cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Mating on Predation in the Stick Insect Diapheromera veliei Walsh (Phasmatodea: Heteronemiidae)

Diapheromera veliei Walsh engage in lengthy pairings (3–136 hours). Mating may increase or diminish the danger of predation, depending on whether individual defenses are inhibited or pooled. The relation between mating and mortality has not been previously quantified in any animal. D. veliei's defenses are cryptic coloration and posture, regurgitation, and reflex bleeding. When mating pairs and single individuals were exposed to Mexican jays, females had significantly greater survivorship when mating. There was no difference between mating and single male mortality. It is argued that females do not directly determine coupling duration and that increased protection is an effect and not the function of extended mating.
The Regeneration of P2 Olfactory Sensory Neurons Is Selectively Impaired Following Methyl Bromide Lesion

The capacity of the peripheral olfactory system to recover after injury has not been thoroughly explored. P2-IRES-tauLacZ mice were exposed to methyl bromide, which causes epithelial damage and kills 90% of the P2 neurons. With subsequent neuronal regeneration, P2 neurons recover within their usual territory to equal control numbers by 1 month but then decline sharply to roughly 40% of control by 3 months. At this time, the P2 projection onto the olfactory bulb is erroneous in several respects. Instead of converging onto 1 or 2 glomeruli per surface, small collections of P2 axons innervate multiple glomeruli at roughly the same position in the bulb as in controls. Within these glomeruli, the P2 axons are aggregated near the edge, whereas the remainder of the glomerulus contains olfactory marker protein (+), non-P2 axons, violating the one receptor–one glomerulus rule normally observed. The aggregates are denser than found in control P2-innervated glomeruli, suggesting that the P2 axons may not be synaptically connected. Based on published literature and other data, we hypothesize that P2 neurons lose out in an activity-based competition for synaptic territory within the glomeruli and are not maintained at control numbers due to a lack of trophic support from the bulb.
Accounting for Occupational and Organizational Commitment A Longitudinal Reexamination of Structural and Attitudinal Approaches

Using longitudinal data collected from a subsample (N = 92) of subjects surveyed five years earlier by Shoemaker et al. (1977), the present study assesses the relative utility of two distinctly different approaches to the study of occupational and organizational commitment. The first is the structural investments or side-bet approach made famous by Becker (1960); the second, the attitudinal or social psychological perspective used by Ritzer and Trice (1969), among others. Based on regression analyses of data, for the two time periods studied and for changes across time, structural variables appear to be slightly better predictors of commitment than do attitudinal variables. Of particular note, however, are the changes in predictive power of each approach, relative to both occupational and organizational commitment, when comparing two distinct stages in the worker career of employees represented by the five-year span of the study.
Efficacy of residual spray and gel bait against cockroaches

Objective To observe the efficacy of residual spray and gel bait against cockroaches.Methods Adhesive killing method was applied in density investigation.Efficacy of gel bait against cockroaches was calculated by contrasting the density reduction rate.Results The cockroach density decreasing rate was from 50.00% to 92.11% after the first killing,and 98.79%~100.00% after the second killing.Conclusion The method of using residual spray and gel bait against cockroaches is of high efficacy.It should be generalized.
Quaternary colonization or Paleogene persistence? Historical biogeography of skates (Chondrichthyes: Rajidae) in the Antarctic ichthyofauna

Seven endemic species of skates (Chondrichthyes: Rajidae) represent the only family of elasmobranchs currently known to live in Antarctic continental waters. Many previous authors believed skates colonized Antarctic waters from Patagonia during interglacial periods in the Quaternary. However, recent fossil material collected from the middle Eocene La Meseta Formation of Seymour Island, Antarctic Peninsula, indicates that they may have persisted in Antarctic waters since the Paleogene. Additionally, oceanographic barriers present in the Neogene and Quaternary would have prevented dispersal from southern continents to Antarctica. A revised dispersal scenario, based on skate fossils, biology, paleogeography, and present centers of skate diversity, suggests that skates evolved in the western Tethys and North Boreal seas of western Europe in the Late Cretaceous and early Paleogene and emigrated into Antarctica during the early to middle Eocene via a dispersal corridor along the continental margins of the western Atlantic Ocean. Skates probably populated the Pacific Basin by passing from this dispersal corridor through the Arctic Ocean. Vicariant events, such as opening of the Drake Passage, the development of the Circum-Antarctic Current, and formation of deep and wide basins around Antarctica in the late Paleogene, created barriers that isolated some species of skates in Antarctica and prevented movement of other species of skates into Antarctica from northern areas. Skates are the only group of fishes known to have survived the Oligocene cooling of Antarctica that killed or extirpated the Paleogene ichthyofauna; they persisted by a combination of cold-tolerance, generalized diet, and unspecialized bathymetric and habitat preferences.
Implementation of Epic Beaker Clinical Pathology at Stanford University Medical Center.

