cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ultrastructural study of the gubernacular‐scrotal interface during testicular descent in the newborn rat

The gubernaculum has been described as the “rudder” that guides the testis into the scrotum. Prior to inguinoscrotal testicular descent, the gubernaculum rests in the groin and does not attach to the scrotum. Subsequently, it migrates and attaches to the scrotum under control of the genitofemoral nerve. This study evaluates, with electron microscopy, the relationship of the gubernaculum with the developing scrotum during normal testicular descent. Male rats were sacrificed at 0, 2, 4, 7, 10, 14, and 18 days (n = 2 for each group) and sagittal sections through the gubernacular-scrotal interface evaluated with transmission electron microscopy. We observed the following with increasing animal age: (1) gubernacular cremaster muscle matured and nuclei shifted to the periphery of cells as connective tissue surrounding myofibers decreased, (2) scrotal fibroblasts initially showed high activity with dilated endoplasmic reticulum, but activity and number subsequently decreased, (3) scrotal collagen increased and organized into defined fibers and bundles, (4) a well-delineated band of collagen developed along the gubernaculum and advanced towards the inferior scrotum, and (5) nerve fibers appeared between the layers of cremaster muscle, increased in number with increasing age, and became myelinated at age 14 days. Gubernacular migration is intimately associated with scrotal development and testicular descent. Knowledge of cellular and intracellular differentiation during migration in the normal animal can further understanding of abnormal development and lead to improvements in treatment for common surgical problems such as cryptorchidism. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Regulating action: alternating activation of midline frontal and motor cortical networks

Objectives: Focal electrical fields recorded over the midline prefrontal cortex have been found to index rapid evaluative decisions, including the recognition of having made an error in a speeded response task. The nature of these electrical fields and how they are related to cortical areas involved in response execution remains to be clarified. Methods: As subjects performed a speeded response task the EEG was recorded with a 128-channel sensor array. By filtering out the large slow waves of the event-related potential, we found that the error-related negativity (Ne/ERN) arises from a midline frontal oscillation that alternates with oscillations over lateral sensorimotor cortex. Electrical source analyses were used to determine the brain sources involved in the generation of these oscillations. Results: The results show that the midline and lateral oscillations have a period of about 200 ms (theta), and they are present for both correct and error responses. When an error is made, the midline error oscillation is recruited strongly, and it becomes correlated with the motor oscillation. Source analyses localized the midline error oscillation to centromedial frontal cortex and the lateral oscillation to sensorimotor cortices. Conclusions: Because of the similarity between the midline oscillation observed in the present study and frontal midline theta, the nature of the Ne/ERN may be clarified by the frontal midline theta literature. The correlation between the midline and sensorimotor oscillations suggests a possible mechanism for how midline frontal evaluative and monitoring networks contribute to action regulation. q 2001 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
The Modeling and Assessment of Work Performance

Individual work role performance drives the entire economy. It is organizational psychology and organizational behavior’s (OP/OB’s) most crucial dependent variable. In this review, alternative specifications for the definition and latent structure of individual performance are reviewed and summarized. Setting aside differences in terminology, the alternatives are remarkably similar. The Campbell (2012) model is offered as a synthesized description of the content of the latent structure. Issues pertaining to performance dynamics are then reviewed, along with the role played by individual adaptability to changing performance requirements. Using the synthesized model of the latent content structure and dynamics of performance as a backdrop, issues pertaining to the assessment of performance are summarized. The alternative goals of performance assessment, general measurement issues, and the construct validity of specific methods (e.g., ratings, simulations) are reviewed and described. Cross-cultural issues and future research needs are noted.
Fractalkine receptor is expressed in mature ovarian teratomas and required for epidermal lineage differentiation

Background The goal of this study was to determine a predominant cell type expressing fractalkine receptor (CX3CR1) in mature ovarian teratomas and to establish functional significance of its expression in cell differentiation.
Growth Kinetics of Multi-Layer CuEtX Films on Copper Piezoelectrodes

Interactions of surface-active agents with metals and semiconductors have attracted considerable attention of researchers in such fields as modified electrodes, photocatalysis, hydrometallurgy, metal corrosion, and mineral flotation. In the latter field, a special place has found ethyl xanthate (O-ethyl dithiocarbonate), whose interactions with various minerals have intrigued researchers from the early 1950’s [1]. The potassium ethyl xanthate (KEtX) has long been utilized as a collector in flotation of various minerals [1, 2, 3], including chalcocite (Cu2S), bornite (Cu5FeS4), chalcopyrite (CuFeS2), and galena (PbS), and is now commonly used in the industrial recovery of metals from ores containing these minerals. The collecting efficiency of EtX- ion is ascribed to its interaction with mineral surface, possibly through a chemisorption bond [3, 4, 5, 6]. Similar interactions of EtX- ions with various transition metals and Pb have been found [1,3, 4, 5, 6, 7]. Self-assembling monolayers of EtX- ions on silver, mercury, gold, platinum, and copper electrodes were investigated. For some metals, e.g. silver, EtX- adsorption may cause a reverse piezogravimetric effect due to the hydrophilic/hydrophobic transitions on a surface with high roughness factor. Such an effect has recently been observed by Jeffrey and Woods [8] and incorrectly generalized to all adsorption systems. We have confirmed the appearance of this effect on a rough silver electrode using the EQCN technique and also, by measuring the high frequency admittance magnitude and phase shift using the quartz crystal immittance (QCI) technique.
Anxiety And Avoidance: The Mediating Effects Of Computer Self-Efficacy On Computer Anxiety And Intention To Use Computers

