cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nonlinear quantile mixed models

In regression applications, the presence of nonlinearity and correlation among observations offer computational challenges not only in traditional settings such as least squares regression, but also (and especially) when the objective function is non-smooth as in the case of quantile regression. In this paper, we develop methods for the modeling and estimation of nonlinear conditional quantile functions when data are clustered within two-level nested designs. This work represents an extension of the linear quantile mixed models of Geraci and Bottai (2014, Statistics and Computing). We develop a novel algorithm which is a blend of a smoothing algorithm for quantile regression and a second order Laplacian approximation for nonlinear mixed models. To assess the proposed methods, we present a simulation study and two applications, one in pharmacokinetics and one related to growth curve modeling in agriculture.
Protecting Antarctica through Co-production of actionable science: Lessons from the CCAMLR marine protected area process

Abstract Global threats to ocean biodiversity have driven international targets calling for a worldwide network of marine protected areas (MPAs). In line with these targets, the Commission on the Conservation of Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) has been working towards adopting MPAs in the Southern Ocean. CCAMLR is considered a leader in science-based management and has been guiding the way on international MPAs. The west Antarctic Peninsula, threatened by climate change and industrial fishing, has been a priority area for MPA planning in CCAMLR. Since 2011, Chile and Argentina have worked to develop an Antarctic Peninsula MPA proposal which they submitted to CCAMLR in 2018. We use the Antarctic Peninsula MPA proposal process as a case study for understanding the science-policy interface in this international conservation regime. Specifically, we use existing frameworks for co-production of actionable science to examine the Antarctic Peninsula MPA process. We show that the Antarctic Peninsula MPA Proponents engaged in a highly collaborative, transparent, and science-based process which exemplified best practices for actionable science and co-production. Despite following best practices for actionable science, the MPA proposal has not yet been adopted, largely due to political barriers. We elaborate on the importance of co-production of actionable science and its effectiveness as well as to limitations in the Southern Ocean and beyond. Finally, we highlight that science-policy best practices may not be sufficient to drive consensus and the ultimate need for political will in the decision-making underpinning MPA designation in the Southern Ocean.
A full-proteome, interaction-specific characterization of mutational hotspots across human cancers

Abstract Rapid accumulation of cancer genomic data has led to the identification of an increasing number of mutational hotspots with uncharacterized significance. Here we present a biologically-informed computational framework that characterizes the functional relevance of all 1,107 published mutational hotspots identified in ∼25,000 tumor samples across 41 cancer types in the context of a human 3D interactome network, in which the interface of each interaction is mapped at residue resolution. Hotspots reside in network hub proteins and are enriched on protein interaction interfaces, suggesting that alteration of specific protein-protein interactions is critical for the oncogenicity of many hotspot mutations. Our framework enables, for the first time, systematic identification of specific protein interactions affected by hotspot mutations at the full proteome scale. Furthermore, by constructing a hotspot-affected network that connects all hotspot-affected interactions throughout the whole human interactome, we uncover genome-wide relationships among hotspots and implicate novel cancer proteins that do not harbor hotspot mutations themselves. Moreover, applying our network-based framework to specific cancer types identifies clinically significant hotspots that can be used for prognosis and therapy targets. Overall, we demonstrate that our framework bridges the gap between the statistical significance of mutational hotspots and their biological and clinical significance in human cancers.
Cross-sectional Analysis of Emergency Department and Acute Care Utilization Among Medicare Beneficiaries.

Background We sought to develop a claims-based definition of unscheduled care to describe the use and role of the emergency department (ED) in providing unscheduled care to vulnerable older adult populations. Methods This study was a cross-sectional analysis of national 20% sample of Medicare beneficiaries included in the 2012 Chronic Condition Warehouse data set. We measured three outcomes: the number of ED visits per 1,000 Medicare beneficiaries, the proportion of all unscheduled ED and office-based visits occurring in the ED and the number of ED and non-ED unscheduled visits adjusting for risk factors. Each outcome was estimated for vulnerable subpopulations of Medicare beneficiaries with multiple chronic conditions (MCCs), dual eligibility, hospice enrollment, and skilled nursing facility use. Results A total of 10,717,786 Medicare beneficiaries were included with 33,696,461 potentially unscheduled care visits of which 5,192,235 (15%) occurred in the ED, 364,334 (1.1%) in facility-based urgent care, and 31,570,113 (84%) in ambulatory office settings. In regression analyses each subpopulation was more likely to visit the ED for unscheduled care services than the reference population of Medicare beneficiaries ages 65 to 80. Dual-eligible beneficiaries demonstrated higher ED visit rates and lower non-ED visit rates for unscheduled care. The subpopulation with MCCs uses both the ED and the non-ED setting for unscheduled care more so than any other group. Conclusions Medicare beneficiaries, particularly vulnerable subpopulations, disproportionately visit the ED in comparison to physician offices for unscheduled care. Efforts to improve care coordination, measure quality, or reform payment to influence ED visitation should acknowledge these patterns and the unique availability of acute care services in the ED.
Hengist’s Tongue: Remembering (Old) English in John Gower’s Confessio Amantis

