cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract 636: Angiotensin II-Mediated Endothelial Cell Dysfunction Contributes to Adipocyte Stem Cell Dysfunction and Adiposity

Rationale: Crosstalk between perivascular adipose tissue and endothelial cells has been proposed to modulate vascular homeostasis. However, paracrine regulatory effects of the stressed endothelium on adipose tissue are relatively unknown. Objective: We examined the hypothesis that redox mechanisms in endothelial cells can regulate adipocyte function, in a paracrine fashion, via suppression of the Wnt10b/β-catenin-dependent pathways. METHODS: Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were treated with AngII (1-50 μM) in the absence and in the presence of the heme oxygenase (HO-1) inducer_cobalt protoporphyrin (CoPP)_or to HO-1 activity inhibitor_stannous mesoporphyrin (SnMP). Adipogenesis was then induced in mesenchymal stem cells, in the presence (10%) or absence of conditioned media (CM) from HUVECs. Results: MSCs exposed to CM from AngII-treated HUVEC displayed enhanced adipogenesis (0.026±0.001 vs. 0.031±0.001, n=6, p Conclusion: Our results show that EC dysfunction, as a result of treatment with AngII, contributes to increased adipogenesis in MSCs by the release of negative regulators of adipogenesis. We also show that up-regulation of antioxidant HO-1 ameliorates these effects of AngII. This novel observation suggests that paracrine crosstalk between HUVECs and adipocytes increases endothelial stress to affect adipocyte structure and function. These phenomena might contribute to the metabolic imbalance frequently encountered in conditions associated with chronic endothelial dysfunction and adiposity.
Low-Frequency Traders in a High-Frequency World: A Survival Guide

Multiple empirical studies have shown that Order Flow Imbalance has predictive power over the trading range.The PIN Theory (Easley et al. [1996]) reveals the Microstructure mechanism by which:– Market Makers adjust their trading range to avoid being adversely selected by Informed Traders.– Informed Traders reveal their future trading intentions when they alter the Order Flow.– Consequently, Market Makers’ trading range is a function of the Order Flow imbalance.VPIN is a High Frequency estimate of PIN, which can be used to detect the presence of Informed Traders, monitor liquidity conditions and forecast microstructural volatility.
COBRA-SFS Thermal-Hydraulic Analysis Code for Spent-Fuel Storage and Transportation Casks: Models and Methods

AbstractCOBRA-SFS, a thermal-hydraulic code developed for steady-state and transient analysis of multiassembly spent-fuel storage and transportation systems, has been incorporated into the Used Nuclear Fuel-Storage, Transportation and Disposal Analysis Resource and Data System tool as a module devoted to spent-fuel-package thermal analysis. This paper summarizes the basic formulation of the equations and models used in the COBRA-SFS code, showing that COBRA-SFS fully captures the important physical behavior governing the thermal performance of spent-fuel storage systems, with internal and external natural convection flow patterns, and heat transfer by convection, conduction, and thermal radiation. Of particular significance is the capability for detailed thermal radiation modeling within the fuel rod array.
Hybrid Actuation Systems for Lightweight Transfemoral Prostheses

Lower-limb amputation affects the ambulation ability and quality of life of about 600,000 individuals in the United States alone1. Individuals with transfemoral amputation typically walk slower, expend more energy, and have a higher risk of falls than able-bodied individuals2. Ambulation activities such as climbing ramps or stairs or standing up from a seated position are much more difficult than for able-bodied persons. Advances in prosthetic technologies are needed to improve the ambulation ability of above-knee amputees.Passive knee prostheses are lightweight, robust, and quiet, but can only perform activities with dissipative dynamics. Powered prostheses3 overcome this limitation by motorizing the prosthetic joints throughout the entire day, thus enabling the achievement of more activities. However, the prosthesis actuator must then accommodate a wide range of speed and torque to support the various activities, plus provide power over the course of the entire day. Consequently, powered prostheses provide the ability to perform more tasks at the expense of substantial weight, noise, and battery life, which in turn affect their acceptability and clinical viability.To address these shortcomings, we propose a hybrid actuation design for prosthetic knees. The proposed hybrid actuation system uses a motor, transmission, and control only for those activities requiring net-positive mechanical energy, such as climbing on stairs and ramps or performing sit-to-stand transfers. For non-positive mechanical energy tasks, such as standing and walking, the motor and transmission are mechanically disconnected, and passive knee components are used alone, thus achieving improved joint dynamics, and avoiding any electrical energy consumption.Copyright © 2017 by ASME
Implicit Learning and Memory: Psychological and Neural Aspects

Implicit learning and memory refer to improved performance as a result of experience that does not depend on intention to learn or on conscious awareness for how learning occurred. These memories encompass a broad range of motor, perceptual, and cognitive skills, as well as a more efficient responding to stimuli after brief exposures called priming. These abilities were discovered to be intact in patients with dense amnesia following damage to the medial temporal lobes. Instead, the striatum and cerebellum play general roles across domains, and various cortical regions are critical depending on task domain and demands.
The effect of Korean Red Ginseng on full-thickness skin wound healing in rats

