cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Handling Ambiguous Object Recognition Situations in a Robotic Environment via Dynamic Information Fusion

Vision is usually a rich source of information for robots aiming to understand activities that take place in their surroundings, where a relevant task can be to detect and recognize objects of interest. In real world conditions a robot may not have a good viewing angle or be sufficiently close to an object to distinguish its features, which can lead to misclassifications. One solution to address this problem is active vision, leading to an improved level of situational awareness in a dynamic environment. In that context, a vision system on the robot actively manipulates the camera to obtain enough discriminating features for the task of object detection and recognition. In this paper, an active vision system is proposed that is able to identify a situation with a high possibility of misclassification (for example, partial occlusions) and then to take appropriate action by dynamically incorporating another camera installed on the robot’s hand. A decision fusion technique based on a transferable belief model generates the final classification results. Experimental results show considerable improvements in object detection and recognition performance.
‘Life has actually become more clear’: An examination of resilience among LGBTQ young adults:

Though lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) young adults in the USA experience identity-based adversities, they also develop resilience. Research overemphasizes these young people'...
Beetroot juice supplementation for the prevention of cold symptoms associated with stress: A proof-of-concept study

Abstract Objectives Psychological stress has been linked to common cold symptoms. Nitric oxide (NO) is part of the first line of epithelial defense against pathogens, and beetroot juice is a source of dietary nitrate that increases NO availability. We therefore tested whether beetroot juice protects against cold symptoms in a period of sustained acute stress. Design Seventy-six students, 16 of these with asthma, were randomly assigned to seven daily doses of beetroot juice or no supplementation control during their final exams. Methods Participants completed stress ratings, a cold symptom questionnaire, and exhaled NO measurements at a low-stress period and two periods during their final exams, with one questionnaire follow-up assessment seven days after finals. Results Beetroot juice was associated with reduced symptoms of cold and sickness during and following finals. Those with asthma showed the greatest benefits. Higher exhaled NO was concurrently and prospectively associated with reduced symptomatology. Conclusion Beetroot juice during periods of psychological stress protects against cold symptoms. Preliminary evidence suggests particular benefits in asthma, which could translate into reduced asthma exacerbations due to respiratory infections. Clinical Trial ID: NCT03159273
The Effects of Internal Audit Report Disclosure on Investor Confidence and Decisions

Current governance disclosure requirements include reports from management, the audit committee, and the external auditor. However, despite internal audit's prominence as a critical governance mechanism, external stakeholders lack information about the function. This study evaluates the extent that a descriptive Internal Audit Report (IAR) affects investor confidence in financial reporting reliability, oversight effectiveness, and investment decisions. The study also tests whether company fraud risk affects IAR use. One hundred eleven graduate business students participated in a 2x2 experiment with IAR disclosure and company fraud risk randomly manipulated between subjects. The results indicate that participants provided with an IAR had more confidence in company oversight effectiveness and financial reporting reliability than participants without access to an IAR. The IAR effect on confidence in financial reporting reliability is particularly evident for high fraud risk companies. Tests for mediation reveal that the IAR effect on confidence in financial reporting reliability is mediated by confidence in oversight effectiveness. Furthermore, we find that confidence in oversight effectiveness and financial reporting reliability mediates the IAR-investment recommendation relation. Self-insight results show that the IAR was perceived to be as useful as the Audit Committee Report, Management Discussion and Analysis, and Management Report on Internal Controls.
Small RNA Mcr11 regulates genes involved in the central metabolism of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and requires 3’ sequence along with the transcription factor AbmR for stable expression

Abstract Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), the etiologic agent of tuberculosis, must adapt to host-associated environments during infection by modulating gene expression. Small regulatory RNAs (sRNAs) are key regulators of bacterial gene expression, but their roles in Mtb are not well understood. Here, we address the expression and function of the Mtb sRNA Mcr11, which is associated with slow bacterial growth and latent infections in mice. We found, by using biochemical and genetic approaches, that the AbmR transcription factor and an extended region of native sequence 3’ to the mcr11 gene enhance production of mature Mcr11. Additionally, we found that expression of Mcr11 was unstable in the saprophyte Mycobacterium smegmatis, which lacks an mcr11 orthologue. Bioinformatic analyses used to predict regulatory targets of Mcr11 identified 9-11 nucleotide regions immediately upstream of Rv3282 and lipB with potential for direct base-pairing with Mcr11. mcr11-dependent regulation of Rv3282, lipB, Rv2216 and pknA was demonstrated using qRT-PCR in wild type versus mcr11-deleted Mtb and found to be responsive to the presence of fatty acids. These studies establish that Mcr11 has roles in regulating growth and central metabolism in Mtb that warrant further investigation. In addition, our finding that multiple factors are required for production of stable, mature Mcr11 emphasizes the need to study mechanisms of sRNA expression and stability in TB complex mycobacteria to understand their roles in TB pathogenesis. Author Summary Bacterial pathogens must continuously modulate their gene expression in response to changing conditions to successfully infect and survive within their hosts. Transcription factors are well known regulators of gene expression, but there is growing recognition that small RNAs (sRNAs) also have critically important roles in bacterial gene regulation. Many sRNAs have been identified in M. tuberculosis (Mtb), but little is known about their expression, regulatory targets or roles in Mtb biology. In this study, we found that the Mtb sRNA Mcr11, which is expressed at high levels in slowly replicating Mtb and during mouse infection, regulates expression of several target genes involved in central metabolism. Importantly, we also discovered that mcr11 has unexpected requirements for stable expression in mycobacteria. In particular, we identified RNA sequence elements immediately downstream of mcr11 that enhance transcription termination and production of mature Mcr11 RNA in TB-complex mycobacteria. Meanwhile, ectopic expression of Mcr11 was unstable in a non-pathogenic strain of mycobacteria, suggesting that factors specific to pathogenic mycobacteria are required for the stable production of Mcr11. These studies identify sRNA stability as a new frontier for understanding gene expression in Mtb.
Pretransplant Cardiac Evaluation Using Novel Technology

Hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT) is a complex procedure that has been increasingly successful in treating malignant and nonmalignant conditions. Despite its effectiveness, it can be associated with potentially life-threatening adverse effects. New onset heart failure, ischemic disease, and arrhythmias are among the most notable cardiovascular complications post-HSCT. As a result, appropriate cardiac risk stratification prior to transplant could result in decreased morbidity and mortality by identifying patients with a higher probability of tolerating possible toxicities associated with HSCT. In this review, we aim to discuss the utility of cardiac screening using novel modalities of imaging technology in the pre-HSCT phase.
Understanding Learning in Video Games: A Phenomenological Approach to Unpacking Boy Cultures in Virtual Worlds.

This paper describes the findings of a phenomenological research study to uncover possible skills that boys learn through peer supported activities using Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) video games. By drawing on a cultural-historical activity theory (CHAT) conceptual framework and prioritizing student voice, this study found that boys engaged in a variety of non-cognitive skills through their COTS video gameplay. The boys in this study expressed experiences that mirrored twenty-first century skills and aligned with the Partnership for twenty-first Century Learning Framework through digital gameplay. These findings are both novel and profound as they suggest that the ways boys engage in COTS video gaming may offer valuable learning traits that may be used by educators in traditional classroom settings, which may help to re-engage boys and improve academic performance in a twenty-first Century education system.
Teaching Argument Through Relationships

One way of understanding how to intervene in dysfunctional public discourse is to attend to the ways that we teach argument. This article contends that argument pedagogy would benefit from consideration of the process of argumentation, in which participants are prepared to enter into deliberation by attending to relationality. To ground their discussion, the authors present rhetorical praxis taught in two university sites and one public site.
Migraine headache: Is it only a neurological disorder? Links between migraine and cardiovascular disorders.

Abstract Migraine headache (MH) is a common disorder affecting millions of people in the United States. MH is substantially more prevalent in women compared to men. An association between migraine with or without aura and risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been extensively reported. There are several proposed theories that may explain the pathophysiologic relationship between MH and CVD. This review will summarize the recent literature on this topic and provide an evidence-based perspective regarding the current knowledge and controversies regarding association of MH and CVD.
Active Learning Increases Children's Physical Activity across Demographic Subgroups.

Purpose Given the need to find more opportunities for physical activity within the elementary school day, this study was designed to asses the impact of I-CAN!, active lessons on: 1) student physical activity (PA) outcomes via accelerometry; and 2) socioeconomic status (SES), race, sex, body mass index (BMI), or fitness as moderators of this impact. Methods Participants were 2,493 fourth grade students (45.9% male, 45.8% white, 21.7% low SES) from 28 central Texas elementary schools randomly assigned to intervention (n=19) or control (n=9). Multilevel regression models evaluated the effect of I-CAN! on PA and effect sizes were calculated. The moderating effects of SES, race, sex, BMI, and fitness were examined in separate models. Results Students in treatment schools took significantly more steps than those in control schools (β = 125.267, SE = 41.327, p = .002, d = .44). I-CAN! had a significant effect on MVPA with treatment schools realizing 80% (β = 0.796, SE =0.251, p = .001; d = .38) more MVPA than the control schools. There were no significant school-level differences on sedentary behavior (β = -0.177, SE = 0.824, p = .83). SES, race, sex, BMI, and fitness level did not moderate the impact of active learning on step count and MVPA. Conclusion Active learning increases PA within elementary students, and does so consistently across demographic sub-groups. This is important as these sub-groups represent harder to reach populations for PA interventions. While these lessons may not be enough to help children reach daily recommendations of PA, they can supplement other opportunities for PA. This speaks to the potential of schools to adopt policy change to require active learning.
An Automotive Low-Power EMC Robust Brokaw Bandgap Voltage Reference

This article proposes an electromagnetic compatibility improved bandgap voltage reference with a low current consumption of only 3.5 μA in an automotive environment with a wide temperature range from –40 °C to 160 °C and a high electromagnetic interference (EMI) robustness. The proposed reference is based on the well-known Brokaw bandgap with only five bipolar transistors in the bandgap core including collector current leakage compensation. We analyzed parasitic effects in the bandgap core such as the influence of parasitic capacitances between the substrate and the collectors of these bipolar transistors as well as the impact of the operational amplifier. We made recommendations on how to improve the bandgap EMI robustness. Simulation results were compared with measurements on a test chip. The measurement results showed excellent EMI robustness.
Early Phase Pediatric Cancer Trials: Progress Highlights Challenges.

