cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Membrane estrogen receptor-α-mediated nongenomic actions of phytoestrogens in GH3/B6/F10 pituitary tumor cells

Background: Estradiol (E2) mediates various intracellular signaling cascades from the plasma membrane via several estrogen receptors (ERs). The pituitary is an estrogen-responsive tissue, and we have previously reported that E2 can activate mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) such as ERK1/2 and JNK1/2/3 in the membrane ERα (mERα)-enriched GH 3 /B 6 /F 10 rat pituitary tumor cell line. Phytoestrogens are compounds found in plants and foods such as soybeans, alfalfa sprouts, and red grapes. They are structurally similar to E 2 and share a similar mechanism of action through their binding to ERs. Phytoestrogens bind to nuclear ERs with a much lower affinity and therefore are less potent in mediating genomic responses. However, little is known about their ability to act via mERs to mediate nongenomic effects. Methods: To investigate the activation of different nongenomic pathways, and determine the involvement of mERα, we measured prolactin (PRL) release by radio-immunoassay, MAPK activations (ERK1/2 and JNK1/2/3) via a quantitative plate immunoassay, and intracellular [Ca 2+ ] by Fura-2 fluorescence imaging in cells treated with E 2 or four different phytoestrogens (coumestrol, daidzein, genistein, and trans-resveratrol). Results: Coumesterol and daidzein increased PRL release similar to E 2 in GH 3 /B 6 /F 10 cells, while genistein and trans-resveratrol had no effect. All of these compounds except genistein activated ERK1/2 signaling at 1–10 picomolar concentrations; JNK 1/2/3 was activated by all compounds at a 100 nanomolar concentration. All compounds also caused rapid Ca 2+ uptake, though in unique dose-dependent Ca 2+ response patterns for several aspects of this response. A subclone of GH 3 cells expressing low levels of mERα (GH 3 /B 6 /D 9 ) did not respond to any phytoestrogen treatments for any of these responses, suggesting that these nongenomic effects were mediated via mERα. Conclusion: Phytoestrogens were much more potent in mediating these nongenomic responses (activation of MAPKs, PRL release, and increased intracellular [Ca 2+ ]) via mERα than was previously reported for genomic responses. The unique non-monotonic dose responses and variant signaling patterns caused by E 2 and all tested phytoestrogens suggest that complex and multiple signaling pathways or binding partners could be involved. By activating these different nongenomic signaling pathways, phytoestrogens could have significant physiological consequences for pituitary cell functions.
The Roles of Explicit Information and Grammatical Sensitivity in Processing Instruction: Nominative-Accusative Case Marking and Word Order in German L2

In this study, we examine explicit information and aptitude within processing instruction. Forty-six learners of German in their third semester of study were divided into two groups: those who received explicit information prior to treatment (+EI) and those who did not (−EI). Participants also took the grammatical sensitivity portion of the Modern Language Aptitude Test. Treatment consisted of structured input activities in which learners heard a sentence and indicated comprehension by selecting between two drawings. The processing problem was the First-Noun Principle, and the target structure was nominative-accusative case marking on masculine nouns in object-verb-subject and subject-verb-object sentences. Treatment was delivered via computer (SuperLab 4.0). The measurement taken was trials to criterion: how long it took participants to begin processing sentences correctly. Results revealed that the +EI group began processing sentences correctly before the −EI group. As for aptitude, grammatical sensitivity correlated weakly with the scores in the +EI group, but not in the −EI group.
On the trail and trial of a Palestinian diaspora: Mapping South America in the Arab-Israeli conflict, 1967-1972

Centred around a May 1970 shooting at the Israeli embassy in Asuncion, this article traces a chain of actions and reactions that began with Israel's victory in the Six-Day War in June 1967 and ended after the June 1972 verdict of a Paraguayan court regarding two Palestinians. Situated among Israeli officials, Palestinian refugees and Syrian-Lebanese elites, authoritarian Paraguay was not only encompassed by but also accommodated the post-1967 Arab–Israeli conflict, revealing the connection between the ‘areas’ of South America and the Middle East through ideas about relocating Palestinians as well as their actual displacement.
Preparation of Mesoporous Silica-Supported Palladium Catalysts for Biofuel Upgrade

We report the preparation of two hydrocracking catalysts Pd/CoMoO4/silica and Pd/CNTs/CoMoO4/silica (CNTs, carbon nanotubes). The structure, morphologies, composition, and thermal stability of catalysts were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The catalyst activity was measured in a Parr reactor with camelina fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) as the feed. The analysis shows that the palladium nanoparticles have been incorporated onto mesoporous silica in Pd/CoMoO4/silica or on the CNTs surface in Pd/CNTs/CoMoO4/silica catalysts. The different combinations of metals and supports have selective control cracking on heavy hydrocarbons.
Overcorrection A Review and Critical Analysis

