cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Tradeoff Between Performance and Accuracy in Bird Song Learning

Some of nature’s most complex behaviors, such as human speech and oscine bird song, are acquired through imitative learning. Accurate imitative learning tends to preserve patterns of behavior across generations, thus limiting the scope of cultural evolution. Less well studied are the routes by which cultural novelties arise during development, beyond simple copy error. In this study we assess, in a species of songbird, the relationship in song learning between two potentially conflicting learning goals: accuracy in copying and maximization of vocal performance. In our study species, the swamp sparrow (Melospiza georgiana), vocal performance can be defined for a given song type and frequency range by the rate of note repetition (‘trill rate’), with faster trills being more difficult to sing. We trained young swamp sparrows with song models with experimentally modified trill rates and characterized both the accuracy and performance levels of copies. Our main finding is that birds elevated the trill rates of low-performance models, but at the expense of imitative accuracy. By contrast, birds reproduced normal and high-performance models with typically high accuracy in structure and timing. Developmental mechanisms that enable songbirds to balance imitative accuracy and vocal performance are likely favored by sexual selection and may help explain some current patterns of variation in birdsong. Such mechanisms may also explain how behaviors that are learned by imitation can nevertheless respond to selection for high-performance levels in their expression.
Inhibition of sperm motility by bovine serum components.

Various sources and components of mam,nalian sera were evaluated for their ability to maintain or inhibit sperm motility. Human, rabbit, hamster, and porcine sera were equal in ability to maintain motility of human sperm. Four sources offetal calf serum and one source of neonatal calf serum were unable to maintain motility of human sperm or sperm-fertilizing potential. In the presence of human serum, fetal calf serum actually inhibited hwnan sperm motility. Fetuin, a component of fetal calf serum, contained the inhibitory activity. An inhibitory effect of fetuin on porcine and caprine sperm motility was also observed. The inhibitory activity resided in the second peak when fetuin was separated by isoelectric focusing. The sperm head membranes remained impermeable to dye, and mitochondrial membrane potential was maintained after motility had been reduced to almost zero by incubation with fetuin and fetuin fractions. Fetuin or the active portion of the molecule may be a useful component of a vaginal contraceptive and in research where inhibition of motility is desirable.
The high heart health value of drinking-water magnesium

Universal drinking water and beverages containing moderate to high levels of magnesium (10–100 ppm) could potentially prevent 4.5 million heart disease and stroke deaths per year, worldwide. This potential is calculated with 2010 global mortality figures combined with a recent quantification of water-magnesium’s inverse association with heart disease and stroke mortality. The modern processed food diet, low in magnesium and spreading globally, makes this well-researched potential of drinking-water magnesium worth serious consideration, especially in areas where insufficient dietary intake of magnesium is prevalent.
THE PHARMACOLOGY AND ANATOMY OF THE HYPOPHYSIS OF THE PORPOISE1

IN 1929 WISLOCKI (I) published an anatomical description of the pituitary gland of the porpoise (Tursiops truncatus). He called attention to the following facts: (a) the processus infundibuli is separated anatomically from the anterior lobe by a fold of dura, (b) the pars intermedia and hypophyseal cleft are completely lacking in the adult porpoise, the pars buccalis consisting solely of a pars distalis and a pars tuberalis. The unusual arrangement of lobes in the porpoise pituitary suggested that this gland would provide suitable source material for the determination of the site of secretion of the powerful ‘posterior‘ (neural and intermediate) lobe hormones. Attempts to obtain additional glands at that time were unsuccessful, but during the summer of 1939 we obtained fresh glands from two species of porpoise, the bottle nosed (Tursiops truncatus) and the speckled porpoise (Prodelphinus pragiodon).2
Free-knot polynomial splines with confidence intervals

The estimates of knot locations and coefficients are obtained through a non-linear least squares solution that corresponds to the maximum likelihood estimate. Confidence intervals are then constructed based on the asymptotic distribution of the maximum likelihood estimator. Average coverage probabilities and the accuracy of the estimate are examined via simulation. This includes comparisons between our method and some existing methods such as smoothing spline and variable knots selection as well as a Bayesian version of the variable knots method. Simulation results indicate that our method works well for smooth underlying functions and also reasonably well for discontinuous functions. It also performs well for fairly small sample sizes.
Feed-forward inhibitory potentials and excitatory interactions in guinea-pig hippocampal pyramidal cells.