Abstract Background Panax ginseng is regarded as one of the best compounds for promoting health, and it has been used traditionally as a medicinal herb. Recently, Korean Red Ginseng (RG) has been shown to protect skin from aging and wrinkling; it can also relieve atopic dermatitis and allergy symptoms. This study aimed to evaluate RG's effects on the regeneration of the full-thickness skin wounds in rat. Methods Full-thickness skin wounds were generated in rats, and then RG was administered either orally or topically. The wound-healing effects of RG were investigated by assessing wound size, mRNA expression patterns of genes related to wound healing, histological staining, and measurements of lipid, moisture, and elasticity in skin tissues. Results The wound size was smaller, and tissue regeneration rate was faster in the RG-treated group than that in the control group on days 15 and 20 after initiating treatment. On postoperative day 20, skin lipid and moisture content had increased significantly in the RG-treated group. Significant increases in the gene expression levels of transforming growth factor-β1 and vascular endothelial growth factor were found in the RG group during the early stages of wound healing. Matrix metalloproteinase-1 and matrix metalloproteinase-9 showed significant increases in gene expression levels on day 20. Conclusion The results suggested that RG may promote healing of full-thickness skin wounds in rats. They also provided basic insights into the effects of RG on skin regeneration, supporting its use as a dressing material for wound treatment and its development as a functional food.
The Homemade Bomb Issue

If a terrorist gang or an equivalent group of malevolent psychopaths could get hold of, say, ten kilos of reactor-grade plutonium, could they mount a credible threat to society in the form of a hidden nuclear bomb?
Hypoxia inducible factor-1alpha is increased in ischemic retina: temporal and spatial correlation with VEGF expression.

Purpose Hypoxia inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) is a transcription factor composed of HIF-1alpha and HIF-1beta subunits. HIF-1 transactivates multiple genes whose products play key roles in oxygen homeostasis, including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). This study was designed to determine whether HIF-1 levels are increased in ischemic retina and whether there is a correlation with increased expression of VEGF. Methods C57BL/6J mice were killed at time points that span retinal vascular development (PO to adult), or on postnatal day (P) 7 they were placed in a 75% oxygen environment for 5 days and then removed to room air and killed after 0, 2, or 6, or 24 hours and 5 or 14 days. Eyes were frozen, and retinas were isolated and used for immunoblot analysis, or eyes were sectioned for immunohisto chemical staining for HIF-1alpha or HIF-1beta, or for in situ hybridization for VEGF. Results Immunoblots of retinal lysates showed low levels of HIF-1alpha at PO that were markedly increased at P4, remained high throughout the period of retinal vascular development and then decreased to an intermediate level in adults. HIF-1beta levels were relatively constant at all time points. In mice with oxygen-induced ischemic retinopathy, HIF-1alpha levels were increased in the retina. The peak of increase occurred at 2 hours, and levels returned to baseline by 24 hours. Immunohistochemistry showed increased staining for HIF-1alpha throughout the hypoxic inner retina, but not in the normoxic outer retina. There was no modulation of HIF-1beta levels. There was constitutive expression of VEGF mRNA in the inner nuclear layer that was increased 6 hours after the onset of hypoxia and remained elevated for several days. Conclusions There are increased levels of HIF-1alpha in ischemic retina that show temporal and spatial correlation with increased expression of VEGF. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that HIF-1 plays a role in upregulation of VEGF in ischemic retina.
Subcellular distribution and mobilization of MAC-1 (CD11b/CD18) in neonatal neutrophils.

The CD11b/CD18 (Mac-1) heterodimeric surface glycoprotein contributes to a broad range of adherence-dependent neutrophil inflammatory functions. Previous investigations have indicated that diminished expression or regulation of Mac-1 may underlie abnormalities of stimulated adhesion and chemotaxis of neonatal neutrophils in vitro and inflammatory deficits in human neonates. To define the pathogenic mechanisms contributing to these findings, we compared the distribution and translocation of Mac-1 in subcellular fractions of neonatal and adult neutrophils before and after chemotactic stimulation. The total cell content of Mac-1 and the proportions of Mac-1 in beta fractions (vitamin B12 binding protein-rich granules), pre-gamma fractions (gelatinase-rich granules), or gamma fractions (plasma membrane) of neonatal neutrophils were comparable with those of adult neutrophils. However, after stimulation with N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (FMLP; 10 nmol/L, 37 degrees C, 15 minutes), neonatal neutrophils demonstrated (1) diminished translocation of Mac-1 from pre-gamma fractions (P less than .05), and (2) diminished surface expression of Mac-1 (P less than .05), as compared with healthy adult neutrophils. As shown in enzymatic and immunochemical assays, neonatal cells contained significantly (P less than .01) diminished levels of neutrophil gelatinase. In response to FMLP (0.1 to 10 nmol/L, 37 degrees C, 15 minutes), neonatal suspensions also released significantly (P less than .001) less gelatinase, as compared with adult neutrophil suspensions. These observations demonstrate that diminished mobilization of Mac-1 from gelatinase-rich granular pools in neonatal neutrophils is associated with abnormal surface expression of this glycoprotein after chemotactic stimulation. This abnormality may contribute, in part, to abnormal migratory properties of neonatal neutrophils in response to inflammatory stimuli.
Current pain severity and electronic cigarettes: an initial empirical investigation.

