cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A direct version of Shamir and Snir's lower bounds on monotone circuit depth

Abstract We present direct proofs of the following results of Shamir and Snir [Mathematical System Theory 13 (1980) 301-322] on the depth of monotone arithmetic circuits over rings of characteristic 0: (1) an ω((log p)(log n)) lower bound for computing the product of p n × n matrices; and (2) an ω(n) lower bound for computing the permanent of an n × n matrix.
Dizziness in the elderly: etiology and treatment

Dizziness is a common but little understood symptom that is a frequent problem for older adults. As the population of older people seeking primary care increases, practitioners need to be knowledgeable concerning the multiple etiologies of dizziness. This article provides classification and clarification of types of dizziness, discusses the multiple etiological factors that influence the development of dizziness in the elderly, and develops assessment parameters and treatment modalities.
Cognitive Enhancement with Rosiglitazone Links the Hippocampal PPARγ and ERK MAPK Signaling Pathways

We previously reported that the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) agonist rosiglitazone (RSG) improved hippocampus-dependent cognition in the Alzheimer's disease (AD) mouse model, Tg2576. RSG had no effect on wild-type littermate cognitive performance. Since extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase mitogen-activated protein kinase (ERK MAPK) is required for many forms of learning and memory that are affected in AD, and since both PPARγ and ERK MAPK are key mediators of insulin signaling, the current study tested the hypothesis that RSG-mediated cognitive improvement induces a hippocampal PPARγ pattern of gene and protein expression that converges with the ERK MAPK signaling axis in Tg2576 AD mice. In the hippocampal PPARγ transcriptome, we found significant overlap between peroxisome proliferator response element-containing PPARγ target genes and ERK-regulated, cAMP response element-containing target genes. Within the Tg2576 dentate gyrus proteome, RSG induced proteins with structural, energy, biosynthesis and plasticity functions. Several of these proteins are known to be important for cognitive function and are also regulated by ERK MAPK. In addition, we found the RSG-mediated augmentation of PPARγ and ERK2 activity during Tg2576 cognitive enhancement was reversed when hippocampal PPARγ was pharmacologically antagonized, revealing a coordinate relationship between PPARγ transcriptional competency and phosphorylated ERK that is reciprocally affected in response to chronic activation, compared with acute inhibition, of PPARγ. We conclude that the hippocampal transcriptome and proteome induced by cognitive enhancement with RSG harnesses a dysregulated ERK MAPK signal transduction pathway to overcome AD-like cognitive deficits in Tg2576 mice. Thus, PPARγ represents a signaling system that is not crucial for normal cognition yet can intercede to restore neural networks compromised by AD.
Epidemiology and laboratory diagnosis of infection with viral and bacterial pathogens in infants hospitalized for suspected sepsis

A prospective study was conducted to determine the frequency and distribution of bacterial and viral pathogens in infants hosptalized with suspected sepsis and to evaluate the potential of virus detection for improving patient management. A causative organism was detected in 157 (67%) of 233 previously healthy infants less than 3 months of age, who had been hospltalized for suspected sepsis: 19 (8%) had bacterial infections, 135 (58%) had viral infections, and 3 (1%) had mixed viral-bacterial infections. Viral infections occurred in a seasonal pattern: enteroviruses were responsible for most of the hospitalizations during summer and fall (65/110;63%) and respiratory syncytial and influenza A viruses were responsible for most of the infections during winter (44/81;55%). In contrast, bacterial infections were not seasonally distributed. Virus was detected in 33% of the 138 infected infants within 24 hours, and in 64% within 3 days. We conclude that viral infections are prevalent among infants hospitalized for suspected sepsis, and most can be detected early enough to influence patient management.
The dendral project: recent advances in computer- assisted structure elucidation

Abstract Recent advances in the DENDRAL Project on computer-assisted approaches to structure elucidation are reviewed. Important developments include: (1) novel approaches to constrained generation of constitutional isomers to obtain structural candidates for an unknown; (2) the first solution to the problem of exhaustive generation of configurational stereoisomers and the implementation of a program for constrained generation of such stereoisomers; (3) the refinement of methods for predicting mass spectra of molecular structures and for using such predicted spectra to determine the relative plausibilities of different hypothesized structures for an unknown; (4) the development of experimental approaches for the interpretation and prediction of 13 C-n.m.r. spectra. Future extensions allowing the representation and use of conformational stereochemical information, and potential applications of such extensions are discussed.
Substrate-enzyme interactions in cellulase systems