This commentary focuses on the promise of more effective and less toxic treatments for children with cancer in the age of targeted therapy, as well as the challenges still to be overcome to best inform pediatric drug development.
Networks Decentralizing Authority in Global Economic Governance

This chapter analyzes how governance networks contributed to decentralizing global economic governance since the 2008 financial crisis. The growing international influence of networks of private, public, intergovernmental, and civil society actors has important authority effects, especially due to their policy contestation, advocacy, and capacity to shift the global governance agenda. This was augmented by increasing engagement and integration as interlocutors and policy actors, particularly in informal global governance settings such as the Group of Twenty. Global governance networks interact through transnational professional “ecologies.” This study also analyzes linkages between governance networks and broader practice communities. The research includes evidence from participant observation, semi-structured interviews, public statements, and document analysis. It deploys analytical tools, especially from social constructivism, discourse analysis, and the sociology of professions. Governance networks contributed significantly to the diversification of global governance actors since the financial crisis, decentralizing authority in global economic governance.
Urban air mobility and manned eVTOLs: safety implications

New propulsion systems, artificial intelligence, sensor technology, and operational system autonomy are transforming the short to mid-range aviation industry. Electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft offer new possibilities for Urban Air Mobility (UAM). However, these developments will create operational issues and safety concerns, especially in the socalled transition period when these aircraft are expected to be manned by pilots, and assisted by onboard automation systems. In this transition period, different aircraft will have different systems for flying. Additionally, the type of flight control used during take-off and landing will often be different from the type of control used en route. In contrast to pilots on large commercial aircraft, eVTOL pilots will have available greater levels of automation, but will also incur greater variability in the type and scope of human control. How will this interaction between pilots and automation impact the safety of flight, especially in cases where the automation systems fail, and the pilot must assume full control? This paper explores the risks associated with manned eVTOLs, and the impact of automation system failures on pilot workload and flight safety by using Bayesian Belief Network.
A scaffold hopping strategy to generate new aryl-2-amino pyrimidine MRSA biofilm inhibitors

Infections that stem from bacterial biofilms are difficult to eradicate. Within a biofilm state, bacteria are upwards of 1000-fold more resistant to conventional antibiotics, necessitating the development of alternative approaches to treat biofilm-based infections. One such approach is the development of small molecule adjuvants that can inhibit/disrupt bacterial biofilms. When such molecules are paired with conventional antibiotics, these dual treatments present a combination approach to eradicate biofilm-based infections. Previously, we have demonstrated that small molecules containing either a 2-amino pyrimidine (2-AP) or a 2-aminoimidazole (2-AI) heterocycle are potent anti-biofilm agents. Herein, we now report a scaffold hopping strategy to generate new aryl 2-AP analogs that inhibit biofilm formation by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). These molecules also suppress colistin resistance in colistin resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae, lowering the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) by 32-fold.
A New Approach to the Identification and Enforcement of Open Quantity Contracts: Reforming the Law of Exclusivity and Good Faith

This article identifies three areas for reform in the area of open quantity contracts. First, there is a conflict among the courts over whether the exclusivity rule, variations on the exclusivity rule, or the duty of good faith are required to satisfy the mutuality and definiteness doctrines for enforcing open quantity term contracts. I propose a new validation rule to resolve this conflict. Second, courts are utilizing flawed interpretive methods to conclude that that business documents such as master purchase agreements, volume discount offers, blanket purchase orders and buyer's options are binding requirements contracts. The article offers a principled basis for identifying valid open quantity contracts that will lead to consistent results without strait-jacketing the parties’ ability to tailor the contract to their business needs. Finally, the article suggests an amendment to UCC 2-306(1) to provide a uniform standard for breach of the implied duty of good faith on the quantity-determining party.
Using Data Science to Guide Aryl Bromide Substrate Scope Analysis in a Ni/Photoredox-Catalyzed Cross-Coupling with Acetals as Alcohol-Derived Radical Sources