1. The patterns of inhibition in the CA1 region of the rat hippocampus were evaluated by focal proximal and distal stratum radiatum stimulation, during intracellular recording. The characteristics of isolated inhibitory responses and the interactions of excitatory and inhibitory potentials were analysed. 2. The amplitude of minimal inhibitory postsynaptic potentials (IPSPs) evoked by both proximal and distal stimulation averaged -0.51 +/- 0.24 mV (mean +/- S.D.; n = 32). These responses demonstrated little variability from trial to trial and showed no net trends in amplitude at a stimulation rate of 1 Hz. 3. Minimal IPSPs demonstrated a short latency to onset (2.90 +/- 1.58 ms for proximal and 3.64 +/- 1.39 ms for distal) at stimulation levels which were insufficient to evoke an extracellular field potential. Thus, minimal IPSPs were recruited through feed-forward circuitry, based on the rapid onset and the lack of activation of recurrent collaterals. 4. The minimal IPSPs showed a similar 10-90% rise time for proximal and distal responses. However, the half-width and decay time constant (from the peak) were more prolonged for the distal stimulation, indicating that a late IPSP component was evoked primarily by the distal stimulation. This late component was not observed in isolation at low stimulation intensities. 5. The conductance transient underlying the IPSPs was calculated using a neurone cable model. The proximal IPSP responses were simulated by an alpha input function (at the soma) with a peak conductance in the range of 2.5-45 nS (alpha = 1.75; reversal potential -1.0 to -10 mV). The distal IPSP shape was only partially reproduced by a longer single transient (alpha = 1.25), suggesting the presence of a second, slower component. However, insufficient data on this slower component precluded a more exact simulation of the distal IPSP response. 6. Analysis of interactions between minimal excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) and IPSPs showed that often the rising as well as the falling phase of the EPSP could be affected by the IPSP. At small stimulation levels, minimal EPSPs and IPSPs were closely overlapping, but the IPSPs were of significantly longer duration than EPSP responses. 7. The composite EPSP waveform shape became progressively truncated with increasing afferent stimulation. Feed-forward inhibition limited the time course of excitation to a narrow window, approximately 3-5 ms wide. Feed-forward postsynaptic inhibition significantly limited both the duration and the overall efficacy of small EPSPs in CA1 pyramidal neurones.
Series Introduction: Intrinsic and innate defenses in the lung: intersection of pathways regulating lung morphogenesis, host defense, and repair

This Perspective series seeks to summarize the present concepts regarding the biological processes that mediate intrinsic and innate host defense against microbial invasion of the lung. From an evolutionary standpoint, the requirements for an extensive gas exchange region that comes in direct contact with inhaled particles and pathogens present a formidable challenge that has been countered by the layering and intersection of several intrinsic defense systems. These systems, detailed in the accompanying articles, maintain pulmonary form and function required for ventilation by means of structural, mechanical, chemical, and cellular strategies, as well as innate and acquired host defenses. The epithelial barrier itself represents a first line of defense against pathogens, and its effectiveness is greatly enhanced by fluid homeostasis and mucociliary clearance. As discussed by Knowles and Boucher in this series, these mechanisms protect the epithelium and physically remove inhaled pathogens from the lung. Additional protection comes from polypeptide mediators of the innate host defense, such as the defensins and other antibiotic peptides reviewed by Ganz in this series, and the collectin family, considered by McCormack and Whitsett. Professional phagocytes also play their part in host defense in this tissue, in part by responding to molecules found on the surface of common pathogenic microbes. Finally, the cytokine and chemokine pathways that cooperate with host defense polypeptides to mediate initial host defenses by phagocytes also orchestrate tissue repair and subsequent acquired immune responses following infection, as discussed by Strieter et al. The interplay of these various mechanisms is depicted in Figure ​Figure11. Figure 1 The sterility of the respiratory tract is maintained by the concerted actions of the epithelial barrier, innate defense molecules, and responses of both the epithelium and professional phagocytes that remove pathogens and their products from the lung. ... The concerted effects of mechanical, innate, and acquired host defense systems serve to recognize, localize, kill, and remove pathogens to maintain sterility of pulmonary tissues and the host. In general, pathogens are cleared from the lung without persistent or robust inflammation, thus protecting its inherent structure and maintaining its function following exposure to microbes. It is the failure of various arms of the host defense systems that allows local or systemic infection and destruction of lung tissue that are frequently the basis of morbidity and mortality from common lung diseases, whether related to genetic or environmental disease processes. Deficient or uncontrolled host defenses and inflammation underlie some of the most common pulmonary disorders — chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cystic fibrosis, acute and chronic pneumonia, asthma, emphysema, and bronchopulmonary dysplasia.
Educational Disparities in the Prevalence and Consequence of Physical Vulnerability

Objectives. The purpose of this study was to estimate educational differences in the prevalence and mortality consequence of physical vulnerability among older adults in the United States. Methods. Data came from the 1998 and 2000 waves of the Health and Retirement Study, a nationally representative cross-sectional and prospective cohort study of community-based adults aged 65 and older. We created a physical vulnerability score from age, gender, and self-reported disability measures and measured socioeconomic status via educational attainment. Mortality data came from the National Death Index. Results. In the 1998 cohort, high physical vulnerability was more than 3 times more prevalent in individuals with less than 12 years of education compared to those with 16 or more years of education. Although less educated older adults had a higher probability of death overall, evidence of educational differences in the mortality consequence of high physical vulnerability was limited. In 2000, 2.16 million older adults had high physical vulnerability, and more than one half (53%) of these adults had less than 12 years of education. Discussion. In persons 65 years of age or older, educational differences are more apparent in the prevalence of physical vulnerability than in the mortality consequence of that vulnerability.
Stem Cell Approaches in Pregnancy Associated Disease