Computer anxiety effect on intention to use computers is discussed. Computer self-efficacy, based on social cognitive theory is suggested as a way to influence avoidance behavior. The mediating effect of computer self-efficacy on individual computer anxiety and intention to use computers is tested. Results indicate that the effects of computer anxiety on intention to use computers are fully mediated by an individual’s computer self-efficacy beliefs.
Mass Spectrometry for Proteomics-Based Investigation

Within the past years, we have witnessed a great improvement in mass spectrometry (MS) and proteomics approaches in terms of instrumentation, protein fractionation, and bioinformatics. With the current technology, protein identification alone is no longer sufficient. Both scientists and clinicians want not only to identify proteins but also to identify the protein’s posttranslational modifications (PTMs), protein isoforms, protein truncation, protein–protein interaction (PPI), and protein quantitation. Here, we describe the principle of MS and proteomics and strategies to identify proteins, protein’s PTMs, protein isoforms, protein truncation, PPIs, and protein quantitation. We also discuss the strengths and weaknesses within this field. Finally, in our concluding remarks we assess the role of mass spectrometry and proteomics in scientific and clinical settings in the near future. This chapter provides an introduction and overview for subsequent chapters that will discuss specific MS proteomic methodologies and their application to specific medical conditions. Other chapters will also touch upon areas that expand beyond proteomics, such as lipidomics and metabolomics.
Right Versus Left Prong Nasal Cannula Flow Delivery and the Effects of Nasal Cycling on Inspired F(IO2) in an Adult Anatomic Model.

BACKGROUND: Nasal cycling may present negative consequences for oxygen-dependent patients using a nasal cannula. This study investigates the effects of nasal cycling on the delivered FIO2 via nasal cannula in an anatomic model following a baseline study comparing right and left prong nasal cannula oxygen flow delivery. METHODS: Flow from right and left nasal cannula prongs were measured simultaneously using thermal mass flow meters while delivering 0.5–6-L/min oxygen for 5 nasal cannulas from different manufacturers. An adult mannikin head with an anatomically correct upper airway was connected to a QuickLung Breather test lung. Nasal cannula-delivered FIO2 was recorded using a polarographic oxygen analyzer with naris occlusion simulated by inserting a 5.0 endotracheal tube into the naris and inflating the endotracheal tube cuff. Data were recorded with both nares open, for right naris occluded and left naris patent, and for left naris occluded and right naris patent at 0.5–6 L/min. RESULTS: A paired t test demonstrated statistical differences between right and left nasal cannula prong oxygen flows ( P < .01). Multivariate analysis of variance demonstrated no significant differences in nasal cannula prong flow between nasal cannula manufacturers. Repeated measures analysis of variance demonstrated significant differences for measured inspired FIO2 ( P < .01) when alternating nares were occluded and patent. The Bonferroni post hoc test showed significant differences for measured FIO2 between patent nares and right naris patent-left naris occluded ( P < .01) and between patent nares and left naris patent-right naris occluded ( P < .01). Measured FIO2 decreased by as much as 0.1 when one naris was occluded. CONCLUSIONS: Oxygen delivery by nasal cannula may be inefficient in the presence of the nasal cycle. Delivered nasal cannula oxygen concentrations decreased when bilateral nasal patency changed to unilateral nasal patency. Although statistically different, nasal cannula prong oxygen flow may not be clinically important across the full range of flows.
Gyroplane Rotor Aerodynamics Revisited - Blade Flapping and RPM Variation in Zero-g Flight

This paper reviews some phenomena related to gyroplane rotors: the concept of “hump speed,” and the behavior of an autorotating rotor encountering zero-g flight. Government accident reports on small sport gyroplanes are discussed, and the phenomena of thrust line offset, horizontal stabilizer use and rotor shaft pitch changes are discussed qualitatively. Equations for the rotor system alone, uncoupled from any airframe, are summarized and used to predict the behavior of rotor blades experiencing the equivalent of zero-g flight. Small scale rotor model tests on a 3 ft diameter autorotating rotor are presented, both qualitatively regarding zero-g flight and then quantitatively at high advance ratios regarding rotor hump speed.
Patient Comprehension of Carpal Tunnel Surgery: An Investigation of Health Literacy

