cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Plectris aliena (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae): A New Invasive Soil Pest in North Carolina Agro-Ecosystems

Plectris aliena Chapin (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) emerged as a new invasive soil pest in North Carolina in 2006, and it has caused significant economic loss in sweetpotato every year since that time. The insect is known to also occur in the southeastern United States in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina where it has been reported in turf and as an occasional pest of sweetpotato. Though P. aliena only recently became an economic problem in North Carolina, its presence in the southern United States and the recent upward trend in sweetpotato acreage make the insect a potential threat in most sweetpotato producing states. White grub feeding creates surface lesions on sweetpotato storage roots, rendering them unmarketable. P. aliena has a univoltine life cycle, with adult emergence occurring from mid-May to mid-June. Larvae have three instars and overwinter in the third instar. P. aliena is able to survive and complete development on several commonly-grown crop plant species other than sweetpotato including: soybean, corn, peanut, tobacco, and pasture grasses. To date, no control measures have consistently reduced P. aliena grub damage to subeconomic levels in sweetpotato. Initial research studies aim to develop management strategies for P. aliena as part of an integrated pest management program for sweetpotato growers.
Gamma failure-time mixture models: yet another way to establish efficacy†

We propose to use mixture survival models to establish the efficacy of the trial treatment. In particular, we consider the lognormal distribution to model the right-censored event time and a logistic regression for the incidence part of the model. The model attempts to estimate simultaneously the effects of treatments on the acceleration/deceleration of the timing of a given event and the surviving fraction-the proportion of the population for which the event may never occur. We use the SAS/IML subroutine NLPTR to obtain the maximum likelihood estimates of the model parameters. The estimates of the standard errors of the parameter estimates are computed from the inverse of the observed information matrix. We use the Cox-Snell residual plot based on the unconditional survivor function for evaluating goodness-of-fit of the model. The principal research hypothesis will be that under the trial treatment, the time-to-event will be more decelerated/accelerated compared to the control, given that the event occurs. We suggest that this methodology could be considered as a means to establish efficacy. We emphasize that there can be a substantial advantage to using mixture models even when the log-rank test is valid and significant. Data on overall survival time from a typical colorectal cancer clinical trial are used to illustrate the procedure.
Optimal phase transitions in compressed sensing with noisy measurements

Compressed sensing deals with efficient recovery of analog signals from linear encodings. This paper presents a statistical study of compressed sensing by modeling the input signal as an i.i.d. random process. Three classes of encoders are considered, namely, optimal nonlinear, optimal linear and random linear encoders. Focusing on optimal decoders, we investigate the fundamental tradeoff between measurement rate and reconstruction fidelity gauged by the noise sensitivity. The optimal phase-transition threshold is determined as a functional of the input distribution and compared to suboptimal thresholds achieved by popular reconstruction algorithms. In particular, we show that Gaussian sensing matrices incur no penalty on the phase-transition threshold with respect to optimal nonlinear encoding. Our results also provide a rigorous justification of previous results based on replica heuristics in the weak-noise regime.
Potassium currents responsible for inward and outward rectification in rat neostriatal spiny projection neurons

Many of the nonlinear membrane properties displayed by neostriatal spiny projection neurons are conferred by their voltage-gated potassium (K+) currents, including an inwardly rectifying current (IKir), fast (IAt), and slowly (IAs)-inactivating A-currents, and a slow, noninactivating current. The relative contribution of these K+ currents to the pronounced inward and outward rectification of the current-voltage (I-V) relationship of spiny neurons was investigated in a neostriatal slice preparation. Manipulation of the equilibrium potential for K+ (EK) showed that the voltage dependence of activation of inward rectification was identical to that of IKir. In addition, application of barium (100 microM), which is known to reduce IKir in a time- and voltage-dependent manner, had equivalent effects on inward rectification. Subsequent application of cesium (3 mM) or tetraethylammonium (TEA, 25 mM) blocked inward rectification in a solely voltage-dependent fashion consistent with the action of these blockers on IKir. Administration of 4-aminopyridine (4-AP, 100 microM) at concentrations that selectively depress IAs, reduced outward rectification of spiny neurons at subthreshold membrane potentials. Higher concentrations of 4-AP (2 mM), which block both IAs and IAt, revealed an early transient overshoot in voltage deflections at potentials near spike threshold, but rectification persisted at the end of the responses. The transient overshoot and the residual rectification were eliminated by TEA (25 mM), a blocker of the slow, noninactivating K+ current. Collectively, these results indicate that all three depolarization-activated K+ currents contribute to outward rectification at different times and membrane potentials defined by their voltage dependence of activation and kinetics of inactivation. The spontaneous activity of neostriatal spiny neurons recorded in intact animals is characterized by sustained and limited shifts in membrane potential from relatively hyperpolarized potentials to depolarized potentials near spike threshold. The present data suggest that the hyperpolarized state is determined principally by IKir and the limits on the depolarized state are defined by IAf, IAs, and the noninactivating current. These outward K+ currents also are hypothesized to govern the spike discharge characteristics once the depolarized state has been reached.
The Matrix Logarithm and the Continuization of a Discrete Process

