cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Wing-Flashing by Northern Mockingbirds While Foraging and in Response to a Predator Model

Some insectivorous avian species may improve foraging success by flashing conspicuously colored wing patches or tail spots to startle potential prey and elicit escape behavior. While some studies of Mimus polyglottos (Northern Mockingbird) suggest that wing-flashing (WF) behavior may enhance strike rate and/or foraging success, other studies are equivocal or suggest a negative relationship. Anecdotal observations suggest that WF in mockingbirds may serve an additional role, as this behavior has been documented in response to a potential predator. The biological roles of WF remain unclear in Northern Mockingbirds; thus, we sought to systematically study: (1) the seasonal use of WF while foraging, and (2) the behavioral response of mockingbirds when presented with 2 model organisms—a nest predator and a neutral avian species. We found that foraging bouts during the reproductive period were more likely to include WF than those during the non-reproductive period, but that there was no significant relationship between WF rate and either strike rate or foraging-success rate. When exposed to models, mockingbirds only employed WF during the reproductive period, and then, only to the predator model. Our results suggest that WF is confined primarily to the reproductive period of the annual cycle, and that this behavior is utilized while foraging and in response to the presence of a potential predator. However, the biological role WF plays in both of these circumstances bears further examination.
Ultra-high compton frequency, parity independent, mesoscopic schroedinger cat atom interferometer with heisenberg limited sensitivity

We show that collective-state detection combined with one-axis-twist squeezing and un-squeezing can produce a parity-independent, mesoscopic Schroedinger cat atom interferometer with ultra-high Compton frequency, yielding the ultimate (Heisenberg limited) sensitivity allowed by quantum mechanics.
Special concern: sources of inaccuracy in breath alcohol analysis

Abstract Although alcohol concentration is usually measured in blood, sometimes it is also measured in breath to determine the alcohol level in a driver who appeared to be intoxicated to a police officer. Moreover, breath alcohol analyzers are also used as point of care devices for checking alcohol level in intoxicated patients in emergency room. However, there are many pitfalls of measuring breath alcohol levels using breathalyzers analyzers including issues of interferences. The gold standard for forensic blood alcohol determination is head space gas chromatography.
Modeling of the Influence of a Damaged Thermally Grown Oxide (TGO) Layer in an Environmental Barrier Coating System

Environmental barrier coatings (EBC) are an enabling technology for the successful application of ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) in air-breathing gas turbine engines. EBCs are susceptible to a number of failure modes including oxidation/delamination, recessions, chemical attack and dissolution, thermomechanical degradation, erosion, and foreign object impact damage in a combustion environment. Spallation of environmental barrier coating (EBC), induced by a thermally grown oxide (TGO) layer, is a key EBC failure mode. The TGO layer, resulting from steam oxidation, grows either from a silicon bond coat layer (if present) or from a silicon carbide (SiC) based substrate itself. The TGO layer evolves (i.e., thickness increases with time) as water vapor and oxygen gradually diffuse through the EBC, and the EBC spalls off once the TGO layer reaches some critical thickness. The critical thickness of the TGO layer for failure is in the range of 20-30 microns, but it can vary due to exposure temperature, microstructure etc. Current work at NASA Glenn Research Center, under the Revolutionary Tools and Methods (RTM) subproject is aimed at addressing associated failure modes in EBC systems and developing robust analysis tools to aid in the design/analysis of these systems. The objective of the current work is to conduct a sensitivity study to examine the influence of uniformly and non-uniformly grown oxide layers on the associated driving forces leading to spallation of the EBC when subjected to isothermal loading. The effect of damage in the TGO layer on the resulting stress states is also assessed both in uniform and non-uniform TGO layers.
Collegiate varsity versus club sport: Comparison of student outcomes

ABSTRACTStudent engagement in collegiate sport consists of both student involvement and institutional support, which varies across varsity and club sport programs. Though greater engagement is foun...
Robust Population Transfer for Coupled Spin Ensembles

Finely manipulating a large population of interacting nuclear spins is an extremely challenging problem arising in wide-ranging applications in quantum science and technology. Prominent examples include the design of robust excitation and inversion pulses for nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and imaging, coordination of spin networks for coherence transfer, and control of superposition and entanglement for quantum computation. In this paper, by integrating the technique of small angle approximation with non-harmonic Fourier analysis, we establish a systematic method to construct robust pulse sequences that neutralize the effect of coupling variations in a spin network. In addition, we explore an alternating optimization procedure for tailoring the constructed pulses to satisfy practical design criteria. We also provide numerical examples to demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed methodology.
P25. Association of preoperative hemoglobin A1c and body mass index with wound infection rate in spinal surgery