Background: Health literacy is the ability of a patient to understand their medical condition. The purpose of this investigation is to determine whether patients are able to obtain an elementary understanding of the fundamental principles of carpal tunnel release and the postoperative instructions after going through the process of informed consent and being provided an additional standardized postoperative instruction document. Our hypothesis is that patients will lack an understanding of these principles and, therefore, will be at risk for being noncompliant in their postoperative care. Methods: Fifty patients with a diagnosis of carpal tunnel surgery who elected to undergo carpal tunnel release alone were enrolled. A standardized education process was performed. Patients completed the questionnaire at their postoperative visit. Results: The average percentage of correct answers was 75.8% (8.34 out of 11 correct). Fisher exact test analysis demonstrated that patients with a lower education level were less likely to know how long it takes for their preoperative symptoms to resolve (P = .0071), and they were less likely to correctly choose all of the important elements of postoperative care during the first week after surgery (P = .022). Conclusions: Although we made efforts to help patients achieve health literacy in carpal tunnel surgery, we found that patients continued to lack comprehension of pertinent components of carpal tunnel surgery, particularly understanding the involved anatomy.
Genetic and maternal influences on body size and development time in the seed beetle Stator limbatus (Coleoptera: Bruchidae)

I investigated the relative contributions of genetic and maternal effects to variation in body size and egg-to-development time in 4 populations of the seed beetle Stator limbatus (Horn), using parent- offspring relationships and a half-sib experiment. Most estimates of the heritability of body size were significantly greater than zero (range was 0.21-0.72, depending on progeny sex and the population). However, there was little evidence of genetic variation in development time in any population. Instead, development time was influenced largely by maternal effects, consistent with the interpretation of previous experiments that larvae adjust the length of their development period to compensate for variation among their mothers. Estimates of genetic and phenotypic covariances between body size and development time were all negative, suggesting that genetic variation in general vigor is present within populations.
Pricing in the Digital Economy: A Quantitative Study of Just Noticeable Differences in the Services Industry

Price is a key management lever for firm performance (McKinsey 2002) and a key determinant of purchasing decision for a consumer (Bishop 1984, Doyle 1984, Sawyer and Dickson 1984, Schechter 1984). However, customers do not remember the exact price but have a band of prices that are acceptable (Monroe 1973) (Olson 1976) (Monroe 1969). Globally, online sales for both products and services are on the rise and are projected to increase by 10% annually to $370 billion by 2017 (Lomas 2013). This quantitative field study uses three and half years of online non-contractual transactional and customer level data from a B2C company in the service industry. Two phased investigations are conducted. First, we determine the pricing threshold range using price increase and decrease. We then examine the difference in price threshold between service and consumer goods industry. Theoretically, the study furthers the conceptual understanding of the pricing thresholds in the service industry. The use of real customer level data is a methodological contribution of this study. Third, this research confirms that customer purchase frequency does not have a linear relationship to price and that certain magnitude of price change results in higher magnitude customer losses. These findings are key to predicting demand post pricing action and understanding consumer behavior to maximize profitability.
Ankle Injuries And The Family Physician

In transmitting the body's weight, the ankle is subject to frequent static and dynamic injury due to concentrated stresses during standing and movement. The frequency of athletic ankle injuries ranges from 10 to 90 percent, with the highest rate occurring in basketball players. There is prolonged disability and recurrent instability for months to years for 25 to 40 per cent of these patients. Because most of this trauma is handled by primary care physicians, this review presents the mechanism of injury, relevant anatomy, physical examination, and appropriate therapeutic intervention in the acute and rehabilitative phases.
The effect of clinical samples and target genes in laboratory detection for human infection with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus

Objective To evaluate the effect of different clinical samples or different target genes of avian-origin influenza A( H7N9) virus. Methods Six different types of samples from infected cases and those in close contact were collected. Viral RNA was extracted and then real-time RT-PCR was conducted using universal primer / probe sets for influenza A,and specific primer / probe sets for avian-origin influenza A( H7N9). SPSS 15. 0 software was used to complete the statistical analysis. Results The positive rates of Am,H7 and N9 detection in confirmed cases were 68. 3%,66. 0% and 41. 5%,respectively,indicating that the positive rate of N9 detection was significant lower than that of others. In addition,the cut-off of quantitation were 10 copies / ml,10 copies / ml and 100 copies / ml,for Am,H7 and N9 genes,respectively.The positive rate of sputum samples was significantly higher that of other samples in H7N9 nucleic detection,and no virus RNA was detectable in sera and conjunctival secretions. Conclusions In order to achieve a sensitive and accurate result,quantitative real-time RT-PCR assay should be performed targeting Am or H7 gene and using respiratory tract specimens,such as sputum samples,for avian-origin influenza A( H7N9) virus infected case.
Necropsy of the Feeder Pig and Adult Swine

A procedure for performing a thorough necropsy examination of feeder pigs or adult swine is presented. Lesions encountered in various organ systems due to various disease states are included, along with those changes of inconsequential or artifactual status.
Book Review, Citizen Convicts (Behan)

This is a short review essay of Cormac Behan’s Citizen Convicts. Despite some interesting insights and original research, the book does little to illuminate the debate concerning felon disenfranchisement.
Exercise training reverses age-induced diastolic dysfunction and restores coronary microvascular function.

