cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Serotonin Transporter Gene Polymorphisms and Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor Tolerability: Review of Pharmacogenetic Evidence

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are first-line pharmacotherapy for mood and anxiety disorders. The common mechanism of drugs in this class is antagonism of the serotonin transporter. Within the serotonin transporter gene SLC6A4, two polymorphic sites termed 5-HTTLPR and STin2 are proposed to have functional consequences and thus have been attractive candidates for pharmacogenetic studies of SSRI efficacy and tolerability. This review summarizes approximately 15 years of study of these polymorphisms as they relate to SSRI tolerability phenotypes. Four online databases (PubMed, Cochrane CENTRAL, PsycINFO, and PharmGKB) were searched for articles on polymorphisms of SLC6A4 including 5-HTTLPR and STin2 by using a systematic approach. Specific and general psychopharmacology terms, along with adverse effect and tolerability concepts, added to the search strategy. The Human Gene Mutation Database was checked for additional references. Forty studies met the inclusion criteria. While null and occasionally opposite associations are reported, the low expression 5-HTTLPR S allele is generally associated with greater adverse drug reaction burden during SSRI therapy. The most convincing evidence is in studies of antidepressant-induced mania and gastrointestinal adverse events. Studies of STin2 are sparse and have conflicting findings. In conclusion, the S allele of 5-HTTLPR may be predictive of increased adverse event burden, and this effect appears specific to certain classes of adverse events. Limitations and challenges in interpreting this body of evidence include assay errors, dissimilar grouping of genotypes, the role of ethnicity in associations, and study methodological differences. The clinical utility of serotonin transporter genotypes is not yet delineated but will ultimately depend on genotypic effects on both tolerability and efficacy of SSRIs.
Effect of visual input on postural stability in young adults with chronic motion sensitivity: A controlled cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND Chronic motion sensitivity (CMS) has been defined as a feeling of un-wellness elicited by either actual or perceived motion. CMS is a common condition and is more prevalent in females than in males. In addition to a variety of symptoms, young adults with CMS have less postural stability than those without CMS. OBJECTIVE To determine whether dependence on visual cues for postural stability is different between young adults with and without CMS, and whether it differs by gender within each group. METHODS Sixty young adults (30 females and 30 males) were assigned to one of two groups (CMS or non-CMS) using the Motion Sickness Susceptibility Questionnaire-Short Form. Postural stability was measured for all participants using the Bertec Balance Advantage-Computerized Dynamic Posturography with Immersion Virtual Reality. RESULTS A significant difference was found in mean postural stability scores during immersion virtual reality between the CMS and non-CMS groups (p < 0.001); however, no significant difference was shown in mean postural stability between males and females within the CMS and non-CMS groups (p = 0.10 and p = 0.97, respectively). CONCLUSION The results suggest that young adults with CMS are over-reliant on visual cues for postural stability, and that visual dependence is not influenced by gender.
Neutralizing Antibody Responses following Long-Term Vaccination with HIV-1 Env gp140 in Guinea Pigs.

A vaccination regimen capable of eliciting potent and broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) remains an unachieved goal of the HIV-1 vaccine field. Here, we report the immunogenicity of longitudinal prime/boost vaccination regimens with a panel of HIV-1 envelope (Env) gp140 protein immunogens over a period of 200 weeks in guinea pigs. We assessed vaccine regimens that included a monovalent clade C gp140 (C97ZA012 [C97]), a tetravalent regimen consisting of four clade C gp140s (C97ZA012, 459C, 405C, and 939C [4C]), and a tetravalent regimen consisting of clade A, B, C, and mosaic gp140s (92UG037, PVO.4, C97ZA012, and Mosaic 3.1, respectively [ABCM]). We found that the 4C and ABCM prime/boost regimens were capable of eliciting greater magnitude and breadth of binding antibody responses targeting variable loop 2 (V2) over time than the monovalent C97-only regimen. The longitudinal boosting regimen conducted over more than 2 years increased the magnitude of certain tier 1 NAb responses but did not increase the magnitude or breadth of heterologous tier 2 NAb responses. These data suggest that additional immunogen design strategies are needed to induce broad, high-titer tier 2 NAb responses. IMPORTANCE The elicitation of potent, broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) remains an elusive goal for the HIV-1 vaccine field. In this study, we explored the use of a long-term vaccination regimen with different immunogens to determine if we could elicit bNAbs in guinea pigs. We found that longitudinal boosting over more than 2 years increased tier 1 NAb responses but did not increase the magnitude and breadth of tier 2 NAb responses. These data suggest that additional immunogen designs and vaccination strategies will be necessary to induce broad tier 2 NAb responses.
Case 2: Strings Attached

The chief development officer of a private, religiously affiliated liberal arts college must balance the demands of potential donors and zealous board members in this case, which deals with how to prioritize competing interests of different stakeholders. Handy and Russell directly address the fundamental nature of nonprofit organizations—multiple stakeholders, multiple bottom lines—that they first introduced in Chapter 2. They ask readers to think through different options and approaches when weighing the best course of action for the college.
Coronary atherosclerosis in diabetes mellitus: a population-based autopsy study.

