cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reward-dependent modulation of movement variability

Movement variability is often considered an unwanted byproduct of a noisy nervous system. However, variability can signal a form of implicit exploration, indicating that the nervous system is intentionally varying the motor commands in search of actions that yield the greatest success. Here, we investigated the role of the human basal ganglia in controlling reward-dependent motor variability as measured by trial-to-trial changes in performance during a reaching task. We designed an experiment in which the only performance feedback was success or failure and quantified how reach variability was modulated as a function of the probability of reward. In healthy controls, reach variability increased as the probability of reward decreased. Control of variability depended on the history of past rewards, with the largest trial-to-trial changes occurring immediately after an unrewarded trial. In contrast, in participants with Parkinson's disease, a known example of basal ganglia dysfunction, reward was a poor modulator of variability; that is, the patients showed an impaired ability to increase variability in response to decreases in the probability of reward. This was despite the fact that, after rewarded trials, reach variability in the patients was comparable to healthy controls. In summary, we found that movement variability is partially a form of exploration driven by the recent history of rewards. When the function of the human basal ganglia is compromised, the reward-dependent control of movement variability is impaired, particularly affecting the ability to increase variability after unsuccessful outcomes.
Cisplatin-induced response of c-jun N-terminal kinase 1 and extracellular signal--regulated protein kinases 1 and 2 in a series of cisplatin-resistant ovarian carcinoma cell lines.

The cellular response to cisplatin involves activation of multiple signal transduction pathways, including the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase pathways. In this study, we compared the cisplatin-induced activation of two MAP kinases, c-jun N-terminal kinase 1 (JNK1) and extracellular signal–regulated protein kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2), in the cisplatin-sensitive ovarian carcinoma cell line A2780 and its derivative cisplatin-resistant cell lines CP70 and C200. Dose-dependent and time-dependent activation of JNK1 and ERK1/2 occurred in each of the three cell lines in response to cisplatin treatment. The requirement of higher concentrations of cisplatin for induction of maximum activation of JNK1 and ERK1/2 was correlated with increased levels of cisplatin resistance. In addition, inhibition of cisplatin-induced ERK activation, using the MAP/ERK kinase 1 synthetic inhibitor PD98059, resulted in enhanced sensitivity to cisplatin in all three cell lines. These results suggest that cisplatin-induced ERK1/2 activity is not responsible for the acquired cisplatin resistance in CP70 and C200 cells but rather provides a general cytoprotective effect in both cisplatin-sensitive and cisplatin-resistant cell lines. In conclusion, different patterns of cisplatin-induced JNK1 and ERK1/2 activation are observed in cell lines with different levels of cisplatin sensitivity, and inhibition of cisplatin-induced ERK1/2 activation enhances sensitivity to cisplatin in both cisplatin-sensitive and cisplatin-resistant cell lines. Mol. Carcinog. 29:219–228, 2000. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Exploring the relationship of test anxiety and metacognition on reading test performance: A cognitive analysis

Abstract This study explored the relationship between test anxiety and metacognitive word knowledge on performance on a standardized reading comprehension test. One hundred and seventeen (117) college students participated by completing three paper and pencil measures: (1) a self-report measure of test anxiety; (2) a metacognitive word knowledge task; and (3) a standardized measure of reading comprehension. The results of a series of multiple regression analyses suggest that the cognitive component of test anxiety (worry) exerted a negative influence on students' performance on the metacognitive word knowledge task, independent of overall reading ability. Additional analyses suggest that once initial reading ability is controlled, both anxious worrying and metacognitive word knowledge jointly influence performance on a standardized measure of reading comprehension. On the most cognitively demanding reading comprehension tasks, however, metacognitive word knowledge interacted with worry, such that when anx...
Reductive precipitation of uranium by Desulfovibrio desulfuricans: evaluation of cocontaminant effects and selective removal

Abstract The sulfate reducing bacterium, Desulfovibrio desulfuricans can initiate uranium precipitation from solution via direct enzymatic reduction. Additionally, separation of heavy metals from solution can occur via indirect sulfide-mediated precipitation. This study was conducted to evaluate the influence of anions (sulfate, nitrate), heavy metals (zinc, nickel and copper) and organics (acetate, malonate, oxalate and citrate) on the enzymatic reduction of U(VI) by this bacterium. Furthermore, methods were evaluated to selectively precipitate uranium or heavy metals from test solutions. Selective precipitation can significantly lower disposal costs by reducing the volume of mixed-waste sludge produced during treatment. Results indicated that sulfate/nitrate concentrations up to 5000 mg/l did not appreciably interfere with U(VI) reduction, however, anion levels greater than 10,000 mg/l significantly slowed the rate of U(VI) reduction. U(VI) was readily reduced by the bacterium when 10 mg/l of Zn or Ni was present, but Cu inhibited uranium reduction. U(VI) was reduced rapidly in the presence of a monodentate organic ligand (acetate) whereas reduction was slower in the presence of multidentate ligands. Initial results from selective precipitation experiments indicated two potential treatment approaches for isolating either uranium or the test heavy metals using D. desulfuricans. The first method involved free energy differences for U(VI) and sulfate reduction, while the second method involved complexation of reduced uranium by a chelator during metal–sulfide precipitation.
Early embryonic development in vitro by coculture with oviductal epithelial cells in pigs

