cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of a rest-pause vs. traditional squat on electromyography and lifting volume in trained women

Rest-pause (4 s unloaded rest between repetitions) single session training effects on lifting volume, and muscle activity via electromyography (EMG) are currently vague in the literature and can benefit strength and conditioning professionals for resistance training program design. This study compared differences in volume lifted and muscle activity between a rest-pause vs. traditional protocol. Trained females (N = 13) completed both a rest-pause and traditional squat protocol consisting of four sets to movement failure at 80% pretest 1 repetition maximum load with 2-min rest between sets. Total volume and muscle activity of the vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, rectus femoris, and gluteus maximus were measured on both training days. Differences in muscle activity were viewed as a percent change (%∆). A paired samples t test indicated total volume lifted was higher in the rest-pause compared to the traditional protocol (2532 vs. 2036 kg; p < .05). Furthermore, paired samples t tests showed muscle activity %∆ of the gluteus maximus was greater in the traditional protocol compared to the rest-pause protocol (p < .05). No other muscle activity differences were observed in the remaining muscles. The rest-pause allows for greater volume lifted via increased repetitions compared to a traditional protocol in trained women. The rest-pause method may be superior to a traditional method of training during a hypertrophy mesocycle, where a primary focus is total volume lifted. Furthermore, %∆ muscle activity in the GM will be greater while performing a traditional back squat protocol in comparison to a rest-pause.
Strategic application of convective cooling to maximize the thermal gradient and reduce heat stress response in dairy cows.

ABSTRACT This study determined the effectiveness of convective cooling at different times of day when air temperature (Ta) was cycled from day to night. Mid-lactation Holstein cows (n = 12) were placed in 3 environmental chambers (4 cows per chamber) and acclimated to Ta 19.9°C (thermoneutral; TN) for 7 d followed by an incremental increase over 3 d to a heat stress (HS) condition. Conditions were maintained for 11 d at high and low daily Ta of 33 and 23°C, respectively. To determine adaptive HS response, the HS period was divided into early (E: d 11 to 14) and late (L: d 17 to 20) periods. During HS, cows were exposed to continuous fan (convective) cooling (CC), 8-h day fan cooling (1100 to 1900 h; DC), or 8-h night fan cooling (2300 to 0700 h; NC). Compared with DC, the NC treatment maximized the thermal gradient during the convective cooling. Each animal received all treatments within 3 trials using a repeated 3 × 3 Latin square design. Cows were fed a total mixed ration and milked twice daily. Thermal status was assessed by using thermal conductance and average daily values for mean, minimum, and maximum rectal temperature (Tre), skin temperatures, and respiration rate. Percent reduction in dry matter intake from TN to HS was less for CC than DC and NC, with no change from E to L periods. The DC group exhibited the greatest trend for a percent reduction in total milk yield below CC due to the significantly lower morning milk production. All values for total daily milk production decreased from E to L periods, with E to L reductions in both morning and afternoon milk production. Minimum Tre for CC and NC cows was 0.4°C below DC. In contrast, maximum Tre was similar for NC and DC groups, at 0.5 to 0.6°C above the CC group. Skin temperature for CC cows was always less than DC cows. Skin temperature for NC cows was equal to CC for minimum skin temperature, but exceeded both CC and DC cows for maximum skin temperature. Average skin temperature decreased from E to L, which suggested heat adaptation. The thermal advantage of night (lowest Ta and greatest thermal gradient) versus day cooling (greatest Ta and lowest thermal gradient) was increased heat transfer via thermal conductance with NC. The higher thermal strain of DC cows caused a larger percent decrease in morning milk yield than for NC cows. In contrast, use of convective cooling at night in the absence of elevated humidity could sufficiently reduce heat strain beyond DC to maintain milk production at a level that is closer to that of CC cows.
Terminal Differentiation: REST

The coordinated action of positive and negative transcriptional and posttranscriptional regulators is crucial in modulating gene expression patterns at all stages of neuronal development. One of the most studied transcription factors involved in global regulation of neuronal gene expression is the neuron-restrictive silencer element 1-silencing transcription factor/neural-restrictive silencer factor (REST/NRSF). Initially identified as a stable repressor or silencer of terminal neuronal genes in nonneuronal cell types, REST/NRSF is now believed to orchestrate much more complex processes, including controlling gene expression in the developing and adult organism, in normal and pathological states of the brain, and during malignant transformation.
Challenges of Promoting Conceptual Change with Instructional Contexts

This chapter focuses on the interaction of two first graders as they attempt to make sense of a particular instructional context for learning negative numbers. The context is one where they move an elevator to a building’s floors above and below ground in order to model integer addition and subtraction problems. In particular, the focus of the activity was to discover that solving problems such as 4 – 1 and 1 – 4 will result in different answers. The two students misinterpret each other, model the problems in multiple ways with the elevator (and to varying extents), but also work cooperatively at times as they complete the activity. Their efforts highlight the difficulties they encounter when working with ready-made contexts and in obtaining solutions that do not fit their prior experiences. The results present a brief view of the conceptual change process and support a stronger focus on connecting to students’ prior thinking when introducing new instructional contexts.
Identification of MRSA infection in blood using photoacoustic flow cytometry