OBJECTIVES The study was conducted to test the hypothesis that the prevalence of coronary atherosclerosis is greater among diabetic than among nondiabetic individuals and is similar for diabetic individuals without clinical coronary artery disease (CAD) and nondiabetics with clinical CAD. BACKGROUND Persons with diabetes but without clinical CAD encounter cardiovascular mortality similar to nondiabetic individuals with clinical CAD. This excess mortality is not fully explained. We examined the association between diabetes and coronary atherosclerosis in a geographically defined autopsied population, while capitalizing on the autopsy rate and medical record linkage system available via the Rochester Epidemiology Project, which allows rigorous ascertainment of coronary atherosclerosis, clinical CAD, and diabetes. METHODS Using two measures, namely a global coronary score and high-grade stenoses, the prevalence of atherosclerosis was analyzed in a cohort of autopsied residents of Rochester, Minnesota, age 30 years or older at death, while stratifying on diabetes, clinical CAD diagnosis, age, and gender. RESULTS In this cohort, diabetes was associated with a higher prevalence of atherosclerosis. Among diabetic decedents without clinical CAD, almost three-fourths had high-grade coronary atherosclerosis and more than half had multivessel disease. Without diabetes, women had less atherosclerosis than men, but this female advantage was lost with diabetes. Among those without clinical CAD, diabetes was associated with a global coronary disease burden and a prevalence of high-grade atherosclerosis similar to that observed among nondiabetic subjects with clinical CAD. CONCLUSIONS These findings provide mechanistic insights into the excess risk of clinical CAD among diabetic individuals, thereby supporting the need for aggressive prevention of atherosclerosis in all diabetic individuals, irrespective of clinical CAD symptoms.
The Regulation of Civil Society Organizations in China

Against the backdrop of the current legal environment for civil society organizations (CSOs/NPOs) in China (describe in the paper), this article outlines current developments that tend to suggest there is an opening of space for operations of those organizations. It has been published in the January 2011 issue of the International Journal of Civil Society Law. The article discusses attempts to make it easier to register social organizations at the provincial level, the registration of the One Foundation in Shenzhen, issues with regard to self-regulation (most of which have yet to be resolved), and new provincial fund-raising regulations adopted in three provinces. It also includes a chart of different approaches to the documentation (bei an) system for the recognition of small local NPOs.
Effect of pre- and postweaning zeranol implant on steer calf performance.

One hundred ninety-five steer calves were assigned to five zeranol implant treatment (trial 1). Treatments were no implants (0000), two implants during the finishing period (00XX), three implants during growing and finishing periods (0XXX), one implant at 1 to 2 mo of age during the suckling period and two during the finishing period (X0XX) or four implants (XXXX). The growing period implant was administered at weaning. Weaning weights (211 vs 208 kg) of implanted and nonimplanted suckling calves were not different (P greater than .05). Calves implanted at weaning, before shipment to the feedlot, had greater (P less than .05) weight loss in shipment than nonimplanted calves. In the feedlot, finishing-period daily gains of steers implanted in the growing and finishing period (0XXX) were greater (P less than .05) than gains of steers that had received a suckling period implant (X0XX and XXXX). Nonimplanted steer gains were less (P less than .05) than gains of steers from the other four treatment groups. Postweaning daily gains and final weights were 1.18 and 517 (0000), 1.26 and 533 (00XX), 1.32 and 551 (0XXX), 1.26 and 540 (X0XX) and 1.25 and 533 kg (XXXX), respectively. Gains and final weights of nonimplanted steers were less (P less than .05) than gains of steers implanted only in the feedlot growing and finishing periods (0XXX). In a second trial, 82 steers were assigned either to a 0XXX or XXXX implant scheme. Weaning weights were 11 kg greater (P less than .05) for the implanted steers.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Some results on (strong) asymptotic Toeplitzness and Hankelness

Based on the results in A. Feintuch (1989), this work sheds light upon some interesting properties of strongly asymptotically Toeplitz and Hankel operators, and relations between these two classes of operators. Indeed, among other things, two main results here are (a) vanishing Toeplitz and Hankel operators forms an ideal, and (b) finding the distance of a strongly asymptotically Toeplitz operator from the set of vanishing Toeplitz operators.
Alan Mikhail, Under Osman’s Tree: The Ottoman Empire, Egypt, and Environmental History

Alan Mikhail, Under Osman’s Tree: The Ottoman Empire, Egypt, and Environmental History (Chicago and London: The University of Chicago Press, 2017), 336 pp., $45.00 (pbk), ISBN: 978-0-226-42717-1.
Electrohydrodynamic Mass Spectrometry: How High Can It Go?

