cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Four-Day-Old Bovine Corpus Luteum: Progesterone Production and Identification of Matrix Metalloproteinase Activity in Vitro

Little is known about matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), enzymes that are required for the structural remodeling and angiogenesis that occur in the corpus luteum (CL) during the first several days postovulation. In fact, little attention has focused on early CL function including the regulation of progesterone (P 4 ) production. Thus, the objective of the present study was 1) to investigate the effects of insulin, LH, and dibutyryl cAMP on P 4 production and cell numbers and 2) to identify MMPs in the 4-day-old CL, with use of a defined culture system. Cultures were seeded with either 1 x 10 6 or 0.5 x 10 6 cells. All cultures containing insulin had higher P 4 levels and cell numbers (p 0.05) at a seeding density of 1 x 10 6 , whereas they stimulated P 4 production (p < 0.05) at a seeding density of 0.5 x 10 6 on Days 6 and 8 of culture. In conditioned medium of control cultures seeded with 0.5 x 10 6 cells, substrate gel electrophoresis (zymography) showed two intense bands that migrated at M r ∼97 000 and ∼65 000-64 000, while two weaker ones migrated at M r ∼88 000 and ∼64 000-63 000. The molecular weights of the M r ∼97 000 and ∼88 000 species were consistent with MMP-9 family members, while the molecular weights of the M r ∼65 000-64 000 and ∼64 000-63 000 species were consistent with MMP-2 family members. Incubation with 1,10 phenanthroline verified that these enzymes were bona fide MMPs. Furthermore, treatment of conditioned medium with p-aminophenylmercuric acetate (APMA) diminished the intensity of the M r ∼97 000 and ∼65 000-64 000 bands and enhanced the M r ∼63 000-62 000 band, indicating that the M r ∼97 000 and ∼65 000-64 000 species were latent forms of MMP-9 and MMP-2, respectively. In addition, no differences in enzyme activity were observed between control and LH samples, while only the M, ∼97 000 band decreased significantly in intensity over the 8-day culture period, as corroborated by densitometry. In summary, cells from 4-day-old CL secreted high levels of basal P 4 , and these levels and cell numbers required insulin. Furthermore, at the lower seeding density and in the presence of insulin, LH and dibutyryl cAMP significantly stimulated P 4 over controls on Days 6 and 8 of culture. In addition, MMP-9-like and MMP-2-like enzymes were identified in conditioned medium, and their activity was not regulated by LH. Thus, the present findings suggested that luteal cells from 4-day-old CL produce P 4 and are a potential source of MMP-like enzymes.
Genotype and cognitive phenotype of patients with tuberous sclerosis complex

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is an autosomal dominant, multisystem disorder, which affects 1 in 6000 people. About half of these patients are affected by mental retardation, which has been associated with TSC2 mutations, epilepsy severity and tuber burden. The bimodal intelligence distribution in TSC populations suggests the existence of subgroups with distinct pathophysiologies, which remain to be identified. Furthermore, it is unknown if heterozygous germline mutations in TSC2 can produce the neurocognitive phenotype of TSC independent of epilepsy and tubers. Genotype–phenotype correlations may help to determine risk profiles and select patients for targeted treatments. A retrospective chart review was performed, including a large cohort of 137 TSC patients who received intelligence assessment and genetic mutation analysis. The distribution of intellectual outcomes was investigated for selected genotypes. Genotype–neurocognitive phenotype correlations were performed and associations between specific germline mutations and intellectual outcomes were compared. Results showed that TSC1 mutations in the tuberin interaction domain were significantly associated with lower intellectual outcomes (P<0.03), which was also the case for TSC2 protein-truncating and hamartin interaction domain mutations (both P<0.05). TSC2 missense mutations and small in-frame deletions were significantly associated with higher IQ/DQs (P<0.05). Effects related to the mutation location within the TSC2 gene were found. These findings suggest that TSC2 protein-truncating mutations and small in-frame mutations are associated with distinctly different intelligence profiles, providing further evidence that different types and locations of TSC germline mutations may be associated with distinct neurocognitive phenotypes.
Burkitt's lymphoma presenting as ovarian torsion

A 33 year old woman with human immune deficiency virus presented to the emergency room for the evaluation of abdominal pain. At laparotomy, she was found to have bilateral ovarian torsion. On final pathology, bilateral ovaries were found to be involved with Burkitt's lymphoma.
Experimental results for absolute cylindrical wavefront testing

Applications for Cylindrical and near-cylindrical surfaces are ever-increasing. However, fabrication of high quality cylindrical surfaces is limited by the difficulty of accurate and affordable metrology. Absolute testing of such surfaces represents a challenge to the optical testing community as cylindrical reference wavefronts are difficult to produce. In this paper, preliminary results for a new method of absolute testing of cylindrical wavefronts are presented. The method is based on the merging of the random ball test method with the fiber optic reference test. The random ball test assumes a large number of interferograms of a good quality sphere with errors that are statistically distributed such that the average of the errors goes to zero. The fiber optic reference test utilizes a specially processed optical fiber to provide a clean high quality reference wave from an incident line focus from the cylindrical wave under test. By taking measurements at different rotation and translations of the fiber, an analogous procedure can be employed to determine the quality of the converging cylindrical wavefront with high accuracy. This paper presents and discusses the results of recent tests of this method using a null optic formed by a COTS cylindrical lens and a free-form polished corrector element.
Evaluation of physiological responses of cardiac and blood parameters after incremental exercise on field and laboratory tests in eventing horses

