cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Factors Influencing Habitat Selection in Fishes with a Review of Marsh Ecosystems

We review the general theory regarding habitat selection in fishes and integrate this theory with recent data to evaluate habitat selection by marsh fishes. Models of habitat selection in fishes have evolved rapidly. The earliest models predicted habitat selection based on simple variables like temperature or salinity. Optimal foraging models project habitat selection of individuals based on food availability. Environmental factors and food can be integrated using bioenergetic models to predict the distribution of individuals based on bioenergetic optimization. Habitat selection can be modified by the presence of other individuals including competitors (theory based on ideal free distributions) and predators (theory based on trade-offs of growth vs. predation risk). The most current models use game theory to project the dynamics of habitat selection for both prey species and their mobile predators. In a review of marsh ecosystems, we found that little information is currently available with which to evaluate potential mechanisms underlying patterns of habitat use in these systems. Though marshes are widely considered important for foraging and predator refuge, this function has rarely been measured or critically evaluated. In contrast, measurement has focused on abiotic factors, resulting in a mismatch between factors cited as important and those actually measured. Existing theory on habitat selection in fishes combined with the strong empirical base that has been developed on patterns of habitat use in marsh fishes provides a unique opportunity to begin testing relevant mechanisms underlying distributional patterns. A mechanistic approach is necessary to understand the functional value of habitat to organisms as well as provide a basis for the implementation and evaluation of habitat restoration and management initiatives.
The ecology and evolution of induced responses to herbivory and how plants perceive risk

Author(s): Karban, R | Abstract: 1. Plants perceive herbivore damage or increased risk and respond. These changes may increase plant fitness, although effects on fitness have often been assumed without supporting evidence. 2. Three models have been proposed to explain induced rather than constitutive defence. The optimal defence model posits that induction allow plants to reduce allocation costs; it predicts demonstrably lower costs when defences are not needed. The moving target model posits that induction increases spatial and temporal variability; it predicts that variability will be difficult for herbivores and will provide defence. The information transfer model posits that induced responses provide cues to other tissues on that individual plant and to other organisms in the community; it predicts that induced cues will provide systemic resistance, deter herbivores, and/or attract enemies of herbivores, thereby benefiting the induced plant. 3. All three models predict that cues must be reliable to be useful. In some cases, cues provide specific information about the damaged plant tissue and the herbivore and this specific information may allow plants to fine-tune responses. Recent theory posits that selection should favour plants that minimise recognition errors and reduce fitness costs associated with errors. 4. Future research should focus on exploring different modalities used by plants to perceive herbivore risk, the benefits and costs of perceiving cues and inducing resistance, and the basic natural history of these phenomena. Induced responses have great unrealised potential in agriculture, and research should focus on host plant resistance rather than attempting to involve other trophic levels.
MRI-derived bone porosity index correlates to bone composition and mechanical stiffness.

Abstract The MRI-derived porosity index (PI) is a non-invasively obtained biomarker based on an ultrashort echo time sequence that images both bound and pore water protons in bone, corresponding to water bound to organic collagenous matrix and freely moving water, respectively. This measure is known to strongly correlate with the actual volumetric cortical bone porosity. However, it is unknown whether PI may also be able to directly quantify bone organic composition and/or mechanical properties. We investigated this in human cadaveric tibiae by comparing PI values to near infrared spectral imaging (NIRSI) compositional data and mechanical compression data. Data were obtained from a cohort of eighteen tibiae from male and female donors with a mean ± SD age of 70 ± 21 years. Biomechanical stiffness in compression and NIRSI-derived collagen and bound water content all had significant inverse correlations with PI (r = −0.79, −0.73, and −0.95 and p = 0.002, 0.007, and
FOXA proteins regulate MMP7 in collaboration with ETV4 protein in pancreatic cancer

63 The family of forkhead transcription factors (FOX proteins) contains a huge number of members with diverse functions, ranging from embryonic development, organ specification, cell proliferation to energy metabolism. Only recently, however, have their roles in tumorigenesis and cancer metastasis started to emerge. Particularly, FOXA proteins (Class A of FOX proteins) have been demonstrated to be overexpressed in several human cancers; including those of the esophagus, mammary gland and prostate, although their functions are largely unknown. In normal pancreas, FOXA proteins are well-known to be indispensable for organ development and glucose metabolism. Little is known about their roles in pancreatic cancer, a dismal disease with an overall survival rate of less than 4%. Matrix metalloproteinase 7 (MMP7), a member of the family of matrix metalloproteinases, is overexpressed in more than 98% of human pancreatic cancers, in contrast to its quiescence in normal pancreas. It has been proposed as a marker for early detection of pancreatic cancer. In this study, we have found that FOXA1 and FOXA2 protein are overexpressed in human pancreatic cancer samples and pancreatic cancer cell lines, as well as in a mouse model of pancreatic cancer, using immunohistochemistry and immunoblot analysis. Utilizing RNAi knockdown and transient overexpression assays, we showed that FOXA1 and FOXA2 proteins were required for MMP7 expression in pancreatic cancer cell lines. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) demonstrated that FOXA proteins directly bind with the MMP7 promoter region. Luciferase-reporter assays illustrated FOXA proteins are activators of the MMP7 promoter. Mutagenesis of the FOXA binding sites in the MMP7 promoter eliminated their physical interaction, as well as promoter responsiveness to FOXA proteins. Furthermore, E1A enhancer binding protein (ETV4) was characterized as a partner of FOXA proteins, synergistically enhancing FOXA-induced MMP7 expression. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that the overexpressed FOXA1 and FOXA2 proteins, together with ETV4, lead to the abnormal up-regulation of MMP7 in pancreatic cancer. This finding suggests that overexpressed FOXA proteins may have functional roles in pancreatic cancer tumorigenesis or metastasis by regulating MMP7 expression, and likely other target genes.
GRID401.CPP: a C++ graphics framework program: nifty tools