In electrohydrodynamic (EH) mass spectrometry (MS) [1], ions are sampled by the action of an electrostatic field applied at the tip of a biased (typically 8 kV) metal capillary containing an ionic solution (Fig. 1). In the absence of bombardment (as in fast atom bombardment or liquid secondary ion MS) or bulk evaporation of solution droplets and concomittant concentration effects (as in electrospray or thermospray MS), EH MS avoids sampling-induced chemical artifacts, making it perhaps the simplest of the desorption ionization (DI) methods relying on solution chemistry for assistance in ionization and/or sampling. However, EH sampling can amplify chemical effects on the efficiency of “matrix assisted” MS. This amplification can offer insight useful in optimizing selectable chemical parameters in the various DI methods. Toward this end, data from a series of experiments was reviewed, assessing factors potentially limiting the mass range of EH MS.
Critical appraisal of ENGAGES: cognitive dissonance and anesthesia research.

Thank you for the opportunity to respond to the editorial by Koch et al . in which several criticisms of the ENGAGES trial (1) are described and the contribution to the cumulative literature regarding delirium prevention using EEG guidance is questioned. We address these points here.
Factors of population variation in sex estimation methodology

Abstract Sex constitutes an integral part of the biological profile routinely established by forensic anthropologists. The methodology for sex assessment culminates from research on specific collections. Research has demonstrated considerable global variation in the skeletal expression of sexual dimorphism due to factors of genetics and environment that impact the growth process. Due to that global variation, anthropological evaluations of sex in specific cases need to consult local standards. Recently, many documented collections of human remains have been established in different world regions, facilitating local research on skeletal sexual dimorphism. Technological developments in imagery also have stimulated research in many areas. Abundant recent publications are now available presenting regional data for different areas of the skeleton.
A numerical study of the meso-structure variability in the compaction process of prepreg platelet molded composites

Abstract Compaction deformations in a thermoplastic composite system molded from chopped prepreg platelets were analyzed to obtain statistical distributions of local distortions that define the final consolidated meso-structure. This study provides an insight into and allows quantification of the intrinsic geometric variability of the composite meso-structure that controls the variability of the effective composite mechanical properties. A two-phase viscoelastic finite element model was utilized to treat the behavior of molten prepreg platelets, which were assumed to be incompressible and inextensible in the fiber direction during processing. A two-step simulation procedure with discretely modeled platelets and platelet-to-platelet contacts is proposed. The analysis begins with a drop simulation of the uncontrolled material deposition followed by a 3D finite element analysis of the preform compaction and bulk material flow. The proposed model provides a method for generating a composite meso-structure ab initio starting from a statistical sampling of the initial conditions for platelet deposition. The predicted platelet thickness distribution, intra-platelet fiber waviness and out-of-plane platelet undulations were found to be in good agreement with experimental measurements. An estimate of the volume of resin pockets was inferred from the compaction simulation.
Misconduct Among Incarcerated Gang and Non-gang Youth: The Role of Structured and Unstructured Activities

Scholarship has identified a significant association between the violent victimization of gang members and their lifestyles/routine activities. Research on the relationship between routine activities and delinquency has also found an increased likelihood of delinquency for youth that are involved in more unstructured activities. Yet there has been no research that has addressed the relationship between structured/unstructured activities, gang involvement, and misconduct among incarcerated youth. The current chapter helps to fill this gap by analyzing gang and non-gang member participation in structured/unstructured activities and the likelihood of institutional misconduct in a youth correctional setting. This is achieved through the analysis of official data and over 200 interviews with young offenders residing in California’s youth correctional facilities. The study examines the association between misconduct and youth self-report data addressing their involvement in activities such as going to school and having a job in the institution, and unstructured time in the day room. The chapter concludes with a discussion of the theoretical and policy implications related to structured/unstructured activities and institutional misconduct among incarcerated gang and non-gang youth.
Measured Polarization Components of Nonlinear Thomson Scattering

We measure fundamental, second, and third harmonics of nonlinear Thomson scattering emitted by free electrons out the side of a laser focus with 1018 W/cm2. The redshifted photons show distinct spatial patterns when resolved by polarization.
Clinical Characteristics, Treatments, and Concurrent Mutations in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients With NF1 Mutations.

Abstract Objectives Metastatic non–small cell lung cancer (mNSCLC) is characterized by complex genomic alterations. NF1 mutations may confer distinct clinical characteristics within NSCLC, and real-world evidence on concurrent mutations, treatment patterns, and health outcomes is lacking. Materials and Methods This retrospective study was performed in patients with mNSCLC treated in the Flatiron Health network who underwent the FoundationOne tumor-sequencing. Anticancer therapies, concurrent mutations, real-world progression-free survival (rwPFS), and overall survival (OS) were assessed. Results Of the 1663 patients, 103 patients were identified with NF1 mutation. Concurrent mutations with Ki-ras2 Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (16.5%) and epidermal growth factor receptor fusion (6.8%) were the most frequent. In patients with NF1 mutation only (n = 57), 42% were women, 86% patients had smoking history, and 70% had non-squamous cell carcinoma type. Most (51%) of the patients with NF1 mutations received a single line of therapy versus other mutations and the overall treated population (44%). Platinum-based chemotherapy was the predominant first-line therapy, with programmed cell death-1/programmed cell death-ligand-1 inhibitors as subsequent lines of therapy. The NF1 mutation only group had numerically the shortest median rwPFS (82 days) than other mutation groups. Median OS for the NF1 mutation group in first, second, and third lines of therapy was 321, 498, and 210 days, respectively. Conclusions NF1 mutations confer distinct clinical characteristics in patients with mNSCLC. These patients may have different trajectories for progression and survival than seen for other mutations, experience less systemic therapy after first-line therapy, and may have shorter survival.
First report on the feasibility of a permanently implantable uni-directional planar low dose rate brachytherapy sheet for patients with resectable or borderline resectable pancreatic cancer.