Ni/photoredox catalysis has emerged as a powerful platform for C(sp2)–C(sp3) bond formation. In principle, these reactions enable access to the same product scaffolds, but it can be hard to discern which method to employ because non-standardized sets of aryl bromides are used in scope evaluation. Herein we report a Ni/photoredox-catalyzed alkylation of aryl halides where benzaldehyde di(alkyl) acetals serve as alcohol-derived radical sources. We describe the integration of data science techniques, including DFT featurization, dimensionality reduction, and hierarchical clustering, to delineate a diverse and succinct collection of aryl bromides that is representative of the chemical space of the substrate class. By superimposing the scope examples from published Ni/photoredox methods on this chemical space, we identify areas of sparse coverage and high/low yields, enabling comparisons between prior art and this method. We demonstrate that the systematically-selected scope of aryl bromides can be used to quantify population-wide reactivity trends with supervised ML.
Plant Species Image Recognition using Artificial Intelligence on Jetson Nano Computational Platform

The ongoing research for plant/animal species identification by computer vision engineers is exciting and vast. This paper describes a deep learning approach to identify plant species using image analysis. An efficient Artificial Intelligence System is designed and implemented with minimal components, including a camera and Jetson Nano (single-board embedded computing device). Convolutional Neural Networks are trained to capture the features from images and recognize the plant species. Thus, the experiment used, in particular, CNN architectures- AlexNet, ResNet50, and MobileNetv2, within Python’s Tensorflow framework, to accomplish species identification. Of these, AlexNet provided the best results, with 72% validation accuracy after 15 epochs. A portion of the LeafSnap dataset, containing 15 plant species and 30 images per species, was used to compare the performance of architectures.
An arsenic stress signaling code in yeast

Arsenic is an environmental toxin that exists mainly as pentavalent arsenate and trivalent arsenite. Both forms activate the yeast SAPK Hog1, but with different consequences. We describe a mechanism by which cells distinguish between these arsenicals through one-step metabolism to differentially regulate the bidirectional glycerol channel Fps1, an adventitious port for arsenite. Cells exposed to arsenate reduce it to thiol-reactive arsenite, which modifies a set of cysteine residues in target proteins; whereas cells exposed to arsenite metabolize it to methylarsenite, which modifies an additional set cysteine residues. Thus, the presence of methylarsenite signals an arsenite challenge, rather than arsenate challenge. Hog1 becomes arsenylated, which prevents it from closing Fps1. However, this block is overcome in cells exposed to arsenite through methylarsenylation of Acr3, an arsenite efflux pump that we found also regulates Fps1 directly. This adaptation allows cells to restrict arsenite entry through Fps1, but also allows its exit when produced from arsenate exposure. These results have broad implications for understanding how SAPKs activated by diverse stressors can drive stress-specific outputs.
Charged-Particle Motion in Magnetic and Electric Fields

The equation of motion for a charged particle in magnetic and electric fields is well known. In all but the simplest cases, however, this motion is difficult to conceptualize and formal solutions most often must be obtained by numerical integration techniques. For example the pioneering work of Stormer (1907, 1933, 1955) on the motion of a charged particle in a dipole magnetic field showed that there exists no general solution and that the particle trajectory must be obtained by a lengthy numerical integration process.
CHIMP, the CMU Highly Intelligent Mobile Platform

We have developed the CHIMP CMU Highly Intelligent Mobile Platform robot as a platform for executing complex tasks in dangerous, degraded, human-engineered environments. CHIMP has a near-human form factor, work-envelope, strength, and dexterity to work effectively in these environments. It avoids the need for complex control by maintaining static rather than dynamic stability. Utilizing various sensors embedded in the robot's head, CHIMP generates full three-dimensional representations of its environment and transmits these models to a human operator to achieve latency-free situational awareness. This awareness is used to visualize the robot within its environment and preview candidate free-space motions. Operators using CHIMP are able to select between task, workspace, and joint space control modes to trade between speed and generality. Thus, they are able to perform remote tasks quickly, confidently, and reliably, due to the overall design of the robot and software. CHIMP's hardware was designed, built, and tested over 15i¾?months leading up to the DARPA Robotics Challenge. The software was developed in parallel using surrogate hardware and simulation tools. Over a six-week span prior to the DRC Trials, the software was ported to the robot, the system was debugged, and the tasks were practiced continuously. Given the aggressive schedule leading to the DRC Trials, development of CHIMP focused primarily on manipulation tasks. Nonetheless, our team finished 3rd out of 16. With an upcoming year to develop new software for CHIMP, we look forward to improving the robot's capability and increasing its speed to compete in the DRC Finals.
Bias, Randomization, and Ovarian Proteomic Data: A Reply to "Producers and Consumers"

Proteomic patterns derived from mass spectrometry have recently been put forth as potential biomarkers for the early diagnosis of cancer. This approach has generated much excitement, particularly as initial results reported on SELDI profiling of serum suggested that near perfect sensitivity and specificity could be achieved in diagnosing ovarian cancer. However, more recent reports have suggested that much of the observed structure could be due to the presence of experimental bias. A rebuttal to the findings of bias, subtitled “Producers and Consumers”, lists several objections. In this paper, we attempt to address these objections. While we continue to find evidence of experimental bias, we emphasize that the problems found are associated with experimental design and processing, and can be avoided in future studies.
Overconfidence in Judgmental Forecasting

Overconfidence is a common finding in the forecasting research literature. Judgmental overconfidence leads people (1) to neglect decision aids, (2) to make predictions contrary to the base rate, and (3) to succumb to “groupthink.” To counteract overconfidence forecasters should heed six principles: (1) Consider alternatives, especially in new situations; (2) List reasons why the forecast might be wrong; (3) In group interaction, appoint a devil’s advocate; (4) Make an explicit prediction and then obtain feedback; (5) Treat the feedback you receive as valuable information; (6) When possible, conduct experiments to test prediction strategies. These principles can help people to avoid generating only reasons that bolster their predictions and to learn optimally by comparing a documented prediction with outcome feedback.
Center Variation in Intestinal Microbiota Prior to Late-Onset Sepsis in Preterm Infants.

