cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Lung transplantation: Historical perspective, current concepts, and anesthetic considerations

E ND-STAGE LUNG disease (ESLD) is a major cause of death in western civilization. In 1985, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), with more than 75,000 deaths, was the fifth leading cause of death in the United States. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is another form of ESLD that has a high mortality, and once the diagnosis is made, the 5-year mortality varies from 40% to 80%. c~-1-Antitrypsin deficiency is found in approximately one of every 1,500 to 5,000 live births and accounts for approximately 40,000 patients in the United States. Cystic fibrosis (CF), another congenital disease, occurs in one of every 2,000 live births. There is currently very little that medicine can offer these patients. For many, lung transplantation is the only hope for survival, let alone recovery of independent function. Lung transplantation, actually a family of operations, includes single-lobe transplantation in the pediatric patient, single-lung transplantation (SLTx), double-lung (DLTx) with carina (en bloc), bilateral sequential single-lung (BSSLTx), and heart-lung block transplantation (HLTx). Various operations are proposed for different patient conditions, and some are more widely accepted than others. Bolton and Weiman I have attempted to describe precise physiological mechanisms of lung function elicited by different thoracic incisions and parenchyma resections to more scientifically choose appropriate transplantation operations. By far, most lung transplantations are SLTx or BSSLTx. Heart-lung transplantations and en bloc double-lung transplantations are now being performed less frequently than in the past.
Inhibition of cyclooxygenase but not nitric oxide synthase influences effects on the human omental artery of the thromboxane A2 mimetic U46619 and 17β-estradiol ☆ ☆☆

Abstract Objective: These experiments were performed to study the influence of endothelial factors on the contractile effect of the thromboxane A 2 analog U46619 and on the relaxant action of 17β-estradiol on isolated human omental arteries from nonpregnant women, women with normal pregnancies, and women with preeclampsia. Study Design: Arterial rings (3 mm) with or without endothelium were suspended in organ chambers filled with Krebs buffer, 37°C, aerated with 5% carbon dioxide in air, pH approximately 7.4, for isometric tension recording. Rings were incubated with indomethacin, N ω -nitro-L -arginine, or 17β-estradiol, alone or in combination. The concentration that produced 50% of maximal effect, the area under the curve, and the maximal effect of U46619, normalized with respect to a reference contraction in response to potassium chloride, were compared. Results: Neither indomethacin nor N ω -nitro-L -arginine changed the basal tone of omental artery rings. Neither N ω -nitro-L -arginine nor removal of the endothelium affected either the contractile action of U46619 or the relaxant action of 17β-estradiol. In contrast, indomethacin potentiated the contractile effect of U46619 and abolished the inhibitory effect of 17β-estradiol in rings from all three groups. The effects of U46619 and 17β-estradiol were significantly less in rings from women with normal pregnancy than in those from women with preeclampsia. Tissues from women with preeclampsia demonstrated the highest contractile response to U46619. Conclusion: The inhibitory effect of 17β-estradiol is not due to increased production of endothelial nitric oxide but rather involves inhibitory products of the cyclooxygenase pathway. The effect of indomethacin may result from inhibited production or release of eicosanoids or from sensitization of thromboxane A 2 receptors. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2001;185:182-9.)
Satisfiers and Dissatisfiers in the Online Environment A Critical Incident Assessment

This research examines the factors driving consumer dis(satisfaction) in the online service environment. Using a critical incident technique and content analysis, the authors identify the critical drivers reported by consumers to produce particularly satisfactory or dissatisfactory online service encounters. Using 616 surveys and 1,183 observations, the authors first classify and then compare reported drivers across outcomes (dissatisfaction vs. satisfaction) and three industry groups (hard goods, soft goods, and services). Classifications are also compared with several important service-quality scales and other literature on the topic in order to compare the findings and to develop an overall framework. The results address how satisfiers and dissatisfiers vary both overall and across industry classifications, providing an assessment of the differences between the factors producing online success versus those preventing failure. The authors conclude with implications for online retailers and directions fo...
A wireless sensing technique using passive microwave resonators

A wireless sensing system based on a microwave resonator has been successfully demonstrated. The sensed resonant frequency is identical to the resonant frequency of the resonators. A sensing range up to 8 cm between antenna pairs was achieved. It was found that the placement of antenna orientations has a noticeable effect on the sensing range. This wireless sensing system will be used to sense very high temperatures using ceramic-based microwave resonators.
Assessing child sexual offenders' modus operandi: Accuracy in self-reported use of threats and coercion