In the Comp 150 Computer Programming I course taught at Wittenberg University, I provide students with a simple graphics frame work program which allows them to write C++ code that generates graphic output. The frame work consists of a 401 x 401 grid, three buttons (Draw, Clear, and Quit) and a simple set of graphic primitives to draw a line, plot a point, set the current color, etc. Students write the code for their own main function, called myMain(), which is called when the Draw button is clicked. The intent is to provide a graphics framework on which to demonstrate various programming techniques, not to teach computer graphics, although by necessity some computer graphics is covered. The Grid401.cpp framework is used both in labs and for programming assignments. Below is a partial list of Grid401.cpp uses 1. Turtle graphics -- counting loops 2. The Sierpinski gasket -- midpoint functions; pseudo-random number generator 3. Drawing rosettes -- using arrays for coordinates 4. Drawing a Greek temple -- functions for rectangles, triangles, circles 5. Drawings using polylines -- reading text files 6. Graphing Functions - 7. Mandelbrot Set -- an application using a complex class 8. Game of Life -- 2 dimensional arrays
From Salt in Solution to Solely Ions: Solvation of Methyl Viologen in Deep Eutectic Solvents and Ionic Liquids

Solvation and transport properties of methly viologen dichloride (MVCl2) in 1:2, 1:4, and 1:6 molar mixtures of choline chloride (ChCl) and ethylene glycol (EG), including the deep eutectic solvent...
Trade Policy Under the Biden Administration

The past several years have been tumultuous ones for U.S. trade policy. After strident rhetoric from Donald Trump during his presidential campaign, his administration followed up with a wide range of aggressive actions. Congress, U.S. trading partners, businesses, and consumers have all been pushed to their limits by an administration that has taken U.S. policy in a protectionist and unilateral direction. If Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden wins the 2020 election, he will face the challenge of developing a coherent U.S. trade policy that provides stability and certainty. This paper presents an overview of the trade issues a President Joe Biden would likely face, with some suggestions on possible approaches his administration might take. It covers seven major topics, with some overlap among them: Trade agreements: What should U.S. trade agreements say, and with whom should the United States negotiate them? The World Trade Organization (WTO): How should a Biden administration deal with the many challenges faced by the multilateral trade institution that is the foundation of the trading system? China: How should a Biden administration approach China’s controversial and difficult integration into the trading system? The United States‐​Mexico‐​Canada Agreement (USMCA): Can some of the USMCA’s flaws be fixed during implementation? Executive trade actions: How should a Biden administration use executive branch discretion over trade policy? The role of Congress: Is it time to recalibrate the legislative/​executive balance of power over trade? Personnel: Who should be in charge of U.S. trade policy?
Pleckstrin homology (PH) domain and Leucine Rich Repeat Phosphatase 1 (Phlpp1) Suppresses Parathyroid Hormone Receptor 1 (Pth1r) Expression and Signaling During Bone Growth

Endochondral ossification is tightly controlled by a coordinated network of signaling cascades including parathyroid hormone (PTH). Pleckstrin homology (PH) domain and leucine rich repeat phosphatase 1 (Phlpp1) affects endochondral ossification by suppressing chondrocyte proliferation in the growth plate, longitudinal bone growth, and bone mineralization. As such, Phlpp1-/- mice have shorter long bones, thicker growth plates, and proportionally larger growth plate proliferative zones. The goal of this study was to determine how Phlpp1 deficiency affects PTH signaling during bone growth. Transcriptomic analysis revealed greater PTH receptor 1 (Pth1r) expression and enrichment of histone 3 lysine 27 acetylation (H3K27ac) at the Pth1r promoter in Phlpp1-deficient chondrocytes. PTH (1-34) enhanced and PTH (7-34) attenuated cell proliferation, cAMP signaling, cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) phosphorylation, and cell metabolic activity in Phlpp1-inhibited chondrocytes. To understand the role of Pth1r action in the endochondral phenotypes of Phlpp1-deficient mice, Phlpp1-/- mice were injected with Pth1r ligand PTH (7-34) daily for the first 4 weeks of life. PTH (7-34) reversed the abnormal growth plate and long-bone growth phenotypes of Phlpp1-/- mice but did not rescue deficits in bone mineral density or trabecular number. These results show that elevated Pth1r expression and signaling contributes to increased proliferation in Phlpp1-/- chondrocytes and shorter bones in Phlpp1-deficient mice. Our data reveal a novel molecular relationship between Phlpp1 and Pth1r in chondrocytes during growth plate development and longitudinal bone growth. © 2021 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Metachronal swimming of mantis shrimp: kinematics and interpleopod vortex interactions.