The inverse problem of the discretization for a linear system is solved. It ties in with the basic theory of the matrix logarithm (which is multivalued). Conditions, in terms of the elementary divisors, are presented under which a given matrix has a real logarithm. It is further shown that an n-th order discrete system can always be "continuized" by a minimal real system of order between n and 2n. Applications to multi-rate control and interpolation are give.
The Scope of Formal Equality of Opportunity: The Horizontal Effect of Rights in a Liberal Constitution

Should a liberal constitution constrain the racially discriminatory actions of state as well as nonstate employers? This essay answers in the affirmative, arguing that once we take seriously the ri...
Plan simulation using Bayesian networks

We describe the representation language and a set of algorithms that constitute the core of a Plan Simulation and Analysis tool (PSA). The main objective of the PSA is to provide capabilities for the testing and evaluation of sequences of actions in domains characterized by unavoidable uncertainties and difficult trade-offs between resources and objectives. The representation language, called action networks, is a semantically well founded framework for reasoning about actions and change under uncertainty based on probabilistic Bayesian networks. Action networks add primitives to Bayesian networks to represent canonical models of time-dependencies, and controllable variables to represent agents manipulations of the domain. In addition, action networks allow different methods for quantifying the uncertainty in causal relationships, which go beyond traditional probabilistic quantification. Inferences are performed via a set of algorithms for approximate computation of belief update, allowing the user to trade-off computational time for accuracy of the answer. >
Risk Factors for 30-Day Readmissions and Modifying Postoperative Care after Gastric Bypass Surgery

Background Although hospital 30-day readmissions policies currently focus on medical conditions, readmission penalties will be expanding to encompass surgical procedures, logically beginning with common and standardized procedures, such as gastric bypass. Therefore, understanding predictors of readmission is essential in lowering readmission rate for these procedures. Study Design This is a retrospective case-control study of patients undergoing laparoscopic gastric bypass at Tufts Medical Center from 2007 to 2012. Variables analyzed included demographics, comorbidities, intraoperative events, postoperative complications, discharge disposition, and readmission diagnoses. Univariate analysis was used to identify factors associated with readmission, which were then subjected to multivariable logistic regression analysis. Results We reviewed 358 patients undergoing laparoscopic gastric bypass, 119 readmits, and 239 controls. By univariate analysis, public insurance, body mass index >60 kg/m 2 , duration of procedure, high American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class, and discharge with visiting nurse services (VNA) were significantly associated with 30-day readmissions. In the regression model, duration of procedure, high ASA class, and discharge with visiting nurse services (VNA) remained significantly associated with readmission when controlling for other factors (odds ratio [OR] 1.523, 95% CI 1.314 to 1.766; OR 2.447, 95% CI 1.305 to 4.487; and OR 0.053 with 95% CI 0.011 to 0.266, respectively). The majority of readmissions occurred within the first week after discharge. Gastrointestinal-related issues were the most common diagnoses on readmission, and included anastomotic leaks, postoperative ileus, and bowel obstruction. The next 2 most common reasons for readmission were wound infection and fluid depletion. Conclusions Using readmission risk, we can stratify patients into tiered clinical pathways. Because most readmissions occur within the first postdischarge week and are most commonly associated with dehydration, pain, or wound issues, focusing our postoperative protocols and patient education should further lower the incidence of readmission.
Wide-band observations of lf hiss at Frobisher Bay (L = 14.6)

Temporal and spectral characteristics of LF hiss recorded at Frobisher Bay from October 30 to November 18, 1972 and from June 27, 1974 to June 26, 1975 using a wide-band (0-100 kHz) receiver are reported and discussed. The hiss occurs in bursts of about 1 to 30 min duration with a bandwidth of at least 30 kHz centered in the 20-30 kHz range. Its frequency may extend downward below 10 kHz with decreasing intensity and upward to 100 kHz with increasing intensity. There is a strong diurnal peak of occurrence centered on 21 hours LMT. Some events simultaneously recorded by a 30-MHz rapid response riometer directly follow LF hiss bursts. Apparently some electron precipitation events produce hiss bursts only, others produce hiss and then a riometer event as the precipitation flux hardens, and others, too hard to produce hiss, produce riometer events only. An examination of the present data together with previous results (Jorgensen et al., 1962; Laaspere et al., 1976) leads to the conclusion that the precipitating electrons causing ground-observed LF hiss are more energetic and have smaller pitch angles than most auroral hiss observed in the topside atmosphere with an electric dipole antenna.
Clinical reasoning: a case of progressive cognitive decline reversed by middle cerebral artery stent placement.