Recent evidence suggests that child sexual offenders' self-report can provide a reliable source of information regarding offenders' use of threats and violence. However, the majority of studies in this area have specifically focused on coercion occurring within sexually abusive acts. The current investigation examined the accuracy of offenders' self-report regarding their use of threats and violence with child and adolescent victims during two time periods: (1) while attempting to secure victims' cooperation in sexual activities; and (2) while seeking to maintain victims' silence regarding the abuse. The responses of 16 offenders in an incarcerated treatment setting and 16 in an outpatient treatment program were compared with treatment staff's responses on an anonymous questionnaire. Findings generally indicated a high level of concordance between offender and staff reports. However, both groups of offenders significantly under-reported their use of threats and violence for both time periods. While some of the under-reported items reflected overt forms of violence (e.g., forced participation), the majority represented subtle, manipulative, and/or implied threats. Implications for future studies and clinical applications are discussed.
Bhopal: Anatomy of a Crisis

The article presents a review of the book “Bhopal: Anatomy of a Crisis,” by Paul Srivastava.
Cutaneous Histologic Artifact Associated with the Use of a Needle‐Free Anesthesia Device for Skin Biopsy

A needle-free system that delivers lidocaine to the dermis using pressurized gas is often used as an alternative anesthetic for venipuncture and intravenous catheterization in children. This case report illustrates the potential histologic artifacts that may arise when using a needleless device for a cutaneous punch biopsy. We suggest against using a needleless system for pediatric skin biopsies.
Estimated contribution of hemoglobin and myoglobin to near infrared spectroscopy

We calculated the light absorbing potential (LAP) of hemoglobin (Hb) and myoglobin (Mb) in mammalian skeletal muscle at rest based on analysis of published chemical and morphometric data (Part 1), interpreted changes in total[Hb+Mb] from NIRS during exercise (Part 2), and estimated the potential contribution of Hb and Mb to changes in NIRS from rest to exercise (Part 3). Part 1: [Hb] in skeletal muscle was estimated from microvascular volume, systemic blood [Hb], and microvascular hematocrit and saturation at rest and during exercise. Part 2: Changes in total[Hb+Mb] (as t[Hb+Mb]) during cycling or knee extension exercise were interpreted using the results of Part 1. Part 3: Using estimates of mean microvascular PO2, Hb and Mb contribution at peak exercise was estimated. Across several species, [Mb] contributed ∼50-70% of the total LAP to NIRS at rest in skeletal muscle. With exercise, increases in t[Hb+Mb] of up to 30% could be entirely explained by the predicted increase in microvascular hematocrit with exercise. Finally, Mb was estimated to contribute ∼70% of the changes in NIRS from rest to peak exercise.
Infinite-step backstepping for a heat equation-like PDE with arbitrarily many unstable eigenvalues

We consider feedback transformations of the backstepping/feedback linearization type that have been prevalent in finite dimensional nonlinear stabilization, and, with the objective of ultimately addressing nonlinear PDE, generate the first such transformations for a linear PDE that can have an arbitrary finite number of open-loop unstable eigenvalues. These transformations have the form of recursive relationships and the fundamental difficulty is that the recursion has an infinite number of iterations. Naive versions of backstepping lead to unbounded coefficients in those transformations. We show how to design them such that they are sufficiently regular (not continuous but L/sup 2/). We then establish closed-loop stability, regularity of control, and regularity of solutions of the PDE.
Vitamin A requirement of breeding turkeys.

Abstract Stoewsand and Scott (1961) reviewed the published information and presented new results on the vitamin A requirements of turkey breeder hens. Using a stabilized form of vitamin A, they concluded that a minimal requirement for optimal egg production and hatchability of fertile eggs was 1200 U.S.P. units per pound. A much higher level was needed, however, to maintain high levels of vitamin A in the egg and the progeny so that the poults could survive and grow normally on marginal levels of vitamin A in the poult’s starting diet. This report is of an experiment conducted with Broad Breasted Bronze hens to further evaluate the quantitative vitamin A requirement of turkey breeder hens. Because the birds were hatched in January, they were placed on an 8 hour daily photoperiod at 22 weeks of age in a house with covered windows. They were exposed to a 14 hour daily photoperiod at…
Psychosis Masquerading as PTSD

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a complicated cognitive and behavioral response to trauma. PTSD has many potential symptoms that can overlap with a variety of other conditions, to include psychotic disorders. Specifically, re-experiencing symptoms and avoidance symptoms can, respectively, be challenging to differentiate from perceptual disturbances and paranoia. In military patients with PTSD this can be especially difficult as repeated exposure to trauma, contextual military expectations, and possible co-occurrence of traumatic brain injury (TBI) can obscure identification of an emergent psychotic disorder. A case is presented to highlight these concerns.
Implications of Selective Processing for Marketing Managers

