cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Different behavioural responses to anthropogenic noise by two closely related passerine birds

Anthropogenic noise, now common to many landscapes, can impair acoustic communication for many species, yet some birds compensate for masking by noise by altering their songs. The phylogenetic distribution of these noise-dependent signal adjustments is uncertain, and it is not known whether closely related species respond similarly to noise. Here, we investigated the influence of noise on habitat occupancy rates and vocal frequency in two congeneric vireos with similar song features. Noise exposure did not influence occupancy rates for either species, yet song features of both changed, albeit in different ways. With increases in noise levels, plumbeous vireos (Vireo plumbeus) sang shorter songs with higher minimum frequencies. By contrast, grey vireos (Vireo vicinior) sang longer songs with higher maximum frequencies. These findings support the notion that vocal plasticity may help some species occupy noisy areas, but because there were no commonalities among the signal changes exhibited by these closely related birds, it may be difficult to predict how diverse species may modify their signals in an increasingly noisy world.
An Integrated Electric Shipboard Power System Testbed

The authors have developed a multi-agent system for autonomous energy management aboard an all electric naval ship. Simulation results were used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed methodologies. To prove the concept and gain insight into this important problem, a hardware prototype is being built. The objective of this paper is to describe the prototype, its hardware components, and the communication scheme that has been adopted. We also discuss the integrated system setup with its multi-agent components to perform tests.
A combination of norethindrone acetate and leuprolide acetate blocks the gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonistic response and minimizes cyst formation during ovarian stimulation

A protocol utilizing both leuprolide acetate (LA) and norethindrone acetate (NETA) in subjects undergoing ovarian suppression prior to follicle aspiration proved more effective than LA alone in reducing the incidence of ovarian cyst formation without affecting clinical outcome. Patients (n = 105) undergoing ovarian stimulation followed by follicle aspiration and in-vitro fertilization (IVF) were prospectively randomized and studied. Study measures included ovarian suppression days, days of human menopausal gonadotrophin (HMG) stimulation, serum oestradiol concentrations, number of cycles developing de novo cysts (>15 mm), number of induced flare responses (day 8 oestradiol >=50 pg/ml), number of office visits, total dose exogenous gonadotrophins, number oocytes retrieved, and clinical pregnancy and delivery rates per retrieval. Patients undergoing IVF received either LA alone (n = 58; controls) or LA and NETA (n = 47; study group) for the first 8 days of their cycle. Results comparing NETA/LA versus LA demonstrated: serum oestradiol 20.7 +/- 3.9 versus 57.3 +/- 9.4 pg/ml respectively on day 8 of ovarian suppression (P P 15 mm compared to 15 (25.9%) controls (P < 0.01). No differences were observed for days of stimulation, peak oestradiol attained, total dosage of exogenous gonadotrophins, or number of aspirated oocytes. Neither were there differences in the clinical pregnancy (26.8 versus 22.6%) nor in delivery rates (19.5 versus 20. 8%). We conclude that the addition of NETA to LA enhances ovarian suppression and lessens ovarian cyst formation, thereby significantly decreasing the overall cost per cycle.
Genetic associations with reflexive visual attention in infancy and childhood

This study elucidates genetic influences on reflexive (as opposed to sustained) attention in children (aged 9 –16 years; N = 332) who previously participated as infants in visual attention studies using orienting to a moving bar (Dannemiller, 2004). We investigated genetic associations with reflexive attention measures in infancy and childhood in the same group of children. The genetic markers (single nucleotide polymorphisms and variable number tandem repeats on the genes APOE, BDNF, CHRNA4, COMT, DRD4, HTR4, IGF2, MAOA, SLC5A7, SLC6A3, and SNAP25) are related to brain development and/or to the availability of neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine, dopamine, or serotonin. This study shows that typically developing children have differences in reflexive attention associated with their genes, as we found in adults (Lundwall, Guo, & Dannemiller, 2012). This effort to extend our previous findings to outcomes in infancy and childhood was necessary because genetic influence may differ over the course of development. Although two of the genes that were tested in our adult study (Lundwall et al., 2012) were significant in either our infant study (SLC6A3) or child study (DRD4), the specific markers tested differed. Performance on the infant task was associated with SLC6A3. In addition, several genetic associations with an analogous child task occurred with markers on CHRNA4, COMT, and DRD4. Interestingly, the child version of the task involved an interaction such that which genotype group performed poorer on the child task depended on whether we were examining the higher or lower infant scoring group. These findings are discussed in terms of genetic influences on reflexive attention in infancy and childhood.
HIGH-SPEED PHOTOREFRACTIVE POLYMER COMPOSITES

Since the discovery in 1990 of photorefractivity in polymers, there has been significant progress in the development of materials with performance comparable to that for conventional inorganic crystals[1].
Depletion-Mediated Pattern Formation in a Growing Bacterial Colony

