cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pediatric audiology: A review of assessment methods for infants

Behavioral, electrophysiological and electroacoustic methods of assessing hearing in infants and young children are reviewed. Pediatric hearing evaluations include determination of pure tone thresholds and speech perception abilities. Behavioral methods for determining pure tone thresholds are based upon operant conditioning techniques and are applicable for infants aged 6 to 24 months of age. Below that age, behavioral observation of the infant's response to sound will yield unrepeatable results unless the rigors of an observer-based psychophysical procedure are adopted. Electrophysiological methods for estimating hearing threshold include electrocochleography, auditory brainstem response and auditory steady-state responses. Electroacoustic methods include measurement of evoked otoacoustic emissions that indicate the integrity of cochlear outer hair cells. There is a heavy reliance upon electrophysiological and electroacoustic methods for infants too young (i.e. <6 months) or those with visual or moto...
Ultrastructure of the parathyroid gland of fresh-water turtles

The parathyroid glands of fresh-water turtles (Pseudemys scripta and Chrysemys picta) are composed of cords of cells in which dark and light variants of chief cells and occasional oxyphil cells can be distinguished. Cytoplasmic granules measuring about 0.3-0.4 μm and all the cellular organelles associated with protein and carbohydrate synthesis can be seen in both dark and light chief cells; the cytoplasm of oxyphils is packed with mitochondria which obscure other organelles. An unusual feature of the dark chief cells is the presence of crystalline-like material within parallel arrays of cisternae of rough endoplasmic reticulum. A similar crystalline-like structure is seen occasionally within some cytoplasmic granules.
Pharmacotherapy of postpartum depression: an update

Introduction: Postpartum depression (PPD) is a common and serious illness that affects up to 14% of women in the first month after childbirth. We present an update on the pharmacologic treatment of PPD, although there continues to be a lack of large, randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Areas covered: A review of the literature on the use of antidepressants, hormonal supplements and omega-3 fatty acids for the prevention and the treatment of PPD published since the original review in 2009 and the authors' opinion on the current status of the pharmacological treatment of PPD are covered. An electronic search was performed by using PubMed, Medline and PsychINFO. Inclusion criteria were: i) empirical articles in peer-reviewed English-language journals; ii) well-validated measures of depression; and iii) a uniform scoring system for depression among the sample. Expert opinion: Since the last Expert Opinion review, four antidepressant treatment studies and one prevention study of PPD have been published. Six R...
Nilpotency property of the discrete regulator

The optimal regulator control law for linear discrete systems possesses many interesting algebraic and geometric properties. One such property, that of the nilpotency of the resultant closed-loop matrix, is developed in this correspondence. The nilpotency property is then used to obtain many well-known results which have been previously developed by more classical approaches.
Combined position and diameter measures for lunar craters

The note addresses the problem of simultaneously measuring positions and diameters of circular impact craters on wide-angle photographs of approximately spherical planets, such as the moon and Mercury. The method allows for situations in which the camera is not aligned on the planet's center.
Electronic structure of highly doped conducting polymers

Three-dimensional energy-band calculations on highly doped donor and acceptor compounds of polyacetylenes have been carried out using experimentally suggested channel and intercalation models for the structure of these conducting polymers. The band structures can be very well approximated by the superposition of bands calculated for the polymer chains without the presence of dopants and the bands calculated for the guest chains or layers, strongly supporting the rigid-band model (RBM) for these structures. The absence of strong mixing between the guest and host orbitals explains the small perpendicular to the chain band widths (and corresponding resonance integrals as well) supporting interchain hopping models for the charge transport in these systems. The results are compared with calculations on graphite intercalation compounds (C8K and C7Br).
Interreader scoring variability in an observer study using dual-modality imaging for breast cancer detection in women with dense breasts.

Rationale and Objectives To evaluate variability in the clinical assessment of breast images, we evaluated scoring behavior of radiologists in a retrospective reader study combining x-ray mammography (XRM) and three-dimensional automated breast ultrasound (ABUS) for breast cancer detection in women with dense breasts. Methods The study involved 17 breast radiologists in a sequential study design with readers first interpreting XRM-alone followed by an interpretation of combined XRM + ABUS. Each interpretation included a forced Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System scale and a likelihood that the woman had breast cancer. The analysis included 164 asymptomatic patients, including 31 breast cancer patients, with dense breasts and a negative screening XRM. Of interest were interreader scoring variability for XRM-alone, XRM + ABUS, and the sequential effect. In addition, a simulated double reading by pairs of readers of XRM + ABUS was investigated. Performance analysis included receiver operating characteristic analysis, percentile analysis, and κ statistics. Bootstrapping was used to determine statistical significance. Results The median change in area under the receiver operating characteristic curve after ABUS interpretation was 0.12 (range 0.04–0.19). Reader agreement was fair with the median interreader κ being 0.26 (0.05–0.48) for XRM-alone and 0.34 (0.11–0.55) for XRM + ABUS (95% confidence interval for the difference in κ, 0.06–0.11). Simulated double reading of XRM + ABUS demonstrated tradeoffs in sensitivity and specificity, but conservative simulated double reading resulted in a significant improvement in both sensitivity (16.7%) and specificity (7.6%) with respect to XRM-alone. Conclusion A modest, but statistically significant, increase in interreader agreement was observed after interpretation of ABUS.
Randomized trial of oxytocin alone and with propranolol in the management of dysfunctional labor

