabrication. Collimated light with adjustable intensity from 7-by-7 405-nm UV-LEDs was used as a light source. An orbital rotation of the UV-LED array provided the uniform light intensity. The key advantages of the proposed system create 3D light traces without the sample's tilt-rotational movement, which is used to cause non-uniform light exposure and sample instability. Also, the tiltable UV-LED lithography can directly pattern on a liquid photosensitive state resin that provides a rapid process without soft baking and post-exposure baking. Several 3D microstructures in hundreds-microns to millimeter heights were successfully fabricated including vertical pillars, inclined pillars, triangular slabs, single and dual microneedle, and multi-angled petals. The tiltable UV-LED lithography has a great potential for a 3D micromanufacturing area with various 3D MEMS applications.
Big potential for tiny droplets

Sea spray droplets contribute to the exchange of gases between the oceans and atmosphere. Accounting for this spray-mediated pathway may provide more accurate modelling of air–sea interactions and the ocean response to climate change.
Monoamine Innervation of Cerebral Cortex and a Theory of the Role of Monoamines in Cerebral Cortex and Basal Ganglia

The historical development of interest in the monoamine innervation of cerebral cortex is highlighted by several key discoveries that have changed our perspectives on cortical function specifically, and brain function in general. The dogma until the early 1960s was that the cortex receives input directly from the thalamus but not from the brain stem. Thus, ascending sensory and nonspecific “activating” neural activity generated in the brain stem was thought to have an obligatory synaptic relay in the thalamus before being sent on to cerebral cortex (Moruzzi and Magoun, 1949; Lorente de No, 1949, Scheibel and Scheibel, 1958; Nauta and Kuypers, 1958). In the early 1960s the fluorescence technique for the visualization of monoamines (Falck et al. 1962) led to the discovery that monoamine cell bodies are present in the brain-stem reticular formation and monoamine fibers are present in cerebral cortex (Dahlstrom and Fuxe, 1964; Fuxe, 1965). Anden et al. (1965), therefore, postulated that these brain-stem norepinephrine-and serotonin-containing neurons in the reticular formation give rise to a direct innervation of cerebral cortex. Moore and Heller (1967) were later able to show biochemically that lesions of the medial forebrain bundle, which contains the ascending monoamine fibers, led to a decrease of serotonin and norepinephrine in cortex. However, because such lesions failed to produce visibly degenerating axons in cortex with silver degeneration methods, it was not clear if the decrease of cortical monoamines was merely a result of a transsynaptic effect induced by the lesions.
Determination of Dynamic Stress Intensity Factors

A limited number of solutions are available for the dynamic stress field near stationary and moving crack tips under transient conditions. Freund (1990), Broberg (1999), and Slepyan (2002) present a complete discussion of most of the available solutions. The problem considered in the chapter corresponds to a semi-infinite pressure-loaded crack in an unbounded medium. Upon arrival of the dilatational wave, a negative stress intensity of small magnitude develops indicating the compressive stress from this wave. This compression increases without bound, and after passage of the Rayleigh wave,the stress intensity factor settles down at the value equal to the static value. Clearly, the negative stress intensities are not physical and should not appear in sharp cracks. However, in machine-notched cracks, this would imply a closing of the gap. With this solution, it is possible to generate the dynamic stress intensity factors for semi-infinite cracks with arbitrary load variations along the crack surface through superposition.
Autonomous mobile robot control based on white blood cell chemotaxis

This paper presents a biologically inspired algorithm to control an autonomous robot tracking a target. The algorithm is designed to mimic the behavior of a human neutrophil, a type of white blood cell that travels to sites of infection and digests bacterial antagonists. Neutrophils are known to be highly sensitive to low levels of chemical stimuli, robust to noise, and are capable navigating unknown terrain, all qualities that would be desired in an autonomous robot. In this paper we model a neutrophil as a collaborative control system, demonstrate the robustness of this algorithm, and suggest a computationally cheap method of implementation. Our simulations show that the performance of the robot is unaffected by constant disturbances and it is robust to random noise levels up to 5 times the tracking signal. Additionally, we demonstrate that this algorithm, as well the current models of neutrophil chemotaxis, are equivalent to a sensor fusion problem that optimizes directional sensing in the presence of noise.
Results of the NIH consensus conference on "rehabilitation of persons with traumatic brain injury".

