cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Tropical treatment wetlands dominated by free-floating macrophytes for water quality improvement in Costa Rica

Five tropical treatment wetlands dominated by floating aquatic plants and constructed to deal with a variety of wastewaters were compared for their effectiveness in treating organic matter and nutrients in the Parismina River Basin in eastern Costa Rica. Wastewaters were from a dairy farm, a dairy processing plant, a banana paper plant, and a landfill. Four of the five wetland systems were effective in reducing nutrient levels of effluents before water was discharged into rivers. Ammonia levels in water entering most wetlands were considerably higher than ambient (i.e., riverine) levels; concentrations were reduced by as much as 92% in the wetlands and retained at a maximum rate of 16 6gNm −2
Recent advances in the genomic analysis of Candida albicans

The release of the diploid genomic sequence of Candida albicans and its recent community-based annotation have permitted a number of studies which have significantly advanced our understanding of the biology of this important human pathogen. These advances range from analysis of genomic changes to differential gene expression under a variety of conditions. A few general conclusions can be drawn from the data presently in hand; one can expect more and more new insights as the number and kind of experiments grows.
Epithelioid Hemangioendothelioma of the Suprasellar Area: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Abstract Intra-axial involvement of the brain by an epithelioid hemangioendothelioma is rare, and biological properties of the tumor are uncertain. Most of the primary brain manifestations are confined to the cerebral hemispheres. We report magnetic resonance imaging and microscopic findings of a case of suprasellar involvement by an epithelioid hemangioendothelioma. The tumor was treated with a subtotal resection only, and no progression of the disease was noted during a 6-month follow-up. Review of the literature suggested that most epithelioid hemangioendotheliomas in the brain are unifocal tumors with a rather favorable clinical outcome.
Dipole Excitations on the Neutron Drip Line

Abstract We examine the properties of 11 Li, an example of a nucleus on the drip line, from the point of view of the shell model. The simple shell model explains the data on nuclear size quite well. However, the soft dipole mode is not explicable in the RPA shell model, implying that correlations between the valence neutrons are very important.
Three Dimensional Loading Effects of Tsunamis on Bridge Superstructures

This work presents an investigation of the effects of tsunamis on bridge superstructures, with specific attention focused toward the differences between two-dimensional (2D) and threedimensional (3D) analyses. For the most part, available research on tsunami-bridge interaction is based on 2D analysis. While 2D analyses can provide estimates of drag force, uplift, and overturning moment per unit length, they do not account for critical 3D phenomena such as channelization effects due to local bathymetry, bridge skew and other non-uniform geometric aspects. Using a high-fidelity 3D computational fluid dynamics approach, validated against existing experimental data, this work analyzes the temporal and spatial dynamics of tsunami loading on a model bridge and shows how variation in the local geometry, specifically the skew angle of the bridge relative to the incoming wave, can affect the loading history on the structure.
The effect of disparate information on individual fish movements and emergent group behavior

Within a group, the level of knowledge held by any individual often differs from that held by other members. Such heterogeneity can be advantageous, potentially allowing groups to cope with situations novel to the majority. It can also affect group integrity, inciting sorting or group fission. To better understand how heterogeneity affects school structure and the physical expression of decision making, we manipulated the ratio of knowledgeable-to-naive fish within groups of giant danios, Devario aequipinnatus, and examined the relationship between collective knowledge, individual behavior, and emergent group properties. Specifically, we varied the proportion of naive fish within groups of 15 individuals, quantified horizontal trajectories of individual fish, and calculated various individual and group swim metrics. When presented with a learned signal (red light) associated with the presence of prey, groups of all-knowledgeable fish exhibited searching behavior (fast, broad turns resulting in diffusely polarized groups), whereas groups of all-naive fish remained unaffected and continued to mill (slow, tight turns resulting in greater packing and lower polarity). In heterogeneous groups, influences of knowledgeable and naive fish were unequally weighted across each measured swim metric, favoring knowledgeable behaviors (fast, broad turns), but incorporating elements of naive behaviors (greater packing). However, at a minority threshold of 20%, knowledgeable individuals conformed to the behavior of the majority and group response echoed all naive. A null model, composed of independent behaviors of knowledgeable and naive fish, predicted significantly different swim metrics from those observed, suggesting actual heterogeneous groups were performing integrated rather than separate behaviors.
Amphibian predation on larval mosquitoes

Mosquitoes (Culex pipiens L., 1758) are important vectors for diseases of both wildlife and humans. Understanding how natural factors influence mosquito abundance may provide insights into the ecol...
Limiting analysis of outage probabilities for diversity schemes in fading channels

