cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Monte Carlo simulation study of methane clathrate hydrates confined in slit-shaped pores.

Monte Carlo simulations are used to study the structure, stability, and dissociation mechanisms of methane hydrate crystals inside carbon-like slit-shaped pores. The simulation conditions used mimic experimental studies of the dissociation of methane and propane hydrates in mesoporous silica gels (Handa, Y. P.; Stupin, D. J. Phys. Chem. 1992, 96, 8599). Simulations are performed under conditions of fixed methane pressure and fixed water loading, with the temperature increased in steps, with long equilibrations at each temperature. The initial structures of the confined hydrates are taken to be bulk-like, and pore widths chosen to accommodate integer or half-integer numbers of hydrate unit cells. Density profiles and orientational order parameter profiles are obtained and used to understand the structural changes associated with hydrate dissociation. Three different common water models, SPC/E, TIP4P, and TIP4P/2005, are used and the results compared. For water modeled using either the TIP4P or TIP4P/2005 p...
Abstract 103: A prospective study of plasma inflammatory markers and risk of colorectal cancer in men.

Proceedings: AACR 104th Annual Meeting 2013; Apr 6-10, 2013; Washington, DC Chronic inflammation may mediate risk of colorectal cancer (CRC); however, the association between circulating inflammatory markers and risk of CRC has been inconsistent. We prospectively evaluated the association of plasma C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and the soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor 2 (sTNFR-2) with incident CRC among 18,225 men in the Health Professionals Follow-up Study who provided blood samples in 1994. Through 2008, we documented 274 CRC cases and matched up to 2 controls by age and date of blood draw. We used conditional logistic regression to estimate relative risks (RRs) and confidence intervals (CIs). Compared to men in the lowest quartile of plasma IL-6 (Q1), men in the highest quartile (Q4) had a multivariate RR for CRC of 1.54 (95% CI, 0.99-2.40; Ptrend = .02). However, after excluding cases diagnosed within 2 years of blood draw, the association was substantially attenuated (Q4 versus Q1, RR = 1.26, 95% CI = 0.78-2.05; Ptrend = .21). In analyses restricted to cases diagnosed at least 2 years after blood draw, the association of IL-6 with CRC appeared to differ by body mass index such that the significantly positive association was only present among lean individuals (Pinteraction = .03). We did not observe any significant association between CRP or sTNFR-2 and CRC. Taken together, plasma inflammatory markers are not generally associated with risk of CRC among men. However, the possibility that plasma IL-6 is associated with increased risk of CRC among lean men requires further investigation. Citation Format: Mingyang Song, Kana Wu, Shuji Ogino, Charles S. Fuchs, Edward L. Giovannucci, Andrew T. Chan. A prospective study of plasma inflammatory markers and risk of colorectal cancer in men. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 103. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-103
Abstract 952: Protein kinase C theta (PKCθ) and c-Jun regulate proliferation through cyclin D1 in KIT-independent gastrointestinal stromal tumors

Oncogenic KIT or PDGFRA receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) mutations are compelling therapeutic targets in gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs), and the KIT/PDGFRA kinase inhibitor, imatinib, is standard of care for patients with metastatic GIST. However, most patients eventually develop clinical resistance to imatinib and other KIT/PDGFRA kinase inhibitors due to acquisition of secondary mutations in the KIT kinase domain, genomic amplification of KIT, or activation of alternate oncoproteins. Approximately 10% of KIT-dependent GIST metastases lose KIT expression at time of clinical progression during imatinib therapy. We performed whole transcriptome sequencing in KIT-expressing GIST vs. KIT-negative GIST, and thereby identified strong cyclin D1 expression only in KIT-negative GISTs. KIT-negative GISTs showed complete loss of the GIST biomarker, PKCθ, and restoration of PKCθ expression in these cells resulted in loss of Cyclin D1 expression. Lentivirus-mediated CCND1 (Cyclin D1) short hairpin RNA (shRNA) knockdown resulted in profound anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects in KIT-negative GIST cell lines, and was associated with activation (dephosphorylation) of the tumor suppressor Rb and upregulation of the p27 CDK inhibitor. c-Jun expression levels paralleled the Cyclin D1 expression in the GIST lines, and c-Jun shRNA knockdown resulted in downregulation of cyclin D1 in the KIT-negative GIST lines, and was accompanied by profound anti-proliferative effects, including p27 upregulation, and pro-apoptotic effects as evidenced by PARP cleavage. By contrast, cyclin D1 and c-Jun silencing showed little anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects in KIT-positive, KIT-dependent GIST lines. These findings show that cyclin D1 and c-Jun overexpression serve a crucial oncogenic role in KIT-independent GISTs, including those enabling clinical resistance to imatinib or sunitinib targeted kinase inhibitor therapies. Our findings also show that PKCθ downregulation and c-Jun upregulation coordinately enable cyclin D1 overexpression in KIT-independent GISTs. These novel findings highlight the relevance of c-Jun/cyclin D1 as novel therapeutic targets in GISTs that have lost KIT oncoprotein expression. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 952. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-952
A hybrid model of new Keynesian Phillips Curve: An application in Indonesia