Multi-drug-resistant bacteria, particularly Methicillin resistant, have become an ever-increasing problem. Currently, broad spectrum antibiotics are prescribed until bacteria can be cultured, a process that can take 3-4 days and is unable to deliver quantitative information about relative number of bacteria present. In order to rapidly detect, differentiate and quantify bacteria in blood samples we designed a detection system using labeled bacteriophage in conjunction with photoacoustic flow cytometry. Photoacoustic Flow cytometry is the generation of ultrasound waves created by the absorption of laser light in objects under flow. Bacteria can be tagged with dyed phage and processed through the photoacoustic flow cytometer where they are detected by the acoustic response. Here we demonstrate that E.coli can be detected and discriminated from Salmonella using this method.
A Kinetic Model of High Temperature Fatigue Crack Growth

The increased fatigue crack growth rate at high temperature is primarily caused by environmental effects. The amount of the environmental effect depends on the penetration rate of the detrimental chemical specie relative to the crack growth rate. Depending upon the relative chemical penetration rate, there can either be no, partial, or full environmental effects. A kinetic model is formulated to predict the environmental effects. The kinetic model is applied with good success to the high temperature fatigue crack growth of IN-100, a nickel base superalloy.
Reaction of CpRu(PPh3)2Cl with six-member cyclothioethers. Structures of the [CpRu(PPh3) x L]Y complexes (L = pentamethylene sulfide, x = 2, Y = BF4−; L = 1,3-dithiane; 1,3,5-trithiane, x = 2, Y = CF3SO3−; L = 1,4-dithiane, x = 1, Y = BF4−)

The synthesis of a series of ruthenium complexes with cyclothioether ligands is reported. The compounds were characterized by X-ray diffraction techniques. The molecular structures of [CpRu(PPh3)2(pms)]BF4 (1), [CpRu(PPh3)2(1,3-dithiane)]OTfl (2), [CpRu(PPh3)2(1,3,5-trithiane)]OTfl (3), and [CpRu(PPh3)(1,4-dithiane)]BF4 (4) show chelation occurs only when the sulfur atoms are separated by at least two C atoms, creating a ligand bite size large enough to chelate. Cell parameters: 1, space group P21/c, a = 14.601(4), b = 19.102(10), c = 14.751(7) A, β = 98.28(3)○; 2, space group P21/c, a = 12.859(7), b = 15.576(3), c = 22.126(11) A, β = 102.22(4)○; 3, space group P21/c, a = 12.7320(20), b = 15.571(5), c = 22.287(4) A, β = 101.812(14)○; 4, space group Pbca, a = 11.2010(10), b = 16.321(7), c = 28.966(4) A. Compounds 2 and 3 are X-ray isomorphous. The Ru–S bond lengths range from 2.341(3), 2.365(3) A in compound 4 to 2.382(4) A in compound 2. Upon chelation (compound 4), with subsequent loss of PPh3, the Ru–P bond shortens to 2.327(3) A. This may be due to reduced steric hindrance about the Ru atom. No evidence for C–S bond lengthening is observed.
The interpersonal is political: unfriending to promote civic discourse on social media

Despite the initial promise of social media platforms as a means of facilitating discourse on matters of civic discourse, in practice it has turned out to impair fruitful conversation on civic issues by a number of means. From self-isolation into echo chambers, to algorithmically supported filter bubbles, to widespread failure to engage politically owing to psychological phenomena like the ‘spiral of silence’, a variety of factors have been blamed. I argue that extant accounts overlook the importance of interpersonal relationships to sustaining quality civic discourse on social media. Drawing on an Aristotelian account of friendship with an emphasis on the value of interpersonal difference plus the influence of interactions on individual character, I argue that a common scapegoat for the failure of civic discourse online—the variety of “unfriend” disconnection tools offered on various platforms—actually show promise at promoting better-quality civic conversation and overcoming the obstacles present on social media platforms.
Locoregional Control, Overall Survival, and Disease-Free Survival in Stage IIIA (N2) Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer: Analysis of Resected and Unresected Patients