Diversity schemes that exploit wireless channel variations in time, frequency, and space are an essential component for combating multipath fading in modern wireless communications systems. To evaluate performance and thereby design reliable and resource-efficient systems, designers require analytical tools that capture the salient, if not precise, characteristics of the fading channel model and diversity scheme employed. In this paper, we develop a simple and powerful way of characterizing performance of diversity schemes via limiting analysis of outage probabilities. As in other approaches to such an analysis, the two key parameters in our analysis are diversity order and coding gain, corresponding to the slope and intercept, respectively, in a plot of log-outage versus signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in decibels (dB). Our approach allows for the characterization of a wide variety of diversity schemes operating over a broad class of fading channels, especially non-repetition diversity schemes such as parallel channel coding as well as multiuser diversity schemes such as cooperative diversity.
RADIOCHEMICAL YIELDS OF GRAFT POLYMERIZATION REACTIONS OF CELLULOSE

The preparation of radioinduced graft polymers of cotton cellulose, while retaining the fibrous nature and high molecular weight of the cellulose, depended primarily on the radiochemical yields of cellulose reactions and of graft polymerization reactions. Yields of the initial major molecular changes in cellulosic polymer indicated that, in the case of scission of the molecule and carboxyl group formation, chain reactions were not initiated by radiation; however, in the case of carbonyl group formation chain reactions were initiated but quickly terminated. Generally, experimental procedures, used in graft polymerization reactions, were: simultaneous irradiation reactions, that is, application of monomers or solutions of monomers to cellulose or chemically modified celluloses, then irradiation; and post-irradiation reactions, that is, irradiation of cellulose or chemically modified celluloses, then after removal from the field of radiation, contacting the irradiated cellulose with monomer. Some of the most important factors influencing the radiochemical yields of graft polymerization reactions, of styrene and acrylonitrile onto cellulose were: concentration of monomer in treating solution; solvent; ratio of monomer solution to cellulose; prior chemical modification of cellulose; and absence of oxygen, particularly in post-irradiation reactions. Experimental data are presented, and the direct and indirect effects of Co/sup 60/ gamma radiation on thesemore » reactions are discussed. (auth)« less
Genome-wide alterations in hippocampal 5-hydroxymethylcytosine links plasticity genes to acute stress

Environmental stress is among the most important contributors to increased susceptibility to develop psychiatric disorders, including anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. While even acute stress alters gene expression, the molecular mechanisms underlying these changes remain largely unknown. 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) is a novel environmentally sensitive DNA modification that is highly enriched in post-mitotic neurons and is associated with active transcription of neuronal genes. Recently, we found a hippocampal increase of 5hmC in the glucocorticoid receptor gene (Nr3c1) following acute stress, warranting a deeper investigation of stress-related 5hmC levels. Here we used an established chemical labeling and affinity purification method coupled with high-throughput sequencing technology to generate the first genome-wide profile of hippocampal 5hmC following exposure to acute restraint stress and a one-hour recovery. This approach found a genome-wide disruption in 5hmC associated with acute stress response, primarily in genic regions, and identified known and potentially novel stress-related targets that have a significant enrichment for neuronal ontological functions. Integration of these data with hippocampal gene expression data from these same mice found stress-related hydroxymethylation correlated to altered transcript levels and sequence motif predictions indicated that 5hmC may function by mediating transcription factor binding to these transcripts. Together, these data reveal an environmental impact on this newly discovered epigenetic mark in the brain and represent a critical step toward understanding stress-related epigenetic mechanisms that alter gene expression and can lead to the development of psychiatric disorders.
Adult Diet and Male - Female Contact Effects on Female Reproductive Potential in Mexican Fruit Fly (Anastrepha ludens Loew) (Diptera Tephritidae)

Abstract Wild strains of fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) placed into laboratory rearing conditions are subjected to selection pressures caused by the diet, cages, density of flies, and other factors. Selection that changes mating behavior of the strain may result in less effective males released in sterile insect programs. Tests were performed to examine the effects of protein in diet and adult interactions on egg production and mating during sexual maturation of the Mexican fruit fly (Anastrepha ludens Loew) in laboratory cages. Flies were offspring of wild flies collected from Chiapas or Nuevo Leon, Mexico, and reared on Valencia oranges. Experiments demonstrated effects of yeast hydrolysate protein in adult diet and pairing with males on production of mature and immature eggs, numbers of females producing eggs, and mating with females aged 15 d. Addition of protein to 4% fructose in the adult diet approximately tripled mature egg production in females maintained for the total maturation period with ...
The Movement of Faith as Revealed in Tolstoi's Confession

Tolstoi's Confession is the story of the spiritual crisis which its author experienced during the late 1870s, when the man who had written War and Peace and Anna Karenina came to believe that he had accomplished nothing in life, that his life was meaningless. Although there are parallels between the torments of Levin in Anna Karenina and Tolstoi's own conflicts in the Confession, the latter piece was written in 1879, two years after the publication of the former, and represents a more developed reflection on "the problem of life." As I shall argue in this article, the resolution of the crisis related in Tolstoi's Confession comes in a movement of faith which emerges as the fourth aspect of a fourdimensional change or metamorphosis within the individual. The four dimensions of the metamorphosis may be described as (1) the encounter with death, (2) the onset of despair, (3) the struggle for possibility, and (4) the movement of faith. Let us now see how an analysis of the movement of faith as revealed in Tolstoi's Confession may be rendered in these terms.
TEMPERATURE-DEPENDENT PHOTOABSORPTION CROSS SECTIONS OF OCS IN THE 2000–2600Å REGION

