cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Differential age and sex effects in the assessment of major depression: a population-based twin item analysis of the DSM criteria.

A twin item factor analytic model was developed to test for the presence of noninvariant age, sex, and age by sex interaction effects on the individual DSM-III-R criteria for major depression (MD). Based on 1-year reports, six of the nine MD criteria and duration requirement were found to have covariate factor loading and/or threshold effects that significantly deviated from their corresponding factor level expectations. A significant age effect was found for the binary duration variable factor loading. The ‘loss of interest’, ‘weight problems’ and ‘psychomotor problems’ criteria all displayed forms of threshold only effects. ‘Depressed mood’, ‘fatigue’, and ‘feeling worthless’ had more complex patterns that included both factor loading and threshold effects. A significant factor age by sex interaction effect indicating an increasing female mean difference with age was found to be largely associated with the presence of differential threshold covariate effects. Disagreement between estimated factor scores and DSM-derived affected vs. unaffected classification was ~ 1.3%. Status on the duration requirement was found to be the one feature common to all discrepancies. The MD criteria set provided maximum information for calibrating MD factor scores in the scale region where discrepancies occurred. The dimensional modeling results are discussed in the broader context of epidemiological research and clinical assessment of major depression.
A Multiplex Calcium Assay for Identification of GPCR Agonists and Antagonists

Abstract Activation of Gq protein-coupled receptors can be monitored by measuring the increase in intracellular calcium with fluorescent dyes. Recent advances in fluorescent kinetic plate readers and liquid-handling technology have made it possible to follow these transient changes in intracellular calcium in a 1,536-well plate format for high-throughput screening (HTS). Here, we have applied the latest generation of fluorescence kinetic plate readers to multiplex the agonist and antagonist screens of a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR). This multiplexed assay format provides an efficient and cost-effective method for HTS of Gq-coupled GPCR targets.
Mantle plumes persevere

The ocean floor is littered with hundreds of thousands of mostly extinct volcanoes. The origin of at least some of these seamounts seems to rest with mantle plumes.
Quantitative Determination of Caffeine and Alcohol in Energy Drinks and the Potential to Produce Positive Transdermal Alcohol Concentrations in Human Subjects

The purpose of this study was to determine whether non-alcoholic energy drinks could result in positive “alcohol alerts” based on transdermal alcohol concentration (TAC) using a commercially available electrochemical monitoring device. Eleven energy drinks were quantitatively assayed for both ethanol and caffeine. Ethanol concentrations for all of the non-alcoholic energy drinks ranged in concentration from 0.03 to 0.230% (w/v) and caffeine content per 8-oz serving ranged from 65 to 126 mg. A total of 15 human subjects participated in the study. Subjects consumed between 6 and 8 energy drinks over an 8-h period. The SCRAM ® II monitoring device was used to determine TACs every 30 min before, during, and after the study. None of the subjects produced TAC readings that resulted in positive “alcohol alerts”. TAC measurements for all subjects before, during and after the energy drink study period (16 h total) were < 0.02% (w/v). Subjects in the study consumed a quantity of non-alcoholic energy drink that greatly exceeds what would be considered typical. Based on these results, it appears that energy drink consumption is an unlikely explanation for elevated TACs that might be identified as potential drinking episodes or “alcohol alerts” using this device.
Tree Establishment During Dry Spells at an Oak Savanna in Minnesota

Recent research has challenged the long-standing hypothesis that forests in the Upper Midwest of the United States developed during wetter periods and retreated during dry periods. We explored this debate by examining patterns of tree establishment on an oak savanna in east-central Minnesota within the context of variable moisture availability and fire suppression. We used superposed epoch analyses (SEA) to evaluate the mean moisture conditions for a 21-year window surrounding tree establishment dates. Before effective fire suppression (1809–1939), 24 of 42 trees with pith dates (62%) grew to 30-cm height during dry years (Palmer Drought Severity Index ,2 1), versus only 5 of 42 (12%) that established in wet years (PDSI . 1). Significantly more trees established during dry periods (negative PDSI values) than would be expected with the proportion of wet-to-dry years (x 2 5 10.738, df 5 1, p-value 5 0.001). Twenty of the complete sample of 74 trees with pith dates (27%) established during drought in the 1930s. We hypothesize that dry conditions limited plant productivity, which in turn decreased competition between grasses and tree seedlings and reduced rates of accumulation of fine fuels, enabling seedlings to grow tall enough to resist subsequent fires. We recommend SEA as a methodological approach to compare historical climate conditions with the timing of regeneration success in other regions of forest expansion.
Pore size analysis of activated carbons from argon and nitrogen porosimetry using density functional theory

