cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Physical activity and exercise: A first step to health promotion and disease prevention in women of all ages

T his article presents a brief history and update on the relationship of exercise to health. The terms activity, exercise, and physical fitness are defined in order to clarify the shift in emphasis from one of exercise to improve fitness to that of activity to improve health and decrease risk. Prevalence rates of women’s participation in exercise are reported, and inactivity as a risk factor for diseases and disorders that are prevalent in women are addressed. Last, suggestions are given for increasing activity among women.
Early growth of experimental tumors and the onset of concomitant immunity.

Abstract On repeated experiments, the rate of take of a given threshold inoculum of T241, B-16, SV40, L1210 or rat Wilms tumor in their syngeneic strains was not increased by additional tumor implanted concomitantly in other site(s), suggesting that early tumor growth is not dependent on an overwhelming by the tumor load of systemic host factors. There is no evidence in vivo of immune response in allogeneic or syngeneic tumors initially, following inoculation. Such evidence, in the form of tumor rejection or decreased rate of challenge take, does not appear at any definite interval from the time of inoculation, but its onset varies with the size of initial inoculum and coincides approximately with the time of early palpability of the tumor nodule. The take of a threshold inoculum apparently depends on its interaction with local host factors.
Living in a computing world: a step towards making knowledge of computing accessible to every student

The new CS Principles course provides an opportunity to advance the goal of making knowledge of computing and computer science accessible to every student. A pilot course used to inform the development of the CS Principles curriculum framework enabled its instructor to explore alternative pedagogical practices in pursuit of that goal. This article presents observations and reflections of the instructor with respect to these attempted practices.
Trained modulation of sensorimotor rhythms can affect reaction time.

Abstract Objective Brain–computer interface (BCI) technology might be useful for rehabilitation of motor function. This speculation is based on the premise that modifying the EEG will modify behavior, a proposition for which there is limited empirical data. The present study examined the possibility that voluntary modulation of sensorimotor rhythm (SMR) can affect motor behavior in normal human subjects. Methods Six individuals performed a cued-reaction task with variable warning periods. A typical variable foreperiod effect was associated with SMR desynchronization. SMR features that correlated with reaction times were then used to control a two-target cursor movement BCI task. Following successful BCI training, an uncued reaction time task was embedded within the cursor movement task. Results Voluntarily increasing SMR beta rhythms was associated with longer reaction times than decreasing SMR beta rhythms. Conclusions Voluntary modulation of EEG SMR can affect motor behavior. Significance These results encourage studies that integrate BCI training into rehabilitation protocols and examine its capacity to augment restoration of useful motor function.
Feature sensitivity: A generalization of topological sensitivity

Shape and topology optimization have flourished over the last two decades, resulting in a number of powerful mathematical concepts. One such concept is that of topological sensitivity that quantifies the impact of adding infinitesimal holes (within a given continuum) on specific quantities of interest such as compliance, average stress, etc. In this paper we explore a novel generalization of topological sensitivity called feature sensitivity that captures the first-order change in quantities of interest when an arbitrary internal and boundary feature is created within an existing continuum. Specific algorithms are derived for computing the feature sensitivity of linear elasticity problems, and illustrated through numerical experiments.
Straight alley acquisition and extinction and open field activity following discrete electrolytic lesions of the mesencephalic raphe nuclei.

Open field behavior and the acquisition and extinction of a food-rewarded straight alley task were examined in rats with discrete electrolytic lesions of the midbrain raphe nuclei. Increased open field activity was seen following lesions of either the median or dorsal nucleus of the raphe, although the effect of median lesions was much more pronounced. Acquisition and extinction of a runway task were impaired following lesions of the median, but not dorsal, nucleus when trials were separated by 8 min. Animals with combined lesions of the dorsal and median raphe were behaviorally indistinguishable from those subjects with median raphe lesions alone. In a second experiment, it was determined that the acquisition deficit could be eliminated by a decrease in the intertrial interval, suggesting that the original deficit was not due to a motor impairment following median raphe lesions. Although other investigators have reported raphe involvement in aversively motivated behaviors the current study provides the first demonstration that the median raphe is also involved in the performance of tasks which are appetitively motivated. Additionally, we provide the first evidence that deficits in food-rewarded behaviors similar to those seen following damage to certain limbic structures can be produced by lesions within the midbrain.
Pattern of Hereditary Susceptibility in Rheumatic Fever

This study is concerned with the pattern of inheritance of susceptibility to rheumatic fever. To investigate the genetic mechanism of inheritance in rheumatic fever the families of a selected parent were brought under observation without regard for the presence or absence of rheumatic fever in the unselected mate or collateral relatives. These data are preferable for genetic analysis since they are not biased by selection of affected children and can therefore be analysed directly by the application of simple Mendelian ratios. Two hundred ninety-one families including 646 siblings were under continuous medical supervision at The New York Hospital for an average period of 10 years. Rheumatic fever occurred in 40 children among a total of 121 offspring in 52 genetically susceptible families. By contrast in 239 nonsusceptible families with a total of 525 children, there were only three children who developed rheumatic fever. Genetic analysis of the data gave good agreement with simple recessive inheritance while excluding other mechanisms. The previous conclusion that susceptibility to rheumatic fever is inherited as a simple recessive trait was corroborated.
Muddling the history of geography