Eutherian mammals give birth to developmentally advanced progeny by utilizing an intrauterine organ, placenta. The placenta is essential to implantation of embryo, transportation/exchange of nutrients, gases and wastes to support fetal development. It is also an endocrine organ that regulates maternal physiology to establish and maintain a pregnancy and promote fetal growth by producing of both steroid and polypeptide hormones. Trophoblast cell lineage, derived from trophectoderm of the blastocyst as the first lineage differentiation, gives rise to specialized cell types of placenta. Placenta is the most diverse organ in mammalian organs and has been classified based on the structural and functional features. The human and rodent bear some degree of resemblance each other and share hemochorial placental type that forms direct contact with maternal circulation and tissues [1].
Toward an understanding of library patron wayfinding: Observing patrons' entry routes in a public library

Abstract The public library facility design literature identifies the importance of understanding patron wayfinding behavior and designing around it, and this research is a first step toward answering that call. Unobtrusive observation is conducted of library patrons' initial wayfinding behavior from the two entrances of a medium-sized public library in south Florida. Although more than 100 entry routes are observed during this study, less than a quarter of those routes are taken by over 75% of observed patrons as they enter the facility, indicating that certain entry routes are extremely popular. Library personnel can use geographic information systems (GIS) to map the most popular routes. Then they can use information about which entry routes are most popular to increase the level of wayfinding ease in the entry areas of the facility and to strategically market library materials and services along highly-trafficked entry routes.
On Gang Affiliation, Gang Databases, and Prosecutorial Outcomes

Technological advances have enabled criminal justice organizations to collect and share offender data. Accompanying these advances are concerns about how various segments of the criminal justice system utilize these data. Specifically, scholars have expressed concerns about the legal consequences of being included in gang databases. This study explored the use of gang affiliation indicators on prosecutorial outcomes by using a sample of 5,111 urban juvenile cases. Using three binary measures of gang affiliation, multinomial logistic regression analysis suggested indicators of gang affiliation influenced prosecutorial outcomes (dismissal, pre-adjudication informal supervision, deferred prosecution, or petition), but in an unanticipated manner. Confirmed gang affiliates, instead of suspected or non-gang affiliates, were significantly more likely to experience pre-adjudication informal supervision over other forms of case outcomes: case dismissal, deferred prosecution, or court petition. Policy implications ...
Technology developments toward 30-year-life of photovoltaic modules

As part of the United States National Photovoltaics Program, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory's Flat-Plate Solar Array Project (FSA) has maintained a comprehensive reliability and engineering sciences activity addressed toward understanding the reliability attributes of terrestrial flat-plate photovoltaic arrays and to deriving analysis and design tools necessary to achieve module designs with a 30-year useful life. The considerable progress to date stemming from the ongoing reliability research is discussed, and the major areas requiring continued research are highlighted. The result is an overview of the total array reliability problem and of available means of achieving high reliability at minimum cost.
Synthesis and Characterization of Inorganic Clathrate-II Materials

Preliminary results from an investigation into the synthesis and characterization of silicon and germanium type II clathrates are reported. A series of Na x Si136 (0 < x < 24) clathrates was synthesized and characterized by powder X-ray diffraction and Rietveld analysis. The Na x Si136 lattice parameters are observed to first decrease, then increase with increasing Na content, indicating a non-monotonic structural response to Na filling. New type II Ge clathrate compositions Cs8Na16MyGe136-y (M = Cu, In) utilizing framework substitution are reported. Electrical transport measurements on a Cu substituted specimen indicate framework substitution modifies the transport properties of these materials. The potential type II clathrate phases possess for thermoelectric applications is discussed.
Neural correlates of emotion processing in borderline personality disorder

Emotional instability is a hallmark feature of borderline personality disorder (BPD), yet its biological underpinnings are poorly understood. We employed functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to compare patterns of regional brain activation in BPD patients and healthy volunteers as they process positive and negative social emotional stimuli. fMRI images were acquired while 19 BPD patients and 17 healthy controls (HC) viewed emotion-inducing pictures from the International Affective Pictures System set. Activation data were analyzed with SPM5 ANCOVA models to derive the effects of diagnosis and stimulus type. BPD patients demonstrated greater differences in activation than controls, when viewing negative pictures compared with rest, in the amygdala, fusiform gyrus, primary visual areas, superior temporal gyrus (STG), and premotor areas, while healthy controls showed greater differences than BPD patients in the insula, middle temporal gyrus and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (BA46). When viewing positive pictures compared with rest, BPD patients showed greater differences in the STG, premotor cortex, and ventrolateral prefrontal cortex. These findings suggest that BPD patients show greater amygdala activity and heightened activity of visual processing regions relative to findings for HC subjects in the processing of negative social emotional pictures compared with rest. The patients activate neural networks in emotion processing that are phylogeneticall older and more reflexive than those activated by HC subjects.
Breakdown potential of neon below the paschen minimum