After explaining that he will write in “Engisti lingua” [Hengist’s tongue], “Carmentis … iuuante” [with Carmentis helping], that is, in English and in Latin, Gower ends the initial Latin verse of the Confessio Amantis with a riddle attributed to Alfred: “Ossibus ergo carens que conterir ossa loquelis / Absit, et interpres stet procul oro malus” [Therefore, let that one lacking bones which breaks bones by speech be absent, and may the interpreter bad in word stand far away (Gower 1899–1902, Confessio Amantis, Prologue i, lines 3–4)]. The one lacking bones but which breaks bones with speech is the tongue, and critics have rightly seen this as a petition against misreading. I argue that Gower’s riddle is part of a complex temporal and interpretive relationship between vernacular English, whose lack of grammatica means that it changes over time (certainly since the time of Alfred or Hengist) and Latin, which remains consistently intelligible. Drawing upon medieval theories of representation and memory, I suggest that Gower uses the disjunction of Latin and vernacular to present to the reader a formal concept of language for the Confessio, through which a reader learns a new kind of historical reading process.
IMPACT OF RE-DISTRIBUTION OF CULTIVATED MAIZE VARIETIES ON ITS IMPORTS

Maize cultivate in all governorates of Egypt, especially in Lower Egypt, Maize area in general decreases as we move from north to south governorates. Average maize area during 2007- 2009, was about 1.8 million faddan, of which 48.6%, 30.8%, and 17.3% cultivated in lower, middle, and upper Egypt respectively. Production of such area (6.2 million tons) is distributed among the above three regions as 50.5%, 29.8%, and 16.6%, respectively. There is a difference between varieties productivity of maize at the same zone. The study aims to determine the economic impact of the contribution of improved varieties to increase maize production , through study the current situation of maize production and shed light of the most important factors affecting the production, the study of varieties structure according to productivity, the production volume and areas of the maize. The study indicate to increase the total maize production during the period (2007-2009) comparing by the base period (2002-2006), by about 126%. Increasing in the maize area contributed by about 36.2 thousand tons, by supposing productivity stability. While the productivity - assuming the area stability contributed by about 1402.6 thousand tons. The impact of increasing in both area and productivity contributed by about 1439.1 thousand tons. The study shows that the relative impact of both area and productivity on the maize production during the two periods, it was found that increasing the maize area by 0.8% led to increasing by about 2.6% of the maize production during the second period, at the same time, increasing of productivity by 21.4% led to increasing by about 97.4% of the maize production during the same period, it means that the productivity impact on the production is greater than the impact of the cultivated area. So it should be focus on vertical expansion programs to increase the maize supply in Egypt. The study also shows that the re-distribution of the improved varieties will lead to increase the maize production by about 11.5 million ardebs, reduces the value of maize imports by about 3.6 million pounds, since the import maize price estimated by about 2156.4 pounds / ton in the 2008/2009. The study of the maize supply response shows that the price of maize is the important factor on maize area during the period (1990 - 1999) , while the price of rice is the important factor of this response during the period (2000-2009
Sea level rise hazardscapes of North Carolina: Perceptions of risk and prospects for policy

Abstract Like other risk management strategies, effective sea level rise response must suit local socio-ecological contexts. These include particular civic discourses, perceptions of agency, and analytic deliberation, the latter integrating scientific information with local knowledge and social values. We describe three cases in eastern North Carolina, in the southeastern United States, with differing conceptions of economic development, environmental change, governance, property rights, and social collectivities. On the flat coastal plain and barrier islands, wetland conservation, soft engineering, and other coastal zone management options can protect shorelines from flooding and erosion, whereas hard engineered structures can cause long term problems. Fearing that scientific information would lower real estate values, a well-financed advocacy group averted public discussion of proactive policy by deploying discursive and legislative strategies to suppress scientific decision support. We find that a study site with high financial resources showed the most resistance to science-based adaptation in the public interest, whereas a study site with minimal financial resources was the most receptive. Ideology proves to be a significant consideration in the framing of information to advance coastal policy.
Bone morphogenetic protein receptor 2 inhibition destabilizes microtubules promoting the activation of lysosomes and cell death of lung cancer cells.