BACKGROUND CONTEXT Diabetes mellitus and obesity are common comorbidities in patients undergoing surgery for degenerative spine conditions. The association of preoperative glycemic control with surgical outcomes and complications is well described for general and orthopedic surgery, but less clear in spinal surgery. PURPOSE To undertake a large retrospective database review to examine the relationship between documented pre-operative hemoglobin A1c as a measure of glycemic control, as well as BMI as a measure of obesity, and their influence of post-operative infectious complications in patients undergoing surgery for degenerative spinal conditions. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING Large retrospective database review via the Veterans Administration Corporate Data Warehouse, accessing the National VA Database using VA Informatics and Computing Infrastructure (VINCI). PATIENT SAMPLE All VA patients undergoing surgery for degenerative spine conditions from 2007 to 2016, queried from a national database using CPT codes. A total of 430,000 CPT codes were identified representing 191,320 unique procedures, of which 175,895 patients had sufficient records for including in our analysis. OUTCOME MEASURES Preoperative hemoglobin A1c, preoperative height and weight, age at the time of surgery; postoperative infectious complications as identified by ICD codes in the 6 months after surgery. METHODS Logistic regression models were constructed using age at surgery, preoperative hemoglobin A1c, and preoperative BMI as predictors for the odds of infectious complications following surgery. RESULTS Age, BMI, and preoperative hemoglobin A1C were all found to be significant predictors of the odds of infection following spinal surgery. Increasing age was associated with a small (0.9% per year of age) relative risk, whereas increasing BMI (per 1kg/m^2) was associated with a 2.7% increase in relative risk, and hemoglobin A1c was associated with a 4.2% increase in relative risk per 1 percent increase in the lab value. Twenty-eight percent of patients had their hemoglobin A1c checked prior to surgery, this group had a much higher infection rate (43.5% greater relative risk) than those patients who were not tested, regardless of the actual hemoglobin A1c level. CONCLUSIONS BMI and hemoglobin A1c were significant predictors of postoperative infection in our study sample. This is the largest study to date on the subject and the first to our knowledge to establish a dose-response relationship between these comorbid factors and the risk of postoperative complications. FDA DEVICE/DRUG STATUS This abstract does not discuss or include any applicable devices or drugs.
Chasing After Cancellations: Revisiting A Classic Identity that Implies the Rogers-Ramanujan Identities

In this paper, we revisit an identity which was proven by Ramanujan and from which he deduced the famous identities that are named after him and L. J. Rogers. Unlike Ramanujan’s proof (which uses t...
Big Tech, Antitrust, and Breakup

Big Tech is in the news. At the center of our political and economic dialogue is the effect that Amazon, Apple, Facebook, and Google have on our lives and what, if anything, governments should do about it. In this short piece, I explain how Big Tech has come under scrutiny, the antitrust implications of the industry’s behavior, and the potential remedy of breaking up the companies.
Yield Curve and the Macroeconomy: Evidence from a DSGE Model with Housing

The slope of the yield curve has long been found to be a useful predictor of future economic activity, but the relationship is unstable. One change we have identified in this paper is that, starting from the 1990s, movements at the long end of the yield curve have an increase in predictive power. We use a medium-scale DSGE model with a housing sector and a yield curve as a guide to find out the sources of such change. The model implies that an increase in the short-term interest rate and a decrease in the long-term interest rate have different impacts on the economy, and to use the slope as a predictor one needs to distinguish movements at the two ends of the yield curve. Based on simulated data from the model, we find that nominal wage rigidities and the capital adjustment costs are closely related to the predictive power of the yield curve. This result is further confirmed with actual data.
Miniature microbial solar cells to power wireless sensor networks

Conventional wireless sensor networks (WSNs) powered by traditional batteries or energy storage devices such as lithium-ion batteries and supercapacitors have challenges providing long-term and self-sustaining operation due to their limited energy budgets. Emerging energy harvesting technologies can achieve the longstanding vision of self-powered, long-lived sensors. In particular, miniature microbial solar cells (MSCs) can be the most feasible power source for small and low-power sensor nodes in unattended working environments because they continuously scavenge power from microbial photosynthesis by using the most abundant resources on Earth; solar energy and water. Even with low illumination, the MSC can harvest electricity from microbial respiration. Despite the vast potential and promise of miniature MSCs, their power and lifetime remain insufficient to power potential WSN applications. In this overview, we will introduce the field of miniature MSCs, from early breakthroughs to current achievements, with a focus on emerging techniques to improve their performance. Finally, challenges and perspectives for the future direction of miniature MSCs to self-sustainably power WSN applications will be given.
Transforming the System of Military Medical Research: An Institutional History of the Department of Defense’s (DoD) First Electronic Institutional Review Board Enterprise IT System