This study was carried out to model data of plasma lactate and glucose concentrations, heart rate and haematocrit in eventing horses after incremental speed tests on the field and on a high speed treadmill. The experimental design was a duplicate Latin square, with two tests, on the field and on a treadmill. Eight eventing Brazilian Sport Horses were used, five males and three females, with mean age of 7.4 years old, and average body weight of 479 kg. The protocol for the incremental speed test on the treadmill consisted of 10 minutes of warm up walking and trotting; followed by gallops at initial speed of 5.0 m/s, with increments of 1.0 m/s every minute up to 10.0 m/s. The treadmill inclination was 4% during the gallops. At the end of the test, horses were trotted at 4.0 m/s during 4 minutes, walked at 1.7 m/s during 6 minutes and rested thereafter on the treadmill. The protocol used on the field test consisted of 10 minutes of warm up walking and trotting; followed by 4 steps of one minute at 5.0, 7.0, ...
Predator diversity stabilizes and strengthens trophic control of a keystone grazer

Despite the global vulnerability of predators to extinction, and the critical functional role they play in many ecosystems, there have been few realistic tests of the consequences of predator species deletion (conversely, predator diversity) in natural ecosystems. We performed a four-month field experiment in a southeastern United States salt marsh to test the role of predatory crab diversity in regulating populations of a keystone grazer that can decimate marsh vegetation at high densities. Our results revealed that a combination of this system's two resident predator species, in comparison to individual species, both stabilize and strengthen predation rates on the potent grazer. Monthly monitoring of predation rates from intense, hot summer months into the cooler autumn indicate this diversity benefit arises from predators responding differentially to changing environmental conditions across seasons. This study provides some of the first experimental field support for the insurance hypothesis from marine ecosystems, suggests that predator temporal complementarity may be more common than currently perceived, and argues for conservation of predator diversity to ensure reliable and effective control of potentially habitat-destroying grazers.
The Architecture of Complexity

The purpose of this article is to illustrate, through the example of human dynamics, that a thorough understanding of complex systems requires an understanding of network dynamics as well as network topology and architecture. After an overview of the topology of complex networks, such as the Internet and the WWW, data-driven models for human dynamics are given. These models motivate the study of network dynamics and suggest that complexity theory must incorporate the interactions between dynamics and structure. The article also advances the notion that an understanding of network dynamics is facilitated by the availability of large data sets and analysis tools gained from the study of network structure.
Approximating fully complex spatial modulation with pseudorandom phase-only modulation

Any desired diffraction pattern can be produced in the Fourier plane by the specification of a corresponding input-plane transparency. Complex-valued transmittance is generally required, but in practice phase-only transmittance is used. Many design procedures use numerically intensive, constrained optimization. We instead introduce a noniterative procedure that directly translates the desired but unavailable complex transparency into an appropriate phase transparency. At each pixel the value of phase is pseudorandomly selected from a random distribution whose standard deviation is specified by the desired amplitude. We also derive statistical expressions and use them to evaluate the approximation errors between the desired and achieved diffraction patterns.
Calcium Chloride Waters, Connate and Diagenetic

These waters can best be explained as the result of the absorption of water, magnesia, and other compounds in the formation of chlorite and the change of volcanic glass to bentonite. The permutit water-softening reaction may occur as described by Renick and renders the connate Na:Cl ratio more uncertain. There is little or no sign of the permutit regenerating reaction, or of the petrographic products to be expected. There is some indication that waters in rocks largely composed of volcanic ash are likely to have calcium chloride, and such rocks are likely to have magnesium in amounts which can be explained as absorbed from the water. It also appears that there is a similarity in undisturbed connate waters of the same geologic age, but the effect of circulation from former land surfaces represented by unconformities is pointed out. It is perhaps premature to suggest that in some cases the same shower of volcanic ash may have devastated the sea bottom and killed the animals that yielded the oil, or yielded the silica to the oil-making diatoms and furnished the chlorine for the salt water that is found with oil.
Broad-Band Systems Standards

The broad-band communications industry is small and fractionated (about 3100 cable television systems serving 8.5 million subscribers in the U.S.), but has a high potential for growth by offering a wide variety of communications services. If this large number of systems is to collectively provide nationwide services, performance and interconnection standards will be essential. In this paper we note relevant existing standards and examine highlights of ongoing standards-making activities.
G-Protein α Subunit Isoforms Couple Differentially to Receptors that Mediate Presynaptic Inhibition at Rat Hippocampal Synapses