This experiment was designed to evaluate the ability of three different somatic cell cultures to promote development of early cleavage stage pig embryos. A total 01245 2-cell, 4-cell, 8-cell, and 16-cell pig embryos were coculturedfor 5 days with porcine oviductal epitheliai cells (POEC), porcine fetalfibroblast monolayer (PEF), a combined POEC and PEF coculture system (PEF-POEC), or Dulbecco’s Mod jfied Eagle Medium alone (DMEM). Embryos were collected at slaughter from the reproductive tracts of superovulated prepubertal gills. Embryos were recovered, evaluated, and randomly placed in one of the four treatment groups. POEC were recovered from oviductal flushes, washed, and placed in 24-well plates. PEF were obtained from 30-day to 60-day fetuses and established in culture. Finally, PEF-POEC consisted of a cor!fluent monolayer of PEF in the bottom of 24-well plates also containing a Costar semipermeable membrane chamber with POEC in it. Embryos were evaluated every 24 h to determine stage of development. More (p’czO.OS)embryos developed to blastocysts in POEC (70% and 54%, respectively) and PEF-POEC (67% and 61%, respectively), than in either DMEM (16% and 2%, respectively) or PEF (27% and 23%, respectively). However, development of embryos did not differ (p<0.O5)for POEC and PEF-POEC. These data indicate the presence of a primary culture of POEC promotes in vitro development of early cleavage stage pig embryos.
Analysis of a unidirectional, symmetric buffer strip laminate with damage

Abstract A method of analysis capable of predicting accurately the fracture behavior of a unidirectional composite laminate containing symmetrically placed buffer strips is presented. The analysis is based on a materials modeling approach using the classical shear-lag assumption to describe the stress transfer between fibers. Explicit fiber and matrix properties of the three regions are retained and changes in the laminate behavior as a function of the relative material properties, buffer strip width and initial crack length are discussed. As an example, for a notch (broken fibers) in a graphite/epoxy laminate, the results show clearly the manner in which to select the most efficient combination of buffer strip properties necessary to arrest the crack. Ultimate failure of the laminate after crack arrest can occur under increasing load, either by continued crack extension through the buffer strip, or by fiber breakage in the undamaged half-plane. That is, for certain choices of relative material properties and width, the crack can jump the buffer strip. For some typical hybrid laminates it is found that a buffer strip spacing to width ratio of about four to one is the most efficient.
Quantifying vapor drift of dicamba herbicides applied to soybean

Recent advances in biotechnology have produced cultivars of corn, soybean, and cotton resistant to the synthetic-auxin herbicide dicamba. This technology will allow dicamba herbicides to be applied in new crops, at new periods in the growing season, and over greatly expanded areas, including postemergence applications in soybean. From past and current use in corn and small grains, dicamba vapor drift and subsequent crop injury to sensitive broadleaf crops has been a frequent problem. In the present study, the authors measured dicamba vapor drift in the field from postemergence applications to soybean using greenhouse-grown soybean as a bioassay system. They found that when the volatile dimethylamine formulation is applied, vapor drift could be detected at mean concentrations of 0.56 g acid equivalent dicamba/ha (0.1% of the applied rate) at 21 m away from a treated 18.3 × 18.3 m plot. Applying the diglycolamine formulation of dicamba reduced vapor drift by 94.0%. With the dimethylamine formulation, the extent and severity of vapor drift was significantly correlated with air temperature, indicating elevated risks if dimethylamine dicamba is applied early to midsummer in many growing regions. Additional research is needed to more fully understand the effects of vapor drift exposures to nontarget crops and wild plants. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. © 2012 SETAC. Language: en
Characterization of a glutathione metabolic mutant of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and its resistance to glutathione and nitrosoglutathione

Glutathione is a tripeptide and antioxidant, synthesized at high levels by cells during the production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen intermediates. Glutathione also serves as a carrier molecule for nitric oxide in the form of S-nitrosoglutathione. Previous studies from this laboratory have shown that glutathione and S-nitrosoglutathione are directly toxic to mycobacteria. Glutathione is not transported into the cells as a tripeptide. Extracellular glutathione is converted to a dipeptide due to the action of transpeptidase, and the dipeptide is then transported into the bacterial cells. The processing of glutathione and S-nitrosoglutathione is brought about by the action of the enzyme γ-glutamyl transpeptidase. The function of γ-glutamyl transpeptidase is to cleave glutathione and S-nitrosoglutathione to the dipeptide (Cys-Gly), which is then transported into the bacterium by the multicomponent ABC transporter dipeptide permease. We have created a mutant strain of Mycobacterium tuberculosis lacking this metabolic enzyme. We investigated the sensitivity of this strain to glutathione and S-nitrosoglutathione compared to that of the wild-type bacteria. In addition, we examined the role of glutathione and/or S-nitrosoglutathione in controlling the growth of intracellular M. tuberculosis inside mouse macrophages.
Is Rhinorrhea an Under-Recognized Intrinsic Symptom of Parkinson Disease? A Prospective Pilot Study