Research on overcorrection was analyzed along a number of dimensions. Two types of overcorrection have been described — restitutional overcorrection and positive-practice overcorrection (Foxx & Azrin, 1972). In restitutional overcorrection an individual who disrupts the environment must restore, and then improve, the environment over its previous state. In positive-practice overcorrection, an offending individual must repeatedly perform an appropriate behavior. The literature indicates that overcorrection has been effective with a wide variety of behaviors, but that its effectiveness compared with alternative procedures is unclear. An adequate assessment of the side effects of overcorrection has been hampered by a lack of objective data and a failure to specify, in advance, which behaviors are of interest. Investigations of various parameters of overcorrection indicate that topographical similarity between an offense and the restitutional procedure is unnecessary, that the duration of time that the proces...
Stop classification using DESA-1 high resolution formant tracking

The results using the DESA-1 (discrete energy separation algorithm-1) quadratic frequency estimator to determine the frequency and rate of change of the second-formant frequency are shown. It is shown for different vowel environments that the DESA-1 algorithm can extract sufficient information to classify stops from vocalic data. The performance is demonstrated to be superior to that of a formant tracker using a more conventional pitch-synchronous LPC (linear predictive coding) analysis. The DESA-1 method is computationally simple enough to be performed in real time. >
A Method for Investigating Practitioner Use of Theory in Practice

This article describes a methodology for studying the relationship between scientific theory (technical-rational or textbook) and theory generated in practice (knowledge-inaction or practical). It identifies the written and oral practice narrative as empirical sites for studying the use of technicalrational theory in practice. The strengths and limitations of studying the written narrative alone are discussed and a method for juxtaposing the oral and written narrative of the same practice event is described. By respecting both forms of knowledge as productive powers, identifying their empirical referents, and investigating in vivo practice events, it is argued that practice research will remain open to discovering its dual or holistic potential.
Small-molecule inhibitors of Wnt signaling pathway: towards novel anticancer therapeutics

Background: The Wnt signaling pathway involves secreted glycoproteins that bind to the Frizzled family receptors to activate intracellular signal transduction events that regulate cell proliferation, apoptosis, cell migration and many critical aspects of developmental biology. Discussion: Aberrant Wnt signaling underlies a wide range of pathologies in humans including tumor initiation, tumor growth, cell senescence, cell death, differentiation and metastasis. The inhibition of Wnt signaling offers a novel approach for anticancer therapeutics. Conclusion: Focusing on recent developments, we reviewed the small-molecule inhibitors targeting various components of Wnt signaling pathways and the progress from the discovery of lead compounds to highly potent inhibitors with significant therapeutic potential.
Validation of the Children's Eating Behaviour Questionnaire in a low-income preschool-aged sample in the United States

The Children's Eating Behaviour Questionnaire (CEBQ; Wardle, Guthrie, Sanderson, & Rapoport, 2001) is a widely used measure of child eating behaviors. Yet, only one study has examined the factor structure of the CEBQ among low-income children. In the current study, we examined the internal consistency, factor structure, and validity of the CEBQ among 1002 low-income preschool-age children recruited from Head Start locations in the United States. Confirmatory Factor Analysis indicated the CEBQ evidenced a reasonable fit to the data. Results also indicate that CEBQ subscales demonstrate good internal reliability (α's ≥ .70) and validity, with 7 of the 8 subscales associated with children's BMI z-scores in the expected directions. Equivalent factor loadings and indicator means across White and Black non-Hispanic participants were found, supporting measurement invariance between these two groups. In sum, our study supports the factor structure of the CEBQ among low-income preschool-aged children in the United States.
Very-Efficient Simulatable Flipping of Many Coins into a Well

This paper presents new cryptographic protocols for a stand-alone simulatable two-party parallel coin-flipping into a well and a universally composable commitment scheme, with near optimal asymptotic communication rate, in the static and computational malicious model. The approach, denoted expand-mask-hash, uses in both protocols a pseudo-random generator PRG and a collision-resistant hash function CR-Hash to combine separate extractable commitments and equivocable commitments associated with short bit-strings into a unified extractable-and-equivocable property amplified to a larger target length, amortizing the cost of base commitments. The new stand-alone coin-flipping protocol is based on a simple augmentation of the traditional coin-flipping template. To the knowledge of the author, it is the first proposal shown to simultaneously be two-side-simulatable and have an asymptotic as the target length increases communication rate converging to two bits per flipped coin and computation rate per party converging to that of PRG-generating and CR-hashing a bit-string with the target length. The new universally composable commitment scheme has efficiency comparable to very recent state-of-the-art constructions --- namely asymptotic communication rate as close to 1 as desired, for each phase commit and open --- while following a distinct design approach. Notably it does not require explicit use of oblivious transfer and it uses an erasure encoding instead of stronger error correction codes.
Effect of rotation on the growth of SiGe using the traveling solvent method