In 1998, the National Institute for Health (NIH) organized a consensus conference about the rehabilitation of persons with traumatic brain injury (TBI). The conference results are based on an extensive bibliography from the scientific literature and presentations at the conference. The focus of this conference was the evaluation of rehabilitative measures for the cognitive and behavioral consequences of TBI, and the extent to which specific interventions are supported by existing evidence. Specifically, the conference considered the following aspects and their implications for rehabilitation: the epidemiology of TBI in the United States, the consequences in terms of pathophysiology, impairments, functional limitations, disabilities, societal limitations, and economic impact, the mechanisms underlying functional recovery following TBI, the common therapeutic interventions for the cognitive and behavioral sequelae of TBI, and the models for comprehensive coordinated multi-disciplinary rehabilitation. Based on the answers to these questions, the conference tried to give recommendations regarding rehabilitation practices for people with TBI, and identified areas where further research is needed. Language: en
Modeling the Active Magnetic Regenerator

A time-dependent one-dimensional model of the Active Magnetic Regenerator (AMR) is described. The model assumes that the heat capacity of the pore fluid in the regenerator is negligible compared to the magnetic material. Measured magnetic material properties are used, including the effect of hysteresis. The variation of the fluid helium properties with temperature are included. Heat transfer between the fluid and bed is obtained from an emperical correlation, as is the pressure drop, axial conduction and axial dispersion.
Oral Communication: The Other Half of Business English

(1981). Oral Communication: The Other Half of Business English. The Journal of Business Education: Vol. 56, No. 4, pp. 153-155.
The time course of acquired epilepsy: Implications for therapeutic intervention to suppress epileptogenesis

Relatively little is known about the time course of the development of spontaneous recurrent seizures (i.e., epileptogenesis) after brain injury in human patients, or even in animal models. This time course is determined, at least in part, by the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms responsible for acquired epilepsy. An understanding of the critical mechanistic features of acquired epilepsy will be useful, if not essential, for developing strategies to block or suppress epileptogenesis. Here, data on the time course of the development of spontaneous recurrent seizures are summarized from experiments using nearly continuous electrographic (EEG) recordings in (1) kainate-treated rats, which are a model of temporal lobe epilepsy, and (2) rats subjected to unilateral carotid occlusion with superimposed hypoxia at postnatal day 7, which is a model of perinatal stroke. Although the classical view of the development of epileptogenesis is a step-function of time after the brain injury, with a latent period present between the brain injury and the first unprovoked seizure, the data described here show that seizure frequency was a sigmoid function of time after the insult in both animal models. Furthermore, the spontaneous recurrent seizures often occurred in clusters, even shortly after the first spontaneous seizure. These data suggest that (1) epileptogenesis is a continuous process that extends past the first spontaneous clinical seizure, (2) seizure clusters can obscure this continuous process, and (3) the potential time for administration of a therapy to suppress acquired epilepsy extends well past the first clinical seizure.
A factorial study of chromosomal variability in callus cultures of celery (Apium graveolens)

Abstract This study was undertaken to determine the effects of genotype, differentiated state of explant and random effects on types and extent of in vitro gross chromosomal variability in celery. The proportions of normal diploid (2n = 22) cells in vitro ranged from approx. 30–80% in callus cultures. The remainder of the cells were classified as hypodiploid (
Enumeration of Mars years and seasons since the beginning of telescopic exploration

Abstract A clarification for the enumeration of Mars years prior to 1955 is presented, along with a table providing the Julian Dates associated with Ls = 0° for Mars years −183 (beginning of the telescopic study of Mars) to 100. A practical algorithm for computing Ls as a function of the Julian Date is provided. No new science results are presented.
Inverse boundary value problems and the Aharonov?Bohm effect

We consider the inverse boundary value problem for the Schr?dinger equation with electromagnetic or Yang?Mills potentials in multiconnected domains ? ? Rn, n ? 2. We prove that if the Dirichlet-to-Neumann operators on ?? are gauge equivalent then the corresponding potentials are gauge equivalent too. The multiconnectedness of ? leads to the Aharonov?Bohm effect.
A quantitative method for GDP-l-Fuc:N-acetyl-β-d-glucosaminide α1→6fucosyltransferase activity with lectin affinity chromatography