The interaction between catalytically active and inactive Trichoderma reesei cellulase components and cotton fibers has been examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Cellobiohydrolase I (CBH I), the major component, was rendered catalytically inactive by its treatment with ammonium hexachloropalladate; however, the inactive enzyme still had the ability to bind to the cotton fiber. SEM and AFM provided evidence suggesting that the catalytic activity of CBH I was required for fiber disruption, AFM allowing resolution of cotton fibers to the microfibril level. However, at high magnification slightly elongated holes were observed throughout the surface of the microfibrillar surface of cotton fibers treated with inactivated CBH I. No disruption of cotton fibers was observed by a palladium-inactivated CBH II/EG II mixture.
Seasonal dynamics and partitioning of isotopic CO2 exchange in a C3/C4 managed ecosystem

Ecosystem-atmosphere fluxes of 12 CO2 and 13 CO2 are needed to better understand the impacts of climate and land use change on ecosystem respiration (F R), net ecosystem CO2 exchange (F N), and canopy-scale photosynthetic discrimination (D). We combined micrometeorological and stable isotope techniques to quantify isotopic fluxes of 12 CO2 and 13 CO2 over a corn‐ soybean rotation ecosystem in the Upper Midwest United States. Results are reported for a 192-day period during the corn (C4) phase of the 2003 growing season. The isotopomer flux ratio, d 13 CO2/d 12 CO2, was measured continuously using a tunable diode laser (TDL) and gradient technique to quantify the isotope ratios of F R (dR) and F N (dN). Prior to leaf emergence dR was approximately � 26%. It increased rapidly following leaf emergence and reached an average value of � 12.5% at full canopy. dR decreased to pre-emergence values following senescence. dN also showed strong seasonal variation and during the main growing period averaged � 11.6%. dR and dN values were used in a modified flux partitioning approach to estimate canopy-scale D and the isotope ratio of photosynthetically assimilated CO2 (dP) independent of calculating canopy conductance or assuming leafscale discrimination factors. The results showed substantial day-to-day variation in D with an average value of 4.0%. This fluxbased estimate of D was approximately 6% lower than the Keeling mixing model estimate and in better agreement with leaflevel observations. These data were used to help constrain and partition F R into its autotrophic (F Ra) and heterotrophic (F Rh) components based on the numerical optimization of a mass balance model. On average F Ra accounted for 44% of growing season F R and reached a maximum of 59% during peak growth. The isotope ratio of F Rh (dRh), was � 26% prior to leaf emergence, and became increasingly 13 C enriched as the canopy developed indicating that recent photosynthate became the dominant substrate for microbial activity. Sensitivity analyses substantiated that F Rh had a major influence on the seasonal pattern of dR, dN and the isotopic disequilibrium of the ecosystem. These data and parameter estimates are critical for validating and constraining the parameterization of land surface schemes and inverse models that aim to estimate regional carbon sinks and
Validity of depression rating scales during pregnancy and the postpartum period: Impact of trimester and parity

Abstract The objective of the current study was to delineate the optimal cutpoints for depression rating scales during pregnancy and the postpartum period and to assess the perinatal factors influencing these scores. Women participating in prospective investigations of maternal mental illness were enrolled prior to 28 weeks gestation and followed through 6 months postpartum. At each visit, subjects completed self-rated depression scales – Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and clinician-rated scales – Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD17 and HRSD21). These scores were compared to the SCID Mood Module for the presence of fulfilling diagnostic criteria for a major depressive episode (MDE) during 6 perinatal windows: preconception; first trimester; 2nd trimester; 3rd trimester; early postpartum; and later postpartum. Optimal cutpoints were determined by maximizing the sum of each scale’s sensitivity and specificity. Stratified ROC analyses determined the impact of previous pregnancy and comparison of initial to follow-up visits. A total of 534 women encompassing 640 pregnancies and 4025 follow-up visits were included. ROC analysis demonstrated that all 4 scales were highly predictive of MDE. The AUCs ranged from 0.857 to 0.971 and were all highly significant (p
Interventions for trauma-related emotional disturbances in adult victims of crime

This paper provides an overview of several treatment interventions for trauma-related disturbances in adult victims of crime. Following a brief discussion of mental health service utilization among crime victims, we describe interventions for acute and chronic reactions to trauma. We present some controlled studies of psychosocial treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that have gained empirical support and are recommended as first line interventions by expert consensus (E. B. Foa, J. R. T. Davidson, & A. Francis, 1999) including exposure therapy, cognitive therapy, and stress inoculation training, followed by a brief summary of selected studies examining the efficacy of pharmacological treatment for PTSD. Finally, we discuss multicultural issues, factors associated with treatment outcome, and challenges we have encountered in treating crime victims.
Modeling the Evolution of Natural Organic Matter in the Environment with an Agent-Based Stochastic Approach