Abstract Background Margin negative resection in pancreatic cancer remains the only curative option but is challenging, especially with the retroperitoneal margin. Intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) can improve rates of local control but requires specially designed facilities and equipment. This retrospective review describes initial results of a novel implantable mesh of uni-directional low dose rate (LDR) Pd-103 sources (sheet) used to deliver a focal margin-directed high-dose boost in patients with concern for close or positive margins. Methods Eleven consecutive patients from a single institution with resectable or borderline resectable pancreatic cancer with concern for positive margins were selected for sheet placement and retrospectively reviewed. Procedural outcomes, including the time to implant the device and complications, and clinical outcomes, including survival and patterns of failure, are reported. A dosimetric comparison of the LDR sheet with hypothetical stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) boost is reported. Results One patient had a resectable disease, and 10 patients had a borderline resectable disease and underwent neoadjuvant treatment. Sheet placement added 15 min to procedural time with no procedural or sheet-related complications. At a median follow up of 13 months, 64% (n = 7) of patients are alive and 55% (n = 6) are disease-free. Compared to a hypothetical SBRT boost, the LDR sheet delivered a negligible dose to kidneys, liver, and spinal cord with a 50% reduction in max dose to the small bowel. Conclusion This is the first report of the use of an implantable uni-directional LDR brachytherapy sheet in patients with resected pancreatic cancer with concern for margin clearance, with no associated toxicity and favorable clinical outcomes.
Toward a multimodal measurement model for the neurobehavioral trait of affiliative capacity

A growing body of research supports the value of a multimodal assessment approach, drawing on measures from different response modalities, for clarifying how core biobehavioral processes relate to various clinical problems and dimensions of psychopathology. Using data for 507 healthy adults, the current study was undertaken to integrate self-report and neurophysiological (brain potential) measures as a step toward a multimodal measurement model for the trait of affiliative capacity (AFF) - a biobehavioral construct relevant to adaptive and maladaptive social-interpersonal functioning. Individuals low in AFF exhibit a lack of interpersonal connectedness, deficient empathy, and an exploitative-aggressive social style that may be expressed transdiagnostically in antagonistic externalizing or distress psychopathology. Specific aims were to (1) integrate trait scale and brain potential indicators into a multimodal measure of AFF and (2) evaluate associations of this multimodal measure with criterion variables of different types. Results demonstrated (1) success in creating a multimodal measure of AFF from self-report and neural indicators, (2) effectiveness of this measure in predicting both clinical-diagnostic and neurophysiological criterion variables, and (3) transdiagnostic utility of the multimodal measure at both specific-disorder and broad symptom-dimension levels. Our findings further illustrate the value of psychoneurometric operationalizations of biobehavioral trait dimensions as referents for clarifying transdiagnostic relationships between biological systems variables and empirically defined dimensions of psychopathology.
Semi-infinite Programming for Trajectory Optimization with Nonconvex Obstacles.

This paper presents a novel optimization method that handles collision constraints with complex, non-convex 3D geometries. The optimization problem is cast as a semi-infinite program in which each collision constraint is implicitly treated as an infinite number of numeric constraints. The approach progressively generates some of these constraints for inclusion in a finite nonlinear program. Constraint generation uses an oracle to detect points of deepest penetration, and this oracle is implemented efficiently via signed distance field (SDF) versus point cloud collision detection. This approach is applied to pose optimization and trajectory optimization for both free-flying rigid bodies and articulated robots. Experiments demonstrate performance improvements compared to optimizers that handle only convex polyhedra, and demonstrate efficient collision avoidance between nonconvex CAD models and point clouds.
Application of the navigation guide systematic review methodology to evaluate prenatal exposure to particulate matter air pollution and infant birth weight.