Abstract A quantitative method for the activity of GDP- l -Fuc: N -acetyl-β- d -glucosaminide α1→6fucosyltransferase has been developed using a well-characterized substrate to which other fucosyltransferases fail to transfer and lentil lectin-Sepharose, which will bind this substrate only after fucosylation of the asparagine-linked N -acetylglucosamine. The enzyme was extracted from human skin fibroblasts and incubated with GDP-[ 14 C]fucose and a specific substrate, asialo-agalactotransferrin glycopeptide. The product of the enzyme reaction, [ 14 C]fucose α1→6 to the asparagine-linked N -acetylglucosamine of the substrate, bound to lentil lectin-Sepharose and was eluted with 0.4 m methyl α- d mannopyranoside. The method was shown to be specific after characterization of the lentil lectin-bound glycopeptides by enzyme degradation and affinity chromatography. Quantitation of the method was shown by several parameters, including the linearity of product formed with respect to time, GDP-[ 14 C]fucose concentration and enzyme concentration.
Structural Influence on the Thermal Conversion of Self‐Catalyzed HfB2/ZrB2 Sol–Gel Precursors by Rapid Ultrasonication of Oxychloride Hydrates

Sol–gel precursors to HfB2 and ZrB2 are processed by high-energy ultrasonication of Hf,Zr oxychloride hydrates, triethyl borate, and phenolic resin to form precipitate-free sols that turn into stable gels with no catalyst addition. Both precursor concentration and structure (a sol or a gel) are found to influence the synthesis of the diboride phase at high temperature. Decreasing sol concentration increases powder surface area from 3.6 to 6.8 m2/g, whereas heat-treating a gel leads to residual oxides and carbides. Particles are either fine spherical particles, unique elongated rods, and/or platelets, indicating particle growth with directional coarsening. Investigation of the conversion process to ZrB2 indicates that a multistep reaction is likely taking place with: (1) ZrC formation, (2) ZrC reacts with B2O3 or ZrC reacts with B2O3 and C to form ZrB2. At low temperatures, ZrC formation is limiting, while at higher temperatures the reaction of ZrC to ZrB2 becomes rate limiting. ZrC is found to be a direct reducing agent for B2O3 at low temperature (~1200°C) to form ZrB2 and ZrO2, whereas at high temperatures (~1500°C) it reacts with B2O3 and C to form pure ZrB2.
The Role of Single-stranded DNA and Polymerase α in Establishing the ATR, Hus1 DNA Replication Checkpoint

Using a nucleus-free DNA replication system we have investigated the roles of Xenopus ATR (XATR) and Hus1 (Xhus1) as the DNA replication checkpoint sensors. Like XATR, Xhus1 is required for the checkpoint-dependent phosphorylation of Xchk1 and associates with chromatin in an initiation-dependent manner. While removal of replication protein A inhibits chromatin association of both XATR and Xhus1, removal of polymerase alpha only disrupts chromatin association of Xhus1. In addition, chromatin association of XATR and Xhus1 are independent of each other. Finally, like XATR, Xhus1 associates with chromatin in unperturbed S phase and dissociates from chromatin following completion of DNA replication.
The affirmative character of U.S. cultural studies

This article argues that, as imported to the United States from England by scholars like Lawrence Grossberg and John Fiske, cultural studies often loses much of its critical edge. Its misleading affirmation of the power and independence of media audiences derives from several problems. First, it overestimates the freedom of audiences in reception. Second, it minimizes the commodification of audiences as analyzed by a political‐economic approach. Third, it fails to differentiate between mass advertising and specialized media. Fourth, it confuses active reception with political activity. Finally, it takes the exceptional situation of progressive readings promoted within oppositional subcultures as the norm.
Injury of the anterior cruciate ligament: The role of collagenase in ligament degeneration

