cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Identifying Causal Subsequent Memory Effects

Over 40 years of accumulated research has detailed associations between neuroimaging signals measured during a memory encoding task and later memory performance, across a variety of brain regions, measurement tools, statistical approaches and behavioral tasks. But the interpretation of these Subsequent Memory Effects (SMEs) remains unclear: if the identified signals reflect cognitive and neural mechanisms of memory encoding then the underlying neural activity must be causally related to future memory. However, almost all previous SME analyses do not control for potential confounders of this causal interpretation, such as serial position and item effects. We collect a large fMRI dataset and use a novel experimental design and analysis approach that allows us to statistically adjust for all exogenous confounding variables. We find that, using standard approaches without adjustment, we replicate several univariate and multivariate subsequent memory effects and are able to predict memory performance across people. However, we are unable to identify any signal that reliably predicts subsequent memory after adjusting for confounding variables, bringing into doubt the causal status of these effects. We apply the same approach to subjects9 judgments of learning collected during an encoding period, and show that these behavioral measures of encoding quality do predict memory after adjustments, suggesting that it is possible to measure signals at the time of encoding that reflect causal mechanisms but that existing neuroimaging measures may not have the precision and specificity to do so.
Pulmonary embolism in two patients after severe hepatic trauma

Patients with severe hepatic trauma requiring damage control laparotomy and perihepatic packing are at risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE). Prevention and treatment of VTE in this population is problematic, especially in children for whom adult guidelines are often adapted. The following case report describes two children who developed VTE with associated pulmonary embolism after damage control laparotomy and perihepatic packing for hepatic trauma. The first patient had hemodynamically significant pulmonary emboli. He received catheter-directed thrombolysis with subsequent improvement in ventilation and need for inotropic support. The second patient had a vena caval thrombus detected on surveillance ultrasound and later developed a pulmonary embolus, both of which were treated with heparin and enoxaparin. Our experience suggests that surveillance imaging of these patients may allow for prospective mobilization of specialized resources, such as interventional radiology support or cardiopulmonary bypass equipment, and that catheter-directed thrombolysis may be a viable treatment modality in these critically ill and injured children.
Polycomb Determines Responses to Smad2/3 Signaling in Embryonic Stem Cell Differentiation and in Reprogramming†

Integration of extrinsic signals, epigenetic regulators and intrinsic transcription factors establishes pluripotent stem cell identity. Interplay between these components also underlies the capacity of stem cells to undergo differentiation, and of differentiated cells to reestablish the pluripotent state in direct reprogramming. Polycomb repressive complexes are epigenetic regulators that play key roles in stem cell identity and in differentiated cell fates. Smad2 and Smad3 (Smad2/3), the intracellular mediators of the Nodal/Activin/Transforming growth factor (TGF)β cell-cell signaling pathway also are implicated in stem cell pluripotency and in differentiation. Here we show that Polycomb imposes responses to Smad2/3 mediated signaling to selectively regulate expression of the master pluripotency factor Oct4 during initiation of differentiation, but not in the self-renewing pluripotent ground state. During reprogramming back to the ground state, we find that the enhancement of reprogramming efficiency stemming from blocking Nodal/Activin/TGFβ signaling also depends on Polycomb. These context dependent responses to Smad2/3 imposed by Polycomb action provide a mechanism for selective gene regulation that can reconcile the apparently conflicting roles of this signaling pathway in pluripotency, differentiation and reprogramming.
Relating the Optical and Acoustical Properties of Oceanic Particles

Abstract : Long-term goals are: 1) To develop improved predictive capabilities for the distribution of particulate material in the coastal ocean and 2) To develop predictive models for optical properties from measurements of acoustical properties and vice versa. The objective is to understand the relationship between acoustical and optical properties of suspended particles as a function of the particle's composition, size distribution and degree of aggregation.
Imaging Photon Counting Detectors for High Time Resolution Astronomy

Ground based high time resolution astronomical (HTRA) observations require specialised detectors. Photon counting detectors that combine high spatial resolution imaging with fast event timing capability have been a significant technical challenge. We have developed a high-temporal and -spatial resolution, high-throughput sealed tube microchannel plate detector with electronic readout as a tool for HTRA applications. The design is based on a 25 mm diameter S20 photocathode followed by a microchannel plate stack, read out by a cross delay line anode with timing and imaging electronics. The detector supports 500 kHz global count rate, 10 kHz /100 μm2/sec local count rate, and 100 ps timing resolution. We also describe high time resolution astronomical observations currently being obtained with the NASA GALEX UV satellite, as well as preliminary visible wavelength imaging results obtained on the Crab pulsar at the Lick Observatory.
Ciclagem de nutrientes em pastagens tropicais - DOI:10.5039/agraria.v9i2a3730