A numerical simulation using the finite differential method was carried out to study the growth of Si0.02Ge 0.98 by the Traveling Solvent Method. In this analysis, the effect of crucible rotation on crystal/solution interface shape and Si concentration distribution were investigated. The results showed that the crucible rotation suppressed the natural convection in the solvent solution as the rotation rate was increased. Consequently, it was found that Si concentration distribution at the crystal/solution interface was affected by the rotation rate. Since the flow pattern was affected by the rotation, the silicon distribution at the solid/liquid interface was affected as well
Forming Laws Analysis of Superplastic Bulging Process for AZ31 Magnesium Heart-shaped Part Based on Numerical Simulation

Using the finite element analysis software MSC.MARC,the numerical simulation of constant strain rate superplastic bulging under different temperature and strain rate of AZ31 magnesium alloy heart-shaped part was analyzed based on 20 groups of simulation parameters.Meanwhile the thickness distributions of the bulging parts under different strain rate and same temperature,different temperature and same strain rate were analyzed,the influence laws of temperature and strain rate on the bulging parts were gained,and the potential risky points in the bulging process were predicted too.The results show that the peak of minimum wall thickness in the bulging parts was obtained when the temperature and strain rate are 340 ℃,5×10-3s-1 respectively.
An Experimental Study on Flowability Improving by Chemical for Waxy Crude Oils

A series of simulation waxy crude oils (SWCOs) with and without pour point depressant GY1, a long chain alkyl acrylate polymer based chemical, are prepared from #25 transformer oil, #50,#60 (coarse-crystalline) and #80 (microcrystalline) wax, single or mixed, and, in some cases, #60 road asphalt by mixing the ingredients at 100℃ in 1 hour. Some characteristics of these SWCOs and the microstructure of wax crystals grown up from SWCOs at 20℃ are obtained and the mechanisms involved in flowability improving by chemical are discussed. GY1 introduced into SWCOs lowers their cloud point by 0—2.0℃ and enhances their percent wax precipitation at 30℃ by 10—35% and hence the two aspects might not be involved in the mechanisms under study. The extent of pour point depression (PPD) by GY1 increases with increasing the trademark number and with decreasing the content of the wax in SWCOs and the reduction rates of yield stress and apparent viscosity of GY1-treated SWCOs at teperature closed to their pour point are higher when extent of PPD higher. The key point common to PPD and viscosity reduction is to inhibit formation of paraffin crystal network or to desintegrate it. The mechanisms involved in flowability improvement for waxy crude oils by a chemical include modification of surface properties of paraffin crystallite and promotion to growth of grains with high dimesional simmetry.
The Development of the Social Market Economy in Hungary and the Opportunities Resulting from Future Entry into the European Community

The following topics are discussed briefly in the present paper: 1) the three main tasks of the Hungarian government, including the choice of the appropriate «model» for the success or failure of the transformation of the former Socialist economies of Eastern Europe; 2) the relevance of the «social market economy» for the transformation of the Hungarian economy: the term «social market economy» may be used to designate not only the modern German, Swiss and Austrian tradition of economic policy-making, but also, maybe under different names, the economic order in several other Western European countries such as Italy, France, Spain, etc.; 3) the impatience among some Western economists with the speed of transformation of the Hungarian economy is partly due to lack of information and to confusion; 4) the interdependence between the development of the «social market economy» and future Hungarian membership in the European Community: the long-term success of the social market economy, in Hungary will depend on the success of integration into the European and world economy. At the same time, without developing a social market economy of the Western European type, full integration and membership in the European Community would not be conceivable for Hungary even in the long run; 5) the conditions of success: a brief conclusion mentioning the principal domestic and external conditions of success of transformation and integration of the Hungarian economy.
Tolerance Distances on Minimal Coverings

We define distances on the space of minimal coveringsof a finite set that generalize entropy distances on partitions, and establish connections between these spaces. The metric space of minimal coverings has multiple applications in machine learning and data mining, in areas such as multi-label classifications and determination of frequent item sets.
Seizure Recurrence after Medication Withdrawal

The relapse rate after withdrawal of antiepileptic medication was investigated in 146 children with epilepsy seen at the Dept of Child Neurology, University Hospital, Rotterdam, and Research Unit for Clinical Neurophysiology, Westeinde Hospital, The Hague, The Netherlands.
Neuregulin 1 Regulates Proliferation of Leydig Cells to Support Spermatogenesis and Sexual Behavior in Adult Mice.

Adult Leydig cells are derived from proliferating stem/progenitor Leydig cells in the infant testis and subsequent differentiation to steroidogenic cells in adult mice. Leydig cell proliferation in the infant testis occurs primarily in response to increased levels of LH that induce Leydig cell expression of neuregulin 1 (NRG1). Depletion of NRG1 in Nrg1 mutant mice (Nrg1flox;flox;Cyp19a1Cre mice) dramatically reduces Leydig cell proliferation in the infant testes, leading to a reduction of testis weight, epididymial weight, and serum T in the adult mutant mice. The mutant mice are subfertile due to impaired sexual behavior and abnormal elongation of the spermatogenic cells. These defects were reversed by T treatment of the mutant mice in vivo. Furthermore, NRG1 alone induces the proliferation of Leydig cells in cultures of infant (d 10) testes obtained from mutant mice. Collectively these results show that LH induction of NRG1 directly drives the proliferation of Leydig cells in the infant testis, leading...
Electrical Properties of Biological Tissues - An Impedance Spectroscopy Study

