cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Different factors shape pigmentation and other physiological trait variation within and between species in the Drosophila americana group

Disentangling the factors shaping adaptive trait variation is an important but challenging task. Natural pigmentation variation in Drosophila is one instance where studies support multiple-sometimes contradictory-proposed mechanisms for this variation, based on conflicting patterns of association with other traits and/or environmental factors. Here we systematically examined associations between pigmentation variation, a suite of environmental variables, and two other physiological traits (desiccation and UV resistance), to critically evaluate several of these proposed mechanisms. Using 3 populations from each of 3 species-D. americana americana, D. a. texana and D. novamexicana-we detected significant population- and species-level variation for all three traits and environmental preferences. Further, we found that patterns of pigmentation variation differed between evolutionary scales: within species, darker pigmentation was associated with hotter, drier, more irradiated environments, but an opposing association (i.e., lighter species in these environments) was evident between species. Weak (desiccation resistance) or no (UV resistance) associations with other trait variation suggests little evidence that pleiotropy with these traits directly shapes pigmentation variation. By simultaneously assessing multiple trait-trait and trait-environment relationships, our approach indicates pigmentation variation is likely shaped by alternative factors at different evolutionary scales, supporting different selective hypotheses at each of these scales.
Targeted RNA Sequencing in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.

This commentary highlights the article by Blidner et al that describes a novel assay for detection of chimeric RNAs from gene fusions and exon-skipping events in non-small-cell lung cancer.
UNIT A5.2 Pituitary

Benefiting from superior tissue contrast, multi-planar capability and lack of bone artifact, MRI readily depicts complex anatomy in and about the pituitary gland. This unit presents three basic protocols for common indications relating to pathology of the sella and parasellar region. The protocols differ in emphasis more than in concept, and share a basic theme of thin slice high-resolution imaging including the use of gadolinium. With the possible exception of dynamic imaging, all protocols may be readily performed on any MR scanner.
Brokers in Disguise: The Interplay of Actual and Socially Perceived Brokerage on Performance

Recent research in social network theory suggests that actors with an open network face an idea-action tradeoff: Increases in the ability to generate innovative ideas might come at the cost of a de...
Broadband dielectric properties of porcine lung as a function of temperature

Computer modeling plays an important role in many aspects of microwave ablation technology development, including applicator design and ablation zone prediction for treatment planning. In order to increase the precision of models or to be able to assess the uncertainty of model predicted therapy outcome, the values of tissue dielectric parameters and dependency on temperature are required. While some data have previously been reported on temperature dependent dielectric properties of liver tissue properties, there is limited amount of information for other tissues, such as the lung. We report on the experimental measurement of broadband (500 MHz – 6 GHz) lung dielectric properties and their thermal dependency. Moreover, the dielectric properties of bovine muscle were measured as a control and validation of our measurement technique. Both relative permittivity and effective conductivity tend to decrease with rising temperature and their decay can be modelled by a linear function within the temperature range from 27°C to 94°C.
Diversification rates, clade ages, and macroevolutionary methods.

Henao Diaz et al. (1), hereafter HDEA, claim to find a “hidden generality” about macroevolutionary rates, specifically, that diversification rates are faster in younger clades. However, this pattern was far from hidden. It was previously shown across the tree of life in a paper (2) cited by HDEA, but with no mention of the extensive overlap in their findings. For example, we (2) showed that “Diversification rates were negatively related to clade ages across the tree (kingdom: r 2 = 0.90; phylum: r 2 = 0.19; class: r 2 = 0.33; order: r 2 = 0.07; family: r 2 = 0.15; p <0.01 in all cases).” This negative … [↵][1]1To whom correspondence may be addressed. Email: wiensj{at}email.arizona.edu. [1]: #xref-corresp-1-1
Prosthesis-Engaging Retrograde Femoral Nail with Locking Plate for the Treatment of a Vancouver B1 Periprosthetic Femur Fracture Nonunion: A Case Report.

CASE Here, we describe a case of a Vancouver B1 periprosthetic femur fracture which initially went on to nonunion after open reduction and internal fixation. Union was ultimately achieved with a construct consisting of a prosthesis-engaging retrograde femoral nail and a locking compression plate. CONCLUSIONS This case provides evidence that a construct consisting of a prosthesis-engaging retrograde femoral nail and a locking compression plate is an option for increasing fracture site stability in Vancouver B1 periprosthetic fractures and may be useful for patients with poor bone quality or a previously established nonunion.
Prostate Multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging Features Following Partial Gland Cryoablation

