cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparability of social anhedonia across epidemiological dimensions: A multinational study of measurement invariance of the Revised Social Anhedonia Scale.

Social anhedonia, or the loss of motivation in and pleasure from social engagement, is an important feature in understanding the etiology and outcome of various psychopathologies. While the Revised Social Anhedonia Scale (RSAS) represents one of the most commonly used self-report measures of social anhedonia, little is known regarding the construct comparability across populations. We examined measurement invariance of the full and brief RSAS in a diverse, international sample of 14,064 participants across nine epidemiological dimensions, including gender, age, ethnicity, education, community income, continent, migrant status, ethnic density, and urbanicity. Both the full and brief RSAS, as represented by a three-factor structure, achieved metric invariance for all dimensions. The full version showed considerable scalar noninvariance for ethnicity and continent, which was significantly reduced in the brief version. These findings suggest that while the scales measure the same construct across diverse groups, mean comparisons are only appropriate for the brief, and not the full, version. Future research may consider using the brief RSAS to ensure cross-national comparability. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).
Ethanol consumption synergistically increases ultraviolet radiation induced skin damage and immune dysfunction.

Abstract Background Excessive UV radiation disrupts skin homeostasis by multiple mechanisms that extend beyond the simple erythema associated with sunburns including reduction of antioxidants, increased DNA damage, and impairment of skin immune responses. Recreational UV exposure frequently occurs concurrently with excessive ethanol (EtOH). Epidemiological studies suggest a harmful, dose-dependent impact of EtOH in the setting of high UV exposure, leading to increased severity of sunburns relative to those generated in the absence of ethanol. Furthermore, EtOH consumption and UV radiation have multiple overlapping effects on the skin that could account for the epidemiological association. Objective To elucidate the relationship between excessive EtOH ingestion and UV exposures on early skin damage and downstream immune dysfunction. Methods We examined the impact of UVB on local skin damage, including inflammation, sunburned cells, apoptotic cells, melanin and antioxidant levels, DNA damage and immune dysfunction in the presence or absence of EtOH ingestion by combining standard mouse models of EtOH consumption and UVB exposure models. To confirm that the observed changes in mouse skin were relevant to human skin, we investigated the effects of EtOH on UV-induced skin damage with human skin explants. Results We demonstrated that EtOH consumption and UV exposure act synergistically to increase the severity of local skin damage resulting in impaired melanin responses, reduced antioxidants, greater DNA damage, and immune dysfunction as measured by reduced contact hypersensitivity. Conclusions The results support incorporation of the risks of combined UV exposure and excessive alcohol consumption into public health campaigns.
Neurosarcoidosis in acute inpatient rehabilitation: a case study

Sarcoidosis affects the nervous system in ~5–10% of cases. Common presentations for neurosarcoidosis can include facial nerve neuropathy, optic neuritis, meningitis, seizure muscle weakness, and paresthesia. Due to the complex treatment of neurosarcoidosis, few reports exist involving patients’ recovery in an acute rehabilitation setting. We describe a case of neurosarcoidosis affecting the cervical and thoracic spinal cord in an individual with known Chiari I malformation and associated syrinx decompression. We discuss the diagnosis and treatment of neurosarcoidosis and clinical implications of acute rehabilitation on functional recovery.
In vivo estimation of murine iris stiffness using finite element modeling.

Abstract The iris plays an important role in certain types of glaucoma, including primary angle-closure glaucoma and pigmentary glaucoma. Iris mechanics are also important in influencing trabecular meshwork deformation in response to intraocular pressure changes in some animal species. Although mice are widely used to study ocular disease, including glaucoma, the in vivo biomechanical properties of the murine iris are unknown. Thus, the primary objective of this study was to estimate murine iris biomechanical stiffness. We used optical coherence tomography (OCT) images of the anterior segment of living mice (n = 13, age = 7.3 ± 3.2 [mean ± SD] months) at sequentially increasing IOP levels, observing IOP-dependent iris deformations. We then used an inverse finite element model to predict iris deformations under the same conditions, estimating iris stiffness by maximizing agreement between OCT data and numerical simulations. Our results show an in vivo murine iris stiffness of 96.1 ± 54.7 kPa (mean ± SD), which did not correlate with age but was dependent on gender. Our results further showed strong evidence of reverse pupillary block, with mean posterior chamber pressure remaining at approximately 12 mmHg even as anterior chamber pressure was set to much higher levels. Our approach to monitoring iris stiffness in vivo is applicable to study potential changes of iris stiffness in various pathophysiological conditions and thus has significant potential for clinical care of ocular disease involving iris biomechanics.
The model for computation of complex technical objects parameters based on subdefinite calculations