Background Recent studies have shown that bone morphogenetic protein receptor 2 (BMPR2) regulates cell survival signaling events in cancer cells independent of the BMP type 1 receptor (BMPR1) or the Smad-1/5 transcription factor. Mutations in BMPR2 trafficking proteins leads to overactive BMP signaling, which leads to neurological diseases caused by BMPR2 stabilization of the microtubules. It is not known whether BMPR2 regulates the microtubules in cancer cells and what effect this has on cell survival. It is also not known whether alterations in BMPR2 trafficking effects activity and response to BMPR2 inhibitors. Methods We utilized BMPR2 siRNA and the BMP receptor inhibitors JL5 and Ym155, which decrease BMPR2 signaling and cause its mislocalization to the cytoplasm. Using the JL5 resistant MDA-MD-468 cell line and sensitive lung cancer cell lines, we examined the effects of BMPR2 inhibition on BMPR2 mislocalization to the cytoplasm, microtubule destabilization, lysosome activation and cell survival. Results We show that the inhibition of BMPR2 destabilizes the microtubules. Destabilization of the microtubules leads to the activation of the lysosomes. Activated lysosomes further decreases BMPR2 signaling by causing it to mislocalizated to the cytoplasm and/or lysosome for degradation. Inhibition of the lysosomes with chloroquine attenuates BMPR2 trafficking to the lysosome and cell death induced by BMPR2 inhibitors. Furthermore, in MDA-MD-468 cells that are resistant to JL5 induced cell death, BMPR2 was predominately located in the cytoplasm. BMPR2 failed to localize to the cytoplasm and/or lysosome following treatment with JL5 and did not destabilize the microtubules or activate the lysosomes. Conclusions These studies reveal that the inhibition of BMPR2 destabilizes the microtubules promoting cell death of cancer cells that involves the activation of the lysosomes. Resistance to small molecules targeting BMPR2 may occur if the BMPR2 is localized predominantly to the cytoplasm and/or fails to localize to the lysosome for degradation. Video Abstract.
Prediction of softening kinetics and recrystallization texture in non-isothermally annealed bulged tubes using CPFEM and CA models

Abstract A hierarchically coupled cellular automata (CA) model, crystal plasticity finite element method (CPFEM), and thermal finite element (FE) model is developed to predict the softening kinetics of the bulged steel tube during non-isothermal annealing. Through the developed model, the kinetics of softening mechanisms including static recovery (SRV) and static recrystallization (SRX), as well as the recrystallization texture are predicted. Later, the Johnson-Mehl-Avrami-Kohnogorov (JMAK) model based on the predicted SRX data is developed to interpret the recrystallization behavior of the material. To perform this study, diverse experimental tests including tube hydroforming (THF), annealing, uniaxial tensile test, hardness test, as well as microstructure observations through optical microscopy and Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD) tests on steel tube are performed. The obtained experimental data are utilized to calibrate and verify the implemented CPFEM model for simulation of THF process, thermal FE model for prediction of the local temperature over annealing time, and CA algorithm for modeling of the softening kinetics and texture evolution throughout the annealing process. The study shows that the predicted deformation characteristics, softening kinetics, recrystallization texture and temperature profile during non-isothermal annealing are in good agreement with experimental data. During the annealing process, a total of four stages for the kinetics of softening mechanisms is observed: No softening; SRV only; SRV dominant; and SRX dominant. During the progress of SRX, the behavior of recrystallization is abruptly changed, confirming that two different mechanisms are controlling the kinetics of transformation.
Influence of Fiber-matrix Interphase on the Long-term Behavior of Graphite/ Epoxy Composites

A systematic experimental study was conducted to examine the influence of fiber surface treatment and sizing on the formation of fiber-matrix interphase and its effects on the fatigue performance of (0,90 3 ) s cross-ply laminates. Three material systems having the same Apollo graphite fibers and HC 9106-3 toughened epoxy matrix, but with different fiber surface treatments and sizings, were used in this study. The presence of different interphases in these materials was confirmed using dynamic mechanical analysis techniques. Fatigue tests at R = 0.1 and 10-Hz frequency were conducted at various load levels to characterize the long-term behavior. Stiffness reduction, penetrant enhanced X-ray radiography, and scanning electron microscopy techniques were used to monitor damage progression. Results indicate that the presence of different interphase regions in these materials can be identified using the dynamic mechanical analyzer. The nature of the interphase region has significant effect on the long-term behavior of cross-ply laminates. The polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) sized, 100% surface-treated, 810 O laminates have longer fatigue lives at higher load levels and shorter fatigue lives at lower load levels compared to the epoxy-sized, 100% surface-treated, 810 A laminates. The 200% surface-treated, epoxy-sized, 820 A laminates have longer life compared to the other two materials systems, at all three load levels. The damage mechanisms and failure modes in cross-ply laminates under long-term loading are significantly influenced by the nature of the fiber-matrix interphase. The 810 O material exhibits greater damage and stiffness reduction than the other two materials. The epoxy-sized 810 A and 820 A systems exhibit a brittle stress concentration controlled failure, while the PVP-sized 810 O system exhibits a global strain controlled failure.
The role of performance measures for improving quality in managed care organizations.

Abstract OBJECTIVES: To understand how managed care plans use performance measures for quality improvement and to identify the strengths and weaknesses of currently used standardized performance measures such as the Health Plan Employer Data and Information Set (HEDIS) and the Consumer Assessment of Health Plans (CAHPS) survey. DATA SOURCES/STUDY SETTING: Representatives (chief executive officers, medical directors, and quality-improvement directors) from 24 health plans in four states were surveyed. The overall response rate was 58.3 percent, with a mean of 1.8 respondents per plan. STUDY DESIGN: This exploratory qualitative research used a purposive sample of respondents. Two study authors conducted separate one-hour tape-recorded telephone interviews with multiple respondents from each health plan. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: All managed care organizations interviewed use performance measures for quality improvement but the degree and sophistication of use varies. Many of our respondent plans use performance measures to target quality-improvement initiatives, evaluate current performance, establish goals for quality improvement, identify the root cause of problems, and monitor performance. CONCLUSION: Performance measures are used for quality improvement in addition to informing external constituents, but additional research is needed to understand how the benefits of measurement can be maximized.
Characterization in vitro of the defect in a temperature-sensitive mutant of the protein subunit of RNase P from Escherichia coli.