Presynaptic receptors that are coupled to heterotrimeric G-proteins are found throughout the brain and are responsible for modulating synaptic transmission. At least 10 G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) reduce transmission in hippocampal neurons. Additionally, hippocampal neurons express up to 17 different Gα, Gβ, and Gγ subunits, making for a striking array of possible heterotrimer compositions and GPCR–heterotrimer interactions. The identity of the Gα subunit is likely a critical determinant in coupling specificity between GPCRs and their molecular effectors mediating presynaptic inhibition. We studied the role of four Gαi/o subunits (Gαo1, Gαi1,Gαi2, and Gαi3) in mediating presynaptic inhibition in hippocampal neurons by expressing pertussis toxin-insensitive (PTx-ins) Gαi/o mutants. PTx treatment of these cells disrupts coupling of endogenous subunits, leaving only the mutant Gα subunits to couple with native GPCRs and βγ subunits. Successful rescue of presynaptic inhibition indicates that the expressed mutant Gα subunit can couple to the GPCR of interest. All four PTx-ins Gα subunits rescued presynaptic inhibition by adenosine A1 receptors. A PTx-ins Gα subunit also rescued adenosine A1-mediated inhibition of spontaneous vesicle fusion frequency. Of the remaining GPCRs tested, cannabinoid CB1, somatostatin, and GABAB receptors displayed an α subunit-dependent selectivity in binding to G-protein heterotrimers, whereas group III metabotropic glutamate receptor-mediated inhibition was not rescued by expression of any of the four PTx-ins Gα subunits. Differential coupling of G-protein α subunits may be a means of achieving specificity between different GPCRs and their molecular targets for mediating presynaptic inhibition.
Analysis of fatty infiltration and inflammation of the pelvic and thigh muscles in boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD): grading of disease involvement on MR imaging and correlation with clinical assessments

Prior reports focus primarily on muscle fatty infiltration in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). However, the significance of muscle edema is uncertain. To evaluate the frequency and degree of muscle fat and edema, and correlate these with clinical function. Forty-two boys (ages 5–19 years) with DMD underwent pelvic MRI. Axial T1- and fat-suppressed T2-weighted images were evaluated to grade muscle fatty infiltration (0–4) and edema (0–3), respectively. Degree and frequency of disease involvement were compared to clinical evaluations. Gluteus maximus had the greatest mean fatty infiltration score, followed by adductor magnus and gluteus medius muscles, and had the most frequent and greatest degree of fatty infiltration. Gluteus maximus also had the greatest mean edema score, followed by vastus lateralis and gluteus medius muscles. These muscles had the most frequent edema, although the greatest degree of edema was seen in other muscles. There was correlation between cumulative scores of fatty infiltration and all clinical evaluations (P < 0.05). In DMD, the muscles with the most frequent fatty infiltration had the greatest degree of fatty infiltration and correlated with patient function. However, the muscles with the most frequent edema were different from those with the greatest degree of edema. Thus, edema may not predict patient functional status.
Susceptibility to pulmonary blastomycosis in young compared to adult mice: immune deficiencies in young mice.

The immunological basis for differences in resistance to pulmonary blastomycosis between young (3 to 4-week-old) and adult (7 to 8-week-old) CD-1 mice is unknown. We assessed whether there were differences in fungicidal activity of phagocytes and Th-1 lymphocyte cytokine production. The fungicidal activity of young bronchoalveolar macrophages (BAM) (20%) against Blastomyces dermatitidis (Bd) was comparable to killing by adult BAM (25%). However, IFN-γ enhanced the killing by adult BAM (from 30 to 69%) to a greater extent than BAM from young animals (from 20 to 30%). Killing of Bd by young peritoneal macrophages (PM) (46%) and adult PM (42%) was similar, and the enhancement of cells of both by IFN-γ was similar. TNFα production by young macrophages (BAM or PM), when cocultured with Bd for 18 h, was half of TNFα secreted by adult macrophages. We found that polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) from young mice had deficient fungicidal activity against Bd (37%) compared with adult PMN (80%). Interferon-γ (IFN-γ...
Anatomy of a metabentonite: Nucleation and growth of illite crystals and their coalescence into mixed-layer illite/smectite

The illite layer content of mixed-layer illite/smectite (I/S) in a 2.5 m thick, zoned, metabentonite bed from Montana decreases regularly from the edges to the center of the bed. Traditional X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern modeling using Markovian statistics indicated that this zonation results from a mixing in different proportions of smectite-rich R0 I/S and illite-rich R1 I/S, with each phase having a relatively constant illite layer content. However, a new method for modeling XRD patterns of I/S indicates that R0 and R1 I/S in these samples are not separate phases (in the mineralogical sense of the word), but that the samples are composed of illite crystals that have continuous distributions of crystal thicknesses, and of 1 nm thick smectite crystals. The shapes of these distributions indicate that the crystals were formed by simultaneous nucleation and growth. XRD patterns for R0 and R1 I/S arise by interparticle diffraction from a random stacking of the crystals, with swelling interlayers formed at interfaces between crystals from water or glycol that is sorbed on crystal surfaces. It is the thickness distributions of smectite and illite crystals (also termed fundamental particles, or Nadeau particles), rather than XRD patterns for mixed-layer I/S, that are the more reliable indicators of geologic history, because such distributions are composed of well-defined crystals that are not affected by differences in surface sorption and particle arrangements, and because their thickness distribution shapes conform to the predictions of crystal growth theory, which describes their genesis.
The Neonatal Skin Risk Assessment Scale for Predicting Skin Breakdown in Neonates

An instrument was developed to assess neonates at risk for skin breakdown, based on the Braden Scale for Predicting Pressure Sore Risk in adults. Using such an instrument to predict, and thus preve...
Reliable 100-mW strained-layer ridge waveguide lasers