The generalized computational model for calculation of complex technical object parameters when solving the problem of monitoring and their functioning control has been realized. The model has the following features: realization in the context of calculations of subdefinite expansion of parameters values based on assignment function and availability of consideration objects structural dynamics
Associations Between Drought and Childhood Diarrhea in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Diarrheal diseases are the fifth leading cause of death among children under five. Climate change is projected to intensify hydrological variability and extreme weather events s...
Understanding and improving cellular immunotherapies against cancer: From cell-manufacturing to tumor-immune models.

Abstract The tumor microenvironment (TME) is shaped by dynamic metabolic and immune interactions between precancerous and cancerous tumor cells and stromal cells like epithelial cells, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and hematopoietically-derived immune cells. The metabolic states of the TME, including the hypoxic and acidic niches, influence the immunosuppressive phenotypes of the stromal and immune cells, which confers resistance to both host-mediated tumor killing and therapeutics. Numerous in vitro TME platforms for studying immunotherapies, including cell therapies, are being developed. However, we do not yet understand which immune and stromal components are most critical and how much model complexity is needed to answer specific questions. In addition, scalable sourcing and quality-control of appropriate TME cells for reproducibly manufacturing these platforms remain challenging. In this regard, lessons from the manufacturing of immunomodulatory cell therapies could provide helpful guidance. Although immune cell therapies have shown unprecedented results in hematological cancers and hold promise in solid tumors, their manufacture poses significant scale, cost, and quality control challenges. This review first provides an overview of the in vivo TME, discussing the most influential cell populations in the tumor-immune landscape. Next, we summarize current approaches for cell therapies against cancers and the relevant manufacturing platforms. We then evaluate current immune-tumor models of the TME and immunotherapies, highlighting the complexity, architecture, function, and cell sources. Finally, we present the technical and fundamental knowledge gaps in both cell manufacturing systems and immune-TME models that must be addressed to elucidate the interactions between endogenous tumor immunity and exogenous engineered immunity.
Field Test Results with the Targeted Search MCSA

In April 1985, a 74000 channel prototype of the multi-channel spectrum analyzer (MCSA) that NASA plans to use in a systematic search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI) was installed at DSS13, a 26 meter R&D antenna facility at the Goldstone Deep Space Network (DSN) site. Since that time the instrumentation has been used to validate the performance of signal detection algorithms using locally injected signals and the weak carriers from distant spacecraft. It has been used in an unsuccessful attempt to relocate the Pioneer 9 spacecraft, which now has been officially decommissioned. It has also been used to collect large data samples in order to study the statistical behavior Of the noise in that observatory environment. The prototype has provided a limited capability to communicate with the telescope control computer and test schemes for automated operation during the Microwave Observing Project (MOP) Targeted Search mode. This paper describes results from the Goldstone Field Tests and plans to move the prototype equipment to other sites where SETI may be conducted in the future.
The BAWAG Banking Scandal: How Over a Billion in Concealed Currency Trading Losses Caught Up with an Austrian Bank Almost a Decade Later

Nepotism, corruption, conspiratorial concealment, greed and grotesque excesses all combine with what seems to have been a complete lack of appropriate controls and regulatory oversight that eventually distorted a European Utopian banking vision beyond all recognition.
Natural selection on and predicted responses of ecophysiological traits of swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata)