The purpose of this study is to investigate the frequency dependency (dielectric dispersion) of the electrical properties of biological tissues. For this purpose, the lung and mesenteric vessels of male Sprague Dawley rats and the lung of female balb/c mice were investigated. A Solartron 1290 impedance analyzer with 1296 dielectric interface was used. The impedance values were higher at low frequencies compared to those at high frequencies. The resistance and reactance values and hence the Cole-Cole plots are slightly different for the various tissues indicating the difference in their cell structures and the morphology. This study is of practical interest for biological applications of electrical pulses, such as electroporation, whose efficacy depends on cell type.
THE MEDIAL UNI-COMPARTMENT ALTERNATIVE: FIXED OR MOBILE?

Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) has a long history that extends back nearly as far as the first tricompartmental designs. While initial results were erratic, with a greater understanding of patient selection and surgical techniques, more consistent and favorable results have been reported. While there has been somewhat of a resurgence in interest in UKA, the percentage of primary knee arthroplasties that are unicompartmental hovers around 6–8%. It is my belief that you should be doing more! Several peer review studies suggest that with both fixed and mobile bearing designs, survivorship exceeds 90% at ten year. In our own initial series of 62 fixed bearing medial UKA, survivorship was 90% at 20 years. UKA is an outstanding option for younger patients, who are amongst the most challenging to satisfy with a TKA. In a cohort of patients < 55 years old, Biswas et al. reported a mean KSS of just over 95 points and a mean UCLA activity score of 7.5. This is opposed to the report by Parvizi et al. who suggested 1/3 of young, active patients reported residual symptoms and limitations following modern TKA. Most data suggests that UKA is a less morbid procedure than TKA. In a retrospective review of 605 UKA compared to 2235 TKA, Brown et al. found the risk of complications was 11% vs. 4.3% favoring UKA with a shorter length of stay and risk of discharge to an extended care facility, which also translates into lower costs for our health care system. Finally, in the only randomised study that I am aware of that has compared UKA and TKA, UKA was associated with significantly better survivorship (90% vs. 79%). Further, UKA was associated with better ROM and functional scores at 5 and 15 years. Finally, recovery with UKA was faster and the risk of peri-operative complications was lower.
Site-specific modifications and toxicity of blood substitutes - The case of diaspirin cross-linked hemoglobin

Safe and effective hemoglobin-based blood substitutes may be advantageous over conventional therapies for certain clinical settings requiring short term blood replacement such as emergency resuscitation and hemodilution in surgery. Many advances have been made in developing these oxygen therapeutics, however safety concerns continue to slow their clinical progress. An important and often overlooked consideration in evaluating the safety of modified hemoglobins is the impact of chemical and/or genetic modifications on the redox chemistry of these proteins. Diaspirin cross-linked hemoglobin (DBBF-Hb) has been extensively evaluated in vitro and in animal models, and thus represents a useful model to explore possible correlations between structural-functional alterations and toxicity of hemoglobin-based blood substitutes.
Direct single-molecule measurements of phycocyanobilin photophysics in monomeric C-phycocyanin.

Phycobilisomes are highly organized pigment-protein antenna complexes found in the photosynthetic apparatus of cyanobacteria and rhodophyta that harvest solar energy and transport it to the reaction center. A detailed bottom-up model of pigment organization and energy transfer in phycobilisomes is essential to understanding photosynthesis in these organisms and informing rational design of artificial light-harvesting systems. In particular, heterogeneous photophysical behaviors of these proteins, which cannot be predicted de novo, may play an essential role in rapid light adaptation and photoprotection. Furthermore, the delicate architecture of these pigment-protein scaffolds sensitizes them to external perturbations, for example, surface attachment, which can be avoided by study in free solution or in vivo. Here, we present single-molecule characterization of C-phycocyanin (C-PC), a three-pigment biliprotein that self-assembles to form the midantenna rods of cyanobacterial phycobilisomes. Using the Anti-Brownian Electrokinetic (ABEL) trap to counteract Brownian motion of single particles in real time, we directly monitor the changing photophysical states of individual C-PC monomers from Spirulina platensis in free solution by simultaneous readout of their brightness, fluorescence anisotropy, fluorescence lifetime, and emission spectra. These include single-chromophore emission states for each of the three covalently bound phycocyanobilins, providing direct measurements of the spectra and photophysics of these chemically identical molecules in their native protein environment. We further show that a simple Forster resonant energy transfer (FRET) network model accurately predicts the observed photophysical states of C-PC and suggests highly variable quenching behavior of one of the chromophores, which should inform future studies of higher-order complexes.
Stretchable sensors don’t feel the strain