Secretion of extracellular polymeric substances into growth medium of bacteria is the hallmark of forming biofilm-like structures. The morphological property of such systems might depend upon the physical interactions of cells with extracellular polymeric substances(EPS). We have studied self-organization of nonmotile rod-shaped bacterial cells growing on solid substrate in presence of self-producing EPS, secreted into the growth medium in expanding colony. In our individual-based simulation model of bacterial cells and EPS, all the particles interact mechanically via repulsive forces by pushing each other away as bacterial cells grow and divide consuming diusing nutrient and produce EPS. We show that mechanical interactions control the collective behavior of the system, particularly, we show that the presence of nonadsorbing EPS leads spontaneous aggregation of bacterial cells by depletion attraction and generates phase separated patterns in a nonequilibrium growing colony. This generic mechanism powered by entropic forces could explain one of the possible ways to spontaneous aggregated structure formation and spatial heterogeneity in a biofilm.
On the Cauchy problems for polymer flooding with gravitation

Abstract We study two systems of conservation laws for polymer flooding in secondary oil recovery, one with gravitation force and one without. For each model, we prove global existence of weak solutions for the Cauchy problems, under rather general assumptions on the flux functions. Approximate solutions are constructed through a front tracking algorithm, and compactness is achieved through the bound on suitably defined wave strengths. As the main technical novelty, we introduce some new nonlinear functionals that yield a uniform bound on the total variation of the flux function.
Decentralized robust control design for uncertain delay systems

We consider a class of large-scale uncertain delay systems. The uncertain parameter vector in the system is possibly fast time-varying. It may be nonlinear in the system dynamics. No statistical or fuzzy information of the uncertainty is known. Based on only the possible bound of the uncertain parameter, a decentralized linear robust control is proposed, which renders the system asymptotically stable.
Sensitivity of contact-free fiber Bragg grating sensor to ultrasonic Lamb wave

Networks of fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors can serve as structural health monitoring (SHM) systems for large-scale structures based on the collection of ultrasonic waves. The demodulation of structural Lamb waves requires a high signal-to-noise ratio because Lamb waves have a low amplitude. This paper investigates the signal transfer between Lamb waves propagating in an aluminum plate collected by an optical fiber containing a FBG. The fiber is bonded to the plate at locations away from the FBG. The Lamb waves are converted into longitudinal and flexural traveling waves propagating along the optical fiber, which are then transmitted to the Bragg grating. The signal wave amplitude is measured for different distances between the bond location and the Bragg grating. Bonding the optical fiber away from the FBG location and closer to the signal source produces a significant increase in signal amplitude, here measured to be 5.1 times that of bonding the Bragg grating itself. The arrival time of the different measured wave coupling paths are also calculated theoretically, verifying the source of the measured signals. The effect of the bond length to Lamb wavelength ratio is investigated, showing a peak response as the bond length is reduced compared to the wavelength. This study demonstrates that coupling Lamb waves into guided traveling waves in an optical fiber away from the FBG increases the signal-to-noise ratio of Lamb wave detection, as compared to direct transfer of the Lamb wave to the optical fiber at the location of the FBG.
Evaluation on Integrate Control Effect of Leprosy in Liangshan Prefecture

Objective To evaluate the achievement of leprosy elimination campaign(LEC)and leprosy integrate control in Liangshan Prefecture and to explore the sustainable methods of leprosy control.Methods The detecting rate of patients and acknowledge rate of leprosy control knowledge were elevated through governments instruction,adjustment of leprosy control agency,leprosy doctors training,health education,quality control,and reward and punishment.Results From 1995 to 2004,the number of average detected cases was 93.6 every year with a detecting rate of 2.38/100 000.After LEC,the number was changed into 137 cases and 3.29/100 000 correspondingly in 2005.Compared with 2004,the detecting methods and constitution were both changed in 2005.The 2nd degree disability rate decreased from 23.60%(2004)down to 18.25%(2005).The average delay periods of new cases shortened from 33 months(2004)to 25 months(2005).We checked the acknowledge rate by sampling 340 villagers and students from 17 counties and 34 villages,the acknowledge rate of villagers and students was 45.60% and 75.42% respectively.Conclusion The detecting rate of new cases arose obviously after the launching of LEC,the disability rate of new cases decreased,the primary achievement was gained after leprosy integrate control was performed in Liangshan.
261 RIGHT VENTRICULAR VOLUME AND SYSTOLIC FUNCTION CORRELATE WITH BRAIN NATRIURETIC PEPTIDE LEVELS IN ADULT PATIENTS WITH CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE.