Objective: To compare oxytocin infusion alone and with intravenous (IV) propranolol in the management of dysfunctional labor. Methods: Ninety-six parturients with abnormalities of the active phase of labor were randomly assigned to either propranolol 2 mg IV or an identical placebo, in addition to continuous infusion of oxytocin. Administration of propranolol or placebo was repeated in 1 hour if there was no change in cervical dilation. Patients not responding to this second administration of propranolol or placebo were delivered by cesarean. Results: Among 96 subjects enrolled, 49 were allocated to the propranolol group and 47 to the placebo group; 13 (26.5%) of the former were delivered by cesarean, compared with 24 (51.1%) of the latter (relative risk 0.58, 95% confidence interval 0.35–0.93; P = .02). Between the two groups, no differences were observed in low Apgar scores, cord arterial pH, or incidence of admissions to the neonatal intensive care nursery. Maternal morbidity was similar in both groups. After logistic regression analysis controlling for nulliparity, birth weight, and epidural anesthetic use, the significant reduction in the cesarean rate associated with use of propranolol persisted. Propranolol administration was associated with a markedly reduced cesarean rate among patients with inadequate uterine contractility. Conclusion: Low-dose administration of IV propranolol in patients with dysfunctional labor augmented with oxytocin safely reduced the need for cesarean delivery, particularly among patients with inadequate uterine contractility.
Functional Hyperemia in the Brain Hypothesis for Astrocyte-Derived Vasodilator Metabolites

Background —Cerebral blood flow is tightly coupled to neuronal metabolic activity, a phenomenon referred to as functional hyperemia. The mechanisms underlying functional hyperemia in the brain have been extensively studied, but the link between neuronal activation and nutritive blood flow has yet to be defined. Recent investigations by our laboratory and others have identified a potential role for astrocytes as an intermediary cell type in this process. Summary of Review —This short review will develop the hypothesis that cytochrome P450 epoxygenase activity in astrocytes catalyzes formation of epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs), which act as potent dilators of cerebral vessels and are released in response to glutamate receptor activation within astrocytes. Neuronal activity stimulates release of arachidonic acid from the phospholipid pool of astrocytic membranes. We provide evidence that the arachidonic acid released on stimulation of glutamate receptors within astrocytes is metabolized by cytochrome P450 2C11 cDNA enzymes into EETs. Conclusions —The EETs thus formed will be released and activate K+ channels, increase outward K+ current, and hyperpolarize the plasma membrane. The resulting membrane hyperpolarization inhibits voltage-gated Ca2+ channels and leads to arteriolar dilation, thereby increasing regional nutritive blood flow in response to neuronal activity.
Hypothalamic-pituitary adrenal response to cholecystokinin-B receptor agonism is resistant to cortisol feedback inhibition.

Intravenous injection of the cholecystokinin (CCK)-B receptor agonist, pentagastrin, produces robust, dose-dependent release of adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) and cortisol, supporting the hypothesis that CCK-B agonists pharmacologically activate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. The mechanism of activation and its physiological relevance remain uncertain. Preliminary data suggest that the ACTH response to pentagastrin may be differentiated from the response to exogenous corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) by its relative resistance to cortisol feedback inhibition. To more directly test the relationship between cortisol levels and ACTH response to pentagastrin, this study examined responses to pentagastrin (a) during a peak (8 a.m.) and a nadir (4 p.m.) period of endogenous cortisol secretion and (b) when cortisol levels were artificially reduced to low levels by administration of metyrapone. ACTH responses to pentagastrin were identical in the morning and afternoon, despite substantial differences in basal cortisol levels. Suppression of cortisol with metyrapone had little impact on ACTH response to pentagastrin. These data support the hypothesis that CCK-B receptor mediated activation of the HPA axis is relatively resistant to cortisol feedback inhibition. This differentiates it from CRH-mediated activation and raises the possibility that CCK could contribute to acute activation of the HPA axis even in the face of elevated basal cortisol levels, such as those seen in chronic stress or some psychiatric disorders.
Interneuronal interaction between members of quadrature phase and anti-phase pairs in the cat's visual cortex.