Mantis shrimp swim via metachronal rowing, a pattern in which the pleopods (swimming limbs) stroke sequentially, starting with the last pair and followed by anterior neighbors. A similar swimming pattern is used at various sizes, Reynolds numbers, and advance ratios by diverse organisms including ciliates, ctenophores, copepods, krill, and lobsters. Understanding this type of locomotion is important because it is widespread and may inspire the design of underwater vehicles where efficiency, robustness, and maneuverability are desired. However, detailed measurements of the flow around free-swimming, metachronally rowing organisms are scarce, especially for organisms swimming in a high Reynolds number regime (Re ≥ 104). In this study, we present time-resolved, planar PIV measurements of a swimming peacock mantis shrimp (Odontodactylus scyllarus). Simultaneous kinematics measurements of the animal, which had body and pleopod lengths of 114 mm and 20 mm, respectively, reveal mean swimming speeds of 0.2-1.9 m s - 1 and pleopod beat frequencies of 3.6-13 Hz, corresponding to advance ratios of 0.75-1.84 and body-based Reynolds numbers of 23,000-217,000. Further, the animal's stroke is not purely metachronal, with a long phase lag between initiation of the first and fifth pleopod power strokes. Flow measurements in the sagittal plane show that each stroking pleopod pair creates a posteriorly moving tip vortex which evades destruction by the recovery strokes of other pleopod pairs. The vortex created by the anteriormost pleopod pair is the strongest and, owing to the animal's high advance ratio, is intercepted by the power stroke of the posteriormost pleopod pair. The vortex strength increases as a result of this interaction, which may increase swimming speed or efficiency. A relationship for vortex interception by the posterior pleopod is proposed that relates the phase lag between the interacting pleopods to the beat frequency, distance between those pleopods, and speed of the vortex relative to the animal. We describe this interaction with a novel parameter called the interpleopod vortex phase matching Strouhal number StIVPM which is equal to the phase lag between interacting pleopods. This new nondimensional parameter may be useful in predicting the conditions where a constructive interaction may occur in other species or in physical models. Finally, we relate the advance ratio to the Reynolds number ratio, the ratio between the body-based Reynolds number and the pleopod-based Reynolds number. The importance of these parameters in promoting the interpleopod vortex interactions identified here, in dynamically scaled experiments, and in wake signatures behind schooling metachronal swimmers is discussed.
Immediate Postoperative Imaging Following Elective Lumbar Fusion Provides Little Clinical Utility.

STUDY DESIGN Retrospective review at a single institution of all adult patients who underwent elective lumbar fusion surgery for degenerative spinal disease from 2013 to 2018. Reoperation rates and change in clinical management due to routine imaging findings were the primary outcomes. OBJECTIVE To investigate what effects immediate routine postoperative imaging has on the clinical management of patients following lumbar fusion surgery. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA The clinical utility of routine postoperative imaging following lumbar fusion surgery remains uncertain. Existing studies on the clinical utility of postoperative imaging in lumbar fusion patients have largely focused on imaging obtained post-discharge. We present a retrospective analysis that to our knowledge is the first study reporting on the clinical utility of routine imaging in lumbar fusion patients during the immediate postoperative period. METHODS The medical records of patients who had undergone elective lumbar instrumented fusion for degenerative disease from 2013 to 2018 by neurosurgeons across one regional healthcare system were retrospectively analyzed. Inpatient records and imaging orders for patients were reviewed. Routine immediate postoperative imaging was defined by any lumbar spine imaging prior to discharge in the absence of specific indications. RESULTS Analysis identified 115 patients who underwent elective lumbar instrumented fusion for degenerative disease. One-hundred-twelve patients received routine postoperative imaging. Routine imaging was abnormal in four patients (4%). There was one instance (<1%) where routine immediate postoperative imaging led to change in clinical management. Abnormal routine imaging was not associated with either reoperation or development of neurological symptoms postoperatively (P = 0.10), however, new or worsening neurologic deficits did predict reoperation (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION New neurologic deficit was the only significant predictor of reoperation. Routine imaging, whether normal or abnormal, was not found to be associated with reoperation. The practice of routine imaging prior to discharge following elective lumbar fusion surgery appears to provide little utility to clinical management.Level of Evidence: 3.
Reliability Testing by Mechanical and Electrical Characterization of Flexible and Stretchable Interconnect Materials