A 46-year-old right-handed African American man presented to the emergency department after a 10-minute episode of sudden-onset left-hand weakness and slurred speech. His medical history was significant for a left cerebellar stroke 6 years ago. That event occurred during a physical training exercise and was thought to be secondary to a vertebral artery dissection.1,2 He was placed on aspirin 81 mg daily. The patient had minimal residual deficits, with left face numbness and left hypoacusis. He did not smoke, drink, or use recreational drugs. There was no family history of stroke or vascular disease. On initial examination, the patient was normotensive. His mental status was intact, with a Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score of 30/30. There was no apraxia, aphasia, or visual field deficit. Cranial nerve examination had normal results with the exception of left hypoacusis and left facial numbness over the V1–V3 distribution to pinprick. Funduscopic examination revealed no papilledema or vasculopathy. Motor, sensory, and cerebellar examinations were normal. Deep tendon reflexes were 2+ throughout with bilateral plantar responses. Laboratory testing including a complete blood count, serum chemistry, coagulation panel, and liver function tests were normal. EKG showed normal sinus rhythm and no evidence of left ventricular hypertrophy. MRI showed no evidence of acute intracranial abnormalities; a chronic left cerebellar infarct was seen (figure 1). CT angiography demonstrated severe bilateral middle cerebral artery (MCA) stenosis, worse on the right, as well as an absent left vertebral artery which was confirmed by conventional angiography (figure 2A). Figure 1 Initial imaging Noncontrast head CT (A) on admission demonstrating chronic left cerebellar infarct. Fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) MRI on admission shows no evidence of ischemic changes in the middle cerebral artery territory (B). FLAIR was also negative (C). Figure 2 Initial cerebral angiogram Angiogram on admission (A), at time of cognitive decline (B), and poststent placement (C) …
Spilling: Expanding Hand held Interaction to Touch Table Displays

We envision a nomadic model of interaction where the personal computer fits in your pocket. Such a computer is extremely limited in screen space. A technique is described for "spilling" the display of a hand held computer onto a much larger table top display surface. Because our model of nomadic computing frequently involves the use of untrusted display services we restrict interactive input to the hand held. Navigation techniques such as scrolling or turning the display can be expressed through the table top. The orientation and position of the hand held on the table top is detected using three conductive feet that appear to the touch table like three finger touches. An algorithm is given for detecting the three touch positions from the table's sensing mechanism.
Utility of an immunotherapy trial in evaluating patients with presumed autoimmune epilepsy.

Objective: To evaluate a trial of immunotherapy as an aid to diagnosis in suspected autoimmune epilepsy. Method: We reviewed the charts of 110 patients seen at our autoimmune neurology clinic with seizures as a chief complaint. Twenty-nine patients met the following inclusion criteria: (1) autoimmune epilepsy suspected based on the presence of ≥1 neural autoantibody (n = 23), personal or family history or physical stigmata of autoimmunity, and frequent or medically intractable seizures; and (2) initiated a 6- to 12-week trial of IV methylprednisolone (IVMP), IV immune globulin (IVIg), or both. Patients were defined as responders if there was a 50% or greater reduction in seizure frequency. Results: Eighteen patients (62%) responded, of whom 10 (34%) became seizure-free; 52% improved with the first agent. Of those receiving a second agent after not responding to the first, 43% improved. A favorable response correlated with shorter interval between symptom onset and treatment initiation (median 9.5 vs 22 months; p = 0.048). Responders included 14/16 (87.5%) patients with antibodies to plasma membrane antigens, 2/6 (33%) patients seropositive for glutamic acid decarboxylase 65 antibodies, and 2/6 (33%) patients without detectable antibodies. Of 13 responders followed for more than 6 months after initiating long-term oral immunosuppression, response was sustained in 11 (85%). Conclusions: These retrospective findings justify consideration of a trial of immunotherapy in patients with suspected autoimmune epilepsy. Classification of evidence: This study provides Class IV evidence that in patients with suspected autoimmune epilepsy, IVMP, IVIg, or both improve seizure control.
AutoMate: enabling autonomic applications on the grid

The increasing complexity, heterogeneity and dynamism of networks, systems, services applications have made our computational/information infrastructure brittle, unmanageable and insecure. This has necessitated the investigation of a new paradigm for design, development and deployment based on strategies used by biological systems to deal with complexity, heterogeneity, and uncertainty, i.e. autonomic computing. This paper introduces the AutoMate project and describes its key components. The overall objective of AutoMate is to investigate key technologies to enable the development of autonomic grid applications that are context aware and are capable of self-configuring, self-composing, self-optimizing and self-adapting. Specifically, it will investigate the definition of autonomic components, the development of autonomic applications as dynamic composition of autonomic components, and the design of key enhancements to existing grid middleware and runtime services to support these applications.
Spared nerve injury rats exhibit thermal hyperalgesia on an automated operant dynamic thermal escape Task