The present study examined past-month pain severity in relation to e-cigarette dependence, perceived barriers for quitting e-cigarettes, and beliefs about risks associated with using e-cigarettes. Participants were 322 e-cigarette users from the United States (60.2% female, Mage= 36.78 years, SD = 10.62). Results indicated that pain severity was significantly and positively related to e-cigarette dependence, perceived risks of e-cigarette use, and perceived barriers to quitting e-cigarettes. The observed effects were evident above and beyond the variance accounted for by sex, age, education, income, dual cigarette use, frequency of e-cigarette use, and perceived health status. The present study provides novel empirical evidence that pain experience is related to a moderate, yet clinically-meaningful, proportion of the variance in e-cigarette dependence, perceived barriers for quitting e-cigarettes, and beliefs about e-cigarette risks. These findings suggest there is merit to exploring the role of pan experience in the onset and maintenance of e-cigarette use.
Energy-tunable photocatalysis by hot carriers generated by surface plasmon polaritons

Noble metals capable of generating hot carriers by plasmon decay promote efficient charge separation with visible light, which opens a new prospect in the fields of photocatalytic energy conversion and solar fuel generation. Recent studies also indicate that by tuning system parameters such as photon energy and plasmon resonance, hot carriers may be injected into specific anti-bonding orbitals of an adsorbed molecule, making it possible for selective photocatalysis. Although numerous metal nanoparticle systems have been devised to harness plasmon-induced hot carriers, little is known for surface plasmon polariton (SPP)-induced hot carrier generation, especially for energy-tunable photocatalysis. In fact, nanoparticles' morphological variations, resonance inhomogeneity, and limited spectral tunability have challenged efficient control over energy-tunable photocatalysis. In this study, we investigated the energy-tunable photocatalysis using SPP-supporting metal film systems including a metal–semiconductor heterofilm (Ag/TiO2) and a bare metal film (Au) by measuring electrochemical responses under a continuously-tuned illumination angle. We found that photon-to-carrier conversion efficiency measured in the heterofilm was strongly dependent on photon energy, showing a good agreement with a Schottky transport model. We also found that hot carriers generated in the bare metal film are energetically positioned near the metal's Fermi level, and therefore, chemical reactions can be controlled by tuning electrode potential or solution pH. These results demonstrate that the SPP system could provide a platform for understanding charge transport mechanisms in plasmon-induced photocatalysis and pave a new path for energy-tunable chemical reactions.
Educational Leadership: A New Vision and a New Role within an International Context.

The worldwide condition of education is not well according to many observers of the international scene. In many countries, including the United States, continuing reform and change of education is...
The Most Unlikely Places

In many ways, as I sit down to write this letter, I do so with a sense of heaviness even while I know I want to write to you about the importance of love, relationship, and community. We are facing so many critical problems—ever-widening income gaps between rich and poor; protracted wars; corporate greed; violence in our cities, schools, and neighborhoods; species loss; climate change; and damage to our oceans, water and soil sources.
Comparison of the Pharmacokinetics of an Ondansetron Solution (8 mg) When Administered Intravenously, Orally, to the Colon, and to the Rectum

Ondansetron, an antagonist of the serotonin type 3 (5-HT3) receptor, is indicated for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced emesis. This study compares the pharmacokinetics, especially the bioavailability, of an ondansetron 8-mg solution when administered intravenously, orally, to the colon via nasogastric intubation, and to the rectum using a retention enema. Six healthy, male volunteers received ondansetron infused into the colon during the first treatment period. These subjects then received the remaining three treatments in random order, with a minimum 1-week washout period between treatments. Serial plasma samples were obtained for up to 24 hr after dosing in each treatment period. Absolute bioavailability after the oral dosing, colonic infusion, and rectal administration averaged 71 +/- 14, 74 +/- 26, and 58 +/- 18%, respectively. These values were not significantly different (P > 0.05). Values of Tmax and Cmax were also not significantly different among the nonparenteral routes. Mean absorption half-lives were 0.66, 1.1, and 0.75 hr after the oral, colonic, and rectal administrations, respectively. These results indicate that ondansetron is well absorbed in the intestinal segments studied including the upper small intestine, the colon, and the rectum and that sustained-release and suppository formulations of ondansetron are feasible.
Lysobacter enzymogenes strain C3 suppresses mycelium growth and spore germination of eight soybean fungal and oomycete pathogens and decreases disease incidences