Abstract OBJECTIVE To assess the qualitative and quantitative changes on prostate multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) following partial gland ablation (PGA) with cryotherapy and correlate with histopathology. METHODS We used 3D Slicer to generate prostate models and segment ipsilateral (treated) and contralateral peripheral and transition zones in 10 men who underwent MRI/transrectal ultrasound fusion-guided PGA during 2017-2018. Pre- and post-PGA volumes of prostate segments were compared. Post-PGA mpMRI were categorized according to PI-RADS v2 and treatment response on mpMRI was assessed in a manner similar to the radiology evaluation framework following liver lesion ablation. RESULTS Median volume of ipsilateral peripheral and transition zones decreased from 10.9 mL and 13.0 mL to 7.2 mL and 10.8 mL (P = .005), respectively. Median volume of contralateral peripheral and transition zones also decreased from 12.1 mL and 12.5 mL to 9.9 mL to 10.4 mL (P = .005), respectively. Five men had clinically significant disease (Grade group ≥2) on post-PGA biopsy (3 within treatment field and 2 outside). Of the men with clinically significant prostate cancer, mpMRI revealed PI-RADS 3 lesions in 2. However, the treatment response framework did not detect residual disease. CONCLUSION PGA results in asymmetrical and significant reductions in prostate volume. Our results highlight the need for a separate assessment framework to enable standardization of the interpretation and reporting of post-PGA surveillance mpMRI. Moreover, our findings have significant implications for MRI-targeted surveillance biopsy following PGA with cryotherapy.
Hydrogenation-induced lattice expansion and its effects on hydrogen diffusion and damage in Ti–6Al–4V

Abstract Hydrogen uptake in titanium alloys leads to the formation of hydride phases, which in-turn cause severe embrittlement upon further deformation. The embrittlement micro-mechanisms are complicated by the distinct hydrogen diffusion and solution characteristics of the α and β phases, which arise from their different crystal structures. To improve the fundamental understanding of the room temperature interplay among hydrogen, the present phases and the hydride that is formed at their interface, we investigated the hydride formation process in Ti–6Al–4V alloy by in situ scanning electron microscopy and electron backscatter diffraction analyses during hydrogen charging, and post-mortem synchrotron diffraction tests. These investigations reveal that the lattice expansion of the hydrogenated β phase introduces a localized stress field near the phase boundary, which, in turn, induces hydrogen confinement therein, eventually facilitating the hydride growth along the boundary. The volumetric expansion of the α-to-hydride transformation extends the local stress field, influencing the work-hardening and damage evolution in the alloy. We discuss these findings and the overall damage initiation and propagation taking place in the hydrogenated alloy, based on the interplay among the present phases and hydrogen.
The Colin de Verdière Number and Joins of Graphs

We study how three conjectures concerning Colin de Verdiere’s graph invariant $$\mu $$ behave under joins of graphs. We show that if the component graphs satisfy one of the conjectures, then so does their join under a condition on their optimal vector representations.
Four Ways Plastic Surgeons Can Fight Climate Change

The climate crisis demands that surgeons reduce their environmental impact. Operating rooms are resource-intensive and are often wasteful. This makes them fitting targets for climate-conscious decision making. Methods We searched for peer-reviewed literature describing how plastic surgeons might positively affect the environment through action in the operating room. Results Several evidence-based, pro-climate practices may be undertaken by plastic surgeons. These strategies may be grouped into 4 types: material, energy, technique, and dissemination. Each strategy is a way to reduce, reuse, recycle, research, or rethink. Conclusions Administrative obstacles to greener operating rooms are predictable and surmountable, especially because environmentally minded decisions are likely to save money. We anticipate a surge of environmental consciousness in healthcare. Plastic surgeons, as thought leaders, are well positioned to champion this cause.
Left- and Right-Leaning News Organizations Use Negative Emotional Content and Elicit User Engagement Similarly.

Negativity has historically dominated news content; however, little research has examined how news organizations use affect on social media, where content is generally positive. In the current project we ask a few questions: Do news organizations on Twitter use negative or positive language and which type of affect garners more engagement on social media? Does the political orientation of news organizations impact the affect expressed and engagement tweets receive on social media? The goal of this project is to examine these questions by investigating tweets of 24 left- and 20 right-leaning news organizations (140,358 tweets). Results indicated that negative affect was expressed more than positive affect. Additionally, negativity predicted engagement with news organizations' tweets, but positivity did not. Finally, there were no differences in affect between left- and right-leaning political orientations. Overall, it appears that for news organizations, negativity is more frequent and more impactful than positivity. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s42761-021-00046-w.
Sleep disruption is related to poor response inhibition in individuals with obsessive–compulsive and repetitive negative thought symptoms