This unusual history of how a small team transformed the global system composed of Army and then DoD medical research processes has been unrecorded until now. It offers guidance to others attempting to transform similarly large systems. It begins with an evaluation of the Department of Clinical Investigation (DCI) at the US Army Medical Center (MEDCEN) in 2005, the formation of a collaboration team in 2006, and the team’s vision of an electronic records management tool (ERMT) for its documents in 2007. From this small beginning, these disparate efforts combined to transform the management of research protocol submission, review, and approval processes as well as research protocols and supporting documents at all DoD MEDCENs. Before this history began, the Army’s MEDCENs used a paper-based research protocol submission and review process by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) for the approval of medical research on human subjects (and animals). The team’s evaluation of the existing processes added metrics that enabled the design of an electronic system to measure the performance of the Army’s medical research mission. Merging the evaluation and the team’s vision to replace the Army’s paper-based IRB occurred with the purchase of a commercial electronic IRB system. It took until 2008 for the eIRB to become funded and another year to begin operations, but within 2 years of start-up, it was rapidly adopted across DoD’s global research community to become the largest enterprise eIRB in the world. In 2011, a formal evaluation project was proposed to measure the impact of the eIRB’s unexpected success across DoD; the impact study was funded in 2012, begun in 2013 and finished in 2014 when we end this history; subsequently, the team was disbanded. Although not a part of this history, we briefly address a few of the statistical results of the eIRB’s impact now and more fully at a later time. We close with a postscript to update readers on the unexpected closure of the eIRB and its reincarnation.
Methods Used in the United States for the Assessment and Management of Health Risk Due to Chemicals

Assessing the risk from either deliberate or accidental environmental chemical releases is a key factor in developing a strategy for the control of environmental pollution or the protection of human health. A risk assessment also may be used to estimate the degree of risk reduction that could result from the consideration of control scenarios that may be implemented in the regulatory process. Over the years legislation and regulations have been enacted in the United States to control the release of potentially hazardous chemicals into the environment and to institute risk reduction strategies. The result has been a diversity of approaches and technical quality in risk assessments which have complicated the management of environmental risks. Consequently, several efforts have been undertaken in an effort to gain an understanding of the risk assessment/risk management process and to reduce the multiplicity of approaches used by the various federal agencies.
ITK signals tune CD8+ T cell homeostatic proliferation and anti-tumor immunity (LYM4P.747)

IL-2 inducible T cell kinase (ITK) is a Tec family non-receptor tyrosine kinase. Loss of ITK perturbs CD8 + T cell homeostasis and leads to spontaneous acquisition of innate memory/effector phenotype. However, Itk -/- naive CD8 + T cells develop on an OTI Rag -/- background, and we use these cells to show here that ITK tunes lymphopenia-induced proliferation (LIP) and antigen sensitivity during CD8 + T cell homeostatic expansion. Experimental analysis and computational simulations revealed that in a lymphopenic environment, naive Itk -/- CD8 + T cells exhibit massive and immediate homeostatic expansion, accompanied by significant death and followed by population collapse. The enhanced immediate expansion of Itk -/- cells is CD8 + T cell-intrinsic and is independent of recipient MHCI, but dependent on donor CD8 + T cell-T cell interaction. The lack of ITK resulted in enhanced antigen sensitivity and effector program in homeostatically expanded (HP) CD8 + T cells. These Itk -/- HP CD8 + T cells exhibit robust anti-tumor immunity in an antigen specific manner, independent of CD4 + T cell help. These data suggest that ITK intrinsically regulates TcR tuning of homeostatic cytokines during homeostasis of CD8 + T cells and that targeting ITK may have clinical benefit in cancer therapy by generating superior anti-tumor responses.
High-Technology Employment Growth in Major U.S. Metropolitan Areas

High technology employment has received little attention in shift-share analysis. The purpose of this paper is to utilize shift-share analysis to analyze high technology employment change in 37 metropolitan areas. We find that shift share analysis is a useful tool to study employment gains and losses in metropolitan areas. Most of the gains and losses in a metropolitan area can be explained by the regions competitiveness component.
Temporal Data Modeling and Integrity Constraints in Relational Databases

We address the key issues of temporal data modeling and temporal integrity constraints in the temporal extensions to the relational data model in attribute and tuple time stamping. These issues include representation of temporal data, temporal grouping identifiers, primary keys of temporal relations and other forms of temporal integrity constraints. We extend the traditional integrity constraints to the temporal domain. In tackling subtle issues temporality creates, we conceptualize that a temporal integrity constraint has a data and a temporal (time) component. The time component of a temporal integrity constraint limits the attribute values to the lifespan of an object (tuple). We also generalize single state integrity constraints to multi-state temporal integrity constraints and apply them to existential and referential integrity. We provide algorithms for enforcing the two types of temporal integrity constraints.
Gastrointestinal Dendritic Cells Promote Th2 Skewing via OX40L

Mice can be sensitized to food proteins by oral administration with the adjuvant cholera toxin (CT), such that they undergo anaphylaxis when rechallenged with the sensitizing allergen. In contrast, feeding of Ags alone leads to oral tolerance. Our aim was to define the mechanisms by which gastrointestinal dendritic cells (DCs) participate in the deviation of tolerance to allergic sensitization in the gut in response to CT. BALB/c mice were fed with CT or PBS. The impact of CT on DC subsets in the mesenteric lymph node (MLN) was assessed by flow cytometry. Ag presentation assays were performed with DCs isolated from the MLN of PBS- or CT-fed mice, using OVA-specific CD4 + T cells as responder cells. Gene expression in MLN DCs was determined by real-time PCR, and neutralizing Abs were used to test the function of OX40 ligand (OX40L) in Th2 skewing. Oral administration of CT induced an increase in the total CD11c + population in the MLN. CT induced a selective increase in migration of the CD11c + CD11b − CD8α − DC subset and the maturation of all DC subsets. Maturation of DCs in vivo enhanced T cell proliferation and cytokine secretion. Oral CT induced up-regulation of Jagged-2 and OX40L by MLN DCs. Neutralizing anti-OX40L Abs completely abrogated the CT-induced Th2 cytokine response. We show that oral CT induces selective DC migration, maturation, and T cell priming activity in the MLN. Th2 skewing is mediated by OX40L, and we speculate that this molecule may be an important inducer of allergic sensitization to food allergens.
ECO: Event Detection from Click-through Data via Query Clustering