Well-established methods are available to measure thermal and mechanical sensitivity in awake behaving rats. However, they require experimenter manipulations and tend to emphasize reflexive behaviors. Here we introduce a new behavioral test, with which we examine thermal sensitivity of rats with neuropathic injury. We contrast thermal hyperalgesia between spared nerve injury and chronic constriction injury rats. This device is a fully automated thermal sensitivity assessment tool designed to emphasize integrated learned responses to thermal painful and non-painful stimuli that are applied dynamically to a surface on which the animal is standing. It documents escape behavior in awake, unrestrained animals to innocuous and noxious heating of the floor where the animal is located. Animals learn to minimize pain by escaping to the opposite non-heated side; escape latency is recorded. On this device, thermal stimulus-response curves showed > 6°C leftward shift in both groups of neuropathic rats. In contrast, when these animals were tested on hotplate the stimulus-response shift was < 2°C. Spared nerve injury rats showed even less evidence for thermal hyperalgesia when thermal sensitivity was tested by measuring paw withdrawal to infrared heating, plantar test. The implications of test dependent magnitude of thermal hyperalgesia are discussed from the viewpoint of the tests used, as well as the animal models studied. It is argued that the dynamic thermal operant task reveals the relevance of the neuropathic injury associated pain-like behavior in relation to the whole organism.
Adaptive Rover Formation Control over Unknown Terrains

A novel adaptive formation-control strategy for a group of autonomous mobile robots navigating over unknown terrains is presented. A leader-follower formation control architecture is employed. Both direct adaptive control laws and a formation speedadaptation strategy are developed, that (1) bring the robots into a prescribed formation from arbitrary in-plane locations, and (2) enable the group to navigate over unknown and changing terrains while staying in formation in the presence of actuator saturation. The terrain model is comprised of a number of level rough terrain patches, as well as some obstacles to be avoided. A generic friction model, including Coulomb and viscous friction parameters that are unknown to the robots, characterizes the terrain surface. The leader specifies a reference motion for the entire fleet. In order to account for terrain uncertainty and variations, the followers are equipped with adaptive controllers. In saturation events, the formation speed is reduced to the maximum sustainable speed of the slowest saturated robot using internal fleet communication, allowing the formation error to stay bounded and small. A formal proof for asymptotic stability of the formation system in non-saturated conditions is given, and a simulation example is presented.
Transferring More than Learned in Training: Employees' and managers' (over)generalization of skills

Across two studies, we examine the extent to which individuals accurately report their learning and transfer in a training context. In Study 1, we examine self (subordinate) and supervisory estimations of training transfer, 6–12 weeks after employees (subordinates) attended training in an organization in the United States. Using ratings of skills unrelated to training programs attended, we compared managers' and employees' ratings to determine the extent to which respondents report skill overgeneralization. Individual differences and skill visibility were examined as predictors of training transfer overgeneralization. Subordinates, particularly those high on conscientiousness, agreeableness, and emotional stability, are more likely to report transfer in areas not covered in training. Conversely, when managers rate skills, which are used in their subordinates' day-to-day activities (more observable, visible, or transparent skills), training transfer estimates are more accurate. In Study 2, we determine that conscientiousness is the main factor driving raters' overgeneralization (for self-ratings), and we further demonstrate that other personality dimensions – insecurity and perfectionism – accentuate the influence of conscientiousness on trainees' overgeneralization. From a practical standpoint, employers need to be aware of potential for biases in training transfer ratings when evaluating training transfer, particularly for employees with specific personality characteristics and for those who are in jobs with low skill visibility.
Awareness of Dietary and Alcohol Guidelines Among Colorectal Cancer Survivors.

Introduction Although dietary habits can affect colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors’ health, it is unclear how familiar survivors are with dietary guidelines, what they believe about healthy eating and alcohol consumption, and what hinders healthy dietary habits after cancer. This study assessed CRC survivors’ familiarity with dietary guidelines, their eating and drinking habits, and perceived facilitators and barriers to healthy eating after cancer, including social support and self-efficacy for maintaining a healthy diet and limiting alcohol. Methods A total of 593 individuals (50% female; mean age, 74 years) diagnosed with CRC approximately 6 years prior to study entry in early 2010 were identified through California Cancer Registry records and participated in a cross-sectional mailed survey assessing health behavior after cancer (46% adjusted response rate). Analyses were conducted in 2014–2015. Results Survivors were most familiar with—and most likely to follow—recommendations to choose low-fat foods; 15% had never heard of recommendations to limit alcohol. Survivors were more aware of recommendations involving messages to limit/avoid versus approach/choose certain foods. The most common barrier to a healthy diet involved the effort required (26%). Survivors received more family/friend support and provider recommendations for healthy eating than limiting alcohol. Conclusions Results provide an overview of awareness of and adherence to dietary recommendations among CRC survivors, highlighting the need for increasing awareness of recommendations that are especially relevant for survivors. Suggestions are made for modifying diet-related messages to facilitate comprehension and recall among CRC survivors, and increasing awareness among groups with the lowest awareness levels.
Differential rotation in Jupiter: A comparison of methods

Abstract Whether Jupiter rotates as a solid body or has some element of differential rotation along concentric cylinders is unknown. But Jupiter’s zonal wind is not north/south symmetric so at most some average of the north/south zonal winds could be an expression of cylinders. Here we explore the signature in the gravitational moments of such a smooth differential rotation. We carry out this investigation with two general methods for solving for the interior structure of a differentially rotating planet: the CMS method of Hubbard (Hubbard, W.B. [2013]. Astrophys. J. 768, 1–8) and the CLC method of Wisdom (Wisdom, J. [1996]. Non-Perturbative Hydrostatic Equilibrium. http://web.mit.edu/wisdom/www/interior.pdf ). The two methods are in remarkable agreement. We find that for smooth differential rotation the moments do not level off as they do for strong differential rotation.
Bayesian Spectrum Analysis on Quadrature Nmr Data with Noise Correlations