ABSTRACTPurpose: The purpose of this study is to compare the prevalence of idiopathic rhinorrhea in PD patients versus controls, to determine the correlation between rhinorrhea and anosmia, and the factors associated with rhinorrhea. Scope: A cohort of 61 PD patients and 51 age-matched controls completed a survey about rhinorrhea and underwent the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT). We compared the prevalence of idiopathic rhinorrhea in the PD patients versus controls, the correlation between rhinorrhea and anosmia in PD patients, and the factors associated with rhinorrhea in the PD patients. The results of the study are that 6% of controls versus 24% of PD patients had rhinorrhea (p = .03); moreover, only 2% of controls versus 15% of PD patients had severe rhinorrhea. Conclusion: Rhinorrhea is more prevalent in PD patients compared to controls and it does not significantly impact performance on a smell test.
Poincaré plots and tachograms reveal beat patterning in sick sinus syndrome with supraventricular tachycardia and varying AV nodal block.

Abstract Using 24-h ambulatory electrocardiography, the RR intervals of all beats were determined in a West Highland white terrier with sick sinus syndrome characterized by long sinus pauses, bradycardia, supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) and varying degrees of atrioventricular (AV) heart block. Distinctive patterns of bradycardia and 1:1, 2:1, 3:1, 4:1 and 5:1 AV block associated with SVT were evident in the tachogram (RR interval distribution over time) and Poincare plots (short-term heart rate variability plots of RRn versus RRn + 1). These patterns differed from those of abrupt alteration in cycle length during long sinus pauses or bursts of supraventricular tachycardia. Recognition of such patterns may direct attention to time points for which close attention to the cardiac rhythm should be evaluated in the full-disclosure of the 24-h ECG recording.
Creating Narrative Leagues in Schools

The authors present a practical set of guidelines for school counselors interested in initiating and using narrative leagues after a small group experience ends. A case example demonstrates how a narrative league can help students to maintain new skills or behaviors.
Anatomical basis for apparent subepithelial cleft lip: a histological and ultrasonographic survey of the orbicularis oris muscle.

Abstract Objective: To determine if there is an anatomic basis for subepithelial orbicularis oris muscle defects by directly comparing ultrasonographic images of the upper lip with corresponding histological sections obtained from cadavers. Methods: Ultrasound was performed on the upper lips of previously frozen, unpreserved cadaver heads (n = 32), followed by dissection and sectioning of the upper lips. The ultrasound sequences were scored by a panel of raters, classifying the orbicularis oris muscle as negative, positive, or unknown for the presence of an orbicularis oris discontinuity (subepithelial defect). Based on ultrasound, six lip specimens were chosen for histological sectioning, were stained with hematoxylin-eosin and Gomori trichrome stain, and were evaluated with light microscopy at low (8×) and intermediate (100×) magnification. Results: One cadaver was scored positive for an orbicularis oris muscle discontinuity based on ultrasound; whereas, the remaining cadavers were scored negative. Of...
Anti‐D alloimmunization after D‐incompatible platelet transfusions: a 14‐year single‐institution retrospective review

Background A small, but immunogenic dose of red blood cells (RBCs) may be contained in apheresis platelets (PLTs). Attempts are made to provide D− recipients with D− PLTs to prevent anti-D alloimmunization and the potential for hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn. Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center has a policy that when necessary to transfuse D+ PLTs to D− patients, we recommend that RhIG be given when the patient is a woman of child-bearing age or a potential liver transplant patient. We sought to retrospectively determine the rate of anti-D formation after D-incompatible apheresis PLT transfusions in those patients not receiving RhIG and not receiving D+ RBCs over a 14-year period at our institution. Study Design and Methods All D− patients (626) who received D+ prestorage leukoreduced apheresis PLTs between January 1, 1997, and December 31, 2011, were identified. Those patients who received RhIG (45), D+ RBC transfusions (50), or stem cell transplantation from a D+ donor (16); had prior anti-D (23); or had unresolved Rh at admission (8) were not eligible for analysis. Only those patients who had an antibody screen performed at least 4 weeks after the incipient PLT transfusion were evaluated (130). Results Of 130 eligible D− patients, 48% women and 57% immunocompetent, who received a total of 565 apheresis PLTs, none formed anti-D. Conclusion These findings support the use of D+ apheresis PLTs without RhIG irrespective of D status in all recipients.
Matching and scheduling in a generalized optimal selection theory