In this paper, we propose an algorithm to detect real world events from the click-through data. Our approach differs from the existing work as we: (i) consider the click-through data as collaborative query sessions instead of mere web logs proposed by many others (ii) integrate the semantics, structure, and content of queries and pages, and (iii) aim to achieve the overall objective via query clustering. The problem of event detection is transformed into query clustering by generating clusters using hybrid cover graphs where each hybrid cover graph corresponds to a real-world event. The evolutionary pattern for the co-occurrence of query-page pairs in a hybrid cover graph is imposed over a moving window period. Finally, we experimentally evaluated our proposed approach using a commercial search engine’s data collected over 3 months with about 20 million web queries and page clicks from 650,000 users. Our method outperforms the most recent event detection work proposed using complex methods in terms of metrics such as number of events detected, F-measures, entropy, recall etc.
New Pigmented Lesion Over a Site of Tumor Treatment

Awoman in her 70swas referred for treatment of a choroidal melanoma of the left eye approximately 4 years ago. At presentation, she reportedoccasionalphotopsias, floaters, andblurredvisionbutnopain. Visual acuity was 20/25 OD and 20/40 OS.Herchoroidalmelanomawas locatedat the 11to 1-o’clock position, anterior to the equator but posterior to the ciliary body. Low internal reflectivity andamassmeasuring8.4mminheightby 12.9 mm across the base (Figure, A and B) were revealed on B-scan ultrasonography. A complete blood cell count and results of liver function testswerewithin reference limits; a computed tomographic scanof the abdomen, chest, brain, and orbits showed no evidence ofmetastasis. A radioactiveepiscleral iodine 125 (I) plaquewassurgicallyplaced overthe lesionandremoved1week later.Thetumordecreased inheight, and visual acuity remained stable at 20/30 OS. The tumor height decreased to 2.3mmby 1 year and remained at less than 2mm in years 2 through 41⁄2 on B-scan ultrasonography (Figure, B). At her last follow-up, the patient had a 4.5 × 3.0-mm bluish black flat lesion on the sclera (Figure, C). Results of a dilated fundus examinationshowedagrayishblack,minimallyelevatedchoroidal lesionwith surrounding retinal pigment epithelial atrophy butwithout subretinal fluid, hemorrhage, or hard exudates. Quiz at jamaophthalmology.com T12 • 1.38 mm A B C Slitlamp Photograph B-Scan Ultrasonography
Angiogenesis in the female reproductive system.

In adult tissues, capillary growth (angiogenesis) occurs normally during tissue repair, such as in healing of wounds and fractures. Rampant capillary growth is associated with various pathological conditions, including tumor growth, retinopathies, hemangiomas, fibroses and rheumatoid arthritis. The female reproductive organs (i.e., ovary, uterus, and placenta) exhibit dynamic, periodic growth and regression accompanied by equally dramatic changes in rates of blood flow. It is not surprising, therefore, that they are some of the few adult tissues in which angiogenesis occurs as a normal process. Thus, the female reproductive system provides a unique model for studying regulation of angiogenesis during growth and differentiation of normal adult tissues. Ovarian, uterine, and placental tissues recently have been shown to contain and produce angiogenic and anti-angiogenic factors. This review discusses the current state of knowledge regarding angiogenic processes and their regulation in female reproductive tissues. In addition, implications of this research for regulation of fertility as well as for control of angiogenesis in other normal and pathological processes are discussed.
Tumor imaging and therapy with activatable cell penetrating peptides