We have studied the assembly of Escherichia coli RNase P from its catalytic RNA subunit (M1 RNA) and its protein subunit (C5 protein). A mutant form of the protein subunit, C5A49, has been purified to apparent homogeneity from a strain of E. coli carrying a thermosensitive mutation in the rnpA gene. The heat inactivation kinetics of both wild-type and mutant holoenzymes are similar, an indication of equivalent thermal stability. However, when the catalytic efficiencies of the holoenzymes were compared, we found that the holoenzyme containing the mutant protein had a lower efficiency of cleavage than the wild-type holoenzyme at 33, 37, and 44 degrees C. We then explored the interaction of M1 RNA and C5 protein during the assembly of the holoenzyme. The yield of active holoenzyme obtained by reconstitution with wild-type M1 RNA and C5A49 protein in vitro can be considerably enhanced by the addition of excess M1 RNA, just as it can be in vivo. We concluded that the Arg-46----His-46 mutation in the C5A49 protein affects the ability of the protein to participate with M1 RNA in the normal assembly process of RNase P. Images
Focus on . . . The Effect of USERRA on Retirement Plans

The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) assures veterans and reservist that they cannot be denied employment benefits because of their military service. USERRA imposes significant obligations on plan sponsors, who must ensure that their human resources and plan administration procedures comply fully with the requirements. Numerous practical problems are not addressed by the legislation, and prompt guidance is needed to clarify, for both employers and veterans, how the new rules will be interpreted. Some suggestions follow.
Trapeziometacarpal Arthritis: A Prospective Clinical Evaluation of the Thumb Adduction and Extension Provocative Tests

Purpose To determine the diagnostic performance (ie, sensitivity, specificity, interrater reliability) of the thumb metacarpal adduction and extension tests against traditional examination maneuvers for trapeziometacarpal (TMC) arthritis. Methods This cross-sectional study recruited 129 patients from 2 outpatient offices at a tertiary institution. All patients had radiographic wrist examinations and completed a standardized physical examination consisting of the thumb adduction and extension tests as well as standard examination maneuvers for radial wrist and thumb pain. The physical examinations were performed by 1 of 2 attending physicians and an independent examiner. Patients were recruited for 3 diagnostic groups: TMC arthritis, radial wrist or hand pain, and nonradial wrist pain controls. Statistical analysis calculated the sensitivity, specificity, and interrater reliability of each physical examination maneuver for detecting TMC arthritis. Results The thumb adduction maneuver was found to have a sensitivity of 0.94 (confidence interval [CI], 0.82–0.98) and a specificity of 0.93 (CI, 0.86–0.97). The thumb extension maneuver had a sensitivity of 0.94 (CI, 0.82–0.98) and a specificity of 0.95 (CI, 0.87–0.98). The interrater reliability was excellent for both the adduction (κ = 0.79) and the extension tests (κ = 0.84). The grind test had a sensitivity of 0.44 (CI, 0.30–0.59), a specificity of 0.92 (CI, 0.84–0.97), and poor interrater reliability (0.31). Point tenderness at the TMC joint had a sensitivity of 0.94 (CI, 0.82–0.98), a specificity of 0.81 (CI, 0.71–0.88) and fair interrater reliability (κ = 0.63). Conclusions The adduction and extension tests each proved to be more sensitive than the grind test for the detection of TMC arthritis. Further, these provocative tests were more specific for basal joint arthrosis than was the elicitation of point tenderness at the joint. The metacarpal adduction and extension maneuvers demonstrated excellent utility as screening tests for the identification of TMC arthritis. Type of study/level of evidence Diagnostic II.
Pervasive Computing Technologies to Continuously Assess Alzheimer’s Disease Progression and Intervention Efficacy

Traditionally, assessment of functional and cognitive status of individuals with dementia occurs in brief clinic visits during which time clinicians extract a snapshot of recent changes in individuals’ health. Conventionally, this is done using various clinical assessment tools applied at the point of care and relies on patients’ and caregivers’ ability to accurately recall daily activity and trends in personal health. These practices suffer from the infrequency and generally short durations of visits. Since 2004, researchers at the Oregon Center for Aging and Technology (ORCATECH) at the Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) have been working on developing technologies to transform this model. ORCATECH researchers have developed a system of continuous in-home monitoring using pervasive computing technologies that make it possible to more accurately track activities and behaviors and measure relevant intra-individual changes. We have installed a system of strategically placed sensors in over 480 homes and have been collecting data for up to 8 years. Using this continuous in-home monitoring system ORCATECH researchers have collected data on multiple behaviors such as gait and mobility, sleep and activity patterns, medication adherence and computer use. Patterns of intra-individual variation detected in each of these areas are used to predict outcomes such as low mood, loneliness, and cognitive function. These methods have the potential to improve the quality of patient health data and in turn patient care especially related to cognitive decline. Furthermore, the continuous real-world nature of the data may improve the efficiency and ecological validity of clinical intervention studies.
Racial disparities in laryngeal cancer treatment and outcome: A population-based analysis of 24,069 patients