The argument put forward by Keith Lilley (2011) foreshadows similar debates in other disciplines concerning the history of science and the place of history in disciplines. Geography, he contends, l...
Layer-by-Layer Assembly of Ultrathin Films of Hemoglobin and Clay Nanoparticles with Electrochemical and Catalytic Activity

Stable films of clay and hemoglobin (Hb) were assembled layer-by-layer on various solid substrates by alternate adsorption of negatively charged clay platelets from their aqueous dispersions and positively charged Hb from pH 4.5 buffers. Cyclic voltammetry (CV), quartz crystal microbalance, and UV−vis spectroscopy were used to monitor film growth. CV of {clay/Hb}n films on pyrolytic graphite electrodes showed a pair of well-defined, nearly reversible peaks at about −0.27 V versus saturated calomel electrode (−0.02 V vs normal hydrogen electrode) at pH 5.5, characteristic of the HbFeIII/FeII redox couples. Although the amount of Hb adsorbed in each bilayer was essentially the same, the fraction of electroactive Hb decreased with the number of clay/Hb bilayers (n). Electroactivity of Hb extended to six clay/Hb bilayers. The Soret absorption band of Hb in {clay/Hb}6 films showed that Hb retained its secondary structure similar to its native state in the medium pH range. A Bragg peak in X-ray diffraction for ...
Ionic Conductance Changes in Lobster Axon Membrane When Lanthanum Is Substituted for Calcium

The trivalent rare earth lanthanum was substituted for calcium in the sea water bathing the exterior of an "artificial node" of a lobster axon in a sucrose gap. It caused a progressive rise in threshold, and a decrease in the height of the action potential as well as in its rates of rise and fall. Prolonged application produced an excitation block. Voltage-clamp studies of the ionic currents showed that the time courses of the ionic conductance changes for both sodium and potassium were increased. Concurrently, the potentials at which the conductance increases occurred were shifted to more positive inside values for the La+++ sea water. These effects resemble changes resulting from a high external calcium concentration. Over and above this, La+++ also causes a marked reduction in the maximum amount of conductance increase following a depolarizing potential step. Membrane action potentials similar to those observed experimentally in the La+++ solution have been computed with appropriate parameter changes in the Hodgkin-Huxley equations.
Photo Echo and Optical Nutation in Molecules

Photon echo and optical nutation have been easily observed in ${\mathrm{C}}^{13}$${\mathrm{H}}_{3}$F and N${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$D by applying Stark pulses which shift the molecular levels into resonance with cw laser radiation. Numerical computations of the nutation effect agree with observation, and echo characteristics closely follow predictions of existing theories. The $T_{2}^{}{}_{}{}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ pressure dependence, from infrared-echo measurements, indicates that ${\mathrm{C}}^{13}$${\mathrm{H}}_{3}$F relaxes primarily by rotational energy transfer.
The rat’s simultaneous anticipation of remote events and current events can be sustained by event memories alone

After receiving events in a fixed order, A-B-C…, rats, like people, on being provided with A, may anticipate not only B, a current anticipation, but also C, a remote anticipation. In two experiments, we attempted to determine whether rats’ remote anticipations are mediated by item cues (C elicited by A) or by position cues (C directly elicited by Position 3 cues, which generalize to Position 2). In Experiment 1, rats in a runway received two series of three trials, XNY and ZNN, each in irregular order each day. N signified nonreinforcement; X, Y, and Z signified three qualitatively different food reinforcements. The rats manifested a remote anticipation by running faster on Trial 2 in the XNY series than in the ZNN series. Since the series were presented irregularly, Trial 2 performance cannot be explained on a positional basis alone. It can be explained on an item basis, by assuming that the memory of the Trial 1 reinforcer became associated not only with the Trial 2 event, but with the Trial 3 event as well. Thus on Trial 2 the memory of X signaled N and Y, whereas the memory of Z signaled N and N. Experiment 2 produced the same results, regardless of whether the XNY and ZNN series were presented in regular or irregular order. These results indicate that remote anticipations can be mediated by item associations. They offer no evidence that position associations can do the same, but they do not rule out that possibility.
Hedonic ratings of odors as a function of odor sequence in older adults

Pleasant and unpleasant odors were presented to 20 subjects in two same-valence blocks, i.e., all pleasant ones first, all unpleasant ones second, or vice versa, and in alternation. Hedonic ratings increased for the second block of odors which followed the first block of oppositely valenced odors. Alternation did not appear to affect hedonic ratings. These findings suggest that presentation of odors can alter hedonic ratings, producing a contrast effect when odors are given in a blocked fashion.
COMMENTARY: Using Tiered Assessments to Focus Land Use Plans and Management Investments on the Highest Priorities

As broad-scale cumulative effects become increasingly evident across certain landscapes, science points to the need for broader understanding of ecosystem processes, functions, and interrelationshi...
Communications systems and their models: Massachusetts parent compliance with recommended specialty care after positive cystic fibrosis newborn screening result.