B27 To develop an amplifying mechanism to accumulate imaging and therapeutic agents, we have synthesized and tested novel peptide-based agents that are substrates for matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), proteases highly expressed in the tumor microenvironment. These agents concatenate a payload (e.g. optical (Cy5), magnetic (Gd-DOTA), or radioactive ( 99m Tc(CO) 3 ) contrast agents, or doxorubicin as a chemotherapeutic), a poly-D-arginine cell-penetrating peptide, an MMP-cleavable linker, a poly-D-glutamate inhibitory sequence, and a macromolecular carrier to modulate pharmacokinetics. Protease-mediated cleavage of the linker separates the payload plus polycationic cell-penetrating peptide from the inhibitory polyanion, allowing uptake onto and into cells. These agents have given promising results in isolated cells, 3-D cultures of MDA-MB-231 tumor cells, and slices from resected human squamous cell carcinomas. We have now begun tests on two standard murine models, nude mice bearing xenografts of HT1080 human fibrosarcoma cells and transgenic mice that develop mammary tumors due to mouse mammary tumor virus driving expression of polyoma middle T oncoprotein. After intravenous injection of the probes, we obtain serial images with far-red epifluorescence, T 1 -weighted MRI, or planar scintigraphy, and harvest post-mortem tissues to quantify cargo uptake. With standard cytotoxicity assays and optical fluorescence of doxorubicin we can develop and optimize delivery of therapeutic peptides to tumor cells in tissue culture and eventually murine models.Optical imaging of Cy5-labeled probes with albumin or dextran carriers gave up to 4:1 contrast for primary tumors over neighboring normal regions in MMTV-PyMT mice, and even higher contrast in lymph nodes containing tumor metastases, both peaking around 24-48 hr after injection. MRI of Gd-DOTA-labeled probes also highlighted metastatic lymph nodes. However, 99m Tc-labeled agents conjugated to albumin, 70KDa-dextran, or generation-5 PAMAM dendrimers deposited radioactivity to a much greater extent in the liver (12-18% ID/g), kidney, and spleen than in the xenografted tumors (up to 3% ID/g for the albumin-conjugate). Precleaved and uncleaved doxorubicin peptides imaged by confocal microscopy reveal differential uptake and subcellular localization over time in culture. These optical data can corroborate therapeutic potential when combined with cytotoxicity analysis.This contrast mechanism offers enzymatic amplification and could provide a general alternative to antibody targeting. Combined imaging and therapeutic cargoes could offer personalized therapy.
Determination of Submicromolar Concentrations of Formaldehyde by Liquid Chromatography

Dissolved formaldehyde in aqueous samples was determined at submicromolar levels by derivatization with Nash's reagent followed by liquid chromatography. The method requires little sample preparation, and the chromatogram is simple even in the presence of other aldehydes and ketones. The isocratic HPLC analysis is rapid with a low limit of detection (0.1 μM) and a precision of 1% RSD at 150 μM. The derivative is stable for at least 3 days at room temperature. Accuracy of the method was verified by intercomparison with an alternate, completely independent method, which utilizes another derivatizing agent.
Numerical simulations of stress-strain behavior in two-phase α2 + γ lamellar TiAl alloys

Abstract Polycrystalline stress-strain behavior in α 2 + γ lamellar TiAl alloys is numerically simulated, using a rate-dependent thermoelastic-viscoplastic, finite strain, crystallographic slip formulation elucidating the constitutive response of their single crystals of the alloys. Input to the model includes descriptions of the orientation-dependent single-crystal plastic behavior, strain rate sensitivity on the individual slip system level. The model accomplishes the transition to the averaged aggregate behavior, and is a reliable technique to monitor and track the various anisotropies of single crystals as implicit in the polycrystalline aggregates.
Use and abuse of intravenous immunoglobulin

Used for more than 20 years to treat primary immunodeficiency disorders, intravenous immunoglobulin is now used also as therapy for many other disease states, including autoimmune disorders. However, IV immunoglobulin should not be used for diseases without a valid scientific basis.
The Use of a Participatory Approach to Develop a Framework for Assessing Quality of Care in Children’s Mental Health Services

The purpose of this study was to develop a framework for assessing the quality of children’s mental health services that reflects the primary concerns and perspectives of diverse stakeholders. A participatory research approach was adopted in order to incorporate caregivers of children with mental health problems, mental health service providers, and managed care administrators in identifying and developing quality of care indicators and methods for assessment. This research occurred in three phases that moved from very qualitative and exploratory to more quantitative as we sought to refine and verify the resulting Quality of Care Framework. We found that the use of a participatory approach was beneficial in ensuring the validity of research tools and utility of the framework, and also greatly increased the sense of ownership of research findings among participants.
Fluctuation Compressibility Theorem and Its Application to the Pairing Model

A theorem of statistical mechanics relates density fluctuations to compressibility. A new derivation of this is given. The theorem is violated in the BCS model of a superconductor. The difficulty is resolved by those same improvements in the theory which lead to a gauge-invariant Meissner effect. (auth)
Finding the Higgs boson in decays to $Z \gamma$ using the matrix element method at Next-to-Leading Order

We illustrate how the matrix element method at next-to-leading order can be used to discriminate between events arising from the production of a Higgs boson, which subsequently decays to a final state consisting of ${\ensuremath{\ell}}^{+}{\ensuremath{\ell}}^{\ensuremath{-}}\ensuremath{\gamma}$, and the background production of the same final state. We illustrate how the method could be used in an experimental analysis by devising cuts on the signal (${P}_{S}$) and background (${P}_{B}$) weights that are computed event by event in this approach. We find that we can increase the $S/\sqrt{B}$ ratio by around 50% compared to an invariant mass fit on its own. Considering only statistical uncertainty, this is equivalent to recording a factor of around two times more integrated luminosity.
Hypothyroidism Effects on Wild Type and Mutant Rats with Altered Cardiac Titin Expression