Abstract Introduction The standard of care for stage IIIA (N2) non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) includes concurrent definitive chemoradiation (dCRT) followed by durvalumab, thus challenging the role of surgery in resectable patients. We assessed locoregional disease control and survival in patients with surgically resected and unresected stage IIIA (N2) NSCLC disease. Patients and Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis from prospectively collected databases at MD Anderson Cancer Center. Patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy and surgery or dCRT for clinical stage IIIA (N2) disease (2004-2014) were evaluated. Primary outcomes included locoregional disease control, disease-free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS). Kaplan-Meier outcome analyses were performed. Results Of the 159 resected patients, the majority had lobectomy (82.4%), followed by pneumonectomy (11.9%) and sublobar resection (5.7%). The 30- and 90-day mortality rates were 0.6% and 1.3%, respectively. At median follow-up of 52.8 months, recurrence was 55.3%, with 44.0% having distant and 15.1% locoregional recurrence. At 5 years, OS was 50.8% and DFS was 33.1% Median OS was 61.2 months. A total of 366 patients underwent dCRT, with intensity-modulated radiation in 64.5%, proton therapy in 26.0%, and 3-dimensional conformal radiotherapy in 9.6%. The mean dose was 68.1 Gy. At median follow-up of 20.8 months, recurrence was 53.6%, with distant and locoregional recurrence of 40.7% and 30.3%, respectively. At 5 years, OS was 29.2% and DFS was 20.5%. Median OS was 27.5 months. Conclusion Stage IIIA (N2) NSCLC continues to be a heterogeneous disease, and patients with surgically resected and unresected disease represent different risk populations. Ongoing immunotherapy trials may further redefine treatment algorithms in this complex patient population.
Polycystic kidney disease

The Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) is a genetic disease which is characterized by the gradual emergence of cystic lesions in the kidneys, which replace the renal parenchyma causing deterioration of its function to stage 5. The PKD is one of the causes of Chronic Kidney Disease on renal replacement therapy (RRT). The Polycystic Kidney Disease has two patterns of inheritance: autosomal dominant pattern and the autosomal recessive pattern. The dominant form is more common but less severe than autosomal recessive form. PKD is known that is caused by mutations in several loci of the human genome. The autosomal dominant form can be caused by mutations in two different genes (PKD1 and PKD2), unlike the autosomal recessive form only has a causal gene (PKHD1). At present the international scientific community efforts toward deeper understanding of the pathophysiology of this entity for the purpose of developing therapeutic alternatives that avoid the appearance of cysts or progression of those already in place. The aim is to systematize the available scientific knowledge about Polycystic Kidney Disease and provide a source of consultation update on clinical characteristics and therapeutic options for patients with PKD.
Workplace Safety and Worker Productivity: Evidence from the MINER Act:

This study examines the effect of safety enforcement on workplace injuries and worker productivity in coal mines. The author exploits the introduction of a “flagrant” violation standard—with penalt...
The current state of robotic retromuscular repairs-a qualitative review of the literature.

The management of ventral incisional hernias (VIH) has undergone many iterations over the last 5 years due to evolution in surgical techniques and advancement in robotic surgery. Four general principles have emerged: mesh usage, retromuscular mesh placement, primary fascial closure, and usage of minimally invasive techniques when possible. The application of robotic retromuscular repairs in VIH allow these principles to be applied simultaneously. This qualitative review attempts to answer what robotic retromuscular repairs are described, which patients are selected for these techniques, and what are current outcomes. Using the key words: “robotic retromuscular repair”, “robotic Rives Stoppa”, and “robotic transversus abdominis release”, a PubMed search of articles written up to December 2019 was critically reviewed. 44 articles were encountered, 9 high-quality articles were analyzed for this manuscript. Level of evidence ranged from 2B to 2C. Robotic TAR patients had BMI of 33 kg/m2, defect sizes ranging from 7–14 cm wide to 12–19 cm long, longer OR times, no difference in surgical site events, and shorter length of stay (LOS). The techniques to perform robotic Rives Stoppa (RS) were heterogeneous; however, extended totally extraperitoneal (ETEP) approach is most described. Defect width for RS repairs ranged 4–7 cm and LOS was less than 1 day. Complication rates were low, there is no long-term data on hernia recurrence, and information on cost is limited. In short-term follow-up, robotic retromuscular repairs show promise that VIH can be repaired with intramuscular mesh, few complications, and shorter LOS. Data on hernia recurrence, long-term complications, and rigorous cost analysis are needed to demonstrate generalizability.
Feasibility of Mobile Technology to Identify and Address Patients' Unmet Social Needs in a Primary Care Clinic.

Mobile health tools may overcome barriers to social needs screening; however, there are limited data on the feasibility of using these tools in clinical settings. The objective was to determine the...
COVID-19 ventilator barotrauma management: Less is more

Background COVID-19 patients requiring mechanical ventilation may develop significant pneumomediastinum and sub-cutaneous emphysema without associated pneumothorax (SWAP). Prophylactic chest tube placement or sub-fascial "blowholes" are usually recommended to prevent tension pneumothorax and clinical decline. Risk of iatrogenic lung injury and release of virus into the environment is high. Incidence and conservative management data of such barotraumatic complications during the COVID-19 pandemic are lacking. Methods All patients with mediastinal air and SWAP evaluated by the department of Thoracic Surgery at the Mount Sinai Hospital between March 30 and April 10, 2020 were identified. All patients without pneumothorax were treated conservatively with daily chest x-ray and observation. Three patients had prophylactic chest tube placement prior to the study period without thoracic surgery consultation. Results There were 29 cases of mediastinal air with SWAP out of 171 COVID positive intubated patients (17.0%) who were treated conservatively. Patients were intubated for an average of 2.4 days before SWAP was identified. 12 patients (41%) had improvement or resolution without intervention. Two patients progressed to pneumothorax 3 and 8 days following initial presentation. Both had chest tubes placed without incident before there were any changes in oxygenation, hemodynamics, supportive medications, or ventilator settings. There were 3 patients who had percutaneous tubes placed before the study period all of whom had significant worsening of their sub-cutaneous air and air leak. Conclusions Conservative management of massive sub-cutaneous emphysema without pneumothorax in COVID-19 patients is safe and limits viral exposure to healthcare workers. Placement of chest tubes is discouraged unless a definite sizable pneumothorax develops.
We('re) Working on Corporate Governance: Stakeholder Vulnerability in Unicorn Companies