Summary form only given. Reliable operation of InGaAs quantum-well strained-layer single-mode ridge waveguide lasers at 100 mW has been achieved. A separate-confinement, In/sub 0.2/Ga/sub 0.8/As single-quantum-well heterostructure was grown by metal-organic chemical vapor deposition. The lasers operate in the fundamental transverse mode to 100 mW, and in higher order modes to a maximum output power of 300 mW, where thermal rollover occurs. Nine lasers were aged at 25 degrees C for 1000 h at constant current corresponding initially to a power of 100 mW. After aging, the current required to obtain 100 mW increased by 3% on average. The median lifetime for these lasers is estimated to be 40000 h. >
Hydrogen Peroxide–Mediated SERCA Cysteine 674 Oxidation Contributes to Impaired Cardiac Myocyte Relaxation in Senescent Mouse Heart

Background A hallmark of aging of the cardiac myocyte is impaired sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) calcium uptake and relaxation due to decreased SR calcium ATPase (SERCA) activity. We tested the hypothesis that H2O2-mediated oxidation of SERCA contributes to impaired myocyte relaxation in aging. Methods and Results Young (5-month-old) and senescent (21-month-old) FVB wild-type (WT) or transgenic mice with myocyte-specific overexpression of catalase were studied. In senescent mice, myocyte-specific overexpression of catalase (1) prevented oxidative modification of SERCA as evidenced by sulfonation at Cys674, (2) preserved SERCA activity, (3) corrected impaired calcium handling and relaxation in isolated cardiac myocytes, and (4) prevented impaired left ventricular relaxation and diastolic dysfunction. Nitroxyl, which activates SERCA via S -glutathiolation at Cys674, failed to activate SERCA in freshly isolated ventricular myocytes from senescent mice. Finally, in adult rat ventricular myocytes in primary culture, adenoviral overexpression of SERCA in which Cys674 is mutated to serine partially preserved SERCA activity during exposure to H2O2. Conclusion Oxidative modification of SERCA at Cys674 contributes to decreased SERCA activity and impaired myocyte relaxation in the senescent heart. Strategies to decrease oxidant levels and/or protect target proteins such as SERCA may be of value to preserve diastolic function in the aging heart.
Knowing Where You Stand: Physical Isolation, Perceived Respect, and Organizational Identification Among Virtual Employees

This research investigates the relationship between virtual employees' degree of physical isolation and their perceived respect in the organization. Respect is an identity-based status perception that reflects the extent to which one is included and valued as a member of the organization. We hypothesize that the degree of physical isolation is negatively associated with virtual employees' perceived respect and that this relationship explains the lower organizational identification among more physically isolated virtual employees. In two field studies using survey methods, we find that perceived respect is negatively associated with the degree of physical isolation, and respect mediates the relationship between physical isolation and organizational identification. These effects hold for shorter-and longer-tenured employees alike. Our research contributes to the virtual work literature by drawing attention to physical isolation and the important but neglected role of status perceptions in shaping virtual employees' organizational identification. We also contribute to the literature on perceived respect by demonstrating how respect is affected by the physical context of work.
Control and Performance of the Rotational-to-Linear Cobotic Transmission

We examine the motion control bandwidth and stable impedance range of the Cobotic Hand Controller, a novel, six-degree-of-freedom, admittance controlled haptic display. A highly geared admittance architecture is often used to render high impedances with reasonable sized actuators for a haptic display. The Cobotic Hand Controller is perhaps the ultimate realization of an admittance display, since it is capable of obtaining an infinite gear ratio and can render infinite impedances (up to its own structural stiffness). The incorporation of continuously variable transmissions in the Cobotic Hand Controller provides for an extremely wide, sta ble z-width, since the transmission ratio can be adjusted quickly to vary the backdrivability. However, finite preloads in the transmissions limit the display’s acceleration capabilities. We examine the control challenges and performance characteristics of the Cobotic Hand Controller for free motion and unilateral impact virtual environment scenarios.
Optimal scheduling of generator maintenance using modified discrete particle swarm optimization

This paper presents a modified discrete particle swarm optimization (PSO) based technique for generating optimal preventive maintenance schedule of generating units for economical and reliable operation of a power system while satisfying system load demand and crew constraints. While GA and other analytical methods might suffer from premature convergence and the curse of dimensionality, heuristics based swarm intelligence can be an efficient alternative. PSO is known to effectively solve large scale multi-objective optimization problems. Here, a modified discrete PSO approach is proposed for the GMS optimization problem in order to overcome the limitations of the conventional methods and come up with a feasible and an optimal solution.
Victorian Vampires Validated—The Similarities Between a Legendary Creature and a Dermatologic Pathology