In most forage production systems, essential nutrients required for plant growth are provided by different pools in the ecosystem. In general, warm-climate grasslands are characterized by extensive grazing systems with minimal inputs of commercial fertilizer and supplemental feed, primarily because of unfavorable economics of fertilization or limited availability of fertilizer material. Low soil N availability is a major limitation in tropical and subtropical pasture systems, and it represents one of the main causes of pasture degradation. The major pools of N in grazed grasslands are soil, vegetation, grazing animals, and atmosphere. Fluxes among the various pools are complex and are affected by biotic and abiotic factors such as climate, soil organisms, forage species, and herbivores. Therefore, nutrient cycling is a vital component in maintaining pasture sustainability because it represents an important source of nutrients to warm-season grass pastures. Excreta and litter are the two major pathways for herbage nutrients to return to the soil. Litter quantity and chemical composition are determinants in litter deposition and decomposition and are greatly affected by grazing management practices. The use of warm-season legumes in warm-season grass stands is a potential management practice that can improve litter decomposition and N inputs to warm-season grass pastures. Approximately 70 to 90% of the nutrients consumed by ruminants return to the pastures via excreta deposition; however, nutrient return through excreta is not uniform. Stocking method, portable shade and water systems, and strategic fencing are effective management practices to improve excreta distribution on pastures. The adoption of management practices that improve nutrient cycling is a determining factor to reduce warm-season grass pasture degradation and optimize productivity and persistence.
Three-level coherent transient spectroscopy in cesium

Coherent transient spectroscopy is well understood for two-level systems. The effect was demonstrated for a three-level atom a number of years ago.1 However, detailed studies have only recently been initiated. Mossberg’s group2 recently completed studies of three-level coherent transient spectroscopy of ytterbium, which is not subject to complications associated with optical pumping of hyperfine levels. They employed the photon echo technique using an atomic beam to suppress Doppler broadening. Results were complex and required a new dressed atom model of coherent excitation processes.
Detection of DNA polymerase activities associated with purified duck hepatitis B virus core particles by using an activity gel assay.

Abstract Replication of hepadnaviruses involves reverse transcription of an intermediate RNA molecule. It is generally accepted that this replication scheme is carried out by a virally encoded, multifunctional polymerase which has DNA-dependent DNA polymerase, reverse transcriptase, and RNase H activities. Biochemical studies of the polymerase protein(s) have been limited by the inability to purify useful quantities of functional enzyme from virus particles and, until recently, to express enzymatically active polymerase proteins in heterologous systems. An activity gel assay which detects in situ catalytic activities of DNA polymerases after electrophoresis in partially denaturing polyacrylamide gels was used by M.R. Bavand and O. Laub (J. Virol. 62:626-628, 1988) to show the presence of DNA- and RNA-dependent DNA polymerase activities associated with hepatitis B virus particles produced in vitro. This assay has provided the only means by which hepadnavirus polymerase proteins have been detected in association with enzymatic activities. Since conventional methods have not allowed purification of useful quantities of enzymatically active polymerase protein(s), we have devised a protocol for purifying large quantities of duck hepatitis B virus (DHBV) core particles to near homogeneity. These immature virus particles contain DNA- and RNA-dependent DNA polymerase activities, as shown in the endogenous DNA polymerase assay. We have used the activity gel assay to detect multiple DNA- and RNA-dependent DNA polymerase proteins associated with these purified DHBV core particles. These enzymatically active proteins appear larger than, approximately the same size as, and smaller than an unmodified DHBV polymerase protein predicted from the polymerase open reading frame. This is the first report of the detection of active hepadnavirus core-associated DNA polymerase proteins derived from a natural host.
Diversity As A Predictor Of Leadership Effectiveness

Drawing upon the existing literature, this study investigated the significance of Diversity as a predictor of leadership effectiveness, as it relates to the Multidimensional Measure of LeaderMember Exchange (LMX-MDM). A study of 300 working adults found that there was a significant positive relationship between Diversity and the four LMX dimensions of Contribution, Loyalty, Affect, and Professional Respect. Collectivism and religious affiliation were both strong predictors with regard to Contribution. With regard to the dimension of Loyalty; collectivism, gender egalitarianism, and age helped to increase ratings of the supervisor and perceptions of leadership. Affect only had one significant predictor, collectivism. The LMX dimension of Professional Respect was found to have four significant predictors, including collectivism, religious affiliation, age, and years as a manager. Further regression analysis indicated that the Diversity dimension, Collectivism, was the driving factor of the relationship. This outcome indicated that Collectivism was a strong predictor of how positively participants rated their attitudes toward their immediate supervisor and perceptions of leadership. The results of this study indicate that diversity, particularly with regard to collectivism, is a positive predictor of leadership effectiveness using the LMX model. Furthermore, it strengthens the argument that organizations must be prepared to re-evaluate their policies with regard to diversity in the organization, particularly with respect to Collectivism.
Structural actuator control of fluid/structure interactions

In this paper we outline a control design for feedback in fluid flows by control of a smart material structure with which the flow interacts. Adaptive material such as piezoceramics offer challenging new possibilities in active control of fluid flows. A concrete example of such an effort has been considered by Banks et al. (1994), where the authors consider an acoustic pressure chamber with one side consisting of a flexible beam with attached piezoceramic patches as control devices. >
Getting Started in Your Academic Career

