Generalized Koszul properties for augmented algebras

Under certain conditions, a filtration on an augmented algebra A admits a related filtration on the Yoneda algebra E(A) := Ext_A(K, K). We show that there exists a bigraded algebra monomorphism from gr E(A) to E_Gr(gr A), where E_Gr(gr A) is the graded Yoneda algebra of gr A. This monomorphism can be applied in the case where A is connected graded to determine that A has the K_2 property recently introduced by Cassidy and Shelton.Comment: 14 page

A Comparison of Fatigue during Cardiocerebral Resuscitation with Different Compression Rates Among Layperson and Professional Rescuers

Quality chest compressions during Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) are vital to maintaining adequate perfusion of oxygenated blood to the organs of the body to sustain life. Over the years, the compression rate recommended in Basic Life Support (BLS)/ Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) protocols for the best possible outcome has risen, and with that increase there are questions regarding rescuer fatigue and the effectiveness of compressions. Layperson and professional rescuers, answering to an emergency, both maintain continuous chest compressions until advanced life support arrives. Depending on the location, this arrival time would most likely be longer than the two minute standard time given to rotate rescuers before fatigue compromises performance. The objective of this research was to investigate the level of rescuer fatigue associated with continuous compressions, varying compression rates, physical fitness, gender, and among layperson versus professional rescuers. Sixty-one participants performed uninterrupted chest compressions on a manikin for 15 minutes. Before performing compressions, physical fitness was evaluated using a YMCA bench press for an assessment of upper body strength/endurance and a 3-minute step test to evaluate aerobic fitness. Subjects performed two trials at compression rates of greater or equal to 80 and greater or equal to 100 per minute with a 5-minute rest between trials. Male professional rescuers had a greater strength/endurance, and thus were able to perform compressions for a longer period of time compared to their female counterparts. Compression duration and the YMCA Bench Press test score were significantly correlated (p = .0135). Cardiocerebral Resuscitation providers should maintain an adequate upper body strength, particularly if they may be required to perform continuous chest compressions at high rates for more than a few minutes

Cuticle and muscle variation underlying phenotypic plasticity in barnacle feeding leg and penis form

Many aspects of barnacle body form are known to be developmentally plastic. Perhaps the most striking examples of such plasticity occur in their feeding legs and unusually long penises, the sizes and shapes of which can change dramatically and adaptively with changes in conspecific density and local water flow conditions. However, whether variation in overall appendage form is mirrored by structural responses in cuticle and muscle is not known. In order to determine how structural variation underlies phenotypic plasticity in barnacle appendages, we examined barnacles occurring at low and high population densities from one wave-protected and one wave-exposed site. We used histological sectioning and fluorescence microscopy of feeding legs and penises to compare cuticle thickness, muscle thickness, and muscle organization, and artificial penis inflation to compare penis extensibility. We observed striking differences in cuticle thickness, muscle thickness, and muscle organization between sites that differed in water velocity, but we found no clear differences associated with variation in conspecific density. Penis extensibility also did not differ consistently between sites. These results are consistent with an adaptive explanation for much of the remarkable and complex variation in barnacle feeding leg and penis morphology among sites that differ in water velocity

Noncommutative Koszul Algebras from Combinatorial Topology

Associated to any uniform finite layered graph Gamma there is a noncommutative graded quadratic algebra A(Gamma) given by a construction due to Gelfand, Retakh, Serconek and Wilson. It is natural to ask when these algebras are Koszul. Unfortunately, a mistake in the literature states that all such algebras are Koszul. That is not the case and the theorem was recently retracted. We analyze the Koszul property of these algebras for two large classes of graphs associated to finite regular CW complexes, X. Our methods are primarily topological. We solve the Koszul problem by introducing new cohomology groups H_X(n,k), generalizing the usual cohomology groups H^n(X). Along with several other results, our methods give a new and primarily topological proof of a result of Serconek and Wilson and of Piontkovski.Comment: 22 pages, 1 figur

Pan-Pacific Enterprises: Strategic Decision-Making In Action

Pan-Pacific Enterprises creates an environment in which individual teams must make strategic decisions based on conflicting goals.  The game lasts a single class period but does require outside preparation by the students.  Several different groups are given the planning responsibility for a certain aspect of firm operations, yet the optimal solutions for each goal are incompatible.  It then becomes the responsibility of the group to resolve these differences and develop a unified plan