In 1885, the Western world was introduced to Romanian folklore with EmilyGerard’s bookTransylvanianSuperstitions. Shedescribes agroup of peoplewho, for hundreds of years, blended Christian traditionswith folk tales, which led them to believe in a demonic creature who would drinkhumanblood.Accordingtotheir superstitions, theonlywaytocombat thismonster was by driving a stake through its corpse or by removing its head and stuffing itsmouthwith garlic. Although countless artistic endeavors haveportrayed vampires in the years sinceGerard’swork published, the most iconic of them is Count Dracula, who first appeared inBramStoker’sdefiningnovel in 1897. InDracula,apersonwho appears pale and cold, is avoidant of bright lights, and has prominent teethwouldcarry thepathognomonic features toqualify for avampire. Althoughthisevil creature ismerelyacharactercreatedbyhumanminds, one cannot help but recognize the striking resemblance certain physical features bear to people with porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT). For example, a vampire “sleeps when others wake, that he may be awakewhilst theysleep!”Similarly,patientswithPCTmayprefer tocome out at night, because their skin blisters in the sun. Although there are numerous typesofporphyrias, PCT is themost commonof theporphyrias with cutaneous manifestations. Moreover, the skin around the patient’smouthmight retract, as if tightening from sun damage. This skin retraction may consequently reveal the teeth and cause them to appear more prominent. Furthermore, because these patients avoid the sun, they may develop a pale skin complexion, also causing them to fit the physical description of a vampire. It is ironic,however,thatvampireswerethoughttopreyonhumansand survive by drinking their blood, because repeated phlebotomy is amodernantidote forPCT.Nevertheless, onecannothelpbutwonder if these legendswerebornfromattemptsofpeople inthepasttocopewiththedisfigurement they encounteredonmeetingmedieval patientswith PCT.
Divertor Physics Research on Alcator C-Mod

AbstractMany important contributions to the understanding of divertor physics are presented in this review of Alcator C-Mod research. The three regimes of parallel transport, sheath limited, conduction limited, and detached, were identified experimentally, along with their effects on plasma pressure along the magnetic field in the scrape-off layer. The extensive probe and bolometric coverage of the divertor allowed detailed characterization of the physics of detachment. The ability to dissipate ITER-like parallel power densities with extremely high divertor radiation emissivities (>40 MW/m3) was demonstrated under high-recycling and detached divertor conditions. The vertical plate divertor concept, developed and applied first on C-Mod, allowed the effect of divertor geometry to be studied, with the result that the vertical-plate and deep-slot geometries have a lower detachment threshold than the standard, flat-plate divertor. High-density (ne > 1 × 1021 m-3) divertor conditions allowed recombination to be...
Schlieren and OH* chemiluminescence imaging of combustion in a turbulent boundary layer over a solid fuel

Combustion in a turbulent boundary layer over a solid fuel is studied using simultaneous schlieren and OH* chemiluminescence imaging. The flow configuration is representative of a hybrid rocket motor combustor. Six different hydrocarbon fuels, including both classical hybrid rocket fuels and a high regression rate fuel (paraffin wax), are burned in an undiluted oxygen free-stream at pressures ranging from atmospheric to 1524.2 kPa (221.1 psi). A detailed explanation of methods for registering the schlieren and OH* chemiluminescence images to one another is presented, and additionally, details of the routines used to extract flow features of interest (like the boundary layer height and flame location) are provided. At atmospheric pressure, the boundary layer location is consistent between all fuels; however, the flame location varies for each fuel. The flame zone appears to be smoothly distributed over the fuel surface at atmospheric pressure. At elevated pressures and correspondingly increased Dahmkohler number (but at constant Reynolds number), flame morphology is markedly different, exhibiting large rollers in a shear layer above the fuel grain and finer structures in the flame. The chemiluminescence intensity is found to be roughly proportional to the fuel burn rate at both atmospheric and elevated chamber pressures.
Use of Increasingly Complex Text to Advance ELs’ Knowledge and Academic Language:

This mixed-methods study explored joining use of increasing-complex text with sound instructional practices on English Learners’ (ELs) academic language and conceptual knowledge. Findings showed on...
Pectinophora gossypiella (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae): Susceptibility of F1 Larvae from Irradiated Parents to Entomopathogenic Nematodes (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae, Heterorhabditidae)

We studied the interactions between F 1 progeny of Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders) adults irradiated in the pupal stage and entomopathogenic nematodes. Both sexes of pink bollworm pupae were exposed to 4, 8, 12, or 16 krad substerilizing radiation doses irradiated using a 60 Co source. The F 1 larvae were tested in a sand bioassay for susceptibility to Steinernema riobravis Cabanillas, Poinar & Raulston, S. carpocapsae (Weiser), and 2 strains of Heterorhabditis bacteriophora (Poinar). The numbers of infecting nematodes were counted after 48 h. Increasing parental radiation dose significantly increased F larval susceptibility to S. riobravis and H. bacteriophora, but decreased susceptibility to S. carpocapsae, This difference in susceptibility may be caused by the sedentary nature of larvae from parents receiving higher levels of irradiation, combined with the passive ambush tactics used by S. carpocapsae to acquire an insect host. The need to sustain the F 1 population of pink bollworm for sterility promotion and subsequent population collapse suggests S. carpocapsae to be an ideal entomopathogenic nematode to be used in conjunction with inherited sterility control methods.
Cooperative Thermodynamic Control of Selectivity in the Self-Assembly of Rare Earth Metal–Ligand Helices