Abstract Fungal and oomycete diseases can cause severe yield losses on soybean. Lysobacter enzymogenes strain C3 (LeC3) has been reported to be an effective biological control agent (BCA) against various plant pathogens. In the current study, we used a dual culture assay to test antagonism between LeC3 and eight fungal and oomycete pathogens of soybean, including Macrophomina phaseolina (causal agent of charcoal rot), Phytophthora sojae (causal agent of Phytophthora stem and root rot), Pythium spp. (causal agent of seedling blight), Rhizoctonia solani (causal agent of Rhizoctonia root rot), Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (causal agent of Sclerotinia stem rot), Cercospora sojina (causal agent of frogeye leaf spot), Fusarium virguliforme (causal agent of sudden death syndrome), and Septoria glycines (causal agent of Septoria brown spot). Our findings revealed that LeC3 was effective in suppressing mycelial growth or spore germination of all the soybean pathogens tested, which was bacterial dose- and medium nutrient-dependent. Microscopic examination indicated that LeC3 probably works by degrading cell structures. In greenhouse conditions, we observed that application of LeC3 by soil drench or seed treatment led to 16% to 27% increased biomass in co-inoculated plants as compared with F. virguliforme and R. solani-infected plants alone. In addition, spray application of LeC3 at 107, 108, and 109 CFU/ml reduced lesions caused by S. sclerotiorum by 24, 38 and 86%, respectively. As a conclusion, these results suggest that LeC3 is a potential biological control agent with broad-spectrum antagonistic activities against fungal and oomycete pathogens of soybean.
Akt isoform-specific effects on thyroid cancer development and progression in a murine thyroid cancer model.

The Akt family is comprised of three unique homologous proteins with isoform-specific effects, but isoform-specific in vivo data are limited in follicular thyroid cancer (FTC), a PI3 kinase-driven tumor. Prior studies demonstrated that PI3K/Akt signaling is important in thyroid hormone receptor βPV/PV knock-in (PV) mice that develop metastatic thyroid cancer that most closely resembles FTC. To determine the roles of Akt isoforms in this model we crossed Akt1-/-, Akt2-/-, and Akt3-/- mice with PV mice. Over 12 months, thyroid size was reduced for the Akt null crosses (p < 0.001). Thyroid cancer development and local invasion were delayed in only the PVPV-Akt1 knock out (KO) mice in association with increased apoptosis with no change in proliferation. Primary-cultured PVPV-Akt1KO thyrocytes uniquely displayed a reduced cell motility. In contrast, loss of any Akt isoform reduced lung metastasis while vascular invasion was reduced with Akt1 or 3 loss. Microarray of thyroid RNA displayed incomplete overlap between the Akt KO models. The most upregulated gene was the dendritic cell (DC) marker CD209a only in PVPV-Akt1KO thyroids. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated an increase in CD209a-expressing cells in the PVPV-Akt1KO thyroids. In summary, Akt isoforms exhibit common and differential functions that regulate local and metastatic progression in this model of thyroid cancer.
Wnt Signaling Mediates Pro-Fibrogenic Activity in Human Aortic Valve Interstitial Cells.

Background Proinflammatory activation of toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4) drives phenotypic changes in aortic valve interstitial cells (AVICs) and produces a fibrogenic phenotype that mediates valvular fibrosis and contributes to aortic stenosis. Prior work identified upregulated Wnt signaling in AVICs taken from valves affected by aortic stenosis. Our purpose was to determine the contribution of Wnt signaling to TLR4-dependent fibrogenic activity in isolated human AVICs. Methods Human AVICs were isolated from hearts explanted for cardiac transplantation (N = 4). To test whether Wnt signaling contributed to TLR4-dependent fibrogenic activity, AVICs were treated with Wnt inhibitor (Dkk1) prior to TLR4 activation (LPS) and fibrogenic markers assessed. To determine the mediator of TLR4-to-Wnt signaling, expression of the key Wnt ligand, Wnt3a, was assessed after TLR4 activation and neutralizing antibodies confirmed the identity of the mediator. Fibrogenic activity was assessed after AVICs were treated with recombinant Wnt3a. Statistics were by analysis of variance (P Results TLR4 activation upregulated in vitro collagen deposition, type IV collagen and MMP2 expression, and Dkk1 inhibited these responses (P Conclusions This study found that TLR4-dependent fibrogenic activity was mediated through Wnt signaling. The mediator of profibrogenic TLR4-to-Wnt signaling was a key Wnt ligand, Wnt3a. The abrogation of TLR4-induced fibrogenic activity in human AVICs by Wnt blockade illustrates a potential therapeutic role for Wnt inhibition in treatment and/or prevention of aortic stenosis.
Viewing rare conformations of the β2 adrenergic receptor with pressure-resolved DEER spectroscopy.