Key points In a rat model of ageing that is free of atherosclerosis or hypertension, E/A, a diagnostic measure of diastolic filling, decreases, and isovolumic relaxation time increases, indicating that both active and passive ventricular relaxation are impaired with advancing age. Resting coronary blood flow and coronary functional hyperaemia are reduced with age, and endothelium-dependent vasodilatation declines with age in coronary resistance arterioles. Exercise training reverses age-induced declines in diastolic and coronary microvascular function. Thus, microvascular dysfunction and inadequate coronary perfusion are likely mechanisms of diastolic dysfunction in aged rats. Exercise training, initiated at an advanced age, reverses age-related diastolic and microvascular dysfunction; these data suggest that late-life exercise training can be implemented to improve coronary perfusion and diastolic function in the elderly. Abstract The risk for diastolic dysfunction increases with advancing age. Regular exercise training ameliorates age-related diastolic dysfunction; however, the underlying mechanisms have not been identified. We investigated whether (1) microvascular dysfunction contributes to the development of age-related diastolic dysfunction, and (2) initiation of late-life exercise training reverses age-related diastolic and microvascular dysfunction. Young and old rats underwent 10 weeks of exercise training or remained as sedentary, cage-controls. Isovolumic relaxation time (IVRT), early diastolic filling (E/A), myocardial performance index (MPI) and aortic stiffness (pulse wave velocity; PWV) were evaluated before and after exercise training or cage confinement. Coronary blood flow and vasodilatory responses of coronary arterioles were evaluated in all groups at the end of training. In aged sedentary rats, compared to young sedentary rats, a 42% increase in IVRT, a 64% decrease in E/A, and increased aortic stiffness (PWV: 6.36 ± 0.47 vs.4.89 ± 0.41, OSED vs. YSED, P < 0.05) was accompanied by impaired coronary blood flow at rest and during exercise. Endothelium-dependent vasodilatation was impaired in coronary arterioles from aged rats (maximal relaxation to bradykinin: 56.4 ± 5.1% vs. 75.3 ± 5.2%, OSED vs. YSED, P < 0.05). After exercise training, IVRT, a measure of active ventricular relaxation, did not differ between old and young rats. In old rats, exercise training reversed the reduction in E/A, reduced aortic stiffness, and eliminated impairment of coronary blood flow responses and endothelium-dependent vasodilatation. Thus, age-related diastolic and microvascular dysfunction are reversed by late-life exercise training. The restorative effect of exercise training on coronary microvascular function may result from improved endothelial function.
Self-Regulatory Functions Supporting Motivated Action

Abstract Self-regulation entails attempts to approach desired conditions and escape from threats. We have long argued that these functions, and the affects that accompany them, reflect feedback processes. These processes form a hierarchy of behavioral goals and monitoring functions, with affect playing a key role in priority management. An alternative construal of some of these functions in terms of confidence and doubt of goal attainment (and threat avoidance) gives rise to slightly different hypotheses about goal attainment. Generalization of these principles to a broader sense of confidence and doubt gives rise to an extensive literature on the correlates of dispositional optimism versus pessimism. More recent work has taken us in other directions, one of which focuses on the behavioral property of impulse versus constraint. This, in turn, has led to a consideration of the usefulness of dual process models of self-regulation. A convergence of research on genetic effects, assessment of aspects of impulsiveness, and other evidence, leads to the hypothesis that reactive responsiveness to emotions may represent a transdiagnostic risk factor for several kinds of psychopathology.
Seasonality of odonate‐mediated methylmercury flux from permanent and semipermanent ponds and potential risk to red‐winged blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus)

Methylmercury (MeHg) is an aquatic contaminant that can be transferred to terrestrial predators by emergent aquatic insects such as odonates (damselflies and dragonflies). We assessed the effects of month and pond permanence on odonate-mediated MeHg flux (calculated as emergent odonate biomass × MeHg concentration) in 10 experimental ponds and the potential risk to nestling red-winged blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus) posed by consuming MeHg-contaminated odonates. Emergent odonates were collected weekly from permanent ponds with bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus; n = 5) and semipermanent ponds without fish (n = 5) over an 8-mo period (January-August 2015). The MeHg flux from damselflies, aeshnid dragonflies, and libellulid dragonflies began in March and peaked in April, May, and June, respectively, and then declined throughout the rest of the summer. Odonate-mediated MeHg flux from semipermanent ponds without fish was greater than that from permanent ponds with fish. Nesting of red-winged blackbirds overlapped with peak odonate emergence and odonate-mediated MeHg flux. Because their diet can be dominated by damselflies and dragonflies, we tested the hypothesis that MeHg-contaminated odonates may pose a health risk to nestling red-winged blackbirds. Concentrations of MeHg in odonates exceeded wildlife values (the minimum odonate MeHg concentrations causing physiologically significant doses in consumers) for nestlings, suggesting that MeHg-contaminated odonates can pose a health risk to nestling red-winged blackbirds. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:2833-2837. © 2017 SETAC.
Abstract 138: Inhibition of Stress-inducible Genes That Distinguish Pathological Cardiac Hypertrophy via Targeting Acidic Nuclear Protein 32e