Recent research in selective processing theory has produced a myriad of important findings of interest to marketing managers. At a general level, two streams of selective processing research have emerged; the first considers how selective processing operates in consumer judgment and choice, the second focuses on how the judgments and decisions of managers may be influenced by selective processing. Our chapter begins with a discussion of selective processing theory, then summarizes the findings of studies that have focused on consumers. Following this discussion, we provide prescriptive advice for managers with respect to how consumers' tendency to process information selectively can be leveraged in brand promotion. Next, we present findings specific to how the quality of managers' evaluations of alternatives and choices can be adversely affected by their own proclivity for selective processing. Finally, we discuss how both managers and consumers can avoid making the inaccurate judgments and suboptimal decisions that often result when processing is selective.
Unemployment among women with multiple sclerosis: the role of coping and perceived stress and support in the workplace

Unemployment is high among individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). Certain disease variables and demographics have been found to distinguish employed and unemployed individuals. However, these variables only account for 14-20% of the variance. Other factors, such as coping, perceived stress and social support, in the workforce have been proposed, but not yet fully examined. The purpose of the present investigation was to examine the role of known factors associated with unemployment in MS, as well as coping and perceived work stress and social support. Sixty-eight women with MS were asked about their employment status and reasons for leaving. They completed a comprehensive assessment including measures of cognition, disease symptoms, psychological functioning, coping and stress. Consistent with previous findings, certain disease and demographic variables were associated with being unemployed. In particular, women who left work due to their MS were found to be older, had a longer disease duration and progressive course, reported greater disability and fatigue, and performed worse on a cognitive measure. However, we also found that coping style distinguished those who were employed from those who left work due to their MS. In particular, those who left work reported utilizing maladaptive coping mechanisms such as behavioral disengagement and substance use. With regard to perceived work stress and support, individuals who were employed reported that job security and fellow co-workers were more of an uplift than a hassle in their lives, suggesting some benefit in employment. These findings suggest that further consideration be given to role of coping and perception of the benefit of employment among individuals with MS when making recommendations regarding work decisions.
Helping Policy Makers to Make Up Their Minds: A Decision Analyst Reminisces

A decision consultant and researcher discusses 40 years of experience adapting applied decision theory to policy makers’ and others’ decisions. He reflects on insights he has gained from working with senior government officials on major cases in energy, environmental, foreign policy, defense and other national choice. Clients have sought, not only to improve their own decisions, but also to confirm and justify them, and to influence and oversee the decisions of others. The author reflects on some of the political, administrative, legal, methodological and personal considerations involved.
Brief paper: A method of constructing minimal approximate realizations of linear input-output behavior

An algorithm for constructing minimal realizations of stationary linear dynamical systems is presented. The 'input' to this algorithm is the data set representation. In the case of the minimal partial realization problem this algorithm provides for several different approximations to prescribed input-output behavior.
As Natural Landscaping Takes Root We Must Weed Out the Bad Laws - How Natural Landscaping and Leopold's Land Ethic Collide with Unenlightned Weed Laws and What Must Be Done about It

The natural landscaping “movement” has taken root and its adherents are a varied lot. In the Northeast, these people are re-creating the dense layers of the native American deciduous forest; they replace lawns with understory species like dogwood, wild azaleas and native shrubs, ferns and woodland wildflowers. Midwesterners are re-creating tallgrass and shortgrass prairies. Arizonians are landscaping with Sonoran desert native species like giant saguaro, multi-stemmed ocotilo, and prickly pear cactus. They all share a common goal --- to harmonize gardening and landscaping practices with Nature.Many natural landscapers, however, face municipal weed inspectors who challenge their right to “garden in Thoreau’s Tradition”. These conflicts are the unfortunate result of the collision of opposing forces; those who favor a return to a harmonic relationship with Nature against those who promote the myth of superabundance and the belief that "progress" is the process by which the less ordered natural world is harnessed by people to create a more ordered material environments. This article argues that this homocentric view of the world is ill-conceived and the use of weed laws to prohibit natural landscapes is a manifestation of the fundamental misunderstanding of humankind's proper place within Nature. The article offers arguments for natural landscapers to use against weed law prosecutions, and suggest way for cities and towns to amend their laws to not only permit this benign landscaping, but encourage it.
Physical characteristics of catheters used for subarachnoid drainage

Background Cerebrospinal fluid diversion through lumbar drainage catheters is a routine procedure that is used in a variety of clinical applications. Fracture of catheters during insertion or removal may result in retained foreign bodies that may lead to patient morbidity with potential legal ramifications. Fracture resistance is an important component of drain selection. Objective To analyze catheter integrity to determine which commercially available catheters are most robust and resistant to fracture. Methods Physical properties of the commercially available drainage catheters that can be advanced through a Touhy needle were assessed using laboratory equipment and reported. Five types of catheter were analyzed for break load, tensile strength, extension at break, and shear strength. Results and conclusions Of the five types of catheter, the Arrow catheter showed the greatest resistance to fracture. Of the drainage catheters, the Codman catheter showed the greatest resistance to fracture.
Initial chemotherapy vs upfront surgery for stage IV colon cancer

such as previous abdominal surgeries and case complexity were not significant indicators for conversion to open procedure. The anastomotic leak rate was 2.2% (11/500). The return of bowel function time for laparoscopic and open procedures were 3 and 5 days (p<0.0001); length of hospital stay for the groups was 5 and 8 days (p<0.0001). A total of 71 early postoperative complications occurred with the laparoscopic procedure vs 21 in the laparoscopic converted to open procedure (LCOP). Late complications of the laparoscopic procedure were experienced by 44 patients vs 9 in LCOP group.
Action of Certain Drugs on Isolated Intestinal Transplants