Flexible interconnects are mainly characterized by their ability to bend, fold, compress or stretch while maintaining their electrical stability and mechanical durability even under considerable deformations. A trade-off between the mechanical and electrical properties has always put researchers in a dilemma while choosing interconnects for potential applications in flexible and stretchable electronics. In this paper, we present bending and stretch testing methods for emerging interconnect materials such as copper coated polyimide, aluminum coated PET and copper coated PET. The materials under test are scanned using Optical and Scanning Electron Microscope to scrutinize creases, cracks, and other deformations. Electrical characterization is performed using a precision 2-point DC probe and four-point sheet resistance probe. These results are compared to a PDMS-silver conducting composite interconnect subject to similar test conditions.
Differential Roles of Actin Crosslinking Proteins Filamin and α-Actinin in Shear Flow-Induced Migration of Dictyostelium discoideum.

Shear flow-induced migration is an important physiological phenomenon experienced by multiple cell types, including leukocytes and cancer cells. However, molecular mechanisms by which cells sense and directionally migrate in response to mechanical perturbation are not well understood. Dictyostelium discoideum social amoeba, a well-established model for studying amoeboid-type migration, also exhibits directional motility when exposed to shear flow, and this behavior is preceded by rapid and transient activation of the same signal transduction network that is activated by chemoattractants. The initial response, which can also be observed following brief 2 sec stimulation with shear flow, requires an intact actin cytoskeleton; however, what aspect of the cytoskeletal network is responsible for sensing and/or transmitting the signal is unclear. We investigated the role of actin crosslinkers filamin and α-actinin by analyzing initial shear flow-stimulated responses in cells with or without these proteins. Both filamin and α-actinin showed rapid and transient relocalization from the cytosol to the cortex following shear flow stimulation. Using spatiotemporal analysis of Ras GTPase activation as a readout of signal transduction network activity, we demonstrated that lack of α-actinin did not reduce, and, in fact, slightly improved the response to acute mechanical stimulation compared to cells expressing α-actinin. In contrast, shear flow-induced Ras activation was significantly more robust in filamin-null cells rescued with filamin compared to cells expressing empty vector. Reduced responsiveness appeared to be specific to mechanical stimuli and was not due to a change in the basal activity since response to global stimulation with a chemoattractant and random migration was comparable between cells with or without filamin. Finally, while filamin-null cells rescued with filamin efficiently migrated upstream when presented with continuous flow, cells lacking filamin were defective in directional migration. Overall, our study suggests that filamin, but not α-actinin, is involved in sensing and/or transmitting mechanical stimuli that drive directed migration; however, other components of the actin cytoskeleton likely also contribute to the initial response since filamin-null cells were still able to activate the signal transduction network. These findings could have implications for our fundamental understanding of shear flow-induced migration of leukocytes, cancer cells and other amoeboid-type cells.
Curating Quality? How Twitter’s Timeline Algorithm Treats Different Types of News:

This article explores how Twitter’s algorithmic timeline influences exposure to different types of external media. We use an agent-based testing method to compare chronological timelines and algori...
Peptide hydrogels for affinity-controlled release of therapeutic cargo: Current and potential strategies

The development of devices for the precise and controlled delivery of therapeutics has grown rapidly over the last few decades. Drug delivery materials must provide a depot with delivery profiles that satisfy pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic requirements resulting in clinical benefit. Therapeutic efficacy can be limited due to short half-life and poor stability. Thus, to compensate for this, frequent administration and high doses are often required to achieve therapeutic effect, which in turn increases potential side effects and systemic toxicity. This can potentially be mitigated by using materials that can deliver drugs at controlled rates, and material design principles that allow this are continuously evolving. Affinity-based release strategies incorporate a myriad of reversible interactions into a gel network, which have affinities for the therapeutic of interest. Reversible binding to the gel network impacts the release profile of the drug. Such affinity-based interactions can be modulated to control the release profile to meet pharmacokinetic benchmarks. Much work has been done developing affinity-based control in the context of polymer-based materials. However, this strategy has not been widely implemented in peptide-based hydrogels. Herein, we present recent advances in the use of affinity-controlled peptide gel release systems and their associated mechanisms for applications in drug delivery.
Clinical and pathological features of renal epithelioid angiomyolipoma (PEComa): A single institution series.