Abstract Background and objectives Obsessive–compulsive (OC) symptoms and repetitive negative thinking (RNT) are associated with poor inhibitory control. Sleep disruptions may partially mediate these relations and/or act as a “second hit” to individuals with OC symptoms and RNT. Models including habitual (past month) hours slept and bedtimes were tested. Methods We employed a go/no-go task that allowed us to examine the relation between sleep and inhibition with various task contingencies. Sixty-seven unselected individuals were recruited from the participant pool at a public university. Results Bias-corrected bootstrap estimates did not show that sleep disruption mediated the relation between OC symptoms and response inhibition nor the relation between RNT and response inhibition. Multiple linear regression analyses found significant interactions between hours slept and OC symptom severity and between RNT and hours slept to predict poor response inhibition. Hours slept significantly negatively predicted commission errors when OC symptoms and RNT levels were relatively heightened but not when OC symptoms and RNT levels were relatively low. These effects were present in blocks where task contingencies were designed to shape a no-go bias. No significant relations were found with habitual bedtimes. Limitations The cross-sectional study design precludes testing the temporal precedence of symptoms in the “second hit” model. The unselected sample also limits generalization to clinical samples. Conclusions These findings support a “second hit” model of interaction between sleep disruption and perseverative thoughts and behaviors. Further research on the mechanisms of the relation between sleep disruption and perseverative thought symptoms (OC and RNT) is warranted.
Chapter 4 Surface Textures and Dissolution Processes of Heavy Minerals in the Sedimentary Cycle: Examples from Pyroxenes and Amphiboles

Abstract Natural weathering of pyroxenes and amphiboles corrodes them in a crystallographically controlled manner, resulting in ubiquitous etch pits on grain surfaces and eventually denticulated margins. Most denticles originate at fractures, but others form without fractures, along arrays of laterally adjacent dislocations. The range of corrosion morphologies is identical between pyroxenes and amphiboles. Weathered pyroxenes and amphiboles at numerous locations and in a wide variety of weathering environments exhibit the same types and ranges of weathering morphologies across a wide range of mineral compositions, regolith types and pedogenic/geochemical environments. Similar ranges of dissolution textures also occur on pyriboles (a short single term for single- and double-chain silicates) in modern sediments and on intrastratally dissolved pyriboles in clastic sedimentary rocks. Mineral grains are exposed to varying physical and chemical conditions as they move through the sedimentary cycle. Grain surfaces respond to these changing conditions; thus, surface textures on detrital heavy-mineral grains are used to infer weathering processes in soils and weathered regoliths, provenance and sedimentary environments, and intrastratal dissolution during burial diagenesis. The ability to arrive at useful interpretations from sand grain morphology and/or grain-surface textures is based on specific relationships (which differ among different heavy minerals) between rates of surface-texture modification in a given environment and the length of time that the grain is exposed to modifying processes in that part of the sedimentary cycle. For chemically produced features, the timescale for the development of new grain-surface textures depends on the geochemical kinetics of the chemical texture-modifying reactions, which are in turn related to the persistence of each mineral in weathering and the sedimentary cycle. Pyroxenes and amphiboles are minerals with intermediate rates of dissolution and intermediate persistence among heavy minerals; they corrode gradually and survive long enough for the degree of corrosion to be a scientifically useful soil relative-age and environmental indicator. The significance of etch pits and other surface textures on heavy minerals in a soil or regolith depends on the rates at which they form in that regolith, and how long the grains have been subject to such reactions (i.e., the age of the soil) in the weathering environment. Similar relationships are to be expected in other compartments of the sedimentary cycle.
Visualization of purified fibronectin-transglutaminase complexes.

Abstract It has been reported previously (Turner, P.M., and Lorand, L. (1989) Biochemistry 28, 628-635) that human erythrocyte transglutaminase forms a noncovalent complex with human plasma fibronectin near its collagen-binding domain. In the present study, we show by nondenaturing electrophoresis that guinea pig liver transglutaminase, similarly to the erythrocyte enzyme, forms a complex with human fibronectin. Studies of anisotropic shifts of fluorescein-labeled liver and erythrocyte transglutaminases, upon addition of fibronectin, indicated that both transglutaminases bind to fibronectin with a stoichiometry of about 2:1. Polymerization of fibrinogen by human erythrocyte transglutaminase was inhibited after complex formation with fibronectin. Complexes of fibronectin with either erythrocyte or liver transglutaminase were isolated by glycerol gradient zone sedimentation and examined by rotary shadowing electron microscopy. The globular transglutaminase could be readily identified binding to the thin fibronectin strand. The binding site for transglutaminase was within 5-10 nm of the N terminus of fibronectin, consistent with its proximity to the collagen-binding domain. Under some experimental conditions, the complex of fibronectin with erythrocyte transglutaminase appeared as a ring-shaped structure in which two transglutaminase molecules had probably dimerized. The molecular weight of the erythrocyte transglutaminase was determined by sedimentation equilibrium to be 71,440 +/- 830.
Eta Car: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly of Nebular and Stellar Confusion

