cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Serotonin receptor sensitivity and aggression

Abstract This study investigated the relationship between increased serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5HT) receptor sensitivity and human aggression. A low oral dose of meta-chlorophenylpiperazine (MCPP), a postsynaptics 5HT receptor agonist, was administered in a placebo-controlled design to depressed ( n = 22) and panic disorder ( n = 20) patients classified with or wothout signs of outwardly directed aggression, patients with a history of suicide attemps (inwardly directed aggression) ( n = 11), and normal controls ( n = 19). Hormones under 5HT control were measured at 30-min intervals. Results were as follows: (1) MCPP did not induce or reduce anger, (2) patients with outwardly directed aggression did not have significantly greater MCPP-induced cortisol or prolactin release than did patients without signs of outwardly directed aggression, (3) patients with a history of suicide attemps did not have significantly greater MCPP-induced cortisol or prolactin release than did normal controls, and (4) MCPP-induced hormone release was unrelated to measures of aggression.
A variational description of dissipative processes

Abstract The Roussopoulos variational formalism is applied to equations with a first-order time derivative. The resulting functional is a very general variational characterization of dissipative processes in that it admits trial functions which do not satisfy the equation of interest, do not satisfy the boundary conditions, and are not continuous. It is shown that the previous functionals presented in the literature for this type of problem are special cases of this more general functional. The use of this variational principle to estimate a rather general class of characteristics of interest is discussed. It is also pointed out that this general functional is not unique and arguments are given to deal with this non-uniqueness. The variational description of the Sturm-Liouville equation is considered in this same generality. This leads to a generalization (to a more complete class of admissible trial functions) of the classical Rayleigh quotient for estimating eigenvalues.
Modulation of esophageal contractions by distension in vitro.

Stimulation of the intrinsic nerves of the esophageal body leads to a twitch of the circular muscle after the end of the stimulation (the esophageal off-response), and the twitch spreads in the distal direction because of a latency gradient in the onset of the off-response between the proximal and the distal esophagus. We investigated the possibility that local input can modulate the basic off-response through intrinsic mechanisms and make it resemble more closely the sequential ring contractions that move boluses in the esophagus of intact animals (esophageal peristalsis). The esophagus up to the aortic arch and down to the gastroesophageal junction was removed from opossums and suspended in an organ bath containing 2 liters of Krebs solution at 36° C. The mechanical activity of the esophagus was recorded by force transducers on the serosal surface of the esophagus 2, 4, and 6 cm above the LES. The intramural nerves of the proximal esophagus were stimulated by electrical pulses with and without distension of the esophagus by inflation of a luminal balloon. Balloon distension increased the latency of the off-response in the distal esophagus, thereby reducing the velocity at which the circular muscle contraction spread through the esophagus. In addition, balloon distension increased the amplitude and the duration of the esophageal circular muscle contraction (both off- and on-responses), and decreased the amplitude of the longitudinal muscle contraction (duration response) and LES response (relaxation response). Similar changes in the esophageal contraction responses were produced by radial stretch of an open preparation of the esophagus from which the mucosa had been removed. The present results demonstrate that intramural mechanisms can modulate the contraction pattern of the isolated esophageal smooth muscle. The observed changes make it likely that radial stretch is an important factor in turning the intrinsic off-response of the esophageal smooth muscle into the sequential ring contraction observed with esophageal bolus transport in the intact animal.
Studies on Guinea Pigs After Repeated Administration of Paraldehyde.

SummaryNineteen adult guinea pigs received three intraperitoneal injections of a 1/10 solution of paraldehyde, 10 cc per kilo, per week for 4 weeks. The average weight of the animals dropped from 499 to 469 g during the series of injections. These animals showed a tolerance to paraldehyde, following repeated administration of large doses of the drug, as indicated by a decrease in both the sleeping time and the length of hypnosis. The average time for the onset of sleep, for each series of injections, varied from about 85 to 120 seconds. The duration of sleep dropped from 95 to 31 minutes and the length of hypnosis dropped from 231 to 167 minutes.
Determination of some molecular parameters of tryptophan hydroxylase from rat midbrain and murine mast cell.

—The molecular parameters of tryptophan hydroxylase (EC 1.14.16.4) from rat midbrain and murine mast cell were determined by gel filtration and sucrose density gradient ultracentrifugation. The enzyme from rat midbrain has a calculated molecular weight of 220, 000, a Stokes radius of 55.6 A, a frictional ratio of 1.28, and a sedimentation coefficient of 9.63 S. The mast cell enzyme has a calculated molecular weight of 144, 000, a Stokes radius of 50.3 A, a frictional ratio of 1.35, and a sedimentation coefficient of 6.97 S. It appears that the tryptophan hydroxylase species from rat midbrain and murine mast cell represent distinct molecular entities.
Mycobacterium kansasii Bacteremia in Patients Infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus

In a retrospective review of microbiology records at the George Washington University Hospital from 1980 through 1990, Mycobacterium kansasii bacteremia was identified in 10 patients ; this finding represented 4.5% of nontuberculous mycobacterial blood cultures. M. kansasii was isolated from respiratory specimens from all 10 patients, and pulmonary parenchymal changes were noted in five patients. The median survival time was 14 weeks ; however, only five patients received therapy with two or more drugs active against M. kansasii.
Monitoring of strain release in central and northern California using broadband data

Systematic cataloguing of seismic moment, depth and mechanism of regional earthquakes down to magnitude M∼4 can now be achieved in close to real-time using data from sparse networks of digital broadband stations. The procedure we have developed relies on 3 independent methods for the determination of moment tensor, providing confidence limits on the results. We show the results of application to the seismicity in central and northern California for a one year period starting in March 1992 and illustrate how patterns of stress and strain release can now be monitored systematically and reliably in a timely fashion.
Spirituality and health: what's the evidence and what's needed?

In this article, we familiarize readers with some recent empirical evidence about possible associations between religious and/or spiritual (RS) factors and health outcomes. In considering this evidence, we believe a healthy skepticism is in order. One needs to remain open to the possibility that RS-related beliefs and behaviors may influence health, yet one needs empirical evidence based on well-controlled studies that support these claims and conclusions. We hope to introduce the dismissing critic to suggestive data that may create tempered doubt and to introduce the uncritical advocate to issues and concerns that will encourage greater modesty in the making of claims and drawing of conclusions. We comment on the following questions: Do specific RS factors influence health outcomes? What possible mechanisms might explain a relation, if one exists? Are there any implications for health professionals at this point in time? Recommendations concern the need to improve research designs and measurement strategies and to clarify conceptualizations of RS factors. RS factors appear to be associated with physical and overall health, but the relation appears far more complex and modest than some contend. Which specific RS factors enhance or endanger health and well-being remains unclear.
An isotopic technique to mark mid‐sized vertebrates non‐invasively

Although dispersal is an important attribute of animal population ecology, knowledge of dispersal rates or distances for many wide-ranging species is lacking. Current methods require capturing and restraining animals, which can be costprohibitive, fail to collect sufficient samples or change animal ranging behaviors. Herein, we describe a novel, cost-effective and non-invasive method, using bait enriched with stable isotopes to mark the hair of American martens Martes americana. Captive martens that consumed isotopically labeled glycine exhibited significant and progressive enrichment in the isotopic signature of 13 C, 15 N and 2 H in both whole blood and hair. A distinct mark in hair, 42 standard deviations above natural abundance, occurred within 14 days of the second dose. The rate of isotopic labeling of hair was higher in spring, possibly because labeled amino acids became diluted among the many hairs growing during the autumn. Because hair and feathers can be collected non-invasively from large geographic areas without capturing animals, this labeling method can be used to mark and study the movement and dispersal rates of animals across landscapes efficiently.
ZOOARCHAEOLOGICAL HABITAT ANALYSIS OF ANCIENT MAYA LANDSCAPE CHANGES

Emery, Kitty F. and Erin Kennedy Thornton. 2008a Zooarchaeological Habitat Analysis of Ancient Maya Landscape Changes. Journal of Ethnobiology 28(2): 154-178.
Efficacy of Atomoxetine Versus Midodrine for the Treatment of Orthostatic Hypotension in Autonomic Failure

The clinical presentation of autonomic failure is orthostatic hypotension. Severely affected patients require pharmacological treatment to prevent presyncopal symptoms or frank syncope. We previously reported in a proof of concept study that pediatric doses of the norepinephrine transporter blockade, atomoxetine, increases blood pressure in autonomic failure patients with residual sympathetic activity compared with placebo. Given that the sympathetic nervous system is maximally activated in the upright position, we hypothesized that atomoxetine would be superior to midodrine, a direct vasoconstrictor, in improving upright blood pressure and orthostatic hypotension-related symptoms. To test this hypothesis, we compared the effect of acute atomoxetine versus midodrine on upright systolic blood pressure and orthostatic symptom scores in 65 patients with severe autonomic failure. There were no differences in seated systolic blood pressure (means difference=0.3 mm Hg; 95% confidence [CI], -7.3 to 7.9; P=0.94). In contrast, atomoxetine produced a greater pressor response in upright systolic blood pressure (means difference=7.5 mm Hg; 95% CI, 0.6 to 15; P=0.03) compared with midodrine. Furthermore, atomoxetine (means difference=0.4; 95% CI, 0.1 to 0.8; P=0.02), but not midodrine (means difference=0.5; 95% CI, -0.1 to 1.0; P=0.08), improved orthostatic hypotension-related symptoms as compared with placebo. The results of our study suggest that atomoxetine could be a superior therapeutic option than midodrine for the treatment of orthostatic hypotension in autonomic failure.
Bystander's intervention in situations of violence

There has been a great deal of violence in communities within the past few years. Criticism of people's attitudes toward violence and the lack of intervention has included apathy, indifference, fea...
Hormone Replacement Therapy and Skin Aging

Aging is an inevitable process that affects all organ systems including the skin. A decrease in serum estrogen accompanies aging and may contribute to age-related skin changes such as atrophy, wrinkling, dryness, and poor wound healing. Studies investigating the supplemental use of estrogen in the later years have demonstrated some beneficial effects on skin aging parameters. However, the use of HRT is controversial. Thus, the decision to use HRT should be made only after weighing the risks and benefits for each individual.
Development and use of a prehospital-oriented EMS computer bulletin board service.