Objectives To provide an account of implementation of the Epic Beaker 2014 clinical pathology module at Stanford University Medical Center and highlight strengths and weaknesses of the system. Methods Based on a formal selection process, Stanford selected Epic Beaker to replace Sunquest as the clinical laboratory information system (LIS). The rationale included integration between the LIS and already installed Epic electronic medical record (EMR), reduction in the number of systems and interfaces, and positive patient identification (PPID). The build was significantly customized and included a first of its kind Epic-to-Epic interface. This was due to the clinical laboratory serving two hospitals (pediatric and adult) with independent instances of Epic. Results Test turnaround times showed improvement from historical baselines, mostly because of the implementation of PPID. PPID also resulted in significant reduction in mislabeled specimens. Conclusions Epic 2014 Beaker clinical pathology is a viable LIS with adequate functionality for a large academic center. Strengths include PPID and integration with the EMR. Integration provides laboratory users with ready access to the patient's relevant clinical history to assist releasing of results and gives physician and nurse providers sophisticated add-on ordering and specimen collection workflows. Areas that could use further development include specimen aliquoting, quality control reporting, and maintenance tools.
Twist of fate for skeletal muscle mesenchymal cells

Skeletal muscles are composed of different types of fibres. Can these be thought of as distinct lineages with specific lineage-restricted progenitors? A provocative study now proposes that mesenchymal cells expressing the transcription factor Twist2 act as myogenic progenitors with selective type IIb fibre-differentiation potential.
Novel Creation of a Rum Flavor Lexicon Through the Use of Web-Based Material

Flavor lexicons help both manufacturers and consumers communicate the intricacies of flavor nuances they experience within a product. Lexicon development typically requires the use of a trained sensory panel to evaluate a representative sample set of the product category to generate terms that describe certain product attributes. In the case of rum, there is considerable variation in terms of style, flavor characteristics, and the sheer number of rums produced making it difficult to create a lexicon in this manner. Furthermore, sensory fatigue from the high alcohol content can also hinder lexicon development. This is the first study to create a rum flavor lexicon using web-based material (comprising blogs, company descriptions, and review websites) to minimize the time and cost and to allow for the inclusion of a greater number of rum products. Reviews for over 1000 different rums were utilized, comprising evaluations that described an array of rums, including white, gold, aged, and agricole. Each evaluation was coded for aroma, aroma-by-mouth, and taste attributes using NVivoTM software to amass the sensory terms. Word frequency analysis was conducted on coded attributes. The analysis yielded 147 terms, sorted into 22 different categories. The most prominent terms included vanilla, oak, caramel, fruity, molasses, and baking spices.
Active illumination computational imaging for optical super resolution, 3D topography, and indirect imaging

Structured illumination has been utilized to super-resolve microscopic objects and provide topographic information in computer vision applications. Motivated by the achievements in these fields and leveraging techniques found in astronomical sparse aperture systems, an approach is developed to super-resolve macroscopic objects in typical real world scenarios. The challenges of super-resolving uncontrolled 3D environments are addressed. An approach is presented which enables the collection of 3D topographic information while super-resolving. These techniques use incoherent illumination to resolve spatial detail in an intensity image. For indirect imaging scenarios, this approach is adapted with structured coherent illumination to super-resolve phase at a distance.
Incidental Findings in Student Ultrasound Models: Implications for Instructors

As ultrasonography continues to become integrated into undergraduate medical education, there have been concerns raised about the use of volunteer models and the ability to maintain patient privacy during scanning sessions. To date, there have been no reports on how instructors should manage situations in which incidental findings are made during educational ultrasonography sessions. We present three different examples of incidental findings that occurred at our institution and the various approaches taken by the instructors. Furthermore, we outline an approach that can be utilized by other medical schools to better maintain patient confidentiality.
Organic Complexation of Iron in the Eastern Tropical South Pacific: Results From US GEOTRACES Eastern Pacific Zonal Transect (GEOTRACES Cruise GP16)

Abstract Dissolved iron, organic iron-binding ligands, and organic carbon were determined in full water column depth profiles across the US GEOTRACES Eastern Pacific Zonal Transect (GEOTRACES cruise GP16) in late 2013. Dissolved iron concentrations exhibited subsurface maxima associated with the remineralization of organic matter at the Peru shelf and with hydrothermal inputs from the East Pacific Rise. Iron-binding organic ligands are described as ligand classes based on defined ranges in conditional stability constants. The stronger L1-type ligands were measured in large excesses in surface and intermediate waters, and these excesses were negatively correlated with Si*, a biogeochemical proxy for iron limited diatom growth. These data suggest sources of strong iron-binding ligands from iron limitation of diatom communities, both locally and in waters originating from the Southern Ocean. Benthic sources of strong ligands were associated with new iron inputs from hydrothermal activity at the East Pacific Rise and from bottom sediments. In contrast to most studies in the Atlantic basin but consistent with previous datasets from the Pacific, stronger L1 ligands in this dataset were generally restricted to the upper water column and did not show large excesses through the water column. At depth, iron-binding ligands on GP16 were instead best described as L2 and L3 ligands. Concomitant decreases in excess L1, excess total ligands and dissolved organic carbon suggest similar degradation pathways of these pools below the surface.
Numerical simulations of range-resolved radar backscatter from an evolving sea surface with floating targets