By an operative procedure previously described segments of small intestine were isolated from the remainder of the intestinal tract and transplanted onto the surface of the abdomen.1 By applying electrodes attached to a string galvanometer to the segment, waves of altered electrical potential were obtained. Previous studies have shown that these potential changes probably arise from some cause within the segment itself because when all original connections with the central nervous system have been severed they persist in practically an unaltered form. The two most likely sources of this phenomenon are the intestinal musculature and the intrinsic nervous tissue which consists of the plexuses of Auerbach and Meissner. Gross observations and simultaneous myograms and electrograms have shown that there is a definite time relationship between muscular contractions and the electrograms.2 However, the waves of altered electrical potential continue when no record of muscular activity can be obtained. In an effort...
Silica microsphere resonator and SPARROW waveguide coupler structures

Optical microsphere-resonator based wavelength-dropping and acceleration sensing devices are presented. Both components are integrated on SPARROW waveguide coupler chips.
Digested disorder: Quarterly intrinsic disorder digest (July-August-September, 2013).

The current literature on intrinsically disordered proteins grows fast. To keep interested readers up to speed with this literature, we continue a “Digested Disorder” project and represent a new issue of reader’s digest of the research papers and reviews on intrinsically disordered proteins. The only 2 criteria for inclusion in this digest are the publication date (a paper should be published within the covered time frame) and topic (a paper should be dedicated to any aspect of protein intrinsic disorder). The current digest issue covers papers published during the third quarter of 2013; i.e., during the period of June, July, and September of 2013. Similar to previous issues, the papers are grouped hierarchically by topics they cover, and for each of the included paper a short description is given on its major findings.
Potentially Unsafe Activities and Living Conditions of Older Adults with Dementia

OBJECTIVES: To examine the prevalence of dementia in the absence of a reported dementia diagnosis and whether potentially unsafe activities and living conditions vary as a function of dementia diagnosis status in a nationally representative sample of older adults. DESIGN: Observational cohort study. SETTING: Community. PARTICIPANTS: Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 and older enrolled in the National Health and Aging Trends Study (N = 7,609). MEASUREMENTS: Participants were classified into four groups based on self-report of dementia diagnosis, proxy screening interview, and cognitive testing: probable dementia with reported dementia diagnosis (n = 457), probable dementia without reported dementia diagnosis (n = 581), possible dementia (n = 996), or no dementia (n = 5,575). Potentially unsafe activities (driving, preparing hot meals, managing finances or medications, attending doctor visits alone) and living conditions (falls, living alone, and unmet needs) were examined according to dementia status subgroups in stratified analyses and multivariate models, adjusting for sociodemographic factors, medical comorbidities, and physical capacity. RESULTS: The prevalence of driving (22.9%), preparing hot meals (31.0%), managing finances (21.9%), managing medications (36.6%), and attending doctor visits alone (20.6%) was lowest in persons with probable dementia; however, but in persons with probable dementia, the covariate-adjusted rates of driving, preparing hot meals, managing finances, managing medications, and attending doctor visits alone were significantly higher in those without reported dementia diagnosis than in those with reported diagnosis (all odds ratios ≥2.00, all P CONCLUSION: Older adults with probable dementia who are not aware of a dementia diagnosis are more likely to report engaging in potentially unsafe behaviors. Understanding the prevalence of potentially unsafe activities and living conditions can help clinicians focus safety screening and counseling in older adults with diagnosed or suspected dementia.© 2016, Copyright the Authors Journal compilation © 2016, The American Geriatrics Society. Language: en
Time Memory and Time Perception

According to some theories, our sense of the times of past events is largely based on impressions of “distances” in the past. Other theories assume that events are linked by context to past “locations.” Studies of adults’ time memory have produced very little evidence for distance-based processes and considerable evidence for location-based processes. Recent developmental studies show that both play a role in time memory. Distance-based processes are present by early childhood and presumably change little with development. Some location-based processes are also found by early childhood, but this kind of time memory undergoes substantial change as children learn more about long-term time patterns.
Early Childhood Risk Factors for Mealtime TV Exposure and Engagement in Low-Income Families.