. Natural organic matter (NOM) is ubiquitous in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, and it plays a crucial role in the evolution of soils, the transport of pollutants, and the global carbon cycle. NOM is a complex mixture of molecules and is thus heterogeneous in structure and composition. As NOM passes through an ecosystem, it is acted upon by a variety of processes, such as microbial degradation, adsorption to mineral surfaces, and photochemical reactions that can change its properties and reactivity. The evolution of NOM in space and time thus is an important research area in biology, geochemistry, ecology, soil science, and water resources. Due to its complex structural and chemical heterogeneity, new simulation approaches are needed to help better understand the evolution of NOM properties and reactivity as it passes through an ecosystem. We present a new stochastic model, which explicitly treats NOM as a large number of discrete heterogeneous molecules (“agents”) with different probabilities of transformations or reactions. The NOM, the microorganisms, and their environment are taken together as a complex system, with the NOM interactions within this system simulated using an agent-based stochastic modeling approach. The initial users of the NOM simulations include a geographically separated group of NSF-sponsored scientists and engineers from different research disciplines, including both academics and U.S. government scientists. A Web-based interface serves as a prototype NOM “collaboratory” designed to promote collaboration among the various researchers and to allow them to share their data, model results, and suggested approaches or improvements across distributed sites. This Web-based interface has been designed to allow researchers to access the simulation model remotely from a standard Web browser. The Web-based interface thus allows researchers at distant locations to provide parameters for their simulations, to start and stop simulations, and to plot and view results, all remotely.
Channelized relevance vector machine as a numerical observer for cardiac perfusion defect detection task

In this paper, we present a numerical observer for image quality assessment, aiming to predict human observer accuracy in a cardiac perfusion defect detection task for single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). In medical imaging, image quality should be assessed by evaluating the human observer accuracy for a specific diagnostic task. This approach is known as task-based assessment. Such evaluations are important for optimizing and testing imaging devices and algorithms. Unfortunately, human observer studies with expert readers are costly and time-demanding. To address this problem, numerical observers have been developed as a surrogate for human readers to predict human diagnostic performance. The channelized Hotelling observer (CHO) with internal noise model has been found to predict human performance well in some situations, but does not always generalize well to unseen data. We have argued in the past that finding a model to predict human observers could be viewed as a machine learning problem. Following this approach, in this paper we propose a channelized relevance vector machine (CRVM) to predict human diagnostic scores in a detection task. We have previously used channelized support vector machines (CSVM) to predict human scores and have shown that this approach offers better and more robust predictions than the classical CHO method. The comparison of the proposed CRVM with our previously introduced CSVM method suggests that CRVM can achieve similar generalization accuracy, while dramatically reducing model complexity and computation time.
Intervention in context-sensitive probabilistic Boolean networks

Motivation: Intervention in a gene regulatory network is used to help it avoid undesirable states, such as those associated with a disease. Several types of intervention have been studied in the framework of a probabilistic Boolean network (PBN), which is essentially a finite collection of Boolean networks in which at any discrete time point the gene state vector transitions according to the rules of one of the constituent networks. For an instantaneously random PBN, the governing Boolean network is randomly chosen at each time point. For a context-sensitive PBN, the governing Boolean network remains fixed for an interval of time until a binary random variable determines a switch. The theory of automatic control has been previously applied to find optimal strategies for manipulating external (control) variables that affect the transition probabilities of an instantaneously random PBN to desirably affect its dynamic evolution over a finite time horizon. This paper extends the methods of external control to context-sensitive PBNs. Results: This paper treats intervention via external control variables in context-sensitive PBNs by extending the results for instantaneously random PBNs in several directions. First, and most importantly, whereas an instantaneously random PBN yields a Markov chain whose state space is composed of gene vectors, each state of the Markov chain corresponding to a context-sensitive PBN is composed of a pair, the current gene vector occupied by the network and the current constituent Boolean network. Second, the analysis is applied to PBNs with perturbation, meaning that random gene perturbation is permitted at each instant with some probability. Third, the (mathematical) influence of genes within the network is used to choose the particular gene with which to intervene. Lastly, PBNs are designed from data using a recently proposed inference procedure that takes steady-state considerations into account. The results are applied to a context-sensitive PBN derived from gene-expression data collected in a study of metastatic melanoma, the intent being to devise a control strategy that reduces the WNT5A gene's action in affecting biological regulation, since the available data suggest that disruption of this influence could reduce the chance of a melanoma metastasizing. Contact: edward@ee.tamu.edu
Form and function in metal-dependent transcriptional regulation: dawn of the enlightenment.