Rapid degeneration of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) has been observed following acute ACL rupture. An understanding of this process might explain some of the poor clinical results of primary ACL repair. We created a surgical rabbit model of acute ACL injury and developed an in vitro assay for collagenase activity in the ACL and menisci. Microscopic evaluation revealed a rapidly degenerative process in injured ACLs, with loss of cellularity and matrix organization. This was associated with a significant increase in collagenase activity and a decrease in total collagen of the injured ACLs as compared with sham-operated controls. These findings confirm the observation that cut ACL ligament ends rapidly degenerate. This degenerative process might be partly due to a response of cells intrinsic to the ACL to injury. Left unchecked, this process may be detrimental to surgical attempts for primary ACL repair.
Holocene Variations of Monsoon Rainfall in Rajasthan

Two reconstructed histories of the monsoon rainfall in Rajasthan show that the monsoon was weak or absent in latest glacial time. With the advent of Holocene climatic patterns, fresh water lakes formed in dune fields and the pollen rain preserved in these reservoirs provides a basis for the reconstruction of the monsoon history. The two reconstructions, separated by only 150 km, have some features in common and some striking differences. Both show maximum monsoon amounts in the early Holocene, with a roughly two-thirds decrease to the present. Both show salinization in sub-Boreal time. Both show long intervals of near complete desiccation in the last four millennia. The shorter term variations, however, are not closely parallel. These shorter term variations may be explained in terms of the behavior of the present day interannual variability.
Accumulation of calcic plagioclase in ocean-ridge tholeiite: an indication of spreading rate?

Basaltic magma generated at the Mid-Atlantic Ridge (MAR) appears on eruption to be characterized by the widespread accumulation of calcic plagioclase (An70–90) independently from olivine and clinopyroxene1–5. Plagioclase accumulation is curiously absent from basalt formed at faster-spreading ridge axes such as the Fact Pacific Rise (EPR)6–11, and it is interesting to speculate about the possible relationship of this phenomenon to spreading rate. Recent experiments12 and studies of thermal regime at ocean-ridge spreading axes as a function of spreading rate13,14 suggest an attractively simple solution to the problem, and point the way to a useful genetic spreading rate distinction for ophiolite rocks of unknown provenance.
Phenethyl isothiocyanate sensitizes human cervical cancer cells to apoptosis induced by cisplatin.

Naturally-occurring chemopreventive agent phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC), derived primarily from watercress, has been shown to inhibit cell growth and induce apoptosis in cancer cells. In this study, we examined the potential of PEITC in enhancing cisplatin-induced apoptosis in cervical cancer cells. HeLa cells were exposed to PEITC, cisplatin or both. Pretreatment of cells with PEITC strongly enhanced cisplatin-induced cytotoxicity. PEITC activated the mitogen-activated protein kinases, including JNK, ERK, and p38. The synergistic induction of apoptosis was significantly attenuated by MEK1/2 inhibitor U0126, but not by JNK or p38 inhibitor, suggesting that ERK activation is responsible for the synergistic effect. We found that NF-κB signaling pathway is not involved in the synergistic effect. Sulforaphane and benzyl isothiocyanate, two other members of the isothiocyanate family, also sensitize HeLa cells to apoptosis induced by cisplatin. Furthermore, we found that the synergistic effect was not seen in normal cells. Finally, we demonstrated that Noxa induction was associated with apoptosis induced by PEITC plus cisplatin. Taken together, this study shows that PEITC can sensitize cancer cells to apoptosis induced by cisplatin and this effect is mediated through ERK activation, suggesting the potential of PEITC to be used as an adjuvant with cisplatin in combination therapeutic treatments.
A high-density SNP genome-wide linkage scan in a large autism extended pedigree

We performed a high-density, single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), genome-wide scan on a six-generation pedigree from Utah with seven affected males, diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Using a two-stage linkage design, we first performed a nonparametric analysis on the entire genome using a 10K SNP chip to identify potential regions of interest. To confirm potentially interesting regions, we eliminated SNPs in high linkage disequilibrium (LD) using a principal components analysis (PCA) method and repeated the linkage results. Three regions met genome-wide significance criteria after controlling for LD: 3q13.2-q13.31 (nonparametric linkage (NPL), 5.58), 3q26.31-q27.3 (NPL, 4.85) and 20q11.21-q13.12 (NPL, 5.56). Two regions met suggestive criteria for significance 7p14.1-p11.22 (NPL, 3.18) and 9p24.3 (NPL, 3.44). All five chromosomal regions are consistent with other published findings. Haplotype sharing results showed that five of the affected subjects shared more than a single chromosomal region of interest with other affected subjects. Although no common autism susceptibility genes were found for all seven autism cases, these results suggest that multiple genetic loci within these regions may contribute to the autism phenotype in this family, and further follow-up of these chromosomal regions is warranted.
Producing hi-tech: globalization, the state and migrant subjects