In NMR data analysis a great deal of prior information is available. We know, in general terms, what characteristic signal will be received, that for quadrature measurements it will be the same in both channels and that the noise is potentially correlated. We have shown in previous work [1], [2] that when prior information is incorporated into the analysis of data, the frequencies, decay rates, and amplitudes may be estimated much more precisely than by using the discrete Fourier transform directly. Here we extend the Bayesian analysis to include the quadrature nature of the data and noise correlations. We then show that in typical NMR data the frequencies and decay rates may be estimated with a precision several orders of magnitude better than directly from the discrete Fourier transform.
The Case for WTE as a Renewable Source of Energy

The combustion of municipal solid wastes for generating electricity (Waste-To-Energy) has been recognized by several states as a renewable source of energy. Yet, there has been determined opposition by some environmental groups to including WTE in the portfolio of renewable energy sources that will benefit from a tax credit designed to decrease reliance on non-renewable fossil fuels. While WTE is considered worldwide as a solid waste management option, the recognition and acceptance of WTE as a clean source of energy still requires public involvement and education. This paper will examine the “pro” and “con” arguments for considering WTE as a renewable energy source.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Low-level chemiluminescence of bovine heart submitochondrial particles.

Submitochondrial particles from bovine heart mitochondria showed low-level chemiluminescence when supplemented with organic hydroperoxides. Chemiluminescence seems to measure integratively radical reactions involved in lipid peroxidation and related processes. Maximal light-emission was about 1500 counts/s and was reached 2–10min after addition of hydroperoxides. Ethyl hydroperoxide, cumene hydroperoxide and t-butyl hydroperoxide were effective in that order. Antimycin and rotenone increased chemiluminescence by 50–60%; addition of substrates, NADH and succinate did not produce marked changes in the observed chemiluminescence. Cyanide inhibited chemiluminescence; half-maximal inhibitory effect was obtained with 0.03mm-cyanide and the inhibition was competitive with respect to t-butyl hydroperoxide. Externally added cytochrome c (10–20μm) had a marked stimulatory effect on chemiluminescence, namely a 12-fold increase in light-emission of antimycin-inhibited submitochondrial particles. Stimulation of hydroperoxide-induced chemiluminescence of submitochondrial particles by cytochrome c was matched by a burst of O2 consumption. O2 is believed to participate in the chain radical reactions that lead to lipid peroxidation. Superoxide anion seems to be involved in the chemiluminescence reactions as long as light-emission was 50–60% inhibitible by superoxide dismutase. Singlet-oxygen quenchers, e.g. β-carotene and 1,4-diazabicyclo[2,2,2]-octane, affected light-emission. β-Carotene was effective either when incorporated into the membranes or added to the cuvette. The present paper suggests that singlet molecular oxygen is mainly responsible for the light-emission in the hydroperoxide-supplemented submitochondrial particles.
293 MICROARRAY ANALYSIS OF PROTEINS INVOLVED IN SIGNAL TRANSDUCTION AND APOPTOSIS IN SKELETAL MUSCLE OF PATIENTS WITH KETOSIS-PRONE TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS.

Most obese African Americans with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) exhibit clinical and metabolic features of type 2 diabetes and are able to discontinue insulin therapy during follow-up. These patients are characterized as having ketosis-prone type 2 diabetes mellitus (KPDM). To examine the underlying mechanisms, we examined changes in phoshorylation and expression of apoptotic and signaling proteins in skeletal muscle in patients with KPDM. Methods Six obese normoglycemic subjects (control group) and seven patients presenting with blood glucose (BG) > 400 mg/dL and/or DKA underwent percutaneous needle biopsy of the vastus lateralis muscle. Muscle biopsies were homogenized in protein lysis buffer and samples from each group were analyzed in duplicate using a commercial antibody microarray. The microarray slides contained antibodies against 350 proteins involved in cell signaling and apoptosis. Changes in phosphorylation or expression by at least 40% were considered significant. Results KPDM subjects (age 37 years, BMI 39.6 kg/m2) had an admission blood glucose 564 mg/dL and HbA1c 11.4%, whereas age- and BMI-matched controls had a BG 84 mg/dL. In KPDM patients, hyperglycemia was associated with increased phosphorylation of six isoforms of PKC and with elevated muscle expression of four isoforms of protein phosphatases, signaling through Src, Shc1, MEK1/2, MEK3/6, RSK1/2, and activation of inhibitors of apoptosis STAT 1, 3, and 5. In patients with KPDM, we observed a decrease in phosphorylation and expression of antiapoptotic and proinflammatory proteins IKKalpha and NFkappaB p65, associated with reduced p53 expression. The abundance of heat shock proteins Hsp70, 47, 40, 20, 27 and GRP 57, 94 also decreased. In addition, there was reduced phosphorylation and expression of proapoptotic JAK2, JNK MAPK, jun, and STE20-like proteins. Conclusion Compared with nondiabetic subjects, skeletal muscle from patients with KPDM at presentation were characterized by alterations in phosphorylation and expression of proteins involved in intracellular signaling, trafficking, regulation of apoptosis, and stress response. Preliminary analysis of the data indicates that hyperglycemia is associated with predominant activation of antiapoptotic mechanisms, which contrasts previously described effects of hyperglycemia in other cell types. Supported by grants from the ADA (7-03-CR-35) and NIH: R03 DK073190-01, K12-RR017643, and GCRC M01 RR-00039.
The Hidden Role of Teachers Child and Classroom Predictors of Change in Interracial Friendships