The β2 adrenergic receptor (β2AR) is an archetypal G protein coupled receptor (GPCR). One structural signature of GPCR activation is a large-scale movement (ca. 6 to 14 A) of transmembrane helix 6 (TM6) to a conformation which binds and activates a cognate G protein. The β2AR exhibits a low level of agonist-independent G protein activation. The structural origin of this basal activity and its suppression by inverse agonists is unknown but could involve a unique receptor conformation that promotes G protein activation. Alternatively, a conformational selection model proposes that a minor population of the canonical active receptor conformation exists in equilibrium with inactive forms, thus giving rise to basal activity of the ligand-free receptor. Previous spin-labeling and fluorescence resonance energy transfer experiments designed to monitor the positional distribution of TM6 did not detect the presence of the active conformation of ligand-free β2AR. Here we employ spin-labeling and pressure-resolved double electron-electron resonance spectroscopy to reveal the presence of a minor population of unliganded receptor, with the signature outward TM6 displacement, in equilibrium with inactive conformations. Binding of inverse agonists suppresses this population. These results provide direct structural evidence in favor of a conformational selection model for basal activity in β2AR and provide a mechanism for inverse agonism. In addition, they emphasize 1) the importance of minor populations in GPCR catalytic function; 2) the use of spin-labeling and variable-pressure electron paramagnetic resonance to reveal them in a membrane protein; and 3) the quantitative evaluation of their thermodynamic properties relative to the inactive forms, including free energy, partial molar volume, and compressibility.
Amino-functionalized hyper-crosslinked resins for enhanced adsorption of carbon dioxide and polar dyes

Abstract New amino-functionalized vinylbenzyl chloride/divinylbenzene-based hyper-crosslinked resins (HCLRs) were synthesized with the objective of improving the HCLR polarity and affinity to carbon dioxide and polar dyes. The HCLRs chemical structure and textural properties were investigated and correlated to the adsorption performance of the modified (XDV-NH2) and plain resin (XDV). The functionalization induced a reduction of the HCLR total porosity, while promoting the formation of a highly microporous structure with significant porosity narrower than 1 nm. Tested for CO2 adsorption at 0 °C and 25 °C, despite a reduced total porosity, the amino-functionalized XDV-NH2 resin showed up to 3 times increased adsorption capacity, higher CO2 heat of adsorption and CO2/N2 selectivity with respect to the pristine XDV. XDV-NH2 also showed superior equilibrium and dynamic adsorption capacity of indigo carmine from solution with respect to XDV. These results demonstrate that the strategy proposed for the realization of amino-functionalized hyper-crosslinked resins is highly effective to obtain a microporous polymers with a significantly increased polar character and enhanced adsorption of CO2 and polar dyes.
Modified Frailty Index-5 Score and Post-Operative Infectious Complications in Patients Undergoing Surgery for Intestinal-Cutaneous Fistula: A Nationwide Retrospective Cohort Analysis.

Background: Post-operative infectious complications after repair of intestinal-cutaneous fistulas (ICF) represent a substantial burden and these outcomes vary widely in the literature. We aimed to evaluate the use of the modified frailty index-5 (mFI-5) to account for physiologic reserve to predict infectious complications in patients with ICF undergoing operative repair. Methods: We used the American College of Surgeon National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) 2006-2017 dataset to include patients who underwent ICF repair. The main outcome measure was 30-day infectious complications (surgical site infection [SSI], sepsis, pneumonia, and urinary tract infection [UTI]). The risk of 30-day post-operative infectious complications was assessed based on mFI-5 score. We performed multivariable logistic regression analyses to evaluate the association between infectious complications and mFI-5. Results: We identified 4,197 patients who underwent an ICF repair. The median age (interquartile range [IQR]) was 57 (46, 67) years, and the majority of patients were female (2,260; 53.9%); white (3,348; 79.8%); and 1,586 (38.3%) were obese. After adjustment for relevant confounders such as baseline patient characteristics, and operative details, mFI-5 was independently associated with infectious complications (odds ratio [OR], 2.00; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.25-3.21), particularly SSI (OR, 2.16; 95% CI, 1.28-3.63) and pneumonia (OR, 5.31; 95% CI, 2.29-12.35), but not UTI or sepsis. Conclusions: We showed that the mFI-5 is a strong predictor of infectious complications after ICF repair. It can be utilized to account for physiologic reserve, therefore reducing the variability of outcomes reported for ICF repair.
Burrow webs: Clawing the surface of interactions with burrows excavated by American badgers

Ecosystem engineers are organisms that influence their environment, which includes alterations leading to habitat provisioning for other species. Perhaps the most well-examined guild of species provisioning habitat for other species is tree cavity excavators or woodpeckers (Picidae). Many studies have examined the suite of secondary cavity users that rely on woodpeckers, and how the ecological network of secondary users, collectively referred to as the nest web, changes across communities. Despite similar habitat provisioning processes, fewer studies have assessed the suite of species associated with burrowers providing access to subterranean habitat. Here, we begin to characterize the burrow web provisioned by American badgers (Taxidea taxus) and evaluate the diversity and frequency of species interactions we detected at abandoned badger burrows in Wyoming, USA. We deployed camera traps at 23 badger burrows and identified interactions with the burrow by birds, mammals, and reptiles. Overall, we discovered 31 other species utilizing badger burrows, consisting of 12 mammals, 18 birds, and 1 reptile. Mammals, other than American badgers themselves and other fossorial species such as ground squirrels (Urocitellus sp.), frequently using burrows included mice (Peromyscus sp.), long-tailed weasel (Mustela frenata), pygmy rabbit (Brachylagus idahoensis), and desert cottontail (Sylvilagus audubonii). Of the 18 bird species detected, most accounted for <5% of overall detections, besides chipping sparrows (Spizella passerina) at 7.2%-11.5% of detections. The most common category of detection by bird species was foraging, contrary to mammals, which used the burrow frequently and were commonly observed entering and exiting the burrow. This work provides additional context on the ecological role of American badgers within their environment. More broadly, this work scratches the surface of many remaining questions to explore with the aim of advancing our understandings about burrow webs across the diversity of burrowing species and the communities in which they occur.
Local simulation of sloshing jet in a rolling tank by viscous-inviscid interaction method