Abstract Renal angiomyolipomas are benign tumors of the kidney that belong to the ‘PEComa: perivascular epithelioid cell’ family. Epithelioid AMLs (eAML) are a rare monotypic subtype with malignant potential, that can occur sporadically or be associated with tuberous sclerosis (TSC). Due to their epithelioid nature, eAMLs can closely resemble high-grade renal cell carcinoma ( RCC ), which may result in misdiagnosis . Multiple clinicopathologic parameters are predictive of worse outcomes for patients with eAML. Those can be used to stratify patients into groups with low, intermediate and high risk for disease progression. A high index of suspicion and a thorough immunohistochemical study are required to correctly diagnose eAML. Radiographically, eAMLs are also a diagnostic challenge as they share features with RCC on CT and MR imaging. Due to this close mimicry, the true incidence of eAML is thought to be much higher than 200 cases as reported in the literature. We report a series of four patients diagnosed with eAML and compare their clinical courses. We also report on the successful treatment of a patient with pulmonary metastasis from eAML using the mTOR inhibitor, everolimus. By identifying eAML and recognizing its high-risk features, it is possible mTOR inhibitors may have a meaningful role in the adjuvant treatment of these patients.
An Autonomous Water Vapor Plume Tracking Robot Using Passive Resistive Polymer Sensors

A simple reactive robot is described which is capable of tracking a water vapor plume to its source. The robot acts completely within the plume and is endowed with no deliberate information about wind direction or speed, yet accurately tracks the plume upstream. The robot's behavior, results from the behavior of simple resistive polymer sensors and their strategic placement on the robot's body.
Limitations to first-order PMD compensation in WDM systems due to XPM-induced PSP changes

We show both numerically and experimentally that the nonlinear phase change due to cross-phase modulation (XPM) induces a bit-pattern-dependent change in the state-of-polarization that translates to uncertainty in the principal states of polarization (PSP). This effect severely limits the effectiveness of first-order polarization mode dispersion (PMD) post-compensation and suggests the use of in-line compensation.
Adopted Children with Reactive Attachment Disorder: A Qualitative Study on Family Processes

Children with histories of early childhood neglect can exhibit a multitude of problematic behaviors, along with the potential for numerous physical and cognitive deficits. In some cases, these children can exhibit behaviors reflective of a diagnosis of reactive attachment disorder (RAD). Families who adopt children with RAD may face unique issues when it comes to addressing problem behavior and providing the child adequate care. This article discusses the results of a study that examined the processes that occur in families who adopt children with RAD. Guided by the principles of grounded theory, this study employed a multi-stage semi-structured interview design. The sample consisted of five adoptive families from the Midwest, and included both adult and child participants. The findings revealed six prominent themes: Parents report difficulty educating others about RAD; obtaining the needed care and services was a constant fight; RAD behavior is socially isolating; and raising a child with RAD is continuously stressful. Older siblings felt compelled to intervene in the care of the child with RAD; and felt increased autonomy from their parents. Implications for social work and clinical practice are discussed.
Functional Balance Difficulty in Essential Tremor: The Role of Cognition (P4.076)

OBJECTIVE: To examine whether a subset of essential tremor (ET) patients, with lower scores on a cognitive test, are at a greater risk of functional balance difficulty. BACKGROUND: Balance and gait impairments are commonly seen in ET. Using quantitative gait analysis, we recently reported that ET patients with lower scores on a cognitive test (ET-LCS) had greater gait impairments than ET patients with higher cognitive scores (ET-HCS), and controls. In this study, we examined whether this same subgroup (i.e., ET patients with lower cognitive scores) had lower balance confidence, and more near falls and falls (i.e., greater functional balance difficulty). DESIGN/METHODS: We re-contacted participants recruited to our previous study, and administered the short version of the Activities of Balance Confidence-6 (ABC) scale, and collected data on near falls and falls in the previous year. One-hundred-eighty subjects (132 ET, 48 controls) participated. ET patients were divided into two groups based on the median score on the modified Mini Mental State Exam: ET-LCS vs. ET-HCS. RESULTS: ET-LCS had lower ABC-6 scores and a greater number of near falls and falls than ET-HCS (p<0.05 for all measures) and controls (p<0.001 for all measures). Quantitative gait measures were significantly correlated with ABC-6 score, near falls and falls. Gait velocity (p<0.01) and ABC-6 score (p<0.01) were significant predictors of falls. ROC curve analysis in the 132 ET cases revealed that gait velocity <0.9 m/s and ABC-6 score <51% were associated with moderate sensitivity and specificity in identifying ET patients who were fallers. CONCLUSIONS: ET-LCS have impaired gait, and report lower balance confidence and a higher number of near falls and falls than do their counterparts (ET-HCS) and controls. We have identified two clinical assessments (gait velocity and ABC-6 scale) that are easy-to-administer and predictive of falls in ET. Study Supported by: NIH grant 5R01NS042859. Ashwini K. Rao also received support from NIH grant (K01-HD060912). Disclosure: Dr. Rao has nothing to disclose. Dr. Gilman has nothing to disclose. Dr. Louis has nothing to disclose.
Identifying the Role of E2 Domains on Alphavirus Neutralization and Protective Immune Responses

