cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Holmium:YAG laser stapedotomy: preliminary evaluation

This study investigated the use of a pulsed Holmium:YAG ((lambda) equals 2.09 micrometers ) laser- fiber microsurgical system for laser stapedotomy. This system ablates human stapes bones effectively with minimal thermal damage. The study was designed to determine the effectiveness of the Ho:YAG laser (Schwartz Electro Optics, Inc., Orlando, FL) for stapedotomy and to evaluate temperature changes within the cochlea during the ablation process. Human cadaveric temporal bones were obtained and the stapes portion of the ossicular chain was removed. A 200 micrometers diameter low OH quartz fiber was used to irradiate these stapes bones in an air environment. The laser was pulsed at 2 Hz, 250 microsecond(s) ec pulse width and an irradiance range of 100 - 240 J/cm2 was used to ablate holes in the stapes footplate. The resultant stapedotomies created had smooth 300 micrometers diameter holes with a minimum of circumferential charring. Animal studies in-vivo were carried out in chinchillas to determine the caloric spread within the cochlea. A 0.075 mm Type T thermocouple was placed in the round window. Average temperature change during irradiation of the stapes footplate recorded in the round window was 3.6 degree(s)C. The data suggest that stapedotomy using the Ho:YAG laser can result in a controlled ablation of the stapes footplate with minimal thermal damage to the surrounding stapes. Optical coupling using fiberoptic silica fibers is an ideal method for delivering laser energy to the stapes during stapedotomy.
Vibrational Mode Coupling to Ultrafast Electron Transfer in [(CN)5OsCNRu(NH3)5]-Studied by Femtosecond Infrared Spectroscopy

We report studies of the coupling of vibrational excitations to photoinduced electron transfer in a mixed-valence transition metal complex [(CN) 5 OsCNRu(NH 3 ) 5 ] - . Static metal-metal charge transfer (MMCT) spectra, infrared (IR) absorption spectra at different temperatures, resonance Raman spectra, and polarized light transient spectra were taken to reveal the solvent and vibrational coupling to reverse electron transfer. The measured reverse electron transfer rates are greater than 3 x 10 1 2 s - 1 . We observe excitations in the non-totally symmetric vibrational mode accompanying the reverse electron transfer process in both formamide (FA) and deuterium oxide (D 2 O) solutions. A simulation of the spectral dynamics in FA and D 2 O solutions is presented using a kinetic model for vibrational excitation and relaxation. The simulation includes the effect of solvent heating through coupling a low-frequency mode to a medium-frequency oscillator. The vibrational relaxation times of trans CN obtained from the spectral fits show faster vibration relaxation in D 2 O than FA, reflecting an overlap of the IR absorption spectra of the solvent and the CN vibrations.
Effect of modal interaction on sound radiation from vibrating structures

This technique permits the extraction of acoustic intermodal coupling information from numerically modeled, baffled planar structures. The technique generates results in close agreement to a parallel analytical development. Below the coincidence wave number ratio, the intermodal coupling effects cannot be neglected with respecty to the total radiated power.
On the maximal Wiener index and related questions

The Wiener index of a graph is the sum of the distances between all pairs of vertices. It has been one of the main descriptors that correlate a chemical compound's molecular structure with experimentally gathered data regarding the compound's characteristics. In 2008, Wang and Zhang independently characterized trees with specified degree sequence that minimize the Wiener index. In the paper of Wang, a corollary on maximizing the Wiener index was pointed out to be incorrect by Zhang et. al. in 2010. Zhang et. al. also provided partial results and noted that the question turns out to be complicated. Later, Cela et. al. considered this question as a quadratic assignment problem and provided a polynomial time algorithm. We make some progress in this contribution, providing information on the candidate trees for the maximum Wiener index. Some interesting combinatorial relations to other objects arose from this study. We also consider the bound of this maximum value as well as study this question for trees with small diameter and for chemical trees with specified degree sequence.
Overexpressions of cDNAs for β-amyloid precursor proteins 695, 751, and 770 enhance the secretion of β-amyloid precursor protein derivatives and the survival of P19-derived neurons

P19 is a C3H mouse-derived line of multipotent embryonic carcinoma cells that differentiate into neural cells. P19 cell clones overexpressing the three major forms of beta-amyloid precursor protein from their cDNA constructs were established. Unlike a previous study in which P19-derived neurons had a limited alpha-secretase activity, all of these clones produced significant amounts of secreted beta-amyloid precursor protein. When treated with retinoic acid, these transformed lines differentiated into neurons and survived better than did nontransformed parental P19 cells. Furthermore, P19-derived neurons survived better in medium conditioned by the transformed P19 line, and survival was reduced by immunoabsorption with an antibody to beta-amyloid precursor protein. These results suggest neurotrophic effects of secreted beta-amyloid precursor protein and contrast with a previous report in which overexpression of a full-length cDNA for beta-amyloid precursor protein led to degeneration of P19-derived neurons. Western blot analysis suggested that this difference might result from different levels of expression of putative neurotoxic C-terminal fragments of beta-amyloid precursor protein; moreover, P19-derived neurons differ from P19 stem cells in the processing of these C-terminal fragments.
The impact of antidepressant discontinuation versus antidepressant continuation on 1-year risk for relapse of bipolar depression: A retrospective chart review