Metal homeostasis is a complicated process involving uptake, efflux, and sequestration of metals. The processes have to be very carefully regulated at different levels. Metal-dependent transcriptional regulation is the major mechanism of the cellular response to changing metal concentrations. It is
A critical assessment of generational accounting and its contribution to the generational equity debate

This article describes generational accounting (GA) with a focus on what it brings to the broader literature on generational equity. Our assessment suggests that the GA model has its limitations but is potentially useful in the hands of analysts who are familiar with both the strengths and limitations of the model. It is most useful when the focus is on dealing with intergenerational equity, but it is much less useful when the focus is on issues related to class, race, and other forms intragenerational equity. We conclude that when GA models are used to support calls for retrenchment of public spending on pensions and other social programs that target the older population, it makes sense to recognize that the potential benefits with respect to government debt and deficit reduction and reduced inequality in net tax burdens across age cohorts may come at the cost of increased intragenerational inequality for many workers and retirees.
Consistency-preserving caching of dynamic database content

With the growing use of dynamic web content generated from relational databases, traditional caching solutions for through put and latency improvements are ineffective. We describe a middleware layer called Ganesh that reduces the volume of data transmitted without semantic interpretation of queries or results. It achieves this reduction through the use of cryptographic hashing to detect similarities with previous results. These benefits do not require any compromise of the strict consistency semantics provided by the back-end database. Further, Ganesh does not require modifications to applications, web servers, or database servers, and works with closed-source applications and databases. Using two bench marks representative of dynamic web sites, measurements of our prototype show that it can increase end-to-end throughput by as much as two fold for non-data intensive applications and by as much as ten fold for dataintensive ones.
Electromigration Modeling of Blech Experiment with Comparison to Recent Experimental Data

Finite element analysis is applied to simulate electromigration in a copper line/tungsten junction, which is a typical structure in Blech experiments adopted to measure the electromigration drift velocity by edge displacement. Because the specific resistivity of tungsten is higher than that of copper, the electric current crowds at the corner where the underlying tungsten bar connects to the edge of the copper line. Therefore, material in the corner is depleted faster than that in other places of the copper/tungsten interface. Our simulation reveals that a stress that may be high enough to crack the interface is also built up in the corner. The evolution of the line resistance under various current densities is calculated from our model and compared to recent experiment results.
A Quantitative Genetic Basis for Leaf Morphology in a Set of Precisely Defined Tomato Introgression Lines

Introgression lines (ILs), in which genetic material from wild tomato species is introgressed into a domesticated background, have been used extensively in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) improvement. Here, we genotype an IL population derived from the wild desert tomato Solanum pennellii at ultrahigh density, providing the exact gene content harbored by each line. To take advantage of this information, we determine IL phenotypes for a suite of vegetative traits, ranging from leaf complexity, shape, and size to cellular traits, such as stomatal density and epidermal cell phenotypes. Elliptical Fourier descriptors on leaflet outlines provide a global analysis of highly heritable, intricate aspects of leaf morphology. We also demonstrate constraints between leaflet size and leaf complexity, pavement cell size, and stomatal density and show independent segregation of traits previously assumed to be genetically coregulated. Meta-analysis of previously measured traits in the ILs shows an unexpected relationship between leaf morphology and fruit sugar levels, which RNA-Seq data suggest may be attributable to genetically coregulated changes in fruit morphology or the impact of leaf shape on photosynthesis. Together, our results both improve upon the utility of an important genetic resource and attest to a complex, genetic basis for differences in leaf morphology between natural populations.
The Rap Music Attitude and Perception (RAP) Scale: Scale Development and Preliminary Analysis of Psychometric Properties

SUMMARY Rap music has become a vital part of youth culture and, consequently, is now a central component in many programs that serve youth. Understanding attitudes towards and perceptions of rap music can be an important step in informing various approaches to incorporating rap music into programs aimed at youth. This article reports the initial psychometric properties of the RAP. The RAP is an instrument designed to measure attitudes towards and perceptions of rap music. A review of the research on rap music revealed that although several researchers discuss and interpret rap music attitudes and perceptions, a reliable and valid measure of these constructs is absent from the literature. Findings support a three-factor model of the RAP. Scale items loaded on their respective factors ranging from .55 to .83 and reliability analyses determined that the RAP and its three subscales had good internal consistency (i.e., a ranged from .87 to .92). Criterion validity results were also presented. Practical applica...
A statistical approach to source determination of lithic and Fe oxide grains; an example from the Alpha Ridge, Arctic Ocean

ABSTRACT Discriminant function analysis (DFA) of microprobe data on 12 elements in nine Fe oxide mineral types was used to match each Fe oxide grain from an Arctic Ocean core to similarly analyzed grains in probable source areas for ice-rafted detritus. This approach to provenance allows us to determine the proportion of multiple sources with a high degree of statistical probability. Counts of microscopically identified dropstones (> 250 µm) from centimeter-thick samples of the core and from source-area samples provide a direct link to the sediment source. Multiple types of DFA (e.g., direct vs. stepwise) on the dropstone data provide slightly different sources for many samples from the core. This is due to multiple sources for each core sample and provides a more accurate picture of ources than one DFA procedure alone. Most of the lithic grains were derived from the northwestern Queen Elizabeth Islands centered around Ellef Ringnes Island and from the vicinity of Victoria and Banks Islands. Whereas the microprobe data from individual Fe oxide grains led to these same source areas, they always showed that several sources contributed to each centimeter-thick core sample. Significant input from both the dominant source areas to the same intervals in the core indicates that the ice sheets or ice caps covering these different areas coexisted during several pre-Wisconsin glaciations.
Macroecology: more than the division of food and space among species on continents