An academic career is certainly one of great fulfillment and pride. After completing graduate school and postdoctoral work, perhaps even spending some time working in industry, it is now time to set up a laboratory, interview graduate students, find funding for these graduate students, adjust to becoming more of a lab manager than a researcher, write several grant proposals, write a syllabus or two, review manuscripts, and write a few of your own (or at least edit your students’), and serve on a myriad of university and departmental committees. Working in academia is a challenging and rewarding career. Being surrounded by the energy of students is contagious, and as you will discover an assistant professor needs that energy. An academic career at any level is the epitome of multitasking; juggling research, teaching, and service activities.
Thermoelastic analysis of dislocation generation during edge-defined film-fed growth of polygonal shells

A thermoelastic model is used to predict qualitatively the dislocation generation for the edge-defined film-fed growth (EFG) of polygonal shells. The eight-node degenerate shell element with drilling degree of freedom and Eringen's micropolar elasticity theory are used to compute the stresses of the polygonal shell under arbitrary temperature decay. Based on the calculated stresses in the polygonal shell, the evolution of dislocations and creep strain rates are calculated by the Alexander-Haasen constitutive law. The effect of the geometrical shape of the shell is also discussed.
Synthesis of two-dimensional bodies in potential flow

Abstract This paper describes the incorporation of simple potential flow theory with limited interactive graphics to produce a computer program for the potential flow analysis of a wide variety of two-dimensional bodies. The general program approach is explained and three particularly effective program techniques developed specifically for use in this program are described. These techniques allow the location of stagnation points, the closure of a streamline, and the tracing of streamline patterns for complex flow. Several possible applications of the program are cited and some examples of these applications are shown.
RESPONSES OF RAT HIPPOCAMPAL SLICES IN A HIGH-K+ MEDIUM FOLLOWING IN VIVO GLOBAL ISCHAEMIA

SUMMARY 1. We hypothesized that burst activity induced in rat hippo-campal tissue by a high-K+ medium in vitro would be increased by a previous episode of global ischaemia, severe enough to induce persistent neurological dysfunction. 2. Male Wistar rats that were subjected to 9 min of chest compression, sufficient to reduce blood pressure (BP) to zero, showed evidence of neurological damage attributed to a global ischaemic insult. Hindlimb function was impaired for 24-48 h and a susceptibility to sound-induced seizures was induced in 25 of 35 rats. The seizure susceptibility cleared spontaneously within 2 weeks in 10 of 25 rats. 3. Hippocampal slices from postischaemic rats were prepared, tested for viability and were then exposed to an 8.0 mmol/L K+ artificial cerebrospinal fluid in vitro. Spontaneous epileptiform bursting activity in the high-K+ medium was not increased. Instead, burst size decreased with time after ischaemia. 4. The decrement in bursting activity is attributed to loss of cellular activity or integrity. These changes correlate with functional changes described by others, but not necessarily to histologically verifiable cell death. The time course of these changes was remarkably long, continuing for almost 3 weeks. Thus, a less-than-lethal ischaemia appears to induce neuronal changes, possibly reversible, that continue for at least 20 days after the global ischaemic insult.
SULFOXIDE AND SULFONE PREPARATIONS FROM AN AROMATIC SULFUR COMPOUND BY THE SUPEROXIDE ION GENERATED ELECTROLYCALLY FROM OXYGEN

Abstract The superoxide anion generated electrolytically at a mercury pool cathode was the reactant that generated sulfoxide and sulfone products from thioxanthen-9-one. When a supporting electrolyte (dodecyltrimethylammonium chloride, DTAC) was used tremendous increase in current occurred, but no sulfone or sulfoxide was generated even when the temperature was increased to 95°C. Products and reactant do not add up to 100% in every case, consequently we analyzed the reactions for the generation of carbon dioxide since the superoxide anion is known to be a strong oxidant. However, no carbon dioxide was generated from the thioxanthen-9-one.
Increased Risk of Litigation Associated With Laser Surgery by Nonphysician Operators

Importance Controversy exists regarding the role of nonphysicians performing laser surgery and the increased risk of injury associated with this practice. Objective To identify the incidence of medical professional liability claims stemming from cutaneous laser surgery performed by nonphysician operators (NPOs). Design, Setting, and Participants Search of an online national database of public legal documents involving laser surgery by NPOs. Exposure Laser surgery by nonphysicians. Main Outcomes and Measures Frequency and nature of cases, including year of litigation, certification of provider and operator, type of procedure performed, clinical setting of injury, and cause of legal action. Results From January 1999, to December 2012, we identified 175 cases related to injury secondary to cutaneous laser surgery. Of these, 75 (42.9%) were cases involving an NPO. From 2008 to 2011, the percentage of cases with NPOs increased from 36.3% to 77.8%. Laser hair removal was the most commonly performed procedure. Despite the fact that approximately only one-third of laser hair removal procedures are performed by NPOs, 75.5% of hair removal lawsuits from 2004 to 2012 were performed by NPOs. From 2008 to 2012, this number increased to 85.7%. Most cases (64.0%) by NPOs were performed outside of a traditional medical setting. Conclusions and Relevance Claims related to cutaneous laser surgery by NPOs, particularly outside of a traditional medical setting, are increasing. Physicians and other laser operators should be aware of their state laws, especially in regard to physician supervision of NPOs.
When formal ethics policies differ from informal expectations: a test of managers’ attitudes