Cardiac hypertrophy is a manifestation of an increase in the workload imposed on the heart. The cause, duration, and extent of the workload dictate the physiological vs. pathological nature of the hypertrophy and its likelihood to transition into cardiac failure. Our goal is to identify differences between these 2 forms of hypertrophy by examining the binding patterns of key basic transcription factors and regulators in a genome-wide fashion. Our data show that a pause-release mechanism of RNA polymerase II (pol II) bound to the transcriptional start site (TSS) induces housekeeping/essential genes (~ 63% of expressed genes), in a synchronous and incremental fashion that is proportional to the increase in myocyte size and does not require de novo pol II binding. This mechanism is responsible for the increase in cell size and mass that constitute hypertrophy in both physiological and pathological forms. Superimposed on this is a second and critical group of genes (~3.5%) that are stress-induced in the pathological form of hypertrophy but are minimally, if at all, expressed in the postnatal and adult heart (e.g. Acta1, Ankrd1, Xirp2, Nppa, Col1a1 ..etc). In contrast to the housekeeping genes, these genes require de novo pol II recruitment and exhibit a robust increase in expression. To further identify the transcriptional mechanisms that distinguish these sets of genes, we performed chromatin immunoprecipitation-deep sequencing (ChIP-Seq) analysis for cyclin-dependent kinase 9 (Cdk9) and histone H2A.z. The results reveal an increase in Cdk9 at the TSS of paused genes vs. an increase at TSS and throughout the gene body of inducible genes. In contrast, H2A.z levels remained constant. However, we found that Acidic Nuclear Protein 32e (Anp32e), a nuclear protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) inhibitor, interacted with H2A.z and regulated phosphorylation of Cdk9. Interestingly, knockdown of Anp32e during pressure overload hypertrophy resulted in 70-90% inhibition of stress-inducible genes, but only an incremental inhibition of the increase in cardiac size. Thus, we propose that targeting Anp32e may partially revert pathological hypertrophy to a more physiological form via specifically inhibiting the stress-induced genes while preserving the increase in cardiac mass.
Science: Educational Tools for Diverse Learners.

This article provides background for school psychologists to use in consulting with teachers about learning problems in science. The emphasis is on (a) the conflicting forces acting on teachers — p...
Coral Reef Carbonate Chemistry Variability at Different Functional Scales

There is a growing recognition for the need to understand how seawater carbonate chemistry over coral reef environments will change in a high-CO2 world to better assess the impacts of ocean acidification on these valuable ecosystems. Coral reefs modify overlying water column chemistry through biogeochemical processes reflected in thesuch as net community organic carbon production (NCP) and calcification (NCC). However, the relative importance and influence of these processes on seawater carbonate chemistry vary across multiple functional scales (defined here as space, time, and benthic community composition), and have not been fully constrained. Here, we use Bermuda as a case study to assess 1) spatiotemporal variability in physical and chemical parameters along a depth gradient at a rim reef location, 2) the spatial variability of total alkalinity (TA) and dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) over distinct benthic habitats to infer NCC:NCP ratios (< several km2; rim reef vs seagrass and calcium carbonate (CaCO3) sediments) on diel timescales, and 3) compare how TA-DIC relationships and NCC:NCP vary as we expand functional scales from local habitats to the entire reef platform (10’s of km2) on seasonal to interannual timescales. Our results demonstrate that TA-DIC relationships were strongly driven by local benthic metabolism and community composition over diel cycles. However, as the spatial scale expanded to the reef platform, the TA-DIC relationship reflected processes that were integrated over larger spatiotemporal scales, with effects of NCC becoming increasingly more important over NCP. This study demonstrates the importance of considering drivers across multiple functional scales to constrain carbonate chemistry variability over coral reefs.
Improving Search and Retrieval in Digital Libraries by Leveraging Keyphrase Extraction Systems

In this tutorial, we will focus on recent developments in the keyphrase extraction task using research papers as a case study. In particular, we will discuss a wide range of keyphrase extraction models ranging from the representative supervised approaches such as KEA and GenEx to more recent ones that make use of the advances in artificial intelligence. Beyond introducing the outstanding approaches in this domain, we will discuss how keyphrases can significantly improve the search and retrieval of information in digital libraries and hence, leads to an improved organization, search, retrieval, and recommendation of scientific documents. Participants will learn about existing approaches, challenges and future trends in the keyphrase extraction task, and how they can be applied to digital library applications.
Effects of subcutaneous alfaxalone alone and in combination with dexmedetomidine and buprenorphine in guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus).