Objective To evaluate compliance with recommendations for sweat testing/specialty evaluation and genetic counseling after a positive cystic fibrosis newborn screening (CF NBS) result. Study design All infants with positive CF NBS results require a diagnostic sweat test at a CF center. Results that were "screen positive and diagnosis negative" prompted family genetic counseling. Parent compliance with follow-up protocol recommendations was retrospectively analyzed relative to the communications model in place at a particular CF Center. Results At each of the 5 MA CF centers, 95% of the CF NBS-positive infants completed recommended sweat testing. In contrast, there was wide disparity in compliance (32%-90%) with completion of genetic counseling between CF centers. Conclusion CF centers that escorted parents through the 2 recommended follow-up steps in 1 day had higher compliance with the second step (genetic counseling) than centers that required a return visit for genetic counseling.
Simple power-aware scheduler to limit power consumption by HPC system within a budget

Future Exascale systems are projected to require tens of megawatts. While facilities must provision sufficient power to realize peak performance, limited power availability will require power capping. Current approaches for power capping limit CPU power state and are agnostic to workload characteristics. Injudicious use of such mechanisms in HPC system can impose a devastating impact on performance. We propose integrating power limiting into a job scheduler. We will describe a power-aware scheduler that monitors power consumption, distributes the power budget to each job, and implements a "uniform frequency" mechanism to limit power. We will compare three implementations of uniform frequency. We will show that power monitoring improves the probability of launching a job earlier, allows a job to run faster, and reduces stranded power. Our data shows that "auto mode" for uniform frequency operates at 40% higher frequency than a fixed frequency mode.
Postbranding Survival of Steller Sea Lion Pups at Lowrie Island in Southeast Alaska

Abstract Steller sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus) pups (n = 366) were hot-branded at Lowrie Island, Southeast Alaska, USA, in June 2001 and 2002 for vital-rates studies. To assess potential mortality following branding, we estimated weekly survival to 12 weeks postbranding using mark–recapture models. Survival estimates ranged from 0.984/week to 0.988/week, or 0.868 over the 12-week period; varied little with sex, year, and capture area; and were higher for larger than smaller male pups and unexpectedly lower for larger than smaller female pups. Inclusion of resights at 1–3 years of age prevented a −4.5% bias in cumulative survival to 12 weeks postbranding by accounting for pups that survived but permanently emigrated from Lowrie Island during the 12-week survey. Data from double-marked pups (i.e., branded and flipper-tagged) indicated the low brand-misreading probability of 3.1% did not bias survival estimates. Assuming survival differences between the first 2 weeks postbranding and later weeks were due e...
Learning of Intelligent Controllers for Autonomous Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles by Genetic Cascading Fuzzy Methods

Abstract Looking forward to an autonomous Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) for future applications, it becomes apparent that on-board intelligent controllers will be necessary for these advanced systems. LETHA (Learning Enhanced Tactical Handling Algorithm) was created to develop intelligent managers for these advanced unmanned craft through the novel means of a genetic cascading fuzzy system. In this approach, a genetic algorithm creates rule bases and optimizes membership functions for multiple fuzzy logic systems, whose inputs and outputs feed into one another alongside crisp data.A simulation space referred to as HADES (Hoplological Autonomous Defend and Engage Simulation) was created in which LETHA can train the UCAVs intelligent controllers. Equipped with advanced sensors, a limited supply of Self-Defense Missiles (SDM), and a recharging Laser Weapon System (LWS), these UCAVs can navigate a pre-defined route through the mission space, counter enemy threats, and destroy mission-critical targets. Multiple missions were developed in HADES and a squadron of four UCAVs was trained by LETHA. Monte Carlo simulations of the resulting controllers were tested in mission scenarios that are distinct from the training scenarios to determine the training effectiveness in new environments and the presence of deep learning.Despite an incredibly large sample space, LETHA has demonstrated remarkable effectiveness in training intelligent controllers for the UCAV squadron and shown robustness to drastically changing states, uncertainty, and limited information while maintaining extreme levels of computational efficiency. Her specific architecture is applicable to a wide array of topics and specializes in problems with limited distributed resources in a spatiotemporal environment containing uncertainties and unknowns.
The mechanobiological aetiopathogenesis of tendinopathy: is it the over‐stimulation or the under‐stimulation of tendon cells?