Abstract Objective To identify whether child and mother characteristics in early childhood predict TV exposure and engagement during mealtime in middle childhood. Methods A total of 220 low-income mother-child dyads participated. Children were 4.26 years old (SD = 0.51) at baseline and 5.94 years (SD = 0.68) at 2-year follow-up. Mothers completed baseline measures of child negative emotionality and parenting practices. Family mealtimes were video recorded and coded for background TV exposure and child TV engagement. Multinomial logistic regression tested whether child emotionality and parenting practices during early childhood predicted risk of child TV exposure or engagement during mealtime, relative to no TV use, 2 years later. Results Children with greater negative emotionality in early childhood were more likely to engage with TV during mealtime than to have no TV. Similarly, early parenting disciplinary practices characterized by over-reactivity and laxness increased the risk for child TV engagement versus no TV during mealtime approximately 2 years later. Conclusions We identified 2 factors that associated with an increased risk for TV viewing during meals. Helping parents manage child negative emotionality using positive parenting strategies might reduce later child TV engagement and improve the quality of family mealtimes.
Adjustment of Traverses

The procedure used for the adjustment of a traverse should reflect the estimated precision of the methods employed for measurement of angles and lengths. The Least Squares method is best adapted for this purpose. The adjustment of a compass traverse (for which only two condition equations are required) is shown to depend on the quantity R (proportional to the product of the length squared times the ratio of the weight of the length to the weight of the bearing). Large values of R result in large corrections to bearings and, conversely, small values of R yield large corrections to lengths. The Compass Rule ( R = 1) and Crandall's Rule ( R = 0) are shown to be special cases. The adjustment of transit traverses (for which three condition equations are required) depends on the estimated weights of the individual lengths and angles. Two five sided traverses, each with a perimeter of 3,600 ft and a closure ratio of 1/6000 are used as illustrations.
Effects of emotions, sex, self-control, and public self-consciousness on Black Friday misbehavior

AbstractAddressing the growing adoption of Black Friday (BF) promotions and related BF misbehavior in the US and elsewhere, we examined the mechanism by which emotions, self-control, and public self-consciousness impact BF consumer misbehavior. We also investigated to what extent women and men differ with regard to how these variables affect misbehavior on BF. Student participants were former in-store BF shoppers (n = 411) who completed an online questionnaire. Emotions evoked via scenarios simulating realistic BF shopping situations affected the likelihood of engaging in BF misbehavior for both men and women. Both negative emotion (anger) and positive emotion (thrill) increased the likelihood of misbehaving on BF. There were sex differences in how self-control and public self-consciousness impacted BF misbehavior. For men, self-control had both a direct and moderating effect on the likelihood of BF misbehavior, but it had no impact on women. Self-control reduced men’s likelihood of misbehavior despite an...
LORDS AT THE END OF THE EMPIRE: NEGOTIATING POWER IN THE LATE BYZANTINE FRONTIERS (FOURTEENTH–FIFTEENTH CENTURIES)

The defence of Late Byzantine (fourteenth–fifteenth centuries) frontier zones frequently became the responsibility of military elites, borderlords, who enjoyed absolute power in these areas and immunity from any fiscal or other obligation towards the Byzantine state. In this article I present the case studies of two borderlord families: the brothers and military officials Alexios and John, and the Genoese family of the Gattilusi, who ruled large areas around the Northern Aegean in the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries and participated actively in their defence at a time when they were surrounded by enemies and plagued by piracy. The aim of the article is twofold. First, I consider the borderlords’ building activities, modes of self-representation and the creation of new geographies as strategies for establishing control and legitimising their power. Second, I explore how the rise of these borderlords fits with Byzantine imperial policies and corresponds to changes in the character of Late Byzantine imperial authority and the role of the Byzantine emperor within and beyond the empire. Over the course of this article I hope to highlight the complexity of the political and economic situation in the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries and contribute to an understanding of modes of Late Byzantine government and power that move beyond simplistic frameworks of decline and fall.
Socio-technical Design for the Care of People With Spinal Cord Injuries

Abstract The Spinal Cord Injury Living and Learning System helps spinal cord injury (SCI) patients to acquire self-care skills through a clinician-managed virtual coaching program. It does this within a “smart” sensor-rich environment that helps monitor people with SCI and provides feedback to them, their caregivers, and clinicians. In this chapter, we discuss the basic design of the system, the requirements analysis and formative evaluation, and the technical lessons learned. We note the issues of sensor completeness and computational completeness in the technical design. We close with an analysis of what it means to design within a rapidly changing technical environment, one where the capabilities and constraints are unclear. The problem, as we discuss, is understanding how the social requirements and the unclear technical will join together over time, which we call the socio-technical trajectory problem in design.
Exposure to Sublethal Ammonia Concentrations Alters the Duration and Intensity of Agonistic Interactions in the Crayfish, Orconectes rusticus

