cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Predation by coyotes on white‐tailed deer neonates in South Carolina

Coyotes (Canis latrans) are novel predators throughout the southeastern United States and their depredation of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) neonates may explain observed declines in some deer populations in the region, but direct evidence for such a relationship is lacking. Our objective was to quantify neonate survival rates and causes of mortality at the United States Department of Energy's Savannah River Site (SRS), South Carolina to directly evaluate degree of predation in this deer population. From 2006 to 2009, we radio-monitored 91 neonates captured with the aid of vaginal implant transmitters in pregnant adult females and opportunistic searches. Overall Kaplan-Meier survival rate to 16 weeks of age was 0.230 (95% CI ¼ 0.155-0.328), and it varied little among years. Our best-fitting model estimated survival at 0.220 (95% CI ¼ 0.144-0.320). This model included a quadratic time trend variable (lowest survival rate during the first week of life and increasing to near 1.000 around week 10), and Julian date of birth (survival probability declining as date of birth increased). Predation by coyotes was the most frequent cause of death among the 70 monitored neonates that died, definitively accounting for 37% of all mortalities and potentially accounting for as much as 80% when also including probable coyote predation. Predation by bobcats (Felis rufus) accounted for 7% (definitive) to 9% (including probable bobcat predation) of mortalities. The level of coyote-induced mortality we observed is consistent with the low recruitment rates exhibited in the SRS deer population since establishment of coyotes at the site. If representative of recruitment rates across South Carolina, current harvest levels appear unsustainable. This understanding is consistent with the recent declining trend in the statewide deer population. The effects of coyote predation on recruitment should be considered when setting harvest goals, regardless of whether local deer population size is currently above or below desired levels, because coyotes can substantially reduce fawn recruitment. Published 2012. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Correlation between isotope records in marine and continental carbon reservoirs near the Palaeocene/Eocene boundary

CHANGES in the isotope content of the large marine carbon reservoir can force shifts in that of the smaller carbon pools in the atmosphere and on land. The carbon isotope compositions of marine carbonate sediments from the late Palaeocene vary considerably, exhibiting a sudden decrease close to the Palaeocene/Eocene boundary which coincides with deep-sea benthic extinctions1 and with changes in ocean circulation. Here we report that these fluctuations in the marine carbon isotope record are closely tracked by the terrestrial records provided by palaeosol carbonates and mammalian tooth enamel. In using palaeosol carbonates to reconstruct the CO2 content of the ancient atmosphere2, isotope shifts of this sort will have to be taken into account. The sharp decrease in 13C/12C ratios in the late Palaeocene provides a datum for precise correlation of marine and continental records, and suggests that abrupt climate warming at this time may have played an important role in the evolution of land mammals.
Ices on (90377) Sedna: confirmation and compositional constraints

We report measurements of reflectances of 90377 Sedna at A > 2.5 μm using the Infrared Array Camera (IRAC) on the Spitzer Space Telescope. Sedna orbits well beyond even the Kuiper Belt, with a perihelion distance of 76 AU, and is therefore very faint as viewed from Earth, despite its relatively large size. Previously published near-infrared spectra show possible signatures of CH 4 and N 2 at ∼2.3 and ∼2.15 μm, respectively. These and other ices also exhibit much stronger absorptions at λ > 2.5 μm, providing the motivation for the present work. We detected flux from Sedna at 3.6 and 4.5 μm, but not at 5.8 or 8.0 μm. The measured IRAC fluxes are converted to geometric albedos and combined with previous measurements of the visible and near-infrared spectra. Strong absorption at both 3.6 and 4.5 μm (relative to the 2.0-2.5 μm region) is readily apparent, confirming the presence of ices on the surface of Sedna. Spectral modeling of the full wavelength range (0.4-4.5 μm) provides further constraints. We find that CH 4 is required to fit the new data points, but that these new data points can not be adequately described with models containing CH 4 and N 2 as the only ices. We suggest that H 2 O ice is also present. Several characteristics of the spectrum of Sedna suggest an absence of atmospheric volatile transport, in contrast to the large objects Eris and 2005 FY 9 .
The World Was Watching—And Talking International Perspectives on the 2004 Presidential Debates

The 2004 U.S. presidential election was called one of the most important in history. The world’s only remaining superpower’s election captured international attention as never before. This article examines how international observers discussed the election via reactions to the debates by using DebateWatch transcripts and surveys. The study finds media framing in a person’s home country as well as a greater sense of globalization contributed to participants’ perspectives. Although participants were influenced by cultural and political issues in their home countries, they were also influenced by what they observed in the debates, and they demonstrated greater understanding of the U.S. electoral process, the candidates, and the issues.
Synthesis and anti-HIV evaluation of 2′,3′-dideoxy imidazo- and ν-triazolo[4,5-d]pyridazine nucleosides