Studies a model for matching and scheduling a task structure onto a heterogeneous suite of computers. The paper first generalizes optimal selection theory (OST) and its later augmentations to include general dependency graphs, which represent dependencies between subtasks, and presents the generalized OST (GOST) model. The GOST model allows nonoptimal choices of machines, as in augmented OST (AOST), and heterogeneous code blocks, as in heterogeneous OST (HOST), and incorporates communication time, system reconfiguration time, and data reformatting time (needed when data is exchanged between heterogeneous processors). Under the GOST model, we address the problem of matching/scheduling dependency graphs on a heterogeneous suite of computers. For arbitrary dependency graphs, matching/scheduling is NP-complete. But for the special instances of trees, and, more importantly, in the case of series-parallel dependency graphs we present polynomial time algorithms for optimal matching/scheduling. >
Electromagnetic scattering from homogeneous dielectric bodies using the finite difference delay modeling method

In recent years, time domain integral equation (TDIE) based methods for solving electromagnetic problems have become popular due to improvements in their stability and accuracy. Particular attention has been paid to conductive scatterers. One scheme uses noncausal temporal bases and bandlimited extrapolation technique applying on the conductors, and then makes an extension to the dielectric bodies. While this approach is very accurate, it only works for small step sizes and can be made unstable in rare cases. Other methods can be made stable in all cases but cannot model curved geometry. A newer method, called finite difference delay modeling (FDDM), appears to be absolutely stable and accurate. The temporal discretization is made based on a finite difference inspired mapping from the Laplace domain to the z-transform domain. In this paper, we continue to extend this new scheme to model the scattering from homogeneous dielectric bodies based on the coupled Poggio-Miller-Chang-Harrington-Wu (Tsai) (PMCHW) equations. First- and second-order unconditionally stable methods are applied. The FDDM method has predictable stability and absolute convergence properties when applied to arbitrary structures. Low frequency instability problems can be avoided by well-known stabilization techniques.
The psychodynamic perspective in organizational research: Making sense of the dynamics of direction setting in emergent collaborative processes

This paper demonstrates how the psychodynamic perspective can contribute to the study of organizing processes. Research from this perspective provides a complementary insight in what actually happens in an unfolding collaborative process, both on the manifest and latent level, and how subjectivity is expressed in the organizing process. First, the paper addresses the specific nature and challenges of ‘multiparty collaboration’. Then it describes how the psychodynamic approach can be used in organizational research and the kind of theory it generates. The author presents a case study in the domain of foster care, where five independent organizations tried to develop a scenario for future collaboration. The case analysis focuses on three critical issues with which the participants and consultants were struggling. It discusses how the dynamics that emerged around those issues set the direction of the process. The paper concludes with the benefits of using a psychodynamic perspective in organizational research. Its main contribution is a better understanding of the paradox between the intention and societal necessity for creative collaboration, and the emotional and defensive responses when participants are confronted with the tensions of collaborative work. In this paper I demonstrate how the psychodynamic perspective contributes to the study of organizing processes. Research from this perspective provides insight in how people deal with the emergent nature of a collaborative where conventional processes and structures are no longer available. First, I address the specific nature and challenges of multiparty collaboration. Then I describe the characteristics of a psychodynamic approach in organizational research and the kind of theory it generates. I present a case study in the domain of foster care, where five independent organizations tried to develop a scenario for future collaboration. In the case analysis I focus on how participants and consultants set the direction of
Heterozygote Advantage: The Effect of Artificial Selection in Livestock and Pets

There are a number of mutants in livestock and pets that have a heterozygote advantage because of artificial selection for these mutants in heterozygotes and strong detrimental effects from natural selection in homozygotes. In livestock, these mutants include ones that influence milk yield in dairy cattle, fecundity in sheep, litter size in pigs, muscling in beef cattle, color in horses, lean meat content in pigs, and comb morphology in chickens. In pets, these mutants include ones that influence tail length in cats and hairlessness, muscling, color, or ridgeback hair in dogs. A large variety of mutants are responsible, including small or large deletions or insertions and single base-pair nonsynonymous changes. Many of the mutants cause loss of function for the genes involved, a change that results in the pleiotropic effects of a desired phenotype in heterozygotes and low fitness or an undesirable phenotype in mutant homozygotes. I examine how selection changes the frequency of these mutants and provide an approach to estimate the amount of artificial selection that is necessary to maintain these mutants at the high frequencies often observed. The amount of artificial selection ranges from low selection favoring heterozygotes for double muscling in whippet dogs to very strong selection favoring the "flash" (part white, part solid) heterozygote in boxer dogs and the rose comb in chickens. In several examples (rose comb in Wyandotte chickens and the hair ridge in Rhodesian ridgeback dogs), there is actually stronger selection for the mutant than against it, making the frequency of the mutant greater than 50%.
US regulatory approaches to chemistry, manufacturing, and controls for botanical drug products