Objective. To describe a Level 1 trauma center's response to the need for centralized information for EMS providers by implementing a computer bulletin board service (BBS). This service permits rapid retrieval of continuing education and reference information as well as an electronic forum for EMS-related issues. Methods. A desktop computer with a modem supporting 14.4 kbps running Remote Access v2.01 is accessed by both local and toll-free telephone numbers. Users may connect using any personal computer or terminal equipped with a modem as no proprietary formats are used. The service is available 24 hours a day, free of charge, and requires users to register online. Results. The first 41 months of experience has seen 9,592 calls answered by the BBS. 1,372 users, who may be individuals or groups, have registered on the service. Usage occurs in every county in the sponsor's state. In one sample period, 49% of the activity was educationally related, followed by discussion forums (26%). The BBS is used most ...
A design framework for teleoperators with kinesthetic feedback

The application of a hybrid two-port model to teleoperators with force and velocity sensing at the master and slave is presented. The interfaces between human operator and master, and between environment and slave, are ports through which the teleoperator is designed to exchange energy between the operator and the environment. By computing or measuring the input-output properties of this two-port network, the hybrid two-port model of an actual or simulated teleoperator system can be obtained. It is shown that the hybrid model (as opposed to other two-port forms) leads to an intuitive representation of ideal teleoperator performance and applies to several teleoperator architectures. Thus measured values of the h matrix or values computed from a simulation can be used to compare performance with the ideal. The frequency-dependent h matrix is computed from a detailed SPICE model of an actual system, and the method is applied to a proposed architecture. >
Cytokine-induced supression and potentiation of hapten-specific immediate hypersensitivity responses

The ability of subcutaneously (s.c.) injected cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IFN alpha, IFN gamma, GMCSF) to regulate the induction of hapten-specific immediate hypersensitivity (IH) responses was studied in BPO-KLH (benzylpenicilloyl-keyhole limpet hemocyanin) sensitized BALB/c mice at the peak of a hapten-specific IgE antibody forming cell (AFC) response. To induce IH responses, mice were injected in the right pinna with either BPO-BSA (benzylpenicilloyl-bovine serum albumin), BPO-KLH (0.01-1.0 micrograms/ml) or mcAb anti-IgE (0.001 - 1.0 micrograms/ml); and in the left pinna with an equal volume of saline (0.05 ml). Pinnae were measured 5 min to 4 hr later using a micrometer caliper. Treatment of mice with IL-4 or IFN gamma dramatically suppressed the induction of IH responses in dose dependent fashion. In contrast, treatment of mice with IL-6 and IFN alpha increased these responses in dose dependent fashion, while GMCSF and IL-5 had no effect. The suppression obtained with IL-4 and IFN gamma, and the increases seen with IL-6 and IFN alpha, were transient since these cytokines, as well as GMCSF and IL-5, had no effect on IH responses elicited 21 days after the peak of BPO-specific IgE AFC responses. The data suggest that cytokine mediated effects on IH responses occur via changes in serum levels of BPO-specific IgG1 or IgE, through direct or indirect effects of cytokines on mast cells or other cell types, or by affecting the ability of BPO-specific homocytotropic antibodies to bind to mast cell surfaces.
Reflections on smoking relapse research

This paper presents personal reflections on the history, current status and the future of research on smoking relapse. Relapse was traditionally viewed primarily as an outcome, to be reduced with increased treatment. In the 1980s, relapse research was invigorated by a focus on the process of relapse, focusing on the specific situations in which lapses to smoking occurred, and on the processes that mediated progression from a lapse to a relapse. This line of research had substantial influence on treatment, but has currently been displaced by a return to a pure outcomes-focus, driven in part by the practical need to find treatments that work and to package them for dissemination. At the same time, technological and methodological developments have enabled detailed monitoring of experience and behaviour throughout the relapse process, and progression of these developments will make monitoring of relapse process compelling in the future. The need to understand how interventions work will also drive a resurgen...
On using mixed-initiative control: a perspective for managing large-scale robotic teams

Prior work suggests that the potential benefits of mixed initiative management of multiple robots are mitigated by situational factors, including workload and operator expertise. In this paper, we present an experiment where allowing a supervisor and group of searchers to jointly decide the correct level of autonomy for a given situation ("mixed initiative") results in better overall performance than giving an agent exclusive control over their level of autonomy ("adaptive autonomy") or giving a supervisor exclusive control over the agent's level of autonomy ("adjustable autonomy"), regardless of the supervisor's expertise or workload. In light of prior work, we identify two elements of our experiment that appear to be requirements for effective mixed initiative control of large-scale robotic teams: (a) Agents must be capable of making progress toward a goal without having to wait for human input in most circumstances. (b) The operator control interface must help the human to rapidly understand and modify the progress and intent of several agents.
Teaching Strategies: Strategies for Teaching Children in Multiage Classrooms

(1994). Teaching Strategies: Strategies for Teaching Children in Multiage Classrooms. Childhood Education: Vol. 71, No. 2, pp. 102-105.
Enhancement of insecticides against codling moth (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) with L-aspartate in laboratory and field experiments.