Crayfish extract information from chemical stimuli during social interactions. Commercial fertilizers increase background ammonia concentrations which may interfere with chemical communication. Background pollution can disrupt perception of chemical stimuli in three ways: masking, sensory impairment, physiological impairment or in combination. We investigated whether exposure to ammonia alters agonistic behavior. Crayfish pairs exposed to 0.9 mg/L ammonia fought for a longer duration, while crayfish exposed to 9.0 mg/L ammonia fought for a shorter duration. Altering activity patterns of crayfish may alter crayfish populations leading to a nonproportional impact because of their importance to the structure and function of aquatic ecosystems.
Effects of social defeat on paternal behavior and pair bonding behavior in male California mice (Peromyscus californicus)

Male parental care is an important social behavior for several mammalian species. Psychosocial stress is usually found to inhibit maternal behavior, but effects on paternal behavior have been less consistent. We tested the effects of social defeat stress on pair bond formation and paternal behavior in the monogamous California mouse (Peromyscus californicus). Social defeat reduced time spent in a chamber with a stranger female during a partner preference test conducted 24h after pairing, but increased latency to the first litter. In 10min partner preference tests conducted after the birth of pups, both control and stressed males exhibited selective aggression towards stranger females. Unlike prairie voles, side by side contact was not observed in either partner preference test. Stressed male California mice engaged in more paternal behavior than controls and had reduced anxiety-like responses in the open-field test. Defeat stress enhanced prodynorphin and KOR expression in the medial preoptic area (MPOA) but not PVN. Increased KOR signaling has been linked to increased selective aggression in prairie voles. Together the results show that defeat stress enhances behaviors related to parental care and pair bonding in male California mice.
Abrupt burial imparts persistent changes to the bacterial diversity of turbidite-associated sediment profiles.

The emplacement of subaqueous gravity-driven sediment flows imposes a significant physical and geochemical impact on underlying sediment and microbial communities. Although previous studies have established lasting mineralogical and biological signatures of turbidite deposition, the response of bacteria and archaea within and beneath debris flows remains poorly constrained. Both bacterial cells associated with the underlying sediment and those attached to allochthonous material must respond to substantially altered environmental conditions and selective pressures. As a consequence, turbidites and underlying sediments provide an exceptional opportunity to examine (i) the microbial community response to rapid sedimentation and (ii) the preservation and identification of displaced micro-organisms. We collected Illumina MiSeq sequence libraries across turbidite boundaries at ~26 cm sediment depth in La Jolla Canyon off the coast of California, and at ~50 cm depth in meromictic Twin Lake, Hennepin County, MN. 16S rRNA gene signatures of relict and active bacterial populations exhibit persistent differences attributable to turbidite deposition. In particular, both the marine and lacustrine turbidite boundaries are sharply demarcated by the abundance and diversity of Chloroflexi, suggesting a characteristic sensitivity to sediment disturbance history or to differences in organic substrates across turbidite profiles. Variations in the abundance of putative dissimilatory sulfate-reducing Deltaproteobacteria across the buried La Jolla Canyon sediment-water interface reflect turbidite-induced changes to the geochemical environment. Species-level distinctions within the Deltaproteobacteria clearly conform to the sedimentological boundary, suggesting a continuing impact of genetic inheritance distinguishable from broader trends attributable to selective pressure. Abrupt, <1-cm scale changes in bacterial diversity across the Twin Lake turbidite contact are consistent with previous studies showing that relict DNA signatures attributable to sediment transport may be more easily preserved in low-energy, anoxic environments. This work raises the possibility that deep subsurface microbial communities may inherit variations in microbial diversity from sediment flow and deformation events.
The Lipid Bilayer Principle and Molecular Electronics

On the subject of molecular electronics and biocomputers, one recalls the first symposium held in Budapest, Hungary in 1987. At that meeting, one of the authors suggested that ‘Life is molecular electronics!’ This is actually an extension of a remark made by Albert Szent-Gyorgyi who said a quarter of a century earlier that ‘life, as we know it, is nothing but a movement of electrons’[1]. Indeed, in the 1970s the U. S. Air Force had a program called ‘Molecular Electronics’, because the scientists then thought they could find something in the basic structure of the molecule that would serve the function of traditional resistors, capacitors, diodes, etc. This was owing to a relentless decrease in the size of silicon-based microelectronics devices. The most important among these are limitations imposed by quantum-size effects and instabilities introduced by thermal fluctuations. As a result, these inherent problems of the day have prompted scientists to look for alternative choices. Advancement in the understanding of biosystems such as photosynthetic apparatus and genetic engineering has allowed attention to be focused on the use of biomolecules (pigments, enzymes, receptors, etc.). Realization of the power of self-assembly principles has opened a novel approach for designing and assembling molecular structures with desired intricate architecture. The utility of molecules such as DNA as a three-dimensional, high-density memory element and its capability for molecular computing have been fully recognized but not yet realized. Today, three overlapping areas of molecular electronics research are: materials science, fabrication t echnology, a nd de vice a rchitecture [2]. These a re b ased o n t he fusion of ideas and disciplines between membrane biophysics and molecular cell biology on one hand, and advances in microelectronics on the other. For instance, the visual receptor of the eye is one of basic structures of Nature’s sensors and devices. Therefore, preparation and characterization of ordered ultrathin lipid films (∼ 5-6 nm thick) has attracted considerable attention because of the possibility of controlling order and interactions at the molecular level. In particular, bilayer lipid membranes (BLMs) prepared by self-assembly are attractive for several exciting applications.
Phonon dispersion in intermediate-valence Sm 0.75 Y 0.25 S