Abstract Using synchrotron radiation as a continuum light source, we have measured the absolute photoabsorption cross sections of OCS with a spectral bandwidth (FWHM) of 0.6 A. The absorption cross sections of OCS have been measured from 2000 to 2600 A at temperatures of 370, 295 and 170 K, respectively. Many hot bands are observed in the 2150–2600 A region. Significant temperature effects on the absorption cross sections are clearly observed in the wavelength region longer than 2240 A.
Decoherence by coupling to internal vibrational modes

We consider a composite system consisting of coupled particles, and investigate decoherence due to coupling of the center-of-mass degree of freedom to the internal vibrational degrees of freedom. For a composite system of bound particles, we show that in general such a decoherence effect exists, and leads to suppression of interference between different paths of the center-of-mass. For the special case of harmonically-bound particles moving in an external potential, we show that the coupling between the center-of-mass and internal degrees of freedom takes the form of parametric driving of the vibrational degrees of freedom, and that nontrivial coupling depends on the second derivative of the external potential. We find a solution to this parametric driving problem in one dimension for a fixed center-of-mass trajectory. We also propose a measure of compositeness, which quantifies the extent to which such a composite system cannot be approximated as a single, indivisible particle. We perform numerical simulations for a simple interference experiment, consisting of two wave packets scattering off of a square well, and show a close connection between suppression of interference and entanglement between the center-of-mass and internal degrees of freedom, which depends on the initial state of the internal mode. We also calculate the measure of compositeness for this system.
Type IA glycogenosis with acute pancreatitis

La glycogenose type IA, ou maladie de von Gierke, est la plus commune des glycogenoses avec hepatomegalie. La pancreatite aigue est une manifestation tres rare de la glycogenose type IA attribuee a l'hyperlipidemie. Nous rapportons un cas de glycogenose type IA associee a une pancreatite aigue pour montrer les images tomodensitometriques et pour avertir le radiologiste de cette complication rare de la glycogenose type IA
Ophthalmic Applications of Freeform Optics

One major issue in using freeform optics to ophthalmic applications is accurate verification of surface shapes. In this work we applied SCOTS, a reverse Hartmann test, for the characterization of Progressive Addition Lenses.
Performance evaluation of a dense-medium cyclone using alternative silica-based media

Abstract The production of superior metallurgical-grade silicon requires the use of ultra-clean coal containing
Effect of thyroid function on the prognosis of patients with acute myocardial infarction and left ventricular function

Objective To investigate the affect of thyroid function on the prognosis of patients with acute myocardial infarction and left ventricular function.Methods A total of 60 elderly patients with acute myocardial infarction of the author's hospital from June 2009 to June 2011 were selected.Serum thyroid hormone levels and left ventricular function of poor prognosis group and improved group were compared after symptomatic treatment.45 healthy subjects were selected as the control group.Results Compared with the healthy control group,the serum T4,T3,FT3 of elderly patients with acute myocardial infarction decreased.The difference was statistically significant(P 0.05).Serum T4,T3 and FT3 of the poor prognosis group were significantly lower than the improved group in the 3rd weeks and 5th week.The difference was statistically significant(P 0.05).The difference of serum FT4 and TSH between two groups was not statistically significant(P 0.05).LAD,LVDs,and LVDd of poor prognosis group were significantly higher than improved group.The difference was statistically significant(P 0.05).EF of the poor prognosis group was significantly lower than the improved group.The difference was statistically significant(P 0.05).Difference serum levels of T4,T3 of AMI patients with myocardial infarction was not statistically significant(P 0.05).Conclusion Monitoring the changes of serum thyroid hormone level has a certain sense in determining the prognosis of patients with acute myocardial infarction and left ventricular function.
Limits on xi (2.2) formation in p-barp-->K+K-

We report the results of a search at the Brookhaven National Laboratory's Alternating-Gradient Synchrotron for the xi(2.2) observed by the Mark III group at the SLAC e/sup +/e/sup -/ storage ring SPEAR. 37 000 p-barp..-->..K/sup +/K/sup -/ events and 200 000 p-barp..--> pi../sup +/..pi../sup -/ events were studied in the incident-momentum interval from 1.25 to 1.56 GeV/c, corresponding to a mass interval of 110 MeV/c/sup 2/ about the reported xi mass. The mass resolution was 3 MeV/c/sup 2/. We find no evidence for xi formation and determine that the product B(xi..-->..p-barp)B(xi..-->..K/sup +/K/sup -/) is <2 x 10/sup -4/ for J/sup P//sup C/ = 2/sup ++/ and GAMMA = 35 MeV/c/sup 2/.
Stronger net posterior cortical forces and asymmetric microtubule arrays produce simultaneous centration and rotation of the pronuclear complex in the early Caenorhabditis elegans embryo