Abstract Low birth weight is an important risk factor for many co-morbidities both in early life as well as in adulthood. Numerous studies report associations between prenatal exposure to particulate matter (PM) air pollution and low birth weight. Previous systematic reviews and meta-analyses report varying effect sizes and significant heterogeneity between studies, but did not systematically evaluate the quality of individual studies or the overall body of evidence. We conducted a new systematic review to determine how prenatal exposure to PM2.5, PM10, and coarse PM (PM2.5-10) by trimester and across pregnancy affects infant birth weight. Using the Navigation Guide methodology, we developed and applied a systematic review protocol [CRD42017058805] that included a comprehensive search of the epidemiological literature, risk of bias (ROB) determination, meta-analysis, and evidence evaluation, all using pre-established criteria. In total, 53 studies met our inclusion criteria, which included evaluation of birth weight as a continuous variable. For PM2.5 and PM10, we restricted meta-analyses to studies determined overall as “low” or “probably low” ROB; none of the studies evaluating coarse PM were rated as “low” or “probably low” risk of bias, so all studies were used. For PM2.5, we observed that for every 10 µg/m3 increase in exposure to PM2.5 in the 2nd or 3rd trimester, respectively, there was an associated 5.69 g decrease (I2: 68%, 95% CI: −10.58, −0.79) or 10.67 g decrease in birth weight (I2: 84%, 95% CI: −20.91, −0.43). Over the entire pregnancy, for every 10 µg/m3 increase in PM2.5 exposure, there was an associated 27.55 g decrease in birth weight (I2: 94%, 95% CI: −48.45, −6.65). However, the quality of evidence for PM2.5 was rated as “low” due to imprecision and/or unexplained heterogeneity among different studies. For PM10, we observed that for every 10 µg/m3 increase in exposure in the 3rd trimester or the entire pregnancy, there was a 6.57 g decrease (I2: 0%, 95% CI: −10.66, −2.48) or 8.65 g decrease in birth weight (I2: 84%, 95% CI: −16.83, −0.48), respectively. The quality of evidence for PM10 was rated as “moderate,” as heterogeneity was either absent or could be explained. The quality of evidence for coarse PM was rated as very low/low (for risk of bias and imprecision). Overall, while evidence for PM2.5 and course PM was inadequate primarily due to heterogeneity and risk of bias, respectively, our results support the existence of an inverse association between prenatal PM10 exposure and low birth weight.
Herbal Supplements: Can They Cause Hypomania?

Herbal medication use is prevalent and increasing in the general population. A comprehensive review of complementary and alternative medicine use including herbal medications and supplements is often overlooked by physicians. Patients generally believe that all herbal products are safe without any side-effects. Herbal medications may have complex pharmacodynamics and can be associated with various psychiatric symptoms. The general population, as well as physicians, may be unaware of the risks and side-effects associated with herbal supplement use and further research may be needed. The objective is to describe a case report of acute onset of symptoms of hypomania associated with the increasing use of herbal supplements. A 49-year-old man developed symptoms of hypomania after a two-month history of daily use of a combination of more than 25 herbal supplements and daily cannabis use. Hypomania symptoms were temporally associated with the use of multiple herbal supplements that included ginseng. We recommend that a thorough history of medication use including herbal supplements and other alternative medications and a collateral report from family members and other providers including herbalists be obtained on all patients presenting with psychiatric symptoms. Further research is needed to identify the pharmacodynamics, risks, and adverse effects, and drug and food interactions of each herb.
Prediction and Detection of Cyberattacks using AI Model in Virtualized Wireless Networks

Securing communication between any two wireless devices or users is challenging without compromising sensitive/personal data. To address this problem, we have developed an artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm to secure communication on virtualized wireless networks. To detect cyberattacks in a virtualized environment is challenging compared to traditional wireless networks setting. However, we successfully investigate an efficient cyberattack detection algorithm using an AI algorithm in a Bayesian learning model for detecting cyberattacks on the fly. We have studied the results of Random Forest and deep neural network (DNN) models to detect the cyberattacks on a virtualized wireless network, having considered the required transmission power as a threshold value to classify suspicious activities in our model. We present both formal mathematical analysis and numerical results to support our claims. The numerical results show our accuracy in detecting cyberattacks in the proposed Bayesian model is better than Random Forest and DNN models. We have also compared both models in terms of detection errors. The performance comparison results show our proposed approach outperforms existing approaches in detection accuracy, precision, and recall.
Opportunity and inequality in the emerging esports labor market

Esports is often described as a growing industry ripe with financial opportunities for young professional, competitive gamers. However, these claims rarely consider how income is distributed amongs...
Liver as a Target of Inflammatory Mediators

Any type of systemic tissue injury, infection or inflammation causes the liver to undergo a complex pattern of metabolic changes, referred to as the hepatic acute phase response (Kushner 1982). A prominent manifestation of this liver response is the coordinate stimulation of a set of plasma proteins called the acute phase plasma proteins (APP) (Koj 1974). The biological relevance of the liver response lies in part in the functions of the individual APPs (Koj 1985). In all vertebrate species analyzed thus far, these proteins play an essential role in controlling four processes: 1) inhibition of extracellular proteases; 2) blood clotting and fibrinolysis; 3) modulation of immune cells; and 4) neutralization and clearance of harmful components from the circulation.
Information Flow Requirements for the Stability of Motion of Vehicles in a Rigid Formation