Summary 1 Given the rapid and reversible impact of the environment on plant ecophysiological traits, it has been speculated that such traits may have low heritabilities, high phenotypic plasticity and experience selection which is highly variable. 2 We estimated heritabilities, phenotypic plasticity and natural selection on five ecophysiological traits (carbon : nitrogen (C : N) ratio, leaf water content, specific leaf area (SLA), trichome density and water use efficiency (WUE)) of swamp milkweed Asclepias incarnata. In a 2-year field experiment, we studied 49 full-sibling families in a common garden and assessed phenotypic and genotypic selection. 3 Consistent evidence indicated selection for increased leaf trichome density and reduced WUE. Less strong evidence suggested selection for reduced SLA and leaf water content, and there was no selection on C : N of leaves. 4 Although the ecophysiological traits showed many phenotypic and genetic correlations, we found little evidence that these correlations would constrain adaptive evolution. 5 To evaluate the phenotypic plasticity of the same traits, we conducted a separate growth chamber experiment and found evidence that leaf water content, SLA and C : N responded to environmental conditions (herbivory, water stress, nutrient addition). 6 Synthesis. We have demonstrated natural selection on ecophysiological traits and their probable response to selection with a genotypic selection analysis. We cautiously reject the notion that these traits lack heritable variation and that genetic correlations among them constrain their response to selection. Thus, plants such as A. incarnata appear capable of adaptive responses in their ecophysiological traits.
Growth-Oriented Legal Reforms

This paper deals with the obstacles to growth-oriented institutional reforms and policies in developing countries and with methods to overcome them.
Electronic funds transfer

With the development of POS systems, electronic funds transfer, whereby the customer would have her account immediately debited at the point of sale, has become a very real possibility. There are plans in England for a payment system, although no European country has yet started a serious POS funds transfer system. It may be taken as a generalisation that development in POS systems will come earlier in the group of countries oriented towards cheques and credit cards than in those countries oriented towards giro transfers and cash payments. Simon Evans presented this paper at the Information Studies Conference on ‘Data communications for retail management’ in London in March.
An Optimal Frontier

The optimal frontier investment method described here represents a new portfolio construction process that relies on well–established practices and theory. It incorporates the insurance concept of risk–pooling into the Markowitz portfolio optimization process. This method offers investors returns higher than had previously been thought possible, with no increase in risk. In essence, this method pools a group of investors returns with different risk–reward goals in a single efficient portfolio that preserves the group9s average risk tolerance. The portfolio9s overall return is then distributed to the investors on the basis of their preselected risk levels. Pooling each investor9s risk and return goals in one combined portfolio results in higher returns for everyone, proving that in portfolio management, the whole does exceed the sum of its parts.
Universal reaction field model based on ab initio Hartree–Fock theory

Abstract We present a model for free energies of solvation based on Hartree–Fock self-consistent-reaction-field (SCRF) calculations for electrostatics combined with atomic surface tensions (AST) for deviations from bulk electrostatics in the first solvation shell, including cavity, dispersion, and solvent-structure contributions. The SCRF part combines an ab initio treatment of the solute with solute–solvent interactions modeled using class IV charges. The AST part is parameterized for both water and general organic solvents. Mean unsigned errors are 3.9 kcal/mol for 49 ions in water and 0.46 kcal/mol for 275 neutrals in 91 solvents.
Modeling the Inflation Response of C57BL/6 Mouse Sclera

Small rodent models have become increasingly useful to investigate how the mechanical properties of soft tissues may influence disease development. These animal models allow access to aged, diseased, or genetically-altered tissue samples, and through comparisons with wild-type or normal tissue it can be explored how each of these variables influence tissue function. The challenges to deriving meaningful material parameters for these small tissue samples include designing physiologically-relevant mechanical testing protocols and interpreting the experimental load-displacement data in an appropriate constitutive framework to quantify material parameters. This study was motivated by determining the possible role of scleral material properties in the development of glaucomatous damage to the retinal ganglion cells (RGC). Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness in the United States and in the world with an estimate of 60 million people affected by this year [1]. Through exploring mouse models, the overall goal of our work is to determine the role of scleral material properties and scleral tissue microstructure in the pathogenesis of glaucoma.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
The reactions of metastable [C5 H10 O]+˙ ions with the oxygen on the second carbon