Time-dependent properties of coherent range-resolved backscatter from a sea surface with simple floating targets are studied using two-dimensional (2-D) direct numerical simulations based on a first-principles boundary integral equation technique. The deterministic sea surface is generated according to a wind-driven wave spectrum. Target motion is modeled in a simplified way as that of a massless object heaved by orbital currents. Calculations can be performed at a broad range of grazing angles and at both HH and VV polarizations. The paper gives examples of range-time records of the X-band backscatter and then focuses on the Doppler characteristics of the simulated echoes. Differences between the responses of floating targets and sea surface are rather conspicuous, and appear to be caused primarily by dissimilarities in cross-section modulation behavior.
“It Lets Me Fight the Bad Guys”: An Exploration Into the Factors Predicting Enjoyment of Violent Video Games

In an exploratory survey that sampled video gamers, participants were asked to indicate why they enjoy playing their favorite video game. On the basis of ESRB ratings, we compare those whose favori...
Use of a commercial household steam cleaning system to decontaminate beef and hog carcasses processed by four small or very small meat processing plants in Georgia.

Small and very small meat-processing facilities in the United States are in need of a pathogen reduction technology that would be both effective and economical. In the present study, the effectiveness of a commercial household steam cleaner for reducing naturally occurring bacterial populations on freshly slaughtered beef and hog carcasses was evaluated in four small or very small meat-processing plants. Three anatomical sites on the right half of each carcass were exposed to a 60-s steam treatment, and the corresponding left half of the carcass remained untreated. Samples were collected from 72 beef and 72 hog carcasses before, immediately after, and 24 h after the steam treatment. The mean populations of total aerobes, coliforms, and Enterobacteriaceae recovered from three anatomical sites on the beef carcasses were 1.88, 1.89, and 1.36 log CFU/cm2, respectively, before the steam treatment, 1.00, 0.71, and 0.52 log CFU/cm2, respectively, immediately after the steam treatment, and 1.10, 0.95, and 0.50 log CFU/cm2, respectively, 24 h after the steam treatment. On hog carcasses, the mean populations of total aerobes, coliforms, and Enterobacteriaceae recovered from the three anatomical sites were 2.50, 2.41, and 1.88 log CFU/cm2, respectively, before the steam treatment, 0.50, 0.94, and 0.21 log CFU/cm2, respectively, immediately after the steam treatment, and 0.91, 1.56, and 0.44 log CFU/cm2, respectively, 24 h after the steam treatment. The steam treatment significantly reduced the total aerobes, coliforms, and Enterobacteriaceae at all three anatomical locations on both types of carcasses (P neck > rump for beef carcasses and belly > jowl > ham for hog carcasses except for the total coliform counts at the midline and neck areas on the beef carcasses. Of the 144 carcasses evaluated, 5 (3.47%) were positive for Salmonella before steam treatment, but all carcasses tested negative for Salmonella after the treatment. Results indicate that the household steam cleaner can effectively reduce overall bacterial populations on freshly slaughtered beef and hog carcasses in small and very small meat-processing facilities.
55-OR: RESTROSPECTIVE EVALUATION OF UNEXPECTED POSITIVE FLOW CYTOMETRIC CROSSMATCH RESULTS

Aim Solid phase assaies, espectially the single antigen bead assay, allows in-depth characterization of HLA antibody specificities which results in significant reduction of unexpected positive final crossmatch for solid organ transplantations. This study was to evaluate retrospectively the occurrences of the unexpected positive flow cytometric crossmatch (FCXM), and to investigate the causes of unexpected positive FCXMs. Methods The data of FCXMs performed between Dec 2006 and Nov 2011 was retrospectively analyzed. All FCXMs were performed routinely with pronase treated T and B cells. Flow PRA and Luminex SAB were routinely performed to determine the presence and specificities of HLA antibodies. For the most recent T positive but B negative FCXMs without detectable donor-specific HLA antibodies (DSA), a FCXM was repeated with cells without pronase treatment to determine if the pronase treatment had interfered with the FCXM. Results FCXM results of 1694 patients were included in the study. Total 4934 FCXMs were recorded. Of them, there were 555 FCXMs were positive either for T cell, B cell or both T and B cells with known information of HLA antibody testing. Of the 555 positive FCXMs, total 106 (19.1%) FCXMs were T positive and B negative, 65 (11.7%) were both T positive and B positive, 91 (16.4%) were B positive only without detectable donor-specific HLA antibodies. Recent repeats of FCXM for 5 patients, who had unexpected T positive pronased FCXMs, delivered negative T FCXM results without pronase treatment. Conclusions Unexpected positive FCXMs could occured without detectable DSAs. Pronase treatment might have changed the structures of certain cell surface antigen resulting in accessibility to epitopes of denatured antigens. The clinical relevance of a positive crossmatch caused by antibodies to denatured antigens may not be significant. In order to completely understand the causes of unexpected positive FCXMs including the unexpected B positive FCXMs, further investigations are needed.
Long-run dynamics of renewable energy consumption on carbon emissions and economic growth in the European union