This study attempts to prove whether inflation dynamics in Indonesia can be explained by the hybrid model of New Keynesian Phillips Curve (NKPC). Output gap variable and dummy variable are also incorporated in this study as the external shock of the increase in fuel oil prices in 2004. By using a steady state model, it can be concluded that inflation dynamics in Indonesia could be explained by the hybrid model of NKPC. The variable of forward looking has significant effect on inflation dynamics, but the variable of inflationary pressure (output gap) has no significant effect on inflation dynamics. In addition, the increase in fuel oil prices in 2004 also gives pressure on the inflation rate, but when interacting with the variable of inflation (backward and forward), it even reduces its pressure on the inflation rate.
Interpersonal Communication Skill/Competence

Interpersonal communication skill/competence is a complex concept that broadly describes communication that is both effective and socially appropriate. However, many different theoretical approaches tend to define efficacy and appropriateness in different ways, thus this entry explores perspectives related to message processing (expectancy theories, attribution theory), message production (goal–plan–action and hierarchical theories), and social relationships (relational dialectics theory). Each perspective is explored for its contribution to the field of understanding interpersonal communication skills and competence. Keywords: communication competence; communication skills; interpersonal communication; strategic communication
Studying auditory verbal hallucinations using the RDoC framework

In this paper, I explain why I adopted a Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) approach to study the neurobiology of auditory verbal hallucinations (AVH), or voices. I explain that the RDoC construct of "agency" fits well with AVH phenomenology. To the extent that voices sound nonself, voice hearers lack a sense of agency over the voices. Using a vocalization paradigm like those used with nonhuman primates to study mechanisms subserving the sense of agency, we find that the auditory N1 ERP is suppressed during vocalization, that EEG synchrony preceding speech onset is related to N1 suppression, and that both are reduced in patients with schizophrenia. Reduced cortical suppression is also seen across multiple psychotic disorders and in clinically high-risk youth, but it is not related to AVH. The motor activity preceding talking and connectivity between frontal and temporal lobes during talking have both proved sensitive to AVH, suggesting neural activity and connectivity associated with intentions to act may be a better way to study agency and predictions based on agency.
Concepts that Led to Mechanisms of Movement of Mass and Energy in Earth

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses three unconventional concepts, developed in collaboration with Ken Hsu, on which mechanisms of movement of mass and energy in the earth relevant to the granite problem are based. First, cycled stress energy facilitates growth of large euhedral crystals of orthoclase and quartz in granitic rocks under conditions of granitic gneiss formation. Second, silicate liquids behave as solutions, not as melts. Third, petrologic processes are disequilibrium in nature. Excess energy of stress cycled between dissolution and precipitation reactions rearranged igneous minerals. Chemical modes of intrusion were devised, ortolevan reaction cells in which energies of liquefaction cycle between exothermic precipitation at cell bases and endothermic dissolution at cell tops. Mass and energy transported by reaction cells generate intrusions and thermal plumes.
Predictors of Breast Cancer Worry in a Hispanic and Predominantly Immigrant Mammography Screening Population.

Abstract Objective Worry about developing breast cancer (BC) has been associated with participation in screening and genetic testing and with follow-up of abnormal screening results. Little is known about the scope and predictors of BC worry in Hispanic and immigrant populations. Methods We collected in-person interview data from 250 self-identified Hispanic women recruited from an urban mammography facility (average age 50.4 years; 82% foreign-born). Women reported whether they worried about developing breast cancer rarely/never (low worry), sometimes (moderate worry), or often/all the time (high worry). We examined whether sociocultural and psychological factors (e.g., acculturation, education, perceived risk), and risk factors and objective risk for BC (e.g., family history, Gail model 5-year risk estimates, parity) predicted BC worry using multinomial and logistic regression. Results In multivariable models, women who perceived higher absolute BC risk (odds ratio, 1.66 [95% confidence interval, 1.28–2.14] for a one-unit increase in perceived lifetime risk) and comparative BC risk (e.g., odds ratio, 2.73, 95% confidence interval, 1.23–6.06) were more likely to report high BC worry than moderate or low BC worry. There were no associations between BC worry and indicators of objective risk or acculturation. Conclusions In Hispanic women undergoing screening mammography, higher perceptions of BC risk, in both absolute and comparative terms, were associated independently with high BC worry, and were stronger predictors of BC worry than indicators of objective BC risk, including family history, mammographic density, and personal BC risk estimates.
Spin clusters and low-energy excitations in rare earth kagome systems