Children in late elementary and middle school tend to form friendships with same-race peers. Yet, given the potential benefits of cross-race friendships, it is important to understand the individua...
Output-Space Distance Metric Learning for k-NN Classification.

In this paper we present two related, kernel-based Distance Metric Learning (DML) methods. Their respective models non-linearly map data from their original space to an output space, and subsequent distance measurements are performed in the output space via a Mahalanobis metric. The dimensionality of the output space can be directly controlled to facilitate the learning of a low-rank metric. Both methods allow for simultaneous inference of the associated metric and the mapping to the output space, which can be used to visualize the data, when the output space is 2or 3-dimensional. Experimental results for a collection of classification tasks illustrate the advantages of the proposed methods over other traditional and kernel-based DML approaches.
Diastolic failure in vascular surgery. A forgotten outcome predictor variable or not

In vascular surgery, sometimes prediction of surgical outcome prior to surgery is next to impossible despite extensive history, requisite investigations and optimum perioperative management. It is well recognized that the leading cause of death in vascular surgery are cardiovascular events. Each surgeon remembers those patients sustaining morbidity and mortality despite the routine nature of surgery performed and the uncomplicated intraoperative course. In some patients the answer to the etiology regarding this observed poor outcome remains rhetorical and a mystery to be solved. Severity scores depend on the variables used, however if unknown recognized variables are not included, quality measurement of outcome in surgery becomes questionable. As surgeons become charged with evidence-based ideas, clinical observations will remain the child of updating both our own functional equations for outcome for ultimate improvement in patient care. Most patients with isolated diastolic dysfunction as the cause of their symptoms have hypertension or coronary artery disease or both (especially in the presence of renal dysfunction or diabetes mellitus) and can develop symptoms of heart failure in the absence of coronary obstructive picture. But could there be a way of approximating reality when predicting outcome?
Zoster and Postherpetic Neuralgia

This article reviews the historical background, pathophysiology, and incidence of the zoster virus and its conversion to postherpetic neuralgia. The clinical presentation of acute herpes zoster and postherpetic neuralgia is discussed in detail. Treatment of the acute disease and chronic neuralgic forms is also discussed. The available treatment options, including the role of antivirals, topical medications, tricyclics, and anticonvulsants, as well as epidural and intrathecal steroid administration are presented. The use of opiates, surgical intervention, and alternative medicine for refractory cases is addressed as well. The treatment options are discussed in view of available evidence in the literature.
Tectonic Signal in Baldcypress Trees at Reelfoot Lake, Tennessee

Tree-ring analyses of baldcypress ( Taxodium distichum ) from Reelfoot Lake, Tennessee, support historical accounts that the lake formed during the great New Madrid earthquakes of 1811–1812. Due to ground subsidence and permanent flooding all of the bottomland hardwood trees within the impounded area were killed. However, many water tolerant baldcypress survived, and hundreds of 200 to 800 year old baldcypress outline the positions of former stream channels drowned by the subsidence. Dendrochronological analyses of multiple cores from 21 baldcypress in the lake reveal several pronounced growth responses to the 1811–1812 earthquakes. These responses include a great surge in radial growth during the decade following the earthquakes and a permanent reduction in wood density beginning in 1812. These and other growth responses to the 1811–1812 earthquakes may allow detection and dating of other large earthquakes in the Reelfoot basin during the late Holocene and may help date the formation of other suspected sunk lands in the New Madrid seismic zone.
Desoxycorticosterone pivalate‐salt treatment leads to non‐dipping hypertension in Per1 knockout mice