ABSTRACTThis paper examines long-run and short-run dynamics of renewable energy consumption on carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and economic growth in the European Union. This study employs cointegration tests, Granger causality tests and vector error correction estimates to examine the direction of Granger causality, the long-run dynamics of economic growth and energy variables on carbon emissions. This study analyses time series data from the World Development Indicators over the period from1961 to 2012. The results of this study support a link between renewable energy consumption, economic growth, industrialization, exports and CO2 emissions in the long-run and short-run. The results support that the sign of the long-run dynamics from the endogenous variables to the CO2 emissions variable is negative and significant, which implies that the energy and environmental policies of the European Union aimed at curbing CO2 emissions must have been effective in the long-term. Furthermore, renewable energy consump...
Dural Arteriovenous Malformations

Dural arteriovenous fistulas or malformations (dAVM) represent 10% to 15% of intracranial arteriovenous malformations and occur most commonly in the posterior fossa along the sigmoid and transverse sinuses.1 The second most common location is the cavernous sinus, where they are sometimes referred to as “indirect carotid cavernous fistulas.” Various classification schemes for dAVMs have been canvassed, but classification can be simplified by considering the impact of the dAVM on the venous system.2–4 Only those dAVMs with low or moderate flow with antegrade drainage into dural sinuses and without evidence of disturbance of venous flow in the connected venous sinuses or adjacent veins can be considered benign. All others must be considered potential causes of current or future venous hypertension (Fig. 7.1), venous infarction, or intracranial hemorrhage. The risk of imminent complications can be estimated by the degree of reversal of dural sinus venous flow, state of retrograde opacification and ectasia of the parenchymal veins, and the degree of restriction on the venous drainage.
QUANTUM STATISTICAL MECHANICS AND MULTIPLICATIVE NUMBER THEORY

The arithmetization of quantum field theories is considered. This leads to statistical mechanical systems with an exponential density of states (as in string theory) and exactly solvable partition functions. Parallels between results in number theory and quantum statistical mechanics recently found by Julia and Spector are generalized.
Two-Level Autonomous Optimizations Based on ML for Cardiac FEM Simulations

Cardiac simulations are promising tools in the electrophysiological study of cardiovascular diseases related to cardiac rhythm disturbance such as ventricular fibrillation. Realistic 3D simulations of the heart tissue require applying differential equation solvers (DES) over a massive amount of data, which pose as a major barrier to make it feasible for clinical applications despite efforts on parallelization and the use of adaptive techniques. The traditional adaptive stencil techniques that work well for regular cubic mesh structures and homogeneous tissue are not suitable for the complex geometry and inhomogeneity of the heart tissue. We address this challenge with a two-level autonomous computational approach. We treat each node of the simulation mesh as an autonomous element at the lower level of autonomy. Each node in our 3D mesh structure retrieves data from the surrounding nodes, acts as an asynchronous DES, and distributes information. At the upper level of autonomy, we introduce a closed-loop autonomic self-tuning system composed of a machine learning (ML) and an optimization module. The system receives error-related information from the nodes, learns the rules based on the ML module, and tunes parameters of the time step adaptivity functions based on the optimization module. This new Finite Element Method based approach is scalable and enables an efficient asynchronous adaptive technique, which is well suited for parallelizing the computations effectively on a single Nvidia K20x GPU. We show that the proposed approach reduces the execution time by a factor that ranges between 30 and 120 (that depends on the geometry and phase of the simulation) while maintaining 99.9% accuracy with respect to the baseline GPU stencil implementation without adaptivity.
CARS spectroscopy of Aspergillus nidulans spores

Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman Spectroscopy (CARS) is performed on single spores (conidia) of the fungus Aspergillus nidulans in order to establish a baseline measurement for fungal spores. Chemical maps of single spores are generated and spectral differentiation between the cell wall and the cytoplasm is achieved. Principal Component Analysis of the measured spectra is then completed as a means to quantify spore heterogeneity. Applications range from the quick and accurate diagnosis of public health concerns to real-time agricultural and environmental sensing of fungal symbionts and pathogens.
Guilty by association: Time-dependent memory consolidation facilitates the generalization of negative – but not positive – person memories to group and self-judgments

Abstract Over time, memory changes. Memory consolidation processes suggest that time produces qualitative changes in social memory rather than just quantitative changes in the amount of memories retrieved. As newly learned information becomes integrated into long-term memory, it is used in a more generalized fashion. Further, memory for negative (versus neutral or positive) information is bolstered over time. The present studies tested the hypotheses that over time, negative, but not positive, group information would generalize to other group members (Experiment 1) and to the self (Experiment 2). In Experiment 1, participants learned personal information about two members of two groups. Two members of one group were associated with negative trait information, while two members of the other group were associated with positive trait information. Participants then made trait and evaluative judgments about members of both groups. In Experiment 2, participants learned positive and negative information about their ingroup and an outgroup. Participants then evaluated themselves on those traits. Results were consistent with hypotheses. Participants generalized negative traits to members of the same group and generalized negative ingroup traits to evaluations of themselves, but only at a long-delay test.
Editorial Commentary: What Is an Anatomic Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction, and Does It Matter? There Are Many Ways to Skin a Cat!