ABSTRACT The idea of enhancing insecticide efficacy against phytophagous insects with feeding stimulators was proposed as early as the 1960s, and a number of insect feeding stimulators based on sugars, molasses, and cottonseed extracts, biologically active at relatively high (5% and higher) concentrations, have been advocated. Here, we show that an acidic amino acid, L-aspartate, stimulates feeding in codling moth neonates at much lower concentrations and acts as an effective tank-mixed additive for increasing efficacy of insecticides, reducing fruit damage, and increasing yield of the fruit. In laboratory experiments, 1 mg/ml L-aspartate increased foliage consumption by 40–60% and, when added to Assail 30 SG, Baythroid XL, Delegate WG, or Garbaryl 80S, maintained its feeding stimulatory properties and reduced LD50s by ≈10 times. In a 3-yr field trial, addition of L-aspartate to the aforementioned insecticides at 395 g/ha reduced fruit damage from ≈6%, on average to <1% for first-generation codling moth, ...
Benchmarking of a high-speed permanent magnet machine

A 5.0 MW, high-speed permanent-magnet machine is extensively studied in this paper. The overall measured losses of the machine were segregated through a finite element (FE) analysis. Consequently, the FE model was used to determine the parameters of the per phase equivalent circuit. This paper proposes a FE analysis based procedure to calculate the parameters of permanent magnet machines based on a predefined set of test data.
Arts Education Advocacy: The Relative Effects of School-Level Influences on Resources for Arts Education.

The purpose of this study was to investigate advocacy influences that may impact school arts programs using data from the 2009–10 National Center for Education Statistics elementary and secondary school surveys on arts education. Regression models were employed to assess the relative effectiveness of variables representing community support, administrators’ support, having arts educators in leadership roles, and school climate more generally as predictors of principals’ reports of the adequacy of funding, instructional time, and number of arts specialists for arts education. Additional models were examined to determine whether these effects would remain after controlling for minority status, poverty status, and school community type. Parent/community support, including the presence of arts specialists in school leadership roles and having an arts curriculum specialist/program coordinator, had the most pronounced effects on the reported adequacy of resources. Student interest in and demand for arts educati...
Perspective-taking induction mitigates the effect of partner attachment avoidance on self–partner overlap

Adult attachment avoidance has long been associated with relationship turmoil and dissatisfaction, and some research has highlighted the clinical potential of perspective-taking (PT) training for ameliorating attachment avoidance-related relationship difficulties. Prior research also suggests that prosocial sequelae of PT are mediated by increased self–other overlap. This study examined how a brief PT induction preceding an unresolved conflict discussion interacted with individual differences in attachment avoidance to influence postconflict ratings of self–partner overlap. The authors found that the PT induction buffered the effect of partner—but not one's own—avoidance on self–partner overlap. Main effects of PT condition and both actor and partner avoidance were also detected, and results remained unchanged when controlling for indirect intracouple overlap and relevant individual and couple characteristics.
Neuro-ophthalmologic signs of AIDS : 50 patients

In 50 hospitalized patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, signs of central eye movement limitation (28 cases) were most common. Peripheral eye movement limitations (18), abnormalities of vision (18), and abnormal spontaneous eye movements (15) occurred with about equal frequency. Meningitis (17), usually due to lymphoma (8) or Cryptococcus (8), was the usual cause of peripheral nervous system involvement, while toxoplasmosis (18) was more common than lymphoma (4) or presumed viral causes (8) in producing CNS dysfunction. The midbrain and pretectal (8) were affected about as often as the pontine tegmentum (9), but rostral brainstem lesions appeared to be the result of toxoplasmosis (4) or lymphoma (3), whereas a viral etiology was the presumed cause of most caudal stem involvement.
Use of Probabilistic Inversion to Model Qualitative Expert Input When Selecting a New Nuclear Reactor Technology

Abstract:Complex investment decisions by corporate executives often require the comparison of dissimilar attributes and competing technologies. A technique to evaluate qualitative input from experts using a multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) method is described to select a new reactor technology for a merchant nuclear generator. The capital cost, risks from design, licensing and construction, reactor safety, and security considerations are some of the diverse considerations when choosing a reactor design. The uncertainty inherent in experts' opinions for the attribute weighting in the MCDM is modeled through the use of probabilistic inversion. After creating a distribution, random samples from the distribution are used to analyze the “strength” of the results. The decision results for the pool of experts identified the U.S. EPR as their optimal choice.
Cyclic mechanical strain of myocytes modifies CapZβ1 post translationally via PKCε.