This study explores the relationship between conflicting ethical expectations and managerial attitudes. Using a sample of 107 managerial level employees, the findings indicate that as the perceived difference between formal and informal ethical expectations increases, intentions to turnover increase and job satisfaction, organizational satisfaction, and affective commitment decrease.
ALEXIS: the six-year telescope flight experience

The array of low energy x-ray imaging sensors (ALEXIS) satellite was launched from the 4th flight of the Pegasus booster on 25 April 1993 into an 800 km, 70 degree inclination orbit. After an initial launch difficulty, the satellite was successfully recovered and is still producing 100 MB of mission data per day. ALEXIS, still going strong in its sixth year, was originally designed to be a high risk, single string, Smaller-Faster-Cheaper satellite, with a 1-year nominal and a 3-year design limit. This paper will discuss the on-orbit detector performance including microchannel plate operation, pre- and post-flight calibration efforts, observed backgrounds and impacts of flying in a high radiation environment.
Stabilization of multiple independent linear systems with control networks

The problem of stabilizing multiple independent linear systems sharing one common network cable is presented and solved. Both the quantization and time sequencing are studied in the field of control over networks by providing the formulated stabilizing sufficient condition which illustrates the relationship between the system instability, quantization and time sequencing,and the data rate is also presented in terms of the quantization and time sequencing. A numerical example is given to illustrate the result.
Gamma-aminobutyric acid binding in mammalian brain: receptor-like specificity of sodium-independent sites.

The binding of radioactive gamma-aminobutyric acid to particulate fractions of mammalian brain was measured by a centrifugation assay, using repeatedly washed and frozen and thawed membranes and sodium-free assay conditions. Studies of over 30 structural analogues indicated an excellent correlation between inhibition of gamma-aminobutyric acid binding and activity as agonists or antagonists on gamma-aminobutyric acid synapses as reported in the neurophysiology literature. In particular, binding was inhibited by low concentrations of the gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor-specific drugs muscimol, homotaurine, and isoguvacine, but very poorly by analogues such as 2,4-diaminobutyric acid and nipecotic acid which specifically inhibit gamma-aminobutyric acid transport but are inactive on synaptic receptors. Binding was inhibited by the synaptic antagonist bicuculline but not by picro-toxinin. Thus, these binding sites show the chemical specificity required of physiological receptors for the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid.
Small cell carcinoma of the ovary with hypercalcemia causes severe pancreatitis and altered mental status

Abstract Background Small cell carcinoma of the ovary is a rare, highly malignant tumor that often exhibits a paraneoplastic hypercalcemia. Case A 27-year-old female presented with pancreatitis and altered mental status with hypercalcemia. Further investigation revealed a left ovarian mass and a small cell carcinoma of the ovary, hypercalcemic type was found. Hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy was performed, and the patient underwent chemotherapy with carboplatin and paclitaxel. Hypercalcemia resolved after tumor resection. The patient has retroperitoneal lymph node recurrence at 16 months. Conclusion Paraneoplastic hypercalcemia may result in pancreatitis and delirium. Small cell carcinoma of the ovary should be considered under these circumstances.
Evaluation of Pearl Millet Grain Hybrids for Resistance to Meloidogyne spp. and Leaf Blight Caused by Pyricularia grisea

ABSTRACT Pearl millet, Pennisetum glaucum, has potential as a grain crop in the southeastern United States. Our objectives were to (i) determine the resistance and/or tolerance of pearl millet hybrids to Meloidogyne incognita race 3 and M. arenaria race 1; (ii) compare reproduction of Meloidogyne spp. on pearl millet and corn; and (iii) determine the disease severity of leaf blight caused primarily by Pyricularia grisea. In a field naturally infested with M. incognita, experimental pearl millet hybrids with inbreds 114 and 117 as the pollinators had fewer numbers of second-stage juveniles and more severe leaf blight than did HGM-100, a nematode-susceptible hybrid; hybrids with inbred 115 as the pollinator were similar to HGM-100 in both nematode numbers and foliar disease severity. Grain yields in pearl millet were greater in plots treated with 1,3-dichloropropene than in control plots and were negatively correlated with leaf blight severity. In a greenhouse experiment, both M. incognita and M. arenaria p...
On the undecidability of splicing systems

The notion of splicing system has been used to abstract the process of DNA digestion by restriction enzymes and subsequent religation. A splicing system language is the formal language of all DNA strings producible by such a process. The membership problem is to devise an algorithm (if possible) to answer the question of whether or not a given DNA string belongs to a splicing system language given by initial strings and enzymes. In this paper the concept of a sequential splicing system is introduced. A sequential splicing system differs from a splicing system in that the latter allows arbitrarily many copies of any string in the initial set whereas the sequential splicing system may restrict the initial number of copies of some strings. The main result is that there exist sequential splicing systems with recursively unsolvable membership problem. The technique of the proof is to embed Turing machine computations in the languages.
Signal flow graphs vs fuzzy cognitive maps in application to qualitative circuit analysis