We present isotherms calculated from density functional theory for the adsorption of argon in model slit-shaped carbon pores at 77 K. The model isotherms are used to interpret experimental argon uptake measurements and to obtain the pore size distributions of several porous carbons. A similar set of density functional theory isotherms, previously reported for nitrogen adsorption on carbon slit pores at 77 K, are used to determine pore size distributions for the same set of carbons. The pore size distribution maxima, mean pore widths, and specific pore volumes measured using the two different probe gases are all found to agree to within approximately 8% on average. Some of the differences in the pore size distributions obtained from argon and nitrogen porosimetry may be attributable to quadrupolar interactions of the nitrogen molecules with functional groups on the carbon surface.
Lower entropy factors of sofic systems

A mixing subshift of finite type T is a factor of a sofic shift S of greater entropy if and only if the period of any periodic point of S is divisible by the period of some periodic point of T. Mixing sofic shifts T satisfying this theorem are characterized, as are those mixing sofic shifts for which Krieger's Embedding Theorem holds. These and other results rest on a general method for extending shift-commuting continuous maps into mixing subshifts of finite type.
Effect of Radiologists’ Diagnostic Work-up Volume on Interpretive Performance

We found that radiologists with a higher annual volume of work-ups for recalled screening mammograms they initially interpreted had consistently higher screening sensitivity and cancer detection rates; however, these performance improvements were accompanied by higher false-positive rates.
Anatomical changes due to uptake and accumulation of Zn and Cd in Indian mustard (Brassica juncea)

Anatomical and physiological changes in Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) plants due to uptake and accumulation of Zn and Cd were investigated. Potted plants were exposed to metal treatments of Zn and Cd for 15 and 16 days, respectively. Leaves, stems and roots were harvested for studying anatomy and analyzing metal accumulation. Anatomical changes were documented using light microscopy, scanning, and transmission electron microscopy. Accumulation of Zn and Cd in all parts of the plant increased significantly with an increase in applied metal concentration. Microscopic studies revealed clotted depositions in roots and stems, break down of parenchyma cells, and a decrease in starch content in leaves of plants treated with high concentrations of Zn. Physiological and morphological changes of Zn-treated plants included a significant decrease in relative water content, dry weight and plant height. Cd at higher concentrations resulted in structural changes only in stems and roots. Mustard plants accumulated significant amounts of Zn and Cd without exhibiting symptoms of phytotoxicity. However, higher Zn (ZnT3 and ZnT4) and Cd (CdT4) concentrations resulted in structural changes in roots, stems and leaves and altered physiological and morphological characteristics. Our results systematically illustrate the physiological implications of structural alterations caused by Zn and Cd at higher concentrations.
Is Modern Liberty Ancient? Roman Remedies and Natural Rights in Hugo Grotius' Early Works on Natural Law

This paper argues that Hugo Grotius (1583-1645), a major protagonist in the history of individual natural rights, developed his highly influential rights doctrine by reference to ancient Roman legal remedies and Cicero's moral philosophy. The paper thus puts forward a fresh account of the historical background of modern thinking on rights, one that runs counter to the traditional liberal historical account, epitomized by Benjamin Constant, according to which modern liberty is distinct from ancient liberty precisely on account of the alleged lack of a concept of individual rights in classical antiquity. It is argued that Grotius, a humanist steeped in Roman law, had substantive reasons for using his Roman sources. Roman law had already developed a doctrine of the freedom of the high seas, based on the idea of the sea as having remained in a natural state. Furthermore, Roman law and Cicero's ethics provided a fair amount of commerce driven remedies in contract law, which were part of the so-called law of peoples (ius gentium), a body of law initially created to accommodate foreigners, especially merchants, and give them standing in Roman courts. Although this paper's focus is not on the Roman texts themselves, but on the use Grotius made of them in some of his early works, the paper does entail the claim that those texts contain a concept of subjective rights. Moreover, it is suggested that the paper's historical account can contribute not only to a better doctrinal understanding of Grotius' rights doctrine, but also to a better understanding of modern liberal doctrines of rights.
A Novel Near-Land Radiometer Wet Path-Delay Retrieval Algorithm: Application to the Jason-2/OSTM Advanced Microwave Radiometer

An algorithm is developed to retrieve wet tropospheric path delay (PD) near land from a satellite microwave radiometer to improve coastal altimetry studies. Microwave radiometers are included on ocean altimetry missions to retrieve the wet PD, but their performance has been optimized for retrievals in the open ocean. Near land, the radiometer footprint contains a mixture of radiometrically warm land and radiometrically cold ocean. Currently, the radiometer retrievals in the coastal region are flagged as invalid since large errors result when the open-ocean retrieval algorithm is applied to mixed land/ocean scenes. The PD retrieval algorithm developed in this paper is applicable to both open-ocean and mixed land-ocean scenes, thus enabling retrievals in the coastal zone. The performance of the algorithm is demonstrated with detailed simulations and application to measurements from the Advanced Microwave Radiometer on the Jason-2/Ocean Surface Topography Mission. The algorithm error is estimated to be less than 0.8 cm up to 15 km from land, less than 1.0 cm within 10 km from land, less than 1.2 cm within 5 km from land, and less than 1.5 cm up to the coastline.
Volterra filter identification using penalized least squares