Large private companies are often characterized by poor corporate governance that harms an array of stakeholders. WeWork provides a recent, high-profile example of such harms. The WeWork vision, and the dominating personality of its co-founder, Adam Neumann, attracted billions of investment dollars. As a private company with a valuation in excess of $1 billion, WeWork was a “unicorn.” In January 2019, WeWork was valued at $47 billion, and SoftBank alone had invested more than $9 billion. In August 2019, however, a draft of the company’s Form S-1 registration statement was made public. Analysts and the financial press raised serious concerns. The filing revealed an aggressive multi-class voting structure, and an equally bold assessment of profitability reached through very creative accounting. WeWork scrambled to make changes, but the weaknesses proved too much. The IPO was cancelled; valuations were adjusted down to between $8 and $10 billion; SoftBank took control by injecting another $9.5 billion, approximately $1.7 billion of which was used to remove Neumann; and a new management team was installed, putatively to turn the company into a model of responsible corporate governance. Thousands of employees were laid off and collateral businesses were sold or shuttered. Perhaps this story vindicates U.S. financial market regulation: the transparency required by federal securities law ultimately triumphed, and WeWork corrected course. But why did corporate and securities laws enable the WeWork “debacle” in the first place? Why were the substantial costs, both direct and collateral, to the WeWork stakeholders, not least its investors, not avoided? Unicorns have absorbed hundreds of billions of investment dollars, but unfortunately have also generated massive externalities. When they have succeeded, unicorns have delivered enormous gains for their founders, insiders, and early-stage investors. When they have failed, these entities have imposed substantial hardships on investors and a wide array of stakeholders including employees, customers, suppliers, lenders, the economy, and society itself. This article explores some of the reasons for the persistently poor governance of unicorns, with emphasis on the homogeneity of company boards and of decision-makers at the entities funding them. It looks at both securities and corporation law, and analyzes how such laws work (or mostly do not, but could, work) to protect investors and other stakeholders This article argues that poor governance could be remedied by existing laws. It also proposes specific changes that might be made to rein in unicorns and protect stakeholders.
Ultrahigh-Performance Concrete for Improving Impact Resistance of Bridge Superstructures to Overheight Collision

Abstract Collision of overheight vehicles into bridge superstructures often leads to structural damage, posing an immediate risk to the safety of motorists and the functionality of bridges. Conside...
Machine-Learning Prediction of Atomistic Stress along Grain Boundaries

Abstract The atomistic stress state along a grain boundary can be treated as a representation of the Cauchy stress tensor for the calculation of continuum traction fields, which ultimately governs the ability of grain boundaries to generate, absorb, or transmit dislocations. Such quantitative grain boundary descriptors are mostly confined to molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, where the notion of atomistic stress can be defined through virial theorem. Here, we use artificial neural networks for machine learning (ML), fed with a limited training dataset from MD simulations, to predict the local atomistic stresses from atomic position information across a series of equilibrium symmetrical-tilt Cu grain boundary structures. Accuracy of the ML algorithm is found to depend on the type, sequence, and distortion of the grain boundary structural units. Accounting for these characteristics in the training dataset enables accurate predictions of the local atomistic stress distributions across the family of grain boundary structures. This ML-based constitutive modeling paves the way for direct interpretation of the equivalent stress state of atomistic structures beyond the MD domain, including those from high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) imaging and Density Functional Theory (DFT) modeling.
Climate Change Impacts in Regional-Scale Aquifers: Principles and Field Application

1xCO2 and 2xCO2 global circulation model (GCM) climate simulations were expressed in terms of scaling ratios and coupled with historical time series of normal and extreme climate periods. The scaled time series created global warming scenarios in regional karst aquifer which were then used to estimate ground-water recharge and to simulate ground-water flow and springflow for a range of pumping levels. GCM and ground-water pumping sensitivity of aquifer management strategies were identified. Methods and models to link climate change to regional aquifer response are examined in this work.
Deep learning for regulatory genomics.

Computational modeling of DNA and RNA targets of regulatory proteins is improved by a deep-learning approach.
Combined Heart–Liver Transplantation in the MELD Era: Do Waitlisted Patients Require Exception Status?