Abstract : Nearly all (C5H10O)(+.) isomers with the oxygen on the second carbon are shown to interconvert with each other and lose methyl and ethylene at the threshold for dissociation. The methyls contain the carbons from the 1- and 5- positions with about equal frequency, and C(3) or perhaps C(4) about as half as often as either terminal carbon. CH3CH2CH2CO(+) is formed by the loss of the C(1) methyl and CH2=CHC(=O(+)H)CH3 by loss of the C(5) methyl. Hydrogen transfer between C(5) and the oxygen and between the oxygen and C(4) are facile, and 1,2- hydrogen transfers between C(3) and C(4) occur with high frequency. Extensive skeletal rearrangements also take place by 1,2-shifts between C(2), C(3) and C(4). We attribute the occurrence of the three-center shifts between C(2), C(3) and C(4) to the presence of considerable charge density on C(2) and C(3) in many of the (C5H10O(+.) isomers. The isomerizations of (C5H10O(+.) can be considered a mixture of free radical and carbocation reactions. Strong similarities exist between the isomerizations of metastable (C5H10(+.) ions with the oxygen on the second carbon and those of isomers of ionized butanoic acid, methyl butanoate and N-butanal. Keywords include: Mass spectroscopy, Metastable ions, and Unimolecular ion dissociations.
Finite element modeling of novel ICD configurations in pediatric and congenital heart disease: validation of the MacGyver principle?

w g U t c D r v e d a d d s D m p The use of implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD) n pediatric and adult congenital heart disease patients has ontinued to experience exponential growth due to the roadening indications for ICD therapy as well as the exanding population of pediatric and adult congenital heart isease patients surviving to the age where ventricular arhythmias become a significant source of morbidity and ortality. While the majority of these patients will be ell served by a conventional transvenous, pectorally imlanted, single or dual chamber ICD system, there exists an mportant subset of patients where this configuration is ontraindicated due to patient size and/or lack of systemic enous access to the heart. The pediatric cardiology community has exemplified the MacGyver Principle” in attempting to adapt current conentional ICD devices and leads to patients with unconvenional anatomy. A number of centers have reported their xperience with novel ICD and lead configuration in paients with congenital heart disease. The configurations eported generally employ an epicardial pace-sense lead oupled to an active can ICD generator and an extrathoracic ubcutaneous array or, alternatively, a single coil type lead ositioned in the pericardial space. The choice of electrode nd generator location in these studies was not systematially evaluated for ideal defibrillation efficacy, rather it was hosen based on ease of surgical access to a suitable genrator implant site. Likewise, the position of the coil or rray in relation to the active can generator was not systemtically evaluated but generally involved placing the coil in uch a location that the heart would be contained in a line rawn between the defibrillation coil and ICD can. While a ystemic determination of the defibrillation threshold was enerally not undertaken in these studies, the lowest effecive energy tested was generally in the 20-25 joule range, hich provides an apparently adequate safety margin given
Chronic HIV Infection Enhances the Responsiveness of Antigen Presenting Cells to Commensal Lactobacillus

Chronic immune activation despite long-term therapy poses an obstacle to immune recovery in HIV infection. The role of antigen presenting cells (APCs) in chronic immune activation during HIV infection remains to be fully determined. APCs, the frontline of immune defense against pathogens, are capable of distinguishing between pathogens and non-pathogenic, commensal bacteria. We hypothesized that HIV infection induces dysfunction in APC immune recognition and response to some commensal bacteria and that this may promote chronic immune activation. Therefore we examined APC inflammatory cytokine responses to commensal lactobacilli. We found that APCs from HIV-infected patients produced an enhanced inflammatory response to Lactobacillus plantarum WCFS1 as compared to APCs from healthy, HIV-negative controls. Increased APC expression of TLR2 and CD36, signaling through p38-MAPK, and decreased expression of MAP kinase phosphatase-1 (MKP-1) in HIV infection was associated with this heightened immune response. Our findings suggest that chronic HIV infection enhances the responsiveness of APCs to commensal lactobacilli, a mechanism that may partly contribute to chronic immune activation.
Statistics of emulsion lattices