Temperature sensors based on stretchable carbon nanotube transistors can nullify strain-dependent errors using a differential circuit design.
The Holographic Space-Time Model of Cosmology

This essay outlines the Holographic Space-time (HST) theory of cosmology and its relation to conventional theories of inflation. The predictions of the theory are compatible with observations, and one must hope for data on primordial gravitational waves or non-Gaussian fluctuations to distinguish it from conventional models. The model predicts an early era of structure formation, prior to the Big Bang. Understanding the fate of those structures requires complicated simulations that have not yet been done. The result of those calculations might falsify the model, or might provide a very economical framework for explaining dark matter and the generation of the baryon asymmetry.
The role of ovarian steroids in affective disorders

The role of reproductive steroids in the pathophysiology or treatment of traditional affective disorders remains unestablished. However, there is strong evidence documenting roles of ovarian steroids in reproductive endocrine-related mood disorders including Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). Studies in PMDD have consistently demonstrated the absence of a deficiency or excess of circulating ovarian steroid hormones. Thus, if ovarian steroids play a role in PMDD, the pathophysiologic paradigm is that normal levels of ovarian steroids induce an abnormal behavioral state in those women with PMDD but not those without PMDD. Recent studies have demonstrated that it is the change in ovarian steroid levels rather than stable levels that trigger the altered affective state in PMDD. Neuroimaging studies have identified potential neural targets of ovarian steroids in women with PMDD within several large-scale brain networks, including the prefrontal cortex and regions involved in affect regulation. Finally, preliminary findings suggest that an intrinsic cellular difference confers a differential response to ovarian steroids in women with PMDD compared with those who do not experience this condition.
The Use of Segmental Bioelectric Impedance in Estimating Body Composition

The use of measures of bioelectric impedance to estimate body composition is based upon the greater conductivity of electricity by fat-free mass compared to that of adipose tissue or bone. Bioelectric impedance is typically measured in the whole body between the wrist and ankle on one or both sides of the body and used in combination with stature (S2/R) to predict body composition (Lukaski et al., 1985, 1986; Segal et al., 1985; Kushner and Schoeller, 1986, Guo et al., 1987; Jackson et al., 1988). However, these whole body techniques are prone to sources of error because differences in lengths and cross-sectional areas of the body alter the uniformity of the current field which affects whole body impedance values (Smith, 1987; Baker, 1989). Segmental bioelectric impedance measures may provide body composition information obscured in the whole body approach (Chumlea et al., 1987; Smith. 1987; Patterson et al.. 1988; Patterson, 1989). Chumlea et al. (1987, 1988) showed that estimates of specific resistivities for the arm, leg and trunk can be used to calculate fat-free mass directly. Also, Baumgartner et al. (1988) demonstrated that the phase angle for the trunk was correlated significantly with percent body fat for the whole body. Patterson and coworkers (1988, 1989) report that combined segmental impedance measurements produce more reliable determinations of total body water and its changes than the whole body impedance method.
Immunopharmacologic Therapy of Immunodeficiency

The use of transfer factor (TF) and levamisole in immunodeficiency diseases is reviewed. Diseases in which transfer factor appears most beneficial include the Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome (WAS), chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis, disseminated coccidioidomycosis, tuberculosis, cryptococcosis, and malignant melanoma. Diseases in which levamisole appears most beneficial are rheumatoid arthritis, herpetic keratouveitis, Behcet's syndrome, and malignancy.
Characterizations of Abstract M and Lp Spaces

In section 16 we prove that the only real Banach lattices which have the property that every closed sublattice is the range of a positive contractive projection are the lattices L p (μ, ℝ) and c0(Г, ℝ) for some measure μ and some index set Г. We also prove a similar joint characterization of abstract M and L p spaces in terms of simultaneous linear extensions.
Process Analysis Using the Runs Test

Raouf and Sathe [1] give a computer program for evaluating whether or not a sequence of observations can be considered random, using the number of runs and the sample median as a reference point. In this paper, the basic runs test is reviewed and then i..
From Novice to Expert: Operationalizing Kinds of Knowing in an Environmental Management Setting

Existing ways of dealing with environmental problems subscribe to (or use) a framework based on a resource model that is enframed in science and technology. As stated by Thomas Kuhn, science theory looks for a change within this framework by following certain rules and standards for scientific practice. This is different from phenomenology. Phenomenology is dedicated to describing the structures of experience as they present themselves in everyday life, without prior recourse to theory, deduction, or assumptions from other disciplines such as the natural sciences. Understanding environmental problems from a phenomenological perspective means developing an alternative model that does not treat the world as a mere resource, but instead as interdependent for drawing on human possibility. Kuhn would accept this view as a paradigm change (Kuhn, 1970). This paper will discuss how broad social paradigms in the form of attitudes affect individual opportunities for change. A model will be presented that theorizes how attitudes are developed both from knowledge and informed know-how gained through science and experience.
SPACE-DEPENDENT PROMPT KINETICS OF A SUBCRITICAL REACTOR