The rare earth kagome systems R3Ga5SiO14 (R = Nd or Pr), which are weakly frustrated antiferromagnets, do not exhibit long-range order at temperatures down to 40 mK as revealed by neutron scattering. The neutron experiments provide evidence for the emergence at low temperatures of correlated spins in nanoscale cluster regions with magnetic field-dependent correlation lengths. A variety of techniques have been used to determine the magnetic and thermal properties of these systems. In particular, high-field electron spin resonance (ESR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and muon spin resonance (μSR) experiments have established that dynamic correlation of spins remains significant at temperatures well above 1 K. ESR provides evidence for spin wave excitations in spin clusters and the spectra have been interpreted using a Heisenberg model approach. While Nd3+ (J = 9/2) is a Kramers ion Pr3+ (J = 4) is not. This difference leads to contrasts in the magnetic properties of the two systems. This review surveys the information that has been obtained on the properties of these kagome materials over the past decade.
Quantitative multi-modal MR imaging as a non-invasive prognostic tool for patients with recurrent low-grade glioma

Low-grade gliomas can vary widely in disease course and therefore patient outcome. While current characterization relies on both histological and molecular analysis of tissue resected during surgery, there remains high variability within glioma subtypes in terms of response to treatment and outcome. In this study we hypothesized that parameters obtained from magnetic resonance data would be associated with progression-free survival for patients with recurrent low-grade glioma. The values considered were derived from the analysis of anatomic imaging, diffusion weighted imaging, and 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging data. Metrics obtained from diffusion and spectroscopic imaging presented strong prognostic capability within the entire population as well as when restricted to astrocytomas, but demonstrated more limited efficacy in the oligodendrogliomas. The results indicate that multi-parametric imaging data may be applied as a non-invasive means of assessing prognosis and may contribute to developing personalized treatment plans for patients with recurrent low-grade glioma.
Control of Hierarchically Ordered Positive and Negative Replicas of Wood Cellular Structures by Surfactant-Directed Sol-Gel Mineralization

We here report the synthesis of ordered ceramic materials with hierarchy produced by an in-situ mineralization of ordered wood cellular structures with surfactant-templated sol-gel at different pH. At low pH, a silicic acid is coated onto inner surface of wood cellular structure and it penetrates into pores left, where degraded lignin and hemicellulose are leached out, to form a positive replica, while at high pH the precipitating silica particles due to fast condensation clog the cells and pit structures to form a negative replica of wood. The calcined monoliths produced in different pHs contain ordered wood cellular structures, multi-layered cell walls, pits, vessels well-preserved with positive or negative contrasts, respectively. The surfactant-templated mineralization produces ordered hexagonal nanopores with 20A in the cell walls after calcination.
Abstract P342: Mitochondria-Targeted Antioxidant Therapy Prevents Angiotensin II--Mediated Connexin43 Remodeling and Sudden Arrhythmic Death

Introduction: Angiotensin II activation and associated elevation in ROS have been implicated in pathogenesis of arrhythmia. Nevertheless commonly used antioxidants have been ineffective in clinical trials. We created a transgenic mouse model of cardiac restricted overexpression of ACE (ACE8/8). These mice show spontaneous VT/ VF, SCD, and a reduction in Cx43 level, which impairs conduction and predisposes to arrhythmia. We sought to determine the role and the major source of ROS by angiotensin II in VT/ VF and Cx43 remodeling. Method: Wild type and ACE8/8 mice with and without 2 weeks of treatment with a NOS inhibitor (L-NIO, 25mg/Kg IP injections daily), a mitochondria-targeted antioxidant (Mito-TEMPO, 0.7mg/Kg IP injections daily), a NADPH oxidase inhibitor (Apocynin 80mg/L in drinking water), and ACE8/8 crossed with P67DN were studied. Western blotting (with derivatization to dinitrophenylhydrozone to detect oxidized protein levels), detection of superoxide production in mitochondria by red mitochondrial superoxide indicator and immunohistochemistry staining for Cx43 were performed. EP study was performed by a 1.1F octapolar catheter through pacing the right ventricle using a burst pacing protocol. Results: Proteins were more oxidized (increased protein-carbonyl detection), and Cx43 was reduced in ACE8/8 to 33% of control. Treatment with Mito-TEMPO prevented SCD and improved survival in ACE8/8 mice (p=0.0005, hazard ratio 4.76 with 95% CI of 1.96 to 11.53). Inducibility of VT/VF was higher in ACE8/8 mice compare to WT (87.5% vs. 2.3%) and VT inducibility was reduced with Mito-TEMPO treatment (50% in treatment group). Cx43 level was increased by 1.7 fold with Mito-TEMPO treatment. Treatments with L-NIO, Apocynin and crossing with P67DN mice did not prevent VT/VF and SCD in ACE8/8 mice. Conclusion: In a model of angiotensin II activation mitochondria-targeted antioxidant, prevents VT/VF/SCD and Cx43 remodeling. Suppression of NADPH oxidase activity by Apocynin and crossing the ACE8/8 mice with P67DN or inhibition of NOS by L-NIO did not prevent the arrhythmic deaths in ACE8/8 mice. This result suggests that mitochondria are the major source of ROS by angiotensin II and mitochondria-targeted antioxidants may be effective antiarrhythmic drugs.
Temperature as a Circadian Marker in Older Human Subjects: Relationship to Metabolic Syndrome and Diabetes.