While there is a significant amount of information available on the clinical presentation(s) and pathological changes associated with tendinopathy, the precise aetiopathogenesis of this condition remains a topic of debate. Classically, the aetiology of tendinopathy has been linked to the performance of repetitive activities (so-called overuse injuries). This has led many investigators to suggest that it is the mechanobiologic over-stimulation of tendon cells that is the initial stimulus for the degradative processes which have been shown to accompany tendinopathy. Although several studies have been able to demonstrate that the in vitro over-stimulation of tendon cells in monolayer can result in a pattern(s) of gene expression seen in clinical cases of tendinopathy, the strain magnitudes and durations used in these in vitro studies, as well as the model systems, may not be clinically relevant. Using a rat tail tendon model, we have studied the in vitro mechanobiologic response of tendon cells in situ to various tensile loading regimes. These studies have led to the hypothesis that the aetiopathogenic stimulus for the degenerative cascade which precedes the overt pathologic development of tendinopathy is the catabolic response of tendon cells to mechanobiologic under-stimulation as a result of microscopic damage to the collagen fibres of the tendon. In this review, we examine the rationale for this hypothesis and provide evidence in support of this theory.
Remote sensing of riverine landscapes

1. The fashion for examining riverine landscapes is changing as our technical instruments, from microprobes to satellites, expands to be able to examine the spatial and temporal relationships among biota, hydrology and geomorphology across scales from microhabitats to channel units to valleys to catchments. 2. The range of successful applications from remote sensing analyses of riverine landscapes has especially increased with the launch of many new instruments that record data across the electromagnetic spectrum. Engineering of the instruments has also improved such that knowledge of the radiometric properties of the digital data is more complete as a result of better instrumentation and installation of on-board calibrations systems for many instruments. 3. With the development of faster processing on cheaper computers, it is now common for comprehensive data sets to be processed through algorithms that previously could only be applied to relatively small (<1 Mbyte) rasters of data. This technical advance is especially important for the statistical algorithms such as principal components and spectral mixture analysis that can decompose gradients in the spectral data. The combined effect is the production of regional views of riverine landscapes separated into components of water, vegetation and soil. 4. The landscape properties of riverine landscapes that have been most successfully measured with remote sensing data include community and habitat level classification and connectivity of waterbodies with optical and radar data. Laser and radar altimetric data measured from aircraft provide land elevations at resolutions as fine as decimetres. A remaining challenge is to achieve an exact match between the categories of landscape classification from the remote sensing analysis and data from field surveys or model outputs. 5. In contrast to many landscape properties, several water properties are now routinely measured as absolute values (water surface elevation, temperature, surface sediment concentration and algal concentration) with remote sensing. New analyses of both passive and active radar data in addition have led to measurements of inundation and wetness that are providing valuable insight into the dynamics of flooding and its effect on riverine landscapes. 6. Finally, an effective examination of the variability in landscape cover includes additional analyses of remote sensing products using pattern metrics that measure the scale of patchiness and distribution of the landscape properties. These types of variability measures at the regional scale contribute to an increased understanding of the way in which spatial heterogeneity of riverine landscapes varies across scales and how landscape filters (sensu Poff, 1997) influence the evolution of these diversity patterns.
In situ photoimmunotherapy: a tumour-directed treatment for melanoma

We report a new immunological treatment for advanced cutaneous melanoma which combines laser stimulation with topical application of a toll-like receptor agonist. This treatment, in situ photoimmunotherapy (ISPI), provides an alternative to traditional therapies for melanoma patients with cutaneous metastases. A 6-week cycle of ISPI is carried out on cutaneous metastases located in a designated 20 x 20 cm treatment area: 2 weeks of pretreatment with twice-daily topical applications of imiquimod (5% cream under plastic occlusion), with a laser treatment session at week 2 and again at week 4. Topical imiquimod is continued for the entire 6-week cycle. Two patients with late-stage melanoma were treated with ISPI. Patient 1 had the primary tumour and local metastases on the left arm, as well as metastatic tumours in the lungs [American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage IV]. Patient 2 had a head and neck melanoma with multiple local metastases (AJCC stage IIIC), which had failed repeated attempts at surgical resection and high-dose radiation therapy. Patient 1 is now free of all clinically detectable tumours (including the lung metastases) >20 months after the first treatment cycle. Patient 2 has been free of any clinical evidence of the tumour for over 6 months. These two cases demonstrate that ISPI can clear local tumour and trigger beneficial systemic responses, with a side-effect profile that compares favourably with other treatments for advanced melanoma.
The fine art of IC design

Designers of 100-million-transistor chips face daunting challenges, most especially in dealing with switching currents, optimization, asynchronization, reuse, and design skills. Certain subjects-interconnections, for example-will prove to cut across all five topics. All the same, the issues offer a useful view on what designers will face in handling these complexities. These five topics are discussed in the paper.
Sustainability of Forestomach Hyperplasia in Rats Treated with Ethyl Acrylate for 13 Weeks and Regression after Cessation of Dosing