This paper examines the role of the state in the context of globalization. Taking up the specific case of Indian software engineers and their migration to the USA, the authors show the involvement of the Indian state and the US at different levels. The growth of the IT labour sector was based on changes in the higher education policy of the Indian state while the large-scale migration of IT workers from India required changes in the immigration policies of the US. The authors argue that these policy changes reflect how nation-states alter their national policies to meet the demands of the global economy. Equally important, the authors show that the policy changes are indicative of the unique political context and culture of each country. In the case of India, the education policy changes relate to caste politics while the immigration policy of the USA shares the legacy of US race politics.
Impact of Regulatory Light Chain Phosphorylation on the Stiffness of α and β Myosin

It has been demonstrated that the phosphorylation of the RLC can also aid in the attachment of myosin heads to actin. Moreover, it has been demonstrated that phosphorylation of the RLC is altered during heart failure progression. Here we examined the role of the RLC, and its phosphorylation, on the motility of α and β Myosin. We characterized the strain dependent kinetics of both myosins by analyzing the dependence of velocity on load using increasing amounts of α-actinin up to 10 μg/ml. As expected, α-myosin, both phosphorylated and dephosphorylated, had a faster actin sliding velocity than β-myosin over the majority of α-actinin concentrations, while phosphorylation of the β-myosin had no significant impact on the actin sliding velocity. Interestingly, although phosphorylation of α-myosin significantly reduced the unloaded sliding velocity it, increased velocity under loaded conditions (See Figure). These results suggest that the phosphorylation of the RLC acts at the molecular level to stiffen the lever arm of myosin aiding in both myosin head attachment and power stroke.View Large Image | View Hi-Res Image | Download PowerPoint Slide
Effects of the economic transformation process on the structure and locations of retailing in East Germany

Abstract The economic transformation process in East Germany caused massive changes in the structure and locational pattern of retailing. This paper characterizes the basic elements and results of these changes. The locational developments are influenced by the expansion of chain stores from West Germany, by the establishment of new types of shops, by the unsettled proprietary rights, and by the lack of spatial planning authorities. In rural areas a concentration process in central places is encouraged, and the supply network in scattered locations deteriorates. The agglomerations face a heavy suburbanization trend, mainly in non-integrated locations, while the city centres and subcentres within the towns are hindered in their development.
Reversing Direction of Transportation Planning Process

The process of transportation planning begins with an assumed land use and then projects future traffic volumes. To determine land-use limitations as a function of the capacity of the transportation system, we reversed the direction of the planning process, beginning with transportation system characteristics as the independent variable and employment and population as dependent variables. We ultimately developed a direct estimation model. This technique directly estimates zonal trip ends based on transportation system variables that include link volumes, roadway types, travel distances, and the geographical position of the zone. Additionally, we regressed retail employment, nonretail employment, and population to zonal trip ends. We calibrated this model for the 1967 base year in the Charlottesville, Va. area and then applied it for the 1979 forecast year. We then used lessons learned to calibrate the model for the 1979 base year (a training set of data) and apply it for the 1990 forecast year (a test se...
A novel dataset for identifying sex-biased genes in Drosophila.