Observations in the far‐UV provide a unique opportunity to investigate the very massive star η Car and its hot binary companion, η Car B. η Car was observed with FUSE over a large portion of the 5.54 year spectroscopic period before and after the 2003.5 minimum. The observed spectrum is defined by strong stellar wind signatures, primarily from η Car A, complicated by the strong absorptions of the ejecta surrounding η Car plus interstellar absorption. The Homunculus and Little Homunculus are massive bipolar ejecta historically associable with LBV outbursts in the 1840s and the 1890s and are linked to absorptions at −513 and −146 km s−1, respectively. The FUSE spectra are confused by the extended nebulosity and thermal drifting of the FUSE co‐pointed instruments. Interpretation is further complicated by two B‐stars sufficiently close to η Car to be included most of the time in the large FUSE aperture. Followup observations partially succeeded in obtaining spectra of at least one of these B‐stars through the...
Infrared Observations of Classical Novae: Physical Parameterization and Contributions to the ISM

Astrophysical parameters of classical nova outbursts that can be quantified by infrared (IR) measurements are reviewed. Recent observational results on V1974 Cyg (a neon nova) and Nova Cas 1993 (an extreme DQ Her-type CO nova) are reported. The data imply that the ejecta of these novae were extremely overabundant in C, Ne, Mg, Al, and Si. We suggest that the abundance anomalies inferred for V1974 Qyg from IR forbidden emission line measurements apparently require that the thermonuclear runaway (TNR) excavate substantial quantities of material from the white dwarf in ONeMg nova systems. Analysis of the visual and infrared light curves of Nova Cas 1993 suggests that the grains in the dust shell grew to radii of ≈ 0.55 µm. We argue that when CO novae form visually optically thick dust shells, the dust shells probably effectively cover the central engine in almost all cases.
Mid-Infrared (4.8 – 12.4 and 20.0 µm) Images of the Galactic Center: Modeling the Energetics and Morphology of the Central Parsec

We have modeled the mid-infrared emission from the Galactic Center using our array camera images at eight wavelengths. The results suggest that the high infrared luminosity of the region is provided by a cluster of luminous stars. There is no direct indication in the new model results of a very luminous object or “central engine” near Sgr A*.
Reconciling Due Process and Victims' Rights: Towards a Power Balance Model of Criminal Process in International Human Rights Law

Traditionally, human rights law used to be concerned almost exclusively with the rights of criminal defendants. This article argues that international human rights law has recently developed an extensive case-law protecting victims' rights which has become incompatible with this traditional orientation. The article argues that the underlying model of criminal process in international human rights law has shifted from the due process model to the punitive victims' rights model. The article traces these developments to the recent predominance of victims' rights in a number of Western nations and the challenge of impunity for grave human rights violations in Latin America. The article argues that such developments are dangerous to the overall mission of international human rights law. The article then urges that human rights law must develop a model of criminal process that would be compatible with both due process values and the protection of victims' rights. As a way of addressing this challenge, a power balance model of criminal process is proposed. The underlying value of the model is the prevention of excessive disbalances of power in the criminal justice system. Such disbalances exist not only between the state and the individual accused, in ordinary criminal cases, but also between the state and the victim, where the accused is a state official. The model seeks not only to prevent such disbalances by upholding traditional due process constraints on prosecution in common crime cases but also to create institutional incentives to prosecution in cases involving state officials.
Using security policies to automate placement of network intrusion prevention

System administrators frequently use Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDPS) and host security mechanisms, such as firewalls and mandatory access control, to protect their hosts from remote adversaries. The usual techniques for placing network monitoring and intrusion prevention apparatuses in the network do not account for host flows and fail to defend against vulnerabilities resulting from minor modifications to host configurations. Therefore, despite widespread use of these methods, the task of security remains largely reactive. In this paper, we propose an approach to automate a minimal mediation placement for network and host flows. We use Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) as a replacement for certain host mediations. Due to the large number of flows at the host level, we summarize information flows at the composite network level, using a conservative estimate of the host mediation. Our summary technique reduces the number of relevant network nodes in our example network by 80% and improves mediation placement speed by 87.5%. In this way, we effectively and efficiently compute network-wide defense placement for comprehensive security enforcement.
Perspectives for High Performance Computing in Workstation Networks

Networks of workstations have become increasingly popular for high performance computing. However, in order to become a real alternative for MPPs, reliability and efficiency issues must be tackled. In this paper, we identify the key challenges for very large workstation networks, and describe implementation techniques at system software level to overcome these problems. Crown, a testbed for experimenting with these mechanisms is briefly discussed.
Temporal sequence of activation of cells involved in purinergic neurotransmission in the colon.