Background Current treatment guidelines recommend discontinuation of an antidepressant within 3 to 6 months after remission of depression in patients with bipolar illness. Yet few studies directly compare the impact of antidepressant discontinuation versus antidepressant continuation on the risk for depressive relapse in patients with bipolar disorder who have been successfully treated for a depressive episode. Method In a retrospective chart review, patients with DSM-IV bipolar disorder who were treated for an index episode of depression by adding antidepressant medication to ongoing mood stabilizer medications were identified. The risk of depressive relapse in 25 subjects who stopped antidepressant medications after improvement was compared with the risk of depressive relapse in 19 subjects who continued antidepressants after improvement. Results Termination of antidepressant medication significantly increased the risk of a depressive relapse. Antidepressant continuation was not significantly associated with an increased risk of mania. Conclusion While this study may have been limited by the retrospective nature of the chart review, nonrandomized assignment of treatment, and reliance on unstructured progress notes, it suggests that antidepressant discontinuation may increase the risk of depressive relapse in some patients with bipolar disorder. Further research is needed to clarify whether maintenance antidepressant treatment may be warranted in some patients with bipolar disorder, especially in those with frequent recurrent depressive episodes.
A note on the optimal investment policy of the regulated firm

We have demonstrated that, contrary to the spirit of much of the thinking based on the work of Averch and Johnson, it need not be true that rate-of-return regulation entices a firm to over-invest in productive capital. For a simple dynamic model featuring an imperfect capital market, we find that it may be optimal for the regulated firm to invest at every instant of time at a rate less than its unregulated counterpart. Our findings demonstrate once again the strong dependence on model specifications of the conclusions one draws in the study of regulatory problems.
Monte Carlo Study of the Eguchi-kawai Model

The Eguchi-Kawai model is studied by using the Monte Carlo technique with the gauge groups $\mathrm{SU}(N)$, $N=2, 3, 4, 5, \mathrm{and} 10$. Clear evidence of spontaneous breaking of the ${Z}_{N}$ symmetry is observed in the weak-coupling region for $N=10$.
Blurred lines: redefining life and death

As a reflective teenager, I would periodically descend on my father (also a neurologist) in the early evenings after dinner, as he was trying to get through his charts from the day, to talk with him about death. While interested in the usual pursuits of a young person, I had an early and, as my family affectionately put it, annoying fascination with the concept of death. While listening to John Lennon and his fellow-Beatles' Sergeant Pepper ' s Lonely Hearts Club Band , my father and I would ponder the ultimate conundrum: ‘what happens when you die?’ I simply could not get my head around the concept that life would cease, or rather, that my thinking or existence would cease. While continuing to work, nodding periodically to let me know he was still listening, my father allowed me to work through the issue that I found so ultimately challenging: how does one define death, and what happens after you die? Knowing full well that I was not the first to ask this question, I thought with the assurance of the unfettered teenage mind. I did not realize at the time that I was neglecting to address the essential other side of the question: ‘how does one define life?’ I, like most at my age, took for granted that life was just a given. Death was more difficult to define; I knew it was the cessation of life, the darkness to the light, but I failed to recognize that I had not taken the first step of defining what makes me alive? With time, I have gained a better understanding of the great complexity of how we define life and death. It is not so simple as to consider one as the antithesis of the other. Each has tremendous complexities and …
Economic implications of a virus prevention program in deciduous tree fruits in the US

Abstract Viral diseases in fruit trees present a potential danger that could injure the fruit industry, the planting stock industry (nurseries), and consumers in the United States and abroad. Currently, the US has a virus protection program (VPP) that serves to minimize the spread of viral diseases. This paper reports research estimating the economic consequences of the loss of the program on nurseries, growers and consumers. The potential economic losses are a measure of the value of the existing program. The paper focuses on apples, sweet cherries, and Clingstone peaches. The effects of a loss of a VPP on nurseries would include direct and indirect losses from viral diseases in the form of lower quantity and quality of planting stocks. Fruit growers would be affected by reduced plant growth and fruit yield. Consumers would be affected by higher prices and reduced quantity of fruit. We measured benefits of the virus prevention program as changes in consumer and producer surpluses. Empirical estimates were made using the method of avoided losses. Benefit estimates to three economic sectors—nurseries (avoided change in producer surplus), producers (avoided change in consumer and producer surpluses), and consumers (avoided change in consumer surplus)—were calculated. Total benefits for all three sectors were approximately $227.4 million a year, or more than 420 times the cost of the program. Our analysis utilizes a method that might be used to evaluate other programs that prevent the introduction of plant diseases.
Course Management Systems and Blended Learning: An Innovative Learning Approach.