Problem Discovery And Problem Solving In Unstructured Situations: Using The Pan-Pacific Enterprises Simulation With University Students

Simulations and games provide students with real-world experiences in a safe, controlled environment.  Properly designed exercises can increase the effectiveness of classroom instruction and promote higher-order learning.  Pan-Pacific Enterprises: Strategic Decision Making (2003) is a problem solving and communications simulation suitable for undergraduate and graduate students.  Students are given a resource allocation problem and told to solve the problem in small groups outside of class.  In class, each group has the opportunity to integrate its small group solution into a company-wide strategic plan.  The core problem of the simulation is that the various groups are given different goals so they arrive at different solutions.  These differences provide the entire class with an ambiguous problem with no obvious solution.  The class as a whole has to develop a method to integrate the sometimes conflicting solutions

Mapping An Internal-External (I-E) Matrix Using Traditional And Extended Matrix Concepts

Internal Factor Evaluation (IFE) and External Factor Evaluation (EFE) matrices allow an organization to visualize their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats while a Competitive Profile Matrix (CPM) utilizes critical success factors to allow an organization to compare itself to competitors.  Capps and Glissmeyer (2012) proposed an extension of the EFE and IFE concepts to an External Competitive Profile Matrix (ECPM) and an Internal Competitive Profile Matrix (ICPM) which provides greater insight in understanding the external and internal categories to which an organization must attend.  The authors of this paper extend the observations of Capps and Glissmeyer (2012) by suggesting that visual mapping of the ECPM and ICPM, in a manner similar on the Internal-External (I-E) matrix, would enable greater comparative understanding of the relative strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of the respective companies

Dual-specificity phosphatase 5 controls the localized inhibition, propagation, and transforming potential of ERK signaling

Deregulated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling drives cancer growth. Normally, ERK activity is self-limiting by the rapid inactivation of upstream kinases and delayed induction of dual-specificity MAP kinase phosphatases (MKPs/DUSPs). However, interactions between these feedback mechanisms are unclear. Here we show that, although the MKP DUSP5 both inactivates and anchors ERK in the nucleus, it paradoxically increases and prolongs cytoplasmic ERK activity. The latter effect is caused, at least in part, by the relief of ERK-mediated RAF inhibition. The importance of this spatiotemporal interaction between these distinct feedback mechanisms is illustrated by the fact that expression of oncogenic BRAF(V600E), a feedback-insensitive mutant RAF kinase, reprograms DUSP5 into a cell-wide ERK inhibitor that facilitates cell proliferation and transformation. In contrast, DUSP5 deletion causes BRAF(V600E)-induced ERK hyperactivation and cellular senescence. Thus, feedback interactions within the ERK pathway can regulate cell proliferation and transformation, and suggest oncogene-specific roles for DUSP5 in controlling ERK signaling and cell fate

High blood pressure predicts hippocampal atrophy rate in cognitively impaired elders.

INTRODUCTION: Understanding relationships among blood pressure (BP), cognition, and brain volume could inform Alzheimer's disease (AD) management. METHODS: We investigated Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) participants: 200 controls, 346 mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and 154 AD. National Alzheimer's Co-ordinating Center (NACC) participants were separately analyzed: 1098 controls, 2297 MCI, and 4845 AD. Relationships between cognition and BP were assessed in both cohorts and BP and atrophy rates in ADNI. Multivariate mixed linear-regression models were fitted with joint outcomes of BP (systolic, diastolic, and pulse pressure), cognition (Mini-Mental State Examination, Logical Memory, and Digit Symbol) and atrophy rate (whole-brain, hippocampus). RESULTS: ADNI MCI and AD patients with greater baseline systolic BP had higher hippocampal atrophy rates ([r, P value]; 0.2, 0.005 and 0.2, 0.04, respectively). NACC AD patients with lower systolic BP had lower cognitive scores (0.1, 0.0003). DISCUSSION: Higher late-life BP may be associated with faster decline in cognitively impaired elders