It is known in the literature on Automated Highway Systems that information flow can significantly affect the propagation of errors in spacing in a collection of vehicles. This chapter investigates this issue further for a homogeneous collection of vehicles, where in the motion of each vehicle is modeled as a point mass and is digitally controlled. The structure of the controller employed by the vehicles is as follows: \( U_i (z) = C(z)\sum\nolimits_{j \in S_i } {(X_i - X_j - \tfrac{{L_{ij} z}} {{z - 1}})} \), where U i(z) is the (z- transformation of) control action for the i th vehicle, X i is the position of the i th vehicle, L ij is the desired distance between the i th and the j th vehicles in the collection, C(z) is the discrete transfer function of the controller and S i is the set of vehicles that the i th vehicle can communicate with directly. This chapter further assumes that the information flow is undirected, i.e., i ∈ S j ⇔ j ∈ S i and the information flow graph is connected. We consider information flow in the collection, where each vehicle can communicate with a maximum of q(n) vehicles. We allow q(n) to vary with the size n of the collection. We first show that C(z) cannot have any zeroes at z = 1 to ensure that relative spacing is maintained in response to a reference vehicle making a maneuver where its velocity experiences a steady state offset. We then show that if the control transfer function C(z) has one or more poles located at z = 1, then the motion of the collection of vehicles will become unstable if the size of the collection is sufficiently large. These two results imply that C(1) ≠ 0 and C(1) must be well defined. We further show that if q(n)/n → 0 as n → ∞ then there is a low frequency sinusoidal disturbance of at most unit amplitude acting on each vehicle such that the maximum error in spacing response increase at least as \( \Omega \left( {\sqrt {\tfrac{{n^3 }} {{q^3 (n)}}} } \right) \). A consequence of the results presented in this chapter is that the maximum of the error in spacing and velocity of any vehicle can be made insensitive to the size of the collection only if there is at least one vehicle in the collection that communicates with at least Ω(n) other vehicles in the collection. We also show that there can be at most one vehicle that communicates with Ω(n) vehicles and that any other vehicle in the collection can only communicate with at most p vehicles, where p depends only on the chosen controller and the its sampling time.
The Graphic Representation of Biological Knowledge: Integrating Words and Images

The key question addressed in this study was: ‘Can biology textbooks be improved so that students are more successful in integrating words and images?’ This research indicates that learning from college biology textbooks can be enhanced by replacing traditional expository text accompanied by single, captioned, prototypical micrographic images with expository-narrative text integrated with small-multiple micrographic images. Performance on a posttest calling for identification of transmission electron micrographs of unknown cells as either prokaryotes or eukaryotes, circling the cell nuclei on unfamiliar micrographs depicting either prokaryotes or eukaryotes, and applying the town-city analogy to unfamiliar micrographs was used to assess learning outcomes. Students using the experimental approach outperformed those using a traditional textbook approach. The learning gains detected were predicted using Ausubelian learning theory.
The Isolation and Characterization of Plasma Membranes from Cultured Cells III. THE ADENOSINE TRIPHOSPHATE-DEPENDENT ACCUMULATION OF Ca2+ BY CHICK EMBRYO FIBROBLASTS

Abstract Cultured chick embryo fibroblasts accumulate Ca2+ in the presence of Mg2+ and ATP. The uptake is highly specific; Mn2+ inhibits it, and other nucleotide triphosphates are without effect. The presence of oxalate, Na+ and/or K+ increases the amount of accumulated Ca2+. The cation transport is inhibited by mersalate, oligomycin, and hydroxylamine. The capacity of fibroblasts to energetically transport and/or bind Ca2+ resides in components of the plasma membrane. The function of this Ca2+ uptake may be to control motility in ameboid-like cells.
A novel phase control of semi bridgeless active rectifier for wireless power transfer applications

A novel phase control of a semi-bridgeless active rectifier (S-BAR) is investigated in order to utilize the S-BAR in wireless energy transfer applications. The standard receiver side rectifier topology is developed by replacing rectifier lower diodes with synchronous switches controlled by a phase-shifted PWM signal. Theoretical and simulation results show that the performance of the proposed S-BAR is appropriate for resonant converters that require power control at the secondary side such as contactless energy transfer systems. To confirm the performance of the proposed converter and control, experimental results are provided for a 1 kW prototype using 3, 6, and 9 inches air gap coreless transformer, which has dimension 2.5 by 2.5 feet, with 120 V input and the output voltage range of 0 to 95 V with a maximum efficiency of 94.4%.
Human Nature from a Catholic Perspective

Catholic views on personhood and human nature include emphasis on the dignity of each person, from womb to tomb. The claims made for this inviolable dignity invariably stem from the recognition that all human beings, regardless of their state of dependency, are made in the image of God and are thus the bearers of certain moral rights. But in our fallen state that image is wounded and needs to be repaired. Hence, Christians need to learn to recapitulate the life of Christ in their own lives by growing through the stages of human life according to the model that He presents to us. There are not only individual but corporate aspects to this growth. Catholic Social Teaching offers insights on the corporate and social condition in which we find ourselves. It has a healthy respect for the economic laws of the market and for the technical intricacies of efficient decision-making processes in local, national, and world economies, but out of respect for human nature there are moral norms that need to be respected and that may never be violated. On the topic of property and private ownership, considerable attention is given to the very purpose of private property (namely, to provide individuals with a kind of independence that enhances their ability to do their duties to their dependence and that extends their freedom). But always correlated with this defense of private property is a sense of the social demands on private property that come from the common good and the communal purpose of all earthly goods.
Effect of transdermal clonidine on the endocrine responses to insulin-induced hypoglycemia in essential hypertension