Abstract The syntheses of the 2′-deoxy and 2′,3′-dideoxynucleosides of 2,8-diaza-3-deazainosine and the 2′,3′-dideoxynucleoside of 2-aza-3-deazainosine were achieved and the pathways leading to these novel nucleosides are described. The preparation of the 2′,3′-dideoxynucleoside ( 1 ) of 2-aza-3-deazainosine involved deoxygenation of the 2′-deoxy-3′-imidazolide intermediate with n -Bu 3 SnH and AIBN. The latter nucleoside was synthesized from the known 2′-deoxy derivative of 2-aza-3-deazainosine. The three-step synthesis of 1 from the 2′-deoxy analogue was accomplished in 40% overall yield. Rather than synthesize the corresponding 2′,3′-dideoxynucleoside ( 2 ) of 2,8-diaza-3-deazainosine in the same manner, i.e. deoxygenation of the 2′-deoxynucleoside, a more cost-effective route was chosen. This pathway involved reductive cleavage of the 5′-protected, 2′,3′-thiocarbonate derivative to furnish a mixture of the 2′- and 3′-deoxy isomers. This mixture was not separated, but was deoxygenated by the aforementioned imidazolide method. Using this methodology, 2 was prepared in 23% overall yield from 2,8-diaza-3-deazainosine. Nucleosides 1 and 2 were evaluated for antiretroviral activity and were found to be inactive.
Climbing the Stairway to Competency: Trainee Perspectives on Competency Development

Training programs have increasingly focused on development of competencies as a benchmark for trainee progress. While much writing on the subject of trainee competency has focused on programmatic implementation of competency-based training, considerably less attention has been paid to the experience of trainees in these programs. The current study sampled a cross-section of 641 graduate students enrolled in member doctoral programs of the Council of University Directors of Clinical Psychology. These students were divided into four groups based on stage of training and reported on their development of core competencies. Overall, students entered doctoral programs reporting high levels of adaptive trainee characteristics and felt competent in a range of areas by the time they applied for internship. Competencies in research, assessment, and intervention developed over the course of graduate training. Reported competency in research was higher for trainees endorsing a goal of a research career, while reported competency in empathy and therapeutic relationships was higher for trainees endorsing a goal of clinical practice. Findings are discussed in the context of implementing competency assessment that encompasses the ratings of trainees as well as supervisors and programs.
Prediction of Hearing Levels from Acoustic Reflex Thresholds in Persons with High-Frequency Hearing Losses

This study examined the precision of the bivariate method in subjects with high-frequency sensorineural hearing loss. The current bivariate data effectively separated normal hearing subjects from t...
Thyroid Hormone Analogues: Where Do We Stand in 2013?

Thyroid hormones (THs) are important in the development and maintenance of lipid and energy homeostasis. THs act through two closely related TH receptors (TRs α and β), which are conditional transcription factors. Recently, TH analogues or thyromimetics with varying degrees of TR subtype and liver uptake selectivity have been developed. These compounds exert beneficial effects of TH excess states without many undesirable TR-dependent side effects. Several selective TR modulators (STRMs) showed exceptionally promising results in lowering serum cholesterol in preclinical animal models and human clinical studies. Moreover, some first generation STRMs elicit other potentially beneficial effects on obesity, glucose metabolism, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). While it was initially thought that STRMs would be an effective long-term therapy to combat elevated cholesterol, possibly in conjunction with another cholesterol-lowering therapy, the statins, three major first generation STRMs failed to pro...
Instrumented Vehicle Measured Speed Variation and Freeway Traffic Congestion

This paper investigates the characteristics of speed variation obtained from speed profiles of GPS-equipped instrumented vehicles driven by the participants of the Commute Atlanta Project, an ongoing instrumented vehicle research program deployed in Atlanta, Georgia. In particular, this research effort examines the relationships between acceleration noise and the level of traffic congestion on freeway segments. The results of this study may provide another prospective use of Vehicle Infrastructure Integration (VII) data which are likely to play a significant role in monitoring traffic congestion.
Resource aware quasi-decentralized control of networked process systems over wireless sensor networks

Abstract This paper develops an integrated model-based networked control and scheduling framework for plants with interconnected units and distributed control systems that exchange information using a resource-constrained wireless sensor network (WSN). The framework aims to enforce closed-loop stability while simultaneously minimizing the rate at which each node in the WSN must collect and transmit measurements. Initially, the exchange of information between the local control systems is reduced by embedding, within each control system, dynamic models that provide forecasts of the evolution of the plant units when measurements are not transmitted through the WSN, and updating the state of each model when communication is re-established at discrete time instances. To further reduce WSN utilization, only a subset of the deployed sensor suites are allowed to transmit their data at any given time to provide updates to their target models according to a certain scheduling strategy. By formulating the networked closed-loop plant as a combined discrete-continuous system, explicit characterizations of both the stability and performance properties of the networked closed-loop system under state and output feedback control are obtained in terms of the communication rate, the sensor transmission schedule, the accuracy of the models, as well as the controller and observer design parameters. The results are illustrated using a chemical plant example where it is shown that by judicious management of the interplays between the control, communication and scheduling design parameters, it is possible to enhance the savings in WSN resource utilization beyond what is possible with concurrent transmission configurations.
High-resolution, time-resolved MRA provides superior definition of lower-extremity arterial segments compared to 2D time-of-flight imaging.