Objectives To evaluate the correlation between right ventricular systolic function, volume, and plasma brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels in adults with congenital heart disease (CHD). Background Right ventricular function is an important though often undervalued prognostic factor in patients with heart failure. Plasma BNP levels are moderately elevated in patients with right ventricular pressure and/or volume overload. We sought to define the correlation between plasma BNP level and right ventricular volume and systolic function in a cohort of adults with CHD. Methods The transthoracic echocardiograms (TTE), magnetic resonance cine-gradient echo (MRI), and serum BNP levels of adults with CHD were reviewed. Correlation coefficients were sought between BNP and right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP), right and left ventricular ejection fractions (RVEF/LVEF), right ventricular end-systolic volume (RVESV), and end-diastolic volume (RVEDV). MRI was utilized to determine RVESV and RVEDV via application of the Simpson9s rule by manual planimetry of the endocardial and epicardial borders of both ventricles in the short axis. The RVEF was calculated as the stroke volume divided by the RVEDV. A similar method was utilized to quantify LVEF. Right and left ventricular muscle mass (RVMM/LVMM) were quantified by measuring the volume of the myocardium multiplied by the specific gravity of myocardium. TTE was also used to estimate RVEF and LVEF as well as estimate RVSP from tricuspid valve regurgitant velocity using the modified Bernoulli equation. Results Nine adults with various types of CHD (4 tetralogy of Fallot, 2 bicuspid aortic valve, 2 double outlet right ventricle, 1 double outlet left ventricle) were included in this analysis. Serum BNP levels correlated significantly with MRI-derived RVESV (r = .88, p = .01) and RVEDV (r = .82, p = .01). A significant inverse correlation existed between BNP levels and MRI-derived RVEF (r = -.74, p = .01) and echo-estimated RVEF (r = -.86, p = .01). Echo- and MRI-derived LVEF did not correlate significantly with BNP levels. All patients with BNP > 100 had RVEF ≤ 50%, RVESV ≥ 55 mL. RVSP and RVMM were not correlated with BNP levels. Conclusions In adults with CHD, MRI-derived RVESV and RVEDV significantly correlated with plasma BNP level. RVEF but not LVEF was inversely correlated with BNP level. Right ventricular systolic and diastolic volume and systolic function are closely associated with plasma BNP in adults with CHD.
Determination of melamine in aquatic products by SPE-HPLC

Objective:To establish a SPE-HPLC method for the determination of melamine in aquatic products.Methods:Melamine in aquatic products was cleaned-up by SPE column,then separated by Kromasil C18 column(4.6 mm×250 mm,5 μm)with ultraviolet detection.The mobile phase consisted of sodium heptanesulfonate-citric acid buffer solution:acetonitrile(85:15).Results:The linear ranges were 10~100 μg/ml(r=0.9993),the recoveries were in the range of 80.1%～88.9%,the relative standard deviations were 2.1%～6.1%,and the determination limit was 1.6 mg/kg.Conclusion:This method is of good reproducibility and simple operation and it could be applied to the determination of the aquatic products.
Scalia's Bargain

In 1970, Senator Edward M. Kennedy introduced a bill to add a waiver of sovereign immunity to the Administrative Procedure Act. A series of Supreme Court opinions had left sovereign immunity doctrine hopelessly muddled, making it unclear when plaintiffs could challenge federal agency actions in court. Initially, Kennedy’s bill languished because the Executive Branch opposed it. Then Antonin Scalia became Assistant Attorney General, and the Executive Branch changed its position. As Scalia explained, however, the Executive Branch conditioned its support for the bill on the understanding that the amendment would not throw open the courthouse doors for claims against the United States, but would be subject to the other limitations of the APA. The groups that had drafted the bill shared that understanding. Senator Kennedy accepted Scalia’s conditions, and the bill finally passed in 1976. Unfortunately, the amendment that was meant to clarify the law has not done so. Instead, the question of how to interpret the APA’s waiver of sovereign immunity has generated inter- and intra-circuit splits and general confusion. Moreover, the majority of the federal courts of appeals have ignored Scalia and Kennedy’s bargain and held that the waiver of sovereign immunity in the APA is not constrained by the other limitations in the APA. This article – the first to address this issue – argues that the majority approach misinterprets the waiver and raises serious concerns related to separation of powers, democratic legitimacy, and the institutional competence of the courts, and should not stand.
A comment on a textual emendation to Bjarnar saga HÃÂ­tdÃÂ¿lakappa

At the end of Bjarnar saga HAÂ­tdAÂ?lakappa, it is related that after BjAÂ«rn has died in a heroic last stand, his adversary AA¾AÂ³rAÂ°r, at the request of KAÂilfr, goes to HAÂ³lm to give to AA¾AÂ³rdAÂ­s, BjAÂ«rnA¢â¬â¢s wife, an ornament that BjAÂ«rn had worn around his neck. KAÂilfr hands AA¾AÂ³rdAÂ­s the ornament, but she throws the ornament at AA¾AÂ³rAÂ°r and tells him to give it to his wife OddnAÂ½. At the sight of the ornament, OddnAÂ½, BjAÂ«rnA¢â¬â¢s lifelong love, sinks down and loses all consciousness of people around her. By the time the swoon lifts from her, she has lapsed into an illness, from which she eventually dies. The extant manuscripts of the saga report that A¢â¬Ahon mornaAÂ°i AÂ«ll ok AÂ¾orrnaAÂ°i ok rAÂ?ddi aldri sAÂ­AÂ°an tanna ok lifAÂ°i AÂ¾AÂ³ mjAÂ«k lengi viAÂ° AÂ¾essi AÂ³hAÂ?gindi.A¢â¬Â
Fifty years of smelling sulfur: From the chemistry of garlic to the molecular basis for olfaction

The striking difference in odor threshold of low molecular weight thiols compared to analogous alcohols has been investigated by isolation and study of human olfactory receptors responsive to these...
Response to Hepatitis B Vaccination Following Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation (HCT).