The breakdown potential of neon has been measured as a function of þd (pressure times gap) for 0.2 < þd < 15 torr·cm. Gap lengths used ranged from 0.75 to 34.6 mm. Breakdown occurred between the ends of 24.7 mm diameter copper cylinders sliding in 25.0 mm I.D. Pyrex tubing. The neon was purified by cataphoresis. The effect upon the Paschen curve of changing d was less than experimental error for 1.8 ≤ d ≤ 10.8 mm. Variation of d beyond these limits affected the curve in a manner indicating that the altered ratio of electrode diameter to gap length was the major contributor to the observed changes. In the region dV/d(þd < 0 the Paschen curve for molecular gases is concave upwards whereas the observed neon curve has the segment 0.4 < þd < 0.9 torr·cm concave downwards, the remainder of the curve being concave upwards. Deliberate contamination (N2 or Ar) of the neon showed that the observed behavior was not due to impurities (being somewhat insensitive to their presence). A similar effect was noted in Ar, Kr, and Xe, although much smaller in magnitude.
Calorie restriction of a high-carbohydrate diet elevates the threshold of PTZ-induced seizures to values equal to those seen with a ketogenic diet

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the contributions of ketonemia, caloric restriction, and carbohydrates to seizure protection in rats fed selected diets. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed experimental diets of two basic types, one high in carbohydrates and restricted to 90, 65, or 50% of the normal daily caloric requirement and the other a normal rodent chow diet restricted to 90 or 65% of the daily caloric requirement. After consuming their respective diets for 20 days, animals were subjected to tail-vein infusion of pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) to determine seizure threshold, taken as the dose required to evoke the first clonic reaction. Seizure thresholds were compared to those of rats fed control diets of either normal rodent chow fed ad libitum or a standard high-fat (ketogenic) diet calorie-restricted to 90% of daily caloric requirement, all animals age- and weight-matched at the time of diet onset. All diets were balanced for vitamins and minerals and contained at least 10% protein (by weight). Seizure threshold and ketonemia were elevated in both experimental diets in approximate proportion to the degree of calorie restriction. Animals fed the most severely restricted high-carbohydrate diet (50%) had seizure thresholds equal to those fed the ketogenic diet but had significantly lower ketonemia.
Morning-to-Afternoon Evolution of Marine Stratus Polluted by Underlying Ships: Implications for the Relative Lifetimes of Polluted and Unpolluted Clouds

Ship tracks appearing in both the morning and afternoon Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) imagery for the Pacific Ocean off the west coast of the United States were used to study the morning-to-afternoon evolution of marine stratus polluted by underlying ships and nearby uncontaminated stratus. Analyzed 925-hPa winds were used to predict the afternoon positions of ship tracks found in the morning imagery. Droplet effective radii, visible optical depths, and liquid water amounts were analyzed for morning and afternoon clouds that, based on the low-level winds, were taken to be the same clouds. As found in a previous study by Segrin et al., both morning and afternoon polluted clouds had smaller droplet radii, larger optical depths, and smaller liquid water amounts than the nearby unpolluted clouds. In contrast to the Segrin et al. study, however, the droplet effective radii decreased significantly from morning to afternoon in both the polluted and unpolluted clouds, with the rate of decrease being twice as large for the unpolluted clouds. The larger decrease in the unpolluted clouds is thought to be caused by drizzle, which is probably absent in the polluted clouds. The observations suggest that, with their slower rate of liquid loss, polluted clouds could have longer lifetimes than their unpolluted counterparts. Of interest is that clouds with similar droplet radii but smaller optical depths, and thus smaller droplet number concentrations and liquid water amounts, exhibited higher sensitivities to the effects of elevated particle concentrations and a greater likelihood of appearing in both the morning and afternoon satellite overpasses.
Endoscopic mapping and surrogate markers for better surveillance in Barrett esophagus. A study of 700 biopsy specimens.

Surveillance methods in Barrett esophagus (BE) using light microscopic examination of random biopsy specimens may miss focal dysplasia. In addition, dysplastic foci identified initially may not be relocated subsequently, making chemoprevention studies difficult. By using a special gastroscope, systematic mapping (4-quadrant biopsy specimens at 1-cm intervals) was performed in 22 patients (33 total mappings yielding 700 biopsy specimens). HE thus, their detection did not precede morphologically identifiable dysplasia. On the other hand, aneuploidy and p53 were detected in dysplastic and nondysplastic areas. p53 was correlated with dysplasia, and S-phase narrowly missed correlation, while aneuploidy was not correlated. PCNA and bcl-2 were ubiquitous, limiting their usefulness. On second maps, epithelial type was reidentified with 81% accuracy. A significant correlation was found between p53 and dysplasia. Sites of dysplasia and abnormal biomarkers could be relocated accurately by using endoscopic mapping. Therefore, mapping combined with biomarker studies may provide better surveillance and serve as a useful technique in chemoprevention studies.
A utopia concreta da poesia: "Uma árvore de veneno" de Blake