Experimental and theoretical approaches are used to demonstrate the importance of asymmetries in microtubule arrays and cortical pulling forces mediated by dynein in positioning the pronuclear comp...
Engineering challenges in building sensor networks for real-world applications

Wireless sensor networks can be embedded within complex environments for a wide range of monitoring and control applications including study of fire spread in woods, contamination spread in water bodies, or diffusion of toxic gases through air. In these applications, the collected data is used to drive a forecasting model, typically consisting of a CFD simulation. Traditionally, the data collection process is fixed. Active coupling between the sensor and the model, however, can significantly improve the accuracy, timeliness, and efficiency of forecasting. While there has been significant work in this area, there has not yet been a systematic analysis of how to represent the complex environments, how to represent the model, and how to architect the system. In this paper, we present a generalization of data-coupling applications, and describe a framework for decomposing models, which we apply to a simple example of water contamination.
Validation of a Novel Clonality Assay in Patients with Clonal Hematologic Disorders

Abstract Clonality assays, based on X-chromosome inactivation, discriminate active from inactive alleles. They are useful in the diagnosis and assessment of therapeutic response in clonal hematologic disorders, especially in absence of an identifiable somatic mutations. Skewing of X-chromosome allelic-usage, based on preferential methylation of one of the HUMARA alleles, was reported as evidence of clonal hematopoiesis in ~30% elderly women, precluding the use of this assay in elderly patient (>65 years of age). Using a quantitative, transcriptionally-based clonality assay, we did not detect clonal hematopoiesis in >200 healthy non-elderly women. In view of the susceptibility of aging hematopoietic stem cells to epigenetic dysregulation, we reinvestigated the issue of clonality in forty elderly women (age 65–92, mean 81.3 years), using a novel, quantitative qPCR transcriptional clonality assay. In this assay, mRNA transcribed from five X-chromosome polymorphic genes expressed in peripheral blood neutrophils is quantified by real time, allele specific RT-PCR. We did not detect clonal hematopoiesis in any of the elderly women. However, using HUMARA assay, 30% of these elderly women were detected to have monoallelic methylation of the HUMARA gene locus, consistent with previously reported literature. We concluded that our novel transcriptional clonality assay is suitable for evaluation of clonal hematopoiesis in all women including elderly women (Swierczek S, Agarwal N et al. Blood 2008, July 18 epub). Using this novel assay, we detected clonal hematopoiesis in 31 out of 32 well characterized patients with myeloproliferative disorders: polycythemia vera (all fourteen patients were clonal by our assay and all were JAK2V617F positive), essential thrombocytosis (nine out of ten patients were clonal by our assay, one out of ten patients was cMPLW515L positive, seven out of ten were JAK2 V617F positive; however one subject with low JAK2 V617F allelic burden was polyclonal by our assay), and primary myelofibrosis (all eight patients were clonal by our assay and two of them were positive for JAK2V617F). In addition, we detected clonal hematopoiesis in 4 patients with unexplained anemia (two eventually evolved in to myelodysplastic syndrome), and in one patient with persistent leukocytosis (eventually found to be cMPLW515L positive). Using our assay we did not detect clonal hematopoiesis in 10 patients with reactive or secondary erythrocytosis, thrombocytosis or leukocytosis. We conclude that our novel transcriptional clonality assay is suitable for detection of clonal hematopoiesis in patients with clonal hematologic disorders, especially in patients lacking known somatic mutation. Studies to detect an emerging clone in milieu of polyclonal hematopoiesis (such as seen in PNH or early stages of clonal hematological disorders) by comparison of X-chromosome allelic usage ratio in myeloid cells and in T lymphocytes are underway.
Methionine Requirement for Juvenile White Seabass, Atractoscion nobilis, Using Nonlinear Models

Two trials were conducted to estimate the methionine (Met) requirement of juvenile white seabass, Atractoscion nobilis. Diets were formulated to contain 40% crude protein, 10% lipids, and 0.51% cysteine. Graded levels of dl‐Met were added to create seven diets with dietary Met levels ranging from 0.72 to 0.98%, and nine diets ranging from 0.64 to 1.28% Met in Trials A and B, respectively. Thermal‐unit growth coefficient was fitted to dietary Met levels to estimate the Met requirement using the saturation kinetic model (SKM), the quadratic model (QM), or the broken quadratic model (BQM). The 95% confidence interval (CI) was estimated through the iterative fitting process for the BQM and using a bootstrapping approach for the QM and SKM. In Trial A, the three models estimated the requirement between 0.88 and 1.08%, with wide CI. In Trial B, precisions of the requirement estimates by the SKM and BQM were significantly improved compared with Trial A, though BQM evidently overestimated the requirement. SKM provided the best fit; hence, we conclude that the Met requirement for juvenile white seabass is 0.88% (95% CI: 0.80–1.08%) in the presence of 0.51% cysteine. This estimate provides valuable basis for the formulation of practical diets for juvenile white seabass.
Pathogen-derived transgenic resistance to soybean mosaic virus in soybean