Background Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) and other alphaviruses are the etiologic agents of numerous diseases in both humans and animals. Despite this, the viral mediators of protective immunity against alphaviruses are poorly understood, highlighted by the lack of a licensed human vaccine for any member of this virus genus. The alphavirus E2, the receptor-binding envelope protein, is considered to be the predominant target of the protective host immune response. Although envelope protein domains have been studied for vaccine and neutralization in flaviviruses, their role in alphaviruses is less characterized. Here, we describe the role of the alphavirus E2 domains in neutralization and protection through the use of chimeric viruses. Methodology/Principal Findings Four chimeric viruses were constructed in which individual E2 domains of CHIKV were replaced with the corresponding domain from Semliki Forest virus (SFV) (ΔDomA/ΔDomB/ΔDomC/ ΔDomA+B). Vaccination studies in mice (both live and inactivated virus) revealed that domain B was the primary determinant of neutralization. Neutralization studies with CHIKV immune serum from humans were consistent with mouse studies, as ΔDomB was poorly neutralized. Conclusions/Significance Using chimeric viruses, it was determined that the alphavirus E2 domain B was the critical target of neutralizing antibodies in both mice and humans. Therefore, chimeric viruses may have more relevance for vaccine discovery than peptide-based approaches, which only detect linear epitopes. This study provides new insight into the role of alphavirus E2 domains on neutralization determinants and may be useful for the design of novel therapeutic technologies.
Review article: new receptor targets for medical therapy in irritable bowel syndrome.

Background Despite setbacks to the approval of new medications for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome, interim guidelines on endpoints for IBS trials have enhanced interest as new targets for medical therapy are proposed based on novel mechanisms or chemical entities.
Long term file migration: development and evaluation of algorithms

The steady increase in the power and complexity of modern computer systems has encouraged the implementation of automatic file migration systems which move files dynamically between mass storage devices and disk in response to user reference patterns. Using information describing 13 months of user disk data set file references, we develop and evaluate (replacement) algorithms for the selection of files to be moved from disk to mass storage. Our approach is general and demonstrates a general methodology for this type of problem. We find that algorithms based on both the file size and the time since the file was last used work well. The best realizable algorithms tested condition on the empirical distribution of the times between file references. Acceptable results are also obtained by selecting for replacement that file whose size times time to most recent reference is maximal. Comparisons are made with a number of standard algorithms developed for paging, such as Working Set, VMIN, and GOPT. Sufficient information (parameter values, fitted equations) is provided so that our algorithms may be easily implemented on other systems.
Deletion of tuberous sclerosis 1 in somatic cells of the murine reproductive tract causes female infertility.

Tumors develop with dysregulated activation of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), the kinase activity of which is kept in an inactive state by a tumor suppressor dimer containing tuberous sclerosis 1 (TSC1) and TSC2. We examined whether conditional deletion of TSC1 by a knock-in allele of the anti-Mullerian hormone type 2 receptor (Amhr2) driving Cre expression and subsequent activation of mTOR in granulosa cells and in oviductal and uterine stromal cells affects fertility in female mice. Increased phosphorylation of ribosomal protein S6, a downstream target of activated mTOR, was observed in all AMHR2-expressing tissues examined, indicating loss of TSC1 activity. TSC1 deletion in granulosa cells led to the detection of significantly fewer primordial follicles in mutant mice at 12 wk, suggesting premature ovarian insufficiency, which might be related to the significantly increased time mutant mice spent in estrus. Although the number of good-quality ovulated oocytes was not significantly different compared with controls, there was a significantly higher number of degenerated oocytes after normal and superovulation, suggesting compromised oocyte quality, as well. Natural mating also showed severalfold higher numbers of degenerate bodies in the mutants that collected in bilateral swellings resembling hydrosalpinges that formed in all mice examined because of occlusion of the proximal oviduct. Attempts to transfer control embryos into mutant uteri also failed, indicating that implantation was compromised. Endometrial epithelial cells continued to proliferate, and quantitative RT-PCR showed that mucin 1 expression persisted during the window of implantation in mutant uteri, without any changes in progesterone receptor mRNA expression, suggesting a mechanism that does not involve disrupted estradiol-regulated progesterone receptor expression. Homozygous deletion of TSC1 in reproductive tract somatic tissues of mice rendered females completely infertile, which is likely due to these pleiotropic effects on follicle recruitment, oviductal development, and blastocyst implantation.
On the eigenvalues of double band matrices

Abstract We consider matrices containing two diagonal bands of positive entries. We show that all eigenvalues of such matrices are of the form r ζ , where r is a nonnegative real number and ζ is a p th root of unity, where p is the period of the matrix, which is computed from the distance between the bands. We also present a problem in the asymptotics of spectra in which such double band matrices are perturbed by banded matrices.
Adjectival modification in text meaning representation