The heart is exquisitely sensitive to mechanical stimuli and adapts to increased demands for work by enlarging the cardiomyocytes. In order to determine links between mechano-transduction mechanisms and hypertrophy, neonatal rat ventricular myocytes (NRVM) were subjected to physiologic strain for analysis of the dynamics of the actin capping protein, CapZ, and its post-translational modifications (PTM). CapZ binding rates were assessed after strain by fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) of green fluorescent protein (GFP) expressed by a GFP-CapZβ1 adenovirus. To assess the role of the protein kinase C epsilon isoform (PKCe), rest or cyclic strain were combined with specific PKCe activation by constitutively active PKCe, or by inhibition with dominant negative PKCe (dnPKCe) expression. Significant increases of CapZ FRAP kinetics with strain were blunted by dnPKCe, suggesting that PKCe is involved in mechano-transduction signaling. Similar combinations of strain and PKC regulation in NRVMs were studied by PTM profiles of CapZβ1 using quantitative two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. The significantly increased charge on CapZ seen with mechanical strain was reversed by the addition of dnPKCe. Potential clinical relevance was confirmed in vivo by PTMs of CapZ in the failing heart of one-year old transgenic mice over-expressing PKCe. Furthermore, with strain there was significant PKCe translocation to the Z-disc and co-localization with CapZβ1 or α-actinin, which was quantified on confocal images. A hypothetical model is presented proposing that one destination of the mechanotransduction signaling pathways might be for PTMs of CapZ thereby regulating actin capping and filament assembly.
Operations research applications in hospital operations: Part II

ABSTRACTHospital managers are tasked with developing innovative strategies to provide patients with quality healthcare in an effective and efficient manner. Operations research (OR) methods have been applied to hospital operations to improve effectiveness and efficiency.In this three-part article, we review OR applications in hospital environments. In particular, we develop a timeline of events in US healthcare from the late 1940s to 2015 and separate the timeline into four eras: Expansion, Cost Control, Reform, and Accountability. Part I of the article describes the Eras of Expansion and Cost Control, Part II describes the Era of Reform, and Part III describes the Era of Accountability. Research performed during each era is contextualized and stratified by OR method and hospital operations application area.The following article is Part II of the three-part article, which details the OR applications in hospital operation area publications from 1990 to 2009. During the Era of Reform, the most commonly used...
Liquidity Regulation: Rationales, Benefits and Costs:

This paper reviews the market failures that may justify the need for liquidity regulation, assesses whether liquidity regulation is a necessary complement to Lender of Last Resort (LOLR) policies, capital regulation and prompt corrective action, surveys the available evidence on the net benefits of liquidity regulation, and concludes by outlining research directions useful to improve bank regulation design.
A Paradox in the Markowitz Mean-Variance Model with Transaction Costs

This article is to show a paradox in the mean variance model for portfolio selection when the transaction costs are included. While a transaction cost decreases the mean of the rate of return of an investment, it also decreases its variance. Thus, for individuals with strong risk aversion, it is possible that the reduction in the variance would make the investment more attractive, even though the mean is lower. That is to say that, in the mean-variance framework, the transaction costs may increase the utility of some individuals. This is in conflict with a basic assumption that individuals are non-satiable.
Radionuclide assessment of the natural heart ejection fraction before and after LVAD implantation.

Complete pressure unloading of the ventricles can preserve ischemically damaged myocardium. Most clinical left heart assist device (LVAD) systems used after ischemic injury of the heart apply atrial cannulation which does not ensure pressure unloading. In order to assess the effect of the implantation of an intracorporeal LVAD on the function of the natural heart, we determined the ejection fraction (EF) in four male Holstein calves (90-105 kg) before and after insertion of a Cleveland Clinic pneumatic LVAD. A gated blood pool scan was obtained with a gamma camera after injection of 40 mCi Tc-labelled albumin. The animals were restrained in a sling to avoid movement artifacts. All animals showed a drop of 65 +/- 12% to 42 +/- 14% EF in the first postoperative (p.o.) week. Left ventricular output did not maintain sufficient blood pressure as assessed by pump-off tests. Systolic blood pressure dropped from 122 +/- 6.5 mm Hg to 81 +/- 6 mm Hg without pump support on the morning of the first p.o. day. Apical coring and possible restrained heart movement by the implanted LVAD may lead to impaired myocardial function that renders the individual LVAD dependent until adaptative corrections take place.
Lysed chromatophores: a model system for the study of bidirectional organelle transport.