Phonon dispersion has been measured in an intermediate-valence-state system. The phonons of intermediate valence Sm/sub 0.75/Y/sub 0.25/S are vastly different from those of the SmS and YS constituents. The LA phonons are unusually soft compared to the TA and have anomalous widths, particularly for the (111) direction. The LO phonons lie below the TO. Temperature-dependent measurements show that the anomalous phonon properties change with changing valence.
Edge Excitations in Abelian and Non-Abelian FQH States

We summarize edge excitations in some abelian and non-abelian FQH states using partion construction and conformal field theory.
Anodic oxidation effects on pyrolytic graphite surfaces in acid

Anodic oxidation effects on the basal and edge surfaces of pyrolytic graphite in acid were studied by laser Raman spectroscopy, and by a gas-phase chemical modification method coupled with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Surface covering fractions were also studied by α-epichlorohydrin monolayer formation. It was found that the species of surface chemical groups added by anodic oxidation was closely related to the structure of the oxidized surface. In the case of the basal surface, carboxyl groups were added by anodic oxidation, being always accompanied by the destruction of its surface structure. On the other hand, in the case of the edge surface, hydroxyl groups were added without the destruction of its structure with a mild treatment. With more severe treatment, carboxyl groups were added and this addition was also accompanied by destruction of the surface structure. There was a range of treatment in which hydroxyl groups could be added without destroying the structure. Finally it was confirmed that both carboxyl and hydroxyl groups could make covalent bonds with epoxy groups of α-epichlorohydrin.
Frailty and Resilience as Outcome Measures in Clinical Trials and Geriatric Care: Are We Getting Any Closer?

This editorial comments on the papers by Heather E. Whitson et al, Matthew D.L. O’Connell et al, and Ravi Varadhan et al.
Competition suppresses shrubs during early, but not late, stages of arid grassland–shrubland state transition

Transitions from grass to woody plant dominance, widely reported in arid systems, are typically attributed to changes in disturbance regimes in combination with abiotic feedbacks, whereas biotic mechanisms such as competition and facilitation are often overlooked. Yet, research in semi‐arid and subhumid savannas indicates that biotic interactions are important drivers in systems at risk for state transition. We sought to bridge this divide by experimentally manipulating grass‐on‐shrub and shrub‐on‐shrub interactions in early and late stages of grassland–shrubland state transition, respectively, and to assess the extent to which these interactions might influence arid land state transition dynamics. Target Prosopis glandulosa shrubs had surrounding grasses or conspecific neighbours left intact or killed with foliar herbicide, and metrics of plant performance were monitored over multiple years for shrubs with and without grass or shrub neighbours. Productivity of small shrubs was enhanced by grass removal in years with above‐average precipitation, a result not evident in larger shrubs or during dry years. Proxy evidence based on nearest neighbour metrics suggested shrub–shrub competition was at play, but our experimental manipulations revealed no such influence. Competition from grasses appears to attenuate the rate at which shrubs achieve the size necessary to modify the physical environment in self‐reinforcing ways, but only during the early stages of shrub encroachment. Our results further suggest that at late stages of grassland‐to‐shrubland state transitions, shrub–shrub competition will not slow the rate of shrub expansion, and suggest that maximum shrub cover is regulated by something other than density‐dependent mechanisms. We conclude that grass effects on shrubs should be included in assessments of desert grassland state transition probabilities and rates, and that desertification models in arid ecosystems that traditionally focus on disturbance and abiotic feedbacks should be broadened to incorporate spatial and temporal variations in competitive effects. A plain language summary is available for this article.
Asthma and viral infections: an intricate relationship