Abstract In this paper, the local behavior of the jet induced by the fluid impact is studied by a new viscous-inviscid interaction (VII) method. This method is based on the inviscid Eulerian-Langrangian (IEL) scheme implemented by the boundary element method (BEM), but it places additional sources on the wetted walls to model the viscous flow within the thin boundary layer. The volume of fluid (VOF) method is also carried out to compare the numerical boundary-layer patterns. The present method not only shows good agreement with the experimental results but also remains very efficient.
American college of radiology appropriateness criteria® treatment of stage I T1 glottic cancer

Background Controversy surrounds the appropriate therapy for T1 glottic cancer. Both transoral endolaryngeal resection and radiation offer excellent local control and voice quality; some lesions are best addressed with resection and others with radiation. Methods The American College of Radiology (ACR) Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development includes an analysis of current literature from peer reviewed journals and the well-established “modified Delphi” consensus methodology to rate the appropriateness of treatment. Where evidence is not definitive, expert opinion informed recommendations. Results The ACR Expert Panel on Radiation Oncology – Head and Neck Cancer developed consensus recommendations for treatment of T1 glottic cancer. Treatment planning is complex and decisions nuanced. Conclusion Best treatment for a particular cancer cannot be defined without consideration of the lesion's location, extent, depth of invasion, and quality of surgical exposure during direct laryngoscopy. © 2013 American College of Radiology. Head & Neck © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 36: 3–8, 2014
Glosten–Milgrom Models

Glosten-Milgrom models analyze transaction prices arising from quotes of competing risk-neutral dealers making a market in a single security and facing both privately informed and uninformed traders. The dealers must quote bid and offer prices at which they are willing to, respectively, buy and sell. A trader arrives and decides to buy, sell, or leave. Upon seeing the outcome of the trader's decision, the dealers modify their quotes in preparation for the next arrival. In the zero dealer profit equilibrium, private information induces a positive spread between bid and offer as the bid is the revised value of the security contingent on a sale. Since the quotes are revised expectations, transaction prices form a martingale. Specific examples illustrate the general results. Keywords: adverse selection spread; asymmetric information; dealership market; market making; market microstructure; quotes; transaction price
Handbook of Practical Logic and Automated Reasoning

This book meets the demand for a self-contained and broad-based account of the concepts, the machinery and the use of automated reasoning. The mathematical logic foundations are described in conjunction with practical application, all with the minimum of prerequisites. The approach is constructive, concrete and algorithmic: a key feature is that methods are described with reference to actual implementations (for which code is supplied) that readers can use, modify and experiment with. This book is ideally suited for those seeking a one-stop source for the general area of automated reasoning. It can be used as a reference, or as a place to learn the fundamentals, either in conjunction with advanced courses or for self study.
Freezing Potentials in the System H2O–NH3–CO2 at Controlled Concentrations

Abstract Ammonium hydroxide solutions were frozen in a CO2-free atmosphere and freezing potentials were measured. Carbonate-free solutions in the range 5 × 10−6–5 × 10−3 M did not develop appreciable freezing potentials, and neither did solutions with NH3 concentrations ≥4 × 10−4 M that had absorbed CO2 from air. However, if these exposed solutions were diluted, potentials of up to 100 V were observed, depending on the dilution factor and CO2 content. An alternative method of achieving somewhat lower freezing potentials of up to 50 V consisted in reducing the pH with a few drops of relatively concentrated HCl or HF. In the latter case, a reversal of the potential sign was observed when the fluoride concentration was in excess of the dissolved CO2 content. In the system H2O-NH3-CO2 charge separation is influenced by both the hydrogen-ion and overall solute concentrations. The highest potentials occur only when CO2 concentration equals or exceeds that of NH3.
Reinforcement Learning: A Biological Perspective

Reinforcement learning is an approach to learning problems that takes account of the interaction of the learner with their reactive environment. Despite its early connections to animal learning, reinforcement learning has been an active field of study in engineering and computer science. New research is now starting to connect reinforcement learning to identifiable biological systems. These connections may well provide direct insights into goal-directed learning and decision-making in biological organisms. Keywords: learning; memory; goal; computation; algorithm; dynamic programming
Macroinvertebrate assemblage response to highway crossings in forested wetlands: implications for biological assessment