In a chronic study conducted by the National Toxicology Program (NTP), gavage administration of 100 or 200 mg ethyl acrylate (EA)/kg/day, 5 days/week, to F344 rats and B6C3F1 mice resulted in a significant dose-dependent increase in the incidence of squamous cell papillomas and carcinomas of the forestomach of both sexes of rats and mice. No increase in the incidence of tumors was observed at any other site in these rats. Chemically-induced cell proliferation is currently thought to play a role in the development and progression of chemically-induced neoplasia. Therefore, a stop-study was initiated where 100 or 200 mg EA/kg (in com oil) was administered daily, 5 days/week, for 13 weeks. Rats sacrificed at the end of the treatment regimen had severe epithelial hyperplasia of the forestomach. No lesions were observed in the glandular stomach or liver of EA-treated rats. Forestomach hyperplasia induced by EA included upward and downward cell proliferation. However, forestomachs of rats treated for 13 weeks a...
The effects of binge alcohol exposure in the 2nd trimester on the estimated density of cerebral microvessels in near-term fetal sheep.

Abstract Heavy fetal alcohol exposure is associated with a spectrum of neurological abnormalities, although the mechanism of injury is largely unknown. We previously reported attenuated cerebral blood flow response to hypoxia in fetal and newborn sheep which were exposed to alcohol earlier in pregnancy. One possible mechanism for this effect of alcohol on the developing cerebral vasculature is a decrease in cerebral microvessel density, similar to its effect on developing neurons. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that prenatal alcohol exposure decreases cerebral microvessel density. Pregnant ewes received intravenous infusions of ethanol or saline during days 60–84 of gestation (term = 150 days) and at 125 days of gestation we obtained the fetal brains for study. We immunohistochemically labeled vessels of the left cerebral forebrain hemispheres with antibody to endothelial nitric oxide synthase and then obtained unbiased stereological estimates of cerebral microvessel density using a modified optical fractionator method. We studied 20 fetal brains of which 9 were alcohol-exposed, 11 were saline-controls, and all were products of a twin gestation. Although brain and body weights were not different between groups, the alcohol-exposed group had significantly lower brain weight as a percentage of body weight. Estimates of cerebral microvessel density were not significantly different between alcohol-exposed and saline-control groups: 12.7 ± 8.7 and 9.1 ± 2.8 microvessels per mm3, respectively (mean ± SD, p = 0.32). Since there is no change in estimated cerebral microvessel density after prenatal alcohol exposure, we conclude that decreased cerebral microvessel density is not a likely explanation for attenuated cerebral blood flow in response to hypoxia.
Surgical Management of T3 and T4 Lung Cancer

Locally advanced lung cancer (T(3) or T(4)) has a significantly worse prognosis than lower stage disease. However, this diagnosis is usually made radiologically, and experienced thoracic surgeons are familiar with the low radiologic to pathologic correlation in tumors that abut the great vessels, mediastinum, or chest wall. Commonly these tumors do not directly invade adjacent structures and are, in fact, T(1) or T(2) tumors that are resectable through standard techniques. Where there is no clearly evident invasion of unresectable structures, the patient should be given the benefit of the doubt and considered at a lower (resectable) stage until proven otherwise. The curability of T(3) tumors varies according to the involved site. A T(3)N(0) tumor involving the chest wall provides the most favorable prognosis among the resected T(3) lesions, with a 5-year survival of >50% in lymph node-negative patients if resection is complete. Palliative incomplete resections of T(4) disease, in which tumor has invaded mediastinal structures, have not shown any survival benefit and are associated with very high morbidity and mortality. However, patients with limited invasion of the carina, left atrium, superior vena cava, or pulmonary artery may be able to be completely resected despite their T(4) classification. Surgical resection remains an important part of the therapy for patients with locally advanced lung cancer. Modern techniques of chest wall resection and reconstruction and bronchoplastic procedures allow complete resection of locally advanced tumors with favorable 5-year survival rates and low morbidity and mortality.
Confidentiality Protection for Distributed Sensor Data Aggregation

Efficiency and security are two basic requirements for sensor network design. However, these requirements could be sharply contrary to each other in some scenarios. For example, in- network data aggregation can significantly reduce communication overhead and thus has been adopted widely as a means to improve network efficiency; however, the adoption of in-network data aggregation may prevent data from being encrypted since it is a prerequisite for aggregation that data be accessible during forwarding. In this paper, we address this dilemma by proposing a family of secret perturbation-based schemes that can protect sensor data confidentiality without disrupting additive data aggregation. Extensive simulations are also conducted to evaluate the proposed schemes. The results show that our schemes provide confidentiality protection for both raw and aggregated data items with an overhead lower than that of existing related schemes.
The study of chiral conjugated polymers

Recent developments on optically active conjugated polymers are reviewed. These materials can be classified into two main classes: one has its chirality derived from chiral side chains or chiral dopants; the other one contains an inherently chiral main chain. The major difference between these two classes of polymers is that one's main chain chirality changes with respect to temperature, solvent, pH and other external factors, but the other one has a very stable main chain chiral configuration. These materials have shown interesting chirooptical properties and, in some cases, chiral recognition properties
Both Risk and Reward are Processed Differently in Decisions Made Under Stress.