Publisher Summary Many animals can rapidly and dramatically alter their coloration, a reflection of the activity of their dermal chromatophores, pigment-containing cells. The sole function of the dermal chromatophores is to transport pigment and, accordingly, these cells have long been used as an excellent, highly ordered system in which to study organelle movements. This chapter focuses on the techniques that have been developed to obtain chromatophores and to lyse them and reactivate motility. The development of procedures to lyse and reactivate pigment granule movements in chromatophores has provided the only information to date concerning the mechanisms by which cells regulate the direction of organelle transport. Continued analysis of motility in these models as well as in a reconstituted system containing only the pigment granules, the appropriate cytoskeletal structures, and defined soluble cell components should contribute to our understanding of the mechanisms by which protein phosphorylation and dephosphorylation or Ca 2+ regulate direction of transport and to the identification and characterization of the force-generating proteins responsible for producing bidirectional organelle movements.
Widespread effusive volcanism on Mercury likely ended by about 3.5 Ga

Crater size–frequency analyses have shown that the largest volcanic plains deposits on Mercury were emplaced around 3.7 Ga, as determined with recent model production function chronologies for impact crater formation on that planet. To test the hypothesis that all major smooth plains on Mercury were emplaced by about that time, we determined crater size–frequency distributions for the nine next-largest deposits, which we interpret also as volcanic. Our crater density measurements are consistent with those of the largest areas of smooth plains on the planet. Model ages based on recent crater production rate estimates for Mercury imply that the main phase of plains volcanism on Mercury had ended by ~3.5 Ga, with only small-scale volcanism enduring beyond that time. Cessation of widespread effusive volcanism is attributable to interior cooling and contraction of the innermost planet.
Perceived Overqualification: A Review and Recommendations for Research and Practice

In this chapter, we aim to make the following contributions to the perceived overqualification literature. First, we provide an opportunity-based fairness conceptualization of perceived overqualification, and differentiate it from other justice constructs. Second, we present a multilevel model of perceived overqualification, which enumerates the antecedents and consequences, and explicates the mediators and moderators of the effect of perceived overqualification. Third, we emphasize the importance of considering methodological issues in future research on overqualification. Finally, we offer specific suggestions in studying applicant overqualification and recruiter perceptions.
Discourse properties of now 1

This paper proposes an updated analysis of the uses of now to modify past-tense clauses in narratives. It is by now well known that indexical expressions such as now are not as rigid as previously thought and can shift in some contexts (e.g. a literary style like Free Indirect Discourse in English or under report verbs in some languages). What is interesting about shifted now is that its distribution is much broader than these limited contexts. The conditions under which it can shift, however, are unclear and still under debate. Many recent proposals have tried to derive this property from the lexical meaning of now, thus treating it as a special case. Unlike previous analyses, I argue that the temporal perspective shift and temporal relations are functions of narrative discourse itself rather than the lexical semantics of now. The lexical meaning of now, I contend, is that it refers to a contextually salient time, regardless of whether it derives from actual speech context or discourse context. In addition, now invariably indicates a change of state, denoting the turning point dividing the past and the future seen from this contextually salient time. My claim is based on a quantitative study of naturally occurring narrative examples from the British National Corpus, and formalized in the discourse-level formal framework of Discourse Representation Theory.
Evaluation of a Novel Out-of-Plane Needle Guide.

Objectives Most ultrasound-guided regional procedures use an in-plane approach. Out-of-plane approaches may be desirable in some situations but can be difficult because of an inability to visualize the needle until it intersects the plane of the ultrasonic beam. Here we present a novel out-of-plane needle guide, using a retreating depth stop, and compare its performance with unguided in-plane and out-of-plane techniques. Methods First- and third-year medical students with no or minimal ultrasound experience were recruited for the study. After a brief training session on in-plane and out-of-plane needling techniques, as well as use of the retreating-stop needle guide, they attempted to place a needle as close as possible to a target embedded in porcine tissue. The total time to complete the procedure was measured. Accuracy was measured by a skilled sonographer, who identified the needle tip and measured the distance to the target. The data were tested for significance using an analysis of variance. Results The mean total time spent differed significantly between groups (novel needle guide, 34 seconds; in-plane, 120 seconds; out-of-plane, 113 seconds; P = .021). Needle proximity was on average more accurate with the needle guide, although this difference was not statistically significant (novel needle guide, 8 mm; in-plane, 15 mm; out-of-plane, 14 mm; P = .289). Conclusions In relatively inexperienced sonographers, the retreating-stop needle guide reduced the procedure time compared with in-plane and out-of-plane techniques. No significant changes in needling accuracy were observed.
Efficacy and safety of regorafenib in patients with metastatic and/or unresectable gastrointestinal stromal tumor harboring secondary mutation with exon 17: Interim report of a phase II trial.

e22511Background: Metastatic gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is a life-threatening disease with no suitable therapy after discovering secondary mutations with exon 17. Regorafenib is a struct...
TLR2 tolerance in EAE