Metal-selective self-assembly with rare-earth cations is possible with suitable rigid, symmetrical bis-tridentate ligands. Kinetically controlled formation is initially observed, with smaller cations preferentially incorporated. Over time, the more thermodynamically favorable complexes with larger metals are formed. This thermodynamic control is a cooperative supramolecular phenomenon and only occurs upon multiple-metal-based self-assembly: single-metal ML3 analogues do not show reversible selectivity. The selectivity is dependent on small variations in lanthanide ionic radius and occurs despite identical coordination-ligand coordination geometries and minor size differences in the rare-earth metals.
Comments on Professor Vance's Editorial Comments - Campus Crisis

In light of student unrest at U.S. colleges and universities, the article presents a comment on Academy of Management President Vance's article discussing the possibility of a management solution. ...
Sub-Aperture Techniques Applied to Phase-Error Correction in Digital Holography

We correct for phase errors in a synthetic aperture digital holography experiment using sub-apertures. Relative image translations from sub-apertures are used to estimate 7th order polynomial phases and reconstruct images with improved resolution.
Respiratory distress in the newborn.

In respiratory distress in the newborn stemming from pulmonary abnormalities, hyaline membrane disease, meconium aspiration, and transient respiratory distress of the newborn are the most common diagnoses. Clinically, transient respiratory distress may mimic hyaline membrane disease and meconium aspiration. Roentgenographic examination is mandatory to differentiate the three conditions.
The Influence of the Romantic Genius in Early Christian Studies

This article proposes that critical scholarship of the New Testament has inherited from German Romantic and Idealistic thought a number of presumptions about the role of the author that have contributed to idiosyncratic approaches to these texts when compared with allied studies of ancient literature. Namely, ``critical'' scholarship has continued to impose anachronistic, Romantic ideas of an implicit Volk (people, nation) or inspirational Geist (spirit) onto early literature about Jesus. I offer an alternative reading of the authorship of the gospels that reads them like other ancient literature, centered on concrete evidence for ancient literary practices.
Metamaterial-based lossy anisotropic epsilon-near-zero medium for energy collimation

A lossy anisotropic epsilon-near-zero (ENZ) medium may lead to a counterintuitive phenomenon of omnidirectional bending-to-normal refraction [S. Feng, Phys. Rev. Lett. 108, 193904 (2012)], which offers a fabulous strategy for energy collimation and energy harvesting. Here, in the scope of effective medium theory, we systematically investigate two simple metamaterial configurations, i.e., metal-dielectric-layered structures and the wire medium, to explore the possibility of fulfilling the conditions of such an anisotropic lossy ENZ medium by playing with materials' parameters. Both realistic metamaterial structures and their effective medium equivalences have been numerically simulated, and the results are in excellent agreement with each other. Our study provides clear guidance and therefore paves the way towards the search for proper designs of anisotropic metamaterials for a decent effect of energy collimation and wave-front manipulation.
Interaction between the muscle metaboreflex and the arterial baroreflex in control of arterial pressure and skeletal muscle blood flow

The muscle metaboreflex and arterial baroreflex regulate arterial pressure through distinct mechanisms. During submaximal exercise muscle metaboreflex activation (MMA) elicits a pressor response virtually solely by increasing cardiac output (CO) while baroreceptor unloading increases mean arterial pressure (MAP) primarily through peripheral vasoconstriction. The interaction between the two reflexes when activated simultaneously has not been well established. We activated the muscle metaboreflex in chronically instrumented canines during dynamic exercise (via graded reductions in hindlimb blood flow; HLBF) followed by simultaneous baroreceptor unloading (via bilateral carotid occlusion; BCO). We hypothesized that simultaneous activation of both reflexes would result in an exacerbated pressor response owing to both an increase in CO and vasoconstriction. We observed that coactivation of muscle metaboreflex and arterial baroreflex resulted in additive interaction although the mechanisms for the pressor response were different. MMA increased MAP via increases in CO, heart rate (HR), and ventricular contractility whereas baroreflex unloading during MMA caused further increases in MAP via a large decrease in nonischemic vascular conductance (NIVC; conductance of all vascular beds except the hindlimb vasculature), indicating substantial peripheral vasoconstriction. Moreover, there was significant vasoconstriction within the ischemic muscle itself during coactivation of the two reflexes but the remaining vasculature vasoconstricted to a greater extent, thereby redirecting blood flow to the ischemic muscle. We conclude that baroreceptor unloading during MMA induces preferential peripheral vasoconstriction to improve blood flow to the ischemic active skeletal muscle.
Free and trapped hybrid charge transfer excitons at a ZnO/small-molecule heterojunction

We study the temperature-dependent electrical and optical properties of hybrid charge transfer excitons (HCTEs) at a ZnO/4,4\ensuremath{'}-bis(N-carbazolyl)-1,1\ensuremath{'}-biphenyl (CBP) organic/inorganic semiconductor heterojunction (OI-HJ). The electroluminescence spectrum of the HCTE formed by recombination of injected charge undergoes a hypsochromic shift from 1.65 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 0.01 eV to 2.05 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 0.01 eV with decreasing temperature from $T=300\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}\mathrm{K}$ to 30 K at a current density of $J=100\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}\mathrm{mA}\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}\mathrm{c}{\mathrm{m}}^{\ensuremath{-}2}$, and with increasing voltage from $V=1.5\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}\mathrm{V}$ to 4.5 V. We observe an external quantum efficiency of 6.0 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 0.2% at a wavelength of 332 nm for excitons generated in CBP, indicating exciton to charge conversion via HCTEs. However, no HCTE photoluminescence is observed at temperatures as low as $T=25\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}\mathrm{K}$. A quantum mechanical model based on the coexistence of both free and trapped singlet HCTE states at the OI-HJ describes these observations. The free HCTE consists of a hole in CPB Coulombically bound with an energy of 9 meV to a delocalized electron in ZnO, and it is the precursor to photocurrent generation via CBP Frenkel excitons. The observed electroluminescence is due to electron injection into localized defect states at the ZnO surface that are bound to holes in CBP forming a trapped HCTE with binding energies of 60--430 meV and oscillator strength that is four orders of magnitude higher compared to the free HCTE.
Genotype-Dependent and -Independent Calcium Signaling Dysregulation in Human Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.