This work belongs to a family of research efforts, called microtheories and aimed at describing the static meaning of all lexical categories in several languages in the framework of the MikroKosmos project on computational semantics. The latter also involves other static microtheories describing world knowledge and syntax-semantics mapping as well as dynamic microtheories connected with the actual process of text analysis. This paper describes our approach to detecting and recording adjectival meaning, compares it with the body of knowledge on adjectives in literature and presents a detailed, practically tested methodology for the acquisition of lexical entries for adjectives. The work was based on the set of over 6,000 English and about 1,500 Spanish adjectives obtained from task-oriented corpora.
CHOLINE METABOLISM AND MEMBRANE FORMATION IN RAT HEPATOMA CELLS GROWN IN SUSPENSION CULTURE : II. Phosphatidylcholine Synthesis during Growth Cycle and Fluctuation of Mitochondrial Density

The incorporation of methyl-labeled choline into phosphorylcholine and phosphatidylcholine of cellular membranes by Novikoff rat hepatoma cells (line N1S1-67) during growth in suspension culture was investigated. Upon initiation of a fresh culture at 105 cells/ml, the rate of synthesis of phosphorylcholine by the cells was four to five times greater than that of the synthesis of phosphatidylcholine. While the rate of synthesis of the latter remained relatively constant, the rate of phosphorylation of choline decreased progressively during the course of the growth cycle of the culture to 10–20% of the initial rate when the culture reached stationary phase at 3 x 106 cells/ml. The decrease in phosphorylcholine synthesis during the growth cycle was not due to depletion of choline in the medium or a decrease in its concentration, but was correlated with a decrease in choline kinase activity of the cells as measured in cell-free extracts. Newly synthesized phosphatidylcholine was detectable in cells only as an integral part of cellular membranes. Its distribution among various cytoplasmic membrane structures separated by isopycnic centrifugation in sucrose density gradients remained relatively constant during the growth cycle. About 50% was associated with the mitochondria, and the remainder with plasma membrane fragments and other membranous structures with mean densities of about 1.15 and 1.13 g/cm3, respectively. However, the density of the mitochondria increased from about 1.167 g/cm3 in early exponential phase cells to about 1.190 g/cm3 in stationary phase cells. The finding that the density of the entire propulation of mitochondria changed simultaneously and progressively is in agreement with the view that mitochondria grow by addition of phospholipids and structural proteins and increase in number by division.
Assessment of thumb positioning in the treatment of ulnar collateral ligament injuries. A laboratory study

In the treatment of ulnar collateral ligament injuries in the metacarpophalangeal joint of the thumb, a cast or splint is often molded with the thumb and hand positioned so the patient can return quickly to a particular sport or activity. However, it is unknown whether a given position of immobilization or whether an early rehabilitation program will compromise ligament healing by causing undue tension in the ligament. To better define acceptable positions for thumb immobilization and a safe range of motion, this laboratory study measured strain in the ulnar collateral ligament at different degrees of metacarpophalangeal joint flexion. Ligament strain was found to increase with increasing joint flexion; the most significant increases in strain occurred as the joint moved from 0 degree to 25 degrees of flexion, with the dorsal portion of the ligament demonstrating greater strain than the palmar portion. Based on these results, immobilization of the metacarpophalangeal joint in excessive flexion and unrestricted early rehabilitation exercises should be done with caution and guided by the grade of injury or the quality of repair.
Kant on the Hiddenness of God

Kant's sustained reflections on God have received considerable scholarly attention over the years and rightly so. His provocative criticisms of the three traditional theoretical proofs of the existence of God, and his own positive proof for belief in God's existence on moral grounds, have fully deserved the clarification and analysis that has occurred in these discussions. What I want to focus on, however, is the extent to which Kant's position contains resources sufficient to answer a line of questioning about the existence of God that has recently been called the problem of the ‘hiddenness of God’ in contemporary discussions in philosophy of religion. If God exists roughly as the Judeo-Christian philosophical tradition conceives of him, it is puzzling, at least prima facie, why he does not make his existence overwhelmingly obvious to one and all, but rather is hidden from us. For if God is omnipotent, as the tradition maintains, it seems that he would have the power to reveal himself to us and, for that matter, with sufficient clarity that we would be left with no doubt about the matter. And if, as the tradition maintains further, it is important to God that we accept his existence and reject false idols who would pretend to divine status, it would seem that he has a significant reason to reveal himself to us. In short, given that God can make his existence obvious to all, and that doing so would fulfil an important purpose, why does he remain hidden from us?
Experimental orbital myositis: Evaluation of therapeutic modalities

In an animal model of orbital myositis, 47 eyes of 47 male New Zealand white rabbits were treated with orbital photon irradiation, systemic cyclophosphamide, systemic and periocular 5-fluorouracil, systemic and periocular cyclosporine A, and systemic hydrocortisone to evaluate their effect on extraocular muscle fibrosis and restriction. All dosages of photon irradiation lowered early strain gauge measurements but late results were optimal with 20 Gy (Gray). No significant improvement in late strain gauge measurements was gained using systemic corticosteroids or cyclophosphamide. Systemic cyclosporine A produced significant late strain gauge measurement reduction. Periocular cyclosporine A and 5-fluorouracil both produced increased fibrosis and restriction in this model.
Defining defects, errors, and service degradations