Background Circadian rhythms are characterized by approximate 24-hour oscillations in physiological and behavioral processes. Disruptions in these endogenous rhythms, most commonly associated with shift work and/or lifestyle, are recognized to be detrimental to health. Several studies have demonstrated a high correlation between disrupted circadian rhythms and metabolic disease. The aim of this study was to determine which metabolic parameters correlate with physiological measures of circadian temperature amplitude (TempAmp) and stability (TempStab). Methods Wrist skin temperature was measured in 34 subjects (ages 50 to 70, including lean, obese, and diabetic subjects) every 10 minutes for 7 consecutive days. Anthropometric measures and fasting blood draws were conducted to obtain data on metabolic parameters: body mass index, hemoglobin A1C, triglycerides, cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, and low-density lipoprotein. A history of hypertension and current blood pressure was noted. Results Analysis of the data indicated a substantial reduction in TempAmp and TempStab in subjects with metabolic syndrome (three or more risk factors). To determine the impact of individual interdependent metabolic factors on temperature rhythms, stepwise multilinear regression analysis was conducted using metabolic syndrome measurements. Interestingly, only triglyceride level was consistently correlated by the analysis. Triglyceride level was shown to contribute to 33% of the variability in TempAmp and 23% of the variability in TempStab. Conclusion Our results demonstrate that elevated triglycerides are associated with diminished TempAmp and TempStab in human subjects, and triglycerides may serve as a primary metabolic predictor of circadian parameters.
Anomalous Structural Disorder in Supported Pt Nanoparticles.

Supported Pt nanocatalysts generally exhibit anomalous behavior, including negative thermal expansion and large structural disorder. Finite temperature DFT/MD simulations reproduce these properties, showing that they are largely explained by a combination of thermal vibrations and low-frequency disorder. We show here that a full interpretation is more complex and that the DFT/MD mean-square relative displacements (MSRD) can be further separated into vibrational disorder, “dynamic structural disorder” (DSD), and long-time equilibrium fluctuations of the structure dubbed “anomalous structural disorder” (ASD). We find that the vibrational and DSD components behave normally, increasing linearly with temperature while the ASD decreases, reflecting the evolution of mean nanoparticle geometry. As a consequence the usual procedure of fitting the MSRD to normal vibrations plus temperature-independent static disorder results in unphysical bond strengths and Gruneisen parameters.
Protein Interaction Analysis Provides a Map of the Spatial and Temporal Organization of the Ciliary Gating Zone.

Summary The motility and signaling functions of the primary cilium require a unique protein and lipid composition that is determined by gating mechanisms localized at the base of the cilium. Several protein complexes localize to the gating zone and may regulate ciliary protein composition; however, the mechanisms of ciliary gating and the dynamics of the gating components are largely unknown. Here, we used the BiFC (bimolecular fluorescence complementation) assay and report for the first time on the protein-protein interactions that occur between ciliary gating components and transiting cargoes during ciliary entry. We find that the nucleoporin Nup62 and the C termini of the nephronophthisis (NPHP) proteins NPHP4 and NPHP5 interact with the axoneme-associated kinesin-2 motor KIF17 and thus spatially map to the inner region of the ciliary gating zone. Nup62 and NPHP4 exhibit rapid turnover at the transition zone and thus define dynamic components of the gate. We find that B9D1, AHI1, and the N termini of NPHP4 and NPHP5 interact with the transmembrane protein SSTR3 and thus spatially map to the outer region of the ciliary gating zone. B9D1, AHI1, and NPHP5 exhibit little to no turnover at the transition zone and thus define components of a stable gating structure. These data provide the first comprehensive map of the molecular orientations of gating zone components along the inner-to-outer axis of the ciliary gating zone. These results advance our understanding of the functional roles of gating zone components in regulating ciliary protein composition.
Membranes as a Tool for the Study of Cell Surface Recognition

It has been known for many years, since the early work of Townes and Holtfreter (1955) and Moscona and Moscona (1952), that embryonal tissues can be dissociated into single cells and that aggregates obtained by centrifuging single cells from different tissues into a pellet will ultimately segregate in culture so that homologous cells are in contact with one another. This phenomenon could be due to specific cell adhesion, chemotaxis, or a combination of these effects (Steinberg, 1963; Moscona, 1965).
Abstract 17443: 3D Printing for Precision Drug Therapy: An Initial Proof of Concept Study

Personalized medicine is an emerging approach for disease management. Individuals can vary dramatically in their response to cardiovascular drugs. Personalization of medication dosing is necessary ...
Multicomponent diffusion in basaltic melts at 1350 °C