Interstitial cells, known as platelet derived growth factor receptor α (PDGFRα+) cells, are closely associated with varicosities of enteric motor neurons and suggested to mediate purinergic hyperpolarization responses in smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract (GI), but this concept has not been demonstrated directly in intact muscles. We used confocal microscopy to monitor Ca2+ transients in neurons and post-junctional cells of the murine colon evoked by exogenous purines or electrical field stimulation (EFS) of enteric neurons. EFS (1–20 Hz) caused Ca2+ transients in enteric motor nerve processes and then in PDGFRα+ cells shortly after the onset of stimulation (latency from EFS was 280 ms at 10 Hz). Responses in smooth muscle cells (SMCs) were typically a small decrease in Ca2+ fluorescence just after the initiation of Ca2+ transients in PDGFRα+ cells. Upon cessation of EFS, several fast Ca2+ transients were noted in SMCs (rebound excitation). Strong correlation was noted in the temporal characteristics of Ca2+ transients evoked in PDGFRα+ cells by EFS and inhibitory junction potentials (IJPs) recorded with intracellular microelectrodes. Ca2+ transients and IJPs elicited by EFS were blocked by MRS-2500, a P2Y1 antagonist, and absent in P2ry1(−/−) mice. PDGFRα+ cells expressed gap junction genes, and gap junction uncouplers, 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid (18β-GA) and octanol blocked Ca2+ transients in SMCs but not in neurons or PDGFRα+ cells. IJPs recorded from SMCs were also blocked. These findings demonstrate direct innervation of PDGFRα+ cells by motor neurons. PDGFRα+ cells are primary targets for purinergic neurotransmitter(s) in enteric inhibitory neurotransmission. Hyperpolarization responses are conducted to SMCs via gap junctions.
Generation of femtosecond radiation from photovoltaic devices

The generation of ultrafast electromagnetic-wave radiation from Si solar cells and GaAs p-i-n and metal-semiconductor Schottky diodes with femtosecond laser pulses is demonstrated. The free space radiation in the far field has a submillimeter wavelength and terahertz bandwidth. The basic concepts and preliminary applications of this optoelectronic device are discussed. >
Language constructs for transactional memory

Building concurrent shared-memory data structures is a notoriously difficult problem, and so the widespread move to multi-core and multi-processor hardware has led to increasing interest in language constructs that may make concurrent programming easier. One technique that has been studied widely is the use of atomic blocks built over transactional memory (TM): the programmer marks a section of code as atomic, and the language implementation speculatively executes it using transactions. Transactions can run in parallel so long as they access different data.In this talk I'll introduce some of the challenges that I've seen in building robust implementations of this idea. What are the language design choices that exist? What language features can be used inside atomic blocks, and where can atomic blocks occur? Which uses of atomic blocks should be considered correct, and which uses should be considered "racy"? What are the likely impacts of different design choices on performance? What are the impacts on flexibility for the language implementer, and what are the impacts on flexibility to the programmer using these constructs?I'll argue that one way of trying to resolve these questions is to be rigorous about keeping the ideas of atomic blocks and TM separate; in practice they've often been conflated (not least in languages that I've worked on). I'll argue that, when thinking about atomic blocks, we should keep a wide range of possible implementations in mind (for example, TM, lock inference, or simply control over pre-emption). Similarly, when thinking about TM, we should recognize that it can be exposed to programmers through a wide range of abstractions and language constructs.
National Recommendations for Preconception Care: The Essential Role of the Family Physician

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have published national recommendations for improving preconception health and health care in response to unfavorable aspects of the health status of women and children in the United States. The publication explains that the national recommendations are part of a strategic plan for improving preconception health through the provision of clinical care as well as the promotion of changes in individual behaviors, health policy, and public health strategies. The concept of preconception care has been articulated for well over a decade but has not become part of the routine practice of family medicine. Because all women of reproductive age presenting to the primary care setting are candidates for preconception care, the essential and critical role of family physicians in the provision of preconception care is apparent. As a specialty, we are now challenged to devise ways to effectively translate the concept of preconception care into clinical reality.
Color management and calibration techniques at the University of Arizona

At the University of Arizona a research project is underway which addresses consistent color and gray-scale reproduction for digital color displays used in medical image interpretation. Now the University of Arizona can enter the field of ICC Profiling and Color Management. A color calibration facility was developed from ground up. Color calibration is presented for three color LCDs as is color accuracy. A PR670 Spectroradiometer was used to correct for errors of the pucks. A method was used to calculate the color accuracy and the ΔE values.
Sulfatide biosynthesis by intact microsomes and Triton extracts of normal and "quaking" mouse brain.

Microsomes from “Quaking” mice were unable to catalyze the transfer of35S from PAP35S to ceramide galactoside to form sulfatide. However Triton X-100 extracts were found to possess this activity.
Real-time Robust Mapping for an Autonomous Surface Vehicle using an Omnidirectional Camera

Towards the goal of achieving truly autonomous navigation for a surface vehicle in maritime environments, a critical task is to detect surrounding obstacles such as the shore, docks, and other boats. In this paper, we demonstrate a real-time vision-based mapping system which detects and localizes stationary obstacles using a single omnidirectional camera and navigational sensors (GPS and gyro). The main challenge of this work is to make mapping robust to a large number of outliers, which stem from waves and specular reflections on the surface of the water. To address this problem, a two-step robust outlier rejection method is proposed. Experimental results obtained in unstructured large-scale environments are presented and validated using topographic maps.
Randomness-induced second-order transition in the two-dimensional eight-state Potts model: A Monte Carlo study.