Volterra filters have been applied to many nonlinear system identification problems. However, obtaining good filter estimates from short and/or noisy data records is a difficult task. We propose a penalized least squares estimation algorithm and derive appropriate penalizing functionals for Volterra filters. An example demonstrates that penalized least squares estimation can provide much more accurate filter estimates than ordinary least squares estimation.
Binding of Cytochalasin B to Hexose Transport Sites on Human Spermatozoa and Inhibition of Binding by Purines

Binding of cytochalasin B to hexose transport sites on human spermatozoa and inhibition of binding by purines were investigated. Scatchard plots of the binding of radioactive antibiotic to washed spermatozoa indicated 2 classes of binding sites: 1) binding sites of high affinity (dissociation constant approximately 10 (minus 7)M) and low capacity and 2) sites of lower affinity ((minus 5)M) but higher capacity. The high affinity sites are associated with hexose transport since binding inhibited competitively by glucose and other hexoses and cytochalasin B (in turn at concentrations which did not affect glycolysis) inhibited by a variety of purines that apparently compete directly with the antibiotic for membrane binding sites. Several derivatives with bulky substituents on the carbon-6 position of the puring ring that most effectively blocked cytochalasin B binding also markedly inhibited sperm motility. Propranolol and other local anetheticlike compounds inhibited antibiotic binding. These results indicate that a puring derivative binding site located close to the hexose transport site is involved in the regulation of membrane function and the mechanism of action of cytochalasin B.
Titin-Based Modulation of Calcium Sensitivity of Active Tension in Mouse Skinned Cardiac Myocytes

We studied the effect of titin-based passive force on the length dependence of activation of cardiac myocytes to explore whether titin may play a role in the generation of systolic force. Force-pCa relations were measured at sarcomere lengths (SLs) of 2.0 and 2.3 m. Passive tension at 2.3 m SL was varied from 1 to 10 mN/mm 2 by adjusting the characteristics of the stretch imposed on the passive cell before activation. Relative to 2.0 m SL, the force-pCa curve at 2.3 m SL and low passive tension showed a leftward shift (pCa 50 [change in pCa at half-maximal activation]) of 0.090.02 pCa units while at 2.3 m SL and high passive tension the shift was increased to 0.250.03 pCa units. Passive tension also increased pCa 50 at reduced interfilament lattice spacing achieved with dextran. We tested whether titin-based passive tension influences the interfilament lattice spacing by measuring the width of the myocyte and by using small-angle x-ray diffraction of mouse left ventricular wall muscle. Cell width and interfilament lattice spacing varied inversely with passive tension, in the presence and absence of dextran. The passive tension effect on length-dependent activation may therefore result from a radial titin-based force that modulates the interfilament lattice spacing. (Circ Res. 2001;88:1028-1035.)
A Multi-Frame, Megahertz CCD Imager

The Los Alamos National Laboratory's Dual Axis Radiographic Hydrodynamic Test Facility (DARHT) generates flash radiographs of explosive experiments using two linear induction electron accelerators situated at right angles. The DARHT second axis accelerator generates an 18-MeV, 2 kA, 2 musec electron beam which is converted or ldquochoppedrdquo into four individual pulses ranging from 20 to 100 nsec in length at 2 MHz frequency. The individual electron beam pulses are down-converted by a segmented lutetium oxyorthosilicate scintillator, creating four visible light flashes, to image explosively driven events. To record these events, a high efficiency, high speed, imager has been fabricated which is capable of framing rates of 2 MHz. This device utilizes a 512 times 512 pixel charge coupled device (CCD) with a 25 cm2 active area, and incorporates an electronic shutter technology designed for back-illuminated CCD's, making this the largest and fastest back-illuminated CCD in the world. Characterizing an imager capable of this frame rate presents unique challenges. High speed LED drivers and intense radioactive sources are needed to perform basic measurements. We investigate properties normally associated with single-frame CCD's such as read noise, gain, full-well capacity, detective quantum efficiency (DQE), sensitivity, and linearity. In addition, we investigate several properties associated with the imager's multi-frame operation such as transient frame response and frame-to-frame isolation while contrasting our measurement techniques and results with more conventional devices.
Embrittlement of nuclear reactor pressure vessels

Neutron irradiation embrittlement could limit the service life of some of the reactor-pressure vessels in existing commercial nuclear-power plants. Improved understanding the of the underlying causes of embrittlement has provided regulators and power-plant operators better estimates of vessel-operating margins. This article presents an overview of embrittlement, emphasizing the status of mechanistic understanding and models, and their role in increasing the reliability of vessel-integrity assessments. Finally, a number of outstanding issues and significant opportunities, including a new fracture-toughness master-curve method, are briefly described.
Danionella dracula, an escape from the cypriniform Bauplan via developmental truncation?