Abstract Nine successful diffusion couple experiments were conducted in an 8-component SiO2–TiO2–Al2O3–FeO–MgO–CaO–Na2O–K2O system at ∼1350 °C and at 1 GPa, to study multicomponent diffusion in basaltic melts. At least 3 traverses were measured to obtain diffusion profiles for each experiment. Multicomponent diffusion matrix at 1350 °C was obtained by simultaneously fitting diffusion profiles of diffusion couple experiments. Furthermore, in order to better constrain the diffusion matrix and reconcile mineral dissolution data, mineral dissolution experiments in the literature and diffusion couple experiments from this study, were fit together. All features of diffusion profiles in both diffusion couple and mineral dissolution experiments were well reproduced by the diffusion matrix. Diffusion mechanism is inferred from eigenvectors of the diffusion matrix, and it shows that the diffusive exchange between network-formers SiO2 and Al2O3 is the slowest, the exchange of SiO2 with other oxide components is the second slowest with an eigenvalue that is only ∼10% larger, then the exchange between divalent oxide components and all the other oxide components is the third slowest with an eigenvalue that is twice the smallest eigenvalue, then the exchange of FeO + K2O with all the other oxide components is the fourth slowest with an eigenvalue that is 5 times the smallest eigenvalue, then the exchange of MgO with FeO + CaO is the third fastest with an eigenvalue that is 6.3 times the smallest eigenvalue, then the exchange of CaO + K2O with all the other oxide components is the second fastest with an eigenvalue that is 7.5 times the smallest eigenvalue, and the exchange of Na2O with all other oxide components is the fastest with an eigenvalue that is 31 times the smallest eigenvalue. The slowest and fastest eigenvectors are consistent with those for simpler systems in most literature. The obtained diffusion matrix was successfully applied to predict diffusion profiles during mineral dissolution in basaltic melts.
Learning to recall: Examining recall latencies to test an intra-item learning theory of testing effects

Abstract We propose a new theory for the benefits of recall practice based on intra-item learning. On this account, retrieval cues produce an initial memory state (termed ‘primary retrieval’). However, this state is incomplete and insufficient for overt recall of the item. A subsequent process, termed ‘convergent retrieval’, fills in any missing information through intra-item associations, allowing recall of the item. Because this occurs in a staged manner, directional learning occurs from the initially retrieved features to the subsequently retrieved features; in contrast, restudy produces less intra-item learning because restudy provides all features simultaneously. This account of the testing effect makes unique predictions regarding recall latencies. We confirmed these predictions in two experiments, examining recall latencies in free recall and cued recall. Specifically, for a final test taken immediately after a practice test that did not include accuracy feedback, restudy produced higher accuracy than test practice, but, at the same time, test practice produced faster recall than restudy. In other words, a comparison between accuracy and recall latencies suggests a process dissociation for the benefits of each type of practice. Alternative accounts of these effects were ruled out: (1) response order analyses of the free recall experiment ruled out cue-target associations; and (2) a cue-switching manipulation in the cued recall experiment (recall practice with cue A, final recall with cue B) ruled out context-target associations. According to the proposed theory, intra-item learning is narrow in one sense (i.e., unique to the cues used during practice), but robust in another sense (i.e., learning how to recall the item).
A Comparison Theorem

In this chapter we compare Riemannian foliations with transversally homogeneous foliations, where the model transverse structure is of the type of a compact symmetric space G/K. We state a comparison theorem [KRT 2] which is based on the results in Chapter 12.
Fluorometric Assay for Detection of Sterol Oxidation in Liposomal Membranes

The authors have developed a fluorescence assay to measure the rate and extent of sterol oxidation in lipid bilayers. Dehydroergosterol (DHE), a fluorescent cholesterol analog, is used as a probe and at the same time as a membrane component. The assay can also be performed on bilayers containing a mixture of sterols including DHE and nonfluorescent sterols, such as cholesterol and ergosterol. The fluorescence intensity of DHE decreases on oxidation, so the rate and extent of free radical- or enzyme-induced sterol oxidation can be measured as a function of temperature and membrane composition. For the studies, two-component (e.g., phosphatidylcholine (PC)/DHE) and multicomponent (e.g., DHE/PC/bovine-brain sphingomyelin) large unilamellar vesicles were used, and sterol oxidation was initiated either by the peroxy radical generator 2,2'-azobis (2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride or by the enzyme cholesterol oxidase. The data gathered from this assay may be used to examine the effects of water- and lipid-soluble antioxidants on membrane sterol oxidation produced by free radicals. This assay can be used to test the potency of antioxidants and pro-oxidants, and can be used to determine whether unknown substances demonstrate antioxidant activity against sterol oxidation. The assay can also be used as a tool to examine the effect of sterol lateral organization on sterol oxidation (in the presence or absence of antioxidants). In agreement with the sterol regular distribution model, it is found that both free radical- and enzyme-induced sterol oxidation vary with membrane sterol content in a well defined alternating manner.
Size and morphological variation in males of the sailfin molly, Poecilia latipinna