Objective Late onset sepsis (LOS) contributes to mortality and morbidity in preterm infants. We tested the hypotheses that microbes causing LOS originate from the gut, and that distortions in the gut microbial community increases subsequent risk of LOS. Study Design We examined the gut microbial community in prospectively collected stool samples from preterm infants with LOS and an equal number of age-matched controls at two sites (Cincinnati, OH and Birmingham, AL), by sequencing the bacterial 16S rDNA. We confirmed our findings in a subset of infants by whole genome shotgun sequencing, and analyzed the data using R and LEfSe. Results Infants with LOS in Cincinnati, as compared to controls, had less abundant Actinobacteria in the first samples after birth (median 18 days before sepsis onset), and less abundant Pseudomonadales in the last samples collected prior to LOS (median 8 days before sepsis onset). Infants with LOS in Birmingham, as compared to controls, had no differences identified in the first sample microbial communities, but Lactobacillales was less abundant in the last samples prior to LOS (median 4 days before sepsis onset). Sequencing identified detectable levels of the sepsis-causative organism in stool samples prior to disease onset for 82% of LOS cases. Conclusions Translocation of gut microbes may account for the majority of LOS cases. Distortions in the fecal microbiota occur prior to LOS, but the form of distortion depends on timing and site. The microbial composition of fecal samples does not predict LOS onset in a generalizable fashion.
Preparation of explant and organ cultures and single cells from airway epithelium.

Publisher Summary In this chapter, the methods for preparing explant and organ cultures as well as the enzymatic isolation of cells are described. The inaccessibility of the ciliated epithelium of the mammalian respiratory tract has hampered in vivo studies of its structure and function, including those regarding the regulatory mechanisms of mucociliary transport. Consequently, several in vitro approaches have been developed to maintain and study airway tissues in culture. These include explant cultures, where pieces of tissue are seeded on a substrate to encourage the spreading and outgrowth of the epithelial cells; organ cultures, in which the tissue is maintained to preserve its original structural and functional form; monolayer cell cultures, where enzymatically dissociated cells are plated onto a noncellular substrate; and feeder layer cultures, where isolated epithelial cells are grown on a cellular substrate such as treated fibroblasts. Explant cultures have been utilized for the measurement of ciliary beat frequency, including the timings of the phases of the beat cycle, of single and multiple cells, as well as for the analysis of intercellular Ca2+ signaling. Isolated epithelial cells have been used in patch–clamp studies and in assays to measure inositol trisphosphate levels. There is description of preparation of rat tail collagen, of collagen-coated coverslips, and tracheal epithelial explant culture—the materials to be used and the procedure. The technique is sterile. There is description of dissection of rabbit trachea, technique is aseptic. Details of preparation of organ culture and preparation of enzymatically isolated cells have been covered. In organ culture, the tracheal mucosa is supported at a liquid-air interface to mimic in vivo conditions of nutrient and gas exchange. Isolated cell preparations are obtained either from freshly dissected tissues or from tissues that had previously been placed in organ culture.
Porn goes to college: introduction

In January 2014 I moderated a seminar at the annual Adult Entertainment Expo in Las Vegas entitled ‘Porn Goes to College’. The panel, which included industry veterans jessica drake and Tasha Reign,...
Competition between stream-dwelling cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarki) and coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch): effects of relative size and population origin