Abstract Interactions between adjacent simple cells recorded simultaneously from the same microelectrode placement were studied by correlational analysis. The receptive fields of pairs of such cells exhibit either 90° (quadrature phase) or 180° (anti-phase) phase relationships. We now show that the majority of quadrature phase pair members do not receive common input from the immediately precedent stage along the visual pathway, nor do these cells interact with each other. The anti-phase pairs show relatively strong mutual inhibition. These results suggest that each of the physically adjacent phase-related simple cells receives excitatory input from a distinct group of pre-cortical cells, and that mutual inhibitions between members of anti-phase pairs are used to construct the inhibitory subzones of these cells. We propose a model which incorporates these new results and provides a parsimonious explanation for the construction of both quadrature phase and anti-phase pairs.
Paleoecology of central Kentucky since the last glacial maximum

Pollen grains and spores, plant macrofossils, and sponge spicules from a 7.2-m sediment core from Jackson Pond dating back to 20,000 yr B.P. are the basis for new interpretations of vegetational, limnological, and climatic changes in central Kentucky. During the full-glacial interval (20,400 to 16,800 yr B.P.) upland vegetation was closed spruce forest with jack pine as a subdominant. Aquatic macrophyte and sponge assemblages indicate that the site was a relatively deep, open pond with low organic productivity. During late-glacial time (16,800 to 11,300 yr B.P.) spruce populations continued to dominate while jack pine declined and sedge increased as the vegetation became a more open, taiga-like boreal woodland. Between 11,300 and 10,000 yr B.P., abundances of spruce and oak pollen oscillated reciprocally, possibly reflecting the Younger Dryas oscillation as boreal taxa underwent a series of declines and increases at the southern limit of their ranges before becoming extirpated and replaced by deciduous forest. In the early Holocene (10,000 to 7300 yr B.P.) a mesic deciduous woodland developed; it was replaced by xeric oak-hickory forest during the middle Holocene between 7300 and 3900 yr B.P. Grass increased after 3900 yr B.P., indicating that the presettlement vegetation mosaic of mixed deciduous forest and prairie (the “Kentucky Barrens”) became established in central Kentucky after the Hypsithermal interval. Sponge spicules increased in number during the Holocene, reflecting reduced water depths in the pond. Sediment infilling, as well as climatic warming and the expansion of fringing shrub thickets, increased nutrient and habitat availability for freshwater sponges.
Departmental Climate and Student Experiences in Graduate Geography Programs

This study explores how graduate students enrolled in M.A./M.S. and Ph.D. geography programs perceive the social and academic climate of their departments. A second objective is to understand how these students self-assess their own professional abilities, values, and goals, and whether these self-assessments differ across demographic and institutional contexts. The survey instrument for this research is based on data collected from graduate student focus groups and on validated constructs of academic culture and climate from previous research. T-tests, ANOVA, and regression analyses identified significant differences among graduate students and their perceptions of departmental climate when compared on the basis of gender, citizenship, race/ethnicity, disciplinary subfield, and institutional type. Interview data provide additional context for analysis of the survey data. The primary areas in which we detected differences in graduate students’ experiences were 1) diversity issues, 2) disciplinary and institutional cultures, 3) career planning and development, 4) financial matters, and 5) quality of the learning environment. These differences result from the varying social and academic dynamics of graduate programs, illustrating the importance of the local environment in shaping student experiences.
Initial hydrologic and geomorphic response following a wildfire in the Colorado Front Range

A wildfire in May 1996 burned 4690 hectares in two watersheds forested by ponderosa pine and Douglas fir in a steep, mountainous landscape with a summer, convective thunderstorm precipitation regime. The wildfire lowered the erosion threshold in the watersheds, and consequently amplified the subsequent erosional response to shorter time interval episodic rainfall and created both erosional and depositional features in a complex pattern throughout the watersheds. The initial response during the first four years was an increase in runoff and erosion rates followed by decreases toward pre-fire rates. The maximum unit-area peak discharge was 24 m3 s−1 km−2 for a rainstorm in 1996 with a rain intensity of 90 mm h−1. Recovery to pre-fire conditions seems to have occurred by 2000 because for a maximum 30-min rainfall intensity of 50 mm h−1, the unit-area peak discharge in 1997 was 6.6 m3 s−1 km−2, while in 2000 a similar intensity produced only 0.11 m3 s−1 km−2. Rill erosion accounted for 6 per cent, interrill erosion for 14 per cent, and drainage erosion for 80 per cent of the initial erosion in 1996. This represents about a 200-fold increase in erosion rates on hillslopes which had a recovery or relaxation time of about three years. About 67 per cent of the initially eroded sediment is still stored in the watersheds after four years with an estimated residence time greater than 300 years. This residence time is much greater than the fire recurrence interval so erosional and depositional features may become legacies from the wildfire and may affect landscape evolution by acting as a new set of initial conditions for subsequent wildfire and flood sequences. Published in 2001 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
815 CONCOMITANT LOSS OF MUCOID TRAIT AND ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE IN PSEUDOMONAS AERUGINOSA STRAINS FROM CYSTIC FIBROSIS PATIENTS