Abstract The statistics of emulsion lattices — nearly two-dimensional (2D) oil-in-water emulsions — are analyzed using statistica crystallography. Strict mathematical requirements determine the 2D topology, such that random partitioning of space yields a predictable statistical geometry for polygon shapes. For all lattices examined. Aboav's and Lewis's laws are verified; this result is consistent both with the need to fill 2D space and with energy carried not exclusively by pattern boundaries. The aim is synthetic; together, the crystallographic results suggest a universality akin to statistical equations of state which govern emulsions and hence unite their geometric coarsening to other random networks such as froths, magnetic bubbles and acidic monolayers.
First-, Second-, and Third-Generation Family Firms: A Comparison:

SAGE wishes to inform readers that the article titled “Bahavioral [sic] Characteristics of Entrepreneurs in the Gujrat, Gujranawala and Slalkot Industrial Clusters of Pakistan: A Comparisn [sic] of First, Second and Third Generation Family Firms,” by Shahid Qureshi, Sarfraz A. Mian, and Arif Iqbal Rana, published in Volume 1, Issue 2 (November 2010) of International Journal of Business and Social Science included substantial excerpts from this article, “First-, Second-, and Third-Generation Family Firms: A Comparison,” by Matthew C. Sonfield and Robert N. Lussier, Volume XVII, Number 3 (September 2004) of Family Business Review, without appropriate attribution to Drs. Sonfield and Lussier or authorization of the authors or SAGE. Numerous requests made by SAGE to the editor of International Journal of Business and Social Science to address the inappropriate use of this article have gone unanswered. SAGE has additionally been informed by the lead author of the IJBSS article, Shahid Qureshi, that Sarfraz A. ...
Shifting from Print to Electronic Journals in ARL University Libraries

This study tracked journal subscription and format data for a sample of 515 journals in the Association of Research Libraries (ARL) university member libraries from 2002 to 2006. During this period, subscriptions to journals in print format decreased by 32 percentage points, whereas journals obtained in electronic format increased by 34 percentage points. Findings show journal collections in ARL university libraries reached a “tipping point” between 2005 and 2006 and that, for the first time, electronic journals dominate print subscriptions.
Responses of the ballistocardiogram in hypertensive patients to the acute administration of apresoline, hexamethonium, veratrone, regitine and sodium amytal.

Acute ballistocardiographic responses to five hypotensive drugs have been evaluated in 15 patients with essential hypertension in conjunction with depressor effects. In the majority of experiments qualitative and quantitative ballistocardiographic improvement paralleled the pressure reductions. On occasion the reverse was true. Inferences were drawn from these reactions based on the pharmacodynamics of the drugs. Because of the fundamental nature of the ballistic record, it is concluded that the capacity of the hypertensive heart to respond ballistocardiographically to a depressor agent permits a useful evaluation of its functional reserve and aids in a more physiologic selection of a hypotensive agent.
Sequences of the cDNAs encoding canine parathyroid hormone-related protein and parathyroid hormone

The cDNA clones encoding canine parathyroid-hormone-related protein (cPTHrP) and parathyroid hormone (cPTH) have been isolated and sequenced. The predicted amino-acid sequences of the mature canine homologs have a high degree of homology to human PTHrP (hPTHrP) and PTH (hPTH), especially in the biologically active regions. The cPTHrP cDNA is unique, since it has homology to exon 1A of hPTHrP which suggests that dogs utilize a promoter similar to P1 of hPTHrP which has not been demonstrated in other species.
Schools and informal science settings: collaborate, co-exist, or assimilate?

In this metalogue we build on the arguments presented by Puvirajah, Verma and Webb to discuss the nature of authentic science learning experiences in context of collaborations between schools and out-of-school time settings. We discuss the role of stakeholders in creating collaborative science learning practices and affordances of out of school time and formal science learning contexts. We contend that authentic science learning experiences are those where science learning happens within a social milieu and advocate for true collaborations between schools and informal settings in ways that emphasize the goals of the collaboration and strengths of each setting.
Prevalence of smoke exposure amongst children who undergo tonsillectomy for recurrent tonsillitis.