We provide a detailed account of the osteology of the miniature Asian freshwater cyprinid fish Danionella dracula. The skeleton of D. dracula shows a high degree of developmental truncation when compared to most other cyprinids, including its close relative the zebrafish Danio rerio. Sixty-one bones, parts thereof or cartilages present in most other cyprinids are missing in D. dracula. This impressive organism-wide case of progenesis renders it one of the most developmentally truncated bony fishes or even vertebrates. Danionella dracula lacks six of the eight unique synapomorphies that define the order Cypriniformes and has, thus, departed from the cypriniform Bauplan more dramatically than any other member of this group. This escape from one of the most successful Bauplane among bony fishes may have been facilitated by the organism-wide progenesis encountered in D. dracula. By returning in its skeletal structure to the early developmental condition of other cypriniforms, D. dracula may have managed to overcome the evolutionary constraints associated with this Bauplan and opened up new evolutionary avenues that enabled it to evolve a number of striking morphological novelties, including its tooth-like odontoid processes and a complex drumming apparatus.
Introducing data mining concepts using Microsoft Excel's table analysis tools

This nifty assignment is a lab that uses the Table Analysis Tools available as Data Mining add-ins for MS Excel to introduce data mining techniques. The Table Analysis Tools use SQL Server's Analysis Services to analyze data in spreadsheets.
Emergence of biological complexity: Criticality, renewal and memory

Abstract The key purpose of this article is to establish a connection between two emerging fields of research in theoretical biology. The former focuses on the concept of criticality borrowed from physics that is expected to be extensible to biology through a robust theoretical approach that although not yet available shall eventually shed light into the origin of cognition. The latter, largely based on the tracking of single molecules diffusing in biological cells, is bringing to the general attention the need to go beyond the ergodic assumption currently done in the traditional statistical physics. We show that replacing critical slowing down with temporal complexity explains why biological systems at criticality are resilient and why long-range correlations are compatible with the free-will condition necessary for the emergence of cognition. Temporal complexity generates ergodicity breakdown and requires new forms of response of complex systems to external stimuli. We concisely illustrate these new forms of information transport and we also address the challenging issue of combining temporal complexity with coherence and renewal with infinite memory.
Water, Water, Everywhere: Defining and Assessing Data Sharing in Academia

Sharing of research data has begun to gain traction in many areas of the sciences in the past few years because of changing expectations from the scientific community, funding agencies, and academic journals. National Science Foundation (NSF) requirements for a data management plan (DMP) went into effect in 2011, with the intent of facilitating the dissemination and sharing of research results. Many projects that were funded during 2011 and 2012 should now have implemented the elements of the data management plans required for their grant proposals. In this paper we define ‘data sharing’ and present a protocol for assessing whether data have been shared and how effective the sharing was. We then evaluate the data sharing practices of researchers funded by the NSF at Oregon State University in two ways: by attempting to discover project-level research data using the associated DMP as a starting point, and by examining data sharing associated with journal articles that acknowledge NSF support. Sharing at both the project level and the journal article level was not carried out in the majority of cases, and when sharing was accomplished, the shared data were often of questionable usability due to access, documentation, and formatting issues. We close the article by offering recommendations for how data producers, journal publishers, data repositories, and funding agencies can facilitate the process of sharing data in a meaningful way.
Laser Selective Area Epitaxy for the Potential of Optoelectronic Integration

We report for the first time the dopant behavior in laser assisted selective epitaxy of device quality GaAs films. DMZn and H 2 Se were used as p-type and n-type dopants respectively. Uniform doping was achieved by introducing TMGa, AsH 3 and dopant gases simultaneously and was accompanied by a decrease in growth rate for both Zn and Se doping. For planar doping, several Se planes were embedded in a GaAs layer by simultaneously introducing AsH 3 and H 2 Se during the LCVD process. A sheet carrier concentration in the 10 12 – 10 13 cm −2 range was obtained for a single Se plane. Hall data of these films will be discussed. It was found planar doping results in better electrical properties and better growth rate control.
Preferential Through-Space Charge Separation and Charge Recombination in V-Type Configured Porphyrin–azaBODIPY–Fullerene Supramolecular Triads

Electron transfer is one of the most fundamental and prevalent processes occurring in chemistry, physics, and biology. In donor–acceptor systems with one of the partners’ a photosensitizer, upon photoexcitation, transfer of an electron between the photoexcited and ground-state molecules occurs. Factors affecting the geometry, energetics, and dynamics of this process have been one of the intensively studied scientific topics, often by building model donor–acceptor conjugates or by utilizing natural systems. A wealth of information, applicable to almost all areas of modern science and technology, has been generated from these studies. In the present study, we demonstrate preferential through-space charge separation and charge recombination in supramolecular triads composed of porphyrin (free-base, zinc, or magnesium at the central cavity) as excited-state electron donor, BF2-chealted azadipyrromethene (azaBODIPY), and fullerene (C60) as electron acceptors. Because of spatial close proximity of the terminal ...
Improved Domain Adaptation for Statistical Machine Translation