This article utilizes Rogers’ innovation-decision process model (2003) and Beckman and Berry's innovation process model (2007) to create an innovative learning map that illustrates three learning methods (i.e., face-to-face learning, online learning, and blended learning) in two types of innovation (i.e., incremental innovation and radical innovation) that exhibits the behavior and dynamics on a two-dimensional area of learning changes (i.e., change in learning model and change in technological infrastructure). The behavior and dynamics of face-to-face, online, and blended learning are depicted in the innovative learning map. Blended learning is identified as a radical innovative learning method in the innovative learning map. A course management system (CMS) is an information and communication technology (ICT) tool that can be used to facilitate and balance communication channel within a blended learning environment. Two propositions are proposed in this article: (1) CMS facilitates communication channel, enhances learning practice for learners and instructors, and is an enabler for blended learning; and (2) adopting CMS is suitable for blended learning practice. A case study to a college System Analysis and Design (SA&D) course reflects that the adoption of CMS in a blended learning environment is acceptable.
Reliability and Validity of the Divided Attention Questionnaire Abstract

Abstract This study investigated the relations of the Divided Attention Questionnaire (DAQ) developed by Tun and Wingfield (1995) to age, and to measures of divided attention performance. With increased age activities assumed to require divided attention were rated as more difficult, were perceived as becoming more difficult over time, and were performed less frequently. However, no significant relations were found between DAQ ratings and performance on divided attention tasks administered in the laboratory. This suggests that the DAQ may not be a valid measure of divided attention ability as that construct is measured with laboratory tasks. Possible explanations for the lack of relations between the DAQ ratings and measures of divided attention performance are discussed.
Repression of cystathionine γ-synthase in Arabidopsis thaliana produces partial methionine auxotrophy and developmental abnormalities

Abstract Cystathionine γ-synthase (CGS), a key enzyme in methionine biosynthesis, was repressed in transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana by antisense expression of CGS RNA. CGS activity was reduced by 5–9-fold in the antisense plants resulting in severe growth stunting, morphological abnormalities and an inability to flower. Feeding the plants methionine (Met) or Met metabolites reversed the morphological effects of CGS repression. There was little change in the content of free Met and S -methylmethionine despite the need for exogenously applied Met for growth. The overall amino acid content was significantly increased. The CGS antisense transgene is inherited as a single recessive locus.
Reduction of intrachannel four-wave mixing using subchannel multiplexing

We propose to reduce intrachannel four-wave mixing by using subchannel multiplexing for each wavelength-division-multiplexed channel. We calculate the growth in both signal distortion and noise, and we show that there is a tradeoff between propagation distance and spectral efficiency. The method performs best with strong dispersion management and Raman amplification.
Joint analysis of stochastic processes with application to smoking patterns and insomnia.

This article proposes a joint modeling framework for longitudinal insomnia measurements and a stochastic smoking cessation process in the presence of a latent permanent quitting state (i.e., ‘cure’). We use a generalized linear mixed-effects model and a stochastic mixed-effects model for the longitudinal measurements of insomnia symptom and for the smoking cessation process, respectively. We link these two models together via the latent random effects. We develop a Bayesian framework and Markov Chain Monte Carlo algorithm to obtain the parameter estimates. We formulate and compute the likelihood functions involving time-dependent covariates. We explore the within-subject correlation between insomnia and smoking processes. We apply the proposed methodology to simulation studies and the motivating dataset, that is, the Alpha-Tocopherol, Beta-Carotene Lung Cancer Prevention study, a large longitudinal cohort study of smokers from Finland. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Major Differences in the Proportion of Amino Acid Fiber Types Transmitting Taste Information From Oral and Extraoral Regions in the Channel Catfish

The present study investigates for the first time in any teleost the amino acid specificity and sensitivity of single glossopharyngeal (cranial nerve IX) fibers that innervate taste buds within the...
Construction of an interest rate model from statistical data

This presentation describes a method of processing signals from financial markets. We analyze yields to maturity of Treasury securities. The obtained statistical model can be used as a framework for generating signals for trading and risk management of interest rate derivative products in different market environments from high frequency to low frequency. We discuss the advantages and the trade-offs of low-dimensional parameterization of the market data. We discuss important steps from the statistical description to a signal processing framework for arbitrage-free analysis of financial derivative products. This presentation is based on the real experience that the author has had in the financial industry for many years as quantitative researcher, quantitative trader and risk manager. We thank the reviewers for constructive comments.
SELF-HOMODYNE TOMOGRAPHY OF A TWIN-BEAM STATE