Years of research have shown that stress influences cognition. Most of this research has focused on how stress affects memory and the hippocampus. However, stress also affects other regions involved in cognitive and emotional processing, including the prefrontal cortex, striatum, and insula. New research examining the impact of stress on decision processes reveals two consistent findings. First, acute stress enhances selection of previously rewarding outcomes but impairs avoidance of previously negative outcomes, possibly due to stress-induced changes in dopamine in reward-processing brain regions. Second, stress amplifies gender differences in strategies used during risky decisions, as males take more risk and females take less risk under stress. These gender differences in behavior are associated with differences in activity in the insula and dorsal striatum, brain regions involved in computing risk and preparing to take action.
Transcriptomics analysis of iPSC-derived neurons and modeling of neuropsychiatric disorders

Induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived neurons and neural progenitors are great resources for studying neural development and differentiation and their disruptions in disease conditions, and hold the promise of future cell therapy. In general, iPSC lines can be established either specifically from patients with neuropsychiatric disorders or from healthy subjects. The iPSCs can then be induced to differentiate into neural lineages and the iPSC-derived neurons are valuable for various types of cell-based assays that seek to understand disease mechanisms and identify and test novel therapies. In addition, it is an ideal system for gene expression profiling (i.e., transcriptomic analysis), an efficient and cost-effective way to explore the genetic programs regulating neurodevelopment. Moreover, transcriptomic comparison, which can be performed between patient-derived samples and controls, or in control lines in which the expression of specific genes has been disrupted, can uncover convergent gene targets and pathways that are downstream of the hundreds of candidate genes that have been associated with neuropsychiatric disorders. The results, especially after integration with spatiotemporal transcriptomic profiles of normal human brain development, have indeed helped to uncover gene networks, molecular pathways, and cellular signaling that likely play critical roles in disease development and progression. On the other hand, despite the great promise, many challenges remain in the usage of iPSC-derived neurons for modeling neuropsychiatric disorders, for example, how to generate relatively homogenous populations of specific neuronal subtypes that are affected in a particular disorder and how to better address the genetic heterogeneity that exists in the patient population.
The Evolution Of Strategies: Multinational Subsidiaries Operating In China

This is a study of the evolution of strategies of large multinational (MNC) firms doing business in China. Using the TOWS approach (Weirich, 1982) we classified the strategic posture of MNC subsidiaries in China into four discrete frames based on a survey of large firms. The results of our study applying the TOWS approach have allowed us to expose the trend of strategic evolution. We find that the primary investment motivation of MNS in China has changed from “low labor cost” to “exploiting Chinese market”. We report the motivations, actions, and aspirations of the managers of largest multinational subsidiaries operating there.
Loberus impressus (LeConte) (Coleoptera: Erotylidae) fungal associations and presence in the seed capsules of Iris hexagona

Adults and larvae of the loberine erotylid beetle Loberus impressus (LeConte) were found associated with fungi growing on corolla and seed capsule tissue of the blue flag iris, Iris hexagona. We examined adult beetle specimens using light and scanning electron microscopy to determine if specialized structures (mycangia) may function in transporting fungi. Two pairs of deep pits on the ventral aspect of the gena between the eyes and the maxillae of both sexes contained fungal spores and hyphae, suggesting a possible role as mycangia in addition to their role as glandular outlets. Inoculation from the surface of cleaned beetle specimens produced colonies of Cladosporium and Fusarium. These genera are widespread, usually air-dispersed conidial fungi that sometimes are associated with insects.
Access to Upper-Level Mathematics: The Stories of Successful African American Middle School Boys.

This article is about 8 African American middle school boys who have experienced success in mathematics. Five themes emerged from the data: (a) early educational experiences, (b) recognition of abilities and how it was achieved, (c) support systems, (d) positive mathematical and academic identity, and (e) alternative identities.
Venous distensibility during pregnancy

Summary 1. There is a 150 per cent increase in venous distensibility during pregnancy which returns to normal at about 8 to 12 weeks post partum. 2. Patients with varicose veins have greater venous distensibility during pregnancy than those without varicose veins. 3. Evidence is presented that steroids affect smooth muscle in veins. Other smooth muscle structures may be afiected in a like manner. 4. It is believed that increased venous distensibility is another etiological factor in the development of varicose veins. 5. It seems logical to postpone varicose vein operations until venous distensibility has returned to normal at the eighth to twelfth week post partum. We are indebted to Frederick J. Moore, M.D., Professor of Public Health, for assistance in analysis of the da ta. Equipment was donated by the D epartment of Phys iology, University of Southern Californi a, and the H eart Research Foundation, Incorporated.
Factors Controlling the Soiling of White Polyester Cotton Fabrics Part I: Laboratory Studies