We present a simple and effective infrastructure for domain adaptation for statistical machine translation (MT). To build MT systems for different domains, it trains, tunes and deploys a single translation system that is capable of producing adapted domain translations and preserving the original generic accuracy at the same time. The approach unifies automatic domain detection and domain model parameterization into one system. Experiment results on 20 language pairs demonstrate its viability.
Mucus Hydration: A Donnan Equilibrium Controlled Process

Cervical mucus of certain mammalian species changes from a thick rubbery gel, impenetrable by sperm (at the luteal phase of the sexual cycle) to a watery gel, easily penetrable by sperm (around the time of ovulation). These variations in the physical properties of mucus serve an important function in fertility regulation.
Transitions to Intentional and Symbolic Communication in Typical Development and in Autism Spectrum Disorder

We begin by reviewing research focused on the way in which the emergence of new forms of intentional and symbolic communication alters the typically developing child’s communicative environment. Our central thesis is that these alterations not only change the nature of the input that the child receives but also influence the availability of opportunities for learning that support future development. We then review what is known about delays and atypicalities in the development of intentional and symbolic communication in individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Based on these data, we suggest that these communicative delays and atypicalities have far-reaching, cascading effects that extend beyond the individuals themselves to impact the behavior of social partners, the communicative environment more broadly, and the course of subsequent development. We then present a conceptual framework that identifies ways in which delays in the emergence of basic, early emerging communicative behaviors – eye contact, gesture, and vocalization – may lead to delays in the emergence of the individual’s ability to initiate instances of joint attention and impact the caregiver’s sense of the child’s developmental level. These changes in turn may lead to a reduction in shared topics for communication and, therefore, to a reduction in instances in which linguistic input adapted to moments of shared attention is most effective in facilitating the early development of language. Finally, we conclude with some recommendations for research and clinical practice suggested by this framework.
A broadband optical switch based on adiabatic couplers

We designed and fabricated a broadband thermo-optic Mach-Zehnder Interferometer switch using two 3-dB adiabatic couplers on the 500 nm Silicon-On-Insulator platform. The fabricated switch has shown 120 nm optical bandwidth with more than 15 dB extinction ratios.
Comparing Access to Laser Capsulotomy Performed by Optometrists and Ophthalmologists in Oklahoma by Calculated Driving Distance and Time

Purpose To quantify Medicare beneficiary proximity to his or her yttrium–aluminum–garnet (YAG) laser capsulotomy–providing ophthalmologist and optometrist in Oklahoma by calculating driving distances and times. Design Cross-sectional cohort study using 2014 Oklahoma Medicare 100% and 5% data sets and Google Maps distance and travel time application programming interfaces. Participants U.S. fee-for-service Medicare beneficiaries and Oklahoma ophthalmologist and optometrist laser capsulotomy providers. Methods The 2014 Medicare Provider Utilization and Payment Limited 100% and 5% datasets from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) were obtained to identify the office street addresses of Oklahoma ophthalmologists and optometrists who submitted claims to Medicare for a YAG laser capsulotomy, and the county addresses of the corresponding Medicare beneficiaries who received the laser capsulotomy. The shortest travel distances and travel times between the beneficiary and the laser provider were calculated by using Google Maps distance and travel time application programming interfaces. Main Outcome Measures Beneficiary driving distances and times to his or her YAG laser capsulotomy–providing Oklahoma ophthalmologist and optometrist. Results In 2014, 90 (57%) of 157 Oklahoma ophthalmologists and 65 (13%) of 506 Oklahoma optometrists submitted a total of 7521 and 3751 YAG laser capsulotomy claims to Medicare, respectively. By using the Medicare Limited 5% dataset, there was no difference in driving distance between beneficiaries who received a laser capsulotomy from an ophthalmologist (median, 39 miles; interquartile range [IQR], 13–113 miles) compared with an optometrist (median, 46 miles; IQR, 13–125 miles; P = 0.93) or in driving time to an ophthalmologist (median, 47 minutes; IQR, 19–110 minutes) compared with an optometrist (median, 50 minutes; IQR, 17–117 minutes; P = 0.76). Conclusions For Medicare beneficiaries, there was no difference in geographic access to YAG laser capsulotomy whether performed by an Oklahoma ophthalmologist or optometrist as determined by calculated driving distances and times.
Foundations of Communication Theory

There is a communication “explosion” in modern life but no acceptable theory for its understanding. This, in part, is because of the current emphasis on objective approaches. It is proposed here instead that communication can be studied best from a subjective standpoint, where the concern is with the bodies of verbal (or other) statements people make, or may make about any matter. One distinguishes, however, statements of fact (the concern of information theory) from statements of opinion. The latter are subjective and basically self-referent: a theory of communication is proposed for these. In this a person’s ‘position’ or ‘overview’ is modeled as a Q sort, and the communication domain by Q metatheory. The theory has the widest possible applicability, wherever subjectivity is at issue.
Xylem Vessel Diameter Affects the Compartmentalization of the Vascular Pathogen Phaeomoniella chlamydospora in Grapevine