A self-homodyne detection scheme is proposed to perform two-mode tomography on a twin-beam state at the output of a nondegenerate optical parametric amplifier. This scheme has been devised to improve the matching between the local oscillator and the signal modes, which is the main limitation to the overall quantum efficiency in conventional homodyning. The feasibility of the measurement is analyzed on the basis of Monte Carlo simulations, studying the effect of nonunit quantum efficiency on detection of the correlation and the total photon-number oscillations of the twin-beam state.
Provider Counseling About Health Behaviors Among Cancer Survivors in the United States

Purpose To examine provider discussion or counseling of US cancer survivors about diet, exercise, and tobacco use. Methods We used 2000 National Health Interview Survey data to examine whether US cancer survivors reported that, within 1 year, a provider (1) discussed diet, (2) recommended they begin or continue exercise, or (3) asked about smoking. We included survivors more than 1 year beyond diagnosis (n = 1,600) and adults without cancer (AWCs; n = 24,636) who saw/talked to a provider within 1 year. We used generalized linear contrasts in bivariable analyses and logistic regression to calculate predicted marginals adjusted for age, sex, comorbidity, usual source of care, and number of provider visits in the prior year. Results Few survivors reported discussions or recommendations for all three health behaviors (10% of survivors v 9% of AWCs; P = .57). Although report was more likely than among AWCs, few survivors reported diet discussions (30% of survivors v 23% of AWCs; P < .0001) or exercise recommen...
Testing the generality of the trophic cascade paradigm for sea otters: a case study with kelp forests in northern Washington, USA

Trophic cascade hypotheses for biological communities, linking predation by upper trophic levels to major features of ecological structure and dynamics at lower trophic levels, are widely subscribed and may influence conservation policy. Few such hypotheses have been evaluated for temporal or spatial generality. Previous studies of sea otter (Enhydra lutris) predation along the outer coast of North America suggest a pattern, often elevated to the status of paradigm, in which sea otter presence leads to reduced sea urchin (Strongylocentrotus spp.) biomass and rapid increases in abundance and diversity of annual algal species, followed by a decline in diversity as one or a few perennial algal species become dominant. Both sea otter predation and commercial sea urchin harvest are ecologically and economically important sources of urchin mortality in nearshore benthic systems in northern Washington marine waters. We recorded changes in density of macroalgae in San Juan Channel, a marine reserve in the physically protected inland waters of northern Washington, resulting from three levels of experimental urchin harvest: (1) simulated sea otter predation (monthly complete harvest of sea urchins), (2) simulated commercial urchin harvest (annual size-selective harvest of sea urchins), and (3) no harvest (control). The two experimental urchin removal treatments did not significantly increase the density of perennial (Agarum and Laminaria) or annual (Desmarestia, Costaria, Alaria and Nereocystis) species of macroalgae after 2 years, despite significant and persistent decreases in urchin densities. Our results suggest that other factors such as grazing by other invertebrates, the presence of dense Agarum stands, and recruitment frequency of macroalgae and macroinvertebrates may play a large role in influencing community structure in San Juan Channel and other physically protected marine waters within the range of sea otters.
Psychometric Properties of the Modified Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptom Scale among Women with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Substance Use Disorders Receiving Outpatient Group Treatments.

Psychometric Properties of the Modified Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptom Scale among Women with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Substance Use Disorders Receiving Outpatient Group Treatments The use of psychometrically sound measures to assess and monitor PTSD treatment response over time is critical for better understanding the relationship between PTSD symptoms and Substance Use Disorder (SUD) symptoms throughout treatment. We examined the psychometric properties of the Modified Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Symptom Scale, Self-Report (MPSS-SR).
Behavioral effects of corticotropin-releasing factor

Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) is a 41 amino acid peptide with potent activating effects on the pituitary adrenal axis, as shown by its ability to release adrenocorticotropin hormone and β-endorphin from the anterior pituitary (Vale et al. 1981). In accordance with such a role, a large proportion of central nervous system CRF is located within the hypothalamus (Bloom et al. 1982).
Computer simulation analysis of normal and abnormal development of the mammalian diaphragm

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a birth defect with significant morbidity and mortality. Knowledge of diaphragm morphogenesis and the aberrations leading to CDH is limited. Although classical embryologists described the diaphragm as arising from the septum transversum, pleuroperitoneal folds (PPF), esophageal mesentery and body wall, animal studies suggest that the PPF is the major, if not sole, contributor to the muscular diaphragm. Recently, a posterior defect in the PPF has been identified when the teratogen nitrofen is used to induce CDH in fetal rodents. We describe use of a cell-based computer modeling system (Nudge++™) to study diaphragm morphogenesis. Key diaphragmatic structures were digitized from transverse serial sections of paraffin-embedded mouse embryos at embryonic days 11.5 and 13. Structure boundaries and simulated cells were combined in the Nudge++™ software. Model cells were assigned putative behavioral programs, and these programs were progressively modified to produce a diaphragm consistent with the observed anatomy in rodents. Homology between our model and recent anatomical observations occurred under the following simulation conditions: (1) cell mitoses are restricted to the edge of growing tissue; (2) cells near the chest wall remain mitotically active; (3) mitotically active non-edge cells migrate toward the chest wall; and (4) movement direction depends on clonal differentiation between anterior and posterior PPF cells. With the PPF as the sole source of mitotic cells, an early defect in the PPF evolves into a posteromedial diaphragm defect, similar to that of the rodent nitrofen CDH model. A posterolateral defect, as occurs in human CDH, would be more readily recreated by invoking other cellular contributions. Our results suggest that recent reports of PPF-dominated diaphragm morphogenesis in the rodent may not be strictly applicable to man. The ability to recreate a CDH defect using a combination of experimental data and testable hypotheses gives impetus to simulation modeling as an adjunct to experimental analysis of diaphragm morphogenesis.
Human Papillomavirus Oncoproteins E6 and E7 Independently Abrogate the Mitotic Spindle Checkpoint