The unusual frequency of pulmonary colonization of cystic fibrosis patients by mucoid (mu+) strains of P. aeruginosa suggests a special relationship between these strains and the pulmonary milieu of CF patients. To better characterize the control of slime production, we isolated P. aeruginosa from sputum cultures of CF patients collected during respiratory therapy. 16 of 19 patients yielded P. aeruginosa which was identified by the API method with growth at 41° and on Pseudomonas isolation agar. Mu+ strains were isolated from 13 of 16 pattents; 11 of 16 had both mu+ and nonmucoid (mu−) strains. All 13 mu+ strains were unstable in nutrient broth, producing mu− variants at characterisic frequencies ranging from 1-97% of c.f.u. in 24 hours. Mu− segregation frequency is medium-and temperature-dependent. The low frequency (<1×10-5) of reversion of mu− to mu+ suggests inherited loss of the capacity to produce slime. 2 of 13 mu+ strains showed concomitant loss of slime production and selected anti-biotic resistance on Mueller-Hinton agar. Each of 10 independently derived mu−clones from VLO-1 became bactrim sensitive; MIC by the agar dilution method for trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole were respectively 64 and 160μg/ml for VLO-lmu+ vs 8 and 40μg/ml for VLO-1mu−. Strain TWH-1mu− showed a similar increase in sensitivity to chloramphenicol. This suggests that slime production is encoded by a plasmid which also specifies resistance to certain antibiotics.
Toward a Theory of Inter-Refuge Corridor Design

The accelerating fragmentation and isolation of wildlife populations as a consequence of habitat alteration has resulted in increased interest in the preservation of travel corridors between populations to minimize local extinction and genetic isolation (Harris 1984; Noss & Harris 1986). Landscape architects and other planners now frequently include such wildlife corridors in development designs. However, little work has been done on the theory underlying the parameters of effective corridors, and there are little data on the details of movements of animals through landscapes that would be useful to the development of corridor design. Except for riparian strips, natural corridors have rarely been mentioned in the literature (see Berger 1987). In this paper, I review natal dispersal patterns to begin to build a general theory of corridor design for mammals. I also make recommendations for future research and suggest minimum corridor widths for representative mammals.
Developing creativity, motivation, and self-actualization with learning systems

Developing learning experiences that facilitate self-actualization and creativity is among the most important goals of our society in preparation for the future. To facilitate deep understanding of a new concept, to facilitate learning, learners must have the opportunity to develop multiple and flexible perspectives. The process of becoming an expert involves failure, as well as the ability to understand failure and the motivation to move onward. Meta-cognitive awareness and personal strategies can play a role in developing an individual's ability to persevere through failure, and combat other diluting influences. Awareness and reflective technologies can be instrumental in developing a meta-cognitive ability to make conscious and unconscious decisions about engagement that will ultimately enhance learning, expertise, creativity, and self-actualization. This paper will review diverse perspectives from psychology, engineering, education, and computer science to present opportunities to enhance creativity, motivation, and self-actualization in learning systems.
Sorption of iodine by polyurethane and melamine-formaldehyde foams using iodine sublimation and iodine solutions

Abstract Iodine sorption by polyurethane (PU) and melamine-formaldehyde (MF) foams was studied using both iodine sublimation and iodine solutions with hexanes and toluene. In the sublimation process, the diffusion kinetics was investigated and the interaction between iodine and PU foams was characterized by DSC, TGA, Raman spectroscopy and electrical conductivity measurements. In the solution process, the equilibrium absorption followed the distribution law and the distribution coefficients varied depending on the solvent used. MF foam achieved no iodine absorption in both processes which can be attributed to the lack of charge–transfer interactions.
Analysis of intracellular antigens by flow cytometry.

Quantitative immunofluorescence is routinely used in flow cytometric assay of cell surface antigens. Intracellular antigens have not been as tractable. Recent publications (Proc Natl Acad Sci 80:5573–5577, 1983; Cytometry 6:208–214, 1985) and the results presented here demonstrate that highly specific staining and subsequent quantitative analysis are not only possible but rather easily achieved. High purity antibodies and optimized fixing and staining technique are required. Under conditions presented in this paper, 97% of fluorescein specific signal is specific to the T antigen of SV40 when monoclonal antibody to this antigen is used with a transformed cell line. Three levels of quantitative analysis are discussed: 1) estimation of the fraction of positive cells in a mixed +/− population, 2) estimation of the average content of antigen in a population of cells, and 3) measurement of the distribution of antigen content within a population of cells. Results are presented that demonstrate that relatively low specific signal (measured as percentage of total signal) can be tolerated to achieve the first level and that the current methods available that produce a high specific signal are sufficient to achieve the second level. The third level will require further research aimed at lowering the variation introduced by the method of measurement.
Use of a force-fiber technique for micromechanical measurements of the active force and stiffness of single heart cells

A description is presented of the development and use of a force-fiber technique to monitor the contractile and mechanical properties of single heart cells. The technique is implemented with an optical-fiber-based force probe coupled to a piezoelectric actuator. Measurements of cellular force with both deflection and null-balance feedback type systems are described. Potential applications of this technique include characterization of the rheological properties of single cells, measurements of cell adhesion, study of kinetics of crossbridge cycling, and excitation-contraction coupling. >
The occurrence of inclusions within membrane-limited structures that run longitudinally in the cells of mammalian heart muscle.