Abstract Purpose The hypothesis tested was that smoke exposure has a detrimental effect on the developing upper respiratory tract. The purpose of this study was to determine if more children undergoing tonsillectomy for recurrent tonsillitis had smoke exposure in comparison to a control group of children undergoing hernia repair. Methods This was a retrospective case-control study. Medical records of children less than 15 years of age that underwent tonsillectomy for recurrent tonsillitis at Penn State Hershey Medical Center from July 2009 to October 2012 were retrospectively reviewed to determine exposure to smoking contacts. Records of children less than 15 years of age that underwent hernia repair surgery at this facility during the same time, were also retrospectively reviewed for smoke exposure. Results A total of 256 children who underwent tonsillectomy for recurrent tonsillitis and 241 children who underwent hernia repair surgery met the inclusion criteria. Of the children in the tonsillectomy for recurrent tonsillitis group, 121 (47.27%) had previous smoke exposure, compared to 67 (27.80%) in the hernia repair group. Further analysis of the data using logistic regression yielded an odds ratio of 2.49 (P = 0.004), indicating that children with smoke exposure had more than twice the odds of having tonsillectomy for recurrent tonsillitis compared to those with no exposure. Conclusions Exposure to smoking contacts was more common in children who underwent tonsillectomy for recurrent tonsillitis than children who underwent hernia repair surgery. Future studies could address the relation of smoke exposure quantity to health outcomes in children.
The Changing Caregiving Networks of Older Adults

One of the dominant features of caregiving networks, their propensity to change over time, continues to be incompletely described and inadequately understood. The purpose of this study is to illuminate the complex patterns of change that shape the evolving caregiving networks of older adults. Using data from the Longitudinal Study of Aging (LSOA), a transition matrix approach is used to describe the changes older adults experience in their caregiving arrangements over time. These caregiving networks are characterized by both stability and change. At any given time, most elders are able to live independently without the help of a caregiver. The caregiving network, once activated, appears to be characterized by a great deal of change in care configurations. Finally, beyond a certain threshold off frailty, extensive care is required in either a community or an institutional setting. Variation in transitions by age, gender, race, and place of residence are examined.
The application of fuzzy set theory to uncertainty in physical property models

Abstract An introduction to the use of fuzzy set theory for analysing thermodynamic modelling error is presented. A theoretical discussion of mocdelling error is given, and fuzzy measures of model confidence and the need for data are developed. A method is proposed for evaluating the magnitude of model errors and for performing a fuzzy propagation of errors to estimate the uncertainty in predicted results.
Organization Theory and Political Theory.

If two men of similar talents, identical training, shared values, and common interests were to study the same phenomena it would not be at all remarkable if they approached the phenomena in the same way, described them in the same terms, employed the same logic in analyzing them, drew the same conclusions from them, and formulated the same theories about their causes.If, however, two men of similar talents but of rather divergent training, professing differing objectives, and displaying varied (perhaps even conflicting) concerns were to pursue studies of phenomena each believed to be quite distinct from the other's field of inquiry, it would be most astounding if their findings and inferences should turn out to be closely parallel in many important respects, particularly if there were little evidence of communication between them.
Evaluation of a coastal ocean circulation model for the Columbia River plume in summer 2004

[1] Realistic hindcast of the Columbia River estuarine-plume-shelf circulation in summer 2004 using the Regional Ocean Modeling System nested within the Navy Coastal Ocean Model (NCOM) is quantitatively evaluated with an extensive set of observations. The model has about equal skill at tidal and subtidal properties. Tidal circulation and water properties are best simulated in the estuary, which is strongly forced and damped, but worst on the shelf. Subtidal currents are again best in the estuary. However, subtidal temperature and salinity are best simulated in the surface waters on the shelf, even inside the river plume. A comprehensive skill assessment method is proposed to evaluate the cross-scale modeling system with a focus on the plume. The model domain is divided into five dynamical regions: estuary, near- and far-field plume, near surface and deep layers. A skill score is obtained for each region by averaging the skills of different physical variables, and an overall skill is obtained by averaging the skills across the five regions. This weighting metric results in more skill weight per unit volume in the near surface layer where the plume is trapped and in the estuary. It is also demonstrated, through model/data comparison and skill assessment, that by nesting within NCOM, some important remote forcing, e.g., coastal trapped waves, are added to our model; on the other hand, some biases are also received. With a finer grid and more realistic forcing, our regional model improves skill over a larger-scale model in modeling the shelf-plume circulation.
Context-dependent effects of noise on echolocation pulse characteristics in free-tailed bats.