Mature males of the sailfin molly, Poecilia latipinna (Poeciliidae), display extensive variation in size and morphology. Small males, less than about 30 mm SL, usually exhibit no distinctive color or morphological development. Large males, greater than about 45 mm SL, display full expression of the ‘sailfin’ traits, including bright blue and gold life colors, distinctive pigment markings on the fins and body, and a greatly enlarged dorsal fin. Intermediate-sized males, 30–45 mm SL, display intermediate and variable development of secondary sexual characteristics. For convenience, small, intermediate, and large males are respectively referred to as Types 1, II, and III. A multi-year analysis of four study populations in east-central Florida revealed that males did not occur in discrete classes but, instead, occurred in a size and morphological continuum. Coloration and morphological development were highly correlated with size, and the mensural traits examined displayed strong allometry. Size distributions of mature males were relatively stable at any study site over time, but there were large differences between sites. At one extreme, males at the VABI site were always relatively small (16–40 mm SL) and Type III males were absent. At the other extreme, the population at the BDGST site contained a full array of male sizes (18–60 mm SL) and Type III males were present in small numbers throughout the summer months. Regression analysis revealed only minor differences between these extreme populations in the relationship between morphological development and body size. It appears that environmental, genetic, and social factors interact in a complex and poorly understood way to control variation in male size and morphology.
Materials characterization of the Ruby Slippers from the 1939 classic film, The Wizard of Oz

This article presents a comprehensive materials characterization of a pair of Ruby Slippers used in the 1939 classic film The Wizard of Oz, which has been one of the most popular objects on exhibition at Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History (NMAH) since it entered the collection in 1979. The shoes have been on almost constant display with few instances for study during its time at NMAH, and they remain one of the most visited objects within the museum. Plans for an upcoming permanent exhibit, and visible deterioration of the decades-old shoes, led to the present study, which was the first phase of a major effort to preserve this iconic item of cultural heritage for future generations to enjoy. Materials characterization was used to determine the composition of construction materials and condition of the Ruby Slippers to help plan for the optimal environmental conditions for continued display. The current study is also viewed as a valuable opportunity to learn about the original construction and subsequent history of the Ruby Slippers to inform and enrich NMAH’s curatorial research, public programs, and media initiatives. Analytical methods used to characterize the shoes’ components include micro-X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (µ-XRF), micro-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (µ-FTIR), polarized light microscopy (PLM), and high-performance liquid chromatography–diode array detector–mass spectrometry (HPLC–DAD–MS).
The Labor Motivation of Rural Women in Newly Developed Urban Satellites: The Case of Izmir, Turkey

While urban developers plan to mobilize residents by reinforcing middle-class values, including settling them into urban satellites and offering career development courses, residents feel pleased with the housing opportunities but do not express interest in career advancement courses. From fieldwork observations and in-depth interviews with 35 female residents in a low-income urban satellite neighborhood (Zubeyde Hanim) in Izmir, Turkey, and by focusing on residents’ reactions to career development courses, in this study the residents’ experiences, connections, and desires in the urban renewal process were interpreted. It is argued that the aims of the urban renewal projects were not aligned with the residents’ needs. It was found that urban relocation is a communal process. If the official communication between authorities and the resettled population are designed in such a way that the daily life struggles and needs of the targeted population are taken into account, then the urban renewal programs can be designed and implemented more effectively. Abstrak. Sementara pengembang perkotaan berencana untuk memobilisasi penduduk dengan memperkuat nilai-nilai kelas menengah termasuk memukimkan mereka di kota-kota satelit dan menawarkan kursus pengembangan karir Warga merasa senang dengan peluang perumahan tersebut, tetapi tidak mengekspresikan minat dalam program pengembangan karir. Dari pengamatan lapangan dan wawancara mendalam dengan 35 penduduk perempuan di lingkungan kota satelit berpenghasilan rendah (Zubeyde Hanim) di Izmir, Turki, dan dengan berfokus pada reaksi penduduk terhadap kursus pengembangan karir, dilakukan penafsiran pengalaman, koneksi, dan keinginan dalam proses pembaruan perkotaan. Ditemukan tujuan proyek pembaruan perkotaan tidak selaras dengan kebutuhan warga. Relokasi kota adalah proses komunal. Namun, jika komunikasi resmi antara pihak berwenang dan penduduk yang dimukimkan ulang dirancang sedemikian rupa sehingga perjuangan kehidupan sehari-hari dan kebutuhan populasi yang ditargetkan diperhitungkan maka program pembaruan perkotaan dapat dirancang dan dilaksanakan dengan lebih efektif. Kata Kunci. pembaruan perkotaan, perumahan umum, wanita dan mobilitas sosial, Turki.
The contribution of infection and the respiratory microbiome in acute exacerbations of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) arises in genetically susceptible individuals as a result of an aberrant wound-healing response following repetitive alveolar injury. The clinical course of the disease remains both variable and unpredictable with periods of more rapid decline, termed acute exacerbation of IPF (AE-IPF), often punctuating the disease trajectory. Exacerbations carry a significant morbidity and mortality, and their exact pathogenesis remains unclear. Given the emerging evidence that disruption and alteration in the lung microbiome plays a role in the pathogenesis and progression of IPF, this review discusses the current knowledge of the contribution of infection and the respiratory microbiome to AE-IPF.
Long-term Outcomes of Silastic Arthroplasty of the Thumb Metacarpophalangeal Joint