Serial section electron micrographs of cat right ventricular myocardial and Purkinje cells show the presence of membrane-limited structures, most often elliptical in longitudinal and cross section. These structures, referred to as elliptical bodies, contain characteristic inclusions which run longitudinally within the elliptical bodies. The inclusions, which are 270–670 in cross section, have a trilaminar structure. Cross sections of the elliptical bodies and inclusions can be observed between the myofibrils and in the subsarcolemmal and perinuclear cytoplasm. In serial sections of the intercalated disk, the inclusions are found both intra- and extracellularly. It is suggested that these structures may have a secretory function, possibly related to the production of catecholamines.
Constraining Holocene 10Be production rates in Greenland

The absence of a production rate calibration experiment on Greenland has limited the ability to link 10Be exposure dating chronologies of ice-margin change to independent records of rapid climate change. We use radiocarbon age control on Holocene glacial features near Jakobshavn Isbrae, western Greenland, to investigate 10Be production rates. The radiocarbon chronology is inconsistent with the 10Be age calculations based on the current globally averaged 10Be production rate calibration data set, but is consistent with the 10Be production rate calibration data set from north-eastern North America, which includes a calibration site nearby on north-eastern Baffin Island. Based on the best-dated feature available from the Jakobshavn Isbrae forefield, we derive a 10Be production rate value of 3.98 ± 0.24 atoms g a−1, using the ‘St’ scaling scheme, which overlaps with recently published reference 10Be production rates. We suggest that these 10Be production rate data, or the very similar data from north-eastern North America, are used on Greenland. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optical processing: a novel technology for fabricating solar cell contacts

A novel semiconductor device processing technology is described that uses optical energy of a preselected spectrum to produce local melting at an illuminated semiconductor-metal (S-M) interface. This local melting results in an alloyed ohmic contact of very low contact resistivity. This process (called optical processing) takes place in a "cold wall" furnace, and is very insensitive to impurity contamination. The authors describe the application of optical processing to the formation of low-resistivity contacts on the front and back sides of a silicon solar cell in a one-step process. This process can result in considerable cost savings compared to conventional approaches for fabricating contacts on solar cells. >
THE VIRAL ENVELOPE GLYCOPROTEIN OF MURINE LEUKEMIA VIRUS AND THE PATHOGENESIS OF IMMUNE COMPLEX GLOMERULONEPHRITIS OF NEW ZEALAND MICE

The use of monospecific antisera for the analysis by radioimmunoassay and immunofluorescence study of two major viral proteins, gp69/71 and p30 of murine leukemia virus, that could be of significance in the pathogenesis of immune complex glomerulonephritis of mice, particularly NZB and B/WF1 hybrid mice, yielded the following conclusions. A remarkably high concentration of viral envelope glycoprotein, gp69/71, was detected in the spleen and serum of New Zealand mice (NZB, NZW, B/WF1, and W/BF1); the concentration in the spleen was 10-fold greater than that found in AKR mice and 30-fold greater than that present in C57BL/6 mice. The gp69/71 was deposited along with bound immunoglobulins, apparently as an immune complex, in the diseased kidneys of mice, and the glomerular site and extent of deposition of gp69/71 was related to the severity of the glomerulonephritis. This study suggests that the pathogenesis of immune complex glomerulonephritis (and vasculitis) in mice is related to the expression of this specific viral envelope glycoprotein and to the host immune response to this protein.
A 20 mW, 150 GHz InP HEMT MMIC power amplifier module

This paper describes a power amplifier (PA) module containing an InP high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) monolithic millimeter-wave integrated circuit (MMIC) amplifier chip, designed, and packaged at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and fabricated at HRL Laboratories. The module features 20 mW of output power at 150 GHz, with more than 10 mW available in the 148-160 GHz frequency range.
The spectrum of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis: new insights

Purpose of review Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is a disease with diverse histologic patterns and etiologic associations. Genetic, toxic, infectious and inflammatory mediators have been identified. This review will focus on new evidence supporting the potential mechanistic basis underlying the histologic variants and their clinical relevance. Recent findings Evidence from animal models and in-vitro studies suggests that injury inherent within or directed to the podocyte is a central pathogenetic factor. Disruption of signaling from any of the podocyte's specialized membrane domains, including slit diaphragm, apical and basal membranes, or originating at the level of the actin cytoskeleton, may promote the characteristic response of foot process effacement. Irreversible podocyte stress leading to podocyte depletion through apoptosis or detachment is a critical mechanism in most forms of FSGS. In the collapsing variant, podocyte dysregulation leads to podocyte dedifferentiation and glomerular epithelial cell proliferation. Summary Translation studies in humans and new evidence from animal models have provided mechanistic insights into the diverse phenotypes of FSGS.
Maternal Hypercholesterolemia Enhances Atherogenesis in Normocholesterolemic Rabbits, Which Is Inhibited by Antioxidant or Lipid-Lowering Intervention During Pregnancy An Experimental Model of Atherogenic Mechanisms in Human Fetuses