The E6 and E7 genes of the high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) types encode oncoproteins, and both act by interfering with the activity of cellular tumor suppressor proteins. E7 proteins act by associating with members of the retinoblastoma family, while E6 increases the turnover of p53. p53 has been implicated as a regulator of both the G1/S cell cycle checkpoint and the mitotic spindle checkpoint. When fibroblasts from p53 knockout mice are treated with the spindle inhibitor nocodazole, a rereplication of DNA occurs without transit through mitosis. We investigated whether E6 or E7 could induce a similar loss of mitotic checkpoint activity in human keratinocytes. Recombinant retroviruses expressing high-risk E6 alone, E7 alone, and E6 in combination with E7 were used to infect normal human foreskin keratinocytes (HFKs). Established cell lines were treated with nocodazole, stained with propidium iodide, and analyzed for DNA content by flow cytometry. Cells infected with high-risk E6 were found to continue to replicate DNA and accumulated an octaploid (8N) population. Surprisingly, expression of E7 alone was also able to bypass this checkpoint. Cells expressing E7 alone exhibited increased levels of p53, while those expressing E6 had significantly reduced levels. The p53 present in the E7 cells was active, as increased levels of p21 were observed. This suggested that E7 bypassed the mitotic checkpoint by a p53-independent mechanism. The levels of MDM2, a cellular oncoprotein also implicated in control of the mitotic checkpoint, were significantly elevated in the E7 cells compared to the normal HFKs. In E6-expressing cells, the levels of MDM2 were undetectable. It is possible that abrogation of Rb function by E7 or increased expression of MDM2 contributes to the loss of mitotic spindle checkpoint control in the E7 cells. These findings suggest mechanisms by which both HPV oncoproteins contribute to genomic instability at the mitotic checkpoint.
Consequences on ethylene metabolism of inactivating the ethylene receptor sites in diseased non-climacteric fruit

Abstract Penicillium digitatum-infected grapefruit synthesize large quantities of the stress hormone ethylene. The compound 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) inhibits the binding of ethylene to the ethylene receptor site, the ethylene binding protein (EBP). Treating infected fruit with 1-MCP prevented infection-induced degreening, such that fumigated fruit retained their green immature color compared to yellow non-fumigated controls. However, 1-MCP treatment significantly increased whole fruit ethylene production. In flavedo tissue of infected non-1-MCP treated fruit, 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) synthase transcript accumulation, ACC synthase (ACS) enzyme activity, ACC and ethylene synthesis were all significantly higher +5 mm ahead of the lesion front than in uninfected non-1-MCP treated controls, but decreased significantly with increased sampling distance away from the lesion. 1-MCP treatment increased ethylene production in infected fruit at all three sampling distances compared to the non-fumigated samples. Even in the absence of infection, 1-MCP treatment resulted in increased ethylene synthesis. The results suggest that, in the presence of a pathogenic stress, blocking the EBPs prevented regulatory control of the ethylene biosynthetic pathway that resulted in an uninhibited expression of the ACS stress-associated genes, increased ACS activity and elevated ACC accumulation and ethylene production. Blocking of the EBPs with 1-MCP did not affect progression of the pathogen through the fruit.
Predicting oculomotor behaviour from correlated populations of posterior parietal neurons

Oculomotor function critically depends on how signals representing saccade direction and eye position are combined across neurons in the lateral intraparietal (LIP) area of the posterior parietal cortex. Here we show that populations of parietal neurons exhibit correlated variability, and that using these interneuronal correlations yields oculomotor predictions that are more accurate and also less uncertain. The structure of LIP population responses is therefore essential for reliable read-out of oculomotor behaviour.
Chronic hyperglycemia downregulates GLP-1 receptor signaling in pancreatic β-cells via protein kinase A.

Objective Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) enhances insulin secretion and protects β-cell mass. Diabetes therapies targeting the GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R), expressed in numerous tissues, have diminished dose-response in patients with type 2 diabetes compared with healthy human controls. The aim of this study was to determine the mechanistic causes underlying the reduced efficacy of GLP-1R ligands.
Quantification of the wake of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) using three-dimensional stereoscopic digital particle image velocimetry.