A method of calculating space-dependent reactor kinetics by direct numerical integration of the time-dependent multigroup equations is described. In particular, this method is is applied to study the buildup and decay of neutron flux in a subcritical reactor with a step-function point external source. (auth)
The Correlation Bias for Two-Dimensional Simulations by Turning Bands

The turning bands method (TBM) generates realizations of isotropic Gaussian random fields by summing contributions from line processes. We consider two-dimensional simulations and study the correlation bias attributable to the use of only a finite number L of lines. Our analytical and numerical results confirm that the maximal bias is of order 1/L, and that L = 64 lines suffice for excellent covariance reproduction. The notorious banding observed in simulations with an insufficient number of lines is a related but different phenomenon and depends strongly on the choice of the line simulation technique. Clear-cut recommendations for the number of lines necessary to avoid the effect can only be based on practical experience with the specific code at hand.
Intestinal microbiota lipid metabolism varies across rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) phylogeographic divide.

AIMS This study focused on intestinal microbiome variation across the phylogeogrpahic divide of rainbow trout and its potential functional effects on ocean migration. METHODS AND RESULTS Hindgut intestinal contents were analysed using the 16S V4 hypervariable ribosomal gene region. Core microbiome taxonomies and overall microbial diversity were identified across the species phylogeographic divide with increased diversity found in Eastern Cascade fish. To determine potential functional differences between groups PICRUSt metagenomics analysis was utilized, revealing significant enrichment of lipid and fatty acid metabolism genes in Western Cascade fish microbiomes. CONCLUSIONS Decreased levels of intestinal microbial lipid metabolism in Eastern Cascade rainbow trout suggests increased lipid absorption in these fish given the consistent diets. Such absorption, and potential storage, would be an evolutionary benefit for increased migration distances experienced by Eastern Cascade fish. Core microbiome differences, and their functional associations, suggest evolutionary differences at the genetic level noticeably contribute to intestinal microbial community diversity. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY The possibility of genetic variation controlling intestinal microbiome diversity could have significant impacts on strain selection for rainbow trout aquaculture, especially given the consistent rearing conditions experienced in our sample populations likely result in differences in intramyocellular lipid storage.
Distributed Intermittent Communication Control of Mobile Robot Networks Under Time-Critical Dynamic Tasks

In this paper, we develop a distributed intermittent communication framework for teams of mobile robots that are responsible for accomplishing time-critical dynamic tasks and sharing the collected information with all other robots and possibly also with a user. Specifically, we consider situations where the robot communication capabilities are not sufficient to maintain reliable and connected networks while the robots move to accomplish their tasks. In this case, intermittent communication protocols are necessary that allow the robots to temporarily disconnect from the network in order to accomplish their tasks free of communication constraints. We assume that the robots can only communicate with each other when they meet at common locations in space. Our proposed distributed control framework determines offline schedules of communication events and integrates them online with task planning. The resulting paths ensure task accomplishment and exchange of information among robots infinitely often at locations that minimize a user-specified metric. Simulation results corroborate the proposed distributed control framework.
The PSID in Research and Policy.

The PSID has remained a valuable vehicle for evidence-based policy research for decades and should remain so for many more. In this short review, I cover major policy-related strengths from PSID re...
Growth study of GeTe phase change material using pulsed electron-beam deposition

Abstract Thin film growth of chalcogenides composition is an exciting field, owing to the interesting optical and electrical properties of them. In this work, a novel, physical vapor deposition (PVD) method called pulse electron-beam deposition (PED) experimentally studied to investigate the requirements for ablation of phase change materials (PCM). To evaluate the qualifications of the PED method, thin films of Germanium Telluride (GeTe) are grown and investigated by contemplating the surface morphology and the material composition. High-quality GeTe thin films with thicknesses from 30 to 200 nm, were successfully grown on top of silicon wafers at room temperature to demonstrate the ability of PED. To optimize the growth procedure, several growth parameters were thoroughly investigated, including background pressure, pulse energy, and growth temperature. A series of material characterization methods were adopted to study the GeTe material quality after the growth. These methods include field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and thickness profilometer. It was found that higher material growth rate can be obtained in lower background pressure ( ∼ 2.6 mTorr), lower temperature (room temperature) but higher pulse energy (e.g., 15 kV). Besides, by increasing the target-to-substrate distance, the surface quality (e.g., smoothness) was improved substantially, but the growth rate decreased linearly. Finally, after the growth optimization, FESEM images revealed that the as-grown GeTe films were of high smoothness and uniformity. EDX analysis indicated that the compositions of the GeTe films were pressure dependent. Through the XRD spectrum, it is found that the as-grown GeTe films were amorphous. In order to convert them into crystalline formation, further post-treatment approaches (e.g., annealing) will be required.
Pause for Thought: Supreme Court's Verdict on Sabarimala