We have studied the effect of quenched, bond randomness on the nature of the phase transition in the two-dimensional eight-state Potts model. Through extensive Monte Carlo simulations, we confirm that the phase transition changes from first order to second order. A finite-size-scaling analysis of several thermodynamic quantities strongly suggests that the critical exponents fall into the universality class of the two-dimensional Ising model.
Comparative effects of the pituitary-adrenocortical axis and catecholamines on carbohydrate metabolism in elasmobranch fish

Abstract The endocrine control of intermediary metabolism in elasmobranch fish has failed to generate widespread interest among comparative endocrinologists. The few studies are limited in scope and largely confined to aspects of carbohydrate metabolism. Although the available information is adequate to conclude that the requisite hormones are present in elasmobranchs for a possible pituitary-adrenocortical axis, pituitary regulation of the adrenocortical tissue has not been established. Recent studies indicate that both corticoid hormones and mammalian corticotropin will elevate plasma glucose levels. However, liver glycogen concentrations have proven to be unresponsive to experimental manipulations of the pituitary-adrenocortical axis. The source, fate and importance of the elevated levels of plasma glucose remain to be established. Adrenalin and noradrenalin also are hyperglycemic hormones in elasmobranch fish. The limited information suggests that an increase in the secretion of the catecholamines upon activation of the sympathetic nervous system is an important physiological mechanism whereby elasmobranchs, like other vertebrates, respond rapidly and adaptively to a stressful change in their environment. In contrast, the effect of the hormones of the pituitary-adrenocortical axis on circulating glucose levels develops more slowly and is of longer duration than that of the catecholamines. This suggests that the role of the pituitary-adrenocortical axis in intermediary metabolism in elasmobranchs probably is of importance only in long-term physiological adjustments.
On orthogonal orthomorphisms of cyclic and non-abelian groups. II

We construct sets of three pairwise orthogonal orthomorphisms of Z3n, n not divisible by either 2 or 3, n ≠ 7, 17. Combined with results in the literature, this reduces the problem of determining for which v, there exist three pairwise orthogonal orthomorphisms of Zv to the case v = 9p, p > 3 a prime. This yields new lower bounds for the number of pairwise orthogonal orthomorphisms of classes of dihedral groups of doubly even order, and classes of linear groups. These results also find application in the construction of Z-cyclic triplewhist tournaments. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Combin Designs 15: 195–209, 2007
"Population" characteristics of birthweight in an animal model of alcohol-related developmental effects

A retrospective analysis of a large database of maternal and litter variables in rats collected over several years evaluated the robustness of fetal alcohol effects on birthweight. Pregnant rats were fed a liquid diet in which 35% of the calories were derived from alcohol. Control dams were pairfed an isocaloric liquid diet or were fed lab chow ad lib. Alcohol exposure produced large, highly significant, and reliable decreases in birthweight of male and female pups. Multiple regression analyses indicated that alcohol exposure per se, much more than restricted caloric intake alone, caused these effects. Litters of pairfed dams weighed less than chowfed controls but the effects were less consistent, varying with season and requiring more litters to discriminate the effects of restricted caloric intake. Power analyses indicated that 7 to 12 litters per group are needed for detecting a statistically significant reduction in birthweight due to prenatal alcohol exposure, even with single pups selected at random from each litter. Alcohol-exposed pups also weighed consistently and significantly less than both the chowfed and pairfed pups, whereas differences between chowfed and pairfed groups were much smaller and inconsistent. The results imply that decreased birthweight is a consistent characteristic of prenatal alcohol exposure.
Farm-to-School Strategies for Urban Health, Combating Sprawl, and Establishing a Community Food Systems Approach

Farm-to-school is a new, innovative strategy with multiple planning-related objectives. The article evaluates the significance of farm-to-school in relation to improving the health and nutrition of school-age children, particularly low-income youth; strengthening the capacity of local farmers, particularly those engaged in sustainable practices; adding to the toolkit of strategies designed to contain and ultimately reduce sprawl-inducing developments by helping preserve farmland; and helping establish a community food systems approach no longer entirely dependent on the global food system that has come to dominate food growing, processing, distribution, and consumption patterns around the world.
Knowledge-Based Code Selection Methods in Retargetable Microcode Synthesis