Although considerable progress has been made within the last decade in experimental hydrodynamic analyses of aquatic locomotion using two-dimensional digital particle image velocimetry (two-dimensional DPIV), data have been limited to simultaneous calculation of two out of the three flow velocity variables: downstream ( U ), vertical ( V ) and lateral ( W ). Here, we present the first biological application of stereo-DPIV, an engineering technique that allows simultaneous calculation of U, V and W velocity vectors. We quantified the wakes of rainbow trout ( Oncorhynchus mykiss , 16.5-21.5 cm total body length, BL ), swimming steadily in a recirculating flow tank at a slow cruising speed of 1.2 BL s-1. These data extend the comparative basis of current hydromechanical data on the wakes of free-swimming fishes to the salmoniforms and are used to test current hypotheses of fin function by calculations of mechanical performance and Froude efficiency. Stereo-DPIV wake images showed three-dimensional views of oscillating jet flows high in velocity relative to free-stream values. These jet flows are consistent with the central momentum jet flows through the cores of shed vortex rings that have been previously viewed for caudal fin swimmers using two-dimensional DPIV. The magnitude and direction of U, V and W flows in these jets were determined over a time series of 6-8 consecutive strokes by each of four fish. Although the fish swam at the same relative speed, the absolute magnitudes of U, V and W were dependent on individual because of body size variation. Vertical flows were small in magnitude (<1 cm s-1) and variable in direction, indicating limited and variable vertical force production during slow, steady, forward swimming. Thus, in contrast to previous data from sunfish ( Lepomis macrochirus ) and mackerel ( Scomber japonicus ), the trout homocercal caudal fin does not appear to generate consistent vertical forces during steady swimming. U flows were of the order of 3-6 cm s-1; lateral flows were typically strongest, with W magnitudes of 4-6 cm s-1. Such strong lateral flows have also been shown for more derived euteleosts with homocercal caudal fins. The ratios of the magnitudes of wake flow, U /( U + V + W ), which is a flow equivalent to mechanical performance, were also dependent on individual and ranged from 0.32 to 0.45, a range similar to the range of mechanical performance values previously determined using standard two-dimensional DPIV methods for caudal fin locomotion by more derived euteleosts. Strong lateral jet flow appears to be a general feature of caudal fin locomotion by teleosts and may reflect the nature of undulatory propulsion as a posteriorly propagated wave of bending. Froude efficiency (ηp) was independent of individual; meanη p was 0.74, which is similar to previous findings for trout.
Effectiveness of Interactive Online Algebra Learning Tools

This study of student performance in an online Algebra course looked at the development, implementation, and evaluation of interactive tools for graphing linear equations. The study focused on an interactive tool that was evaluated with virtual school Algebra students for a challenging component of the course. The performance of these students in the course on the component was compared to the performance of students who did not use the intervention. The performance of students learning in the online course with the interactive tools was equivalent to that of not using the tools. The implications of the unique nature of the online Algebra course for teacher preparation are discussed.
Elevated Iron Status Increases Bacterial Invasion and Survival and Alters Cytokine/Chemokine mRNA Expression in Caco-2 Human Intestinal Cells

Iron status affects both microbial growth and immune function. Mammalian iron homeostasis is maintained primarily by regulating the absorption of the micronutrient in the proximal small intestine. The iron concentration of the enterocyte can fluctuate widely in response to both dietary and whole body iron status, as well as in response to infections. The possibility that an enterocyte with an elevated iron concentration is more susceptible to invasion by enteric pathogens is not known. Therefore, we examined the impact of enterocyte iron status on the invasion and survival of an enteric pathogen, as well as on the levels of several cytokine and chemokine mRNAs by the host cell. The enterocyte-like Caco-2 human intestinal cell line and Salmonella enteritidis served as the models to examine the effect of iron on the host-parasite interaction. Iron status of Caco-2 cells was altered by incubation in serum-free medium supplemented with varying levels of iron. Elevated iron status of Caco-2 cells increased the efficiency of the invasion and the number of bacteria surviving in the intracellular environment. Caco-2 cells constitutively expressed transforming growth factor-beta1, interleukin-8, monocyte chemotactic protein-1, tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-1beta, and infection with S. enteritidis increased the relative quantities of all cytokine/chemokine mRNAs except interleukin-1beta. Elevated iron status of Caco-2 cells decreased the levels of cytokine/chemokine mRNAs by 25-45% in uninfected cells. In contrast, bacterial infection was associated with a 21-95% increase in cytokine/chemokine mRNAs levels in Caco-2 cells with higher iron concentration compared with infected cells with lower iron concentration. These data support the hypothesis that elevated enterocyte iron status increases susceptibility to infection and exacerbates the mucosal inflammatory response initiated by microbial invasion by increasing cytokine/chemokine expression.
A chlorodiazirine analog of pentamidine with anti-trypanosomal activity.