Aim Increasing evidence demonstrates that circadian clock proteins are important regulators of physiological functions including blood pressure. An established risk factor for developing cardiovascular disease is the absence of a blood pressure dip during the inactive period. The goal of the present study was to determine the effects of a high salt diet plus mineralocorticoid on PER1-mediated blood pressure regulation in a salt-resistant, normotensive mouse model, C57BL/6J. Methods Blood pressure was measured using radiotelemetry. After control diet, wild-type (WT) and Per1 (KO) knockout mice were given a high salt diet (4% NaCl) and the long-acting mineralocorticoid deoxycorticosterone pivalate. Blood pressure and activity rhythms were analysed to evaluate changes over time. Results Blood pressure in WT mice was not affected by a high salt diet plus mineralocorticoid. In contrast, Per1 KO mice exhibited significantly increased mean arterial pressure (MAP) in response to a high salt diet plus mineralocorticoid. The inactive/active phase ratio of MAP in WT mice was unchanged by high salt plus mineralocorticoid treatment. Importantly, this treatment caused Per1 KO mice to lose the expected decrease or ‘dip’ in blood pressure during the inactive compared to the active phase. Conclusion Loss of PER1 increased sensitivity to the high salt plus mineralocorticoid treatment. It also resulted in a non-dipper phenotype in this model of salt-sensitive hypertension and provides a unique model of non-dipping. Together, these data support an important role for the circadian clock protein PER1 in the modulation of blood pressure in a high salt/mineralocorticoid model of hypertension.
The EEG and Febrile Seizures

The relationship between clinical characteristics and EEG classification in 676 children with febrile seizures was examined at the University Pediatric Clinic, Skopje, Yugoslavia.
Engineering A11 Minibody-Conjugated, Polypeptide-Based Gold Nanoshells for Prostate Stem Cell Antigen (PSCA)–Targeted Photothermal Therapy:

Currently, there is no curative treatment for advanced metastatic prostate cancer, and options, such as chemotherapy, are often nonspecific, harming healthy cells and resulting in severe side effects. Attaching targeting ligands to agents used in anticancer therapies has been shown to improve efficacy and reduce nonspecific toxicity. Furthermore, the use of triggered therapies can enable spatial and temporal control over the treatment. Here, we combined an engineered prostate cancer-specific targeting ligand, the A11 minibody, with a novel photothermal therapy agent, polypeptide-based gold nanoshells, which generate heat in response to near-infrared light. We show that the A11 minibody strongly binds to the prostate stem cell antigen that is overexpressed on the surface of metastatic prostate cancer cells. Compared to nonconjugated gold nanoshells, our A11 minibody-conjugated gold nanoshell exhibited significant laser-induced, localized killing of prostate cancer cells in vitro. In addition, we improved upon a comprehensive heat transfer mathematical model that was previously developed by our laboratory. By relaxing some of the assumptions of our earlier model, we were able to generate more accurate predictions for this particular study. Our experimental and theoretical results demonstrate the potential of our novel minibody-conjugated gold nanoshells for metastatic prostate cancer therapy.
Improving qPCR methodology for detection of foaming bacteria by analysis of broad spectrum primers and a highly specific probe for quantification of Nocardia spp. in activated sludge

Aims to develop qPCR broad spectrum primers combined with a Nocardia genus specific probe for the identification of a broad spectrum of Nocardia spp. to analyze the effects of using this developed primer and probe set on the ability to quantify Nocardia spp. in mixed DNA. Methods and Results The consequences of using a degenerative primer set and species specific probe for the genus Nocardia on qPCR assays were examined using DNA extracts of pure cultures and activated sludge. The mixed DNA extracts where the target organism N. flavorosea concentration ranged from 5×102 to 5×106 copies/reaction, while the background organism's DNA (Mycobacterium bovis) concentration was held at 5×106 copies/reaction, only produced comparable cycle threshold florescence levels when N. flavorosea concentration was equal to or greater than one below the background organism concentration. When concentrations of N. flavorosea were lowered in increments of one log, while holding M. bovis concentrations constant at 5×106 copies/reaction, all assays demonstrated delayed cycle threshold values with a maximum 34.6 fold decrease in cycle threshold at a ratio of 106 M. bovis: 102 N. flavorosea copies/reaction. Conclusions the data presented in this study indicated that increasing the ability of a primer set to capture a broad group of organisms can affect the accuracy of quantification even when a highly specific probe is used. This study examined several applications of molecular tools in complex communities such as evaluating the effect of mispriming versus interference. It also elucidates the importance of understanding the community genetic makeup on the primer design. Significance and Impact of the Study Degenerative primers are very useful in amplifying bacterial DNA across genera, but reduce the efficiency of qPCR reactions. Therefore, standards that address closely related background species must be used to obtain accurate qPCR results. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
A Statistical Decision Framework Applicable to Multipopulation Tailoring Trials

Interest in tailored therapeutics has led to innovations in trial design and analysis. Trials now range from traditional overall population trials with exploratory subgroup analysis to single population tailoring trials, to multipopulation tailoring trials. This paper presents an overview of the trial options and provides a framework for decision making in confirmatory multipopulation tailoring trials.
The Sex of Lady Gaga

As a female performer working in the world of popular music, Lady Gaga has been confronted with, and has on several occasions responded to, various issues of sex and gender. This chapter focuses on these issues, specifically the sexual nature of Lady Gaga that is displayed in her work and persona, the gender stratification and sexism the female singer has been confronted with, and the discussions surrounding the performer’s sexual orientation as well as the rumors of her biological sex. These aspects of sex and gender are discussed in terms of Lady Gaga’s self-presentation and the public perception of her position as a feminist, to show how these controversy-generating issues help to garner attention to the singer.
Act Psychology and Phenomenology: Husserl on Egoic Acts