Purpose To evaluate a novel time-resolved contrast-enhanced (CE) projection reconstruction (PR) magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) method for identifying potential bypass graft target vessels in patients with Class II–IV peripheral vascular disease. Materials and methods Twenty patients (M:F = 15:5, mean age = 58 years, range = 48–83 years), were recruited from routine MRA referrals. All imaging was performed on a 1.5 T MRI system with fast gradients (Signa LX; GE Healthcare, Waukesha, WI). Images were acquired with a novel technique that combined undersampled PR with a time-resolved acquisition to yield an MRA method with high temporal and spatial resolution. The method is called PR hyper time-resolved imaging of contrast kinetics (PR-hyperTRICKS). Quantitative and qualitative analyses were used to compare two-dimensional (2D) time-of-flight (TOF) and PR-hyperTRICKS in 13 arterial segments per lower extremity. Statistical analysis was performed with the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results Fifteen percent (77/517) of the vessels were scored as missing or nondiagnostic with 2D TOF, but were scored as diagnostic with PR-hyperTRICKS. Image quality was superior with PR-hyperTRICKS vs. 2D TOF (on a four-point scale, mean rank = 3.3 ± 1.2 vs. 2.9 ± 1.2, P < 0.0001). PR-hyperTRICKS produced images with high contrast-to-noise ratios (CNR) and high spatial and temporal resolution. 2D TOF images were of inferior quality due to moderate spatial resolution, inferior CNR, greater flow-related artifacts, and absence of temporal resolution. Conclusion PR-hyperTRICKS provides superior preoperative assessment of lower limb ischemia compared to 2D TOF. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2006. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Observation of forbidden (E2) lines in the ultraviolet spectra of Ca II, Sr II, and Ba II by inductively coupled plasma emission spectroscopy

Abstract Forbidden (electric quadrupole, E2) transitions of the type ns 2S1/2–nd 2D3/2 and ns 2S1/2–nd 2D5/2 in the ultraviolet spectra of singly ionized Ca, Sr, and Ba (with n = 4, 5 or 6 for Ca, Sr, and Ba, respectively) have been observed in the emission spectrum of an inductively coupled argon plasma. Wavelengths and wavenumbers of the six lines are reported and the values are in good agreement with those expected from literature data for the energy levels involved.
Covalently cross-linked Watson-Crick base pair models. Part 2

Abstract A concise and practical route has been developed for a synthesis of the CH 2 -bridged base pairs represented by the type- II structure. The structural studies suggest the possibility that these base pairs mimic the molecular architecture of Watson–Crick hydrogen-bonded base pairs.
The Pharmacology of Tardive Dyskinesias

The activity of dopamine at certain striatal dopamine receptors is related to the appearance of tardive dyskinesias in man. By analogy to Huntington's chorea and L-dopa-induced dyskinesias in parkinsonism, it appears that tardive dyskinesias are related to increased responsiveness of dopamine receptor sites as a result of neuroleptic-induced denervation hypersensitivity. It has been demonstrated that anticholinergic drugs worsen tardive dyskinesias in patients who have this disorder. It also appears that anticholinergic drugs decrease the threshold for tardive dyskinesias and thereby increase the incidence of this disorder. This implies that centrally active anticholinergic agents should not be used as a routine adjunct to neuroleptic therapy.
Influence of inoculum density of Verticillium dahliae on root discoloration of horseradish.

ABSTRACT The relationship between inoculum density (number of microsclerotia per gram of air-dried soil) of Verticillium dahliae at the time of planting and the severity and incidence of root discoloration of horseradish at harvest was investigated in a 2-year study conducted in the greenhouse, microplots, and commercial production fields. The objective of the study was to develop a disease-forecast system that would assist growers in assessing the risk of the disease before planting horseradish in a particular field. Significant correlations were observed between inoculum density and severity and incidence of root discoloration in the greenhouse and microplots, although the form of the relationship varied with trials from linear to quadratic and negative exponential. No correlation was found between inoculum density of V. dahliae and severity and incidence of root discoloration in commercial production fields. In some fields with low inoculum densities, high ratings of severity and incidence of root disc...
Transvaginal Bladder Neck Closure With Posterior Urethral Flap for Devastated Urethra