Macroecology is a big-picture, statistical approach to the study of ecology. By focusing on broadly occurring patterns and processes operating at large spatial and temporal scales and ignoring localized and fi ne-scaled details, macroecology aims to uncover general mechanisms operating at organism, population and ecosystem levels of organization. Although such an approach is evident in writings dating from the mid- to late 1800s, not until 1989 was the domain of macroecology clearly articulated. Since then there has been an exponential growth in publications employing a macroecological perspective. Here we (1) briefl y review the history of macroecology, with emphasis on cultural, scientifi c and technological innovations that made this approach possible, (2) highlight current developments in the fi eld, including its increasing linkages with biogeography and other disciplines, and (3) point to likely future directions. We also touch upon methodological, statistical and institutional challenges faced by this and other highly interdisciplinary approaches. Our review of macroecology is especially timely, since it has been 20 years since the term was coined and the seminal paper published.
Radiation therapy to the primary and postinduction chemotherapy MIBG-avid sites in high-risk neuroblastoma.

Purpose Although it is generally accepted that consolidation therapy for neuroblastoma includes irradiation of the primary site and any remaining metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG)-avid metastatic sites, limited information has been published regarding the efficacy of this approach. Methods and Materials Thirty patients with high-risk neuroblastoma were treated at 1 radiation therapy (RT) department after receiving 5 cycles of induction chemotherapy and resection. All patients had at least a partial response after induction therapy, based upon international neuroblastoma response criteria. The primary sites were treated with 24 to 30 Gy whereas the MIBG-avid metastatic sites were treated with 24 Gy. RT was followed by high-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell rescue and 6 months of cis -retinoic acid. Results The 5-year progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) rates were 48% and 59%, respectively. The 5-year locoregional control at the primary site was 84%. There were no differences in locoregional control according to degree of primary surgical resection. The 5-year local control rate for metastatic sites was 74%. The 5-year PFS rates for patients with 0, 1, 2, and >3 postinduction MIBG sites were 66%, 57%, 20%, and 0% ( P P Conclusions RT to the primary site and postinduction MIBG-positive metastatic sites was associated with 84% and 74% local control, respectively. The number of MIBG-avid sites present after induction chemotherapy and surgery was predictive of progression-free and overall survival.
Interphase chromosomes undergo constrained diffusional motion in living cells.

Abstract Background: Structural studies of fixed cells have revealed that interphase chromosomes are highly organized into specific arrangements in the nucleus, and have led to a picture of the nucleus as a static structure with immobile chromosomes held in fixed positions, an impression apparently confirmed by recent photobleaching studies. Functional studies of chromosome behavior, however, suggest that many essential processes, such as recombination, require interphase chromosomes to move around within the nucleus. Results: To reconcile these contradictory views, we exploited methods for tagging specific chromosome sites in living cells of Saccharomyces cerevisiae with green fluorescent protein and in Drosophila melanogaster with fluorescently labeled topoisomerase ll. Combining these techniques with submicrometer single-particle tracking, we directly measured the motion of interphase chromatin, at high resolution and in three dimensions. We found that chromatin does indeed undergo significant diffusive motion within the nucleus, but this motion is constrained such that a given chromatin segment is free to move within only a limited subregion of the nucleus. Chromatin diffusion was found to be insensitive to metabolic inhibitors, suggesting that it results from classical Brownian motion rather than from active motility. Nocodazole greatly reduced chromatin confinement, suggesting a role for the cytoskeleton in the maintenance of nuclear architecture. Conclusions: We conclude that chromatin is free to undergo substantial Brownian motion, but that a given chromatin segment is confined to a subregion of the nucleus. This constrained diffusion is consistent with a highly defined nuclear architecture, but also allows enough motion for processes requiring chromosome motility to take place. These results lead to a model for the regulation of chromosome interactions by nuclear architecture.
Functions of Yeast Hsp40 Chaperone Sis1p Dispensable for Prion Propagation but Important for Prion Curing and Protection From Prion Toxicity

Replication of amyloid-based yeast prions [ PSI + ], [URE3], and [ PIN + ] depends on the protein disaggregation machinery that includes Hsp104, Hsp70, and Hsp40 molecular chaperones. Yet, overexpressing Hsp104 cures cells of [ PSI + ] prions. An Hsp70 mutant (Ssa1-21p) antagonizes propagation of [ PSI + ] in a manner resembling elevated Hsp104. The major cytosolic Hsp40 Sis1p is the only Hsp40 required for replication of these prions, but its role in [ PSI + ] curing is unknown. Here we find that all nonessential functional regions of Sis1p are dispensable for [ PSI + ] propagation, suggesting that other Hsp40’s might provide Hsp40 functions required for [ PSI + ] replication. Conversely, several Sis1p functions were important for promoting antiprion effects of both Ssa1-21p and Hsp104, which implies a link between the antiprion effects of these chaperones and suggests that Sis1p is a specific Hsp40 important for [ PSI + ] curing. These contrasting findings suggest that the functions of Hsp104 that are important for propagation and elimination of [ PSI + ] are either distinct or specified by different Hsp409s. This work also uncovered a growth inhibition caused by [ PSI + ] when certain functions of Sis1p were absent, suggesting that Sis1p protects cells from cytotoxicity caused by [ PSI + ] prions.
Insight into the Catalytic Mechanism of Bimetallic Platinum Copper Core Shell Nanostructures for Nonaqueous Oxygen Evolution Reactions