The ban on women between the ages of 10 and 50 years entering Sabarimala temple has been something of a sleeper scandal. For decades there has been a low-level disagreement within Kerala regarding the ban’s parameters and validity, but the issue received relatively little traction in the public sphere. Even after the High Court of Kerala’s decision in S Mahendran v Secretary, Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) and Others (1991) (henceforth Mahendran), debate over the nature and constitutionality of the ban remained relatively muted. All of this changed in 2006. For over a decade, and especially for the last few years, Sabarimala has consistently commanded attention at the state and national levels. Moreover, and notwithstanding a lengthy Supreme Court verdict, public interest in the ban shows no signs of waning. This article examines some of the arguments and implications of the apex court’s decision in the India Young Lawyers Association (IYLA) v State of Kerala. While the Court’s conclusion was both unsurprising and easily justified given the constitutional principles and existing precedent, its analysis—and occasionally, the lack thereof—ought to give observers a pause regardless of where they stand with respect to the ban.
Transference-Focused Psychotherapy: Structural Diagnosis as the Basis for Case Formulation

Abstract Transference-focused psychotherapy (TFP) is a psychodynamic, empirically supported psychotherapy for personality disorders based on Otto Kernberg's object relations theory. Case formulation and treatment planning in TFP is based on the patient's level of personality organization (i.e., capacity for reality testing, predominant defence mechanisms, and consolidation of identity) as assessed at the beginning of treatment using the structural interview. Following a brief overview of object relations theory, we provide detailed description of the structural interview, which consists of assessment of the patient's: main presenting symptoms, pathological personality traits, identity consolidation, and mental status. Guiding principles for determining the patient's level of personality organization (‘structural diagnosis’) are provided as well as an illustrative case example. We conclude by reviewing the empirical support for the structural interview, and for its semistructured version, the Structured Interview of Personality Organization (STIPO) showing evidence for the reliability and validity of structural diagnoses derived from these interviews.
Stability of free rotation of a rigid body

The paper shows that a greater excursion of initial conditions, than that previously derived by the author, permits stability of free rotation of a rigid body about either of its stable principal axes. The results are exhibited by means of contour plots, in a new diagram that represents the dynamical properties of any rigid body.
$W$ -Band Complex Permittivity Measurements at High Temperature Using Free-Space Methods

Free-space measurement techniques can be contactless and are able to accommodate large, flat sheets of dielectric material, making them useful for characterization of high-temperature, millimeter-wave, window and radome candidate materials. As part of the present work, a high-temperature, W-band (75–110 GHz), free-space measurement system was developed and used to characterize complex dielectric properties of bulk material samples at temperatures ranging from 25 °C to 600 °C. Two test cases, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and CoorsTek 92% alumina, were measured at 25 °C and found to have $\boldsymbol {\epsilon }_{r}^\prime $ values of 2.731 ± 0.005 and 8.061 ± 0.027 at 95 GHz, respectively. The 25 °C PVC sample was measured to have a $\boldsymbol {\epsilon }_{r}^{\prime \prime }$ value of 0.032 ± 0.007. At 25 °C, the $\boldsymbol {\epsilon }_{r}^{\prime \prime }$ value of the 92% alumina sample was below the uncertainty threshold achievable with the present free-space measurement apparatus and could only be bounded to $\boldsymbol {\epsilon }_{r}^\prime $ and $\boldsymbol {\epsilon }_{r}^{\prime \prime }$ values increased to 8.501 ± 0.028 and 0.035 ± 0.008, respectively. The high-temperature behavior of the authors’ 92% alumina ceramic was found to be similar to that previously documented for Sumitomo AKP-50 alumina over the 25 °C–600 °C temperature range. In addition to the 92% alumina sample, three commercially available ceramic substrates (zirconium oxide, boron nitride, and silicon nitride) were also characterized at temperatures ranging from 25 °C to 600 °C.
Suicidology: A comprehensive biopsychosocial perspective

The publication of Suicidology: A comprehensive biopsychosocial perspective offers a single source of theory and research on the complex topic of suicide prevention. The text is the work of Ronald ...
Effects of three zinc-containing sunscreens on development of purple sea urchin (Strongylocentrotus purpuratus) embryos.

Abstract The growing popularity of physical sunscreens will lead to an increased release of ingredients from zinc oxide (ZnO) sunscreens into marine environments. Though zinc (Zn) is a necessary micronutrient in the ocean, greater than natural Zn concentrations may be released into marine environments by use of sunscreens. The extent of the consequences of this addition of Zn to the ocean are not fully understood. We investigated the effects of materials released by ZnO- sunscreens on the development of California purple sea urchin, Strongylocentrotus purpuratus. Embryos incubated in various concentrations of Zn (0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, and 1 mg/L), the sources of which included zinc-containing compounds: ZnO and zinc sulfate (ZnSO4); and ZnO sunscreens: All Good, Badger, and Raw Elements brands. Based on EC50 values, ZnO-containing sunscreens were slightly, but not significantly, more toxic than ZnO and ZnSO4, suggesting that sunscreens may release additional unknown materials that are detrimental to sea urchin embryo development. All concentrations of Zn-exposure resulted in significant malformations (skeletal abnormality, stage arrest, axis determination disruption), which were identified using light and fluorescence confocal microscopy. The concentration of Zn2+ internalized by the developing embryos correlated positively with the concentration of Zn in seawater. Additionally, exposure to both ZnO sunscreens and ZnO and ZnSO4 at 1 mg/L Zn, significantly increased calcein-AM (CAM) accumulation, indicating decreased multidrug resistant (MDR) transporter activity. This is one of the first studies documenting ZnO-containing sunscreens release high concentrations of Zn that are internalized by and have detrimental effects on aquatic organisms.
Studying Gender Diversity