A chlorodiazirine derivative of pentamidine was synthesized and tested for anti-trypanosomal activity using EATRO stock 164 trypanosomes in cell culture. Anti-trypanosomal activity was measured as a decrease in [3H]hypoxanthine incorporation by the organisms. The derivative, 3,3′-[1,5-pentanediylbis(oxy-4,1-phenylene)]bis(3-chloro-3H-diazirine), at a treatment level of 0.1 µM inhibited isotope incorporation by 40–50% compared to nontreated controls. At this concentration, pentamidine inhibited incorporation only 10–15%. The derivative is a nonionic molecule with much different solubility properties than the parent compound and should readily cross the blood–brain barrier.
Teaching renal physiology in the 21st century: focus on acid–base physiology

A thorough understanding of renal physiology, and in particular acid-base physiology, is essential for an understanding of nephrology. Difficulties in both teaching and learning this material are major impediments to attracting medical trainees into nephrology. Approaches to teaching renal physiology include collaborative learning, computer-based learning and laboratory-based learning. Computer-based learning applications are becoming increasingly popular and can be useful, but are most successful when they incorporate interactive components. Students also note that the presence of a live instructor remains desirable. Some concepts of renal and in particular acid-base physiology can be taught using structured self-experimentation, a practice with a long tradition that possibly should be revitalized.
Nodal metastases in thyroid cancer: prognostic implications and management

The significance of cervical lymph node metastases in differentiated thyroid cancer has been controversial and continues to evolve. Current staging systems consider nodal metastases to confer a poorer prognosis, particularly in older patients. Increasingly, the literature suggests that characteristics of the metastatic lymph nodes such as size and number are also prognostic. There is a growing trend toward less aggressive treatment of low-volume nodal disease. The aim of this review is to summarize the current literature and discuss prognostic and management implications of lymph node metastases in differentiated thyroid cancer.
Detecting Small and Large Fluctuations in Language and Cognitive Performance: A Longitudinal Rehabilitation Case Study

There are very few studies that longitudinally track the recovery of stroke survivors after their discharge from the hospital. In this case study, we report a longitudinal profile of an individual with post-stroke aphasia, who received continuous rehabilitation through an iPad based therapy delivery platform. One month after the onset of his stroke, this individual was able to practice therapy at home using the iPad software on a daily basis and continued to make daily gains in specific prescribed therapy tasks. During the course of his rehabilitation, however, he suffered a second stroke, which was detected by changes in performance on the therapy tasks. Subsequent to the second stroke, this individual resumed therapy practice and continued to make gains on language and cognitive functions. Over the course of a year, the patient logged in 291 days and practiced 31 language and cognitive tasks. This case study provides a unique opportunity to demonstrate for the first time that (a) it is possible to detect the onset of a (recurrent) stroke due to changes in language and cognitive performance in terms of accuracy and latency even before a confirmatory diagnosis, and (b) improvements in language and cognitive abilities are possible with systematic and continued practice. Detecting small and large fluctuations in language and cognitive performance in post-stroke aphasia: A longitudinal rehabilitation case study.
Legal Thought on the Dominant Position of Independent Innovation in China's Enterprise

Innovation is a national sustainable economic development must face long- term issue, as the national economy, enterprises in independent innovation cell is irreplaceable in the dominant position. In ourcurrent systemof independent innovation, enterprise role there is a certain problem and needs to further strengthen the independent innovation of enterprises in the dominant position.
Unfair fights: Power asymmetry, nascent nuclear capability, and preventive conflict:

Scholars have long recognized that imminent shifts in relative power may motivate declining states to initiate conflict. But what conditions exacerbate the risk posed by these anticipated power shifts? Building upon existing bargaining models of war, I show that larger initial power asymmetries increase the probability of preventive conflict. Theoretical extensions that account for certainty effects and variable costs of war, both of which are linked to initial dyadic power balances, drive this relationship. It follows that looming power transitions in which rising states approach and surpass parity, long considered war-prone scenarios, are not particularly problematic. Instead, the risk of conflict is greatest when preponderant powers confront conventionally weak but rising states. I test the theoretical predictions in the context of anticipated power shifts due to rivals pursuing nuclear weapons. Extensive empirical tests that relax assumptions employed in prior analyses of preventive conflict offer str...
Troubling appropriations: JS Mill, liberalism, and the virtues of uncertainty

Described as the ‘exemplary liberal’, John Stuart Mill is employed to support a dizzying array of different, even competing visions of liberalism. That he has been so widely appropriated is certain...
Simultaneous bilateral rupture of quadriceps tendons: analysis of risk factors and associations.