Maternal hypercholesterolemia during pregnancy is associated with a marked increase in aortic fatty streak formation in human fetuses and faster progression of atherosclerosis during normocholesterolemic childhood. However, the mechanisms responsible are unknown, and the contribution of genetic differences is difficult to assess in humans. The goal of this study was to determine whether maternal hypercholesterolemia per se may cause enhanced fatty streak formation in offspring and whether interventions during pregnancy can reduce it. During pregnancy, 1 group of New Zealand White rabbits was fed control chow and 8 groups were fed hypercholesterolemic diets Chol 1 (yielding plasma cholesterol of 153 mg/dL) or Chol 2 (yielding 359 mg/dL) without or with cholestyramine, vitamin E, or both. Offspring (n=15 to 25 per group) were killed at birth. Maternal hypercholesterolemia enhanced mean lesion size in the aorta of their offspring at birth from 44+/-18x10(3) micrometer(2) per section in controls to 85+/-26x10(3) in Chol 1 and 156+/-49x10(3) in Chol 2 groups (P<0.0001 for both). Cholestyramine or vitamin E treatment of mothers significantly reduced atherosclerosis at birth by up to 39% compared with controls on the same diet. Oxidized fatty acids and malondialdehyde in aortic atherosclerotic lesions and plasma were similarly affected by diets and treatment as atherosclerosis. Our results establish the causal role of hypercholesterolemia and peroxidation in fetal atherogenesis and demonstrate that both lipid-lowering and antioxidant interventions during pregnancy can reduce it. If it can be established that interventions in mothers also affect progression of lesions after birth, this may indicate a novel approach for the prevention of atherosclerosis.
Revision of the Genus Horstiella (Acari: Acaridae): Mites Associated with Neotropical Epicharis Bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae)

Abstract The genus Horstiella is revised; one nominal species (H. armata Turk) and six new species, H. concentrica, H. megamyzidos, H. mourei, H. quadrata, H. snellingi, and H. variabilis, are described and illustrated. The species are associated with 14 species of bees of the genus Epicharis from the Neotropical region, ranging from central Mexico through Brazil. Mite species are not restricted to single bee species, and two mite species may occur on the same host individual. The genera Horstia and Medeus are hypothesized to form the sister group of Horstiella. Phylogenetic analysis produced a single cladogram resolved at the species level. H. mourei and the species pairs H. armat –quadrata, H. concentrica–megamyzidos, and H. snellingi–variabilis are each associated with species in one or two subgenera of Epicharis. A key to the species of Horstiella is provided. RESUMEN El genero Horstiella es revisado; seis nuevas especies: H. concentrica, H. megamyzidos, H. mourei, H. quadrata, H. snellingi, H. variab...
Self-Determination and Regulation of Conflict in Romantic Relationships

The chapter explains how self-determination, as defined in self-determination theory, facilitates regulation of conflict in romantic relationships. Self-determination theory is fundamentally a theory of optimal relationship development and functioning. Basic psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness guide the motivational underpinnings of relational well-being in much the same way they guide individual well-being. Autonomy, in particular, promotes openness rather than defensiveness and facilitates perspective-taking, authenticity, support of close others, and intrinsic rather than extrinsic investment in one’s relationships. As in other contexts, the satisfaction of basic psychological needs can be promoted or thwarted in romantic relationships. Among couples, relationship autonomy and need fulfillment are associated with positive relationship processes and outcomes such as more understanding and relationship-maintaining responses to conflicts and disagreements. The dyadic context of romantic relationships affords great opportunity for theoretical development and integration of self-determination theory with current theories of interdependence and conflict regulation in close relationships.
IL-33-Dependent Endothelial Activation Contributes to Apoptosis and Renal Injury in Orientia tsutsugamushi-Infected Mice

Endothelial cells (EC) are the main target for Orientia tsutsugamushi infection and EC dysfunction is a hallmark of severe scrub typhus in patients. However, the molecular basis of EC dysfunction and its impact on infection outcome are poorly understood. We found that C57BL/6 mice that received a lethal dose of O. tsutsugamushi Karp strain had a significant increase in the expression of IL-33 and its receptor ST2L in the kidneys and liver, but a rapid reduction of IL-33 in the lungs. We also found exacerbated EC stress and activation in the kidneys of infected mice, as evidenced by elevated angiopoietin (Ang) 2/Ang1 ratio, increased endothelin 1 (ET-1) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression. Such responses were significantly attenuated in the IL-33-/- mice. Importantly, IL-33-/- mice also had markedly attenuated disease due to reduced EC stress and cellular apoptosis. To confirm the biological role of IL-33, we challenged wild-type (WT) mice with a sub-lethal dose of O. tsutsugamushi and gave mice recombinant IL-33 (rIL-33) every 2 days for 10 days. Exogenous IL-33 significantly increased disease severity and lethality, which correlated with increased EC stress and activation, increased CXCL1 and CXCL2 chemokines, but decreased anti-apoptotic gene BCL-2 in the kidneys. To further examine the role of EC stress, we infected human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) in vitro. We found an infection dose-dependent increase in the expression of IL-33, ST2L soluble ST2 (sST2), and the Ang2/Ang1 ratio at 24 and 48 hours post-infection. This study indicates a pathogenic role of alarmin IL-33 in a murine model of scrub typhus and highlights infection-triggered EC damage and IL-33-mediated pathological changes during the course of Orientia infection.
Enhancing global collaboration through network-empowered live performance