Fungal wilt diseases are a threat to global food safety. Previous studies in perennials crops showed that xylem vessel diameter affects disease susceptibility. We tested the hypothesis that xylem vessel diameter impacts occlusion processes and pathogen compartmentalization in Vitis vinifera L. We studied the interaction between four grape commercial cultivars with the vascular wilt pathogen Phaeomoniella chlamydospora. We used qPCR and wood necrotic lesion length to measure fungal colonization coupled with histological studies to assess differences in xylem morphology, pathogen compartmentalization, and fungal colonization strategy. We provided evidence that grape cultivar with wide xylem vessel diameter showed increased susceptibility to P. chlamydospora. The host response to pathogen included vessel occlusion with tyloses and gels, deposition of non-structural phenolic compounds and suberin in vessel walls and depletion of starch in parenchyma cells. Pathogen compartmentalization was less efficient in wide xylem vessels than in narrow diameter vessels. Large vessels displayed higher number of tyloses and gel pockets, which provided substrate for P. chlamydospora growth and routes to escape occluded vessels. We discuss in which capacity xylem vessel diameter is a key determinant of the compartmentalization process and in turn grape cultivar resistance to disease caused by P. chlamydospora.
Mitochondrial Channels: An Integrated View

The presence of channels in the outer mitochondrial membrane has been recognized for some time. In particular the voltage dependent anion channel (VDAC1 or mitochondrial porin) has been studied most frequently after reconstitution in planar bilayers (e.g. Schein et al., 1976; Colombini, 1979; Benz, 1985). In contrast early information on the inner membrane was primarily derived from permeability studies carried out with mitochondrial suspensions. The use of patch-clamping which allowed the study of channels directly in their native or near-native environment is a recent development. Correlations between these two kinds of studies are now underway. Although a good deal of new information is now available, its interpretation and evaluation in terms of nature and significance of channels to mitochondrial function is far from clear.
DOES EX VIVO PERFUSION LEAD TO MORE OR LESS INTIMAL THICKENING IN THE FIRST-YEAR POST-HEART TRANSPLANTATION?

The Organ Care System(OCS), an ex-vivo heart perfusion system, is a physiologic alternative to cold organ storage(CS) for transport. In studies, OCS significantly shortened cold ischemic time vs CS. However, OCS requires 2 short ischemic times when the heart is placed on and off the device. It is
Quantifying the effect of light activated outer and inner retinal inhibitory pathways on glutamate release from mixed bipolar cells

Inhibition mediated by horizontal and amacrine cells in the outer and inner retina, respectively, are fundamental components of visual processing. Here, our purpose was to determine how these different inhibitory processes affect glutamate release from ON bipolar cells when the retina is stimulated with full-field light of various intensities. Light-evoked membrane potential changes (ΔVm ) were recorded directly from axon terminals of intact bipolar cells receiving mixed rod and cone inputs (Mbs) in slices of dark-adapted goldfish retina. Inner and outer retinal inhibition to Mbs was blocked with bath applied picrotoxin (PTX) and NBQX, respectively. Then, control and pharmacologically modified light responses were injected into axotomized Mb terminals as command potentials to induce voltage-gated Ca2+ influx (QCa ) and consequent glutamate release. Stimulus-evoked glutamate release was quantified by the increase in membrane capacitance (ΔCm ). Increasing depolarization of Mb terminals upon removal of inner and outer retinal inhibition enhanced the ΔVm /QCa ratio equally at a given light intensity and inhibition did not alter the overall relation between QCa and ΔCm . However, relative to control, light responses recorded in the presence of PTX and PTX + NBQX increased ΔCm unevenly across different stimulus intensities: at dim stimulus intensities predominantly the inner retinal GABAergic inhibition controlled release from Mbs, whereas the inner and outer retinal inhibition affected release equally in response to bright stimuli. Furthermore, our results suggest that non-linear relationship between QCa and glutamate release can influence the efficacy of inner and outer retinal inhibitory pathways to mediate Mb output at different light intensities.
Pollination of Thlaspi Alpestre by Selfing and by Insects in the Alpine Zone of Colorado

One hundred and thirty-eight visits by Phyllotreta albionica (Lec.) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) were observed at the flowers of Thlaspi alpestre L. (Cruciferae) in early June on the Colorado alpine...
Abstract 16086: A Genomic Blueprint of Human Endothelial Cell Differentiation From Pluripotent Stem Cells Identifies Unique Epigenetic Signatures and Anti-Osteogenic Responses to Laminar Shear Stress