Thyroid hormone levels play an important role in cardiac regulation, and a state of hypothyroidism leads to dilated forms of cardiomypathy. Inappropriate thyroid levels can also impact the sarcomeric protein titin, which is responsible for maintaining passive tension and structural integrity. The effects of hypothyroidism were studied after administration of propylthiouracil (PTU) to wild type (Wt) and homozygous mutant (Hm) rats (Greaser et al J Mol Cellul Cardiol 44:983, 2008) (the latter of which express a giant titin isoform). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay results demonstrated that PTU lowered thyroxine levels in the treated rats. Electrophoretic cardiac myosin heavy chain analysis indicated that hypothyroidism induced a transition to predominantly beta myosin heavy chain expression, while Wt control samples continued to express an age-appropriate range of alpha and beta isoforms. PTU-treated Wt rats had a larger N2BA to N2B titin ratio, and the slower migrating N2BA was in higher proportion than the faster N2BA. PTU did not affect titin isoform expression in Hm. Because it is believed that thyroid hormone regulates titin isoform expression through the PI3K/Akt pathway, we investigated several participants by immunoblotting. The Akt PH domain was not altered by PTU administration, although expression was higher in Hm rats. Akt phospho-Ser473 did not vary between treatments, but mTOR phospho-Ser2448 demonstrated a higher phosphorylation state in Wt. Echocardiography data showed significantly decreased fractional shortening in Hm control, Hm PTU, and Wt PTU relative to Wt control. Wt control also exhibited a higher ejection fraction and a lower isovolumic relaxation time compared to the other treatments. It can be concluded that hypothyroidism has significant effects on titin isoform expression and other cardiac functional characteristics. Supported by NIH HL77196.
Astonishment and understanding: On the problem of explanation in journalism

This paper clarifies the nature and definition of explanatory journalism. It distinguishes journalistic explanation from news analysis, interpretation, and investigation. Using rhetorical analysis, it reveals that explanatory journalism within the journalistic profession is both praised and prized, evaded and reviled. The analysis aims to set a clearer foundation for explanatory journalism, since it remains essential to journalism's “enlightenment function” and is being called for by the public with increasing clarity and urgency.
Semiautomatic speech intelligibility measurements

A recent study towards the improvement of intelligibility testing techniques has resulted in a very efficient testing procedure based on the use of the Fairbanks Rhyme Test and a computer. The Fairbanks Rhyme Test permits the actual tests to be taken quickly and simply, and the computer provides a rapid, thorough analysis of the test data. Subsequent evaluations of several vocoders, and of the effects of electrical stimuli upon test subjects, showed this testing procedure to be quite effective. Small differences in intelligibility between systems were detected by giving a large number of tests. A diagnostic evaluation of each system was performed by the computer, which pointed out specific shortcomings of each system under test.
P1A-8 3D Prostate Elastography: Simulations and Experiments

Simulations and phantom experiments were conducted to evaluate the performance of 3D elastography. Spherical and irregular shaped inclusions with approximately 5 mm of cross-sectional diameters were reconstructed from the simulated data. For the simulation parameters considered in this work, the axial and the lateral resolution of the 3D elastogram were estimated to be five and ten wavelengths, respectively. The elevational resolution was limited by the spatial sampling of the elastographic image slices. Smooth and irregular shaped inclusions reconstructed from the elastographic data showed a good correlation with their true shape
Herpetichthyes, Amphibioidei, Choanichthyes or Sarcopterygii?

DURING recent decades, our ideas on the classification of fishes have changed greatly. In the early years of the century, it was believed that among the higher bony fishes (Osteichthyes), the ray-finned forms and crossopterygians were closely allied, and that the lungfishes were remote from the two, representing a presumably primitive if aberrant group. As an expression of such beliefs may be cited Goodrich's work on fishes in the Lankester “Treatise on Zoology”1, in which the Osteichthyes are divided into two subclasses, one for the Dipnoi alone, the other, the Teleostomi, including both Crossopterygii and the Actinopterygii. In succeeding decades, however, a radical change of opinion occurred. Principally due to the work of Goodrich himself and of Gregory and Watson, it became clear that the primary dichotomy of the Osteichthyes was of another sort, one major subdivision including the Actinopterygii alone, the other both Crossopterygii and Dipnoi. Huxley, in 18802, coined the name Herpetichthyes to describe the sub-tetrapod evolutionary stage represented by Ceratodus, and Smith Woodward, in 19313, suggested the expansion of the term to include (contra Huxley) the crossopterygians. Hubbs, in 19194, proposed Amphibioidei for Dipnoi plus Crossopterygii, and other writers have suggested an expansion of Crossopterygii to include the Dipnoi as well. Save-Soderbergh, in 19345, in an unorthodox essay in classification, proposed a major subdivision of the vertebrates, including all the tetrapod classes plus the two fish groups concerned, to be named the Choanata, in reference to the presence of internal nostrils. I have (like others) rejected this classification, but in 19376 suggested that Choanichthyes would be appropriate as a designation for the included fish groups. None of the three terms previously suggested has met with any marked degree of acceptance; Choanichthyes has been adopted by a number of recent writers.
Nonlinear thermoelastic analysis of composite panels under non-uniform temperature distribution