Live performances, whether of dance, drama or music, have been cultivated as real-time site-specific phenomena for centuries. The performances have typically occurred in a space construed as some kind of "theatre" where audience members simultaneously assembled to witness the performers ply their craft. With the emergence of cinema, followed by the advent of video and broadcast media, and most recently the development of the Internet, the potential for more diverse (and sometimes divergent) temporal and spatial relationships between performers and audiences has emerged. With the proliferation of the global Internet in the early 21st century, the opportunities for new and novel forms of performer/audience interaction have been multiplied, but the aesthetic expectations of cinematic and broadcast experience often remain. We present case studies that profile several pioneering real-time global-scale collaborations and posit an emergent aesthetic to accompany these developments.
Evidence for negative effects of TiO2 and ZnO nanoparticles on soil bacterial communities.

Increased use of engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) raises concerns about their environmental impacts, but the effects of metal oxide ENPs on environmental processes and the organisms that carry them out remain largely unknown. This study evaluated the impacts of TiO2 and ZnO ENPs on soil bacterial communities. Soils collected from a California grassland were exposed to different doses of nanoparticulate TiO2 (0, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 mg g−1 soil) and ZnO (0.05, 0.1, and 0.5 mg g−1 soil) in microcosms over 60 days. The effects on soil microbial biomass were assessed by substrate induced respiration (SIR) and total extractable soil DNA. The effects on bacterial community composition were evaluated by terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) analysis. Total soil respiration indicated impacts on overall microbial activity. We found that both nano-TiO2 and nano-ZnO reduced both microbial biomass (as indicated by declines in both SIR and DNA) and diversity (by T-RFLP). Both types of nanoparticles al...
RELAXIN SUPPRESSES ATRIAL FIBRILLATION IN 24 MONTH OLD RATS BY REVERSING ATRIAL FIBROSIS AND UPREGULATING SODIUM CHANNELS

Atrial fibrillation (AF) contributes significantly to morbidity and mortality in elderly patients and AF has been strongly correlated with the development of atrial fibrosis. Therefore, the antifibrotic hormone relaxin (RLX) was studied as a novel therapy for AF and age related fibrosis. 24 month
Abstract B67: Influence of black cohosh and its isolated triterpenes on tamoxifen‐induced endometrial cell proliferation

The selective estrogen modulator tamoxifen has been proven efficacious in the treatment and prevention of breast cancer. However, tamoxifen treatment leads to consequences of estrogen deprivation including inducing menopausal hot flashes. In addition, tamoxifen causes enhanced endometrial cell proliferation resulting in an increased endometrial cancer risk. The latter effect is thought to be due to pro‐estrogenic effects specific to the endometrium. The botanical dietary supplement black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) is frequently used for the alleviation of hot flashes in this high‐risk population. Black cohosh extracts contain antioxidative, antiproliferative, anti‐inflammatory, and detoxification enzyme inducing compounds. We therefore analyzed whether a standardized black cohosh extract or its isolated compounds prevent tamoxifen induced endometrial cell proliferation. First, we analyzed the influence of black cohosh on the proliferation in the Ishikawa endometrial cancer cell line with and without tamoxifen. At concentrations of 30 µg/mL black cohosh significantly decreased endometrial cell proliferation as measured by the SRB assay in the presence as well as in the absence of tamoxifen. Assaying various black cohosh fractions and isolated compounds revealed that a small sub‐fraction of the triterpenes contained within black cohosh were responsible for the observed activity. Both, the extract and its sub‐fraction, induced G1 cell cycle arrest. Next, we analyzed the influence of black cohosh extract on tamoxifen induced endometrial cell proliferation in an immature rat model. The results demonstrated that black cohosh extract did not influence tamoxifen9s uterotrophic activity in vivo suggesting that the concentrations achieved in vivo with commonly used black cohosh doses are too low for this effect. Further analysis is ongoing to explore the potential of the isolated active compounds in preventing tamoxifen enhanced endometrial cancer risk. Citation Information: Cancer Prev Res 2010;3(1 Suppl):B67.
Nineteen Years of Culture Work

A series of culture experiments with the Uredinales was begun by the writer in I899, and continued under the auspices of the Indiana Agricultural Experiment Station without interruption until I917, making nineteen consecutive years in which this method of research was consistently pursued. The results of the work were embodied in fifteen reports, printed in the Botanical Gazette, Journal of Mycology, and Mycologia. It is now proposed very briefly to review the work, in order to set forth some of the objects accomplished, and especially to point out the more important of the changing conceptions of the problems forming the ground plan on which the work was projected. The cultures were not undertaken as part of a distinct thesis or circumscribed problem. They were rather the aids in a general taxonomic study of American rusts, which was directed toward supplying a technical description as complete as possible for every species of Uredinales in North America recorded in literature or known to the writer. This ambitious undertaking was definitely begun sometime in the nineties at the invitation of the editors of the North American Flora.
Oncologic examination of the institutionalized geriatric patient.