Background Simultaneous bilateral quadriceps tendon rupture is an uncommon injury that is frequently misdiagnosed. It has been associated with multiple medical conditions including renal disease, rheumatologic disorders, and endocrine disorders. Methods All reported cases of simultaneous bilateral quadriceps tendon rupture were identified using MEDLINE. Each case was reviewed for information regarding the injury, and this information was analyzed. Results There were 66 cases of simultaneous bilateral quadriceps tendon rupture reported in the English-language literature. This review presents descriptive data on all the cases and analyzes the following factors surrounding rupture: age, sex, time before diagnosis, mechanism of injury, location of rupture, and associated chronic diseases. Most patients were treated surgically, followed by 4 to 6 weeks of immobilization, which resulted in a good outcome. Conclusion Numerous associations were found and are discussed in this review. Patients with quadriceps tendon rupture should be evaluated for an underlying chronic disease.
Co-processing coal and torrefied biomass during direct liquefaction

Abstract Co-liquefaction of coal and torrefied biomass was performed in a mechanically stirred and electrically heated Parr reactor to evaluate effects of co-liquefaction and torrefaction on product yields and properties. The test samples were coal, red maple, yellow-poplar, torrefied red maple and torrefied yellow-poplar. Sample mixtures of coal-red maple, coal-yellow-poplar, coal-torrefied red maple, and coal-torrefied yellow-poplar were prepared in the weight ratio of 1:1. About 10 g of sample and 100 ml of tetralin were placed inside the reactor for each test. The reaction temperature was 300 °C and the hydrogen gas pressure was set at 600 psi (cold). The results showed that oil yields obtained from co-liquefaction of either coal-torrefied red maple, or coal-torrefied yellow-poplar mixtures were higher than the weighted average yields from coal and biomass, separately.
MECHANISMS OF VIRAL NEUTRALIZATION

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the mechanisms of viral neutralization. Neutralization is the loss of virus infectivity caused by antibody. The attachment of one antibody molecule to a native virus is insufficient to cause neutralization. Instead, many immunoglobulin molecules must bind to the surface to render the virus noninfectious. There are at least three mechanisms of neutralization: (1) coating of the virus surface, (2) aggregation of particles, and (3) virolysis. Antibody alone can coat or aggregate, but complement may cause all three of these mechanisms of neutralization to take place. Out of these, the one mechanism that occurs in vitro in a given situation depends on the relative abundance of the virus, antibody, and complement as well as the type of virus and antibody involved. The in vivo importance of the various mechanisms of virus neutralization remains to be determined. Whether an antibody neutralizes a virus depends on the site of attachment and physiochemical properties of the binding immunoglobulin. It can be assumed that these parameters would also be important in the neutralization of infectious virus–antibody complexes by accessory factors.
Delayed reward discounting and grit in men and women with and without obesity

SummaryObjective The objective of this study was to examine how sensitivity to short-term reward and long-term goal perseverance are related to body mass index (BMI; kg m2) in a large sample of men and women with and without obesity. Methods A total of 450 participants (56.2% male; 73.1% non-Hispanic White) with mean ± standard deviation age of 30.7 ± 10.4 years and BMI of 29.3 ± 8.2 completed online versions of the Delayed Reward Discounting task to measure sensitivity to short-term reward and the Grit Scale to measure long-term goal perseverance. Results In regression analysis, higher sensitivity to short-term reward (i.e. a preference for receiving smaller rewards after a shorter delay; b = 0.49, p = 0.016) and lower long-term goal perseverance (b = −1.26, p = 0.042) were independently associated with higher BMIs. Individuals with a favourable score on one measure were not ‘protected’ from the risk associated with an unfavourable score on the other measure. Conclusions An overvaluation of short-term reward (e.g. the taste of palatable food and the comfort of engaging in sedentary activities) and undervaluation of long-term health goals (e.g. achieving a healthy weight and avoiding obesity-related comorbidities) may contribute to excess weight. Additional research incorporating prospective experimental designs is needed to determine whether decision-making strategies can be targeted to improve weight management.
Showcasing the Great Experiment: Cultural Diplomacy and Western Visitors to the Soviet Union, 1921–1941. By Michael David-Fox. (Oxford, United Kingdom: Oxford University Press, 2014. Pp. xii, 396. $29.95.)

In the 1920s and 1930s, some 100,000 foreign visitors came to the Soviet Union from Europe and the United States, among them tens of thousands of intellectuals, writers, artists, filmmakers, musici...
Monitoring hepatic function.

Hepatic function can be monitored using exogenous (e.g., sulfobromophthalein, indocyanine green, antipyrine, aminopyrine, galactose) and endogenous substances (e.g., bile acids, PT/PTT, albumin, ammonia, bilirubin). Tests of hepatic necrosis include aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase. The hepatobiliary system can be assessed using alkaline phosphatase, 5’-nucleotidase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, ultrasound, and iminodiacetic acid scans.
Why Might Developers Be Reluctant to Build Conservation Subdivisions? Insights from Spatial Regression Analysis:

Despite evidence that households pay more for lots or houses in conservation subdivisions, developers are sometimes reluctant to build them. I use a spatial autoregressive model to shed light on th...