Abstract Objective To synthesize available data related to the complex associations among viral infections, atopy, and asthma. Data Sources Key historical articles, articles highlighted in our recent review of most significant recent asthma advancements, and findings from several birth cohorts related to asthma and viral infections were reviewed. In addition, PubMed was searched for review articles and original research related to the associations between viral infection and asthma, using the search words asthma, viral infections, atopy, development of asthma, rhinovirus (RV), and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Study Selections Articles were selected based on novelty and relevance to our topic of interest, the role of asthma and viral infections, and possible mechanisms to explain the association. Results There is a large body of evidence demonstrating a link between early viral infections (especially RV and RSV) and asthma inception and exacerbations. RV-induced wheezing is an important risk factor for asthma only when atopy is present, with much evidence supporting the idea that sensitization is a risk factor for early RV-induced wheezing, which in turn is a risk factor for asthma. RSV, on the other hand, is a more important risk factor for nonatopic asthma, with severe infections conferring greater risk. Conclusion There are important differences in the development of atopic and nonatopic asthma, with several proposed mechanisms explaining the association between viral infections and the development of asthma and asthma exacerbations. Understanding these complex associations is important for developing asthma prevention strategies and targeted asthma therapies.
Economic feasibility of cooling dry cows: findings and spreadsheet

The negative effects of heat stress in lactating cows are well known, but only recent studies have explored those effects along with the full benefits of cooling dry cows. Recent work at the University of Florida has demonstrated the benefits of dry cow cooling on calf performance and cow health in the next lactation. This 5-page fact sheet discusses the economic losses from milk production due to heat stress, investment, utilities, maintenance, and feasibility analysis. Written by Fernanda Ferreira, Geoffrey Dahl, and Albert De Vries, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Animal Sciences, March 2018. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/an342
Chinese Automated Journalism: A Comparison Between Expectations and Perceived Quality

To explore the emerging practice of automated journalism in China, this study examined readers’ expectations and actual perceptions of Chinese automated news through two experiments. Results showed that readers’ actual perceptions of human-written news did not meet their expectations, but readers’ actual perceptions of automated news exceeded expectations. When participants read both human-written and automated news, perceptions of human-written news were significantly higher for readability and expertise. When participants read either human-written or automated news, significant differences only existed for expertise. In both experiments, participants had similar expectations and perceptions of credibility between human-written and automated news. These results bear implications to the field in that the difference in credibility between automated and human-written news was indiscernible.
Association of Long-term Strenuous Physical Activity and Extensive Sitting With Incident Radiographic Knee Osteoarthritis

Importance Persons with knee symptoms recognize the health benefits of engaging in physical activity, but uncertainty persists about whether regular strenuous physical activity or exercise can accelerate tissue damage. A sedentary lifestyle of inactivity or underloading may also be associated with deleterious joint health. Objective To establish whether long-term strenuous physical activity participation and extensive sitting behavior are each associated with increased risk of developing radiographic knee osteoarthritis (KOA) in individuals at high risk for the disease. Design, Setting, and Participants This cohort study analyzed data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative, a prospective longitudinal cohort study of men and women with or at an increased risk of developing symptomatic, radiographic KOA. Community-dwelling adults were recruited from 4 US sites (Baltimore, Maryland; Columbus, Ohio; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and Pawtucket, Rhode Island) and were followed up for up to 10 years. Individuals were included if they had a baseline Kellgren and Lawrence grade of 0 in both knees and completed a PASE (Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly) questionnaire at baseline and at least 2 follow-up visits over an 8-year interval. Data analyses were conducted from May 2018 to November 2018. Exposures Baseline to 8-year trajectories of strenuous physical activity participation and extensive sitting behavior were identified using group-based trajectory models. Main Outcomes and Measures Incident radiographic KOA, defined as Kellgren and Lawrence grade 2 or higher in either knee by the 10-year follow-up visit. Results A total of 1194 participants were included in the sample (697 women [58.4%]), with a baseline mean (SD) age of 58.4 (8.9) years and mean body mass index (BMI) of 26.8 (4.5). Four distinct trajectories of weekly hours spent in strenuous physical activities and 3 distinct trajectories of extensive sitting were identified. Long-term engagement in low-to-moderate physical activities (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 0.69; 95% CI, 0.48-1.01) or any strenuous physical activities (adjusted OR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.53-1.07) was not associated with 10-year incident radiographic KOA. Persistent extensive sitting was not associated with incident KOA. Despite relatively mild symptoms and high function in this early-stage sample, 594 participants (49.7%) did not engage in any strenuous physical activities (ie, 0 h/wk) across 8 years, and 507 (42.5%) engaged in persistent moderate-to-high frequency of extensive sitting. Older age, higher BMI, more severe knee pain, non–college graduate educational level, weaker quadriceps, and depression were each associated with a persistent lack of engagement in strenuous physical activities. Conclusions and Relevance Results from this study appeared to show no association between long-term strenuous physical activity participation and incident radiographic KOA. The findings raise the possibility of a protective association between incident KOA and a low-to-moderate level of strenuous physical activities.