Liver disease secondary to Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a vaccine preventable disease. Currently, the European Group for BMT recommends recombinant HBV vaccination starting 6–12 months post HCT, in the 2000 CDC guidelines, vaccination against HBV is optional. Nevertheless, immunization against HBV is generally mandated prior to school re-entry and in adults with an increased risk for exposure to HepB. In healthy children and adolescents, seroconversion rates of >95% have been reported. In adults, including those >40 years of age, response rates of 85–95% are observed. To determine the ability of allogeneic transplant recipients to respond to recombinant HBV vaccination, the pre and post vaccine titers of 260 patients, including 100 children (
Beach and River-Mouth Processes, Natal Coast, South Africa

A sedimentary process - response research program was undertaken along the Natal coast from April to august, 1976. Specific site locations were Umgeni River mouth, Umkomaas River mouth, and Amahlongwan a Beach.
Enhancing the Elasticity of Ultrathin Single-Wall Carbon Nanotube Films with Colloidal Nanocrystals

Thin bilayers of contrasting nanomaterials are ubiquitous in solution-processed electronic devices and have potential relevance to a number of applications in flexible electronics. Motivated by recent mesoscopic simulations demonstrating synergistic mechanical interactions between thin films of single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and spherical nanocrystal (NC) inclusions, we use a thin-film wrinkling approach to query the compressive mechanics of hybrid nanotube/nanocrystal coatings adhered to soft polymer substrates. Our results show an almost 2-fold enhancement in the Young modulus of a sufficiently thin SWCNT film associated with the presence of a thin interpenetrating overlayer of semiconductor NCs. Mesoscopic distinct-element method simulations further support the experimental findings by showing that the additional noncovalent interfaces introduced by nanocrystals enhance the modulus of the SWCNT network and hinder network wrinkling.
Changes in margin re-excision rates: Experience incorporating the "no ink on tumor" guideline into practice.

INTRODUCTION Prior to the "no ink on tumor" SSO/ASTRO consensus guideline, approximately 20% of women with stage I/II breast cancers undergoing breast conservation surgery at our institution underwent margin re-excision. On May 20, 2013, our institution changed the definition of negative margins from 2 mm to "no ink on tumor." METHODS A retrospective review was conducted of patients who had surgery at our institution with clinical stage I/II breast cancers between June 1, 2011 and May 1, 2015. In the pre-guideline cohort (pre) and post-guideline cohort (post), negative margins were 2 mm and "no ink on tumor," respectively. RESULTS Implementation of the guideline resulted in a significant decrease in the positive/close margin rate (29.6% pre vs 10.1% post; P < 0.001) and numerical decrease in re-excision rate (20.4% pre vs 16.3% post; P = 0.104). No significant difference was found in local recurrence between the cohorts with limited follow-up (1.2% pre vs 1.5% post; P = 0.787). CONCLUSION The implementation of the "no ink on tumor" guideline at our institution has resulted in a significant decrease in positive margin rates and a numerical decrease in margin re-excisions. In addition to margin status, surgeons continue to use individual patient and histologic factors to decide for or against margin re-excision.
Non-termination analysis and cost-based query optimization of logic programs

There have been many studies in termination analysis of logic programming but little has been done on analyzing non-termination of logic programs, which is even more important in our opinion. Non-termination analysis examines program execution history when non-termination is suspected and informs the programmer of non-termination causes and possible ways to fix them. In the first part of this thesis, we study the problem of non-termination in tabled logic engines with subgoal abstraction, such as XSB, and propose a suite of algorithms, called non-Termination analyzer, $\texttt{Terminyzer}$, for automatic detection and explanation of non-termination. The second part of this thesis focuses on cost-based query optimization. Database query optimizers rely on data statistics in selecting query execution plans and rule-based systems can greatly benefit from such optimizations as well. To this end, one first needs to collect data statistics for base and propagate them to derived predicates. However, there are two difficulties: dependencies among arguments and recursion. To address these problems, we implement a Cost-based query optimizer, $\texttt{Costimizer}$, which consists of a cost estimator and an optimizing unit. The optimizing unit performs a greedy search optimization based on predicate statistics computed by the cost estimator. We validate the effectiveness of $\texttt{Costimizer}$ on both size estimation and query optimization through experimental studies.
Self-determined Engagement in Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviors of US College Students

Although the importance of promoting physical activity is well established, researchers have recently considered "sedentary behaviors" as another key risk factor for chronic disease. However, little is known about the motivational processes regulating sedentary behavior on a daily basis. A substantial amount of research has been based on the self-determination theory to examine the motivational processes regulating physical activity behaviors. However, only limited attention has been paid to sedentary behaviors from this theoretical perspective. This study aims to identify and understand motivational aspects related to sedentary behavior from a self-determination perspective. A convenience sample of undergraduate students (N=875) enrolled in a university required Lifetime Physical Activity and Fitness class completed an online survey which inquired about physical activity and sedentary behaviors as well as about motivational variables related to these behaviors. Physical activity variables were inversely and only slightly related to sedentary behavior (ρ = -.084 to -.146, p < .05). Psychological needs and behavioral regulations together explained 14.3% of the variance in moderate-to-vigorous physical-activity (p < .001), but only 2.8% of the variance in sedentary behavior (p = .002). These findings suggest physical activity and sedentary behaviors are explained by unique motivational factors.
Radiation and Illumination