Abstract The concept of an “anatomic” anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction remains a major focus of active research in the literature, but the true definition remains elusive. Although most authors have defined this by a tunnel position contained within the native ligament footprint, it is clear that such a description is grossly inadequate to recapitulate the form and function of the native ACL: Aperture surface area, geometry, graft bundles, collagen fiber tension, and isometry, as well as incorporation and maturation, are all critical factors that affect the final outcome. It is clear that no single- or double-bundle ACL reconstruction in 2019 is in fact anatomic; rather, it is guided by the native anatomic landmarks to more appropriately place the new graft.
Theoretical studies of the vibrational properties of octahedrane (C12H12): A polyhedral caged hydrocarbon molecule

The vibrational properties of octahedrane (C12H12) are calculated using density-functional theory employing two different computational methods: an all-electron Gaussian orbital approach and a Naval Research Laboratory-tight-binding scheme (NRL-TB) coupled with molecular dynamics (NRL-TBMD). Both approaches yield vibrational densities of states for octahedrane that are in good general agreement with each other. NRL Molecular Orbital Library can also provide accurate infrared and Raman spectra which can be analyzed and compared with experimental results, while NRL-TBMD can be conveniently scaled up for larger finite-temperature simulations. This latter approach is used in our paper to produce a theoretical prediction for a stable room temperature structure of octahedrane.
Longevity studies and Phase 2 electronics upgrade for CMS Cathode Strip Chambers in preparation for HL-LHC

Abstract The Cathode Strip Chamber (CSC) is the primary system for muon detection in the CMS endcap region. Starting in 2026 both the instantaneous luminosity and CMS level 1 latency will be increased significantly, which will exceed the design specifications of the CSC electronics. The large integrated particle flux also increases the potential for chamber aging and performance degradation. This paper presents the studies of CSC electronics and CSC longevity performed at the CERN GIF++ facility.
KRIS NUSANTARA: KRIS AS A BOND OF SOCIO-CULTURAL VALUES SHIFTS INTO INDIVIDUAL-CULTURAL BONDS AND AS ASSETS IN BUSINESS ALTERNATIVES

Kris as an artifact is an expression of community culture in the form of artifacts as the result of ideas and human behavior in the community (in this case Javanese society). Kris which was originally used as a bond in socio-cultural values turned into individual-cultural bonds that could be used as assets in business alternatives. To reach the objectives, the steps of research that are carried out with a qualitative research model with a cultural approach are needed, referring to the teachings of Javanese culture in accordance with the philosophy of Javanese culture. This research produces preservation kris, which is stored and treated as one of the culture of kelangenan , as a cultural heritage, and in conservation, namely conservation by trying to develop values in accordance with the social institutions of the community. Kris as a national cultural asset leads to a conservation-progressive force. The tough kris that develops in the kris community is revitalizing conservation ( sanggit ), vitally still referring to traditional art as its main reference. Kris in the latest development has become a trend in the development of the art business.
Neuroendocrine Tumors of the Mediastinum

Analogous to other organ systems, neuroendocrine tumors arising in the mediastinal compartment comprise a group of diverse neoplasms, ranging from indolent to highly aggressive lesions. These include tumors in the spectrum of primary thymic neuroendocrine carcinomas as well as mediastinal paragangliomas and ectopic parathyroid tumors. Overall, such lesions are very rare, accounting for less than 5% of all mediastinal neoplasms. Among these, neuroendocrine carcinomas, especially the low and intermediate grade types (carcinoid and atypical carcinoid tumors), are the most common and prone to be mistaken for more indolent neoplasms. In this context, familiarity with lesions that share similar morphological and immunohistochemical features becomes highly important as the prognosis of these lesions may differ significantly.
"Be the Person You Ought to Be": A Convocation Speech to the Graduating Medical Students.

In the age of coronavirus, our beloved Catholic Medical Association (CMA) medical students in the class of 2020, across the country, had “virtual graduations” and commencements, often separated fro...
Probing ON and OFF Retinal Pathways in Glaucoma Using Electroretinography.

Author(s): Kong, Alan W; Della Santina, Luca; Ou, Yvonne | Abstract: Glaucoma is a progressive neurodegenerative disease involving damage and eventually death of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) that comprise the optic nerve. This review summarizes current understanding of specific RGC type vulnerability in glaucoma and how electroretinography (ERG) may provide an objective measure of these functional perturbations. There is building evidence to suggest that ON RGCs, which respond to light increments, may be more resilient to elevated intraocular pressure and glaucoma, whereas OFF RGCs, which respond to light decrements, may be more susceptible. ERG experiments in nonhuman primates and mice have also shown that the ON- and OFF-pathways can be separated using a variety of techniques such as pattern ERG and the photopic negative response. Another ERG paradigm of interest to separate the ON and OFF responses is a flicker stimulus at varying temporal frequencies. Response to lower temporal frequencies is associated with the ON-pathway, and ERG response to higher frequencies is associated with the OFF-pathway. In mice, experimental glaucoma models have shown greater decreases in ERG response at higher frequencies, suggesting that the OFF-pathway is more susceptible. We also summarize current clinical ERG protocols used for glaucoma and discuss innovations for developing new types of stimuli that can further separate the ON- and OFF-pathways. Applying these novel paradigms that distinguish ON- and OFF-pathways may ultimately improve glaucoma diagnostics and monitoring of glaucoma progression.Translational relevanceBased on our current understanding of specific RGC type vulnerability in glaucoma, we explore how ERG may provide an objective measure of ON- versus OFF-pathway functional perturbations.
I DonAT Know