The oxygen evolution reaction (OER) plays a critical role in multiple energy conversion and storage applications. However, its sluggish kinetics usually results in large voltage polarization and unnecessary energy loss. Therefore, designing efficient catalysts that could facilitate this process has become an emerging topic. Here, we present a unique Pt–Cu core–shell nanostructure for catalyzing the nonaqueous OER. The catalysts were systematically investigated with comprehensive spectroscopic techniques, and applied in nonaqueous Li–O2 electrochemical cells, which exhibited dramatically reduced charging overpotential (<0.2 V). The superior performance is explained by the robust Cu(I) surface sites stabilized by the Pt core in the nanostructure. The insights into the catalytic mechanism of the unique Pt–Cu core–shell nanostructure gained in this work are expected to serve as a guide for future design of other nanostructured bimetallic OER catalysts.
Use and abuse of newer knowledge of growth and development in schools.

Present knowledge of child growth and development hinges around three general principles: the pattern-formation or stage, the individual uniqueness, and the interrelationship of all aspects of the growth process. If we are to apply these principles to school children we need to recruit and select better personnel to work with them; we need to bring the benefits of this knowledge to such personnel in their training; we need to break down the tendency to compartmentalization of such personnel in their daily work with children. If we are to apply these principles to a school program we need to knit all aspects of that program together more closely than ever before. This is particularly true of the relationship of school health services to the school curriculum. Technics of measuring physical growth have been devised which are superior to former technics. Although they have a useful, if limited, role to play in the total school health program, their role in the screening and assessment aspects of the program remains in an experimental stage.
The radiological situation around the former uranium processing plant MAPE Mydlovary, Czech Republic

The uranium processing plant MAPE Mydlovary in South Bohemia, Czech Republic, was in operation for about 30 years, from 1962 until 1991. Extensive remediation and reclamation work has been done in the area. In the study presented here we measured mass and volume activities of certain radionuclides in soil and water samples from the surroundings and measured gamma equivalent dose rates at the same locations. The average activity concentrations of 40K, 226Ra, and 238U in soil were 307.3 ± 4.4 Bq/kg, 133.4 ± 0.8 Bq/kg, and 113.2 ±3.8 Bq/kg, respectively, whereas in water they were 5.7 ± 0.3 Bq/L, 0.30 ± 0.03 Bq/L, and 1.8 ± 0.16 Bq/L, respectively. The gamma equivalent dose rate at 5 cm and 1 m height above ground was 0.15 ± ± 0.04 µSv/h and 0.15 ± 0.03 µSv/h, respectively. As shown by comparison with the findings for similar sites elsewhere in the world, as well as with the results of measurements at uncontaminated locations, these values are compatible with regulation limits and there is no reason for concern regarding the radiation protection for workers involved with further remediation and reclamation, or carrying out other activities in the area.
NHC-mediated aggregation of P4: isolation of a P12 cluster.

Just like transition metal complexes, N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) promote the aggregation of white phosphorus (P4) as shown by the high yield synthesis of a P12 cluster capped by two NHCs. The nuclearity observed is equal to that of the largest phosphorus cluster prepared using transition metals, but the architecture of the P12 core is entirely novel.
Twenty-First Century End-of-Life Issues in Selected U.S. Professional Schools:

Health professionals often relate to dying and death, but what does their professional training do to prepare them for these often stressful situations? With this question in mind, selected profess...
Prime elements of subjectively experienced feelings and desires: imaging the emotional cocktail.

Primary affects exist at an ecological-communicative level of analysis, and therefore are not identifiable with specific brain regions. The constructionist view favored in the target article, that emotions emerge from “more basic psychological processes,” does not specify the nature of these processes. These more basic processes may actually involve specific neurochemical systems, that is, primary motivational-emotional systems (primes), associated with specific feelings and desires that combine to form the “cocktail” of experienced emotion.
Racism and linguicism: engaging language minority pre-service teachers in counter-storytelling

AbstractThis study examines how language minority pre-service teachers engaged in the discussion of racism and linguicism through counter-storytelling informed by Critical Race Theory (CRT). Counter-stories can act as a medium through which minority students can unpack the power relations embedded in academic learning. This study also explores ways in which having a language minority teacher educator with a similar background facilitated the discussion of race and native speaker status. Drawing on co-teaching experience with a white teacher educator, I suggest that the teaching of race and language be not only about racialized and linguistic identity of instructors, but pedagogical approaches and strategies through counter-stories that actively foster critical reflection on power imbalance inherent in schools.
The pharmacology of stuttering: a critical review.