O ensaio examina algumas perspectivas amplas sobre a arte que vem da tradicao do “marxismo critico”, por meio da analise de um poema de Cancoes da experiencia, de William Blake. A leitura deve tanto a hermeneutica e ao pos-estruturalismo quanto aos escritos esteticos da Escola de Frankfurt.
Horizontal Vestibuloocular Reflex (VOR) head velocity estimation in Purkinje cell degeneration (pcd/pcd) mutant mice

The horizontal vestibuloocular reflex (VOR) of Purkinje cell degeneration (pcd/pcd) mutant mice, which lack a functional cerebellar cortex, was compared in darkness to that of wild-type animals dur...
Dilatation of the Left Ventricle in a Newborn: Probable in Utero Myocardial Infarction

A case study is presented of a premature infant delivered at 32 week's gestation by cesarean section. At birth the infant had massive cardiomegaly with extreme left ventricular dilatation as well as severe congestive heart failure and respiratory distress. The findings at autopsy suggest that the cardiac dysfunction was secondary to a myocardial infarct occurring in utero.
Antimicrobial Susceptibilities of Abiotrophia defectiva, Granulicatella adiacens, and Granulicatella elegans

Nutritionally variant streptococci (NVS) are fastidious Gram-positive cocci comprised of the species Abiotrophia defectiva, Granulicatella adiacens, and Granulicatella elegans. NVS are an important cause of bacteremia and infective endocarditis (IE) associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) was performed for 14 antimicrobials using the broth microdilution MIC method described in the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) M45 guideline. A total of 132 clinical NVS blood isolates collected from 2008 to 2014 were tested. Species level identification of NVS isolates was achieved by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and/or matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). Ninety isolates were identified as G. adiacens, 37 as A. defectiva, and 5 as G. elegans. All isolates were susceptible to vancomycin (MIC90 = 1 μg/ml), and none displayed high-level resistance to aminoglycosides. G. adiacens was considerably more susceptible to penicillin than A. defectiva (38.9% versus 10.8% of isolates susceptible) but was less susceptible to cephalosporins than was A. defectiva (43.3% versus 100% of isolates susceptible to ceftriaxone). Several isolates were resistant to levofloxacin (6%), erythromycin (51%), and clindamycin (10%). The MIC90 for daptomycin was ≥ 4 μg/ml for G. adiacens and A. defectiva. G. elegans isolates were 100% susceptible to all antimicrobials tested, with the exception of erythromycin, to which only 20% were susceptible. This study provides antimicrobial susceptibility data for a recent collection of NVS and demonstrates important NVS species-related differences with respect to susceptibility to penicillin, cephalosporins, carbapenems, and daptomycin. Species-level identification of NVS organisms when susceptibility testing is not readily available may aid in treatment decisions.
Reshaping the Playing Field

The rise of the institutional investor has been hailed as a corrective to the principal-agent problem for publicly held firms. It is argued that, because institutions typically own larger blocks than individuals and have an incentive to develop specialized expertise in making and monitoring investments, institutional investors can play a far more active role in corporate governance than dispersed shareholders. This article argues that institutional investors simply assume the role of agent, instead of the managers. Moreover, some institutional investors - e.g., labor groups, "ethical funds," government employee pension funds - may have interests other than simply increasing the firm's value. So the rise of institutional investors may not improve the position of dispersed shareholders.
Incidence, Trends, and Outcomes of Cerebral Edema Among Children With Diabetic Ketoacidosis in the United States

Introduction. There are limited data regarding the incidence, trends, and outcomes of cerebral edema among patients with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Methods. NIS database was used from year 2002 to 2012. Cases with primary diagnosis of DKA were identified using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision–Clinical Modification (ICD-9 CM) code 250.1 x. Cerebral edema patients were identified using ICD-9 CM code 348.5. We compared the baseline characteristics of both groups to estimate differences using the χ2 test, Student’s t test, Wilcoxon rank-sum test, and survey regression depending on the distributions of variables. For trend analysis, the χ2 test of trend for proportions was used using the Cochrane Armitage test via the “trend” command in Statistical Analysis Software (SAS). Multivariate odds ratios were calculated. P value for <0.05 was considered as significant for all analysis. Results. In all, 205 (weighted n = 974) cases of cerebral edema were identified among 52 049 (weighted n = ...
Do larval epidermal cells possess the blueprint for adult pattern in Drosophila

When the diploid histoblasts, the precursors of adult abdominal epidermal cells, of the larva of Drosophila are deleted by gamma-radiation, the polytene larval epidermal cells survive metamorphosis and secrete cuticle and cuticular outgrowths. A comparison of the morphology of the cuticle secreted by the larval epidermal cells in the different regions of the abdominal segments to that secreted by the histoblasts of the unirradiated animal suggests that the former contain the blueprint for the pattern of landscape of the adult abdominal cuticle and possibly could provide this information to the dividing and spreading histoblasts during the normal ontogeny of the fly.
Seasonal changes in brown adipose tissue mitochondria in a mammalian hibernator: from gene expression to function.