OBJECTIVES To present a modified transvaginal bladder neck closure (TV BNC) technique using a posterior urethral flap to minimize the potential risk of ureteral injury and fistula formation. Urethral and bladder neck destruction owing to chronic indwelling urethral catheters in female neurogenic patients is a devastating complication. METHODS A retrospective review was performed of all patients undergoing TV BNC at a single institution during a 3-year period. All patients had had a nonfunctional or destroyed urethra because of a long-term indwelling urethral catheter. In brief, the devastated outlet was closed using the dorsally bivalved urethra as a flap that was rotated cephalad onto the incised anterior bladder wall for closure, thereby rotating the suture line high into the retropubic space. A postoperative cystogram was obtained at 2-3 weeks. RESULTS A total of 11 consecutive female patients with a devastated outlet underwent TV BNC, as described, with placement of a suprapubic tube. One patient experienced failure at 6 weeks postoperatively. The mean follow-up for the entire cohort was 9.6 months (range 1-36). Serial upper tract imaging at the last follow-up visit revealed no new hydroureteronephrosis. CONCLUSIONS The results of our study have shown that TV BNC with a posterior urethral flap provides satisfactory early results. This technique creates a suture line far removed from the ureteral orifices, minimizing the risk of upper tract injury during closure. Also, the rotation of the posterior urethra onto the anterior bladder wall secures the suture line high into the retropubic space, minimizing the risk of failure and postoperative fistula formation.
Enhancement of Carbon Tetrachloride Elevated Glutamate Oxalacetate Transaminase and Glutamate Pyruvate Transaminase by Acute and Continuous Pentobarbital Administration in Mice

The results demonstrated that both acute and continuous administration of pentobarbital enhanced the CCl4-induced elevation of SGOT and SGPT activities. The potentiation of pentobarbital on CCl4-elevated SGOT and SGPT activities showed both time- and dose-dependent actions. The CCl4-induced elevation of both serum enzyme activities after continuous exposure of pentobarbital was still significant 6 days after the termination of pentobarbital. The CCl4-elevated SGOT and SGPT activities were also affected by various doses of Na-pentobarbital, although the degree of potentiation was less than the results obtained by pentobarbital pellet implantation. The present results further support the contention that proliferation of hepatic cells by barbiturates enhances CCl4-induced toxicity.
Assessing the added value of breast tumor markers in genetic risk prediction model BRCAPRO

The BRCAPRO model estimates carrier probabilities for the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, and was recently enhanced to use estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) status of breast cancer. No independent assessment of the added value of these markers exists. Moreover, earlier versions of BRCAPRO did not use human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (Her-2/neu) status of breast cancer. Here, we incorporate Her-2/neu in BRCAPRO and validate all the markers. We trained the enhanced model on 406 germline tested individuals, and validated on a separate clinical cohort of 796 individuals for whom test results and family history are available. For model-building, we estimated joint probabilities of ER, PR, and Her-2/neu status for carriers and non-carriers of BRCA1/2 mutations. For validation, we obtained BRCAPRO predictions with and without markers. We calculated area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, and correct reclassification rates. The AUC for predicting BRCA1 status among individuals who are carriers of at least one mutation improved when ER and PR were used. The AUC for predicting the presence of either mutation improved when Her-2/neu was added. Use of markers also produced highly significant correct reclassification improvements in both cases. Breast tumor markers are useful for prediction of BRCA1/2 mutation status. ER and PR improve discrimination between BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers while Her-2/neu helps discriminate between carriers and non-carriers, particularly among women who are ER positive and Her-2/neu negative. These results support the use of the enhanced version of BRCAPRO in clinical settings.
Inhibition of Antigen Presentation In Vitro and In Vivo by MHC Antagonist Peptides

A series of analogue peptides have been generated, using as a template the core region of the OVA 323-339 peptide identified as critical in determining binding to I-Ad. Several of these "core extended" peptides had increased affinities for the I-Ad molecule compared to the native sequence, and were able to inhibit activation of an I-Ad-restricted T cell hybridoma in vitro. The induction of a T cell proliferative response to a peptide antigen could be inhibited by co-administration of core-extended peptide with antigen in the same adjuvant emulsion. Furthermore, inhibition also occurred when the inhibitor molecule was delivered separately one day before immunization. Finally, the induction of the autoimmune disease, experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE), in susceptible mice could be reduced by the administration of a core-extended peptide with high affinity for the appropriate class II molecule. These findings have implications for the use of MHC antagonists in the control and treatment of MHC-associated autoimmune conditions in humans.
Some morphological features of bluetongue virus.