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses that visual perception of scenes depends on appropriate illumination to visualize objects. The human visual system is limited to a very narrow portion of the spectrum of electromagnetic radiation, called light. In some cases natural sources, such as solar radiation, moonlight, lightning flashes, or bioluminescence, provide sufficient ambient light to navigate our environment. Because humankind was mainly restricted to daylight, one of the first attempts was to invent an artificial light source—fire. Computer vision is not dependent upon visual radiation, fire, or glowing objects to illuminate scenes. As soon as imaging detector systems became available, other types of radiation were used to probe scenes and objects of interest. Recent developments in imaging sensors cover almost the whole electromagnetic spectrum from x-rays to radiowaves. In standard computer vision applications, illumination is frequently taken as given and optimized to illuminate objects evenly with high contrast. Such setups are appropriate for object identification and geometric measurements. Radiation, however, can also be used to visualize quantitatively physical properties of objects by analyzing their interaction with radiation. The chapter provides the fundamentals for a quantitative description of radiation emitted from sources, as well as the interaction of radiation with objects and matter. It also shows, using a few selected examples, how this knowledge can be used to design illumination setups for practical applications such that different physical properties of objects are visualized.
Aβ-Induced Toxicity Mediated by Caspase Cleavage of the Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP)

Synapse and neuron losses are characteristic features ofAlzheimer’s disease (AD) and are believed to underlie the cognitive impairments seen in this disorder. Amyloid β-protein (Aβ) is hypothesized to play a pivotal role in initiating AD pathogenesis, but the precise mechanisms of Aβ-induced damage remain unclear. Caspases, a family of proteases best known for their role in programmed cell death, may play a role in neurodegeneration. This review will focus on recent findings implicating a role for caspase cleavage of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) in synaptic and neuronal injury in AD and how this pathway may be initiated by the interaction of Aβ with APP.
Updates on the Genetics and Molecular Subtypes of Urothelial Carcinoma and Select Variants.

Urothelial carcinoma is a morphologically and genomically heterogeneous disease that exhibits a wide spectrum of morphologic features and molecular alterations and subtypes. Classic urothelial carcinoma (not otherwise specified) is the most common tumor type that develops in the urinary bladder but many, well-documented, variant histologies are commonly encountered in approximately one-third of invasive urothelial carcinoma, including squamous, glandular, micropapillary, sarcomatoid, small cell/neuroendocrine, clear cell, lymphoepithelioma-like, and plasmacytoid types, among others. In this review, we provide an update on the molecular advances in urothelial carcinoma and some of its variant histologies.
Missionaries, measles, and manuscripts: revisiting the Whitman tragedy

The missionaries Marcus Whitman, a doctor, and Narcissa Whitman, his wife, and twelve other members of the Waiilatpu Mission were murdered in November 1847 by a small contingent of the Cayuse Indians in the Oregon Territory. The murders became known as the “Whitman Massacre.” The authors examine the historical record, including archived correspondence held at the Yale University Libraries, for evidence of what motivated the killings and demonstrate that there were two valid perspectives, Cayuse and white. Hence, the event is better termed the “Whitman Tragedy.” The crucial component, a highly lethal measles epidemic, has been called the spark that lit the fuse of the tragedy.
Spacing, Stopping, or Postponing? Fertility Desires in a Sub-Saharan Setting.

A growing body of research has argued that the traditional categories of stopping and spacing are insufficient to understand why individuals want to control fertility. In a series of articles, Timaeus, Moultrie, and colleagues defined a third type of fertility motivation-postponement-that reflects a desire to avoid childbearing in the short term without clear goals for long-term fertility. Although postponement is fundamentally a description of fertility desires, existing quantitative research has primarily studied fertility behavior in an effort to find evidence for the model. In this study, we use longitudinal survey data to consider whether postponement can be identified in standard measures of fertility desires among reproductive-age women in rural Mozambique. Findings show strong evidence for a postponement mindset in this population, but postponement coexists with stopping and spacing goals. We reflect on the difference between birth spacing and postponement and consider whether and how postponement is a distinctive sub-Saharan phenomenon.
Sphingolipid Mediators of Myocardial Pathology

Cardiomyopathy is the leading cause of mortality worldwide. While the causes of cardiomyopathy continue to be elucidated, current evidence suggests that aberrant bioactive lipid signaling plays a crucial role as a component of cardiac pathophysiology. Sphingolipids have been implicated in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease, as they regulate numerous cellular processes that occur in primary and secondary cardiomyopathies. Experimental evidence gathered over the last few decades from both in vitro and in vivo model systems indicates that inhibitors of sphingolipid synthesis attenuate a variety of cardiomyopathic symptoms. In this review, we focus on various cardiomyopathies in which sphingolipids have been implicated and the potential therapeutic benefits that could be gained by targeting sphingolipid metabolism.
Sodium channels and transporters in the myometrium

In excitable cells such as neurons and cardiomyocytes, sodium influx across the plasma membrane contributes to the resting membrane potential, and sodium is the key ion for generating action potentials. In myometrial smooth muscle cells, however, the functions of sodium influx have not been fully elucidated. This review briefly discusses the contribution of Na+ pumps to myometrial excitability but given the brevity of this article, we focus on the evidence that sodium influx through various types of channels may play numerous roles in controlling myometrial excitability.
Pilot Ex Vivo and In Vitro Evaluation of a Novel Foley Catheter with Antimicrobial Periurethral Irrigation for Prevention of Extraluminal Biofilm Colonization Leading to Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections (CAUTIs).