Development of transgenic disease resistance in soybeans, despite progress in other important crop plants, has advanced slowly. In this study, transgenic soybean plants resistant to soybean mosaic virus (SMV) were obtained by transforming with the coat protein gene and the 3′-UTR from SMV. Four insertion events were detected in a T0 plant obtained by using Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation. Self-pollination of T0 progeny yielded four homozygous transgenic lines with a single insertion event or combinations of two insertion events in the T3 generation. A single coat protein gene transcript was detected in all four transgenic lines, and virus coat protein was detected in three transgenic lines. Two transgenic lines were highly resistant to the virus. These constitute the first example of stable genetically engineered disease resistance in soybean.
Input-Output Stability and Response Analysis for Hierarchical Large-Scale Systems

Abstract Analysis of hierarchially structured, possibly nonlinear, large scale systems is found to be greatly simplified using a result that permits testing for stability and generation of conic sector bounds for the I/O relation of an interconnected system from conic sector bounds on the subsystems I/O relations. For large scale systems that can be hierarchially decomposed into groups of subsystems, sub-subsystems, sub-sub-subsystems, et cetera so that each group has relatively few interconnections with other groups, analysis is greatly facilitated: the result is applied successively to the various groups, beginning by determining stability and conic sector bounds for groups at the bottom of the hierarchy, then doing likewise for sub-subsystems, subsystems and so forth until stability and conic sector bounds have been determined for the complete interconnected system.
Racial Coalition Building in Local Elections: Elite Cues and Cross-Ethnic Voting

This book examines racial and ethnic coalition building in local elections and considers Black and Latino political incorporation more broadly. Although many argue that Black and Latino voters have much to gain from alliances that advance shared interests, coalitions between the two groups have not always formed easily or been stable over time. Recent mayoral elections across the country show different patterns of out-group candidate support. This book seeks to explain these variations and the specific conditions under which Blacks and Latinos vote for the same candidate. Drawing on large-n observational data, survey experiments, and qualitative case studies, Benjamin develops a theory of co-ethnic endorsements, which points to the significance of elite cues from Black and Latino leaders. The book demonstrates that voters use elite co-ethnic endorsements to help inform their votes, that they do so particularly when race is salient in an election, and that this has real implications for representation and access to political benefits.
Healthcare workers mobilising cultural health capital to assist socially marginalised patients

ABSTRACTResearch on cultural capital mobilised in healthcare largely focuses on how patients of low-socioeconomic status or ethnic minority groups struggle in the healthcare field. This study examines how providers, care coordinators, and administrators use their own cultural capital resources to bolster equity in health services, and explores the limitations of such efforts. Thirty-five hours of interviews with Hispanic and non-Hispanic White personnel at U.S. community health centres are used to explore how individuals on the ‘supply-side’ of healthcare may exhibit flexible expectations of patient cultural capital. Participants acknowledge how factors such as immigration status and family roles affect patient ability to exhibit traditionally high-value cultural capital in clinical interactions. Yet, providers’ flexible expectations and cultural knowledge alone cannot deliver comprehensive care to indigent patients of colour. Persistent systemic barriers like high costs and limited public programs requir...
Framework for improved confidence in modeled nitrous oxide estimates for biofuel regulatory standards

Biofuels vary greatly in their carbon intensity, depending on the specifics of how they are produced. Policy frameworks are needed to ensure that biofuels actually achieve intended reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Current approaches do not account for important variables during cultivation that influence emissions. Estimating emissions based on biogeochemical models would allow accounting of farm-specific conditions, which in turn provides an incentive for producers to adopt low emissions practices. However, there are substantial uncertainties in the application of biogeochemical models. This paper proposes a policy framework that manages this uncertainty while retaining the ability of the models to account for (and hence incentivize) low emissions practices. The proposed framework is demonstrated on nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from the cultivation of winter barley. The framework aggregates uncertainties over time, which (1) avoids penalizing producers for uncertainty in weather, (2) allows for a high degree of confidence in the emissions reductions achieved, and (3) attenuates the uncertainty penalties borne by producers within a timescale of several years. Results indicate that with effective management, N2O emissions from feedstock cultivation may be 20% of the carbon intensity of gasoline. If these emissions reductions are monetized, the framework can provide up to $0.002 per liter credits (0.8 cents per gallon) to fuel producers, which could incentivize emissions mitigation practices by biofuel feedstock suppliers, such as avoiding fall N application on silty clay loam soils. The conservatism in the current approach fails to incentivize the adoption of biofuels, while the lack of specificity fails to incentivize site-level mitigation practices. Improved uncertainty accounting and consideration of farm-level practices will incentivize mitigation efforts at landscape to global scales.
Objective clinical pain analysis using serum cyclooxygenase-2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase in American patients