Abstract Bluetongue (BT) virions have a complex architecture and exist as two principal types: unenveloped “core” particles and more complex membrane-bounded forms. The reovirus-like “core” particles generally have an additional layer of fine surface projections which may, in turn, be covered by a membrane derived from the host cell. The BT virion's size is variable (ca. 55–≧ 110 mμ, and depends on the extent of its structural elaboration. The “core” particles appear to replicate in cytoplasmic fibrillar matrices and, subsequently, may be intimately associated with vesicular membranes. Several “core” particles may also be enclosed in a single membranous sac. Acquisition of a limiting “unit” membrane or envelope appears to occur during “release” by “budding” at cell membranes. A hypothesis is suggested that “core” particle aggregates enclosed by intracellular membranous sacs and BT particles intrinsically enveloped may be “protected” from neutralization by BT-specific antibody. The hypothesis could explain why infectious virus can be isolated from host animals even when high-titer neutralizing antibody is present and, in addition, could account for prolonged survival of infectious BT particles during convalescence.
Integral-equation perturbative approach to optical scattering from rough surfaces

A perturbative theory of optical, rough-surface scattering must avoid certain pitfalls that are caused by components of the electric field being discontinuous at the surface. A theory which eliminates this problem is developed. The theory is simpler than other methods and is generally applicable to optical surface scattering in the perturbative limit. Scattering intensities from a rough dielectric surface are obtained, and the effect of roughness on the surface-plasmon dispersion relation is calculated. The methods developed are especially suitable for film-layered structures and are used to calculate the scattering from a surface with an overlayer.
Costs of multiple mates: an experimental study in horseshoe crabs

Why do females mate with multiple males? Since females often acquire all the sperm they need in one mating and since mating is usually costly, the evolution of polyandry is puzzling. Females may gain from mating multiply by ensuring fertilization, increasing offspring diversity, improving mate quality (‘good genes’) or increasing genetic compatibility. Alternatively, multiple mating may result in a net cost to females as a by-product of male–male competition. We report on field experiments in which we evaluated whether spawning with multiple males is costly or beneficial for female horseshoe crabs, Limulus polyphemus . Unpaired male horseshoe crabs crowd around some spawning pairs (polyandrous) as satellites while ignoring others (monandrous). We conducted three field experiments in which we compared the success of (1) unmanipulated polyandrous and monandrous females, (2) polyandrous females with and without satellites (satellites removed) and (3) monandrous females without and with satellites (forced to be polyandrous by adding satellites). When polyandrous females lost their satellite males, they laid more eggs than did polyandrous females that retained their satellites. When a satellite male arrives at a monandrous pair, some females are tolerant and will nest as a polyandrous female, but many females are intolerant of satellite males and leave immediately, thus laying fewer eggs. These results indicate that spawning with multiple males is costly in terms of nesting success for female horseshoe crabs. Yet, natural monandrous and polyandrous females did equally well, suggesting that there are compensating benefits from multiple males for polyandrous females. We suggest that monandry and polyandry may be alternative reproductive tactics for female horseshoe crabs.
Community training in an urban university

A year-long field training project comprised of university faculty and graduate students as participant-conceptualizers in developing proposals for two comprehensive community mental health centers is described. Students experienced an urban setting of high psychosocial vulnerability and a complex network of social-political agencies. Their participation in all phases of the project is discussed, from gathering demographic data to negotiating contractual arrangements for services.
Autologous platelet-rich plasma reduces transfusions during ascending aortic arch repair: a prospective, randomized, controlled trial.

Background Blood conservation using autologous platelet-rich plasma (aPRP), a technique of whole blood harvest that separates red blood cells from plasma and platelets before cardiopulmonary bypass with retransfusion of the preserved platelets after completion of cardiopulmonary bypass, has not been studied extensively. We sought to prospectively determine whether aPRP reduces blood transfusions during ascending and transverse aortic arch repair. Methods We randomly assigned 80 patients undergoing elective ascending and transverse aortic arch repair using deep hypothermic circulatory arrest to receive either aPRP (n = 38) or no aPRP (n = 42). Volume of aPRP retransfused was 726 ± 124 mL. The primary end point was transfusion amount. Secondary end points were death, stroke, renal failure, pulmonary failure, and transfusion costs. Perioperative transfusion rate was defined as blood transfusions given during surgery and up to 72 hours afterward. The surgeon and intensivist were blinded to the treatment arm. Because an anesthesiologist initiated the protocol, the surgeon was not aware of aPRP collection, as this occurred only after the sterile drape was in place. In addition, because cell salvage was performed on all cases, differentiation in perfusionist activities (during spinning of aPRP) was not evident. Platelet, fresh frozen plasma, and cryoprecipitate intraoperative transfusions were performed only after heparin was reversed and the patient was judged as coagulopathic on the basis of associated criteria: cryoprecipitate transfusion for fibrinogen level less than 150 μg/dL, platelet transfusion for platelet count less than 80,000, and fresh frozen plasma when thromboelastogram test was suggestive or a partial thromboplastin time was greater than 55 seconds, and prothrombin time was greater than 1.6 seconds. Results Early mortality, stroke, and respiratory complications were similar between groups. Only acute renal failure was reduced in the aPRP group, 7% versus 0% ( p p p p Conclusions The use of aPRP reduced allogeneic transfusions during ascending and transverse aortic arch repair with deep hypothermic circulatory arrest. This translated to less acute renal failure, decreased length of stay, and lower transfusion costs. Further studies examining the coagulation factors of aPRP are required.
Adjustment Time, Capital Malleability and Policy Cost