Many botanical products are used widely in the United States. Depending on its labeling and intended use, a botanical product can be a food, a dietary supplement, and/or a drug. If a botanical product is intended for use in diagnosing, mitigating, treating, or curing disease, it is a drug under the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and is subject to applicable drug regulations. The CDER Guidance on Botanical Drug Products defines the term “Botanical” as a finished, labeled product that contains drug substance from plant origins, which may include plants or plant parts, algae, macroscopic fungi, and combinations thereof. The term does not include highly purified substances or chemically modified substances derived from botanical sources. This presentation provides an overview of the Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls (CMC) information recommended to support the clinical studies of a botanical drug product under an investigational new drug application (IND) in the United States. Veregen (sinecatachins) ointment1 was the first botanical drug product approved by the FDA since publication of the Botanical Guidance (2004)2. While the Guidance gave a general pathway for IND submissions, it was silent on the requirements for NDA approval. A "CDER Botanical Guidance rewrite Working Group" has been established and the work is in progress to consolidate the FDA's current scientific and regulatory thinking in the future Botanical Guidance.
Cusp Formation and Tip-Streaming Instabilities for Time-Evolving Interfaces in Two-Dimensional Stokes Flow

The possible spontaneous occurence of a cusp singularity on the surface of a bubble evolving in an extensional two-dimensional Stokes flow is considered. The role of constant as well as variable surface tension, induced by the presence of surfactant, is considered. For constant surface tension, a previously determined class of exact nearly cusped solutions is found to be linearly stable. However, for large capillary number Q the steady solutions are susceptible to finite amplitude instability, with the dynamics often leading to topological singularities (i.e., tip-streaming). In the case of variable surface tension, a new class of exact steady solutions is determined These include states for which ‘stagnant caps’ of surfactant partially coat the bubble surface. The steady solution branches are found to terminate, suggesting the existence of a critical capillary number above which the bubble achieves an unsteady cusped formation in finite time. Cusp formation is is confirmed through accurate numerical computations.
Uniform circular and rectangular arrays for adaptive beamforming applications

Numerous studies for smart antennas have already been conducted. However, these studies include mostly uniform linear arrays (ULAs) and uniform rectangular arrays (URAs) and not as much effort has been devoted to other configurations. In this letter, the performance of smart antennas with uniform circular arrays (UCAs) is examined. The primary motivation for this selection is the symmetry UCAs possess. This property provides UCAs a major advantage, the ability to scan a beam azimuthally through 360/spl deg/ with little change in either the beamwidth or the sidelobe level. Also, a comparison between UCAs and URAs in the context of adaptive beamforming is made in this letter.
Implementing an Expressive Writing Study in a Cancer Clinic

Patients at a comprehensive cancer center have participated in a weekly writing program for 7 years. Anecdotal evidence following writing in this clinical setting appeared congruent with the results of expressive writing studies conducted in laboratory settings. To move expressive writing research beyond the laboratory, we evaluated the feasibility of engaging a clinical population in a structured expressive writing task while they waited for an appointment in a cancer clinic. Adult leukemia and lymphoma patients (n 71) completed a baseline assessment, 20-minute writing task, postwriting assessment, and 3-week follow-up; 88% completed the writing task and 56% completed the follow-up. Participants reported positive responses to the writing, and immediately postwriting about half (49.1%) reported that writing resulted in changes in their thoughts about their illness, while 53.8% reported changes in their thoughts at the 3-week follow-up. Reports of changes in thoughts about illness immediately postwriting were significantly associated with better physical quality of life at follow-up, controlling for baseline quality of life. Initial qualitative analyses of the texts identified themes related to experiences of positive change/transformation following a cancer diagnosis. Findings support the feasibility of conducting expressive writing with a clinical population in a nonlaboratory setting. Cancer patients were receptive to expressive writing and reported changes in the way they thought about their illness followingwriting.Thesepreliminaryfindingsindicatethat a single, brief writing exercise is related to cancer patients’ reports of improved quality of life. The Oncologist 2008;13:196–204
Ratchets, power strokes, and molecular motors

We present a method for determining the effective driving potential for a molecular motor from measurements of its stochastic position versus time. In developing the method we can make precise the previously vague notions of ‘Brownian ratchet’ and ‘power stroke’, and suggest means to experimentally distinguish between the two. In particular, we distinguish between two kinds of ratchets: ratchets that rectify large fluctuations and ratchets that bias small fluctuations.
Characterization and computation of correlated equilibria in infinite games

Motivated by work on computing Nash equilibria in two-player zero-sum games with polynomial payoffs by semidefinite programming and in arbitrary polynomial-like games by discretization techniques, we consider the problems of characterizing and computing correlated equilibria in games with infinite strategy sets. We prove several characterizations of correlated equilibria in continuous games which are more analytically tractable than the standard definition and may be of independent interest. Then we use these to construct algorithms for approximating correlated equilibria of polynomial games with arbitrary accuracy, including a sequence of semidefinite programming relaxation algorithms and discretization algorithms.
The Conflict Management Grid: A Selection and Development Tool to Resolve the Conflict between the Marketing and Sales Organizations