Objectives To determine the impact of race on laryngeal preservation strategies and overall survival (OS) for laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Study Design Retrospective, national cancer database analysis. Methods Data were extracted from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. Chi-square test, Kaplan-Meier method, and Cox regression models were employed in SPSS 20.0 (Armonk, NY: IBM Corp.) for data analyses. Results A total of 24,069 patients with laryngeal SCC were identified. Of these, 18,166 (75.5%) patients were white, 3,475 (14.4%) were black, 1,608 (6.7%) were Hispanic, and 820 (3.4%) were Asian. Compared with other races, black patients were more likely to be diagnosed at a younger age (P < 0.001), undergo lymph node dissection (P < 0.001), have nodal metastasis (P < 0.001), be with advanced stage disease (P < 0.001), and be unmarried (P < 0.001). Black patients with T1 to T2 and T3 disease were more likely to undergo total laryngectomy as compared with white patients (T1–2: 8.2% vs. 4.3%; P < 0.001; T3: 28.4% vs. 24.3%; P = 0.023). For patients with T4 disease, however, rates of primary radiotherapy among black patients were higher (40.5% vs. 35.7%; P = 0.015). The 5-year OS for white, black, Hispanic, and Asian patients were 60.6%, 52.7%, 59.5% and 65.7% (P < 0.001). This significant 5-year OS difference by race persisted regardless of age, gender, year of diagnosis, primary treatment, nodal status, or tumor grade. On multivariate analysis, race remained an independent prognostic factor for OS. Conclusions Race is an independent prognostic factor for OS. Further studies are warranted to evaluate causes for racial disparities and discrepancies in OS and laryngeal preservation strategies. Level of Evidence 2c. Laryngoscope, 125:1667–1674, 2015
Gender, Time Use, and Change

This article uses survey data from Ecuador to examine the effects of women's employment on the allocation of paid and unpaid labor within the household. I compare a region with high demand for female labor with a similar region in which demand for female labor is low. The comparison suggests that market labor opportunities for women have no effect on women's total time in labor but increase men's time in unpaid labor. The increase in men's time in unpaid work reflects women's increased bargaining power in the home.
Hippocampal Network Alterations in Alzheimer's Disease and Down Syndrome: From Structure to Therapy

Hippocampal structural and functional alterations in Alzheimer's disease (AD), detected by advanced imaging methods, have been linked to significant abnormalities in multiple internal and external networks in this critical brain region. Uncovering the temporal and anatomical pattern of these network alterations would provide important clues into understanding the pathophysiology of AD and suggest new therapeutic strategies for this multi-system and prevalent disorder. Over the last decade, we have focused on studying brain structures that provide major projections to the hippocampus (HC) and the pattern of de-afferentation of this area in mouse models of AD and a related neurodegenerative disorder, i.e. Down syndrome (DS). Our studies have revealed that major inputs into the hippocampal structure undergo significant age-dependent alterations. Studying locus coeruleus (LC), the sole source of noradrenergic terminals for the HC, it has been shown that these neurons show significant age-dependent degeneration in both mouse models of DS and AD. Furthermore, increasing noradrenergic signaling was able to restore cognitive function by improving synaptic plasticity, and possibly promoting microglia recruitment, and amyloid β (Aβ) clearance in transgenic (tg) mouse models of AD. Here, we re-examine the effects of alterations in major inputs to the hippocampal region and their structural and functional consequences in mouse models of neurodegenerative disorders. We will conclude that improving the function of major hippocampal inputs could lead to a significant improvement in cognitive function in both AD and DS.
Ecology and interference of Proso millet (Panicum miliaceum) in semi-arid corn

Abstract: Producers in the semi-arid Great Plains are starting to grow corn in sequence with winter wheat and proso millet. However, volunteer proso millet (hereafter referred to as proso) is difficult to control in corn with conventional practices. This study characterized growth and interference of proso in corn to aid producers in developing control strategies. Proso seedlings began emerging May 18 with 78% of seasonal emergence occurring by June 22; initial proso emergence occurred within 2 wk of corn emergence in all years. Seed production was related to time of emergence; proso seedlings emerging in mid-May produced approximately 2,800 seeds per plant, whereas seedlings emerging 4 wk later produced 88% fewer seeds. Controlling proso in late June prevented loss of corn grain yield caused by competition. When corn was planted in early May, the height difference between corn and proso was sufficient to allow postemergence-directed applications of graminicides for proso control. Corn yield was highest w...
Discovery of a low frequency sound source in mysticeti (Baleen Whales) : Anatomical establishment of a vocal fold homolog