The Fuzzy Cognitive Maps (FCM) introduced by Kosko represent a novel way of fuzzy causal knowledge processing, using the net rather than the traditional tree knowledge representation. In this paper similarities between the Fuzzy Cognitive Maps and Signal Flow Graphs are pointed out and the inference process used in Fuzzy Cognitive Maps is compared and paralled with a fixed point iterative solution of the equations describing the Signal Flow Graph. Then, applications to the qualitative circuit analysis for a class of feedback amplifiers and active resistive circuits, using a combination of the Signal Flow Graph and Fuzzy Cognitive Map concepts are discussed. Several examples are given.
Novel imaging spectrometers and polarimeters

The use of two dimensional arrays has enabled the development of novel imaging spectrometers and polarimeters with snapshot capabilities, meaning the entire data cube can be recorded simultaneously. This presentation will discuss the development of spectrometer and polarimeter imagers that use new optical designs based on old ideas. The presentation contains an overview of the various types of imaging sensors that have been developed at the Optical Detection Lab of the University of Arizona. The goal of our research is to develop instruments capable of discriminating objects in biological tissue and within the human eye. Additionally, instruments of this type will be capable of spectrally monitoring simultaneously chemical or biological processes in real time in four dimensions (x,y,λ,t).
A crusted rash in a patient with AIDS.

A 39-year-old man with a recent diagnosis of AIDS (CD4 cell count, 13 cells/μL) was admitted to the hospital for diarrhea and dehydration and was noted to have an intensely pruritic rash with diffuse crust and scale. Dolutegravir and emtricitabine/tenofovir were continued, and diphenhydramine was prescribed for pruritus. On day 3 of hospitalization, the dermatology service was consulted. The patient had a history of mild psoriasis, which significantly worsened 1 year prior to presentation, necessitating treatment with systemic agents and ultimately leading to a diagnosis of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Physical examination was remarkable for severe cachexia and diffuse plaques of thick, tan scale (Figure 1). Hyperkeratotic areas were verrucous and fissured over bony prominences, including the elbows, knees, ribs, and clavicles. Linear excoriations were noted diffusely. Unroofed crust revealed a smooth, red, moist undersurface.
Digital Auger data processing in NiCo alloy films and Cu/NiCo layered structures

Abstract The use of standard derivative spectra in Auger electron spectroscopy to analyze mixtures of elements, such as cobalt, nickel and copper, whose Auger transitions overlap to a large degree is very complicated and typically produces large uncertainty in the results. The use of N(E) Auger spectra, digital data-processing facilities and pure element standard spectra permits the separation of the overlapped transitions which is necessary to produce quantitative analyses of the mixtures. A computer program has been written which scales a standard peak to a non-overlapped peak, stores the scale factor and subtracts that scaled standard from the unknown spectrum. This process is repeated until all the overlapping peaks have been separated, and then a quantitative analysis is done using the scale factors and Auger elemental sensitivity factors. The applicability of pure elemental standards can be monitored during this process by observing how well the loss tail of the standard peak reproduces that of the unknown spectrum. The peak-scaling and substraction process is demonstrated by application to NiCo alloy films and interdiffusion at their interfaces with films containing copper.
Kidney mitochondrial metabolism of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3,: Evaluation of in vitro cation modulation

Abstract Oxidative phosphorylation and 1 α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [lα,25-(OH)2D3]synthesis in isolated mitochondria were decreased by the addition of strontium. Calcium effected a similar inhibition of 1α,25-(OH)2D3 synthesis which correlated with cation-induced mitochondrial swelling. The ultrastructural changes were found to be a consequence of experimental conditions and not a prerequisite for suppressed 1α,25-(OH)2D3 synthesis. Dietary administration of strontium or calcium also resulted in a decreased rate of 1α,25-(OH)2D3 synthesis; however, the decrease in 1-hydroxylase activity was accompanied by an induction of mitochondrial 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 24-hydroxylase activity. Such an in vivo-prompted mitochondrial response occurred in the absenee of morphological changes or extensive loss of oxidative phosphorylation activity. In contrast, no induction of 24-hydroxylase activity could be observed in acute studies using isolated mitochondria. Therefore, the in vitro action of calcium and strontium does not appear to reflect the in vivo mechanism whereby the cations act to change renal 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25-OHD3) hydroxylation. Results from in vitro studies corcerning the action of calcium to alter renal 25-OHD3 metabolism should be interpreted in light of the cation's capacity to decrease oxidative phosphorylation and the subsequent intramitochondrial generation of NADPH.
Adiponectin responses to continuous and progressively intense intermittent exercise.