Abstract Objective To characterize alfaxalone administered subcutaneously (SC) in guinea pigs, both alone and in combination with dexmedetomidine and buprenorphine. Study design Prospective, blinded, crossover study. Animals A total of 15 healthy female guinea pigs weighing 400–600 g. Methods Alfaxalone (10, 20 and 40 mg kg−1) was administered SC to three guinea pigs as a pilot dose-finding study. Alfaxalone (20 mg kg−1; A20) was selected for comparison against combination protocols of alfaxalone (15 and 20 mg kg−1) with dexmedetomidine (0.25 mg kg−1) and buprenorphine (0.05 mg kg−1; A15DB, A20DB). Each protocol was randomly administered to 12 guinea pigs separated by ≥7 days. Time and quality of induction and recovery, heart rate, respiratory rate, peripheral hemoglobin oxygen saturation, rectal temperature, pedal withdrawal reflex and adverse effects were recorded. Results The median time to induction for A20, A15DB and A20DB was 6.8–8.0 minutes with no significant difference between treatments. Mean duration of recumbency for A20 was 73.6 ± 19.6 minutes. Recumbency duration for A15DB and A20DB extended to 90 minutes, at which time dexmedetomidine was antagonized using atipamezole (0.025 mg kg−1 SC). Physiological variables were within normal limits with the exception of one animal that died 45 minutes following treatment with A20DB. Pedal withdrawal reflex remained intact with all treatments. Minor side effects such as twitching or bruxism occurred sporadically with treatment A20 but not with A15DB and A20DB. Conclusions and clinical relevance SC alfaxalone produced uncomplicated sedation that may be recommended for nonpainful procedures that do not require complete immobility. The addition of dexmedetomidine and buprenorphine increased the duration of sedation and immobility, but did not result in general anesthesia. This combination sedation protocol may be useful for nonpainful procedures requiring extended immobility.
SHAD: the scalable high-performance algorithms and data-structures library

The unprecedented amount of data that needs to be processed in emerging data analytics applications poses novel challenges to industry and academia. Scalability and high performance become more than a desirable feature because, due to the scale and the nature of the problems, they draw the line between what is achievable and what is unfeasible. In this paper, we propose SHAD1, the Scalable High-performance Algorithms and Data-structures library [1]. SHAD adopts a modular design that confines low level details and promotes reuse. SHAD's core is built on an Abstract Runtime Interface which enhances portability and identifies the minimal set of features of the underlying system required by the framework. The core library includes common data-structures such as: Array, Vector, Map and Set. These are designed to accommodate significant amount of data which can be accessed in massively parallel environments, and used as building blocks for SHAD extensions, i.e. higher level software libraries. We have validated and evaluated our design with a performance and scalability study of the core components of the library. We have validated the design flexibility by proposing a Graph Library as an example of SHAD extension, which implements two different graph data-structures; we evaluate their performance with a set of graph applications. Experimental results show that the approach is promising in terms of both performance and scalability. On a distributed system with 320 cores, SHAD Arrays are able to sustain a throughput of 65 billion operations per second, while SHAD Maps sustain 1 billion of operations per second. Algorithms implemented using the Graph Library exhibit performance and scalability comparable to a custom solution, but with smaller development effort.
Exploring behavioral pattern separation and risk for emotional disorders.

Abstract Pattern separation is a facet of memory encoding that facilitates the adaptive integration of old and new experiences. At the computational level, this process reduces overlap between how two entities are represented. Behaviorally, this allows for greater memory resolution while avoiding memory interference; similar entities are perceived as distinct. Poor pattern separation could contribute to psychopathology, especially anxiety, as individuals with high anxiety tend to overgeneralize their perception of threat, or have difficulty distinguishing between currently safe contexts and previously threatening ones. However, there is little empirical work examining this as a contributory mechanism of anxiety in humans. This study examines the relationship between behavioral pattern separation, anxiety, and related symptoms. Participants (N = 111) completed questionnaires assessing anxiety, depression, stress, trait worry, and state affect. They then completed the Mnemonic Similarity Task, a computerized test that serves as a putative behavioral proxy to tax and thus measure hippocampal pattern separation. Behavioral pattern separation performance alone was not predictive of high anxiety, depression, or stress. However, two significant interactions emerged. The interactions between performance and state affect, and between performance and trait worry predicted anxious and depressive symptoms. Only at higher levels of negative affect was performance predictive of symptom severity. Similarly, poor pattern separation and high trait worry together predicted the most severe symptoms. This project provides support for behavioral pattern separation as a plausible factor in anxiety and related psychopathology, particularly in combination with sensitivity to acute distress and known risk factors, such as trait worry.
Propagation Measurements for Indoor Wireless Communications at 350/650 GHz

We have performed a propagation measurement campaign at 350/650 GHz in a typical indoor environment. The path losses were measured as a function of the transmitter and receiver angles. The results show that multiple spatially resolvable paths exist, and they can be associated with the propagation environment closely. The results also show the necessity of utilizing both the LoS and NLoS paths to keep the communication reliable. As supplements to propagation modeling, the LoS path losses and reflection losses were also characterized.
Investigation of Nitrile Hydration Chemistry by Two Transition Metal Hydroxide Complexes: Mn–OH and Ni–OH Nitrile Insertion Chemistry