Background: Aberrant calcium signaling may contribute to arrhythmias and adverse remodeling in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Mutations in sarcomere genes may distinctly alter calcium handling pathways. Methods: We analyzed gene expression, protein levels, and functional assays for calcium regulatory pathways in human HCM surgical samples with (n=25) and without (n=10) sarcomere mutations compared with control hearts (n=8). Results: Gene expression and protein levels for calsequestrin, L-type calcium channel, sodium-calcium exchanger, phospholamban, calcineurin, and calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase type II (CaMKII) were similar in HCM samples compared with controls. CaMKII protein abundance was increased only in sarcomere-mutation HCM ( P <0.001). The CaMKII target pT17-phospholamban was 5.5-fold increased only in sarcomere-mutation HCM ( P =0.01), as was autophosphorylated CaMKII ( P <0.01), suggestive of constitutive activation. Calcineurin ( PPP3CB ) mRNA was not increased, nor was RCAN1 mRNA level, indicating a lack of calcineurin activation. Furthermore, myocyte enhancer factor 2 and nuclear factor of activated T cell transcription factor activity was not increased in HCM, suggesting that calcineurin pathway activation is not an upstream cause of increased CAMKII protein abundance or activation. SERCA2A mRNA transcript levels were reduced in HCM regardless of genotype, as was sarcoplasmic endoplasmic reticular calcium ATPase 2/phospholamban protein ratio (45% reduced; P =0.03). 45Ca sarcoplasmic endoplasmic reticular calcium ATPaseuptake assay showed reduced uptake velocity in HCM regardless of genotype ( P =0.01). The cardiac ryanodine receptor was not altered in transcript, protein, or phosphorylated (pS2808, pS2814) protein abundance, and [3H]ryanodine binding was not different in HCM, consistent with no major modification of the ryanodine receptor. Conclusions: Human HCM demonstrates calcium mishandling through both genotype-specific and common pathways. Posttranslational activation of the CaMKII pathway is specific to sarcomere mutation–positive HCM, whereas sarcoplasmic endoplasmic reticular calcium ATPase 2 abundance and sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca uptake are depressed in both sarcomere mutation–positive and –negative HCM. # Clinical Perspective {#article-title-24}
Sink or swim? Factors affecting immediate discard mortality for the gulf of Mexico commercial reef fish fishery

Abstract Fishery observer data collected from June 2006 through December 2015 in the Gulf of Mexico commercial reef fish fishery were examined to determine if any covariates available affected immediate discard mortality for six species: red grouper Epinephelus morio, red snapper Lutjanus campechanus, vermilion snapper Rhomboplites aurorubens, gag grouper Mycteroperca microlepis, scamp grouper Mycteroperca phenax, and speckled hind Epinephelus drummondhayi. Using logistic regression models, this study predicted immediate discard mortality was positively correlated with increased depths, seasons associated with warmer water temperatures, and external evidence of barotrauma. Additionally, bottom longline gear increased the predicted probability of immediate mortality compared to vertical line gear for all species except vermilion snapper. Air bladder venting significantly decreased the predicted probability of immediate mortality for all species except speckled hind. Future research incorporating tag-recapture data into the current observer program for the commercial reef fish fishery is vital to assess if condition assessment at release can be relied on as an accurate proxy for long-term survival. This research provides information that managers could potentially use to make more informed decisions when implementing measures such as changes to existing size limits, venting requirements, and seasonal, area, or gear restrictions intended to reduce unwanted discard mortality.
Optimizing the VQ scan for image quality and radiation exposure