Several parameters controlling the soiling of polyester/cotton fabrics have been assessed. Among those which were found to contribute were hydrophobicity of substrate, fabric construction, fabric finishes, type and concentration of detergents. Laboratory results showed that the body sebum is largely responsible for pickup and retention of carbonaceous particles which are suspended in aqueous media. The results also revealed that polyesters and cotton absorb identical types and amounts of oily sebum from the body, but, since they are harder to wet, the sebum is more difficult to remove from the polyesters. Fabric finishes (wash-wear and durable-press) cause a greater increase in the soiling of cotton than of polyester, because they increase the hydrophobic nature of cotton, while decreasing that of polyester.
Target-Seeking Decompositions of Multi-Period Optimal Portfolios

We identify decompositions of multi-period optimal portfolios, in which each subportfolio is dedicated to achieving a single investment target, in dynamic models with Von Neumann-Morgenstern preferences and diffusion asset returns (“Merton’s problem”). These decompositions rest on recognizing the equivalence between Merton’s problem and a generalized Mean-Variance Optimization problem. We show that the special properties of the component sub-portfolios facilitate empirical implementation of dynamic asset allocation, and provide new insights into how multi-period optimal portfolios can be constructed. A practical application is examined, which entails a “divide-and-conquer” approach for long-term investors, like pension funds, to develop asset allocation strategies.
Reappraisal of implant testing of implantable cardioverter defibrillators.

For more than 20 years, detection and defibrillation of ventricular fibrillation (VF) have been tested at the implantation of implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs). In this issue of the Journal , Strickberger and Klein [(1)][1]question this practice. They propose that abandoning ICD testing
Progress Towards the Production and Analysis of H2O Splitting Mutants of the Cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC6803

Calcium has been identified as an essential cofactor of O2-evolution with a specific requirement on the donor side of PSII (1). Ca was first identified as a cofactor in O2-evolution based upon the observation that cyanobacterial membranes exhibited maximal rates of O2-evolution upon addition of Ca. Although a pronounced Ca stimulation of O2-evolution is not observed using higher plant PSII membranes, Ca has been shown to restore O2 evolving activity of preparations stripped of the 16 and 24 kDa extrinsic polypeptides by NaCl treatment (2). A direct relationship between the removal of MSP, the loss of two of the four active site Mn, and the loss of O2-evolving activity has implicated MSP as a critical component of the water-splitting complex and raises the possibility that its amino acid side chains participate in the coordination of Mn (3). The competitive displacement of Ca by lanthanum also results in the destruction of the Mn complex and the release of MSP (4), suggesting that Ca has a structural role at the catalytic site, perhaps maintaining a conformation allowing the interaction of Mn with MSP. However, no direct evidence is currently available that indicates that MSP is directly involved in the binding of either Mn or Ca.
Organized Chaos: Scatter in the relation between stellar mass and halo mass in small galaxies

We use Local Group galaxy counts together with the ELVIS N-body simulations to explore the relationship between the scatter and slope in the stellar mass versus halo mass relation at low masses, M⋆ ≃ 10^5–10^8 M⊙. Assuming models with lognormal scatter about a median relation of the form M⋆ ∝ M^α_(halo), the preferred log-slope steepens from α ≃ 1.8 in the limit of zero scatter to α ≃ 2.6 in the case of 2 dex of scatter in M⋆ at fixed halo mass. We provide fitting functions for the best-fitting relations as a function of scatter, including cases where the relation becomes increasingly stochastic with decreasing mass. We show that if the scatter at fixed halo mass is large enough (≳ 1 dex) and if the median relation is steep enough (α ≳ 2), then the ‘too-big-to-fail’ problem seen in the Local Group can be self-consistently eliminated in about ∼5–10 per cent of realizations. This scenario requires that the most massive subhaloes host unobservable ultra-faint dwarfs fairly often; we discuss potentially observable signatures of these systems. Finally, we compare our derived constraints to recent high-resolution simulations of dwarf galaxy formation in the literature. Though simulation-to-simulation scatter in M⋆ at fixed M_(halo) is large among different authors (∼2 dex), individual codes produce relations with much less scatter and usually give relations that would overproduce local galaxy counts.
An Acidity Scale for Brönsted Acids Including H3PW12O40

The calorimetric titration of H3PW12O40 (H3PW) with a series of bases in CH3CN gives equilibrium constants and enthalpies for the three deprotonation steps. These results show that solutions of H3P...
Some Interesting Properties of the Variation Function

(1976). Some Interesting Properties of the Variation Function. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 83, No. 7, pp. 538-546.
SEPTORIA SPECIES ON CORNUS