Combined heart–liver transplant (HLT) is a viable therapy for patients with concomitant end-stage heart and liver failure. Using data from the United Network for Organ Sharing database, we examined the cumulative incidences of transplant and mortality in waitlisted candidates for HLT, isolated heart transplant (HRT) and isolated liver transplant (LIV) in the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease era. The incidence of waitlist mortality was higher in HLT candidates than in HRT candidates (p = 0.001, 26% vs. 12% at 1 year) or LIV candidates (p = 0.005, 26% vs. 14% at 1 year). These differences persisted after stratifying by disease severity. Posttransplant survival was not significantly different between HLT and HRT recipients or between HLT and LIV recipients. In a multivariable model, undergoing HLT was associated with enhanced survival for HLT candidates (hazard ratio, 0.41; confidence interval, 0.21–0.79; p = 0.008), but undergoing HRT alone was not. Interestingly, 90% of HLT recipients were allocated an organ locally, compared to 60% of HRT candidates and 73% of LIV candidates (both p < 0.001). These data suggest that the current cardiac and liver allocation systems may underestimate the risk of death for patients with concomitant end-stage heart and liver failure on the HLT waitlist.
Textile Applications for EB/UV Curing

The important fundamental features of both the electron beam and ultraviolet radiation processors are reviewed, highlighting the major advantages of each for the textile industry. The curing of flock adhesives and the graft modification of fibers and filaments for bulk and surface property enhancement are described as typical of the high speed performance available with modern electron beam equipment. Applications of ultraviolet curing to bonding enhancement on textiles and to surface coating such as leather and man-made fabrics, are reviewed. At the present time, the adoption of this non-polluting technology is particularly active in the printing industry as tougher pollution control legislation takes effect. Some data on its healthy growth rates worldwide are reviewed, and its importance for energy intensive industries, such as textile finishing, is discussed.
Modification of adhesion forces in multiple layers of transition metal dichalcogenides using illumination for micro-actuators

Surface adhesion forces in few layers of layered transition metal dichalcogenides (ReS 2 , NbS 2 , n-type WSe 2 , MoS 2 , p-type MoSe 2 , TaS 2 ) hexagonal BN (hBN) and graphene were determined using atomic force microscope with conducting silicon tip in dark and under illumination to identify material for integrated optical sensor in NEMS/MEMS switches. In all cases the surface adhesion forces increased under illumination. WSe 2 , an indirect band gap with 1.66 eV energy, showed the largest change of ∼165% in its adhesion force. Hexagonal BN, a wide band gap energy material of 5.5 eV, showed the smallest change of 7.2% comparable to changes in our control samples of 90 nm SiO 2 on Si and 100 nm Au on SiO 2 /Si. NbS 2 and graphene, samples with the smallest energy band gaps, respectively showed 54.8% and 8.4% increase in surface adhesion forces under illumination.
Attitude and position estimation on the Mars exploration rovers

NASA/JPL's Mars exploration rovers acquire their attitude upon command and autonomously propagate their attitude and position. The rovers use accelerometers and images of the sun to acquire attitude, autonomously searching the sky for the sun with an articulated camera. To propagate the attitude and position the rovers use either accelerometer and gyro readings or gyro readings and wheel odometry, depending on the nature of the movement Earth-based operators have commanded. Where necessary, visual odometry is performed on images to fine tune the position updates, particularly in high slip environments. The capability also exists for visual odometry attitude updates. This paper describes the techniques used by the rovers to acquire and maintain attitude and position knowledge, the accuracy which is obtainable, and lessons learned after more than one year in operation.
Drug abuse and partner violence among women in methadone treatment

This study aims to (1) describe rates of lifetime and current partner abuse among women on methadone; (2) examine the relationship between partner violence and demographics, substance abuse, and drug risk behaviors; and (3) explore the association between a victim's current use of crack/cocaine, heroin, marijuana, and drug risk behavior after controlling for demographics, household composition, history of victimization and sex trading. Approximately three-fourths of the women ever experienced physical, sexual, or life-threatening abuse and slightly less than one-third experienced at least one type of abuse during the previous year. A history of childhood victimization was reported by more than half of the women and one-third witnessed her mother being abused. Risk of partner violence was associated with victim's current drug and alcohol use, visiting shooting galleries, and living with someone with drug or alcohol problems. The study discusses the implications of the findings for research and intervention.
‘The Federalist’ Abroad in the World

This paper traces the influence of The Federalist Papers on five continents. From 1787 to roughly 1850, The Federalist was widely read and highly influential, especially in Europe and Latin America. Federalist justifications for federalism as a solution to the problem of creating a continental republic or to provincial rivalries were widely accepted. So, too, was the presidency, at least in Latin America, and that region adopted judicial review later in the nineteenth century. Presidentialism and judicial review fared less well in Western Europe. Following World War II, judicial review slowly became part of the standard equipment of new and old democracies alike, for reasons the paper attempts to specify. On the other hand, federalism is relatively rarely adopted, despite its potential for the alleviation of ethnic divisions. In general, the rights consciousness associated with the Anti-Federalists has prevailed over Federalist structural engineering in the contemporary period, even though many constitutional design scholars and advisors counsel constitution-makers to consider Madisonian approaches. In the United States, by contrast, Federalist ideas are firmly embedded in public consciousness but are increasingly rejected by some scholars, who see them as insufficiently majoritarian or excessively cumbersome to accomplish the work of government.
Depression and Cardiovascular Health Care Costs Among Women With Suspected Myocardial Ischemia: Prospective Results From the WISE (Women's Ischemia Syndrome Evaluation) Study