The rapid globalization of modern business and the challenges to reach sales objectives within tough selling conditions pose major issues for human resource management. One important area that has yet to be fully explored is the management of conflict between sales and marketing functional areas in tough selling conditions. We hypothesize that: 1) marketing and sales task conflict is more likely to involve distributive (win–lose) issues and 2) when win–win (integrative) potential exists, the disputants are more likely to approach conflict from a fixed-pie perspective. Our analysis of data collected from food manufacturing industry supports this hypothesis. The application of different conflict management strategies varies depending on whether they are applied to sales or marketing task conflict. The importance of aligning conflict management strategies with the integrative potential of sales and marketing tasks is presented to managers.
A Practical Acceleration Algorithm for Real-Time Imaging

A practical acceleration algorithm for real-time magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is presented. Neither separate training scans nor embedded training samples are used. The Kalman filter based algorithm provides a fast and causal reconstruction of dynamic MRI acquisitions with arbitrary readout trajectories. The algorithm is tested against abrupt changes in the imaging conditions and offline reconstructions of in vivo cardiac MRI experiments are presented.
Assessment of healthcare students’ views on pharmacogenomics at the University of Minnesota

Aim: The aim was to determine if the University of Minnesota (MN, USA) healthcare students’ perceived value of pharmacogenomics matches their self-observed comfort and education in pharmacogenomics. Materials & methods: A 24-question, anonymous, online survey was distributed to all pharmacy, nursing and medical students enrolled at the University of Minnesota. Results: Among healthcare students, 70.6% agreed or strongly agreed that pharmacogenomics should be an important part of their curriculum; however, only 11.1% agreed or strongly agreed that it actually is. Only 29.7% of students reported taking a genetics course that specifically addressed the applications of genetics in pharmacy, and those students were more likely to feel comfortable interpreting information from a pharmacogenetics test, answering questions on pharmacogenomics, educating patients on risks and benefits of testing, and were comfortable that they knew which medications required pharmacogenomics testing. Conclusion: Healthcare student...
Spinal angiography in scoliosis patients.

Thirty-three patients had spinal-cord angiography performed by femoral artery catheter technique. The blood supply to the spinal cord was then studied with special attention given to the arteria radiculomedullaris magna. Two patients were treated by conservative means when, because of the angiographic findings, it was decided that a surgical approach might be too risky and might possibly produce paraplegia. Although this technique has some risks, the only complication encountered was a mild rash because of allergy to the contrast medium. The technique at this time, however, is still strictly experimental and is not for general use. With further investigation, angiography may become a safer, and even a routine, technique to aid the surgeon in any type of spinal surgery. Perhaps the risk of paraplegia in surgery for scoliosis can be eliminated by the use of spinal angiography or other more sophisticated investigative techniques.
Surgical Quality Predicts Length of Stay in Patients with Congenital Heart Disease

Historically, the primary marker of quality for congenital cardiac surgery has been postoperative mortality. The purpose of this study was to determine whether additional markers (10 surgical metrics) independently predict length of stay (LOS), thereby providing specific targets for quality improvement. Ten metrics (unplanned ECMO, unplanned cardiac catheterization, revision of primary repair, delayed closure, mediastinitis, reexploration for bleeding, complete heart block, vocal cord paralysis, diaphragm paralysis, and change in preoperative diagnosis) were defined in 2008 and subsequently collected from 1024 consecutive index congenital cardiac cases, yielding 990 cases. Four patient characteristics and 22 case characteristics were used for risk adjustment. Univariate and multivariable analyses were used to determine independent associations between each metric and postoperative LOS. Increased LOS was independently associated with revision of the primary repair (p = 0.014), postoperative complete heart block requiring a permanent pacemaker (p = 0.001), diaphragm paralysis requiring plication (p < 0.001), and unplanned postoperative cardiac catheterization (p < 0.001). Compared with patients without each metric, LOS was 1.6 (95 % CI 1.1-2.2, p = 0.014), 1.7 (95 % CI 1.2-2.3, p = 0.001), 1.8 (95 % CI 1.4-2.3, p < 0.001), and 2.0 (95 % CI 1.7-2.4, p < 0.001) times as long, respectively. These effects equated to an additional 4.5-7.8 days in hospital, depending on the metric. The other 6 metrics were not independently associated with increased LOS. The quality of surgery during repair of congenital heart disease affects outcomes. Reducing the incidence of these 4 specific surgical metrics may significantly decrease LOS in this population.
Persistent Racial Disparities in HIV Infection in the USA: HIV Prevalence Matters