Despite the mandate of the Clean Water Act to protectthe physical, chemical, and biological integrity ofthe USA's wetlands, the use of biota to assess wetlandcondition has not been well explored. During June,1996, we evaluated the response of macroinvertebrateassemblages to fill-culvert highway crossings in twobottomland forested wetlands in North Carolina. Ourobjective was to apply biological assessment methodsand metrics that have been effectively used in streamsto explore their applicability in forested wetlands.We found significant changes in several metrics as afunction of distance from the highway crossings. Arealand numerical taxon richness increased within at least40 m of highway when compared to control locations.Percent dominant taxon values were lowest within 10 mof the highway. Percent herbivores also increasedsignificantly within at least 40 m of the highway,reflecting the lower % crown closure and associatedshift in primary production from trees to herbaceousmacrophytes and algae. The North Carolina BioticIndex, a metric of tolerance, did not reflectassemblage changes near the highway. Ordination andpermutation tests revealed that assemblage compositionwas significantly different from controls at 10 and 40 mdistances from the highway crossings. In particular,algal grazers such as the mayflies Caenissp.and Callibaetissp. responded positively and thedamselflies Ischnuraspp. and the fingernailclams Sphaeriumspp. responded negatively to thecrossings. Favorable algal and herbaceous detritalresources, greater patchiness and habitat complexity,and overall high tolerance to natural stressorsprobably contributed to the increase in taxon richnessnear the highway. However, significant deviation fromcontrol locations indicated the highway was a sourceof perturbation. Our findings illustrate the potentialutility of macroinvertebrate assemblages for wetlandassessment, but suggest the importance of defining thereference condition as well as the need fordevelopment of metrics for specific classes ofwetlands.
Fly on the Wall: Using Teleconferencing to Supervise Student Teacher Performance

The use of teleconferencing between a rural state college supervisor and her professional development school partners has added a new component to the mission to educate teachers of the 21st century and to create a learning community in a remote school location. Supervising student teachers by teleconference has increased the college’s potential for preparing teachers who are in tune with the most advanced types of instruction in our Professional Development Partnership with Calhoun County Schools, USA.
On the application of current algebras to nonleptonic hyperon decays

Current algebras applied to nonleptonic hyperon decays lead top-wave amplitudes of about one-half of the experimental values and to worse values ofB(σ++). With new experimental data the results of Brown and Sommerfield become worse forp-wave amplitudes, in particular forB(σ++). In the present note we try to correct this situation by taking into account theSU3-breaking effect in estimating the equal-time commutator term forp-waves from the K10→2π decay amplitude which is alsoSU3-violating. Fits to boths andp-waves are made without assumingSU3. The results are somewhat improved.
Gendered paths to technology leadership: Gendered paths to technology leadership

Results indicate that more than men, women aspiring technology leaders are heeding expert advice by assuming roles that focus less on technology and more on business and change management. The stereotype that women are better at working with people may be working in their favour in preparing them for advancement.
The study of programming standards in computer science programming courses

Programming standards issues such as object naming, in-source program documentation, and the modularity issue usually referred to as program design are addressed. It is claimed that in light of the importance of programming standards, computer science students must be prepared to use standards in general, and in industry in particular. Since today's teaching practices avoid this problem, a proposal for minimal programming standards taught by computer science departments is put forward and is shown to achieve several of the goals standardization of programming practices profess to attain. >
Evidence for the existence of F2-isoprostane receptors on rat vascular smooth muscle cells

The isoprostanes are nonenzymatically generated prostanoids synthesized in vivo in humans and rats through reactions catalyzed by free oxygen radicals. 8-Epi-prostaglandin F2 alpha (8-epi-PGF2 alpha), an F2-isoprostane, is a potent smooth muscle constrictor. A thromboxane A2 (TxA2) receptor antagonist, SQ 29548, blocks renal vasoconstriction during 8-epi-PGF2 alpha administration in rats. With the use of cultured rat aortic smooth muscle cells, we found specific binding sites for [3H]SQ 29548 and for [125I]BOP, a TxA2 agonist. Both ligands were displaced from these binding sites by 8-epi-PGF2 alpha, although with significantly lesser potency than nonlabeled SQ 29548, I-BOP, or U-46619, a TxA2 agonist. In contrast, 8-epi-PGF2 alpha stimulated inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate production and DNA synthesis in these cells with significantly greater potency than any TxA2 agonist, effects only partially inhibited by SQ 29548. In human TxA2 receptor cDNA-transfected cells, competition by 8-epi-PGF2 alpha for specific [3H]SQ 29548 binding was negligible. Thus 8-epi-PGF2 alpha probably exerts its biological actions in vascular smooth muscle through activation of receptor sites related to but distinct from TxA2 receptors. The existence of such binding sites suggests novel avenues for investigation into the biology of TxA2 and of free radical-mediated tissue injury.
An intelligent neuro-system for failure detection and accommodation