Five species of Septoria on Cornus are described and illustrated. A key for the identification of these species is provided. Two are found on several host species, while the remaining three are restricted to a single species of dogwood. Differences in the Septoria spp. may be correlated with proposed evolution in the genus Cornus.
XML-based Dynamic Plug-in Mechanism

During the software development process, frequent changes of business requirements result in large costs for changing and updating software components. To solve this issue, this paper proposes an XML-based dynamic plug-in mechanism, which sets plug-in configuration information including dynamic type, application configuration information and database connection information through an XML file, and dynamically loads needed plug-ins according to the real business requirements at run time. The proposed mechanism enhances software scalability.
Abstract BS2-2: Roles of epigenetic regulation in breast cancer development

Changes to the genomic DNA sequence, called mutations, are known to play a critical role in the development of cancer. However, increasing evidence indicates that epigenetic changes (heritable cellular changes in gene expression that do not involve alterations in the DNA sequence) also make important contributions to tumorigenesis. For example, promoter hypermethylation plays a major role in cancer through transcriptional silencing of critical growth regulators such as tumor suppressor genes. Other chromatin modifications, such as histone ubiquitination, methylation and acetylation, affect local chromatin structure and regulate gene transcription. Using genome-wide RNA interference screens, we are uncovering epigenetic modulators that play important roles in breast cancer development and progression. The results of these studies are expected to shed light on the role of epigenetic regulation in breast cancer, and suggest new therapeutic approaches. Citation Format: Green MR. Roles of epigenetic regulation in breast cancer development. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Thirty-Eighth Annual CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium: 2015 Dec 8-12; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(4 Suppl):Abstract nr BS2-2.
A System to Derive Optimal Tree Diameter Increment Models from the Eastwide Forest Inventory Data Base (EFIDB)

This article is an introduction to the computevsoffwave used by the Potential Relative Increment (PRI) approach to optimal tree diameter growth modeling. These DOSpvograms extract qualified tree andplot data,from the Eastwide Forest Inventory Data Base (EFIDB), calculate relative tree increment, sort for the highest relative iucrements by diameter class, and generate an ASCIIjile for post-processing in any software package capable qf customized ordinary least squares regression. South. J. Appl. For. 26(4):214-221.
Future Trends and Challenges in Web and Mobile Advertising

In this chapter, we present future trends in web and mobile advertising, and associated challenges.
Heuristics for managing trainable binary inspection systems

Binary inspection systems such as those based on ideal templates, neural networks, fuzzy logic, and genetic algorithms are trained by presenting them with exemplars of acceptable work. The system inspects new work by comparing it to the exemplars. The o..
Beyond National Innovation Systems: Incentives and China’s Innovation Performance

AbstractThis article describes the nature of innovation performance in the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in the context of its changing national innovation system (NIS). More specifically, it proposes to explain China’s lack of frontier innovation as reflected by the low quality of Chinese patents and scientific publications. Moving beyond the NIS—the prevailing framework for understanding national innovation rates—this article offers additional determinants to explain the unique profile of Chinese innovation. Through interviews with stakeholders from each of the three major NIS actor types and analysis of the incentive environment, two determinants of China’s high rate of nominal patenting are identified. First, the incentive structure facing inventors, scientists and entrepreneurs is found to be ill-suited to promoting innovation. Second, the ubiquitous officials-rank standard (guan benwei) is identified as a mediating variable that amplifies the effect of suboptimal incentives in promoting nominal (...
Determining the Symmetry Group of a Given Figure

Though not absolutely necessary, it would be useful if you completed Group Lab 1 before attempting this lab.
Computer science apprenticeship: creating support for intermediate computer science students

In recent studies of students in intermediate computer science courses, we have noted a number of misconceptions and other learning problems. Supporting intermediate computer science students has not been explored in the literature as well as supporting novice and expert programmers. We are developing an approach focussed on providing a cognitive apprenticeship in computer science. Our approach has four technological components: interactive notes module, a collaborative tool, a case library and problem-solving activities accompanied with various scaffolding features including annotated links to the other modules and drawing upon existing resources. Our first focus is on undergraduate Computer Graphics where we are beginning to evaluate our materials.
Case Report: Spindle Cell Sarcoma of the Pulmonary Artery

Primary pulmonary artery sarcomas are rare. Moreover, they are notorious for masquerading as a chronic pulmonary embolus. There is much symptom overlap that leads to this relatively common misdiagnosis. We present such a case.
TGFβ-Mediated Immunoregulation

T cell homeostasis is required for normal immune responses and prevention of pathological responses. Transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) plays an essential role in that regulation. Owing to its broad expression and inhibitory effects on multiple immune cell types, TGFβ regulation is complex. Through recent advances in cell-specific targeting of TGFβ signaling in vivo, the role of TGFβ in T cell regulation is emerging. We demonstrated here a critical role for TGFβ in regulating effector vs regulatory T cell homeostasis.