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is a thermogenic organ that is vital for hibernation in mammals. Throughout the hibernation season, BAT mitochondrial uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) enables rapid rewarming ...
The Lure of Restoration: Transforming Buildings and Bodies for Ever-Longer Lif

During the last century, the ageing of populations and urbanization have seen unprecedented growth. Population ageing is the process by which older individuals become a proportionally larger share of the total population caused by two factors: declining fertility rates, and increased life expectancy due to advancements in science, technology, medicine and living standards to improve health (WHO N.d.b). Urbanization is the transformation of the built environment from rural to more densely populated cities, and is associated with shifts from an agriculture-based economy to mass industry, technology and service (WHO N.d.a).
Inequalities as Added Constraints

We discuss here the problem of maximizing a real valued function f: Rn → R subject to equality constraints g(x) = 0, where g: Rn → Rm and subject to inequality constraints h(x) ≥ 0, where h: Rn → R1. We refer to the problem as the Equality-Inequality Constrained Maximization Problem (EICP). Denoting by C1 the set {x ∈ Rn|g(x) = 0} and by C2 the set {x ∈ Rn|h(x) ≥ 0), we define a local solution of EICP as a point x ∈ C1 ∩ C2 such that f(x) ≥ f(x) for x ∈ N(x) ∩ C1 ∩ C2 where N(x) = Rn then x is a global solution of EICP. In either case we write x = argu max(f) on N ∩ C1 ∩ C2.
Comparing Transparent Devices to Current Educational Methods for Enhancing Comprehension of Product Functionality

Mechanical dissection has become a popular method for introducing engineering students to design. However, there are many factors preventing mechanical dissection from becoming widespread. We propose an alternative to mechanical dissection focused on functionality. Transparent devices are modified devices that allow students to inspect the internal components while it is operating. To test the effectiveness of transparent devices, we compared a diagram to a dissected and a transparent device. The devices were presented to university students. After being allowed to inspect an opaque device and supplementary material, students were asked how the device functions and their confidence level. They were scored based on how correct their answers were. We found that both dissected and transparent devices were more effective in increasing comprehension and confidence than the diagram. There was little difference between dissected and transparent devices. The transparent device did produce a better correlation between correctness and confidence.Copyright © 2016 by ASME
Changes in perceptual sensitivity related to spatial cues depends on subcortical activity

Spatial cues allow animals to selectively attend to relevant visual stimuli while ignoring distracters. This process depends on a distributed neuronal network, and an important current challenge is to understand the functional contributions made by individual brain regions within this network and how these contributions interact. Recent findings point to a possible anatomical segregation, with cortical and subcortical brain regions contributing to different functional components of selective attention. Cortical areas, especially visual cortex, may be responsible for implementing changes in perceptual sensitivity by changing the signal-to-noise ratio, whereas other regions, such as the superior colliculus, may be involved in processes that influence selection between competing stimuli without regulating perceptual sensitivity. Such a segregation of function would predict that when activity in the superior colliculus is suppressed by reversible inactivation, animals should still show changes in perceptual sensitivity mediated by the intact cortical circuits. Contrary to this prediction, here we report that inactivation of the primate superior colliculus eliminates the changes in perceptual sensitivity made possible by spatial cues. These findings demonstrate changes in perceptual sensitivity depend not only on neuronal activity in cortex but also require interaction with signals from the superior colliculus.
“You’re Not Welcome Here”: A Grounded Theory of Family Distancing:

A constructivist grounded theory of family distancing emerged from the narrative accounts of 52 adult children in the process of estrangement from their parents. The grounded theory conceptualizes estrangement as a continuum comprised of eight components: (1) communication quality, (2) communication quantity, (3) physical distance, (4) presence/absence of emotion, (5) positive/negative affect, (6) reconciliation/desire to be a family, (7) role reciprocity, and (8) legal action. In addition, 10 communicative behaviors are identified that can help family members move along the estrangement continuum toward greater distance or maintain their position. Together they interplay to constitute a holistic picture of the estrangement process. Scholarly uses, theoretical implications, and practical applications will be discussed.
Fixation of proximal pole scaphoid nonunion with non-vascularized cancellous autograft:

We present 20 patients with established proximal pole scaphoid nonunions treated with curettage and cancellous autograft from the distal radius and screw fixation. Fractures with significant proximal pole fragmentation were excluded. Patients were treated at a mean of 26 weeks after injury (range 12–72). Union occurred in 18 of 20 patients (90%) based on computed tomographic imaging. The two nonunions that did not heal were treated with repeat curettage and debridement and iliac crest bone grafting without revision of fixation. Union was achieved in both at a mean of 11 weeks after the revision procedures. Our findings suggest that non-vascularized cancellous autograft and antegrade fixation is a useful option for the treatment of proximal pole scaphoid nonunions.Level of evidence: IV
Dietary fiber and health: Cardiovascular disease and beyond