Despite increased funding and efforts to prevent and control HIV infections in the black and Hispanic communities, racial disparities persist in the USA. We used a mathematical model to explain the phenomena. A mathematical model was constructed to project HIV prevalence ratio (PR), incidence rate ratio (IRR), and HIV-specific mortality rate ratio (MRR) among blacks and Hispanics vs. whites in two scenarios: (1) an annual reduction in HIV incidence rate at the 2007–2010 level and (2) an annual reduction in HIV incidence rate at the 2007–2010 level among whites (4.2 %) and twice that of whites among blacks and Hispanics (8.4 %). In scenario no. 1, the PR, IRR, and MRR among blacks would decrease from 7.6 to 5.8, 7.9 to 5.9, and 11.3 to 5.3 and among Hispanics from 2.8 to 1.8, 3.1 to 1.9, and 2.3 to 1.0, respectively. In scenario no. 2, the PR, IRR, and MRR among blacks would decrease from 7.6 to 5.1, 7.9 to 2.5, and 11.3 to 4.7 and among Hispanics from 2.8 to 1.6, 3.1 to 0.8, and 2.3 to 0.9, respectively. Much of the persistent racial disparities in HIV infection in the USA, as measured by PR, IRR, and MRR, can be explained by higher HIV prevalence among blacks and Hispanics. The public health community should continue its efforts to reduce racial disparities, but also need to set realistic goals and measure progress with sensitive indicators.
Diminishing Returns to Investment Vis-À-Vis Firm Age

To the extent that firm information provides data to complete markets, firm characteristics determine value to investors. Contrarily, investors are motivated by prospect theory to bid up firm prices without information especially concerning diminishing returns to investments. The valuation effect of investments is highly subjective in the case of R&D (growth options) and more concrete in regards to capital expenditures (assets-in-place). This study contributes to the investment knowledge frontier by analyzing diminishing returns to research and development (R&D) and capital expenditures in regards to a firm’s age.
On Getting “Genetic” Out of “Genetic Disease”

Most of the attention devoted in recent years to the ethical issues involved in the manipulation of human genes has been focused either on the potential risks involved in acquiring the knowledge needed to manipulate genes effectively, or on the valuational questions associated with the use of positive eugenics to improve the species. In illustration of the former sort of issue, the highly touted Asilomar Conference endorsed limitation of research on transplantation of genes into viruses and bacteria to strains unable to survive outside of highly artificial laboratory environments; the restriction was adopted in light of the potential risk of deadly mutant strains escaping the confines of the laboratory.2 Concerns of the latter sort, ignited by futurists such as H. G. Wells and Aldous Huxley, and fueled by the studies of Arthur Jensen and others into the genetic connections between intelligence, race, and socioeconomic status (together with the opposition to and criticism of their work), have prompted reassurances from such distinguished researchers as Bernard Davis, who has argued that our “vast Ignorance” of the generic and environment bases of polygenetic traits “protect us against the main possibilities of harm from gene replacement”3.
CHK2 and ERCC1 in the DNA Adduct Repair Pathway that Mediates Acquired Cisplatin Resistance

Increased DNA-adduct repair is a leading mechanism of acquired cisplatin resistance. Our previous studies show that overexpression of ERCC1, the essential component of nucleotide excision repair, is associated with enhanced repair of cisplatin-induced DNA-adduct and with clinical resistance to platinum chemotherapy. Current investigations provide extensive data on the mechanism of cisplatin resistance via the DNA-adduct repair pathway. In a study of cisplatin-induced molecular signature in human ovarian cancer A2780 cells, activation of ATM, p53, Chk2, P48, and P21 were observed, with Chk2 identified as an upstream regulator of the ERCC1 recognition/repair pathway. Our data demonstrate that Chk2 is activated and regulated by p53 in wild-type p53-replete cells. We also found that activated Chk2 can be dephosphorylated by PP2A. In other words, PP2A negatively regulates Chk2 by dephosphorylating phosphorylated Chk2. Previous findings by our group suggested that ovarian cancer A2780/CP70 cells, in response to cisplatin exposure, showed an increase of ERCC1 mRNA, with increased transcription and prolonged ERCC1 mRNA half-life. Functional analysis of the ERCC1 promoter by CAT assay indicates that the region from -220 to -110 appears essential to constitutive expression of ERCC1 gene and a more forward upstream region is responsible for cisplatininduced ERCC1 overexpression. Identification of a functional cis-element in the drug-responsive region by EMSA revealed that activator AP1 and repressor MZF1 responded to cisplatin stimulation. Overexpression of MZF1 repressed the ERCC1 promoter activity in cisplatin treated cells, indicating that MZF1 is a repressor in regulation of ERCC1 transcription. After cisplatin exposure, the mRNA level of MZF1 decreased and mRNA levels of c-jun and c-fos increased, suggesting that MZF1 and AP1 coordinately mediate cisplatin-invoked gene expression in these cells. Taken together, in response to cisplatin treatment, decreased MZF1 and increased AP1 binding activities within the drug-responsive region of the ERCC1 promoter appear to be the leading mechanism of up-regulation of ERCC1 expression. In conclusion, our investigations reveal two key factors—Chk2 and ERCC1—that participate in the DNA-adduct repair pathway that mediates acquired cisplatin resistance. Down-regulation of these two critical genes may antagonize cisplatin resistance in the treatment of human ovarian cancer.
The Disjunction and Numerical Existence Properties for Intuitionistic Analysis

Let ℐ be the system of analysis studied in [13]. ℐ’s language is two-sorted — with number variables x, y, z, … and choice-sequence variables α, β, γ, … — and has a constant for zero, symbols for certain primitive-recursive functions, an identity predicate in the number sort, and notation for γ-abstraction. Starting from two-sorted intuitionistic logic, ℐ adds axioms for Heyting arithmetic (HA), recursion equations for the primitive-recursive functions, certain “postulates concerning functions” [7, p. 14], and four axiom schemata described below: relativized dependent choice (RDC), monotone bar induction (BI M), weak continuity for numbers (WC-N), and Kripke’s schema (KS).
The use of the unstimulated nitroblue tetrazolium test as a routine screening test for bacterial infection in an adult population: a reassessment.