CAUTI remains a serious healthcare issue for incontinent patients whose urine drainage is managed by catheters. A novel double-balloon Foley catheter was developed which was capable of irrigating the extraluminal catheter surfaces within the periurethral space between the urethral-bladder junction and meatus. The catheter has a retention cuff that is inflated to secure the catheter in the bladder and a novel irrigation cuff proximal to the urethral-bladder junction capable of providing periurethral irrigation from the urethral-bladder junction to the meatus. Uniform periurethral irrigation was demonstrated in an ex vivo porcine model by adding a dye to the antimicrobial urethral irrigation solution. An in vitro biofilm colonization model was adapted to study the ability of periurethral irrigation with a newly developed antimicrobial combination consisting of polygalacturonic acid + caprylic acid (PG + CAP) to prevent axial colonization of the extraluminal urethral indwelling catheter shaft by common uropathogens. The extraluminal surface of control catheters that were not irrigated formed biofilms along the entire axial urethral tract after 24 hours. Significant ( ) inhibition of colonization was seen against multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA), carbapenem-resistant Escherichia coli (EC), and carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (KB). For other common uropathogens including Candida albicans (CA), Proteus mirabilis (PR), and Enterococcus faecalis (EF), a first irrigation treatment completely inhibited colonization of half of the indwelling catheter closest to the bladder and a second treatment largely disinfected the remaining intraurethral portion of the catheter towards the meatus. The novel Foley catheter and PG + CAP antimicrobial irrigant prevented biofilm colonization in an in vitro CAUTI model and merits further testing in an in vivo CAUTI prevention model.
Combined molecular dynamics and quantum trajectories simulation of laser-driven, collisional systems

We introduce a combined molecular dynamics (MD) and quantum trajectories (QT) code to simulate the effects of near-resonant optical fields on state-vector evolution and particle motion in a collisional system. In contrast to collisionless systems, in which the quantum dynamics of multi-level, laser-driven particles with spontaneous emission can be described with the optical Bloch equations (OBEs), particle velocities in sufficiently collisional systems change on timescales comparable to those of the laser-induced, quantum-state dynamics. These transient velocity changes can cause the time-averaged velocity dependence of the quantum state to differ from the OBE solution. We use this multiscale code to describe laser-cooling in a strontium ultracold neutral plasma. Important phenomena described by the simulation include suppression of electromagnetically induced transparencies through rapid velocity changing collisions and thermalization between cooled and un-cooled directions for anisotropic laser cooling.
Sexual Shame in the Sexual Excitation and Inhibition Propensities of Men With and Without Nonconsensual Sexual Experiences.

For men with nonconsensual sexual experience (NSEs) histories, sexual shame may play a critical role in their sexual responses. Through online surveys, the current study examined sexual shame in th...
P570 Demographic, healthcare, and psychosocial factors related to STI diagnosis in a sample of young MSM: the P18 cohort study

Background Understanding the relationships between demographic, healthcare-related and psychosocial factors with STI vulnerability will provide information that can guide development of STI prevention efforts tailored to the lived realities of YMSM. Methods Between 2009–2011, n=600 YMSM were enrolled at age 18 in a prospective cohort study examining psychosocial and physical health during semi-annual visits conducted over a 36-month period. Reports of recent STIs were collected by self-report and a composite outcome variable was created: self-report of any STI (CT, GC, and/or syphilis) in the prior 90 days (hereafter called STI diagnoses). Bivariate analysis was conducted to examine relationships between STI diagnoses and 3 domains of covariates: demographic factors, psychosocial factors, and healthcare system related factors. Generalized estimating equations (GEE) with link logit was used to model factors from each domain associated with STI diagnoses. Results Over the course of the study period, these 597 participants contributed a total of 2,765 visits and self-reported n=205 STI diagnoses (composite variable detailed above). Increased age was associated with increased likelihood of STI diagnoses (aOR=1.22 per year, 95% CI 1.04–1.43) after adjustment for SES, race, #insertive/receptive anal intercourse acts, type of healthcare obtained (private clinic, public clinic, VA), and insurance status. Black/African YMSM were more likely to self-report an STI (aOR=2.90, 95% CI 1.50–5.61), compared to White (non-hispanic) peers (adjusted for age, SES, #sex acts, clinic type, and insurance). Participants receiving healthcare at public clinics (aOR= 1.89, 95% CI 1.30–2.77) and VA facilities (aOR= 4.13 95% CI 2.24–7.60) were more likely to report STI diagnoses than those attending private clinics (adjusted for age, race, SES, #sex acts, insurance). Depression score, gay-related stigma, internalized homophobia were not associated with STI diagnoses. Conclusion Older black/african YMSM were more likely to self-report an STI, perhaps because they participant in a different core mixing group of sexual contacts than other participants. Disclosure No significant relationships.
Symptoms of gluten ingestion in patients with non-celiac gluten sensitivity: A randomized clinical trial