We have presented a method for machine-independent synthesis of microcode using knowledge-based techniques. A high-level representation of the microprogram is translated into symbolic assertions and then converted by the synthesis system to microcode. Thus, a synthesis system can function as the back end of a microcode compiler. Since the knowledge base is machine-independent and requires only a machine description to generate microcode for that machine, it can also be used as a retargetable microcode compiler. The knowledge base is in procedural form and consists of transformation rules that reflect the effect of MOs on machine states. Many of these rules simply restrict the transformations to acceptable behavior on the part of the synthesis system. Others help to reduce the search by providing knowledge about desirable behavior in the form of heuristics, or help the synthesis system reason about different possible derivations for the same specification.
Priority in the Classical Conditioning of Children

Contrary to widely held belief, Watson and Rayner's (1920) experiment with Little Albert is not the first reported case of classical conditioning of a child. Their work was preceded by that of Bogen and of Krasnogorskii. Mateer's work either preceded or coincided with Watson and Rayner's. This article clarifies the chronology of these early studies of classical conditioning with human subjects.
When condition trumps location: seed consumption by fruit-eating birds removes pathogens and predator attractants

Seed ingestion by frugivorous vertebrates commonly benefits plants by moving seeds to locations with fewer predators and pathogens than under the parent. For plants with high local population densities, however, movement from the parent plant is unlikely to result in ‘escape’ from predators and pathogens. Changes to seed condition caused by gut passage may also provide benefits, yet are rarely evaluated as an alternative. Here, we use a common bird-dispersed chilli pepper (Capsicum chacoense) to conduct the first experimental comparison of escape-related benefits to condition-related benefits of animal-mediated seed dispersal. Within chilli populations, seeds dispersed far from parent plants gained no advantage from escape alone, but seed consumption by birds increased seed survival by 370% – regardless of dispersal distance – due to removal during gut passage of fungal pathogens and chemical attractants to granivores. These results call into question the pre-eminence of escape as the primary advantage of dispersal within populations and document two overlooked mechanisms by which frugivores can benefit fruiting plants.
BPIFB3 Regulates Autophagy and Coxsackievirus B Replication through a Noncanonical Pathway Independent of the Core Initiation Machinery

ABSTRACT Enteroviruses require autophagy to facilitate the formation of autophagosome (AP)-like double-membrane vesicles that provide the scaffolding for RNA replication. Here, we identify bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein (BPI) fold-containing family B, member 3 (BPIFB3) as a gene whose silencing greatly enhances coxsackievirus B (CVB) replication and induces dramatic alterations in the morphology of CVB-induced replication organelles. We show that BPIFB3 is associated with the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), and its silencing by RNA interference enhances basal levels of autophagy and promotes increased autophagy during CVB replication. Conversely, overexpression of BPIFB3 inhibits CVB replication, dramatically alters the morphology of LC3B-positive vesicles, and suppresses autophagy in response to rapamaycin. In addition, we found that, whereas silencing of core autophagy components associated with the initiation of APs in control cells suppressed CVB replication, silencing of these same components had no effect on CVB-induced autophagy or viral replication in cells transfected with BPIFB3 small interfering RNA. Based on these results, taken together, this study reports on a previously uncharacterized regulator of enterovirus infection that controls replication through a noncanonical pathway independent from the core autophagy initiation machinery. IMPORTANCE Coxsackievirus B (CVB) infections are commonly associated with dilated cardiomyopathy, a condition that accounts for nearly half of all heart transplants annually. During infection, CVB co-opts a cellular pathway, termed autophagy, to provide the membranes necessary for its replication. Autophagy is an evolutionarily conserved process by which cells ingest damaged organelles as a means of maintaining cell homeostasis. Here, we report on a novel regulator of autophagy, bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein (BPI) fold-containing family B, member 3 (BPIFB3), whose expression functions to restrict CVB replication by suppressing key steps in the authophagic process. We show that loss of BPIFB3 expression greatly enhances CVB replication while having no effect on replication of poliovirus, a closely related virus. Our results thus identify a novel host cell therapeutic target whose function could be targeted to alter CVB replication.
Natural Language Metaphors Covertly Influence Reasoning

Metaphors pervade discussions of social issues like climate change, the economy, and crime. We ask how natural language metaphors shape the way people reason about such social issues. In previous work, we showed that describing crime metaphorically as a beast or a virus, led people to generate different solutions to a city’s crime problem. In the current series of studies, instead of asking people to generate a solution on their own, we provided them with a selection of possible solutions and asked them to choose the best ones. We found that metaphors influenced people’s reasoning even when they had a set of options available to compare and select among. These findings suggest that metaphors can influence not just what solution comes to mind first, but also which solution people think is best, even when given the opportunity to explicitly compare alternatives. Further, we tested whether participants were aware of the metaphor. We found that very few participants thought the metaphor played an important part in their decision. Further, participants who had no explicit memory of the metaphor were just as much affected by the metaphor as participants who were able to remember the metaphorical frame. These findings suggest that metaphors can act covertly in reasoning. Finally, we examined the role of political affiliation on reasoning about crime. The results confirm our previous findings that Republicans are more likely to generate enforcement and punishment solutions for dealing with crime, and are less swayed by metaphor than are Democrats or Independents.
Quick and simple procedures to assess software reliability and facilitate project management