The cost of meeting Kyoto-style emissions reductions is heavily dependent on the malleability of an economy's stock of capital and the number of years available for adjustment. Each year of delay introduces more emissionproducing activities that must be squeezed out of the system and shortens the time horizon for change, raising the carbon price required to produce the needed changes in capital structure. The MIT Emissions Prediction and Policy Assessment model is used to explore the effects of uncertainty in the degree of capital malleability in the short run, and to analyze how implied carbon prices vary depending on the time of credible commitment to emissions targets.
Label-free photoacoustic microscopy of myocardial sheet architecture

Cardiac myofibers are organized into sheet architectures, which contribute to up to 40% of the heart wall thickening for ejection of blood for circulation. It is important to delineate the sheet architecture for a better understanding of cardiac mechanisms. However, current sheet imaging technologies are limited by fixation-induced dehydration/deformation and low spatial resolution. Here we implemented high-resolution label-free photoacoustic microscopy (PAM) of the myocardial sheet architecture. With high endogenous optical-absorption contrast originating mainly from cytochrome, myoglobin, and melanin, PAM can image the unfixed, unstained and unsliced heart without introducing deformation artifacts. A fresh blood-free mouse heart was imaged by PAM ex vivo. The three-dimensional branching sheets were clearly identified within 150 µm depth. Various morphological parameters were derived from the PAM image. The sheet thickness (80±10 μm) and the cleavage height (11±1 μm) were derived from an undehydrated heart for the first time. Therefore, PAM has the potential for the functional imaging of sheet architecture in ex vivo perfused and viable hearts.
Mesoderm migration in Drosophila is a multi-step process requiring FGF signaling and integrin activity

Migration is a complex, dynamic process that has largely been studied using qualitative or static approaches. As technology has improved, we can now take quantitative approaches towards understanding cell migration using in vivo imaging and tracking analyses. In this manner, we have established a four-step model of mesoderm migration during Drosophila gastrulation: (I) mesodermal tube formation, (II) collapse of the mesoderm, (III) dorsal migration and spreading and (IV) monolayer formation. Our data provide evidence that these steps are temporally distinct and that each might require different chemical inputs. To support this, we analyzed the role of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling, in particular the function of two Drosophila FGF ligands, Pyramus and Thisbe, during mesoderm migration. We determined that FGF signaling through both ligands controls movements in the radial direction. Thisbe is required for the initial collapse of the mesoderm onto the ectoderm, whereas both Pyramus and Thisbe are required for monolayer formation. In addition, we uncovered that the GTPase Rap1 regulates radial movement of cells and localization of the beta-integrin subunit, Myospheroid, which is also required for monolayer formation. Our analyses suggest that distinct signals influence particular movements, as we found that FGF signaling is involved in controlling collapse and monolayer formation but not dorsal movement, whereas integrins are required to support monolayer formation only and not earlier movements. Our work demonstrates that complex cell migration is not necessarily a fluid process, but suggests instead that different types of movements are directed by distinct inputs in a stepwise manner.
Visitor Perceptions of Black Bear Management Options in Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area

Human/bear interactions will continue to increase as humans continue to live and recreate in closer proximity to bear habitat. One area positioned for a marked increase in human/bear interactions is Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area (BISO). To make decisions on the best management options for the growing black bear population, BISO managers need information about park visitor beliefs and concerns. The purpose of this research was to examine stakeholder views related to black bear management options within BISO. We hypothesized that different stakeholders would have varying opinions about management actions towards black bears. The findings were that more informed visitors were more in favor of non-lethal black bear management options than less informed visitors. Urban visitors were less in favor of hunting as a management option. Urban visitors were more in favor of non-lethal management options than were rural visitors. Females were less in favor of hunting as a management option but had no difference of opinion concerning the use of euthanasia as a management option. Hikers, campers and wildlife viewers were more in favor of non-lethal management options than people who did not participate in those activities. In conclusion, broader information programs need to be developed to educate visitors and local stakeholders. More research needs to be completed to determine if gender is a factor in opinions on hunting. An educational program tailored specifically to urban visitors is needed. More research is needed to determine if other variables may be the cause of differing opinions on management options and if the activity undertaken by visitors is the reason for the opinion difference.
Liver Response to Diet and Estrogen in White Leghorn and Rhode Island Red Chickens