2022 Objectives To compare the performance of an initial ventilation perfusion (VQ) scan protocol with that of a data-driven modified protocol to improve diagnostic quality without increasing radiation dose to the patient. Methods Initial VQ scan protocol consisted of ventilation (V) scan after inhalation of Tc99m-DTPA aerosol for 5 minutes followed by Tc-99m MAA perfusion (Q) scan. Interim analysis after 34 scans under an initial protocol included calculations of ventilation efficiency (VE), perfusion efficiency (QE) and perfusion/ventilation count rate ratio (Q:V). VE was defined as V count rate divided by V dose, QE as Q count rate divided by Q dose, and Q:V as Q count rate divided by V count rate. From this data, the protocol was modified to improve the Q:V ratio and applied to 60 patients. Results from the 94 scans were tabulated and comparison of VE, QE, and Q:V between the two protocols were statistically analyzed. Results The initial protocol returned a mean VE of 7.8% (sd=4.6; range=1.4-19), mean QE of 100% (sd=31; range=39-160), and mean Q:V of 2.4 (sd=1.9; range=0.51-9.0). All three parameters displayed a wide range. 54% of these cases demonstrated an unacceptable Q:V ≤ 2 indicating that the Q dose did not overwhelm the V dose. To improve Q:V, options included decreasing V dose, increasing Q dose, or performing the V scan with a much higher dose after the Q scan. To minimize radiation, the protocol was modified to decrease the ventilation from 5 minutes to 2.5 minutes. The modified protocol yielded a mean VE of 5.1% (sd=1.8; range = 2.0-11), mean QE of 120% (sd=27; range=65-170), and mean Q:V of 3.6 (sd=1.7; range=1.2-12). Differences between protocols were statistically significant for VE, QE, and Q:V (p Conclusions Initial VQ scan protocol was successfully modified to improve image quality with less radiation. By decreasing the ventilation time in half, the percentage of studies with Q:V ≤ 2 decreased from 54% to 8%. This analysis may help others to optimize their VQ protocols.
Bistable dynamics of turbulence spreading in a corrugated temperature profile

We present a new model of turbulence spreading in magnetically confined plasma. A basic question in turbulence spreading is how to sustain finite amplitude fluctuations in a stable subcritical region, where linear dissipation of the turbulence is strong? The answer to this question relies on a consistent treatment of mesoscale temperature profile corrugation and microscale turbulence. We argue that inhomogeneous mixing of the turbulence corrugates the mean temperature profile and that the temperature corrugation then induces subcritical bifurcation of the turbulence. Thus, the system will transition from a metastable “laminar” state to an absolutely stable, excited state. Incorporating spatial coupling of the locally excited turbulent regions, a front forms. This front connects the excited and laminar states and penetrates the linear stable region efficiently. We argue that such bistable turbulence spreading can explain observations of hysteresis in the intensity of L-mode core turbulence.
A Propensity Score Analysis of the Impact of Dexamethasone Use on Delayed Cerebral Ischemia and Poor Functional Outcomes After Subarachnoid Hemorrhage.

Objective An inflammatory response occurs after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) and predicts poor outcomes. Glucocorticoids suppress inflammation and promote fluid retention. Dexamethasone is often administered after aSAH for postoperative cerebral edema and refractory headache. Our objective was to examine the impact of dexamethasone use on functional outcomes and delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) after aSAH. Methods Patients with aSAH admitted between 2010 and 2015 were included; the data source was a single-center subarachnoid hemorrhage registry. The intervention of interest was a dexamethasone taper used 3. Other outcomes included DCI and infection. A propensity score for use of dexamethasone was calculated using a logistic regression model that included potential predictors of dexamethasone use and outcome. The impact of dexamethasone on outcomes of interest was calculated and the propensity score was controlled for. Results A total of 440 patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage were admitted during the study period and 309 met eligibility criteria. Dexamethasone was administered in 101 patients (33%). A total of 127 patients (41%) had a discharge modified Rankin Scale score >3, 105 (34%) developed DCI, and 94 (30%) developed an infection. After propensity score analysis, dexamethasone use was associated with a significant reduction in poor functional outcomes (odds ratio [OR], 0.35; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.19–0.66) but showed no significant association with DCI (OR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.53–1.64) or infection (OR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.34–1.06). Conclusions Dexamethasone use after aSAH was associated with a reduction in poor functional outcomes at discharge but not DCI, controlling for predictors of dexamethasone use.
Pheochromocytoma as a reversible cause of cardiomyopathy: Analysis and review of the literature.

Abstract Context Pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma are rare neuroendocrine tumors which overproduce catecholamines and arise from the adrenal gland or extra-adrenal chromaffin cells of the sympathetic and parasympathetic ganglia (1). Excessive catecholamine-induced stimulation of cardiac myocytes leads to damage which manifests in several forms ranging from Takotsubo to dilated cardiomyopathy. Diagnosis of pheochromocytoma-related cardiomyopathies is often delayed due to the atypical presentation associated with many cases. Objective Limited data exists on the presentation and outcomes of the various forms of pheochromocytoma-induced cardiomyopathies. We performed a literature review to assess the association of pheochromocytoma and cardiomyopathy to aide in further understanding this clinical entity. Design 163 cases from 150 articles published between 1991 and November 2016 were included from a PubMed search. Results There were 163 occurrences of pheochromocytoma and cardiomyopathy (63 dilated cardiomyopathy, 38 Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, 30 inverted Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, 10 HOCM, 8 myocarditis, and 14 unspecified cardiomyopathy). Many patients lacked classic signs or symptoms of pheochromocytoma with hypertension as a presenting symptom in 65% and the triad of headache, palpitations, and diaphoresis only in 4%. Resection of the pheochromocytoma led to improvement of the cardiomyopathy in 96% while lack of resection was associated with death or cardiac transplantation in 44%. Conclusion Pheochromocytoma should be considered in the evaluation of non-ischemic, non-valvular cardiomyopathy even in the absence of symptoms of catecholamine excess. Our study highlights the importance of early suspicion and diagnosis of pheochromocytoma in cases of idiopathic heart failure as early resection may prevent progression to irreversible myocardial remodeling and death.