Phenotypic differences between males and females of sexually dimorphic species are caused in large part by differences in gene expression between the sexes, most of which occurs in the gonads. To accurately identify genes differentially expressed between males and females in Drosophila, we sequenced the testis and ovary transcriptomes of D. yakuba, D. pseudoobscura, and D. ananassae and used them to identify sex-biased genes in the latter two species. We highlight the increased sensitivity and improved power of sex-biased gene detection methods when using our testis/ovary data versus male and female whole body transcriptome data. We thus provide a resource specifically designed to accurately identify and characterize sex-biased genes across Drosophila. This dataset is available through NCBI GEO accession {"type":"entrez-geo","attrs":{"text":"GSE52058","term_id":"52058"}}GSE52058.
Tutor model syntax influences the syntactical and phonological structure of crystallized songs of white-crowned sparrows

Songbirds undergo a sensitive period in which exposure to adult song is necessary for normal vocal development. During this period, a template is formed and later used as a model for comparison via auditory feedback. In montane white-crowned sparrows, Zonotrichia leucophrys oriantha, whose song typically consists of four to five distinct segments (phrases), exposure to syntactically overlapping phrase pairs during the sensitive period provides the minimum sufficient information for song assembly; exposure to isolated phrases is insufficient. This suggests that a template representing phrase-pair information is sufficient for guiding normal song production. However, birds may also store and use the additional information they receive when tutored with full song. In the present study, we tutored white-crowned sparrows with a range of phrase sequence information. We found that sparrows tutored with varying levels of syntax information differed in the syntactical (phrase sequence) and phonological (phrase structure) characteristics of their final songs. Sparrows tutored with isolated phrases produced songs that were syntactically and, surprisingly, phonologically deficient. The crystallized songs of birds tutored with full song generally consisted of five phrase types, whereas those of birds tutored with phrase pairs generally had four phrase types. In addition, birds tutored with phrase pairs combined phrases from different tutors in their final songs, while birds tutored with full song did not. These results suggest that the additional syntactical information present in full song is stored and later used. Also, the ability to accurately reproduce phrase structure is linked to the availability of syntax information during the sensitive period.
Vertebroplasty was not effective for painful osteoporotic vertebral fractures

Source Citation Buchbinder R, Osborne RH, Ebeling PR, et al. A randomized trial of vertebroplasty for painful osteoporotic vertebral fractures. N Engl J Med. 2009;361:557-68. 19657121
Food preference and chemotaxis in the sea urchin Arbaciapunctulata (Lamarck) Philippi

Abstract When offered single species of seaweeds in excess amounts, the sea urchin Arbacia punctulata (Lamarck) Philippi consumed significantly more Gracilaria foliifera (Forsskal) Borgesen and Codiumisthmocladium Vickers than Sargassum filipendula C. Agardh, Padina vickersiae Hoyt, or Dictyota dichotoma (Hudson) Lamouroux. When all five species were offered to urchins simultaneously, patterns of palatability remained the same but absolute consumption of favored species decreased significantly while consumption of less palatable species remained unchanged. During daytime hours, Arbacia is significantly more chemotactic toward Gracilaria (a rapidly eaten species) and Sargassum (a slowly eaten species) than toward Codium, Padina, or Dictyota. At night, Arbacia 's attraction for Gracilaria increases significantly and its attraction toward Sargassum declines significantly. We propose that the day-night changes in chemotaxis may minimize fish predation on Arbacia by tending to keep them hidden beneath Sargassum canopies during the day and allowing them to increase their foraging for favored foods at night when visual predators are less active.
Home Blood Pressure Monitoring in CKD

Hypertension is common in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and the prevalence increases with declining kidney function. Hypertension management is particularly important due to the increased risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke in the CKD population. Most clinical decisions for blood pressure (BP) management are based on BP readings in the office or dialysis unit. These BP readings often are inaccurate. Home BP monitoring provides more data than conventional clinic or dialysis-unit BP measurements and is relatively easy to accomplish, is cost-effective, and has been shown to have an increasing role in the management of BP in the CKD population. This In Practice article focuses on the use of home BP monitoring in patients with CKD. We also provide guidance for choosing a BP monitoring device and review recent literature regarding the use of home BP monitoring and the effect on CKD outcomes. In addition, we address the future use of electronic medical records and how they may interface with home BP monitoring.
Measuring Moment Arms Using Closed-Loop Force Control With an Elbow Simulator