Abstract Experiments were conducted to compare the response of Rhode Island Reds (RIR) and White Leghorns (WL) to estradiol (E2) administration and diets of different composition. In growing chickens injected with E2 for 7 days, RIR accumulated significantly more hepatic lipid and had significantly less plasma lipid than WL. Both RIR and WL, injected for 4 days with E2, had lower hepatic lipids when fed a diet containing fish meal, alfalfa meal, and torula yeast (FAY) than when fed a corn-soybean meal diet (CS). Plasma glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase activity was significantly lower for RIR. Feeding a FAY diet to laying hens significantly reduced hepatic lipids in WL but not in RIR. Implantation of tubes containing E2 in RIR-laying hens resulted in a significant body weight loss and 25% mortality, while a similar treatment in WL-laying hens caused no body weight loss or mortality. Injecting both RIR and WL-laying hens with E2 caused a marked body weight loss and high mortality in both breeds although WL were less severely affected. The results show that breeds of chickens respond differently to both E2 administration and changes in diet composition.
Portfolio selection with divisible and indivisible assets: Mathematical algorithm and economic analysis

We extend the classic mean-variance framework to a broad class of investment decisions under risk where investors select optimal portfolios of risky assets that include perfectly divisible as well as perfectly indivisible assets. We develop an algorithm for solving the associated mixed-integer nonlinear program and report on the results of a computational study. We then study the mean-variance structure of the investment frontier facing an individual investor in the presence of investment opportunities in both risky divisible and indivisible assets. Finally, we analyze the economic implications of the presence of investment opportunities in risky indivisible assets on the investor’s investment strategy and on his risk evaluation.
Estimating the Welfare Effects of U.S. Distortions in the Ethanol Market Using a Partial Equilibrium Trade Model

In this paper the impact of distortions on U.S. imports of ethanol from Brazil are calculated. This is achieved by using two-stage least squares to estimate a partial equilibrium trade model based on annual data from 1975 to 2006. From this the derived export supply and import demand elasticities are used to derive "back-of-the-envelope" measures of the static and cumulative deadweight losses, assuming the distortions are not eliminated. The results presented support the hypothesis that the U.S. and Brazil would reap gains from trade if distortions in the U.S. ethanol market were eliminated.
Bidirectional Effects of Positive Affect, Warmth, and Interactions Between Mothers With and Without Symptoms of Depression and Their Toddlers.

Maternal depression has negative implications for parenting and child outcomes, but it is also important to understand the daily transactional interactions that occur between mothers varying in symptoms of depression and their children. The current study aimed to examine immediate bidirectional effects between maternal warmth and positive affect and toddler affect in a sample of mothers varying in symptoms of depression. Ninety-one mothers and their 24-month-old toddlers completed a laboratory free-play/clean-up task. Mothers rated their symptoms of depression using the CES-D, and maternal warmth and positive affect and toddler positive and negative affect were observationally coded from a free-play and clean-up laboratory task. Sequential analyses indicated that mothers with no or mild symptoms of depression exhibited mutual positive affect with their children, but mothers with more severe symptoms of depression did not. Mothers with higher symptoms of depression displayed a decrease in warmth concurrent with toddlers’ positive affect. Further, unlike dyads in which mothers had higher symptoms of depression, dyads of mothers with lower symptoms appeared to exhibit some covariation in positive affect across the episode. These results provide evidence that even in non-clinical samples, affective manifestations of mothers’ subthreshold levels of depression may have negative immediate effects on toddlers’ emotions, and that mothers without symptoms of depression may have more reciprocal affective exchanges with their toddlers.
Robust constrained linear receivers for CDMA wireless systems

For code-division multiple access (CDMA) communication systems, many constrained linear receivers have been developed to suppress multiple access interference. The linearly constrained formulations are generally sensitive to multipath fading and other types of signal mismatch. We develop robust linear receivers by exploring appropriate constraints. Multiple linear constraints are exploited to preserve the output energy that is scattered in multipath channels. In addition, a quadratic inequality constraint on the weight vector norm is used to improve robustness with respect to imprecise signal modeling. These constraints can be applied to the minimum output energy (MOE) detector to mitigate the signal mismatch problem and to the decision directed minimum mean square error (MMSE) detector to prevent error propagation and eliminate the need for training sequences at startup. Adaptive implementations for the proposed detectors are presented using recursive least square (RLS) updating in both the direct form and the partitioned linear interface canceller (PLIC) structure. Simulations are performed in a multipath propagation environment to illustrate the performance of the proposed detectors.
Changes in DnaA-Dependent Gene Expression Contribute to the Transcriptional and Developmental Response of Bacillus subtilis to Manganese Limitation in Luria-Bertani Medium