Clonidine hydrochloride via the central nervous system lowers blood pressure, inhibits ACTH and catecholamine release, and stimulates growth hormone secretion. To evaluate the effect of this drug on the release of glucoregulatory hormones during hypoglycemia, we studied the responses to insulin-induced hypoglycemia (0.1 units/kg) in 10 patients with mild essential hypertension before and after treatment for 16 weeks with transdermal clonidine. Clonidine significantly lowered blood pressure, basal plasma norepinephrine levels, and epinephrine and renin activity but did not affect basal growth hormone concentrations. Clonidine significantly reduced the norepinephrine and epinephrine responses to hypoglycemia (norepinephrine AUC from 207 +/- 16 SE to 156 +/- 25 nmol/L/min, epinephrine from 157 +/- 28 to 99 +/- 29 nmol/L/min; both p less than 0.05) and increased the growth hormone response (AUC from 763 +/- 148 ng/min/ml to 1164 +/- 292 ng/min/ml; p less than 0.05) but did not affect the cortisol response or the magnitude or rate of glucose recovery from hypoglycemia. Thus transdermal clonidine has several effects on glucose counterregulatory hormones that do not significantly alter insulin sensitivity or impair recovery from hypoglycemia.
Efficacy of sertraline for bulimia nervosa.

Objective The current study examined the efficacy of sertraline in the treatment of individuals diagnosed with bulimia nervosa. Method Eighteen women enrolled in an 8-week open trial of sertaline. Eating disorder psychopathology and depressive symptoms were assessed at baseline and at the end of the trial using both semistructured interviews and self-report questionnaires. Results Findings indicated significant reductions in eating disorder psychopathology, including the number of binges and purges per week, as well as significant reductions in depressive symptoms. In addition, participants did not experience significant weight gain or any other sertraline side effect assessed at the end of the trial compared with baseline. Discussion Findings from the current study indicate that sertraline is efficacious in the treatment of bulimia nervosa. A double-blind controlled trial of sertraline is recommended for future research. © 2004 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 36: 48–54, 2004.
Development of improved nomogram for prediction of outcome of initial prostate biopsy using readily available clinical information.

Objectives To construct a nomogram that can be used to estimate the risk of prostate cancer (PCa) and high-grade PCa using readily available clinical information for men undergoing initial extended prostate biopsy (PBx). Many nomograms have been developed to predict the outcome of initial PBx. However, most require information not available at the decision to biopsy. Methods From March 2000 to April 2010, 1551 men with a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) of ≤10 ng/mL who underwent initial extended PBx were included in the present study. The nomogram predictor variables were patient age, race, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level, percent free PSA, family history of PCa, and the digital rectal examination findings. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was calculated as a measure of discrimination. The calibration was assessed graphically. Results Of the 1551 men, 606 (39.1%) had PCa on biopsy. The mean value for age, PSA, and percent free PSA was 63.4 years, 5.1 ng/mL, and 21.4%, respectively. Also, 25.1% and 7.8% of patients with positive PBx findings had digital rectal examination abnormalities and a positive family history, respectively. The univariate and multivariate analyses suggested that all 6 risk factors were predictors of PCa in the study cohort ( P Conclusions The present predictive model allows an assessment of the risk of PCa and high-grade PCa for men undergoing initial extended PBx using readily available, noninvasively obtained clinical data.
Trihydroxy-C18-acids and a labdane from rudbeckia fulgida

Abstract Extraction of Rudbeckia fulgida furnished 13αH-labd-8(17)-en-15-al-19-oic acid, two new C 18 -acids tentatively formulated as 9 ( S *),12 ( S *),13 ( S *)-trihydroxyoctadeca-10( E ),15 ( Z )-dienoic acid and 9 ( S *),12 ( S *),13 ( S *)-trihydroxyoctadec-10 ( E )-enoic acid, several known C 14 -polyacetylenes and several flavone glycosides.
Leucocytic Pyrogen generated by Endotoxin

LEUCOCYTIC pyrogen is a low molecular weight protein synthesized by polymorphonuclear and mononuclear leucocytes in response to certain stimuli. The fever accompanying many bacterial and viral infections is thought to be caused by the release of this material from host leucocytes and its action at the thermoregulatory centre of the brain1. Pyrogen is not preformed in leucocytes. In in vitro experiments, it appears in the extracellular fluid only on incubating intact leucocytes at 37° C, when a potent stimulus is endotoxin or bacterial lipopolysaccharide2. The well known pyrogenicity of endotoxin is best explained by its action on circulating leucocytes, but the mechanism is not known. It is usually assumed that endotoxin liberates a bound form of pyrogen or converts a propyrogen to an active form without itself entering into pyrogen formation. We shall describe a leucocytic-type pyrogen generated by incubating endotoxin with inactive leucocytic pyrogen preparations, which suggests that endotoxin contributes a building block for the synthesis of leucocytic pyrogen.
Obscurins’ Mechanistic Involvement in Signal Transduction at the Cardiac Intercalated Disc