Abstract The response of moderately thick laminated panels experiencing large displacements and rotations under non-uniform thermal loading is investigated through a nonlinear finite element analysis. The present nonlinear thermoelastic analysis incorporates an anisoparametric, doubly curved, shallow shell element that is free of the `locking' phenomenon. The effects of large displacements and rotations, transverse shear deformations, the coupling between stretching and bending due to shallow geometry, and Duhamel–Neumann-type thermoelastic material anisotropy are included in the element formulation. The equations of equilibrium are derived from the virtual work principle, along with the co-rotational form of the total Lagrangian formulation. A non-uniform temperature field across the shell surface is approximated by piecewise-uniform temperature distributions over individual elements. In the thickness direction, the temperature distribution is approximated linearly. Accuracy of the present analysis is established by comparison with benchmark solutions. The numerical results are presented for various configurations, including cutouts under uniform and non-uniform temperatures. The numerical results demonstrate that the present finite element analysis is computationally robust and efficient.
The effect of a 7 T magnetic field on the egg hatching of Heliothis virescens

The effect of a strong magnetic field on the egg hatching of Heliothis virescens (Tobacco bugworm) in a 7 Tesla field was studied, and apparent biological effects of the magnetic field were observed. On average of three batches of eggs in this study, the hatching of the eggs in the 7 T field was delayed about 21.7 ± 0.9 h and the hatching rate was reduced to about 58 ± 8% compared to those of eggs in 1.4 Gauss field. No apparent effect of the 1600 Gauss fringe field of the 7 T magnet on the egg hatching of Heliothis virescens was observed.
2-DEOXY-D-glucose fails to induce feeding in hamsters fed a preferred diet.

Abstract Hamsters fed a lab chow diet have been found not to increase their food intake when injected with 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG). Lab chow is not a preferred diet for hamsters, however, and rats also do not eat in response to 2-DG when fed unpalatable foods. The present experiment therefore investigated the feeding response to 2-DG of adult male hamsters ( Mesocricetus auratus ) fed a preferred sunflower seed diet. The failure of the hamsters to increase their intake of sunflower seeds, as well as of lab chow, following injections of 750 or 1000 mg/kg of 2-DG supports the conclusion that hamsters lack a glucoprivic feeding system.
Comments on curve veering in eigenvalue problems

Abstract The dependence of eigenvalues on a system parameter is frequently illustrated by a family of loci. When two loci approach each other, they often cross or abruptly diverge. The latter case, called “curve veering”, has been observed in approximate solutions associated with discretized models. The influence of discretization in producing curve veering has raised doubt on the validity of many approximate solutions. The existence of curve veering in continuous models is illustrated by presenting the exact solution of an elementary eigenvalue problem. Veering is then examined in a general eigenvalue problem. Criteria are established to distinguish veerings from crossings in both continuous and discretized models. The application of the criteria is illustrated by examples.
Kinetic energy imbalance in inhomogeneous materials

Abstract Using two types of computer molecular dynamics calculations, more evidence is presented supporting recently discovered non-Maxwellian velocity distributions of light-weight particles in potential-energy-rich heavy atom environments. The results suggest that activated processes such as nuclear tunneling and fusion could be enhanced by these unexpected velocity distributions.
Marginalized Relationships: The Impact of Social Disapproval on Romantic Relationship Commitment

Little research has examined the effects of prejudice and discrimination on people's romantic relationships. The authors explored whether belonging to a socially devalued relationship affects consequential relational phenomena. Within the framework of the Investment Model, the authors (a) tested the association between perceived relationship marginalization and relationship commitment, (b) compared investment levels of individuals involved in marginalized versus nonmarginalized relationships, and (c) explored ways in which couples may compensate for decreased investments to maintain high commitment. Consistent with hypotheses, marginalization was a significant negative predictor of commitment. Moreover, individuals in marginalized relationships invested significantly less than individuals in nonmarginalized relationships. Despite investing less, marginalized relationship partners were significantly more committed than were their nonmarginalized counterparts. Thus, marginalized partners appeared to compensate for their reduced investments, with evidence suggesting that compensation occurs via reduced perception of relationship alternatives rather than via increased perception of relationship satisfaction.
Larger patches of diverse floral resources increase insect pollinator density, diversity, and their pollination of native wildflowers

Native wildflower plantings can be used to provide nutritional resources to support pollinating insects, yet the effects of planting size and bloom richness on the density, diversity, and function of these insects are not well understood. We established stands of twelve native flowering perennial plant species in replicated plots ranging in size from 1 to 100 m 2 . These plots were sampled for insect pollinators, bloom richness, and seed production by three wildflower species. Honeybees, wild bees, and hoverflies all responded positively to increasing flower richness, whereas particular insect pollinator groups responded differently to the size of the flowering plant area. The density of honeybees and hoverflies was not affected by increasing flowering patch size, whereas in general, wild bees were observed at higher density and diversity in the 30 and 100 m 2 patches. Increasing wildflower patch size, and thus wild bee density, resulted in greater seed set in the sampled wildflowers. These results indicate that wild bees are sensitive to the area and richness of floral resources in patches, even at relatively small scales. Therefore, larger wildflower plantings with more diverse flower species mixes are more suitable for the conservation of wild pollinators and reproduction of sown species.
SUMOylation and PPARgamma: wrestling with inflammatory signaling.