ABSTRACTKRAEMER, R. R., K. S. ABOUDEHEN, A. K. CARRUTH, R. J. DURAND, E. O. ACEVEDO, E. P. HEBERT, L. G JOHNSON, and V. D. CASTRACANE. Adiponectin Responses to Continuous and Progressively Intense Intermittent Exercise. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc., Vol. 35, No. 8, pp. 1320–1325, 2003.PurposeAdiponectin
Improving the Positive Predictive Value of Exercise Testing in Women for Coronary Artery Disease

The exercise treadmill test (ETT) in women has been limited by a low positive predictive value (PPV) for coronary artery disease (CAD). However, the reliability of previous studies was unsatisfactory because of the inclusion of younger women with a low prevalence of CAD. To further evaluate the diagnostic properties of the ETT in women, we evaluated a group of women with chest pain who had a positive ETT result and subsequent coronary angiography. Of the 111 women, 56 had significant CAD on angiogram, yielding a PPV of 51% for the group. However, inclusion in the analysis of several pretest attributes and specific exercise test responses improved the PPV of the ETT. Age had a major effect, with the youngest group (35 to 50 years old) having a PPV of 36% compared to 68% in the oldest group (>65 years old). Several specific exercise responses (ST-segment depression >2 mm and delayed ST-segment recovery >3.0 minutes) further separated true from false positives across all age groups, increasing the PPV to approximately 80%. Onset of ischemia at a relatively low cardiac workload of 65 years of age.
A simple nonlocal model for exchange

This work presents a new nonlocal model for the exchange energy density. The model is obtained from the product of the Kohn–Sham one-particle density matrix used to construct exact [Hartree–Fock-like (HF)] exchange, and an approximate density matrix used to construct local spin-density approximation (LSDA) exchange. The proposed exchange energy density has useful formal properties, including correct spin and coordinate scaling and the correct uniform limit. It can readily be evaluated in finite basis sets, with a computational scaling intermediate between HF exchange and semilocal quantities such as the noninteracting kinetic energy density. Applications to representative systems indicate that its properties are typically intermediate between HF and LSDA exchange, and often similar to global hybrids of HF and LSDA exchange. The model is proposed as a novel “Rung 3.5” ingredient for constructing approximate exchange-correlation functionals.
Detection limits of electron and electron capture negative ionization-mass spectrometry for aldehydes derivatized with o-(2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorobenzyl)-hydroxylamine hydrochloride

In contrast to common expectations, the differences in limits of detection (LODs) between electron capture negative ionization (ECNI) and electron ionization (EI) mass spectrometry (MS) were found to be insignificant for a wide range of aldehydes derivatized with o-(2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorobenzyl)-hydroxylamine hydrochloride. Comparison of the two ionization methods based on LOD confidence intervals revealed that a traditional presentation of the LOD or limit of quantitation (LOQ) as a single value may over/underestimate the significance of obtained results. LODs were between 20 and 150 pg injected for the majority of tested derivatized carbonyls using both ionization methods. ECNI-MS improved LODs by ∼10- to 20-fold only for two derivatized aldehydes, 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde and 5-(hydroxymethyl)furfural. Selectivity of ECNI did not appear to be beneficial when analyzing a wood smoke particulate matter (WS-PM) extract, possibly because the majority of interferences were removed during sample preparation (i.e., liquid-liquid extraction). The impact of four different data acquisition modes of transmission quadrupole (TQ)-MS on LODs and their precisions was also investigated. As expected, LODs in the selected ion monitoring (SIM) were ∼two to four times lower than those obtained using total ion current (TIC) mode. More importantly, TQ-MS in the selected ion-total ion (SITI) mode (i.e., acquiring SIM and TIC data in a single analysis) provided signal-to-noise ratios and precisions, which were comparable to SIM alone.
A Bottom-Up Search Algorithm for Dynamic Reformation of Agent Coalitions under Coalition Size Constraints

We consider the problem of dynamic coalition formation among a set of agents where the value function of the agents is constrained by the size of a coalition - larger coalitions are able to get higher value but only up to a certain fixed coalition size, denoted by n_max. The objective of the coalition formation problem is to determine a partition of the agent set that gives the highest utility to the agents. This problem is non-trivial as the set of partitions that needs to be explored grows exponentially with the number of agents and an exhaustive search in the space of partitions makes the problem intractable. To address this problem, we first provide a formal framework to model the coalition formation problem using a coalition structure graph (CSG). We then propose a branch and bound based algorithm called bottom Up CSG Search that searches for the optimal partitions or coalition structures among the nodes of CSG while pruning nodes that are not going to lead to the optimal coalition structure. We have provided analytical results related to the completeness, anytime-nature and time complexity of our algorithm. We have also verified the performance of our algorithm for a dynamic reformation problem where a set of physical e-puck robots starting from arbitrary positions form sub-teams that maximize their utility. Our experimental results show that our proposed algorithm performs better in terms of number of nodes generated and the time required to find the optimal coalition structure or partition than existing CSG-search algorithms.
Resulting Harms and Objective Risks as Constraints on Punishment