The intercalated disc (ID) of cardiac muscle embodies a highly ordered, multifunctional network, which is essential for the transmission of electrical stimuli and mechanical force resulting in the synchronous contraction of the heart. Recently, a plethora of proteins have been identified as novel components of the ID. The challenge now lies in their characterization. Here we focus on the molecular and functional description of two novel members of the ID, obscurin-80 and obscurin-40.Obscurins are a family of proteins expressed in striated muscles where they localize to distinct subdomains. The members of the obscurin family are multidomain proteins composed of adhesion modules and signaling domains, resulting from extensive alternative splicing of transcripts arising from the single OBSCN gene. Recent work from our laboratory has demonstrated that complex splicing at the 3’ end of the obscurin transcript gives rise to at least two novel obscurins, obscurin-80 (obsc-80) and obscurin-40 (obsc-40), named after their predicted molecular weights.Using immunofluorescence and immunoelectron microscopy, we show that obsc-80 and obsc-40 localize to the ID of developing and adult murine cardiomyocytes. Using biochemical assays we further demonstrate that both obsc-80 and obsc-40 exist in a complex with major ID proteins, including N-cadherin, connexin-43, vinculin, and ankyrin-G. The PH domain present in both obsc-80 and obsc-40 binds specifically and directly binds to phosphatidylinositol 3,4 and 4,5 bisphosphates, likely targeting both proteins to the ID membrane. Overexpression of the obscurin PH domain results in decreased phosphorylation of Akt, therefore reducing Akt activation. This suggests a potential role for obsc-80 and obsc-40 in the regulation of cell growth and proliferation via the Akt pathway. Further experiments are underway to examine the functional activities of obsc-80 and obsc-40 at the ID and their regulation in health and disease.
Analysis of Fishing Power Correction Factor Estimates from a Trawl Comparison Experiment

Abstract Four published analytical techniques were applied to comparative trawl data to obtain fishing power correction (FPC) factors for 12 major commercial species that were caught by two resource assessment trawls used by the National Marine Fisheries Service (Alaska Fisheries Science Center). Fishing power correction techniques included ratios of catch per unit effort (CPUE), randomized block analysis of variance (ANOVA), standard least-squares regression, and a method developed by Kappenman. All four estimators generally gave similar results for species that were clearly caught in higher proportion by one trawl, but they differed in the magnitude of the adjustment. For Pacific cod Gadus macrocephalus and sablefish Anoplopoma fimbria, which were caught at very similar rates during the experiment, FPC estimates close to 1.0 (no difference between trawls) were obtained from each technique, but they differed regarding which trawl was most efficient. The Kappenman estimator gave FPC estimates of 1.0 for s...
Suicide risk assessment training for psychology doctoral programs: Core competencies and a framework for training.

Clinical and counseling psychology programs currently lack adequate evidence-based competency goals and training in suicide risk assessment. To begin to address this problem, this article proposes core competencies and an integrated training framework that can form the basis for training and research in this area. First, we evaluate the extent to which current training is effective in preparing trainees for suicide risk assessment. Within this discussion, sample and methodological issues are reviewed. Second, as an extension of these methodological training issues, we integrate empirically- and expert-derived suicide risk assessment competencies from several sources with the goal of streamlining core competencies for training purposes. Finally, a framework for suicide risk assessment training is outlined. The approach employs Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) methodology, an approach commonly utilized in medical competency training. The training modality also proposes the Suicide Competency Assessment Form (SCAF), a training tool evaluating self- and observer-ratings of trainee core competencies. The training framework and SCAF are ripe for empirical evaluation and potential training implementation.
Safety of lumbar puncture in patients with hemophilia.

Study objective: To determine the safety of lumbar puncture in patients with hemophilia who are pretreated with clotting factor. Design: Retrospective analysis of medical records between 1980 and 1990. Setting: Three hospitals, each serving as a regional hemophilia center. Participants: Thirty-three patients with hemophilia A or B who received one or more lumbar puncture. Intervention: All patients received replacement of deficient factor before the lumbar puncture. Serious post-lumbar puncture complications were defined as motor or sensory deficits, incontinence, or documented intraspinal hemorrhage. Results: Thirty-three patients with hemophilia A or B received a total of 52 lumbar punctures during the study period. Thirty of 33 patients (91%) had severe baseline factor deficiency, two (6%) had moderate deficiency, and one (3%) had mild deficiency. There were no serious complications reported as a result of the lumbar puncture. The 95% confidence interval for the risk of a serious complication was 0% to 5.8%. Conclusion: With adequate factor replacement, a lumbar puncture can be done safely in patients with hemophilia.
Gender differences in determining the ethical sensitivity of future accounting professionals

This paper explores possible connections between gender and the willingness to tolerate unethical academic behavior. Data from a sample of 285 accounting majors at four public institutions reveal that females are less tolerant than males when questioned about academic misconduct. Statistically significant differences were found for 17 of 23 questionable activities. Furthermore, females were found to be less cynical and less often involved in academic dishonesty. Overall, the results support the finding of Betz et al. (1989) that the gender socialization approach dominates the structural approach.