Abstract Background Pain is a multidimensional condition of multiple origins. Determining both intensity and underlying cause are critical for effective management. Utilization of painkillers does not follow any guidelines relying on biomarkers, which effectively eliminates objective treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of serum cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) as pain biomarkers. This work could significantly advance the diagnosis and treatment of pain. Methods We assessed the potential utility of serum COX-2 and iNOS as objective measures of pain in a sample of American patients. Pain was scaled between level 0–5 in accordance with the level reported by the patients. Blood samples were collected from 102 patients in the emergency room. Sandwich ELISA was used to determine the COX-2 and iNOS levels in the blood serum while statistical analysis was performed using Pearson product-moment correlation coefficients, Regression and Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) analyses. The biomarker results were also compared with self-reports of pain by the patients using conventional pain ratings and patients were asked to report the cause of the pain. Pain levels were clustered into four groups as 0 [self-reported 0], 1 [self-reported as 1], 2 [self-reported as 2 and 3] and 3 [self-reported as 4 and 5]. Co-expression of COX-2 and iNOS could significantly alter pain development and its sensitization. Therefore, iNOS dependent COX-2 levels were employed as categorized level. Results Self-reported pain levels did not show a correlation with the serum level of COX-2 and iNOS. The lack of correlation is attributed to multiple reasons including patients' intake of painkillers prior to participation, painkiller intake habit, chronic diseases, and subjectivity of self-reported pain. Increased serum COX-2 levels were reported in relation to the subtypes of these health issues. Further, 83% of the patients who reported pain also showed the presence of COX-2 in serum, while only 53% of the patients showed the presence of iNOS in serum. Moderate relation was found between the clustered pain level and categorized COX-2 and iNOS- levels. Conclusions The findings support the requirement of further studies to use COX-2 and iNOS as prognostic biomarkers for objective quantification of pain at the clinical level.
Answer set programming modulo theories and reasoning about continuous changes

Answer Set Programming Modulo Theories is a new framework of tight integration of answer set programming (ASP) and satisfiability modulo theories (SMT). Similar to the relationship between first-order logic and SMT, it is based on a recent proposal of the functional stable model semantics by fixing interpretations of background theories. Analogously to a known relationship between ASP and SAT, "tight" ASPMT programs can be translated into SMT instances. We demonstrate the usefulness of ASPMT by enhancing action language C+ to handle continuous changes as well as discrete changes. We reformulate the semantics of C+ in terms of ASPMT, and show that SMT solvers can be used to compute the language. We also show how the language can represent cumulative effects on continuous resources.
Constraints on the timing and duration of orogenic events by combined Lu–Hf and Sm–Nd geochronology: An example from the Grenville orogeny

Abstract Grenville age basement rocks of the Virginia Blue Ridge Province preserve a record of over 150 million years of tectonism and crustal reworking associated with the construction of the supercontinent Rodinia. Although the igneous origins of these rocks have been the subject of much previous work, few studies have examined the complex metamorphic history of these rocks during the Grenville orogeny. To better constrain the timing and duration of metamorphism, we determined Lu–Hf and Sm–Nd garnet and U–Pb zircon rim dates of garnet-bearing rocks exposed in the Virginia Blue Ridge. Multiple periods of Mesoproterozoic metamorphism and deformation have been previously recognized with a major deformational event occurring before ∼1065 Ma and subsequent local episodes occurring at least until 1000 Ma. Zircon overgrowths and monazite dates suggest metamorphic events between ∼1050 and 960 Ma. Our new Lu–Hf garnet dates range from 1032 ± 3 to 1019 ± 3 Ma. New Sm–Nd dates, determined on the same garnet dissolutions, define a younger range, from 965 ± 6 to 949 ± 6 Ma. Our zircon dates are consistent with previously measured ages (∼1090–940 Ma) and often overlap with the Lu–Hf garnet dates from the same samples. There is a large and systematic difference (60–80 m.y.) between the garnet dates from the two isotopic systems. Although Sm–Nd dates slightly younger than those recorded by Lu–Hf are not uncommon, the large discrepancies between the two systems that we see here are unusual. The dated garnets are unzoned and yield Lu–Hf dates that coincide with the zircon overgrowth dates; Sm–Nd ages overlap with the younger monazite dates. We interpret the discrepancy in garnet dates as reflecting the difference in closure temperature between the two isotopic systems. Further, these data require slow cooling following large-scale crustal thickening after the assembly of Rodinia during Grenville orogenesis. These data illustrate that the use of the coupled Lu–Hf and Sm–Nd chronometers in garnet can provide important constraints on the conditions of metamorphism during past orogenic events.
Hereditary Kidney Disease: All Family Members Are Affected.