Gender identity is a core feature of human experience, yet our understanding of gender identity is shifting with broader societal changes in recognizing and understanding gender diversity. Here we discuss recent trends and upcoming directions for this burgeoning subfield.
Lived experience of medical veterans transitioning from military service to civilian nursing education

Abstract Background Many veterans take advantage of the educational benefits afforded them after service. As veterans, students in higher education are a special population with subsequent needs. Purpose The purpose of this study was to explore the lived experience of medic student veterans attending a full-time Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. Method This study used the hermeneutic phenomenology research approach to explore the lived experiences of student veterans with military medic experience enrolled in a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. Results While our study revealed diverse student experiences among these veterans, common themes included staying true to military training, normal life, and fitting in as a university student. Conclusions Findings in this study substantiate medic student veterans attending nursing school represent a unique cohort which can benefit from customized services from the university.
Moodable: On feasibility of instantaneous depression assessment using machine learning on voice samples with retrospectively harvested smartphone and social media data

Abstract Depression is a leading cause of disability and is associated with suicide risk. However, a quarter of patients with major depression remain undiagnosed. Prior work has demonstrated that a smartphone user's depression level can be detected by analyzing data gathered from their smartphone's sensors or from their social media posts over a few weeks after enrollment in a user study. These studies typically utilize a prospective study design, which is burdensome as it requires participants smartphone data to be gathered for prolonged periods before their depression level can be assessed. In contrast, we present a feasibility study of our Mood Assessment Capable Framework (Moodable) that facilitates almost instantaneous mood assessment by analyzing instantaneous voice samples provided by the user as well as historical sensor data harvested (scraped) from their smartphone and recent social media posts. Our retrospective, low-burden approach means that Moodable no longer requires study participants to engage with their phone for weeks before a depression score can be inferred. Moodable has the potential to minimize user data collection burden, increase user compliance, avoid study awareness bias and offer a near instantaneous depression screening. To lay a solid foundation for Moodable, we first surveyed 202 volunteer participants about their willingness to share voice samples and various smartphone and social media data types for mental health assessment. Based on these findings, we then developed the Moodable app. Thereafter, we utilized Moodable to collect short voice samples, and a rich array of retrospectively harvested data from users' smartphones (location, browser history, call logs) and social media accounts (instagram, twitter and facebook), with appropriate permissions, of 335 volunteer participants who also responded to 9 depression related questions of the Patient Health Questionaire (PHQ-9). Moodable then used machine learning to build classification models and classify the user's depression and suicidal ideation, for users which scores where unknown to the models. Results of Moodable's screening capability are promising. In particular, for the depression classification task we achieved F1 scores (the harmonic mean of the precision and recall) of 0.766, sensitivity of 0.750, and specificity of 0.792. For the suicidal ideation task we achieved F1 scores of 0.848, sensitivity of 0.864, and specificity of 0.725. This work could significantly increase depression-screening at the population level and opens numerous avenues for further research into this newly proposed paradigm of instantaneously screening depression and suicide risk levels from voice samples and retrospective smartphone and social media data.
Exploring New York City elementary school principals’ language ideologies

School principals are street-level bureaucrats whose sense-making about language policies makes them de-facto policy makers. In turn, their language policy-making is mediated by their language ideo...
Modified Anesthesia Protocol for Electroconvulsive Therapy Permits Reduction in Aerosol-Generating Bag-Mask Ventilation during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Introduction Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a critical procedure in psychiatric treatment, but as typically delivered involves the use of bag-mask ventilation (BMV), which during the COVID-19 pandemic exposes patients and treatment staff to potentially infectious aerosols. Objective To demonstrate the utility of a modified anesthesia protocol for ECT utilizing preoxygenation by facemask and withholding the use of BMV for only those patients who desaturate during the apneic period. Methods This chart review study analyzes patients who were treated with ECT using both the traditional and modified anesthesia protocols. Results A total of 106 patients were analyzed, of whom 51 (48.1%) required BMV using the new protocol. Of clinical factors, only patient BMI was significantly associated with the requirement for BMV. Mean seizure duration reduced from 52.0 ± 22.4 to 46.6 ± 17.1 s, but seizure duration was adequate in all cases. No acute physical, respiratory, or psychiatric complications occurred during treatment. Conclusions A modified anesthesia protocol reduces the use of BMV by more than 50%, while retaining adequate seizure duration.