Endothelial cells (ECs) sense hemodynamic shear stress and transduce these signals to direct vascular development and to prevent calcification in adults. Here, we studied a time-course of EC differentiation from human pluripotent cells to understand the transcriptional and epigenetic mechanisms governing endothelial cell specification. We then exposed the ECs to either static or laminar shear stress conditions to understand how hemodynamic flow protects vessels and valves from calcification. We found that stage-specific gene expression was enriched for processes including WNT signaling at the mesodermal stage, angiogenesis at the EC precursor stage, and matrix metalloproteinases at the EC stage, the latter of which may prevent calcification via extracellular matrix degradation. We used a random forest machine-learning algorithm to identify stage-predictive transcription factors such as SOX2, a known cell fate determinant, which was predictive for the pluripotent stage. STAT6 or SMAD6 expression was predictive of static or shear-stress conditions respectively. In addition, immune response or inhibition of the TGFβ osteogenic pathways was enriched in static or shear-specific gene expression respectively. Taken together, this suggests an anti-inflammatory and anti-osteogenic EC response to shear-stress. We also identified stage-specific epigenetic states. For instance, those genes expressed specifically at the mesodermal stage showed a unique epigenetic signature with expression being most correlated with loss of the repressive histone modification H3K27me3 and residence in regions of DNA hypomethylation. This signature was more pronounced in developmental genes compared to non-developmental genes. Our findings represent the first comprehensive transcriptional and epigenetic analysis of human EC differentiation and provide a blueprint for the gene networks involved in formation and maintenance of ECs. Specifically, we found that human ECs have an anti-osteogenic and anti-inflammatory response to shear-stress providing a basis for understanding endothelial cell dysfunction in disease states.
Daily activity patterns of movement and refuge use in Triatoma gerstaeckeri and Rhodnius prolixus (Hemiptera: Reduviidae), vectors of the Chagas disease parasite.

Transmission risk for vector borne disease is greatest during periods of heightened vector activity. Triatomine bugs (Hemiptera: Reduviidae), which transmit Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease, are generally considered nocturnal, but their patterns of activity in controlled settings have rarely been studied. We quantified activity patterns across a 24-hour period in nymphs of two triatomine species: (1) Triatoma gerstaeckeri Stal, a North American triatomine which is closely associated with sylvatic and peridomestic hosts, and (2) Rhodnius prolixus Stal, a Central and South American triatomine that thrives in the domestic environment. T. gerstaeckeri showed activity throughout the night, with peaks around midnight, 3:00, and again around dawn. Refuge use was highest in the pre-dawn hours then again after the dawn activity peak. We hypothesize that the dawn activity peak may represent a period of host seeking for this sylvatic species that targets nocturnal hosts returning to their home at dawn. In contrast, R. prolixus displayed high activity near 23:00 and again around noon. This study provides a baseline understanding of diel activity for future behavioral experiments and identifies periods of time that may represent the greatest risk of host exposure to triatomines and T. cruzi.
GROWTH REQUIREMENTS FOR NUTRIENTS IN RELATION TO DEMAND AT THE ROOT SURFACE

Summary Nutrient influx across the soil-root interface (rate of uptake per unit of root surface area) is influenced by the demand of the plant for the nutrients required for additional growth. Size of influx will depend on the relation between area of active root surface and the demand of the shoot. Nutrient demand per unit of root, surface varies with many factors including plant species, cultivars within species, nutrient, plant age, root age, nutrient status of the plant, and light and temperature conditions. Interactions between these factors as well as changes within the plant to compensate for a low rate of supply of a particular nutrient make specific characterization of nutrient influx difficult. Average nutrient influx is usually greatest during the first two weeks of growth and then decreases as the plant matures. While effect of root age on influx differs with nutrient and plant species, influx of some nutrients continues even after root suberization. Split-root experiments indicate that increasing requirement of phosphate and potassium by the plant per unit of root does not increase influx until there is a reduction in the concentration of these nutrients in the shoot. Control of influx within the plant appears to reside in the shoot rather than the root. Limited data indicate that 60 per cent or more of the roots need to be absorbing at their maximum rate in order that influx of phosphate or potassium does not limit plant growth. Plants have a capacity to compensate for deficiencies and when nutrients become limiting they may increase root size relative to shoot demand, increase root hair density and length.
On the Description of Multiply-Articulated Consonants.

Abstract: The choice of a point of articulation for a given sound involves the isolation of one region of the vocal tract as fundamental, despite the fact that significant articulatory activity may be taking place elsewhere as well. It is usually assumed that primary and secondary articulation can be distinguished by relative degree of occlusion; this is impossible, however, in multiply-articulated stops ([kp, gb] etc.), spirants, and glides (including [w]). Evidence is reviewed that suggests that even in these cases one or the other occlusion should be regarded as primary. In some languages, “labial-velars” function as labials; in others, as velars. In at least one language, Fula, labial and velar types are in contrast. In none of these cases, however, need there be any phonetic distinction associated with the contrast. A segment’s phonological behavior within the language may be the only indication of its character. From these facts, we conclude that (1) the traditional distinction of primary and secondary articulation is valid even for segments with more than one occlusion of the same degree; and (2) at least some descriptive phonetic parameters cannot be determined directly from an inspection of the phonetic substance, but only from the consideration of alternations and related forms.
The Relationship between Parental Distancing Strategies and the Child's Cognitive Behavior