Dietary fiber, mainly derived from fruit, vegetables, and grains, is nondigestible carbohydrates and lignin that are intrinsic and intact in plants. Since dietary fiber was hypothesized to have beneficial effects on several western diseases, numerous studies found that high dietary fiber intake was associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, type-2 diabetes, and colorectal cancer. These findings were supported by plausible mechanisms based on physiologic effects of dietary fiber on blood lipids, blood pressure, glucose and insulin metabolism, satiety, and inflammation. Epidemiologic studies have significantly contributed to the recognition of dietary fiber as an essential constituent of a healthy diet. Recently, emerging evidence suggested that dietary fiber intake was related to a lower risk of a broad range of diseases, including inflammatory, respiratory, and renal diseases, and several cancers. This chapter reviews the existing and emerging epidemiologic evidence on the benefits of dietary fiber on health.
Examining sensory ability, feature matching and assessment-based adaptation for a brain–computer interface using the steady-state visually evoked potential

AbstractPurpose: We investigated how overt visual attention and oculomotor control influence successful use of a visual feedback brain-computer interface (BCI) for accessing augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices in a heterogeneous population of individuals with profound neuromotor impairments. BCIs are often tested within a single patient population limiting generalization of results. This study focuses on examining individual sensory abilities with an eye toward possible interface adaptations to improve device performance.Methods: Five individuals with a range of neuromotor disorders participated in four-choice BCI control task involving the steady state visually evoked potential. The BCI graphical interface was designed to simulate a commercial AAC device to examine whether an integrated device could be used successfully by individuals with neuromotor impairment.Results: All participants were able to interact with the BCI and highest performance was found for participants able to empl...
Actions as special cases

This paper is motivated by the idea of interaction between two directions of research in knowledge representation: the design of action description languages and the development of libraries of reusable, general-purpose knowledge components. Writing an action description that characterizes actions in terms of their effects, as common today, can be compared to writing a program that does not use standard subroutines. We conjecture that a library of standard descriptions for a number of "basic" actions can facilitate writing, understanding and modifying action descriptions. In this paper, we take some steps towards determining how such a library, written in the action language C+, can be used. When using an instance of a library action description, we relate the library constants to the domain-specific constants by providing definitions. Therefore, a theory of explicit definitions in C+ is developed. To illustrate the use of the library, we show how the action PushBox in the Monkey and Bananas domain can be described as a special case of the "library action" Move.
Femorofemoral Vein Bypass (Palma Procedure)

Persistent isolated unilateral iliac/common femoral vein occlusion in patients with severe venous insufficiency unresponsive to conservative therapy. Evidence of hemodynamic or venographic stable occlusion over 1 year. Venous claudication unresponsive to conservative therapy in active patients. Patient with progressive swelling of the leg secondary to external compression that is not relieved by conservative therapy.
Cultural Code-Switching and Chicana/o Post-Secondary Student Persistence: A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Analysis.

This hermeneutic phenomenological study investigated the lived experiences of 12 Chicana/o students who completed a baccalaureate degree at a majority school. The strategies and experiences that Ch...
Evaluation of the content, quality, reliability and accuracy of YouTube videos regarding endotracheal intubation techniques

Background: Today, the internet is widely used to obtain any type of information. The use of internet may facilitate healthcare professionals' education as well. Objectives: We aimed to evaluate the content, accuracy, reliability and quality of YouTube videos regarding intubation, one of the most important skills for healthcare professionals. Materials and Methods: Of the 54,000 videos found using the keyword ‘intubation’, the first 50 were included in the study. The sources were divided into three categories: academicians, healthcare professionals and medical. The view ratio, like ratio, and video power index were used to determine the popularity while Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) benchmark criteria were used for reliability. The extent of the information was evaluated based on the scoring system provided by us. Results: The majority of the videos were uploaded by healthcare professionals (92%) including academicians. Twenty-seven (54%) videos had training purposes. The information point was highest in the academic group (4.6 ± 2.7); however, there was no significance between groups (P = 0.2). The mean JAMA score was highest in the academic group (1.9 ± 0.8), with a statistical significance (P = 0.00055). The JAMA score and information points were significantly higher in training videos compared to non-training videos (p=
Grand challenges for social work and society

The purpose of Grand Challenges for Social Work and Society is to describe the 12 grand challenges identified by social work researchers. The first chapter provides an introduction to the challenge...
Pediatric to Adult Transition in Sickle Cell Disease: Survey Results from Young Adult Patients.