This marvelous book by Larry Alexander, Kim Ferzan, and Stephen Morse is intellectually the most provocative study of criminal law I have ever had the pleasure to read. Apart from being beautifully written and brimming with insights from philosophical literature, it contains at least seven wholly original ideas about criminal responsibility that, if they were capable of being institutionalized, would radically transform the way penal codes are drafted.: (1) it proposes to reduce all criminal culpability from a range of distinct mental states, e.g., purpose, knowledge, reckless indifference, etc., to degrees of a single mental state of consciously taking of unjustified risks; (2) it proposes to reduce all criminal offenses from a plethora of distinct wrongs to a single offense of various degrees of gravity of unjustified risking; (3) it not only denies that resulting harms are relevant to punishment, it questions the justice of punishing persons for creating objective states of affairs and the possibility of punishing them for creating Objective risks'; (4) it defines the 'act' basic to criminal punishment as that of taking what one believes is the last act one can completely control in unleashing a risk; (5) it reshapes the defense of justification by arguing that justification is essentially consequentialist, subject to a side-constraint against expropriating persons as means toward one's ends; (6) it reshapes self-defense by claiming that it applies only against aggressors who are culpable; and (7) it expands the defense of excuse to encompass any conduct in the face of a threat to which a person of 'reasonable firmness'
A Framework for Evaluating Production Policies to Improve Customer Responsiveness

Manufacturing systems are subject to both internal and external disruptions. As a result, production sequences which appear optimal during planning might be sub-optimal or even infeasible when implemented. We therefore consider how manufacturers can trade off anticipated completion time (makespan) against customer responsiveness when making sequencing decisions. We first define a policy as a way to control product sequencing in real time. We then present a framework for evaluating different policies to assess their impact on customer responsiveness. Finally, we demonstrate how this framework can be used to analyze the link between sequencing, lot size, and update frequency.
A Gradient of Potential for Modifying Craniofacial Growth

This review evaluates the hypothesis that a skeletal structure's response to epigenetic and environmental stimuli is directly proportional to its maturity status. We focus on the craniofacial complex because it exhibits a wide growth maturity gradient and is, therefore, ideally suited to test the hypothesis of differential response potential to the same stimulus across structures. Because it is a major epigenetic factor controlling somatic growth and maturation, emphasis is placed on studies pertaining to growth hormone (GH) deficits/supplementation. GH deficiency has profound effects on overall body size/maturation and it produces characteristic abnormalities in the craniofacial complex. Human and, especially, animal studies, show that (1) the various components of the craniofacial complex exhibit substantially different response potentials to hormonal deficits, (2) growth deficits associated with GH deficits are greatest for the most mature structures; less mature craniofacial structures display the greatest potential for future growth deficits, and (3) the less mature structures have the greater potential for catch-up following GH supplementation. We conclude that the craniofacial growth maturity gradient provides a basis for better understanding variability in response potential across craniofacial structures.
Explaining the Marketing Effort of Professional Service Providers: An Exploratory Study

A mail survey was done of professionals from major architectural, law, and accounting firms to determine what factors seem to explain how much effort they devote to marketing their firms' services. The results of this exploratory study identified several significant explanatory variables, a few of which had effects in some professions and not others. Additional research in this area is recommended.
An explanation for the failure of aminomethanesulfonic acid to form sulfonamides. Acyl chloride-promoted generation of α-carboxamidoalkylating electrophiles.

Abstract Attempted N,N-dibenzoylation of aminomethanesulfonic acid results in CS bond cleavage, generating synthetically useful α-benzamidomethylating electrophiles. The importance of this observation in regard to the reported failures to prepare sulfonamide analogs of peptides is discussed.
Native Venturia inopina sp. nov., specific to Populus trichocarpa and its hybrids.

Venturia populina first described on European Populus nigra has been thought to be the only species of Venturia in Europe and North America to cause leaf and shoot blight of balsam poplars and cottonwoods in Populus sects. Tacamahaca and Aigeiros. The species of Venturia occurring on introduced P. nigra and native P. trichocarpa in the Pacific northwest were examined. Venturia populina was consistently found on P. nigra (i.e. the widespread P. nigra cv. ‘italica’) in the region, but V. inopina sp. nov. was present on native P. trichocarpa and its hybrids. There were neither examples of V. populina on P. trichocarpa and its hybrids nor of V. inopina on P. nigra cv. ‘italica’ (27 collections from 16 sites in Oregon, Washington, and Vancouver Island were made during 1995–2002). In an inoculation study, host-range separation was confirmed in that V. inopina caused sporulating leaf lesions on P. trichocarpa and its hybrids, but only non-sporulating lesions on P. nigra cv. ‘italica’. These two species of Venturia can readily be distinguished by conidial septation; V. populina is primarily 2-septate, whereas V. inopina is primarily 1-septate. Growth rates on PDA at 15 °C, and ITS sequences (2.3% divergence) were also distinct in isolates of these congeners. Conidial shape was of more value in discriminant analysis than conidial length. Venturia inopina is homothallic, given the sexual fertility of cultures of single ascospores that were overwintered under ambient conditions. Its geographic range appears to be restricted even within the Pacific northwest, leaving open the possibility that still other undescribed, native species of Venturia occur elsewhere in North America on sects. Tacamahaca and Aigeiros.
CPEB degradation during Xenopus oocyte maturation requires a PEST domain and the 26S proteasome.