The SOS response to DNA damage in bacteria is a well-known component of the complex transcriptional responses to genotoxic environmental stresses such as exposure to reactive oxygen species, alkylating agents, and many of the antibiotics targeting DNA replication. However, bacteria such as Bacillus subtilis also respond to conditions that perturb DNA replication via a transcriptional response mediated by the replication initiation protein DnaA. In addition to regulating the initiation of DNA replication, DnaA directly regulates the transcription of specific genes. Conditions that perturb DNA replication can trigger the accumulation of active DnaA, activating or repressing the transcription of genes in the DnaA regulon. We report here that simply growing B. subtilis in LB medium altered DnaA-dependent gene expression in a manner consistent with the accumulation of active DnaA and that this was part of a general transcriptional response to manganese limitation. The SOS response to DNA damage was not induced under these conditions. One of the genes positively regulated by DnaA in Bacillus subtilis encodes a protein that inhibits the initiation of sporulation, Sda. Sda expression was induced as cells entered stationary phase in LB medium but not in LB medium supplemented with manganese, and the induction of Sda inhibited sporulation-specific gene expression and the onset of spore morphogenesis. In the absence of Sda, manganese-limited cells initiated spore development but failed to form mature spores. These data highlight that DnaA-dependent gene expression may influence the response of bacteria to a range of environmental conditions, including conditions that are not obviously associated with genotoxic stress.
Adjunctive anakinra in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis despite methotrexate, or leflunomide, or cyclosporin-A monotherapy: a 48-week, comparative, prospective study.

application. Results. At 24 and 48 weeks the patient percentages meeting the ACR20 response criteria were 57 and 73%, respectively, 33 and 41% met ACR50, while 15 and 23% met ACR70. Significant improvements in number of swollen and tender joints, HAQ, pain, global disease assessment, CRP and haemoglobin from baseline to 24 and 48 weeks were evident. DAS28 decreased at 24 weeks (� 1.68; 95% CI � 1.46, � 1.90; P < 0.0001), as well as at study end (� 2.24; 95% CI � 2.01, � 2.47; P < 0.0001). Subgroup analysis revealed a significantly weaker response in terms of pain and DAS28 in patients treated with concomitant CSA. The most common ANK-related adverse event was injectionsite reaction (29%), being less frequent in male patients, as well as in patients treated with CSA. There were 17 withdrawals, 6 of them due to inefficacy. No opportunistic infections or new safety signals were observed. Conclusion. Considering the limitations of an open-label study, addition of ANK appears to be an effective and well-tolerated treatment option for many RA patients with inadequate responses to non-biologic DMARDs in clinical practice.
Congenital diaphragmatic hernia and associated anomalies: Their incidence, identification, and impact on prognosis

The general concept of the association of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) with other anomalies has been well described. This study is aimed at assessing the distribution of the associated anomalies (AA) by organ system, their influence on prognosis, and the practical signs that should prompt a diagnostic search. One hundred and sixty-six high-risk patients with CDH (symptomatic within the first 6 hours of life) were treated in this institution in the past decade. Sixty-five patients (39.2%) were found to have one or more AA, and 101 had isolated CDH. Of patients with anomalies, cardiac (excluding patent foramen ovale and patent ductus arteriosus) was the most frequent type of AA (63%). Hypoplastic heart syndrome was the most common defect. Many patients had multiple AA. For purposes of analysis, the patients were divided into three groups: isolated CDH, cardiac anomalies, and all other anomalies. The groups were compared with respect to several common clinical and laboratory variables, as well as survival. The frequency and timing of antenatal diagnosis were also noted. The analysis led to the following conclusions. (1) AA are present in more than one third of high-risk patients with CDH; in this group, cardiac lesions predominate. (2) High-risk CDH infants with AA have significantly lower APGAR scores and a lower BPDPO2 (best postductal PO2 before ECMO or surgery) than those with isolated CDH. This is even more evident in the group with cardiac AA. In such patients, a careful search for an undetected AA, especially cardiac, is warranted.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Performance evaluation of the isolated bidirectional Cuk converter with integrated magnetics

In this paper, an isolated bidirectional DC/DC Cuk converter featuring high power density, zero input/output current ripples, and symmetrical design is presented. The magnetic components of the converter, which include the input inductor, the output inductor, and the isolation transformer, are assembled together in one magnetic structure. The magnetic assembly is modeled and designed using the gyrator-capacitor (G-C) approach. Simulation and experimental results are presented to verify the converter performance in both forward and backward modes of operation. The effect of the switching frequency on the percentage current ripples is discussed.
Methodology for evaluating the effectiveness of intrusion detection in tactical mobile ad-hoc networks

Tactical mobile ad-hoc networks encompass a multitude of security vulnerabilities that are vastly different from their traditional wired counterparts. The wide-open distributed nature of the network environment leaves it susceptible to stealthy and coordinated attacks designed to access sensitive data, disrupt network communication, or consume resources. Intrusion detection algorithms and approaches are well-known. However, it is uncertain if these approaches are effective in a mobile ad-hoc environment where resources such as bandwidth are limited. To address this problem the Tactical Environment Assurance Laboratory (TEALab) was established to provide an environment for characterizing tactical battlefield ad-hoc networks experiencing intrusive behaviors. This paper presents a methodology for evaluating the effectiveness of intrusion detection in a tactical ad-hoc environment. The methodology includes generating representative network event data with and without network attacks, running attacks with widely available intrusion detection systems, and evaluating the behavior of the IDS in an ad-hoc environment.