Nous avons effectue, dans des bassins de laboratoire recreant les conditions d'un cours d'eau, des etudes de la competition entre la truite fardee (Oncorhynchus clarki) et le saumon coho (Oncorhynchus kisutch) juveniles du milieu lotique afin d'examiner les effets de la taille relative et de l'origine de la population sur le comportement alimentaire et agonistique de la truite fardee. Deux experiences ont ete effectuees: des essais individuels (paires truite fardee/de saumon coho) et des essais avec retraits consecutifs (groupes de trois paires de truites et de saumons). Chaque experience a ete menee sur deux populations distinctes de truite fardee: des truites fardees allopatriques isolees depuis longtemps des saumons cohos par des chutes formant barriere et des truites fardees sympatriques qui cohabitent dans la nature avec le saumon coho. La capacite competitive et la dominance ont ete etablies en fonction du succes relatif (proportionnel) de l'alimentation et de l'agression. Dans les essais individuels, les truites fardees allopatriques se sont revelees des competiteurs interspecifiques plus puissants (face aux cohos) que les truites fardees sympatriques, et les truites de meme taille que les cohos ont affiche des performances superieures aux truites defavorisees par la taille. Dans les paires truite/saumon, les truites allopatriques avaient de meilleures performances que les cohos, quand les poissons etaient de meme taille, mais pas si elles etaient defavorisees par la taille, tandis que les cohos affichaient une performance superieure aux truites sympatriques lorsqu'ils avaient l'avantage de la taille, mais pas si les poissons etaient de meme taille. Dans les essais avec retraits consecutifs, les deux populations de truites ont presente des performances superieures aux cohos. Ces resultats semblent indiquer que la taille des poissons est peut-etre un element tout aussi important que l'identite de l'espece pour determiner la dominance entre des populations sympatriques de truites fardees et de saumons cohos.
Bayesian Nonparametric Inference – Why and How

We review inference under models with nonparametric Bayesian (BNP) priors. The discussion follows a set of examples for some common inference problems. The examples are chosen to highlight problems that are challenging for standard parametric inference. We discuss inference for density estimation, clustering, regression and for mixed effects models with random effects distributions. While we focus on arguing for the need for the flexibility of BNP models, we also review some of the more commonly used BNP models, thus hopefully answering a bit of both questions, why and how to use BNP.
Electrical stimulation of the medial prefrontal cortex supports both 'pure reward' and 'reward-escape' behavior in rats.

In female Sprague-Dawley rats, 8 of 12 medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC) sites that yielded criterion self-stimulation behavior supported only self-stimulation, i.e. were 'pure reward' in type. The remaining 4 sites supported behavior to escape from experimenter-administered stimulation of the same parameters as well, i.e. were 'reward-escape' in type. 'Pure reward' and 'reward-escape' sites in the MPFC were distinguished by both the magnitude and temporal form of the escape response functions generated, and by the prevalence of 'pounce-back', a vigorous and repetitive barpressing during the 3-s MPFC stimulation-escape interval produced by an effective barpress. The finding that both 'pure reward' and 'reward-escape' patterns of behavior can be elicited by stimulation of the MPFC provides a basis for further assessment of similarities and differences in medial prefrontal cortical and lateral hypothalamic (LH) 'reward' systems. It is suggested that 'reward-escape' in the MPFC may be mediated by the activity of 'reward' neurons which respond to stimulus offset, rather than by a secondary aversive process as is proposed to underlie 'reward-escape' in the LH.
Wind‐shear‐driven, closed‐current dynamos in midlatitude sporadic E

[1] Rocket and radar experiments have found anomalously large electric fields associated with midlatitude sporadic E (Es). In Cosgrove and Tsunoda [2001], a neutral wind source mechanism for the electric fields was proposed, by way of a simple model involving two idealized Es patch dynamos closing current with one another. Below, we show that this source mechanism can operate in generic distortions or fragmentations of an Es layer. The result is a closed-current dynamo phenomenon that occurs whenever a Es layer is distorted against a wind shear background. Either modulation of the Es layer altitude by a gravity wave, or Kelvin-Helmholtz billows, could produce large electric fields.
An Exploratory Study of Library Anxiety in Developmental Education Students.

This study examined Library Anxiety in a cohort of developmental English students. Levels of anxiety were measured in 191 students using Bostick's Library Anxiety Scale. Thirteen of those students were then interviewed about their use, knowledge and valuation of their campus library. The results of the interviews were compared against the measured anxiety levels. While use of the library had connections to levels of Library Anxiety, library knowledge was primarily affected by the behaviors and attitudes of classroom instructors. Students held high opinions of the library, and librarians; however, this did not result in better use of it or its resources.
HDL: structure, function and metabolism.

The major advances in our knowledge of the structure, function and metabolism of the plasma lipoproteins have occurred as a result of the rapid increase in our knowledge of the structure and function of the apolipoproteins, lipoproteins, and the heterogeneity of the individual classes of lipoproteins. Over the last decade, there has been a tremendous increase in our knowledge of the structure and molecular properties of ApoA-I and ApoA-II which has permitted an analysis of the functions of these apolipoproteins in lipid and lipoprotein metabolism and the initiation of kinetic studies of HDL metabolism. The elucidation of the structures of the ApoA-I and ApoA-II genes has permitted the determination of genetic defects resulting in decreased levels of HDL and premature cardiovascular disease, as well as the identification of new diseases (e.g. hereditary systemic amyloidosis). The future focus of research on HDL will be the analysis of the individual lipoprotein particles within HDL which have different physiological functions and important roles in reverse cholesterol transport. An improved understanding of the role of HDL in the transport of cellular cholesterol to the liver and the exchange of cholesterol between plasma lipoproteins will provide critical information on cholesterol metabolism in normal subjects and permit the elucidation of the molecular defects of new genetic diseases which may be associated with the development of premature cardiovascular disease.
The conjoint influence of spatial selective attention and motor set on very short latency VERs.