Objectives This study evaluated 3 novel questions in a prospective clinical cohort of women undergoing evaluation for suspected myocardial ischemia: 1) What is the relationship between depression and cardiovascular costs? 2) Does the relationship vary by definition of depression? 3) Do depression-cost relationship patterns differ among women with versus without coronary artery disease (CAD)? Background Comorbid depression has been linked to higher medical costs in previous studies of cardiovascular patients. Methods A total of 868 women presenting with suspected myocardial ischemia completed an extensive baseline examination including cardiovascular risk factor assessment and coronary angiogram. Depression was defined by: 1) current use of antidepressants; 2) a reported history of depression treatment; and 3) Beck Depression Inventory scores. Direct (hospitalizations, office visits, procedures, and medications) and indirect (out-of-pocket, lost productivity, and travel) costs were collected through 5 years of follow-up to estimate cardiovascular costs. Results Using the study criteria, 17% to 45% of the women studied met study depression criteria. Depressed women showed adjusted annual cardiovascular costs $1,550 to $3,300 higher than nondepressed groups (r = 0.08 to 0.12, p Conclusions Depression was associated with 15% to 53% increases in 5-year cardiovascular costs, and cost differences were present using 3 definitions of depression. The results reinforce the importance of assessing depression in clinical populations and support the hypothesis that improved management of depression in women with suspected myocardial ischemia could reduce medical costs.
Chapter 2 – Pest Toxicology: The Primary Mechanisms of Pesticide Action

Publisher Summary This chapter highlights the diversity of mechanisms for both pesticidal activity and selectivity. Pesticides are intended to disrupt a primary target in the pest so it is no longer harmful. The pesticide per se or as its bioactivated form binds to or interacts with a specific enzyme, receptor, protein, or membrane, initiating a series of events that is deleterious or lethal to the pest. The primary interaction usually occurs with the pesticide at picomolar or nanomolar levels and secondary interactions at higher concentrations. However, this is not always the case. There may be several targets of similar sensitivity but not equal importance. The discovery of each new type of pesticide is followed by structural optimization for the highest possible potency involving sequential modification of each substituent to best fit the target site. Most insecticides by number, amount, and market value act on the nervous system at the synapse or the axon. The cholinergic system is the principal insecticide target with OP and MC compounds inhibiting AChE to prolong the excitatory action of acetylcholine. Pesticide management is a major aspect of pest control. However, we can still achieve higher target site potency and lower use levels, reduced environmental impact, and improved safety. Pesticide legislation policies for risks and hazards continue a trend toward ever-greater restrictions.
More Information or More Data?: Some Experimental Findings

This paper reviews work which has investigated the relationship between the amount of information available to a decision maker and the quality of the resulting decision. Consideration is also given to research into the strategies employed by decision makers to cope with information overload. Some recent empirical results are presented which indicate that one must carefully distinguish between the amount of information and the amount of data given to the decision maker.
Superresolution Imaging of RNAP and Ribosomes in Live E. Coli

Superresolution fluorescence imaging is used to locate and track ribosomes, RNA polymerase, and various DNA loci in live E. coli. The strong degree of DNA-ribosome segregation indicates that most protein production occurs on free mRNA transcripts that have diffused into the ribosome-rich regions, not by co-transcriptional translation. The predominant ribosome diffusion coefficient (about 80% of the population) is Dribo = 0.04 μm2-s−1, attributed to free mRNA being translated by multiple 70S ribosomes (polysomes). A smaller, faster population is attributed to 30S subunits searching for a translation initiation site. New quantitative estimates of ribosome and RNAP copy numbers show that ribosome concentration is more tightly controlled than RNAP. The RNAP diffusion is heterogeneous. About half the population sub-diffuses very slowly (like DNA loci) and half diffuses freely with DRNAP = 0.15 μm2-s−1. We attribute the slow component to copies that are transcribing or stalled while specifically bound to DNA and the fast component to “hopping and sliding” copies. In long RNAP trajectories we observe transitions between slowly and rapidly diffusing states, suggestive of initiation or termination of transcription events. These data provide a more detailed, quantitative picture of how the components of the transcription/translation machinery work together in space and time.
Resistivity, Permittivity and the Electrode Space Charge of Nematic Liquid Crystals

The permittivity of doped nematics is found to increase approximately as (1/ω)2 at low frequency. The effect is accounted for by considering the space charge resulting from dissociation of the dopa...
Correlation between thermoelectric 1ƒ noise and current 1ƒ noise in intrinsic germanium