Abstract Objectives Non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) is the presence of symptoms induced by gluten and relieved by a gluten-free diet (GFD) in patients without celiac disease or wheat allergy. Studies are mixed as to whether gluten is the main symptom trigger in patients with NCGS. Gluten immunogenic peptides (GIPs) in stool and urine are novel methods to monitor GFD compliance. Few studies have investigated their use in patients with NCGS. The aim of this study was to assess whether patients with NCGS have increased symptoms with gluten ingestion and to assess compliance with the GFD using stool and urine GIPs. Method This was a prospective, randomized, double-blinded crossover trial evaluating symptoms in patients with NCGS. Thirty patients with NCGS and 43 healthy controls were placed on a GFD. Patients received 0.5 or 2 g/d of gluten for 7 d each. The remaining weeks, they received placebo for a total of 4 wk. Symptoms were evaluated weekly using the Celiac Symptom Index (CSI). Urine and stool samples were collected weekly and measured for the detection of GIPs to detect exposure to gluten. Results There was no difference in symptom severity within the NCGS group whether receiving placebo or gluten (32.69 versus 31.54, P = 0.64). Patients with NCGS had significantly higher CSI scores at baseline than healthy controls. Patients with NCGS were less likely to have stool and urine GIPs than healthy patients. Conclusion Patients with NCGS were more adherent to the GFD based on stool and urine GIP results. Patients with NCGS had increased symptom severity at baseline compared with healthy controls. Neither group had significantly increased symptoms after ingestion of gluten.
Smile More; Kindling Kindness in the Practice of Law

Humans are pre-disposed to be kind. Confounding nature, lawyers are obligated to be zealous advocates, which is often interpreted and taught as being unkind. This incongruity causes consternation. This need not be so. This article posits that to be more effective and more content in their careers, lawyers need to employ and encourage kindness in their dealings with clients, judges, and opposing counsel. Kindness can start with simply smiling more. Smiles, it turns out, are evolutionarily contagious, and trigger positive reactions for both the smiler and the target of the smile. These positive feelings can kindle kindness in the practice of law. This article argues that smiling is a concrete way for lawyers to actualize and articulate kindness, and, therefore, the article concludes with the suggestion that we lawyers “smile more.”
Post-exercise Body Cooling: Skin Blood Flow, Venous Pooling, and Orthostatic Intolerance

Athletes and certain occupations (e.g., military, firefighters) must navigate unique heat challenges as they perform physical tasks during prolonged heat stress, at times while wearing protective clothing that hinders heat dissipation. Such environments and activities elicit physiological adjustments that prioritize thermoregulatory skin perfusion at the expense of arterial blood pressure and may result in decreases in cerebral blood flow. High levels of skin blood flow combined with an upright body position augment venous pooling and transcapillary fluid shifts in the lower extremities. Combined with sweat-driven reductions in plasma volume, these cardiovascular alterations result in levels of cardiac output that do not meet requirements for brain blood flow, which can lead to orthostatic intolerance and occasionally syncope. Skin surface cooling countermeasures appear to be a promising means of improving orthostatic tolerance via autonomic mechanisms. Increases in transduction of sympathetic activity into vascular resistance, and an increased baroreflex set-point have been shown to be induced by surface cooling implemented after passive heating and other arterial pressure challenges. Considering the further contribution of exercise thermogenesis to orthostatic intolerance risk, our goal in this review is to provide an overview of post-exercise cooling strategies as they are capable of improving autonomic control of the circulation to optimize orthostatic tolerance. We aim to synthesize both basic and applied physiology knowledge available regarding real-world application of cooling strategies to reduce the likelihood of experiencing symptomatic orthostatic intolerance after exercise in the heat.
Human megakaryocytes and platelets contain the estrogen receptor β and androgen receptor (AR): Testosterone regulates AR expression