Experts with reputational concerns, even good ones, are averse to admitting what they don’t know. This diminishes our trust in experts and, in turn, the role of science in society. We model the strategic communication of uncertainty, allowing for the salient reality that some questions are ill-posed or unanswerable. Combined with a new use of Markov sequential equilibrium, our model sheds new light on old results about the challenge of getting experts to admit uncertainty – even when it is possible to check predictive success. Moreover, we identify a novel solution: checking features of the problem itself that only good experts will infer – in particular, whether the problem is answerable – allows for equilibria where uninformed experts do say “I Don’t Know.”
Rent burden determinants in hot and cold housing markets of Davidson and Shelby counties, Tennessee

Rent burden is a situation when a renter‐occupied household spends a sizable portion of its income on housing costs. Using census tracts as the scale of analysis, this article examines rent burden determinants in Shelby and Davidson counties, the two largest of Tennessee. These counties differ substantially in terms of their housing markets, demographics, and the state of their economy. Mapping reveals distinct spatial patterns of rent burden and its geographic extent. Correlations and spatial regression analyses suggest that in both counties, a lack of access to an automobile, crowded living, and the presence of children in households similarly associate with higher rent burden. In contrast, educational attainment, race, and a lack of medical insurance do not demonstrate such consensus. Compared to Davidson County, race is a less crucial predictor of rent burden in Shelby County, likely due to its predominantly African American composition across different income groups. Besides, the positive effect of education is more pronounced in Shelby County. Results indicate that rent burden tends to be more of a socioeconomic class issue in Shelby County, whereas it is not as strongly associated with the socially disadvantaged in Davidson County.
Laminin-111 Enriched Fibrin Hydrogels Enhance Functional Muscle Regeneration Following Trauma

Volumetric muscle loss (VML) is the surgical or traumatic loss of skeletal muscle which can cause loss of limb function or permanent disability. VML injuries overwhelms the endogenous regenerative capacity of skeletal muscle and results in poor functional healing outcomes. Currently, there are no approved tissue engineering treatments for VML injuries. In this study, fibrin hydrogels enriched with laminin-111 (50-450 µg/ml) were used for the treatment of VML of the tibialis anterior muscle in a rat model. Treatment with fibrin hydrogel containing 450 µg/ml of laminin-111 (FBN450) improved muscle regeneration following VML injury. FBN450 hydrogel treatment increased the relative proportion of contractile to fibrotic tissue as indicated by the myosin: collagen ratio on day 28 post-VML injury. FBN450 hydrogels also enhanced myogenic protein expression and increased the quantity of small to medium size myofibers (500-2000 µm2) as well as innervated myofibers. Improved contractile tissue deposition due to FBN450 hydrogel treatment resulted in a significant improvement (~60%) in torque production at day 28 post-injury. Taken together, these results suggest that the acellular FBN450 hydrogels provide a promising therapeutic strategy for VML that is worthy of further investigation.
A Volumetric Fractional Coverage Model to the Predict Frictional Behavior for In Situ Solid Transfer Film Lubrication

Pellets were formed by compacting MoS2 powder. In the setup, the pellet is sheared against a disk surface while the slider pad rides on the MoS2 partially-covered asperities, while depleting the lubricant. A volumetric fractional coverage (VFC) modeling approach was developed to predict the friction coefficients for the lubricated pellet/disk sliding contact by assuming that the friction coefficients at pellet/disk and slider/disk interfaces are functions of the fraction of lubricant occupying the control volume. This fractional coverage is a theoretical parameter for quantifying the amount of third body film covering the disk asperities as a function of time. The model can be applied to a deterministic surface, thus, the proposed theory can predict the behavior of friction coefficients between the pellet/disk and slider/disk interfaces for most topographies, whether they are deterministic (i.e., textured) or real (i.e., random).Copyright © 2011 by ASME
A flight control system for aerial robots: algorithms and experiments

This paper presents a hierarchical flight control system for unmanned aerial vehicles. The proposed system executes high-level mission objectives by progressively substantiating them into machine-level commands. The acquired information from various sensors is propagated back to the higher layers for reactive decision making. Each vehicle is connected via standardized wireless communication protocol for scalable multi-agent coordination. The proposed system has been successfully implemented on a number of small helicopters and validated in various applications. Results from waypoint navigation, a probabilistic pursuit-evasion game and vision-based target tracking demonstrate the potential of the proposed approach toward intelligent flying robots.
Sire breed effects in matings with Angus cows: I. Fertility, calf survival and performance to 18 months.