In families with hereditary kidney disease, it is common to refer to “affected” and “unaffected” family members, but in reality, all family members are affected. All face uncertainty about whether they have the disease or can pass it on, and whether to be tested. Those with the disease face
Expression of a novel surfactant protein gene is associated with sites of extrapulmonary respiration in a lungless salamander

Numerous physiological and morphological adaptations were achieved during the transition to lungless respiration that accompanied evolutionary lung loss in plethodontid salamanders, including those...
Evaluation of PMU Placements with SORI and ORC Indices for IEEE Test Feeders

The paper optimizes the placement of Phasor Measurement Units (PMUs) in IEEE 13, 37, and 123 node test feeders. Considering its large cost of placing these PMU units, an optimal placement and evaluation of system observability is necessary. The PMU locations were derived using a code written in AMPL, which is based on a linear programming formulation. Indices such as System Observability Redundancy Index (SORI) and Optimal Redundancy Criterion (ORC) were used to evaluate the full-observability in three systems: IEEE 13, 37, and 123 node test feeders.
Unravelling purinergic regulation in the epididymis: activation of V-ATPase-dependent acidification by luminal ATP and adenosine.

Key points In the epididymis, elaborate communication networks between epithelial cells are important with respect to establishing an optimal acidic luminal environment for the maturation and storage of spermatozoa, which is essential for male fertility. Proton secretion by epididymal clear cells is achieved via the proton pumping V-ATPase located in their apical membrane. In the present study, we dissect the molecular mechanisms by which clear cells respond to luminal ATP and adenosine to modulate their acidifying activity via the adenosine receptor ADORA2B and the pH-sensitive ATP receptor P2X4. We demonstrate that the hydrolysis of ATP to produce adenosine by ectonucleotidases plays a key role in V-ATPase-dependent proton secretion, and is part of a feedback loop that ensures acidification of the luminal compartment These results help us better understand how professional proton-secreting cells respond to extracellular cues to modulate their functions, and how they communicate with neighbouring cells. Abstract Cell-cell cross-talk is crucial for the dynamic function of epithelia, although how epithelial cells detect and respond to variations in extracellular stimuli to modulate their environment remains incompletely understood. In the present study, we used the epididymis as a model system to investigate epithelial cell regulation by luminal factors. In the epididymis, elaborate communication networks between the different epithelial cell types are important for establishing an optimal acidic luminal environment for the maturation and storage of spermatozoa. In particular, clear cells (CCs) secrete protons into the lumen via the proton pumping V-ATPase located in their apical membrane, a process that is activated by luminal alkalinization. However, how CCs detect luminal pH variations to modulate their function remains uncharacterized. Purinergic regulation of epithelial transport is modulated by extracellular pH in other tissues. In the present study, functional analysis of the mouse cauda epididymis perfused in vivo showed that luminal ATP and adenosine modulate the acidifying activity of CCs via the purinergic ADORA2B and P2X4 receptors, and that luminal adenosine content is itself regulated by luminal pH. Altogether, our observations illustrate mechanisms by which CCs are activated by pH sensitive P2X4 receptor and ectonucleotidases, providing a feedback mechanism for the maintenance of luminal pH. These novel mechanisms by which professional proton-secreting cells respond to extracellular cues to modulate their functions, as well as how they communicate with neighbouring cells, might be translatable to other acidifying epithelia.
Performance trade-off analysis of co-design of radar and phase modulated communication signals in frequency hopping MIMO systems

We present a dual-function radar communication (DFRC) system in which phase modulated information symbols are embedded in the multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) frequency hopping (FH) radar sub-pulses in fast-time. The communications are considered as the secondary function of the proposed dual-function radar communication (DFRC) systems. We use differential phase shift keying (DPSK) and continuous phase modulation (CPM). These modulations preserve the continuous phase between the FH sub-pulses, unlike phase shift keying (PSK) modulated symbols. The performance of FH/DPSK and FH/CPM systems is compared with that of the FH/PSK system in terms of range sidelobe levels (RSL) and power spectral density (PSD). It is shown that the proposed DFRC systems exhibit better spectral containment and lower spectral sidelobe levels. The communication data rates for the proposed system are derived, and to assume relatively high values.
Infralimbic estradiol enhances neuronal excitability and facilitates extinction of cocaine seeking in female rats via a BDNF/TrkB mechanism

Women are more susceptible to developing cocaine dependence than men, but paradoxically, are more responsive to treatment. The potent estrogen, 17β-estradiol (E2), mediates these effects by augmenting cocaine seeking but also promoting extinction of cocaine seeking through E2's memory-enhancing functions. Although we have previously shown that E2 facilitates extinction, the neuroanatomical locus of action and underlying mechanisms are unknown. Here we demonstrate that E2 infused directly into the infralimbic-medial prefrontal cortex (IL-mPFC), a region critical for extinction consolidation, enhances extinction of cocaine seeking in ovariectomized (OVX) female rats. Using patch-clamp electrophysiology, we show that E2 may facilitate extinction by potentiating intrinsic excitability of IL-mPFC neurons. Because the mnemonic effects of E2 are known to be regulated by brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its receptor, tropomyosin-related kinase B (TrkB), we examined whether BDNF/TrkB signaling was necessary for E2-induced enhancement of excitability and extinction. We found that E2-mediated increases in excitability of IL-mPFC neurons were abolished by Trk receptor blockade. Moreover, blockade of TrkB signaling impaired E2-facilitated extinction of cocaine seeking in OVX female rats. Thus, E2 enhances IL-mPFC neuronal excitability in a TrkB-dependent manner to support extinction of cocaine seeking. Our findings suggest that pharmacological enhancement of E2 or BDNF/TrkB signaling during extinction-based therapies would improve therapeutic outcome in cocaine-addicted women.
Mechanisms of intergenerational transmission of polycystic ovary syndrome