Clinical examination of geriatric patients presents certain logistic problems, including transportation, patient mobility, and insufficient personnel. To overcome these problems the medical director of two homes for the aged established a program whereby a gynecologist examines female residents in their own beds. This arrangement has eliminated the risk and inconvenience of transport and has proved acceptable to the patients.
DYNAMIC CHARACTERISTICS OF CYLINDRICAL TANKS WITH PERIODIC INITIAL IRREGULARITIES ON SIDE WALLS

Theoretical analysis of dynamic behavior of upright cylindrical tanks with initialirregularities on shell is conducted to investigate the effect of irregularities on natural frequenciesof liquid storage tanks. The distribution of hydrodynamic pressure in the tank with irregularitieson wall is derived by velocity potential function. The irregularities are considered as the initialdisplacements of the tank. Based on Hamilton's principle, free vibration equations of tank withinitial irregularities on side wall are obtained by means of a discretization scheme in which theshell is modeled by semi-analytical finite elements. Not only the effect of the irregularities onhydrodynamic pressure, but also the coupling effects among circumferential modes areconsidered. The numerical results show that the influence of the irregularities on certain naturalfrequencies of the tank is considerable.
Genetics of glucocorticoid receptor levels in recombinant inbred lines of mice.

Hepatic glucocorticoid receptor binding activity was measured in A/J, C57BL/6J, their F1 reciprocal crosses and their F 1 recombinant inbred (RI) lines. The glucocorticoid binding capacity was measured in Hepes buffer and Hepes buffer plus dithiothreitol (DTT). The A/J parental strain showed higher levels, and a greater increase of glucocorticoid binding in the presence of DTT, than did the C57BL/6J strain. The response of binding in the presence of DTT to that without DTT was expressed as a ratio. The levels and distribution of these measurements among the RI lines and F 1 reciprocal crosses suggested that there was a maternal effect on glucocorticoid receptor binding capacity. The data on RI lines suggested epistatic interactions, but could fit a two-gene model. β2-Microglobulin, β-glucuronidase and H-2 (located on chromosomes 2, 5, and 17, respectively) were chosen to analyze any association to glucocorticoid receptor binding, because they have been considered to be related to glucocorticoid-induced cleft palate or glucocorticoid receptors. No significant associations were found.
Components Analyses of a School-Based Cognitive Behavioral Treatment for Youth Depression.

The current study sought to build upon research on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as the first-line treatment for depressed youth by investigating the effects of the various components of a CBT treatment on changes in depressive symptoms in young female participants. Female participants 9–14 years of age (n = 40; M age = 10.58 years) with a diagnosis of a depressive disorder from the CBT-only treatment condition of a larger randomized clinical trial were included in the current study. Participants engaged in a 20-session, 11-week, school-based CBT group intervention (ACTION Treatment; Stark et al., 2006). Depressive symptoms were assessed pre- and posttreatment, and intervention components were coded based on review of audio recordings of treatment sessions. Data were examined using two-level mixed-effects models using hierarchical linear modeling with full maximum likelihood estimation. Results indicated that higher quality behavioral intervention components were associated with greater improvement i...
Improving convolutional neural networks for buried target detection in ground penetrating radar using transfer learning via pretraining

The Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is a remote sensing modality that has been used to collect data for the task of buried threat detection. The returns of the GPR can be organized as images in which the characteristic visual patterns of threats can be leveraged for detection using visual descriptors. Recently, convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have been applied to this problem, inspired by their state-of-the-art-performance on object recognition tasks in natural images. One well known limitation of CNNs is that they require large amounts of data for training (i.e., parameter inference) to avoid overfitting (i.e., poor generalization). This presents a major challenge for target detection in GPR because of the (relatively) few labeled examples of targets and non-target GPR data. In this work we use a popular transfer learning approach for CNNs to address this problem. In this approach we train two CNN on other, much larger, datasets of grayscale imagery for different problems. Specifically, we pre-train our CNNs on (i) the popular Cifar10 dataset, and (ii) a dataset of high resolution aerial imagery for detecting solar photovoltaic arrays. We then use varying subsets of the parameters from these two pre-trained CNNs to initialize the training of our buried threat detection networks for GPR data. We conduct experiments on a large collection of GPR data and demonstrate that these approaches improve the performance of CNNs for buried target detection in GPR data