Over six calf crops, 524 exposures of Angus cows to three sire breeds resulted in 432 weaned calves for an 82.4% calf crop. Least-squares means for weaning rate by sire breed were 81.8, 80.5 and 83.9% for Angus, Charolais and Holsteins, respectively. Sire breed effect was not significant for calving rate, calf mortality or overall weaning rate, but was significant for all growth traits from birth to 18 mo. Angus-sired calves were smallest at birth, grew at a slower rate and were lightest in weight at all ages. Charolais-sired calves were heaviest at all weigh periods and Holstein-sired calves were intermediate. Holstein-sired calves scored significantly lower for both grade and condition than did Angus- and Charolais-sired calves. Charolais-sired calves had the highest grade. Calving rate tended to be influenced by the effect of cow (P less than .10) and sire breed X year (P less than .001). Calving rate was highest for 3-yr-old and for 6- to 10-yr-old cows and was also 1.5 percentage units higher for crossbred matings. Cow productivity (kg of calf weaned/cow exposed) is a combined measure of fertility, calf survival and weaning weight. Although sire breed did not significantly affect cow productivity (P less than .20), actual values favored cows producing crossbred calves by 14 and 9 kg for Charolais and Holstein crosses, respectively. Likewise, weight differences at 18 mo favored these crosses by 50 and 32 kg for heifers and 72 and 62 kg for steers. Among the two crossbred types, Charolais X Angus heifers were 28 kg heavier (P less than .05) than Holstein X Angus heifers at 18 mo but the 10 kg difference in steers was not significant. The fact that the large sire breeds produced calves with heavier weaning weights without demonstrating significant increases in overall productivity points out the importance of high weaning rates.
Band-stop noise modulated bandpass sigma-delta analog-to-digital converter

In this paper, we present a method to reduce the effects of substrate noise on bandpass sigma-delta (/spl Sigma//spl Delta/) ADCs through the use of band-stop noise modulation, where the notch of the modulation noise spectrum is centered around the input signal band. Several band-stop noise (BSN) resonator structures required for bandpass /spl Sigma//spl Delta/ ADC implementations are presented. The proposed designs have been adapted from traditional resonator designs. These include the forward Euler (FE) resonator, forward Euler non-delayed (FEND) resonator, lossless discrete integrator (LDI), and the double-delay resonator. An example utilizing a fourth-order BSN modulated bandpass /spl Sigma//spl Delta/ ADC with a 1-bit quantizer is presented. Additionally, a method to generate the required BSN sequence is proposed. Simulation results demonstrate that this architecture achieves a 7.7 dB improvement in SNR and a 19 dB improvement in SFDR over the traditional fourth-order bandpass /spl Sigma//spl Delta/ ADC.
Treatment and Prevention of Cytomegalovirus Infections

Treatment of systemic virus diseases is still largely experimental, although rapid progress is being made. The basic problem has been that putative antiviral agents may not be effective enough or are too toxic. Evaluation of the effect of these drugs may also be difficult. Frequently, the disease that is treated has a variable course, and the demonstration of efficacy of an antiviral may not be possible except by a blind, controlled study in which the drug-treated group is compared to a placebotreated group. Such studies are expensive to undertake, and although the knowledge gained is usually solid, it is often limited. On the other hand, when a drug seems to be effective, controlled studies are also difficult to undertake.
Quality of Life After Surgery for Crohn's Disease: A Psychosocial Survey

Abstract In an effort to assess the quality of life after surgery for Crohn's disease, we have conducted a psychosocial survey of patients who underwent their first elective operation at this institution 5–10 yr earlier. Of all 53 patients who qualified for study, 51 (96%) were located and interviewed. Twenty-six patients had their initial disease confined to the ileum; 25 had disease predominantly in the colon with or without concomitant ileal involvement. They were asked specific questions about disease-related problems in interpersonal relationships, school and job performance, recreational activity, sexuality, and body image. These five areas, as well as physical symptoms, general function, and overall satisfaction were assessed for three periods in time: 6 mo preoperatively, 1 yr postoperatively, and at interview. All 51 patients (100%) recalled impairment of overall function preoperatively, classified as severe by 20 patients with ileitis (77%) and 22 with (ileo)colitis (88%). The patients reported a progressive postoperative decrease in overall dysfunction, with the proportions describing impairment at the time of interview being only 42% (15% severe) with ileitis and 48% (12% severe) with (ileo)colitis. Similar improvement was also reported for physical symptoms and for each of the five psychosocial areas surveyed. Despite disease recurrence or extension in 27 patients, and the creation of an ileostomy in 14, 47 patients (92%) were satisfied with the surgical outcome; only 4 (8%) would not have chosen surgery again. Disease recurrence or an ileostomy were significantly unfavorable influences, yet did not prevent the reporting of substantial improvement compared to preoperative status. After elective surgery, therefore, most patients with Crohn's disease perceive the operation as having provided long-term improvement in their quality of life.
AVPV neurons containing estrogen receptor-beta in adult male rats are influenced by soy isoflavones