Herein we describe the synthesis of a series of nickel complexes, including the formation of [(iPrPNHP)Ni(PMe3)][BPh4] (iPrPNHP = HN(CH2CH2(PiPr2))2). The ability of this phosphine complex to perform the 1,2-addition of H2O to produce the Ni–OH species [(iPrPNHP)NiOH][BPh4] has been investigated. The nucleophilicity of the hydroxide moiety of both [(iPrPNHP)NiOH][BPh4] and the previously reported (iPrPNHP)MnOH(CO)2 was investigated through the hydration of aryl and alkyl nitriles, leading to the formation of a number of metal carboxamide (RC(O)NH–) bonds. This reactivity generated complexes with the general structures of [(iPrPNHP)Ni(NHC(O)R)][BPh4] for nickel and (iPrPNHP)Mn(NHC(O)R)(CO)2 for manganese. Under catalytic conditions, the hydration of nitriles using nickel complexes yielded only a single turnover. However, (iPrPNHP)MnOH(CO)2 produced several turnovers, and the reaction conditions were probed for optimization.
A Hybrid Fitness-Utility Algorithm for Improved Service Chain Placement

Optimal placement of service chains (composed of multiple connected service components) on heterogeneous cloud/fog infrastructure is a challenging problem. Even when deploying a small set of service components, the search-space of all possible solutions is quite large. Furthermore, current approaches sacrifice either precision or scalability when presented with heterogeneous platform configurations. In this scenario, the goal is to support orchestration that optimally selects solutions that meet performance constraints, leverages differentiating platform features and delivers these solutions within reasonable run-time. This paper presents the novel Hybrid Fitness-Utility Algorithm that addresses these issues by utilizing concepts derived from evolutionary algorithms to dimensionally reduce complexity, and incorporates the utility of placing each individual service component on an infrastructure resource for optimized selection between potential solutions. Our results show that the algorithm succeeds in determining optimal service chain placement onto distributed infrastructure for a simulated cloud/fog scenario and for a live multi point-of-presence OpenStack-based testbed with over 90 percent confidence.
Comparative Aspects of Bacterial Lipids

Publisher Summary This chapter deals with the comparative aspects of bacterial lipids. The chapter attempts to outline their differences, to describe the biosynthetic systems—the presence or absence of which lead to the observed compositions, and to assess the significance of these differcnces. Bacterial lipids have been discussed extensively in monographs. Research on bacterial lipids focuses on such questions as their location in functional membrane units, the relationship of individual lipid species to vitrous enzymes, multi-enzyme complexes, and transport systems. The regulation of membrane–lipid biosynthesis at the enzyme level is receiving more attention in bacteria, and the isolation of a variety of mutants with lesions in the synthesis of lipids promises to lead to a better understanding of the genetics and control of lipid biosynthesis. It has long been recognized that cell diversity among the bacteria tends to increase toward the periphery of the cell, and the membrane lipids clearly offer a fertile ground for the study of comparitive biochemistry.
Two Constitutional Rights, Two Constitutional Controversies

This article is my contribution to the Festschrift celebrating the distinguished scholarly career of Richard S. Kay, Wallace Stevens Professor Emeritus and Oliver Ellsworth Research Professor, University of Connecticut School of Law. My overarching aim in the article is to defend a particular understanding of two constitutional rights and, relatedly, a particular resolution of two constitutional controversies. The two rights I discuss are among the most important rights protected by the constitutional law of the United States: the right to equal protection and the right of privacy. As I explain in the article, the constitutional right to equal protection is, at its core, the human right to moral equality, and the constitutional right to privacy is best understood as a version of the human right to moral freedom. The two controversies I discuss, each of which implicates the two rights, are among the most divisive constitutional controversies of our time: the controversies concerning, respectively, abortion and same-sex marriage. Arguments of the two sorts I make in this article—arguments defending a particular understanding of one or more constitutional rights and arguments defending a particular resolution of one or more constitutional controversies—necessarily presuppose a theory of judicial review. The theory of judicial review on which I rely, and whose basic features I rehearse in the article, is the theory I defend at length in my most recent book, A GLOBAL POLITICAL MORALITY: HUMAN RIGHTS, DEMOCRACY, AND CONSTITUTIONALISM (Cambridge University Press 2017).
Introduction to Practical Equality: Forging Justice in a Divided Nation

This is the introduction for a new work of constitutional theory and politics: Robert L. Tsai, Practical Equality: Forging Justice in a Divided Nation (W.W. Norton 2019). In the book, I draw upon pragmatism to develop an account of second-best solutions when disputes arise over questions concerning equality. Practical egalitarianism doesn't require that a person give up his commitment to a substantive vision of equality, but instead offers a general ethic, useful precedents, and a method for prioritizing the amelioration of tangible inequities when debate over first principles bogs down. The approach does require that a practical egalitarian not only train attention on reducing inequities in the short term, but also that he use alternative concepts that can do some of the work of equality in other ways, thereby increasing redundancy among values and building a culture of equal respect in the long run. This approach can be superior to two other approaches historically deployed when intractable disputes over equality have arisen: (1) deferring resolution until broad social or political consensus arises; or (2) demanding a resolution based explicitly on equality grounds, but swallowing a thin conception of substantive equality.
Statins and Stroke — It’s Complicated

Elevated levels of cholesterol are a well-known risk factor for cardiovascular disease, including stroke, and efforts to lower cholesterol levels to reduce risk have been ongoing for decades. Becau...
Abstract PR10: Enhancing the effect of autophagy inhibition for pancreatic cancer treatment