To map the terrain of the family as a functioning system is a complex task. Nevertheless, there has been a resurgence of interest in family dynamics, with current advocates espousing a multicausal, multidisciplinary, multieverything approach. The recognition that the family is a complex organization and that it cannot be understood from the conceptualization or methodology of any one discipline may not be new. Nevertheless, it is only recently that the family has been the unit of study for psychologists (e.g., Cochran & Brassard, 1979; Hetherington, 1979; Lamb, 1978; Lewis & Lee-Painter, 1974; Parke & O’Leary, 1975). Recent discoveries of family networks (Cochran & Brassard, 1979; Lewis & Feiring, 1979) and of child effects on the family (Bell & Harper, 1977)—in addition to the traditional studies—are, in my estimation, signs of a rapprochement between the idealized world of the psychologist’s view of human behavior and the realities of family interaction. In spite of this increased convergence between the reality and the idealized image of the social scientist’s conception of the family, there is still a considerable gap between our sophisticated awareness of the complexities and the methodological competence we now have to cope with this complex phenomenon. Consequently, we modify our conceptualization in practice to conform to the practical methods we have for data analysis.
Dysesthetic vulvodynia. Long-term follow-up after treatment with surface electromyography-assisted pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the long-term follow-up status of dysesthetic vulvodynia patients who were asymptomatic at the termination of treatment using surface electromyography (sEMG)-assisted pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation. STUDY DESIGN: A chart review of the years 1994-1996 identified 62 patients with a diagnosis of dysesthetic vulvodynia on initial evaluation and who were asymptomatic at the termination of treatment. Forty-three of these patients responded to a survey requesting information on their pain, maintenance activities and treatments, daily functioning and sexual status since treatment termination. RESULTS: Thirty-eight of the 43 patients (88.4%) reported experiencing no vulvar pain since completion of treatment. Three patients reported a single episode of pain, and two patients reported two episodes each. All five of these patients reported the absence of any vulvar pain for a mean period of 19.8 months prior to completion of the survey. One hundred percent of the 43 dysesthetic vulvodynia patients studied reported being pain free a mean of 39.5 months after successful treatment termination. No vulvar pain-related treatments or significant restrictions on daily activities were reported. All patients reported sexual interest, pleasure and activity. CONCLUSION: Surface electromyography-assisted pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation is an effective and long-term cure for dysesthetic vulvodynia.
Blood culture utilization at an academic hospital: Addressing a gap in benchmarking.

ObjectiveTo describe the pattern of blood culture utilization in an academic university hospital setting.DesignRetrospective cohort study.SettingA 789-bed tertiary-care university hospital that processes 40,000+blood cultures annually.MethodsWe analyzed blood cultures collected from adult inpatients at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania between July 1, 2014, and June 30, 2015. Descriptive statistics and regression models were used to analyze patterns of blood culture utilization: frequency of blood cultures, use of repeat cultures following a true-positive culture, and number of sets drawn per day.ResultsIn total, 38,939 blood culture sets were drawn during 126,537 patient days (incidence rate, 307.7 sets per 1,000 patient days). The median number of blood culture sets drawn per hospital encounter was 2 (range, 1–76 sets). The median interval between blood cultures was 2 days (range, 1–71 days). Oncology services and cultures with gram-positive cocci were significantly associated with greater odds of having repeat blood cultures drawn the following day. Emergency services had the highest rate of drawing single blood-culture sets (16.9%), while oncology services had the highest frequency of drawing ≥5 blood culture sets within 24 hours (0.91%). Approximately 10% of encounters had at least 1 true-positive culture, and 89.2% of those encounters had repeat blood cultures drawn. The relative risk of a patient having repeat blood cultures was lower for those in emergency, surgery, and oncology services than for those in general medicine.ConclusionsOrdering practices differed by service and culture results. Analyzing blood culture utilization can contribute to the development of guidelines and benchmarks for appropriate usage.
A Dominant Narrative in Economics?: Preservice Teachers and Pluralism in a Social Studies Methods Class.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate one effort to challenge the problematic assumptions of the dominant narrative of neoclassical economics within a teacher preparation program that focuses on addressing dominant narratives throughout the social studies curriculum. Design/methodology/approach: Utilizing a theoretical framework that intersects Pedagogical Content Knowledge and pluralist economics, this study consists of a general interpretive study conducted in a master’s plus certification social studies methods course. Data was collected from several class sessions, including observational and artifact data, as well as semi-structured interviews with participants after the conclusion of the class. Findings: Preservice teachers were able to spell out a dominant narrative in economics that exposed the effect of the narrative, but rarely critiqued its epistemology. Second, the fluctuations in content and curricular knowledge as well as the broader challenge of explaining pluralism in a relevant way meant the observed pedagogical content knowledge in economics was devoid of pluralist content. Research limitations/implications: Implications from this study include the need to explicitly critique the epistemological foundations of neoclassical theory, the value of an appreciative stances toward preservice teacher content knowledge, and the need to strategically integrate pluralism into economics methods courses.