In search of a complete understanding of a joint’s function, one must understand both the anatomic parameters and how the brain controls the joint’s actuation. Accurate measurements of anatomical parameters are critical to non-linear biomechanical modeling and control and also to a clinical understanding of orthopaedic reconstruction. Likewise, new frontiers in the study of neuromuscular control contribute to our understanding of joint structure and function. One approach to study joint function is to use a joint simulator to actuate cadaver limbs. Towards the goals of understanding and improving human elbow joint control, a physiologic elbow joint simulator was previously constructed in our laboratory. It is the first elbow simulator to operate completely under closed-loop control. The closed-loop force control used to study joint mechanics permits measurement of moment arms in cadaveric elbow specimens. We hypothesized that the approach yields comparable results to previously-reported moment arm values.[1]Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Effect of diet-induced obesity and experimental hyperinsulinemia on insulin uptake into CSF of the rat.

We examined the hypothesis that the uptake of plasma insulin into cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is saturable in two rat models. Dietary obese and control female Osborne Mendel rats received 24-h infusions of vehicle or insulin. CSF insulin levels in cafeteria- and chow-fed rats were comparable at all levels of plasma insulin (4.5 +/- 2.8, 7.6 +/- 2.4, and 23.9 +/- 6.4 microU/ml in cafeteria diet vs. 4.5 +/- 0.9, 6.8 +/- 1.1, and 17.0 +/- 4.0 microU/ml in chow rats). CSF insulin uptake as a percentage of plasma insulin decreased with increased plasma insulin in both groups. A similar relationship was observed in Wistar rats receiving 6-day infusions of vehicle or insulin (plasma insulin = 55 +/- 12 vs. 365 +/- 98 microU/ml; CSF/plasma insulin ratio = 0.022 +/- .007 vs. 0.013 +/- .006, respectively). Hyperinsulinemic Wistar rats did not demonstrate decreased brain capillary insulin binding vs. vehicle-infused controls. The results suggest that a saturable transport process contributes insulin transport into CSF in normal rats and that this process is not altered by moderate diet-induced obesity or hyperinsulinemia per se.
Impact of Fuel Cell Degradation on the Efficiency of the Hybrid System High Temperature Fuel Cell/Turbine and Ways to Mitigate the Power Loss

The performance and life of a fuel cell is strongly affected by the voltage degradation that results from increase of overpotentials and loss of electrolyte conductivity overtime. The lack of valid field data makes degradation difficult to quantify. The few degradation rates reported in the literature so far vary from 0.3% to 0.6% per 1000 hours of operation for the MCFC, and 0.1% to 0.25% per 1000 hours of operation for the SOFC. We performed a parametric analysis to investigate the impact of fuel cell degradation on the overall hybrid system efficiency. We considered fuel cell power loss due to cumulative degradation varying from 1% up to 20% in two different degradation scenarios for each one of MCFC and SOFC. We considered several ways to recover part or all of the lost system efficiency. An optimization of the fuel cell subsystem design as well as the timing of replacement of stacks or cells that operate poorly, leads to complete efficiency recovery. The use of a stand-by gas turbine is an alternative way to produce the power lost by the fuel cell subsystem. However gas turbines are less efficient than the fuel cells and the recovery of the lost power carries a penalty in system efficiency. Cost considerations have also been taken into account. Stack replacement maintains the system high efficiency but leads to higher system capital cost, because the fuel cell stack is the most expensive component of the system. The use of stand-by gas turbines reduces initial costs but operating costs increase because of the lower system efficiency.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Jains, caste and hierarchy in north Gujarat

Scholarship on caste has paid insufficient attention to alternative ideologies of caste, such as found in Jainism. and to understandings and practices of caste among the merchant castes that occupy a dominant position in the so-called middle ranges of caste hierarchies. This article looks at caste practice from the perspective of the Jain merchant castes of north Gujarat. Jain castes are excellent examples of the middle-range castes that have always created intractable problems for theories of caste. This article looks at understandings of inter-caste rankings between Jain merchants and non-Jain Brahmans, and shows how different religious understandings of purity combined with a merchant valorisation of mercantile activity results in the Jain merchants ranking themselves higher than Brahman non-merchants. It looks at intra-Jain and inter-caste interactions, and shows how merchant values of an urban and mercantile lifestyle are ranked higher than a rural and agricultural lifestyle. It then looks at intra-J...