Gender differences in vascular thromboses are well known, and there is evidence that platelets may be involved in these differences and that sex hormones affect platelet function. We characterized the expression of the estrogen receptor alpha (ER alpha), estrogen receptor beta (ER beta), progesterone receptor (PR), and androgen receptor (AR) in the megakaryocyte lineage. Megakaryocytes generated ex vivo from normal human CD34(+) stem cells contained RNA for ER beta and AR, which increased with cell differentiation. Platelets and human erythroleukemia (HEL) cells also contained ER beta and AR transcripts. No ER alpha or PR messenger RNA or protein was detected in the megakaryocyte lineage. Immunofluorescence microscopy showed that ER beta protein was present in glycoprotein (GP) IIb(+) megakaryocytes and the HEL megakaryocytic cell line in a predominantly cytoplasmic location. AR showed a cytoplasmic and nuclear distribution in GPIIb(+) and GPIIb(-) cells derived from CD34(+) cells and in HEL cells. Western immunoblotting confirmed the presence of ER beta and AR in platelets. Megakaryocyte and HEL AR expression was up-regulated by 1, 5, and 10 nmol/L testosterone, but down-regulated by 100 nmol/L testosterone. These findings indicate a regulated ability of megakaryocytes to respond to testosterone and suggest a potential mechanism through which sex hormones may mediate gender differences in platelet function and thrombotic diseases.
Antidepressant-induced manic conversion: a developmentally informed synthesis of the literature.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses antidepressant‐induced mania and rapid cycling in children and adolescents. The chapter reveals that antidepressant exposure in children and adolescents lead to long‐term mood destabilization. Most antidepressant‐induced manic episodes may be less severe than spontaneous episodes. The comparison in‐patients with antidepressant‐induced and spontaneous mania, and found that the antidepressant induced cases showed lower levels of psychosis and agitation, required less nursing care, and had faster resolution of symptoms. As for the timing of antidepressant‐induced mania and rapid cycling, most case reports describe manic symptoms that develop a few days to 2 weeks after starting serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI), and resolution of symptoms within 2 weeks after discontinuation of the medication. The clinical recommendations includes caution in the prescribing of selective SSRIS in children and adolescents, patient screening, improved communication and patient monitoring. For bipolar depression, the addition of antidepressants to mood stabilizer therapy is recommended only for cases of moderate to severe depression. Antidepressant medications can be a valuable tool in the treatment of debilitating and emotionally distressing conditions.
Employing internet GIS surveys to characterize recreational boating travel patterns.

Spatial factors are fundamental features of the tourism and recreation phenomenon. In terms of recreational boating, scholars are interested both in boaters' spatial distribution and movement patterns and in the factors associated with their movements, e.g. travel costs, environmental impacts, and social impacts of the movements. Spatial factors are also key to policymakers' decisions about where to establish new boating facilities, how protected areas are used by boaters and in crafting policy that minimizes conflict between recreational boating and other waterway uses. However, systematic studies regarding the recreationist movement are scant, especially at the fine geographic level. One reason for the lack of research is that gathering spatial data presents significant practical problems. In the Florida Saltwater Fishing Study, we integrated Google Map APIs into the online survey instrument to collect spatially-referenced data regarding boaters' movement on water. Results appear to be accurate, highly cost effective, and easily integrated with other survey information such as angler catch, effort, expenditures and attitudes.
Anonymous Internet Communication Based on IPSec

Network approaches for anonymous communication have been extant for some time. Unfortunately, there are limitations with these approaches. In this paper, we first expose the limitations of existing anonymous communication networks. We then present an anonymous Internet communication technique based on IPSec. Our technique provides bi-directional, real-time anonymous Internet communication that is resistant traffic analysis for any TCP/IP applications. We describe the signaling protocols and the implementation of our architecture. Our technique is easily implemented in security gateways or IP router that supports IPSec.
Collaborative Supervision — Theory Into Practice

Does involving teachers in genuine decision making really improve func tioning, or is it just another fashion able theory? If it does work, how do you make theory a reality?
Private Equity in China: Why the Time Is Right

At 35%, China has one of the highest savings rates in the world. It also has one of the largest stockpiles of foreign reserves, estimated at US$221 billion. The ownership of inefficient state enterprises is declining. Banks are very poor lenders, with reports of 50% loan defaults. There is a huge demand for investment vehicles, such as mutual funds, so that the average Chinese investor can reap the rewards of diversification. This article discusses the significant changes that are happening now in China, and suggests ways to take advantage of the opportunities now available.
Comparison of pause predictions of two sequence-dependent transcription models

Two recent theoretical models, Bai et al (2004, 2007) and Tadigotla et al (2006), formulated thermodynamic explanations of sequence-dependent transcription pausing by RNA polymerase (RNAP). The two models differ in some basic assumptions and therefore make different yet overlapping predictions for pause locations, and different predictions on pause kinetics and mechanisms. Here we present a comprehensive comparison of the two models. We show that while they have comparable predictive power of pause locations at low NTP concentrations, the Bai et al model is more accurate than Tadigotla et al at higher NTP concentrations. The pausing kinetics predicted by Bai et al is also consistent with time-course transcription reactions, while Tadigotla et al is unsuited for this type of kinetic prediction. More importantly, the two models in general predict different pausing mechanisms even for the same pausing sites, and the Bai et al model provides an explanation more consistent with recent single molecule observations.
Experimental Investigation of Capillary-Induced Rewetting in a Flat Porous Wicking Structure

An experimental program was conducted to investigate the rewetting characteristics of liquid flowing through multiple layers of screen mesh covering a heated vertical plate. Data obtained for acetone and R-11 were analyzed and compared with previously developed theoretical expressions for the rewetting velocity, the maximum liquid rise height, and the maximum heat flux for which rewetting could occur. The experimental results indicate that the thickness of the screen mesh layer and the liquid thermophysical properties are the most important factors affecting the rewetting behavior. As predicted by the theoretical model, small increase in the thickness of the screen layer initially caused the maximum permissible rewetting heat flux to increase. Once the layer thickness had reached a critical value, continued increases resulted in a decrease in the maximum permissible rewetting heat flux.