Background: Silastic metacarpophalangeal arthroplasty (SMPA) has proven to be a durable option for end-stage arthritis in the non-thumb digits, while fusion has been the mainstay procedure for the thumb metacarpophalangeal joint (MP). Few studies exist to comment on the viability of thumb MP arthroplasty. This study reports both survival and objective outcomes following SMPA of the thumb. Methods: In an institutional review board-approved retrospective study, we identified 18 patients who underwent thumb SMPA at a tertiary academic center by 3 board-certified hand surgeons. Primary outcome measures were implant survival and post-operative complications. Secondary outcomes measures were quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (quickDASH) scores, brief Michigan Hand Questionnaire (bMHQ), and postoperative pain as rated by the numerical rating scale. Results: Mean quickDASH and bMHQ scores at final follow-up were 35.6 and 70.6, respectively. The most common short-term complication was clinical deformity, followed by instability. The sole long-term complication was an implant dislocation in a previously asymptomatic patient. All patients reported reduction in pain. Three patients were indicated for revision surgery, 2 for persistent instability, and 1 for implant dislocation. Primary survivorship was 83% at mean follow-up of 5.8 years. Conclusions: Thumb SMPA is a viable option for end-stage arthritis. Pain relief in our series was unanimous. Among those that reported persistent symptoms or required revision, a majority had one or more key preoperative risk factors for failure as currently reported in literature. Larger, prospective series are needed to prove superior longevity and functional outcomes of thumb SMPA versus fusion.
Cognitive Schemas and Eating Disorder Risk: the Role of Distress Tolerance

The current study tested the role of distress tolerance between cognitive schemas (emotional inhibition, defectiveness/shame, social isolation, and insufficient self-control) and eating disorder (ED) risk in a sample of 469 college students via structural equation analysis. While research indicates maladaptive cognitive schemas are positively associated with dysregulated eating, mechanisms of this relationship are not well established. Distress tolerance has been consistently associated with bulimia behaviors and body dissatisfaction; however, few studies have evaluated the role of distress tolerance in relation to cognitive schemas. In the current study, distress tolerance mediated associations between specific schemas of social isolation and insufficient self-control and eating disorder risk. These findings provide preliminary evidence suggesting specific cognitive schemas may contribute to low distress tolerance, which increases risk of ED-related behaviors and cognitions.
The Querelle des femmes and Nicolas Boileau's Satire X: Going Beyond Perrault

Critics from Joan DeJean to Marina Warner and Jack Zipes have lauded Charles Perrault's Apologie des femmes for its supposed defense of women against Nicolas Boileau's misogynous Satire X. Although...
A Secure Energy Efficient IoT Based Fractional Correlated Bayesian Data Transmission in WSNs

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) contribute significant advantages over conventional methods for diverse applications, including healthcare, surveillance, environmental monitoring, and so on. WSNs are combined with the Internet protocol to develop the Internet of things (IoT) for associating day-to-day life objects to the Internet. The IoT is an extensive collection of devices containing sensors associated together over wireless networks. With the swift growing of IoT over the past decade, security has been recognized as one of the issues to be addressed during data transmission between several sensors. In this study, a secure machine learning-based IoT system for WSN is developed. This is called rectangular rationale correlated Bayesian (RRCB) method in WSNs for secure IoT data transmissions. To facilitate energy-efficient data encryption, a method named rectangular rationale energy-efficient algorithm based on an efficient key generation mechanism is proposed. The proposed RRCB in WSNs with the Internet to develop a novel machine learning-based IoT system using correlated Bayesian secured method to ensure secure data transmission between several interconnected sensors spread over a long converge range. The developed IoT based system has a significant performance by satisfying all the requisite security essentials. The experimental results show that the proposed method consumes less energy in comparison with the state-of-the-art methods.
Elections as a Tool of Party System Consolidation in Poland?An Exploration of Parties and Elections in Poland 1991-2007

This research examines the process and pattern of party system development and stabilization in Poland from 1991 to 2007. The goal is to establish which, if any, aspects of the party system were effectively consolidated during this period, which were not, and what aspects of the broader political system facilitated or obstructed party system consolidation. In particular, this research investigates to the extent to which there is evidence of learning by political parties and voters through repeated participation in elections in Poland and the subsequent impact of this learning on system consolidation. Attention is also given to patterns of institutional change and other aspects of the broader political system that have acted as impediments to party system consolidation – effectively limiting the “learning process”. In particular, electoral volatility tied to what would appear to be significant shifts in the underlying cleavage structure within the political system is considered as one possible explanation for continued party system instability two decades after Poland began the democratization process.
Why do we always talk about immigrants with a language of “difference”? Neighborhood change and conflicts in Queens, New York

The literature on planning in immigrant communities has been one based on the premise that immigrants are different from native-born people, and therefore planning for immigrant communities must th...
Book review: Forensic Taphonomy and Ecology of North American Scavengers

BY Susan N Sincerbox and Elizabeth A DiGangi. Academic Press, 2017. Paperback ISBN: 9780128132432; eBook ISBN: 9780128132630. DOI: 10.1016/C2016-0-04706-X. 232 pages. US$49.95. REVIEW BY Tabitha Viner, DVM DACVP; National Fish and Wildlife Forensics Laboratory, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ashland, Oregon.
Using Tweets to Understand How COVID-19-Related Health Beliefs Are Affected in the Age of Social Media: Twitter Data Analysis Study.