The mechanism of mysticete (baleen whale) vocalization has remained a mystery. Vocal folds (true vocal "cords"), the structures responsible for sound production in terrestrial mammals, were thought to be absent in whales. This study tests the hypothesis that the mysticete larynx possesses structures homologous to vocal folds and that they are capable of sound generation. Laryngeal anatomy was examined in 37 specimens representing 6 mysticete species. Results indicate the presence of a U-shaped fold (U-fold) in the lumen of the larynx. The U-fold is supported by arytenoid cartilages, controlled by skeletal muscles innervated by the recurrent laryngeal nerve, is adjacent to a diverticulum (laryngeal sac) covered with mucosa innervated by the superior laryngeal nerve, and contains a ligament-conditions that also define the vocal folds of terrestrial mammals and, therefore, supports homology. Unlike the vocal folds of terrestrial mammals, which are perpendicular to airflow, the mysticete U-fold is oriented parallel to airflow. U-fold adduction/abduction and elevation/depression may control airflow, and vibration of its edges may generate sounds. The walls of the laryngeal sac can expand and contract, may serve as a resonant space, and may also propagate vibrations generated by movements of the supporting arytenoid cartilages. The extensive musculature surrounding the laryngeal sac may enable rapid and forceful expulsion of air from the lumen of the sac into other respiratory spaces, or maintain a constant sac volume despite the effects of ambient pressure (e.g., changes during diving or ascent). The size and complexity of the mysticete larynx indicates an organ with multiple functions, including protection during breathing/swallowing, regulation of airflow and pressures in the respiratory spaces, and sound generation. The presence of a vocal fold homolog offers a new insight into both the mechanism of sound generation by mysticetes and the divergent evolution of odontocete and mysticete cetaceans.
A least squares temporal difference actor–critic algorithm with applications to warehouse management

This article develops a new approximate dynamic programming (DP) algorithm for Markov decision problems and applies it to a vehicle dispatching problem arising in warehouse management. The algorithm is of the actor-critic type and uses a least squares temporal difference learning method. It operates on a sample-path of the system and optimizes the policy within a prespecified class parameterized by a parsimonious set of parameters. The method is applicable to a partially observable Markov decision process setting where the measurements of state variables are potentially corrupted, and the cost is only observed through the imperfect state observations. We show that under reasonable assumptions, the algorithm converges to a locally optimal parameter set. We also show that the imperfect cost observations do not affect the policy and the algorithm minimizes the true expected cost. In the warehouse application, the problem is to dispatch sensor-equipped forklifts in order to minimize operating costs involving product movement delays and forklift maintenance. We consider instances where standard DP is computationally intractable. Simulation results confirm the theoretical claims of the article and show that our algorithm converges more smoothly than earlier actor–critic algorithms while substantially outperforming heuristics used in practice. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics, 2012
Food Insecurity Is not Associated With Lower Energy Intakes

We examined the association between food insecurity and total daily energy intakes in American men and women. We estimated the number of daily snacks and meals consumed by individuals in different food security categories. Also, we calculated the energy contribution, energy density, and food group sources of those snacks and meals. Using the 1999–2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), we examined the Food Security Survey Module (FSSM) and dietary information from the 24-h recall. Differences in energy intakes between groups were not significant. Women who were food insecure without hunger (FIWOH) and food insecure with hunger (FIWH) had significantly fewer meals than food secure (FS) women. The energy contribution of each meal and the total energy contributed from snacking were both significantly greater for FIWOH women than for FS women. The number of meals was significantly lower whereas the daily number of snacking occasions and the total energy from snacking were significantly increased for FIWOH men relative to FS men. FIWOH men consumed snack foods that had significantly lower energy density than those consumed by FS men. Among men and women, the major sources of meal energy were the grain group, the meat, poultry, and fish group, and the sugar, sweets, and beverages group whereas the major source of snacking energy was the sugar, sweets, and beverages group. Total energy intakes were not different for FI individuals; however, their meal and snack behaviors were different. Focusing solely on total energy intake would miss important consequences of food insecurity.
Thrust efficiency of harmonically oscillating flexible flat plates

We consider the efficiency of thrust-producing inextensible membranes with variable bending rigidities. The present study is a numerical investigation of the thrust generation and flow-field characteristics of a two-dimensional flapping flexible membrane, fixed at its leading edge. To study the time-dependent response of the membranes, a fluid/structure solver that couples a compact finite-difference immersed boundary method flow solver with a thin-membrane structural solver was developed. Using a body-fitted grid, external forcing to the structure is calculated from the boundary fluid dynamics. A systematic series of runs of the fluid/structure solver was performed in order to obtain a clear picture of the thrust-producing characteristics of membranes with bending rigidities ranging between EI = 5 × 10−6 and EI = 2 × 10−5 and structural mass coefficients between ρsh = 0.01 and ρsh = 0.04, for a Reynolds number of Re = 851.
Attributable fraction estimation from complex sample survey data