TLR2 expression is enhanced in MS and EAE, but its role in these diseases is controversial. In adoptive transfer EAE, exogenous TLR ligands are not administered yet TLR2-deficient mice have been reported to develop attenuated disease. Despite this evidence for a disease-promoting function of TLR2, others have shown the opposite, i.e. that administration of TLR2 ligands can inhibit EAE in WT mice. To understand this paradox we tested the postulate that although TLR2 signaling may be EAE-promoting, repeated TLR2 ligand administration can lead to diminished TLR2 responsiveness (tolerance) and attenuated disease. To establish our approach, we administered Pam2Cys to SJL/J mice for 5 days and induced TLR2 tolerance that persisted for 4–5 days, reflected in decreased serum TNFα in response to a second TLR2 ligand (p In sum, we have used TLR tolerance as a novel probe to identify a narrow kinetic window in which TLR2 is required for EAE. Additionally, we have demonstrated the potential use of TLR tolerance as a new therapeutic approach in EAE and MS. Ongoing studies will characterize the relevant TLR2-expressing cells in EAE and the potential role of the microbiome in inducing homeostatic TLR tolerance that regulates autoimmunity.
Patient characteristics in variable left ventricular recovery from Takotsubo syndrome.

BACKGROUND Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is a heart failure syndrome which is usually reversible. Factors associated with degree of recovery of left ventricular systolic function in TTS are poorly understood. MATERIALS AND METHODS We conducted a retrospective analysis of 90 TTS patients treated at our institution from 2006 to 2014. Patients were grouped based on recovery of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) on follow-up transthoracic echocardiogram as left ventricular ejection fraction <50% (partial group) or preserved ejection fraction ≥50% (full group). Patient baseline characteristics, comorbidities, biomarkers, electrocardiography, and echocardiogram were collected. We also compared adverse events that occurred during hospitalization. RESULTS In comparison to full recovery group patients (n=63), partial recovery patients (n=27) were older (76.9±13 vs. 70.6±13years; P=0.02) and had a higher prevalence of comorbid hypothyroidism (26% vs. 8%; P=0.02). A greater number of patients from the partial group were also taking levothyroxine replacement (22% vs. 3%; P=0.003). We found no significant between-group differences in type of triggering event or cardiac biomarker levels. QT interval was longer in the partial group (540.6±71msec vs. 460.7±35msec; P=0.01). Follow-up LVEF was 37.9±8% in the partial group and 58.0±4% in the full group (P<0.001). There were no statistically significant differences in length of stay or adverse events. CONCLUSION Takotsubo patients with partial myocardial recovery were older, presented with longer QT intervals, and were more likely to have comorbid hypothyroidism.
Complications Associated with the Use of Clips

Surgical clips are commonly used for urologic surgeries and provide a reliable means of closure for a variety of tissues. Their ease of use, rapid application, and reliability have helped to advance the techniques of laparoscopy. Complications related to clips fortunately are rare but have the potential to result in significant harm. With proper application of surgical clips, we feel that many of these complications may be avoided, and thus we focus much of this chapter on surgical techniques. Recognizing that no method is absolutely fail-safe, we discuss common pitfalls and highlight the identification and management of complications. By having an increased understanding of the potential pitfalls, it is our goal that prevention and early recognition can help prevent these complications from resulting in catastrophic outcomes.
Crystal orientation mapping in scanning and transmission electron microscopes

Abstract: This chapter briefly describes electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) for crystal orientation mapping in the scanning electron microscope (SEM) and precession electron diffraction (PED) for crystal orientation mapping in the transmission electron microscope (TEM). The procedure for extraction of relative grain boundary energy and the grain boundary plane distribution of tilt boundaries from the EBSD crystal orientation maps of a micrometric fiber-textured Al film is detailed. Grain boundary character distribution in nanometric Cu films is extracted from two-dimensional PED-TEM crystal orientation maps using stereological analysis. The importance of the frame of reference in crystal orientation mapping studies is discussed.
Hardware-Assisted Cross-Generation Prediction of GPUs Under Design

This paper introduces a predictive modeling framework for GPU performance. The key innovation underlying this approach is that performance statistics collected from representative workloads running on current generation GPUs can effectively predict the performance of next-generation GPUs. This is useful when simulators are available for the next-generation device, but simulation times are exorbitant, rendering early design space exploration of microarchitectural parameters and other features infeasible. When predicting performance across three Intel GPU generations (Haswell, Broadwell, Skylake), our models achieved impressively low out-of-sample-errors ranging from 7.45% to 8.91%, while running 29 481 to 44 214 times faster than cycle-accurate simulations. A detailed ranking of the most impactful features selected for these models provides an insight as to which microarchitectural subsystems have the greatest impact on performance from one generation to the next.
Day 100 Risk Assessment Tool Predicts 1-Year Mortality after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation

Advances in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) have led to significantly improved day 100 survival over time. Longer-term (≥1 year) survival, however, has not changed significantly. In an effort to improve outcomes and identify patients (pts) at higher risk for 1-year mortality, we created a day 100 risk assessment tool. The Day 100 Risk Assessment tool includes 11 items: HCT-co-morbidity index, distance from transplant center, performance status (PS) at day 100, GVHD requiring systemic corticosteroids, infection requiring intravenous antimicrobials, caregiver support, poor coping skills/motivation, substance abuse, poor health literacy/access, medication compliance, and “other” concerns from the care team. Pts were given a point for each identified factor and categorized as low risk (score 0-2) or high risk (score≥3). High risk pts were targeted for closer follow up beyond 100 days. Cox regression was used to identify risk factors for overall survival (OS) within the first year after HCT. Between 11/2015-6/2018, 208 pts underwent allogeneic HCT and 161 pts survived without relapse at day 100 (Table). Median follow up is 12 months (range 3-33). 1-year OS for low-risk pts was significantly better than for high-risk pts (82% vs 68%, P=0.006; Figure). Multivariable analysis accounting for both pre-transplant and Day 100 risk factors identified older age (≥55), (HR 2.92, 95% CI 1.21-7.08, P=0.017); high disease risk (HR 2.93, 95% CI 1.34-6.39, P=0.007), and day 100 high-risk score (HR 2.29, 95% CI 1.17-4.48, P=0.015) as significant factors for poor OS. Univariate analysis of individual components of the day 100 risk score identified poor PS at day 100, infection, and caregiving concerns as significant variables, P In sum, we developed a Day 100 Risk Assessment tool and identified factors occurring within the first 100 days beyond traditional pre-transplant variables which significantly impact longer-term outcome. Targeted close follow up of these higher risk pts may help to improve survival of this at-risk population.
“Keep in mind that I will be improving”: The Opening Post as a Request for Absolution

Creating, sharing, and critiquing user-generated content are increasingly common practices in online environments, as users become active producers, reviewers, and promoters, not just consumers, of content. This paper investigates the functions of the opening posts in an online discussion forum dedicated to user-generated game levels (i.e., mini-games) designed with the LittleBigPlanet digital game series. In the analyzed community, the first post of each thread plays a crucial role, as authors introduce themselves, present their work, and set the stage for discussion. Findings show that the opening post carries a variety of discursive functions: it serves as a creative presentation of content, a self-reflective disclosure of practices, and a passionate call to participation. Moreover, by artfully using these themes, participants construct the opening post as a “request for absolution.” Through an ethnographic discourse analysis approach that draws on politeness theory, this study furthers the understanding of how users discursively construct and seek to increase opportunities for interaction, peer feedback, and social learning in a creative online space.
Explaining International Comovements of Output and Asset Returns; The Role of Money and Nominal Rigidities

Empirically, output and asset returns are highly positively correlated across the United States and the other major industrialized countries. Standard business cycle models that assume flexible prices and wages, in the Real Business Cycle tradition, have great difficulties explaining this fact. This paper presents a dynamic-optimizing stochastic general equilibrium model of a two-country world with sticky nominal prices and wages and a flexible exchange rate. The structure here predicts positive international transmission of country-specific monetary policy and technology shocks, and it generates sizable cross-country correlations of output and of asset returns.
Thickening of the cell wall increases the resistance of S. cerevisiae to commercial formulations of glyphosate

Abstract The use of glyphosate-based herbicides is widespread and despite its extensive use, its effects are yet to be deciphered completely. The additives in commercial formulations of glyphosate, though labeled as inert when used individually, have adverse effects when used in combination with other additives and the active ingredient. As a species, Saccharomyces cerevisiae has a wide range of resistance to glyphosate-based herbicides. To investigate the underlying genetic differences between sensitive and resistant strains, global changes in gene expression were measured when yeast were exposed to a commercial formulation of glyphosate (CFG). Changes in gene expression involved in numerous pathways such as DNA replication, MAPK signaling, meiosis, and cell wall synthesis. Because so many diverse pathways were affected, these strains were then subjected to in-lab-evolutions (ILE) to select mutations that confer increased resistance. Common fragile sites were found to play a role in adaptation mechanisms used by cells to attain resistance with long-term exposure to CFG. The cell wall structure acts as a protective barrier in alleviating the stress caused by exposure to CFG. The thicker the cell wall, the more resistant the cell is against CFG. Hence, a detailed study of the changes occurring at the genome and transcriptome level is essential to better understand the possible effects of CFG on the cell as a whole. Author Summary We are exposed to various chemicals in the environment on a daily basis. Some of these chemicals are herbicides that come in direct contact with the food we consume. This makes the thorough investigation of these chemicals crucial. Some of the most commonly used herbicides around the world are glyphosate-based. Their mode of action effects a biosynthetic pathway that is absent in mammals and insects and so it is deemed safe for consumption. However, there are many additives to these herbicides that increase its effects. Thorough testing of these commercially available herbicides is essential to decipher all the potentially adverse effects that it could have on a cell. Saccharomyces cerevisiae has a wide range of genetic diversity, making it is suitable to test different chemicals and identify any harmful effects. In this study, we exposed yeast cells to some glyphosate-based herbicides available in the market, to understand what effects it could have on a cell. We found that the additives in the herbicides have an effect on the cell wall and the mode of entry of glyphosate into the cell.