To enhance the performance of intelligent control systems, an automated, online procedure for observing changes in the dynamics of the controlled plant is needed. An interesting approach is the use of neural networks. A methodology using a neural network for failure detection and accommodation is presented. The main idea is to constantly monitor system output for off-nominal behavior (failures) and to use this information to generate an appropriate control action. A two-layer neural network is trained on input-output data pairs generated by simulating the system behavior in different failure modes. An integrated intelligent control system combining the controlled plant, a controller, a trained neural network for failure detection, a vector matching mechanism, and a neural network for failure accommodation is constructed. The vector matching mechanism cross correlates the output of the controlled plant with those of trained neural networks, and reports its decision about the system condition to a neuro-designer. The neuro-designer assesses the system dynamics and generates proper controller coefficients suitable for the current plant dynamics. The computed controller coefficients are continuously downloaded from the neuro-designer to the controller to ensure a stable operating mode and accommodate failures in the plant as they occur. A preliminary simulation result, conducted on the control of an airplane, showed that the intelligent controller is able to maintain system stability even in cases of harsh failures in a tilt-rotor airplane.
The Prevalence of Microvascular Dysfunction, Its Role Among Men, and Links With Adverse Outcomes Noninvasive Imaging Reveals the Tip of the Iceberg

Considerable evidence has accumulated to counter older concepts of a categorical definition of ischemic heart disease as simply the presence or absence of a flow-limiting stenosis. Revised concepts increasingly recognize ischemic heart disease as a continuous spectrum that is not limited to obstructive plaque seen by angiography in an epicardial coronary artery. Included in this spectrum are functional disorders of the large and smaller coronary blood vessels. These smaller vessels, collectively the coronary microcirculation, comprise most of the coronary blood vessels and control the volume and distribution of blood flow to the myocardium. Article see p 2518 Although not visualized by angiography, the coronary microcirculation may be indirectly assessed from the speed of radiographic contrast movement as the corrected thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) frame count. This simple, objective, continuous index is accurate, reproducible, highly correlated with Doppler blood flow measurements, and provides information for risk stratification.1–3 The microcirculation can be directly assessed, in the absence of flow-limiting stenoses, by coronary flow reserve (CFR) and also by the index of microvascular resistance. Noninvasive methods, such as positron emission tomography (PET), Doppler echocardiography, and gadolinium perfusion cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, are also increasingly being used to evaluate microvascular function. Patients with symptoms and signs of ischemia, referred for invasive coronary evaluation, increasingly appear without obstructive epicardial coronary artery disease (CAD).4,5 We and others identified that symptomatic patients with nonobstructive CAD may have an elevated risk of adverse outcomes compared with cohorts without symptoms or signs of ischemic heart disease.5 Unfortunately, because of lack of evidence-based results on treatment, management of these symptomatic patients is often frustrating for the patients and their physicians. As a result, these individuals consume medical resources rivaling those for patients with obstructive CAD.6 Approximately 45% to 60% of such …
Rare earth distributions in clay minerals and in the clay-sized fraction of the Lower Permian Havensville and Eskridge shales of Kansas and Oklahoma

The REE (rare earth element) content of a wide variety of clay mineral groups have been analyzed using radiochemical neutron activation and have been found to be quite variable in absolute REE content (range of ∑REE = 5.4–1732) and less variable in relative REE content (range of chondritenormalized La/Lu = 0.9–16.5). The variable REE content of the clay mineral groups is probably determined by the REE content of the source rock from which the clay mineral was derived and not from the separate minerals in the rock. The clay-sized fractions of the Havensville and Eskridge shales of Kansas and Oklahoma have similar relative REE distributions and identical negative Eu anomaly size as the composite of NAS (N. American shales), but an absolute REE content (range of ∑REE = 46–348) that may differ significantly from the composite of NAS. The clay-sized fraction of samples from any given outcrop did not vary much in absolute or relative REE content, but samples from northern Oklahoma, probably composed of continental to near-shore marine sediments, have higher absolute REE contents and higher La/Lu ratios than samples of marine deposits in Kansas (e.g. mean ∑REE in Oklahoma = 248; mean ∑REE in Kansas = 69–116). The differencess in the REE content between samples in Oklahoma and Kansas may be caused by chemical weathering processes in the source area, exchange reactions in the environment of deposition, or diagenesis and do not appear to be a result of the different clay minerals. Most samples have Eu anomalies relative to chondrites (range of Eu/Sm ratios of samples = 0.035–1.17; chondrites = 0.35). Some montmorillonites and kaolinites are anomalous in Eu relative to the NAS (range of Eu/Sm ratios of samples = 0.056–0.21; NAS = 0.22). These anomalies may be inherited from source rocks with Eu anomalies originally produced by igneous processes, or they may be produced by chemical weathering processes in the source area.
A computer program for fitting multimodal probability density functions

Abstract A FORTRAN IV program is described, which may be run interactively with tutorial assistance or in batch and which allows a user to selectively fit any of seven probability density functions (p.d.f.'s) or a combination of the p.d.f.'s to a unimodal or multimodal histogram of empirical data. A “best-fit”, uni- or multimodal p.d.f., which may be obtained by a method of nonlinear least squares or a generated p.d.f. may be displayed on a Tektronix 4010 terminal as a continuous curve against the background of a bar, square wave, symbol or point-plot histogram. The following, supportive statistical information is also displayed: (1) Kolmogorov-Smirnov probability of goodness of fit, (2) mean square error, (3) correlation coefficient, and (4) parameter estimates. The resident driver program and six overlayable segments have been implemented on a Digital Equipment Corporation LAB-11 minicomputer (PDP-11/20).