A software reliability model is considered that is easy to implement, use, and interpret. The model works extremely well in the latter stages of testing. A complete history of failures does not need to be stored in a data base or maintained. This reduces the cost of assessing software reliability. Furthermore, it is possible to use the model to estimate software reliability when failure statistics have not been extensively collected. Various estimation procedures are discussed that can aid in project planning. The use of these estimation procedures is illustrated through two sets of actual failure data.
The ophthalmology of intracranial vascular abnormalities

Purpose To provide a practical review of the ophthalmologic manifestations of intracranial vascular abnormalities. Methods We reviewed ocular manifestations of the most common intracranial vascular abnormalities: intracranial aneurysms, carotid-cavernous fistulas, arteriovenous malformations, and cavernous malformations. Results Unruptured aneurysms can compress the third cranial nerve and the anterior visual pathways. Ruptured aneurysms and subarachnoid hemorrhage can result in Terson syndrome and papilledema. Direct and indirect carotid-cavernous fistulas most commonly cause the classic triad of proptosis, conjunctival chemosis, and cranial bruit but can masquerade as chronic conjunctivitis. Arteriovenous malformations, with or without hemorrhage, may compress portions of the retrochiasmal pathways, causing visual field loss. Cavernous malformations, when in the brainstem, commonly cause abnormalities of supranuclear, nuclear, and fascicular ocular motility. Conclusions The ophthalmologist may be the first physician to encounter clinical manifestations of intracranial vascular abnormalities that may herald devastating neurologic complications. Prompt diagnosis facilitates appropriate management and therapy.
Individual-Group Discontinuity: Further Evidence for Mediation by Fear and Greed

The authors have previously shown that intergroup interactions are dramatically more competitive than interindividual interactions and have termed this phenomenon a discontinuity effect. They believe that this effect is partly driven by group members' fear of being exploited by the out-group. Experiment 1 found that when subjects were allowed to select a single, safe alternative, a significant, albeit descriptively smaller competitive effect remained. Intergroup competiteness may also be driven by greed. Experiments 2 and 3 tested whether the group content is propitious for providing social support for totally self-interested acts. Trained role-players consistently suggested selecting either the cooperative or the competitive option in a prisoner's dilemma game; and groups received trial-by-trial feedback about the out-group's responding. The pattern of results is consistent with the assumption that, in the presence of a vulnerable opponent, group members tend to provide social support for immediate self-...
A Potential for Bias When Rounding in Multiple Imputation

With the advent of general purpose packages that support multiple imputation for analyzing datasets with missing data (e.g., Solas, SAS PROC MI, and S-Plus 6.0), we expect much greater use of multiple imputation in the future. For simplicity, some imputation packages assume the joint distribution of the variables in the multiple imputation model is multivariate normal, and impute the missing data from the conditional normal distribution for the missing data given the observed data. If the possibly missing data are not multivariate normal (say, binary), imputing a normal random variable can yield implausible values. To circumvent this problem, a number of methods have been developed, including rounding the imputed normal to the closest observed value in the dataset. We show that this rounding can cause biased estimates of parameters, whereas if the imputed value is not rounded, no bias would occur. This article shows that rounding should not be used indiscriminately, and thus some caution should be exercis...
Task characteristics of faculty in medical school departments

Perceived characteristics of research, teaching, and patient care tasks of faculty members and administrators in five medical schools were found to differ significantly among departments representing different scientific and medical specialties. These differences correspond to state of development of the field and nature of the work done in the different departments. The basic science departments, which as a group represent a higher state of scientific development than the clinical departments, were more homogeneous in reported task characteristics than were the clinical departments. In light of these differences, it is argued that it is dysfunctional to apply the same set of organizational policies and practices, such as criteria for rewards and promotions, uniformly to all departments.
The biharmonic oscillator and asymmetric linear potentials: from classical trajectories to momentum-space probability densities in the extreme quantum limit

The biharmonic oscillator and the asymmetric linear well are two confining power-law-type potentials for which complete bound-state solutions are possible in both classical and quantum mechanics. We examine these problems in detail, beginning with studies of their trajectories in position and momentum space, evaluation of the classical probability densities for both x and p, and calculation of the corresponding quantum-mechanical solutions which give |?n(x)|2 and |?n(p)|2 for comparison to their classical counterparts in the?classically allowed regions. We then focus on the behavior of ?n(p) for large momenta, motivated by recent studies of the very direct connections between the continuity behavior of V(x) and the large-p limit of the momentum-space wavefunction.