The molecular mechanisms whereby PPARγ inhibits inflammatory gene expression in macrophages are poorly understood. In a recent Nature paper, Pascual et al. (2005) provide a new model for trans-repression in which ligand-dependent SUMOylation of PPARγ results in its recruitment to the promoters of inflammatory genes where it inhibits transcription by preventing clearance of corepressor complexes.
A survey of human breast cancer sensitivity to growth inhibition by calmodulin antagonists in tissue culture

Abstract We compared the ability of N -(4-aminobutyl)-5-chloro-2-napthalenesulfonamide (W-13), a calmodulin antagonist, to inhibit the growth of seven human breast cancer cell lines in tissue culture, to determine whether drug sensitivity was related to estrogen receptor (ER) status, tamoxifen resistance (tam r ), or levels of calmodulin activity. We examined three ER + (estrogen receptor-positive) cell lines (MCF-7, ZR-75-1B, and T47D), two ER + /tam r lines (LY2 and RR), and two ER − (estrogen receptor-negative) cell lines (MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-435). There was no difference in the inhibition of cell growth by W-13 in MCF-7 cells and the two tarn r MCF-7 cell derivatives, LY2 and RR. In addition, the sensitivity to W-13 did not appear to be related to ER status. Although the mean K i of the five ER + cell lines (31 μM) was somewhat higher than the mean K i of the two ER − cell lines (23 μM), the two cell lines most sensitive to W-13 were the ER + T47D cells ( K i 15 μ M) and the ER − MDA-MB-435 cells ( K i 10 μ M). Calmodulin activity was measured in three representative cell lines, MCF-7, LY2, and MDA-MB-435. Calmodulin levels were higher in the most sensitive cell line (MDA-MB-435, 2.7 ng calmodulin/μg protein) than in the two less sensitive cell lines, MCF-7 and LY2 (1.3 and 1.6ng calmodulin/μg protein, respectively). However, the MCF-7, LY2, and MDA-MB-435 cells were equally sensitive to another specific calmodulin antagonist, calmidazolium. We conclude that neither ER status, tamoxifen resistance, nor levels of calmodulin activity predict the sensitivity of human breast cancer cell lines to growth inhibition in tissue culture by calmodulin antagonists.
Amphetamine and tranylcypromine in an animal model of depression: Pharmacological specificity of the reversal effect

Abstract Amphetamine and tranylcypromine are structurally related chemical isomers with pharmacologically distinctive activity profiles. Since they are equimolar and structurally similar they may be used to assess the pharmacological specificity of a proposed animal model of depression. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to a chronic stress regimen or remained undisturbed. They were then acutely stressed with white noise. The monoamine oxidase inhibitor tranylcypromine was effective in restoring otherwise reduced stress elicited open field activity in chronically stressed rats. Amphetamine did not resemble tranylcypromine or other antidepressants, and produced a variety of effects at least some of which indicated a potential increase rather than reduction in depression consequent to chronic administration.
Cloud Droplet Deposition in Subalpine Balsam Fir Forests: Hydrological and Chemical Inputs

Subalpine forests of the northern Appalachians are subject to significant deposition of water and chemicals via cloud droplet impaction. This deposition has been estimated by a method linking micrometeorological measures of turbulent transfer, a detailed representation of canopy structure, and experimentally derived capture efficiencies. Water inputs from clouds are about 46 percent, and chemical inputs range from 150 to 430 percent of the bulk precipitation.
One hospital's experience with implementing family-centered maternity care.

In developing a family‐centered maternity care program, staff at one urban hospital developed a set of implementation principles. These principles, plus anecdotal experiences illustrating them, are discussed. Patient and nurse satisfaction with the program are described, and a recommendation for FCMC immplementation is offered.
The fork in the road: HIV as a potential positive turning point and the role of spirituality

We interviewed 147 HIV-positive people regarding their key life-changing experiences - involving profound changes in attitudes, behaviors, beliefs (including spiritual beliefs), or self-views - to determine the prominence of HIV as the key positive/negative turning point. HIV was the key turning point, for 37% (26% positive, 11% negative), whereas for 63% of our sample it was not. Characteristics associated with perceiving HIV as the most positive turning point included having a near-death experience from HIV, increasing spirituality after HIV diagnosis, and feeling chosen by a Higher Powerto have HIV. Notably, perceived antecedents of viewing HIV as the key positive turning point were hitting rock bottom and calling on a Higher Power. Conversely, viewing HIV as the most negative turning point was associated with declining spirituality after diagnosis. Spirituality can both negatively and positively affect coping with HIV. Promoting positive spiritual coping may offer new counseling approaches. Further, for the majority of the participants, HIV is not the key turning point, which may be an indicator of the normalization of HIV with the advent of effective treatment.