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is characterized by KRAS- and autophagy-dependent tumorigenic growth. We determined the role of mutationally activated KRAS, found in ~95% of PDAC, in supporting autophagy. Surprisingly, acute KRAS suppression, which blocks proliferation, was associated with increased rather than decreased autophagic flux. Pharmacologic inhibition of ERK MAPK phenocopied the genetic silencing of KRAS and also increased autophagic flux. We speculated that the loss of ERK-driven metabolic processes may induce compensatory mechanisms to increase autophagy. Addressing a mechanism for ERK suppression-increased autophagy, we describe three mechanisms: 1) ERK inhibition-mediated increased transcription of autophagy and lysosomal genes, 2) ERK inhibitor-induced AMPK activation and suppression of mTOR signaling, and 3) ERK inhibition-facilitated decreased glycolytic flux. We then addressed whether ERK inhibition increased PDAC dependence on autophagy. Supporting this possibility, we found that cotreatment with the autophagy inhibitor chloroquine (CQ) synergistically enhanced ERK inhibitor-mediated antiproliferative activity. Similarly, genetic or pharmacologic inhibition of specific regulators of autophagy also enhanced ERK inhibitor activity. Encouraged by the synergistic relationship between ERK and autophagy inhibition, we performed a CRISPR/Cas-9 mediated genetic loss of function screen in the presence of CQ to determine additional sensitizers as well as mediators of resistance to autophagy inhibition. Top sensitizers included multiple mediators of the DNA damage response. One such sensitizing gene was CHEK1, which encodes the CHK1 serine/threonine kinase, required for checkpoint-mediated cell cycle arrest and activation of DNA repair in response to DNA damage. Accordingly, we showed that treatment with prexasertib, a clinical candidate CHK1 inhibitor, increased autophagic flux in PDAC cells and synergized with CQ to decrease PDAC cell proliferation and increase apoptosis. We conclude that concurrent suppression of multiple metabolic processes, to block compensatory rebound activities, will be needed for effective PDAC treatment. This abstract is also being presented as Poster B07. Citation Format: Kirsten L. Bryant, Jennifer E. Klomp, Ye S. Lee, Clint A. Stalnecker, Kajal R. Grover, A. Cole Edwards, Sen Peng, Mariaelena Pierobon, Emanuel F. Petricoin III, Nhan Tran, Alec C. Kimmelman, Adrienne D. Cox, Channing J. Der. Enhancing the effect of autophagy inhibition for pancreatic cancer treatment [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Pancreatic Cancer: Advances in Science and Clinical Care; 2019 Sept 6-9; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(24 Suppl):Abstract nr PR10.
Estimated Vs. Measured Resting Metabolic Rate to Guide Nutrition Recommendations for Patients with Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction

Introduction Malnutrition and weight loss among patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) are associated with poor functional status, hospitalization, and death. Nutritional interventions might benefit patients with HFrEF, but few data on resting metabolic rate (RMR) are available to guide such programs. We sought to clarify the relationship between heart failure (HF) severity and RMR and the accuracy of commonly used estimations of RMR in this population. Hypothesis We hypothesized that worsening HF severity would impact RMR and that commonly used estimations of RMR would be inaccurate. Methods We measured RMR with a metabolic cart in 548 consecutive patients with HFrEF at the University of Michigan from 2011 to 2015. The primary outcome of interest was measured RMR using the Weir formula: RMR= 1440*[3.94 VO2 (l/min) + 1.11* VCO2 (l/min)] kcal/day. The primary independent variable was HF severity determined by New York Heart Association function class (NYHA FC). Linear regression adjusted for age, gender, weight, and height was performed to evaluate the impact of HF severity on RMR. Measured RMR and estimations of RMR using the Harris Benedict, Mifflin-St Jeor, and World Health Organization equations, both overall and by NYHA FC, were compared using paired t-tests. Results Patients were aged (mean ± SD) 59 ± 13 years, 73% male, and had an ejection fraction of 19 ± 7%; measured RMR was 1488 ± 416 kcal per day. Worsening HF severity was associated with reduced RMR. In the multivariable model, the predicted RMR for NYHA FC IV patients was -177.5 (95% CI, -246.7 to -108.3, p Conclusions Worsening HF severity is associated with decreasing RMR in patients with HFrEF and discordance of estimations increased with worsening NYHA FC. Estimations of RMR have the potential to introduce clinically meaningful (>10%) error in RMR. Improved understanding of these issues, including their relationship with other measures of HF severity and with body composition, will be necessary to promote adequate nutritional intake for patients with HFrEF.
Models of Implicit Language Processing

An important development regarding the role of language comprehension as the primary process in second-language learning is the theoretical framework provided by Stephen Krashen (1981, 1982, 1985). To be precise, Krashen’s theoretical constructs regarding second-language acquisition began to appear in the latter part of the decade of the 1970s (e.g. Krashen 1977). His major work entitled “Principles and Practice in Second Language Acquisition” was published in 1982 and revised in 2009 as an internet edition. Krashen’s theoretical constructs are in accord with the working premises of investigators who explored the role of comprehension in second-language learning in the previous decade.