Background: The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 (ie, COVID-19) has given rise to a global pandemic affecting 215 countries and over 40 million people as of October 2020. Meanwhile, we are also experiencing an infodemic induced by the overabundance of information, some accurate and some inaccurate, spreading rapidly across social media platforms. Social media has arguably shifted the information acquisition and dissemination of a considerably large population of internet users toward higher interactivities. Objective: This study aimed to investigate COVID-19-related health beliefs on one of the mainstream social media platforms, Twitter, as well as potential impacting factors associated with fluctuations in health beliefs on social media. Methods: We used COVID-19-related posts from the mainstream social media platform Twitter to monitor health beliefs. A total of 92,687,660 tweets corresponding to 8,967,986 unique users from January 6 to June 21, 2020, were retrieved. To quantify health beliefs, we employed the health belief model (HBM) with four core constructs: perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, and perceived barriers. We utilized natural language processing and machine learning techniques to automate the process of judging the conformity of each tweet with each of the four HBM constructs. A total of 5000 tweets were manually annotated for training the machine learning architectures. Results: The machine learning classifiers yielded areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves over 0.86 for the classification of all four HBM constructs. Our analyses revealed a basic reproduction number R0 of 7.62 for trends in the number of Twitter users posting health belief–related content over the study period. The fluctuations in the number of health belief–related tweets could reflect dynamics in case and death statistics, systematic interventions, and public events. Specifically, we observed that scientific events, such as scientific publications, and nonscientific events, such as politicians’ speeches, were comparable in their ability to influence health belief trends on social media through a Kruskal-Wallis test (P=.78 and P=.92 for perceived benefits and perceived barriers, respectively). Conclusions: As an analogy of the classic epidemiology model where an infection is considered to be spreading in a population with an R0 greater than 1, we found that the number of users tweeting about COVID-19 health beliefs was amplifying in an epidemic manner and could partially intensify the infodemic. It is “unhealthy” that both scientific and nonscientific events constitute no disparity in impacting the health belief trends on Twitter, since nonscientific events, such as politicians’ speeches, might not be endorsed by substantial evidence and could sometimes be misleading.
Robust Restless Bandits: Tackling Interval Uncertainty with Deep Reinforcement Learning.

We introduce Robust Restless Bandits, a challenging generalization of restless multi-arm bandits (RMAB). RMABs have been widely studied for intervention planning with limited resources. However, most works make the unrealistic assumption that the transition dynamics are known perfectly, restricting the applicability of existing methods to real-world scenarios. To make RMABs more useful in settings with uncertain dynamics: (i) We introduce the Robust RMAB problem and develop solutions for a minimax regret objective when transitions are given by interval uncertainties; (ii) We develop a double oracle algorithm for solving Robust RMABs and demonstrate its effectiveness on three experimental domains; (iii) To enable our double oracle approach, we introduce RMABPPO, a novel deep reinforcement learning algorithm for solving RMABs. RMABPPO hinges on learning an auxiliary "$\lambda$-network" that allows each arm's learning to decouple, greatly reducing sample complexity required for training; (iv) Under minimax regret, the adversary in the double oracle approach is notoriously difficult to implement due to non-stationarity. To address this, we formulate the adversary oracle as a multi-agent reinforcement learning problem and solve it with a multi-agent extension of RMABPPO, which may be of independent interest as the first known algorithm for this setting. Code is available at this https URL.
Structuring Peer Interaction to Promote Higher-Order Thinking and Complex Learning in Cooperating Groups

A major challenge for teachers who implement cooperative learning tasks that have cognitively advanced goals is how to promote the kind of group interaction required to achieve those goals. Such complex learning requires learners to go beyond mere review of information or retrieval of previously-acquired knowledge to engage in thinking analytically about that knowledge, relating it to what they already know, and using that knowledge to construct new knowledge, solve new problems, and address new issues. This chapter presents Guided Reciprocal Peer Questioning, a strategy that structures the interaction within a cooperating group to stimulate the cognitive and metacognitive processing appropriate to complex learning tasks. Guided Reciprocal Peer Questioning has been found to be effective in promoting complex learning in a number of classroom contexts for groups of learners ranging from fourth graders to graduate students in a variety of subject areas. The teacher's role in implementing this strategy is described along with the theoretical and research bases for the strategy's effectiveness. Many classroom cooperative learning tasks involve learners working together to complete a particular assignment or solve a specific, clear-cut problem; while other tasks entail learners reviewing and retelling material already read or covered in class with the twin goals of achieving a basic understanding of concepts and procedures,