Objective The author critically examines the limited world literature on pharmacologic treatments of stuttering. Method The literature on stuttering and drugs was identified by means of two computer-assisted searches. Findings A great variety of pharmacologic agents have been used to treat stuttering, reflecting the many theories about the origin and nature of the disorder. In some instances new hypotheses about the nature of stuttering have followed the chance discovery of agents having some efficacy. Conclusions Few studies have used adequate experimental designs. Promising avenues of research, both for the treatment of stuttering and for exploring its nature, include the use of calcium channel blocking agents and cholinergic drugs.
A control law for seeking an extremum of a three-dimensional scalar potential field

We describe an extension to a two-dimensional extremum seeking control law so that it may seek an extremum of a three-dimensional scalar potential field. We derive an equilibrium trajectory and prove its local stability for the case of a parabolic potential field. We then numerically characterize the stability as a function of parameters by evaluating its Floquet multipliers.
On the Nature of Genic Variation in Birds

Although papers concerned with electrophoresis and systematics have been appearing in the ornithological literature since the early 1950s (see review in Sibley et al., 1974), a period of rapid development of biochemical techniques and methods of analysis began only in the middle 1960s when empirical and theoretical population geneticists devoted increasing attention to the field. These workers were concerned not with questions of systematics, but rather with problems of the nature of evolutionary processes (Lewontin, 1974). Ornithologists did not adopt these new techniques and analyses as quickly as other evolutionary biologists; the first quantitative studies of individual heterozygosity and genetic differentiation in natural populations of birds did not appear until the late 1970s (see, for example, Smith and Zimmerman, 1976; Barrowclough and Corbin, 1978).
COMPUTING ADDED MASS COEFFICIENTS

Publisher Summary The objective of packages of elliptic problem solvers, such as ELLPACK and the library of the Club Modulef, is to obtain the accurate solution of general elliptic problems. The goal has only come close to being reached in reasonably general domains for linear, second-order differential equations (DE) in two space dimensions. Even for the simplest elliptic DE, the Laplace equation, Dirichlet-type boundary conditions are the only ones that are handled routinely, in theory and practice. This DE lies at the heart of the theory of potential flows, including especially that around a solid body moving through an ideal fluid. The theory of such flows, as developed by Kelvin and Kirchhoff, is by far the most satisfactory part of fluid dynamics from a mathematical standpoint. The resulting forces and moments on a body of general shape are all determined by a few added mass coefficients mjk. This chapter focuses on computing added mass coefficients. A package of subroutines for solving elliptic problems enable the user to compute all added mass coefficients for a solid or cylinder of general shape, by simply specifying its shape and size.
Pathway Design, Engineering, and Optimization

The microbial metabolic versatility found in nature has inspired scientists to create microorganisms capable of producing value-added compounds. Many endeavors have been made to transfer and/or combine pathways, existing or even engineered enzymes with new function to tractable microorganisms to generate new metabolic routes for drug, biofuel, and specialty chemical production. However, the success of these pathways can be impeded by different complications from an inherent failure of the pathway to cell perturbations. Pursuing ways to overcome these shortcomings, a wide variety of strategies have been developed. This chapter will review the computational algorithms and experimental tools used to design efficient metabolic routes, and construct and optimize biochemical pathways to produce chemicals of high interest.
Overcoming CML acquired resistance: Impact of cell differentiation and CD38 expression

A resistance through genetic mutations is a major obstacle in targeted cancer therapy, but the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Using chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) as a disease model, we studied mechanisms of CML acquired resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors. By examining genome-wide gene expression and Exome sequencing of CML cells before and after developing genetic resistance, we identified key changes in cellular differentiation status when CML cell acquired genetic resistance. Forced differentiation overcame CML acquired resistance by altering CD38 expression and cellular NAD metabolism, which led to inhibition of SIRT1 functions and error-prone DNA damage repair in CML cells and blocking mutation acquisition. Our study sheds novel insight of cancer acquired resistance and has clinical implication of using differentiation agents to overcome drug resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
Is plasticity of GABAergic mechanisms relevant to epileptogenesis