Abstract The cross-correlation between thermoelectric 1 ƒ noise and current 1 ƒ noise for intrinsic germanium is evaluated and the ratio S V a+ V th (ƒ) S V th (ƒ) is determined. It is found that this ratio has a shallow minimum at positi ve Va.
Discrete multidimensional Jordan surfaces

Abstract We introduce a mathematical framework suitable for a general theory of surfaces, objects, and their borders and boundaries in multidimensional discrete spaces. Our motivation comes from practical applications, where objects and their boundaries need to be identified in multidimensional data sets with the further aim of displaying them on a computer screen. Our definitions are biased toward such applications. In particular, we desire to characterize surfaces with a well-determined inside and outside and to define object borders and boundaries so that they will indeed be surfaces of this type. Furthermore, we make our presentation general enough to incorporate many of the reasonable but ad hoc ways that notions of “object,” “border,” and “boundary” may be defined in digital geometry. Some basic theorems are proven, showing that the framework is appropriate for the mathematical treatment of the intuitive notion of a “surface with a connected inside and a connected outside” (a Jordan surface) in the discrete multidimensional environment.
Diatoms as indicators of isolated herbaceous wetland condition in Florida, USA

Abstract Benthic, epiphytic, and phytoplanktonic diatoms, as well as soil and water physical–chemical parameters, were sampled from 70 small (average 0.86 ha) isolated depressional herbaceous wetlands located along a gradient of human disturbance in peninsular Florida to (1) compare diatom assemblage structure between algal types; (2) develop biological indicators of wetland condition; (3) examine synecological relationships between diatom structure and environmental variables, with the ultimate goal of developing an index of biological integrity using a single assemblage. Collected diatom samples were enumerated to 250 valves and identified to species or subspecies. An assessment of wetland condition was made using a landscape-scale human disturbance score (Landscape Development Intensity index, LDI), calculated for each site using land use maps and GIS. Assemblages from both impaired and reference sites were compared using blocked multi-response permutation procedures, the percent similarity index, and visually examined using non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS). No ecologically significant compositional differences were found within sites. Mantel's test (Mantel's r = 0.29, p 0.50, p Metrics to assess wetland condition were developed using epiphytic abundance data. Epiphytic taxa sensitive or tolerant to human landscape modification were identified using Indicator Species Analysis, and autecological indices relating diatom sensitivity to nutrients, pH, dissolved oxygen levels, saprobity, salinity, and trophic status were calculated. Fourteen final metrics were identified, scored on an ordinal scale, and combined into the Diatom Index of Wetland Condition (DIWC). The DIWC was highly correlated with the disturbance score (Spearman's rs = −0.71, p
Anterograde axonal transport and intercellular transfer of WGA-HRP in trigeminal-innervated sensory receptors of rat incisive papilla.

Abstract The ultrastructure and identification of WGA-HRP-labeled sensory receptors in the rat incisive papilla (the most anterior part of hard palate) were studied using semiserial thin sections. Various sensory receptors were organized according to three locations: dome region (ventral), chemosensory corpuscle region (medial to orifice of incisive canal), and lateral labium (apposing the incisive canal). In the dome region, the sensory receptors were localized in three sensory zones that were associated with surface ridges (one medial and two lateral). In each of these zones, intraepithelial receptor axons and Merkel receptors occurred in the epithelium, while simple unencapsulated corpuscles, glomerular-Meissner corpuscles, and incisive (encapsulated) corpuscles occurred in the lamina propria. In the chemosensory corpuscle region, chemosensory corpuscles and intraepithelial receptor axons were located in the epithelium, and incisive corpuscles were present in the lamina propria. In the lateral labium, only intraepithelial receptor axons were prominent. In all these sensory receptors, the preterminal axons and axon terminals were labeled with the tracer protein. In addition, some nonneuronal cells closely associated with the axon terminals were selectively labeled, e.g., terminal Schwann cells, lamellar Schwann cells, Merkel cells, corpuscular basal cells and chemosensory cells. Other adjacent cells were not labeled, e.g., unspecialized epithelial cells, capsular cells, corpuscular sustentacular cells, and fibroblasts. In both labeled axons and cells, WGA-HRP was incorporated into vesicles, tubules, and vacuolar organelles. The specific intercellular transfer of tracer protein may indicate trophic interactions between axon terminals and support cells in sensory receptors. The specific organization of multiple sensory receptors in the rat incisive papilla may provide a useful alternative system for studying somatosensory physiology.
Efficacy and feasibility of aerosolized amphotericin B lipid complex therapy in caspofungin breakthrough pulmonary zygomycosis.