Abstract This study investigated whether motor set, in conjunction with spatial selective attention (sensory set), influences the transmission of incoming visual information at a precortical level in humans. Stimuli were presented concomitantly in both the right and left visual fields while subjects attended to the relevant visual field (either left or right) on a given trial, and was prepared to make one of three kinds of responses (an eye movement, foot-lift, or counting) to target stimuli appearing in that field. VERs were obtained from frontal and parietal sites. A deflection falling within a 40–70 msec range was more negative under the attend than under the unattend condition for the eye movement task, the opposite being the case for the counting task. No attention effect was found for the foot-lift task. The findings were interpreted as providing support for the precortical hypothesis.
Tall wheatgrass barriers and winter wheat response

Abstract Effects of tall wheatgrass ( Agropyron elongatum ) barriers on microclimate and development of winter wheat ( Triticum aestivum ) were investigated on a dryland farm near Culbertson, Montana, U.S.A. Growth and development of winter wheat benefited more from the barriers during a year of average rainfall than during a year of above-average rainfall. Influence of the barriers on air temperatures was not consistent. Early-season soil temperatures were higher near the barriers than in the check area. Wind reduction, during the early part of the season when protection is most essential, was substantial.
Mapping of the 75-kDa inositol polyphosphate-5-phosphatase (Inpp5b) to distal mouse chromosome 4 and its exclusion as a candidate gene for dysgenetic lens.

We have determined the chromosomal localization of the murine gene encoding a 75-kDa inositol polyphosphate-5-phosphatase (Inpp5b). Using two independent approaches, fluorescence in situ hybridization and interspecific backcross analysis, we show that Inpp5b maps to distal mouse chromosome 4. This map position is within the conserved linkage group corresponding to the short arm of human chromosome 1, where the human homologue, INPP5B, has been shown to map previously. The position of Inpp5b on mouse chromosome 4 is the vicinity of the mouse developmental mutation dysgenetic lens (dyl). However, using a genetic approach, we show that Inpp5b maps distal to dyl on mouse chromosome 4. 32 refs., 3 figs.
Abrogation of bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis by nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, aminoguanidine in mice.

Abstract The effects of aminoguanidine (AG), a specific inhibitor of inducible nitric oxide synthase, on the bleomycin (BL)-induced lung fibrosis was evaluated in mice. The animals were placed into five groups: saline (SA)-instilled drinking water (SA + H2O), saline-instilled drinking water containing 0.5%AG (SA + 0.5%AG), BL-instilled drinking water (BL + H2O), BL-instilled drinking water containing 0.2%AG (BL + 0.2%AG), and BL-instilled drinking water containing 0.5%AG (BL + 0.5%AG). The mice had free access to H2O or H2O containing AG and lab chow ad lib 2 days prior to intratracheal (IT) instillation of BL (0.07 U/mouse/100 μL) or an equivalent volume of sterile isotonic saline. The mice in the SA + 0.5%AG group consumed the greatest amount of AG without any ill effects than the mice in any other group. There were no differences in any of the measured biochemical determinants between the SA + H2O and SA + 0.5%AG control groups. The IT instillation of BL in the BL + H2O group caused significant increases in the lipid peroxidation, hydroxyproline content, and prolyl hydroxylase activity of lungs and influx of inflammatory cells in the broncheoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) as compared to both control groups. The intake of aminoguanidine by mice in the BL + 0.5%AG group caused significant reductions in the BL-induced increases in all measured biochemical indices of lung fibrosis without any effects on the influx of inflammatory cells in the BALF. In fact, AG in both BL-treated groups additionally increased the total cell counts in the BALF from mice in the BL + 0.2%AG and BL + 0.5%AG groups as compared to the BL + H2O group. Histopathological evaluation of the lungs revealed that the mice in the BL + 0.5%AG group had markedly fewer fibrotic lesions than mice in the BL + H2O group. These results demonstrate that aminoguanidine minimizes the BL-induced lung fibrosis at both the biochemical and the morphological level and support our earlier hypothesis that the production of nitric oxide plays a significant role in the pathogenesis lung fibrosis caused by BL.
1010-64 Left Ventricular Size Effects the Diagnostic Accuracy of SPECT Thallium-201 Perfusion Imaging in Both Men and Women