The study of defects is a principal topic of software systems, af-fecting all phases of a system's lifecycle. Defects are the cause of errors and service degradations. Unresolved errors cause failures. If defects cannot be prevented effectively, then error control me-chanisms must be evaluated.We introduce a model to distinguish between defects, errors, and service degradations. A two-dimensional classification scheme is developed for defects, defined by the types of process interaction and software corruption that are involved. A third dimension is added to this taxonomy for defects that cause service degradation, based on the deviations in service quality that are tolerated. We investigate the role of service degradation in error prevention.
Two-patch repair of complete atrioventricular septal defect using a small ventricular patch

Since 1992, 19 patients with an atrioventricular septal defect have undergone surgical treatment using a novel annuloplasty technique in which a small ventricular patch was used to reduce the anterior-posterior dimension of the atrioventricular orifice. All patients recovered uneventfully and needed no reoperation for the residual regurgitation or shunt. The results showed that the new annuloplasty technique was promising, although a long-term result is yet to be seen.
The Urban Economic Base in a Trans-Border Setting: A Case Study of Two Towns

The purpose of this study is to analyze the differences in the economic bases of two small towns, each tributary to nearby metropolitan areas, on either side of the U.S.-Mexico border. Thus, it combines the policy concerns of small town economic development (Alguire et al. 1987) with a social scientific interest in cross-cultural differences. Small towns face certain common problems independent of which side of the border they are on - social stratification, limited shopping opportunities, non-dynamic leaders (more ambitious residents have frequently invested their talents elsewhere), limited employment opportunities and anemic tax bases. Nevertheless, the international border does impose cultural and structural differences which are reflected in differences in the flows of capital, labor and consumption expenses. For example, Mexican rural society is poorer, less residentially mobile, less diurnally mobile and more socially tied to the local community than is the case in the U.S. Also, jobs in government service and income from transfer payments are less available in the average Mexican town than in the average U.S. town. Because of these differences people in the Mexican town are likely to purchase lower-order goods and services, spend more money locally and be less directly dependent on the government or on private pensions, for their livelihood, than their counterparts in the U.S. town. Understanding the fundamental patterns of income flows into and out of the community is a task that economic base analysis is uniquely designed to meet. Here, a modified form of the Tiebout (1962) procedure will be used to trace the basic income flow into and out of establishments and households. A town's economic viability will depend on the magnitude of the difference between the inward and outward flows. The study will analyze a town in south Texas and a town of similar characteristics in northern Coahuila. Economic base analysis in this study will refer both to the study of such exogenous income, and to the study of household and establishment expenditure patterns which determine the degree of income recycling within the local region (the multiplier).
Optical properties of charge transfer salts of tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ)

Abstract A unified interpretation is given for the infrared and optical spectra of many TCNQ compounds which exhibit a wide variety of physical properties. Inter- and intra-molecular transitions are distinguished by polarization measurements on single crystals of several TCNQ salts. It is suggested that there is incomplete charge transfers in both tetrathiofulvalinium (TTF)- and N-methylphenazinium (NMP)-TCNQ and that the electron-electron interactions are not appreciably screened by the excitonic polarizability of the cations.
THE CONTENT OF SUPREME COURT COVERAGE: MAKING SENSE OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE MEDIA AND PUBLIC CONFIDENCE

This article takes a closer look at the New York Times coverage of the Supreme Court from 1966 to 1984 in order build on the work done by Gregory Caldeira which found that the amount of Times coverage increased public confidence in the Court. In addition, it studies national television news coverage of the Court. By content analyzing both for the direction (positive, neutral, or negative) and focus (the Court or personnel), the assumption that coverage is “extraordinarily positive” is challenged and dismissed. Speculation is offered as to why volume of coverage coincides with public confidence when that coverage is predominantly neutral.
Two-photon decay of the first excited 0 + state in O 16

Recent experiments observed unexpectedly strong interference between the E1-E1 and M1-M1 2\ensuremath{\gamma} decay modes of the ${0}^{+}$ (6.05 MeV) state in $^{16}\mathrm{O}$. We present the results of a detailed calculation which evaluates the two-photon amplitude between realistic nonspurious many-body wave functions derived from a large basis SU(3) shell-model calculation, including up to 5\ensuremath{\Elzxh}\ensuremath{\omega} of excitation. It is found that, as a result of strong cancellation between contributions to the transition polarizability from the giant dipole states built on the closed shell and the deformed (6.05 MeV) ${0}^{+}$ state, the 2E1 matrix element is greatly suppressed. Since the standard one-body M1 operator cannot excite the closed shell, strong cancellations are not seen in this case. The resulting 2M1 decay mode becomes competitive with the 2E1 decay, although it is still underestimated by the calculations.