Numerous changes in GABAergic neurons, receptors, and inhibitory mechanisms have been described in temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), either in humans or in animal models. Nevertheless, there remains a common assumption that epilepsy can be explained by simply an insufficiency of GABAergic inhibition. Alternatively, investigators have suggested that there is hyperinhibition that masks an underlying hyperexcitability. Here we examine the status epilepticus (SE) models of TLE and focus on the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus, where a great deal of data have been collected. The types of GABAergic neurons and GABAA receptors are summarized under normal conditions and after SE. The role of GABA in development and in adult neurogenesis is discussed. We suggest that instead of “too little or too much” GABA there is a complexity of changes after SE that makes the emergence of chronic seizures (epileptogenesis) difficult to understand mechanistically, and difficult to treat. We also suggest that this complexity arises, at least in part, because of the remarkable plasticity of GABAergic neurons and GABAA receptors in response to insult or injury.
Exploring and Assessing Project Complexity

AbstractThe term project complexity is not well understood in the construction industry by either scholars or practitioners. Project complexity, however, is a critical factor in project management ...
Quality Monitoring Approach for Optimizing Antinuclear Antibody Screening Cutoffs and Testing Work Flow

Background: An antinuclear antibody (ANA) testing strategy involving enzyme immunoassay (EIA) screening that reflexed to immunofluorescence assay (IFA) was implemented, monitored, and optimized for clinical utility. Methods: The clinical utility, test performance, and workload implications of various ANA testing strategies were compared during the following study phases: (a) Preimplementation (n = 469) when IFA was used for all ANA screening, (b) Verification (n = 58) when EIA performance was confirmed, (c) Implementation (n = 433) when a reflexive strategy (EIA screen/IFA confirmation) was implemented, and (d) Postimplementation (n = 528) after the reflexive strategy was optimized. Sequential samples were captured in the Preimplementation, Implementation, and Postimplementation phases for clinical performance evaluation. Results: Clinical performance of the EIA screen, per ROC analysis yielded area under the curve (AUC) of 0.846 in the Implementation phase and increased to 0.934 Postimplementation (P Conclusions: Continuous quality monitoring approaches that incorporate sequential data sets can be used to evaluate, deploy, and optimize sensitive EIA-based ANA screening methods that can reduce manual IFA work without sacrificing clinically utility.
Successful design and delivery of a professional poster.

Background and purpose Poster presentations are increasingly popular for dissemination of scientific and clinical knowledge at professional meetings; however, this professional skill is generally absent from advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) curricula and acquisition of the skill must occur in other arenas. The purpose of this article is to promote professional development by educating APRNs, students, and faculty on the essentials of poster development and presentation. Methods To aid in poster presentation skill development, types of posters, advantages and disadvantages, content and design, and tips to enhance these presentations are discussed. What is known on these topics is summarized and emphasis on professional appearance and conduct is highlighted. Conclusions Content and layout, use of color, imagery, and positive and negative space are crucial design elements. Poster presentation essentials include being prepared, professional appearance, and professional behavior. Implications for practice Designing and presenting a professional poster is an essential skill for all APRNs as the ability to communicate knowledge is central to the role.
The Relationship of E-Cigarette Use to Cigarette Quit Attempts and Cessation: Insights From a Large, Nationally Representative U.S. Survey.

Objectives While cessation from cigarettes is a top priority for public health, controversy surrounds the role of e-cigarettes for quitting cigarettes. This study examines the role of e-cigarettes in quit attempts and 3-month cigarette abstinence using a large, recent nationally representative US sample. Methods Data from the 2014/15 Tobacco Use Supplement-Current Population Survey (TUS-CPS) on cigarette and e-cigarette use and individual characteristics were supplemented with information on state tobacco control policies. We estimated frequencies and multivariate logistic equations for making a quit attempt among those who smoked 1 year earlier and for remaining abstinent at least 3 months among those making a quit attempt. These two outcomes were related to demographic characteristics, tobacco control policies and different frequency measures of e-cigarette use (ever, at least 1, 5, 20 of the last 30 days, a continuous measure of days use). Results Having made a quit attempt was more likely among smokers using e-cigarettes than non-users. Among those making at least one quit attempt, quit success was lower among ever users, but higher among those with at least 5 days use of e-cigarettes in the last month. Both quit attempts and quit success were linearly related to the frequency of e-cigarette use. Conclusions Consistent with randomized trials and those observational studies that measure frequency of e-cigarette use, both quit attempts and quit success were positively associated with increased frequency of e-cigarette use. Frequency of e-cigarette use was important in gauging the nature of these relationships. Implications Previous studies have obtained mixed results regarding the relationship of e-cigarette use to cigarette smoking cessation. This study provides a more precise methodology for considering the relationship of e-cigarette use to quit attempts and to quit success, and finds that quit attempts and quit success increase with the number of days use in the past month.
Quality of Care Delivered to Veterans with COPD Exacerbation and the Association with 30-Day Readmission and Death.

Quality of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) care is thought to be an important intermediate process to improve the well-being of patients admitted to hospital for exacerbation. We sough...
Living on the edge: Pain control by blood leukocytes at the borders of the central nervous system

Discussion on the impact of blood leukocytes accumulating at the borders of the central nervous system on the development of neuropathic pain.