Background/aims We surveyed sickle cell disease (SCD) patients who transitioned from pediatric care at Texas Children's Hematology Center (TCHC) to adult care to determine the characteristics of patients with an adult SCD provider, continuation rates of pre-transition therapies, and patient perceptions of the transition process. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted by telephone survey of 44 young adults with SCD, aged 19-29 years, who transitioned from TCHC to adult care within the last 15 years. Results Findings of the 23-item questionnaire revealed that transitioned patients with current adult providers (68.2%) were more likely to have seen a provider within 6 months of transition (p = 0.023) and to have been on hydroxyurea and/or monthly blood transfusions pre-transition (p = 0.021) than transitioned patients without a provider; 83% of patients on pre-transition hydroxyurea reported continuing hydroxyurea after transition. Transition challenges included inadequate preparation, difficulty finding knowledgeable adult providers, and lack of healthcare insurance/coverage. Conclusion Transition to adult providers is predicted by establishing care with an adult SCD provider within 6 months of transition and being on pre-transition disease-modifying therapy. Transition may be improved if pediatric hematology centers assist and verify adult provider contact within 6 months of transition and engage patients of all disease severity during transition.
Reversible associations between human plasma fibronectin and fibrinogen γγ' heterodimer observed by high pressure size exclusion chromatography and dynamic light scattering.

Abstract We previously reported on a novel fibrin matrix having increased viscoelastic strength derived from human plasma fibronectin (pFN) and γγ′-fibrinogen (γγ′-FI). Here we use high pressure size exclusion chromatography (HPSEC) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) to observe interactions between the linearly extended conformation of γγ′-FI and random coiled pFN. Distinct γγ′-FI:pFN subpopulations were fractionated where each maintained unique retention times when individually reprocessed by HPSEC. The hydrodynamic sizes by HPSEC and DLS for these reprocessed subfractions were intermediate to that of pure γγ′-FI and pFN. SDS-PAGE analysis showed that the majority of these subfractions contained intact γγ′-FI and pFN. Importantly, after disruption and isolation using Gelatin Sepharose affinity chromatography, new complexes rapidly formed between pFN and γγ′-FI when mixed back together. This also occurred in analogous mixing experiments between Des-Aα γγ′-FI and pFN where both Aα-chains are reduced by about 15 kDa due to proteolysis. The reversible complexation observed using HPSEC and DLS was not observed in prior studies using SPR indicating that unrestricted freedom of motion is needed to efficiently form these compact associations. The presence of a γ′ chain, but not the carboxy terminal portions of either Aα chain are needed for complexation phenomena between pFN and γγ′-FI.
[Sleep conditions of children and adolescents aged 6-17 years old in Shandong Province in 2010-2012].

OBJECTIVE To understand the sleep conditions of children and adolescents aged 6-17 years old in Shandong Province. METHODS The data of physical activity from " 2010-2012 China National Nutrition and Health Surveillance " in Shandong Province were used. A total of 1808 children aged 6 to 17 years old in urban and rural schools were investigated to analyze their sleep conditions by multi-stage stratified cluster random samplingand a unified questionnaire. RESULTS the average sleeping time of children aged 6 to 17 years old in Shandong Province was 8. 62 h, and there was no significant difference between children of different genders( male 8. 66 h, n = 900, female 8. 59 h, n = 908) and children of different regions( urban 8. 64 h, n =982, rural 8. 61 h, n = 826). The lack of sleep rate among children aged 6-17 years old was 60. 1%( n = 1808), that of boys( 58. 3%) was lower than that of girls( 61. 8%), and that of urban( 59. 9%) and rural( 60. 3%) was close, with no statistically significant difference. However, there were statistically significant differences between urban and rural lack of sleep rates between the ages 6 to 11 years old( t = 3. 57, P <0. 01) and between the ages 15 to 17 years old( t = 8. 60, P < 0. 001). With the increase of age, the average sleep time decreased, the lack of sleep rate showed a downward trend. CONCLUSION The average sleeping time of average daily sleep time, lack of sleep rate, children and adolescents children aged 6 to 17 years old is insufficient and the rate of sleep deficiency is high in shandong province.
Investigation of the enhanced recovery after surgery protocol outcome on post colectomy patients.

BackgroundAn enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol was implemented to improve quality and cost effectiveness of surgical care in elective colorectal procedures.MethodsA retrospective stud...
Current and Emerging Therapies for Pediatric Bone Diseases

Most pediatric bone diseases result either from mutations of the essential genes for bone development or from abnormalities of mineral homeostasis. With an increase in non-invasive techniques to measure bone mineral density, the number of children with apparent low bone mineral density is rising. Furthermore, a new classification system proposed by the International Society for Clinical Densitometry now considers osteoporosis a valid diagnosis in children. Osteoporosis is a particular problem among children with conditions such as muscular dystrophy, immobilization, and chronic liver diseases and those who received a prolonged course of glucocorticoids. Pharmacologic agents for treatment of osteoporosis were developed primarily to prevent fragility fractures in postmenopausal women, and studies of their efficacy and safety in children are limited. Recent advances have seen new therapies for bone diseases in children; some of these conditions were deemed incurable in the past. This article reviews data regarding mechanism of action, safety, and efficacy of four bone drugs in pediatric patients. These are (1) zoledronic acid, a long-acting bisphosphonate; (2) denosumab, a RANKL inhibitor; (3) asfotase alfa, a synthetic alkaline phosphatase; and (4) burosumab, a monoclonal antibody against FGF23.