Abstract Purpose A review of methods for the estimation of attributable fraction (AF) statistics from case-control, cross-sectional, or cohort data collected under a complex sample design. Provide guidance on practical methods of complex sample AF estimation and inference using contemporary software tools. Methods Statistical literature on AF estimation from complex samples for the period 1980 to 2014 is reviewed. A general approach based on weighted sum estimators of the AF and application of Jackknife repeated replication and Bootstrap resampling methods for estimating the variance of AF estimates is outlined and applied to an example analysis of risk factors for alcohol dependency. Results The literature lays the theoretical foundation to address the problem of AF estimation and inference from complex samples. To date, major statistical software packages do not provide a complete program but the approach is easily implemented using the modeling software and macro/function language capabilities available in major statistical analysis packages. In an example application, weighted sum estimation and inference for the population AF showed stable and consistent results under both Jackknife repeated replication and Bootstrap methods of variance estimation. Conclusions Future work on AF estimation for complex samples should focus on simulation studies and empirical testing to investigate the properties of the resampling variance estimation methods across a range of complex study design features and populations.
Plasma oxytocic activity and intramammary pressure in lactating dairy cows.

Abstract Oxytocic activity was determined in unextracted plasma of blood drawn from catheterized jugular veins of seven lactating cows, before, during, and after stimulation for milk ejection. Intramammary pressures were recorded concurrent to blood sampling. Prestimulation levels of oxytocic activity were less than 1×10 −3 mU/ml with the exception of one cow in which levels of 1.92 and 2.19 mU/ml were observed. Stimulation for milk ejection resulted in increases in plasma oxytocic activity within four minutes poststimulation. The secretion of high levels of plasma oxytocic activity during the poststimulation period varied between cows. Usually the peak of activity was reached before intramammary pressures reached a peak. Levels as high as 6.41 mU/ml plasma oxytocic activity were observed poststimulation. Specific levels of plasma oxytocic activity were not related to specific increases in intramammary pressures during the milk ejection period. This may be due to the lower levels of oxytocic activity requiring a longer period of time to initiate an increase in pressures than higher levels, possibly because the lower levels eject less milk per unit time. It is also possible that the plasma oxytocic activity level in jugular vein blood is not necessarily related to the activity in the blood that reaches the udder.
Rapid adsorpiwe loss of nitroglycerin from aqueous solution to plastic

Abstract In short time periods the loss of nitroglycerin from normal saline solutions to plastic polyvinylchloride tubing is treated as an adsorption process. The rate of adsorption is rapid and can be quantified as an apparent first-order process. The half-life of the loss at 21°C is 2.8 min. Temperature dependence of the rate constant gives a non-linear Arrhenius dependence between 6.5 and 21°C. Equilibrium amounts of nitroglycerin adsorbed at several constant bulk concentrations and 3 temperatures show a Type III adsorption behavior. At reduced concentrations of 0.1—0.8, the data conform to a Polanyi adsorption potential theory treatment. The amount of niitroglycerin adsorbed increases as temperature increases. This unusual behavior may be explained by analogy to systems where similar anomalies have been reported. The theoretical approaches presented, here for a practical case provide a basis for studying systems involving general adsorptive phenomena.
Effects of Dietary Soybean Estrogens on the Reproductive Tract in Female Rats

The estrogenic actions of dietary phytoestrogens have raised concerns regarding the potential DES-like developmental effects on the female genital tract, but the growing evidence of cardioprotective benefits of dietary soybean estrogens provides the impetus to assess the effects of these compounds in adult female models of the menopause. We conducted an experiment in ovariectomized rats to determine the independent effects of dietary soybean estrogens (SBE) and the interactions of these agents with the commonly used pharmaceutical estrogen preparation (conjugated equine estrogens, CEE) in the vagina and uterus. We looked at the effects of SBE and CEE, alone and in combination, on uterine weight, body weight, vaginal cytology, uterine luminal epithelial height, and immunohistochemical staining for proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), lactoferrin (Ltf), and apoptosis. Ovariectomized rats were fed diets containing casein or soybean protein (SBE, low dose = 11.6 mg isoflavones/ 1800 cal; high dose = 117.8 mg/1800 cal), with no CEE, low dose CEE (0.313 mg/1800 cal), or high dose CEE (0.625 mg/1800 cal) added. In this study, SBE did not demonstrate estrogenic activity for uterine weight or vaginal cytology. We also found no estrogenic effects of these doses of SBE for PCNA, apoptosis, Ltf staining, or for LEH measurements. In addition, our results regarding the interactions of SBE and CEE do not show any evidence that the combination is additive in effect. On the contrary, the LEH response induced by low levels of CEE, was reduced by high levels of SBE. Furthermore, the Ltf response induced by CEE also was reduced by high levels of SBE. This suggests that high doses of SBE may antagonize the estrogen-agonist actions of low doses of CEE in the rat uterus. Our results in the ovariectomized rat model of menopause suggest that dietary soybean estrogens will not elicit a pattern of effects that simply recapitulates those of steroidal estrogens.
Compositions, enthalpies of dissociation, and heat capacities in the range 85 to 270 K for clathrate hydrates of methane, ethane, and propane, and enthalpy of dissociation of isobutane hydrate, as determined by a heat-flow calorimeter