The diagnostic accuracy of SPECT TI-201 for coronary artery disease (CAD) is lower in women (F) than in men (M). Previous investigators have suggested a Bayesian explanation. More recently, it has been suggested that smaller left ventricular mass in women was the cause. The current study was undertaken to assess the effect of left ventricular size (LVsize) on the accuracy of SPECT TI-201. For this study patients who had either less than 5% pretest probability of CAD (nls) or had cardiac catheterization performed within 45 days of stress thallium testing without an intervening cardiac event (pts) were Identified. We excluded patients with pathologic Q waves, documented prior infarction, LBBB on EKG, prior CABG or non-ischemic cardiomyopathy. We Identified a total of 259 subjects (153 M, 106 F). Patients with l50% stenosis on cath were analyzed as nl. Twenty M and 20 F were taken from the nls and processed separately to create normal limits. Images were reconstructed with a Hanning filter. The fraction of the left ventricle less than 1, 2, 2.5, 3 and 4 standard deviations was calculated and used to calculate the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves using the Dorfman maximum likelihood technique. A measure of left ventricular size was generated from short axis slice diameter and the number of slices. The number of stenosed vessels (2.0 ± 0.8 vs. 1.9 ± 0.9, P = NS) and worst stenosis (91 ± 12% vs. 89 ± 15%, p = NS) were similar for M and F. M exercised to higher workloads (estimated METS 6.7 ± 3.1 vs. 4.3 ± 2.3, p l 0.0001) but similar peak heart rates (HR) and percent of maximal predicted HR (133 ± 19 vs. 130 ± 22 and 78 ± 11% vs. 79 ± 13%, both p = NS). The LVsize was greater in men (105 vs. 79 p l 0.001). The area under the ROC curves for M was marginally greater than F (0.92 vs. 0.82 P = 0.10). LV size significantly affected accuracy; the ROC area for M and F with LVsize g75 was much greater than for those l75 (0.89 vs. 0.64 P = 0.007). There was no significant difference in accuracy between M and F with LVsize g 75 (0.91vs. 0.85, P = 0.47). We conclude that a small LVsize significantly reduces the accuracy of SPECT TI-201 in M and F, but since F have, on average, smaller LVsize, they are more likely to be affected.
Apg2 Is a Novel Protein Required for the Cytoplasm to Vacuole Targeting, Autophagy, and Pexophagy Pathways

To survive starvation conditions, eukaryotes have developed an evolutionarily conserved process, termed autophagy, by which the vacuole/lysosome mediates the turnover and recycling of non-essential intracellular material for re-use in critical biosynthetic reactions. Morphological and biochemical studies inSaccharomyces cerevisiae have elucidated the basic steps and mechanisms of the autophagy pathway. Although it is a degradative process, autophagy shows substantial overlap with the biosynthetic cytoplasm to vacuole targeting (Cvt) pathway that delivers resident hydrolases to the vacuole. Recent molecular genetics analyses of mutants defective in autophagy and the Cvt pathway,apg, aut, and cvt, have begun to identify the protein machinery and provide a molecular resolution of the sequestration and import mechanism that are characteristic of these pathways. In this study, we have identified a novel protein, termed Apg2, required for both the Cvt and autophagy pathways as well as the specific degradation of peroxisomes. Apg2 is required for the formation and/or completion of cytosolic sequestering vesicles that are needed for vacuolar import through both the Cvt pathway and autophagy. Biochemical studies revealed that Apg2 is a peripheral membrane protein. Apg2 localizes to the previously identified perivacuolar compartment that contains Apg9, the only characterized integral membrane protein that is required for autophagosome/Cvt vesicle formation.
7.8: Presentation session: Poster session and reception: “Microfluidic device for studying tumor cell extravasation in cancer metastasis”

Metastasis is the process by which cancer spreads to form secondary tumors at downstream locations throughout the body. This uncontrolled spreading is the leading cause of death in patients with epithelial cancers and is the main reason that suppressing and targeting cancer has proven to be so challenging. Tumor cell extravasation is one of the key steps in cancer's progression towards a metastatic state. This occurs when circulating tumor cells found within the blood stream are able to transmigrate through the endothelium lining and basement membrane of the vasculature to form metastatic tumors at secondary sites within the body. Predicting the likelihood of this occurrence in patients, or being able to determine specific markers involved in this process could lead to preventative measures targeting these types of cancer; moreover, this may lead to the discovery of novel anti-metastatic drugs. We have developed a microfluidic device that has shown the extravasation of fluorescently labeled tumor cells across an endothelial cell lined membrane coated with matrigel followed by the formation of colonies. This device provides the advantages of combining a controlled environment, mimicking that found within the body, with real-time monitoring capabilities allowing for the study of these biomarkers and cellular interactions along with other potential mechanisms involved in the process of extravasation.
Neutrino, gamma-ray, electron, and positron production in an ultrarelativistic plasma

Neutrino, gamma-ray, electron and positron production resulting from inelastic proton-proton collisions in a highly relativistic plasma such as may exist in extragalactic radio or gamma-ray burst sources is examined. The source functions of primary (pions, kaons, and neutrons) and secondary (photons, electrons, positrons and neutrinos) products of relativistic nuclear collisions are computed for the cases of power law and Maxwellian relativistic proton distributions. It is shown that in plasma which is optically thin to interactions between the plasma and secondary gamma-rays, electrons and positrons, only a small fraction of the initial energy is emitted in the observable form of neutrinos and gamma rays. In an optically thick plasma on the other hand, most of the energy of the relativistic protons is found to be equally divided between gamma rays and neutrinos, although only the neutrinos may escape freely to be observed.