Developmental origins of adult disease (DoHAD) refers to critical gestational ages during human fetal development and beyond when the endocrine metabolic status of the mother can permanently program the physiology and/or morphology of the fetus, modifying its susceptibility to disease after birth. The aim of this review is to address how DoHAD plays an important role in the phenotypic expression of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the most common endocrinopathy of women characterized by hyperandrogenism, oligo-anovulation and polycystic ovarian morphology. Clinical studies of PCOS women are integrated with findings from relevant animal models to show how intergenerational transmission of these central components of PCOS are programmed through an altered maternal endocrine-metabolic environment that adversely affects the female fetus and long-term offspring health. Prenatal testosterone treatment in monkeys and sheep have been particularly crucial in our understanding of developmental programming of PCOS because organ system differentiation in these species, as in humans, occurs during fetal life. These animal models, along with altricial rodents, produce permanent PCOS-like phenotypes variably characterized by LH hypersecretion from reduced steroid-negative feedback, hyperandrogenism, ovulatory dysfunction, increased adiposity, impaired glucose-insulin homeostasis and other metabolic abnormalities. The review concludes that DoHAD underlies the phenotypic expression of PCOS through an altered maternal endocrine-metabolic environment that can induce epigenetic modifications of fetal genetic susceptibility to PCOS after birth. It calls for improved maternal endocrine-metabolic health of PCOS women to lower their risks of pregnancy-related complications and to potentially reduce intergenerational susceptibility to PCOS and its metabolic derangements in offspring.
Sex differences in infant body composition emerge in the first 5 months of life

Background Sex differences in body composition are appreciated throughout the lifespan with probable contributions from sex steroids: testosterone and estrogen. The purpose of this longitudinal observational study was to determine if sex differences in body composition emerge during the first months of life in healthy infants, corresponding to the age at which male infants produce endogenous testosterone. Methods Linear growth and body composition parameters using air displacement plethysmography were obtained from 602 healthy infants after birth and again at 5 months of age. Rate of change in body composition parameters were compared between sexes. Results Sex differences in length, total mass, fat free mass (FFM), and percent fat mass (%FM) were present both at birth and at 5 months (p < 0.001 for all), with males having greater total mass and FFM but lower %FM. Gain in %FM over the first 5 months was significantly lower in males (p = 0.0004). This difference was secondary to a gain of 17 g/week more in FFM in males compared to females. Conclusions Sex differences in body composition emerge in the first months of life, with lower adiposity accumulation in males. Endogenous testosterone production in males ~1-4 months of age may account for findings and may have lifelong implications for sex differences in body composition.
Renorrhaphy techniques and effect on renal function with robotic partial nephrectomy

The role of robotic partial nephrectomy (RPN) is becoming increasingly prevalent in managing small renal masses. Renal functional outcomes have been reported with relation to the amount of healthy renal parenchyma resected and ischemia time; however, there is limited data on the effect of renorrhaphy on long-term renal function. Our aim is to evaluate the impact of renorrhaphy technique on renal functional outcomes. A nonsystematic literature review was performed to retrieve articles assessing renorrhaphy techniques and renal function outcomes, specifically focusing on single-layer vs. traditional two-layer renorrhaphy. Performing single-layer renorrhaphy while omitting cortical renorrhaphy appears to improve renal function postoperatively, based on very limited studies in the literature that were evaluated. Single-layer renorrhaphy may be associated with improved postoperative renal function and could prove to be useful in patients with chronic renal insufficiency or solitary kidney. The ongoing clinical trial NCT02131376 may provide further information on the impact of renorrhaphy technique on long-term renal function.
COVID-19: The pathogen that will define the decade

COVID-19 presents a significant threat to our communities, our patients, and our families. As the pandemic continues, more will be learned about how this virus behaves and what we can do to keep ourselves and our patients safe.
'Shake this Square World and Blast Off for Kicksville:' Teaching History with Post-WWII Prescriptive Classroom Films

Originally printed in The History Teacher, published quarterly by the Society for History Education, Inc.: http://www.thehistoryteacher.org
23-O-Substituted-2,3-Dehydrosilybins Selectively Suppress Androgen Receptor-Positive LNCaP Prostate Cancer Cell Proliferation:

As part of our ongoing project to search for natural product-based antiandrogens, nine derivatives of 2,3-dehydrosilybin have been synthesized for the evaluation of its antiproliferative activity i...