A simplified version of the unstimulated nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) test potentially adaptable for routine general hospital use was devised and employed to study 141 subjects in four population groups: healthy adults, patients with bacterial infection, patients with nonbacterial infection, and patients with noninfectious illness. There was no distinct segregation of patients with bacterial infections from patients with other disease processes. The NBT test failed to correlate with the underlying diagnosis in 27% of the subjects studied. The method of Park et al 16 was employed simultaneously in 45 subjects and the two methods were found to have comparable accuracy of discrimination. The NBT test was also compared with erythrocyte sedimentation rate, pyrexia, and neutrophilia as indices for discriminating bacterial infection from other disease and found to be the least discriminatory single test. The unstimulated NBT test may be somewhat useful as an adjunct to other indices in diagnosing bacterial infection, but it is not appropriate for the routine laboratories of acute general hospitals.
Mineral Depletion and Leaf Senescence in Soya Bean as Influenced by Foliar Nutrient Application During Seed Filling

Senescence, as judged by the time courses of leaf lamina photosynthesis, soluble protein and chlorophyll contents, was studied in relation to mineral redistribution in field-grown soya beans [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] to investigate the hypothesis that the depletion of nutrients in the leaves by the developing seeds is the cause of soya bean senescence. A mineral nutrient solution was applied to the canopy during the seed-filling period, and the effects on senescence and mineral depletion of the leaves were determined in three cultivars, at two leaf positions, weekly from beginning of seed filling through physiological maturity. The onset of senescence occurred shortly after the beginning of rapid seed filling. Photosynthetic rate declined about 60 per cent within 3 weeks. Protein dropped by 52 per cent and chlorophyll by 48 per cent over the same period. Foliar nutrient application, at a rate previously shown to give significant yield increases in soya beans, increased the concentrations of N, P and K in the leaf laminae, but tended only to delay their decline and failed to either delay the onset or alter the course of senescence. The results of this experiment seem to indicate that, under normal growth conditions, the events of senescence in the soya bean are not causally related to the N, P or K concentrations of the leaf laminae.
Experimental Study and Numerical Analysis of the Acoustic Agglomeration Effectiveness of Inhalable Particles of Burned Coal

Through a theoretical analysis of a plane standing-wave sonic field a test rig on acoustic agglomeration and removal characteristics of burned coal inhalable particles has been designed and set up.Under the condition of the inhalable particles of burned coal being subject to the action of a high intensity sonic field studied was the impact of different acoustic intensity and particle retention time in sonic field on the change of particle diameter distribution prior to and after the acoustic agglomeration.On the basis of experiments a numerical calculation was conducted.A comparison of the results of numerical calculation with those of experiments revealed a relatively good agreement.Moreover,by way of a numerical algorithm a forecast was performed of the influence of particle initial concentration and acoustic frequency.The results of experiments and numerical calculation indicate that as for the inhalable particles an increase in acoustic intensity,a lengthening of retention time in sonic fields and an enhancement in initial particle concentration is,without exception,favorable to particle agglomeration.It has been found that an increase in frequency can contribute to the agglomeration of small particles.However,there exists an optimum frequency for attaining integral removal effectiveness.
Control of late G0/G1 progression and protein modification by SmC/IGF I

Somatomedin C/insulin-like growth factor I (SmC/IGF I) mediates traverse of late G0/G1 in density-arrested BALB/c-3T3 cells from a distinct growth arrest point in mid-G0/G1 (the V point) to the initiation of DNA synthesis. As a prelude to future studies aimed at defining the mechanism of action of SmC/IGF I, we investigated the level (e.g., transcriptional, translational) at which SmC/IGF I modulates V to S traverse. The post-V point progression of cells arrested at the V point by amino acid starvation and released into amino acid-replenished medium containing SmC/IGF I, insulin, or platelet-poor plasma (PPP) did not require either mRNA synthesis or an increase in the overall level of protein synthesis. Although two-dimensional gel analysis of proteins prepared from SmC/IGF I-treated cells did not reveal any preferentially synthesized proteins, several SmC/IGF I-induced protein modifications, which result in an increase in isoelectric point (pI) and occur in the absence of mRNA synthesis, were evident. These findings suggest that SmC/IGF I modulates late G0/G1 progression by a posttranscriptional process that may involve protein modification.
Missed Opportunities: The Cost of Suboptimal Breast Milk Feeding in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

No abstract available Keywords: human milk; lactation; lactoferrin; necrotizing enterocolitis; oligosaccharides; peptides.