Abstract Compositions, enthalpies of dissociation, and heat capacities in the range 85 to 270 K were determined for the first time for clathrate hydrates of methane, ethane, and propane using a Tian-Calvet heat-flow calorimeter. The enthalpy of dissociation was also measured for isobutane hydrate. The enthalpy of dissociation for the process (hydrate = ice + gas) at 273.15 K and 101.325 kPa is (18.13±0.27) kJ·mol −1 for CH 4 ·6.00H 2 O, (25.70±0.37) kJ·mol −1 for C 2 H 6 ·7.67H 2 O, and (27.00±0.33) kJ·mol −1 for C 3 H 8 ·17.0H 2 O. The enthalpy of dissociation of isobutane hydrate at 245 K is (31.07±0.20) kJ·mol −1 . Molar heat-capacity contributions from the guests to their hydrates were found to be comparable with the ideal-gas heat capacity for methane and somewhat higher for ethane and propane.
Determining role of the optic vesicle in orbital and periocular development and placement.

Summary: Nine patients with aberrations in development and placement of the eyes and periocular structures who also had serious defects in central nervous system development were evaluated in order to better understand normal ocular development. Included were an incompletely developed twin stillborn infant who lacked both eyes and the nose, a stillborn infant with cyclopia bypognathia, 6 spontaneous abortuses with varying degrees of holoprosencephaly, and a 17-year-old male with a serious defect in central nervous system development whose right eye was positioned laterally above the right ear. In all cases, evidence indicates that orbital and periocular structures are determined by the underlying optic vesicle rather than independently derived as has been suggested by previous studies. Speculation: The intimate developmental relationship between the forebrain and structures of the upper face suggests that alterations of periocular and bony orbital structure and placement may well reflect defects in underlying brain development.
Circulating fibroblast growth factor-like autoantibodies in two patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 and prolactinoma.

Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) is a potent endothelial cell mitogen found in a variety of normal and tumor tissues. bFGF lacks a classical amino-terminal signal sequence and is not readily detectable in plasma from normal subjects. In earlier studies we showed increased bFGF-like mitogenic activity for parathyroid-derived endothelial cells and (increased) bFGF immunoreactivity (0.24-1.28 ng/mL) in plasma of subjects with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN-1). In the present study we examined the proliferative activity of MEN-1 and normal plasmas (applied to protein-A columns) in calf pulmonary artery endothelial cells. Protein-A-eluted activity in plasma from MEN-1 prolactinoma plasma exceeded activity from normal and MEN-1 nonprolactinoma plasma in three of eight MEN-1 subjects with untreated or recurrent prolactinoma. Protein-A-eluted active fractions from MEN-1 prolactinoma plasma had several properties of an immunoglobulin G, including affinity for antihuman immunoglobulin G (IgG) agarose...
The singular value decomposition for polynomial systems

This paper introduces singular value decomposition (SVD) algorithms for some standard polynomial computations, in the case where the coecients are inexact or imperfectly known. We first give an algorithm for computing univariate GCD’s which gives exact results for interesting nearby problems, and give ecient algorithms for computing precisely how nearby. We generalize this to multivariate GCD computation. Next, we adapt Lazard’s u-resultant algorithm for the solution of overdetermined systems of polynomial equations to the inexact-coecient case. We also briefly discuss an application of the modified Lazard’s method to the location of singular points on approximately known projections of algebraic curves.
Non-cell autonomous effect of glia on motor neurons in an embryonic stem cell-based ALS model.

Here we report an in vitro model system for studying the molecular and cellular mechanisms that underlie the neurodegenerative disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) derived from mice carrying normal or mutant transgenic alleles of the human SOD1 gene were used to generate motor neurons by in vitro differentiation. These motor neurons could be maintained in long-term coculture either with additional cells that arose during differentiation or with primary glial cells. Motor neurons carrying either the nonpathological human SOD1 transgene or the mutant SOD1G93A allele showed neurodegenerative properties when cocultured with SOD1G93A glial cells. Thus, our studies demonstrate that glial cells carrying a human SOD1G93A mutation have a direct, non–cell autonomous effect on motor neuron survival. More generally, our results show that ESC-based models of disease provide a powerful tool for studying the mechanisms of neural degeneration. These phenotypes displayed in culture could provide cell-based assays for the identification of new ALS drugs.
Performance of the SURF-II high-throughput toroidal grating monochromator

Abstract The performance of the “high-flux” toroidal grating monochromator (HFTGM) at the NBS SURF-II synchrotron storage ring is assessed. Two gratings are studied: one with a ruled profile and the other having a laminar profile. The laminar profile is shown to reduce substantially the intensity of higher-order diffracted light with only a small decrease in the intensity of the first order light. The dependence of the energy resolution as a function of the area of the grating illuminated is also discussed.