Efficacy and feasibility of aerosolized amphotericin B lipid complex therapy in caspofungin breakthrough pulmonary zygomycosis
Preparing Future Faculty: Contributions to the Job Search Process and Life as a Junior Faculty Member

Life in the academy is a complex and difficult journey. Future faculty must learn how to adapt and grow because the landscape of their career and higher education will constantly change. We are honored that Dr. Dan Landers asked us to contribute our thoughts regarding future faculty preparation and the Arizona State University (ASU) Preparing Future Faculty (PFF) program, in particular. In this respect, Rafer Lutz describes the impact that PFF had upon his recent job search and acclimatization to a new university. Lynda Ransdell details the ways PFF has helped her life as a junior faculty member. Important lessons include seeking true colleagues, the importance of teaching, seeking out multiple mentors, and full participation in the faculty experience.
Entrepreneurial Orientation and Firm Performance: The Unique Impact of Innovativeness, Proactiveness, and Risk-taking

Abstract This paper develops a theoretical model of the relationship between firm-level entrepreneurship and firm performance. This model is intended to further clarify the consequences of an ‘entrepreneurial orientation,’ paying particular attention to the differential relationship that exists between the three sub-dimensions of entrepreneurial orientation and firm performance. Included in the theoretical model are other important variables (such as organizational structure and environmental characteristics) that may impact the EO-performance relationship. Propositions are developed regarding the various configurations of the sub-dimensions of EO and organizational structure that would be most appropriate in a given environmental context. Future research may also benefit from considering the important role that organizational strategy and life cycle stage play in this model. The implications of this model for both researchers and managers are discussed.
π Turn is a conformational pattern in RNA loops and bends

A PATTERN has been found in the structure of transfer RNA by which a polynucleotide chain can make an abrupt change in direction so as to make a sharp cornered loop or a sharp bend.
What Can Crystal Structures of Aminergic Receptors Tell Us about Designing Subtype-Selective Ligands?

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are integral membrane proteins that represent an important class of drug targets. In particular, aminergic GPCRs interact with a significant portion of drugs currently on the market. However, most drugs that target these receptors are associated with undesirable side effects, which are due in part to promiscuous interactions with close homologs of the intended target receptors. Here, based on a systematic analysis of all 37 of the currently available high-resolution crystal structures of aminergic GPCRs, we review structural elements that contribute to and can be exploited for designing subtype-selective compounds. We describe the roles of secondary binding pockets (SBPs), as well as differences in ligand entry pathways to the orthosteric binding site, in determining selectivity. In addition, using the available crystal structures, we have identified conformational changes in the SBPs that are associated with receptor activation and explore the implications of these changes for the rational development of selective ligands with tailored efficacy.
The causal effects of extraversion on positive affect and neuroticism on negative affect: Manipulating state extraversion and state neuroticism in an experimental approach

Abstract Although the relationships between extraversion and positive affect and between neuroticism and negative affect are powerful, the patterns of causality accounting for them are unknown. We employed an experimental methodology to manipulate state extraversion and state neuroticism to determine their causal status. In Experiment 1, state extraversion was manipulated by instructing participants to act extraverted and introverted during two different discussions with two other participants. Participants reported more positive affect when instructed to act extraverted than when instructed to act introverted, and this finding was supported by the ratings of observers. In Experiment 2, state neuroticism was manipulated by instructing participants to act neurotic and emotionally stable during two different discussions. Participants reported more negative affect when instructed to act neurotic than when instructed to act stable. Thus, at least some part of the extraversion-positive affect and neuroticism-negative affect relationships may be accounted for by the causal influences of extraverted behavior and neurotic behavior, respectively.
Comparison of three blood-processing techniques during and after cardiopulmonary bypass

The return of extracorporeal circuit blood at the termination of cardiopulmonary bypass is an important feature of blood conservation during open heart procedures. However, the relative benefits and disadvantages of different circuit blood salvage methods remain unclear. Accordingly, the purpose of this study was to examine whether quantifiable differences exist between three different circuit blood-salvaging techniques: direct infusion, centrifugation, and ultrafiltration. Sixty patients with very similar preoperative characteristics were randomly assigned to each of the three groups, and blood coagulation screens, plasma profiles, and respiratory function were determined at 20 minutes and at 6 and 18 hours after cardiopulmonary bypass. Early after cardiopulmonary bypass (20 minutes), the plasma colloid osmotic pressure and fibrinogen and platelet concentrations were significantly higher with ultrafiltration (p < 0.05) versus those observed for the other two methods. The plasma thromboplastin times were significantly (p < 0.05) longer after cardiopulmonary bypass with centrifugation as compared to direct infusion and ultrafiltration. However, the coagulation profiles and plasma composition normalized by 18 hours after cardiopulmonary bypass with all three blood-salvaging methods. There were no significant differences in terms of blood utilization or chest tube drainage over the entire postoperative period among any of the circuit blood-salvaging methods. These results suggest that ultrafiltration of postcardiopulmonary circuit blood may preserve plasma colloid pressure and platelet concentration in the early postoperative period, but these differences do not persist. Thus, for routine cardiopulmonary bypass procedures, direct infusion, centrifugation, and ultrafiltration may all be satisfactory methods of circuit blood salvage.