Cytoplasmic poly(A) elongation is widely utilized during the early development of many organisms as a mechanism for translational activation. Targeting of mRNAs for this mechanism requires the presence of a U-rich element, the cytoplasmic polyadenylation element (CPE), and its binding protein, CPEB. Blocking cytoplasmic polyadenylation by interfering with the CPE or CPEB prevents the translational activation of mRNAs that are crucial for oocyte maturation. The CPE sequence and CPEB are also important for translational repression of mRNAs stored in the Xenopus oocyte during oogenesis. To understand the contribution of protein metabolism to these two roles for CPEB, we have examined the mechanisms influencing the expression of CPEB during oogenesis and oocyte maturation. Through a comparison of CPEB mRNA levels, protein synthesis, and accumulation, we find that CPEB is synthesized during oogenesis and stockpiled in the oocyte. Minimal synthesis of CPEB, <3.6%, occurs during oocyte maturation. In late oocyte maturation, 75% of CPEB is degraded coincident with germinal vesicle breakdown. Using proteasome and ubiquitination inhibitors, we demonstrate that CPEB degradation occurs via the proteasome pathway, most likely through ubiquitin-conjugated intermediates. In addition, we demonstrate that degradation requires a 14 amino acid PEST domain.
Abstract 5469: Trastuzumab resistant HER2+ breast cancer cells retain sensitivity to poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibition

Proceedings: AACR Annual Meeting 2014; April 5-9, 2014; San Diego, CA Background: Overexpression of HER2 in breast cancer is associated with aggressive tumor features and poor patient survival. Current therapeutic agents targeting this receptor have increased the survival rate of patients with HER2+ breast cancer; however some patients eventually develop resistance to these therapies. We have previously reported that HER2+ breast cancers are susceptible to poly (ADP-Ribose) polymerase inhibitors (PARPi) alone independent of a basal or induced DNA repair deficiency but instead via suppression of NF-κB signaling. In this study, we investigated PARPi sensitivity in HER2+ breast cancer cells that are resistant to the HER2 targeted agent trastuzumab. Materials and Methods: HER2+ breast cancer cell lines BT-474, UACC812, SKBRR3 and their trastuzumab resistant counterparts were used in this study. Cells were treated with vehicle or 10µM ABT-888 or transfected with scrambled or PARP1 siRNA. NF-κB transcriptional activity was measured using a NF-κB-driven luciferase reporter assay. Protein expression was measured by Western blot analysis. Cellular cytotoxicity and viability following PARPi was assessed with colony formation and ATPlite assays, respectively. Results: HER2+ parent and trastuzumab resistant breast cancer cells showed similar susceptibility to the PARPi ABT-888. There was a dose response reduction in survival fraction (greater than 70% at 10μM) and a greater than 40% decrease in cell viability with 10μM ABT-888. This cytotoxicity was associated with more than 50% attenuation of NF-κB transcriptional activity and reduced expression of the NF-κB activator IKKα. Suppression of NF-κB signaling was also observed utilizing PARP1 siRNA. Conclusions: HER2+ breast cancer cells resistant to trastuzumab continue to be sensitive to PARP inhibition through attenuation of the NF-κB signaling pathway. These results support the use of PARPi as part of a therapeutic strategy for patients with HER2+ breast cancer. Citation Format: Monica E. Wielgos, Tiffiny Cooper, Andres Forero, James A. Bonner, Francisco J. Esteva, C K. Osborne, Rachel Schiff, Albert F. LoBuglio, Eddy S. Yang. Trastuzumab resistant HER2+ breast cancer cells retain sensitivity to poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibition. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 5469. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-5469
Dermoscopic semiology: further insights into vascular features by screening a large spectrum of nontumoral skin lesions.

Summary Background Dermoscopic vascular criteria remain poorly evaluated and analysed. The increasing number of descriptions of amelanotic melanoma showing isolated vascular dermoscopic findings adds interest to this topic. Objective To evaluate and classify the dermoscopic vascular structures seen in nontumoral dermatoses (NTD). Patients and methods The affected skin of 414 consecutive patients suffering from a variety of 31 different biopsy-proven NTD was evaluated with the dermoscope and photographed with the Dermaphot camera. Results The dermoscopic vascular structures seen in NTD consisted of round dotted and globular vessels, linear vessels and glomerular vessels. In addition, structureless coloured patches were also found. In some NTD the distribution of the vascular structures took on special arrangements. The most common vascular findings were the linear and the rounded vessels, which were distributed either homogeneously throughout the lesion or were present together with other vascular or pigmented features in a mixed pattern. Conclusion The present study proposes a new classification of dermoscopic vascular features based on the screening of a large spectrum of nontumoral dermatoses. This list may be useful to define further dermoscopic semiology and to understand the vascular features most relevant to the diagnosis not only of different NTD but also of pigmented and amelanotic melanoma.