Isoflavones, the most abundant phytoestrogens in soy foods, are structurally similar to 17beta-estradiol. It is known that 17beta-estradiol induces apoptosis in anteroventral periventricular nucleus (AVPV) in rat brain. Also, there is evidence that consumption of soy isoflavones reduces the volume of AVPV in male rats. Therefore, in this study, we examined the influence of dietary soy isoflavones on apoptosis in AVPV of 150 day-old male rats fed either a soy isoflavone-free diet (Phyto-free) or a soy isoflavone-rich diet (Phyto-600). The occurrence of apoptosis in AVPV was examined by TUNEL staining. The incidence of apoptosis was about 10 times higher in the Phyto-600 group (33.1 ± 1.7%) than in the Phyto-free group (3.6 ± 1.0%). Furthermore, these apoptotic cells were identified as neurons by dual immunofluorescent staining of GFAP and NeuN as markers of astrocytes and neurons, respectively. Then the dopaminergic neurons in AVPV were detected by immunohistochemistry staining of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH). No significant difference in the number of TH neurons was observed between the diet treatment groups. When estrogen receptor (ER) alpha and beta were examined by immunohistochemistry, we observed a 22% reduction of ERbeta-positive cell numbers in AVPV with consumption of soy isoflavones, whereas no significant change in ERalpha-positive cell numbers was detected. Furthermore, almost all the apoptotic cells were ERbeta-immunoreactive (ir), but not ERalpha-ir. Last, subcutaneous injections of equol (a major isoflavone metabolite) that accounts for approximately 70–90% of the total circulating plasma isoflavone levels did not alter the volume of AVPV in adult male rats. In summary, these findings provide direct evidence that consumption of soy isoflavones, but not the exposure to equol, influences the loss of ERbeta-containing neurons in male AVPV.
Age and Dietary Form of Vitamin K Affect Menaquinone-4 Concentrations in Male Fischer 344 Rats

Phylloquinone, the primary dietary form of vitamin K, is converted to menaquinone-4 (MK-4) in certain tissues. MK-4 may have tissue-specific roles independent of those traditionally identified with vitamin K. Fischer 344 male rats of different ages (2, 12, and 24 mo, n = 20 per age group) were used to compare the conversion of phylloquinone to MK-4 with an equivalent dose of another dietary form of vitamin K, 2',3'-dihydrophylloquinone. Rats were age- and diet-group pair-fed phylloquinone (198 +/- 9.0 microg/kg diet) or dihydrophylloquinone (172 +/- 13.0 microg/kg diet) for 28 d. MK-4 was the primary form of vitamin K in serum, spleen, kidney, testes, bone marrow, and brain myelin fractions, regardless of age group. MK-4 concentrations were significantly lower in kidney, heart, testes, cortex (myelin), and striatum (myelin) in the dihydrophylloquinone diet group compared with the phylloquinone diet group (P < 0.05). The MK-4 concentrations in 2-mo-old rats were lower in liver, spleen, kidney, heart, and cortex (myelin) but higher in testes compared with 24-mo-old rats (P < 0.05). However, there were no age-specific differences in MK-4 concentrations among the rats fed the 2 diets. These data suggest that dihydrophylloquinone, which differs from phylloquinone in its side phytyl chain, is absorbed but its intake results in less MK-4 in certain tissues. Dihydrophylloquinone may be used in models for the study of tissue-specific vitamin K deficiency.
Applying Piaget's Stages of Intellectual Development and Guilford's Structure of Intellect Model to Training Instructional Developers.

This article states and gives evidence that (1) there is a set of underlying skills required by the instructional developer to enable him or her to learn and apply specific ID skills; (2) these underlying skills take the form of a cognitive strategy—an internal thought and control process; (3) this cognitive strategy underlying ID is an internal problem solving process; (4) the components of this internal problem solving thought and control process underlying ID can be identified based on the theoretical frameworks of (a) Piaget’s formal operational thought and (b) Guilford’s structure of intellect model. In addition, this article reports the results of a preliminary study that indicate a strong relationship between formal operational thought and the ability to do ID. This article concludes that: There is little evidence that the cognitive strategy underlying ID can be taught to adult learners at all, and, if it can be taught, it can only be done (a) indirectly, by providing favorable conditions through instructional strategies and (b) over a long period of learning and practice. Consequently (1) more research is necessary; (2) we should use instructional strategies that create “favorable conditions” for developing cognitive strategy in our students; and (3) if we cannot teach the internal problem solving cognitive strategy that underlies ID, then we must use it as a screening device when selecting students for graduate ID programs.
A Recursive Rule for Kazhdan–Lusztig Characters

Abstract A formula for computing Kazhdan–Lusztig characters in Hecke algebras of Coxeter groups is given. This formula holds for products of Coxeter elements of parabolic subgroups in an arbitrary Coxeter group, where the parabolic subgroups are of type A and the Kazhdan–Lusztig representations are of finite dimension. The formula yields new combinatorial interpretations (of Murnaghan–Nakayama type) to these characters and to other related characters.