Husserl famously retracted his early portrayal, in Logische Untersuchungen, of phenomenology as empirical psychology. Previous scholarship has typically understood this transcendental turn in light of the Ideen’s revised conception of the ἐποχή, and its distinction between noesa and noemata. This essay thematizes the evolution of the concept of mental acts in Husserl’s work as a way of understanding the shift. I show how the recognition of the pure ego in Ideen I and II enabled Husserl to radically alter his conception of mental acts, coming to understand them all in terms of genuine acts (doings or performances) in a way that had been essentially precluded for descriptive psychologists (Brentano, Natorp, and the early Husserl) so long as the pure ego was denied. This reading challenges a widespread assumption in the secondary literature that “mental act” is a merely technical term or misnomer.
Mitigating multi-tenant interference on mobile offloading servers: poster abstract

This work considers that multiple mobile clients offload various continuous sensing applications with end-to-end delay constraints, to a cluster of machines as the server. Contention for shared computing resources on a server can result in delay degradation and application malfunction. We present ATOMS (Accurate Timing prediction and Offloading for Mobile Systems), a framework to mitigate multi-tenant resource contention and to improve delay using a two-phase Plan-Schedule approach. The planning phase includes methods to predict future workloads from all clients, to estimate contention, and to devise offloading schedule to reduce contention. The scheduling phase dispatches arriving offloaded workload to the server machine that minimizes contention, based on the running workloads on each machine.
Diversity and Health Care

Abstract In an ever globalized society, the need to take the diverse backgrounds of patients and their health care team members into account is ever more relevant. In this chapter, we will discuss the importance of considering the patient’s cultural and religious background for treatment and research as well as discuss ways to effectively engage with patients with diverse backgrounds.
Synthesis, crystal structures, and characterization of the complexes of the bulky ligand 2,6-bis-(3′,5′-diphenylpyrazolyl)pyridine with ruthenium, rhodium, and palladium

Abstract Complexes of 2,6-bis-(3′,5′-diphenylpyrazolyl)pyridine (bdppp) with the chlorides of Ru(III), Pd(II), and Rh(III) have been synthesized. The X-ray structures of these complexes show that the ligand is tridentate and binds in a 1:1 ratio with the metal in all cases. The Ru and Rh complexes are octahedral, with one ligand and three chlorides around the metal, while the Pd complex is square planar, with one ligand and one chloride bound to the metal. The Pd complex features two Pd-bdppp complexes and a Pd2Cl62− counteranion. The electronic spectra of these complexes show strong UV absorbance bands from the phenyl rings present, with the Ru complex exhibiting several charge transfer bands and the Rh complex one charge transfer band. The 1H and 13C NMR spectra of the Rh and Pd complexes show slight differences from the free ligand, and the Ru complex is paramagnetic, featuring broad NMR peaks over a wide range. The Ru complex shows a quasi-reversible redox couple, while the Ru and Pd complexes show only irreversible reductions.
The opioid epidemic: a central role for the blood brain barrier in opioid analgesia and abuse

Opioids are currently the primary treatment method used to manage both acute and chronic pain. In the past two to three decades, there has been a surge in the use, abuse and misuse of opioids. The mechanism by which opioids relieve pain and induce euphoria is dependent on the drug crossing the blood–brain barrier and accessing the central nervous system. This suggests the blood brain barrier plays a central role in both the benefits and risks of opioid use. The complex physiological responses to opioids that provide the benefits and drive the abuse also needs to be considered in the resolution of the opioid epidemic.
A PRINCIPLE-AGENT MODEL FOR DISTRIBUTED, COLLABORATIVE DESIGN NEGOTIATION

Modularization of design and the decreasing time-to-market of new products have placed increased emphasis on Collaborative Product Development (CPD) for success in the global market. We recognize the need for a general framework for design negotiation during CPD. In this research, we propose a principal-agent model for negotiation. The model incorporates a penalty induced negotiation (PIN) mechanism that decomposes the collaborative design into a sequence of decision making stages. The PIN mechanism introduces two types of agents: a principal agent that monitors and controls the iterative negotiation process, and design agents that represent the participants in the collaboration. The principal agent uses a multi-attribute utility based approach to penalize design agents that violate global constraints. The design agents are rational and react to penalties imposed on them by compromising their design in order to satisfy the violated global constraints. We illustrate the use of the mechanism on a pressure vessel design example.
Why settle for silver, when you can go for gold? Response vs. recovery as the goal of antidepressant therapy.

214 J Clin Psychiatry 60:4, April 1999 BRAINSTORMS is a monthly section of The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry aimed at providing updates of novel concepts emerging from the neurosciences that have relevance to the practicing psychiatrist. From the Clinical Neuroscience Research Center in San Diego and the Department of Psychiatry at the University of California San Diego. Reprint requests to: Stephen M. Stahl, M.D., Ph.D., Editor, BRAINSTORMS, 8899 University Center Lane, Suite 130, San Diego, CA 92122. Why Settle for Silver, When You Can Go for Gold? Response vs. Recovery as the Goal of Antidepressant Therapy