Background noise evokes a similar suite of adaptations in the acoustic structure of communication calls across a diverse range of vertebrates. Echolocating bats may have evolved specialized vocal strategies for echolocating in noise, but also seem to exhibit generic vertebrate responses such as the ubiquitous Lombard response. We wondered how bats balance generic and echolocation-specific vocal responses to noise. To address this question, we first characterized the vocal responses of flying free-tailed bats (Tadarida brasiliensis) to broadband noises varying in amplitude. Secondly, we measured the bats’ responses to band-limited noises that varied in the extent of overlap with their echolocation pulse bandwidth. We hypothesized that the bats’ generic responses to noise would be graded proportionally with noise amplitude, total bandwidth and frequency content, and consequently that more selective responses to band-limited noise such as the jamming avoidance response could be explained by a linear decomposition of the response to broadband noise. Instead, the results showed that both the nature and the magnitude of the vocal responses varied with the acoustic structure of the outgoing pulse as well as non-linearly with noise parameters. We conclude that free-tailed bats utilize separate generic and specialized vocal responses to noise in a context-dependent fashion.
Hydrogen-bonding cavities about metal ions: Synthesis, structure, and physical properties for a series of monomeric M-OH complexes derived from water

The tripodal ligand N[CH2CH2NHC(O)NHC(CH3)3]3 ([H6 1]) was used to synthesize a series of monomeric complexes with terminal hydroxo ligands. The complexes [CoII/IIIH3 1(OH)]2-/1-, [FeII/IIIH3 1(OH)]2-/1- , and [ZnIIH3 1(OH)]2- have been isolated and characterized. The source of the hydroxo ligand in these complexes is water, which was confirmed with an isotopic labeling study for [CoIIIH3 1(OH)]1-. The synthesis of [MIIH3 1(OH)]2- complexes was accomplished by two routes. Method A used 3 equiv of base prior to metalation and water binding, affording yields of ≤40% for [CoIIH3 1(OH)]2-. When 4 equiv of base was used (method B), yields ranged from 50% to 70% for all of the MIIH3 1(OH)]2- complexes. This improvement is attributed to the presence of an intramolecular basic site within the cavity, which scavenges protons produced during formation of the MII−OH complexes. The molecular structures of [ZnIIH3 1(OH)]2-, [FeIIH3 1(OH)]2-, [CoIIH3 1(OH)]2-, and [CoIIIH3 1(OH)]1- were examined by X-ray diffraction me...
History and Physical Examination in Diagnosis of Peripheral Artery Disease

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) may be silent or present with an assortment of symptoms and signs suggesting peripheral artery ischemia. Peripheral vascular disease includes PAD and disorders of the peripheral venous system and lymphatic system. Generally, PAD is synonymous with arteries of the limbs and pelvis, but it can be expanded to include the renal arteries, carotid arteries, mesenteric arteries, and the aorta. It is imperative to recognize and treat PAD early, as appropriate management of PAD can help avoid devastating complications such as limb amputation and death.
Semisynthesis of new sarcophine derivatives with chemopreventive activity.

The natural cembranolide sarcophine (3) and its lactone ring-opened analogue (10) were oxidized using selenium dioxide under different reaction temperatures to prepare hydroxylated derivatives. Nine new compounds were obtained, six of them targeted hydroxylated derivatives. The determination of regio- and stereochemistry as well as the mechanistic considerations on the selectivity observed in these reactions are discussed on the basis of 2D NMR and molecular modeling. In preliminary in vitro tests on inhibition of EBV-EA activation, compounds 10 and 12−15 have shown higher activity than the known chemopreventive agent sarcophytol A.
p-aminohippurate transport in basal-lateral membrane vesicles from rabbit renal cortex: stimulation by pH and sodium gradients

Abstract p -Aminohippuric acid (PAH) uptake was studied in basal-lateral membrane vesicles prepared from rabbit renal cortex. An outwardly directed hydroxyl gradient (pH o = 6.0, pH i = 7.6) stimulated PAH uptake slightly over that when the internal and external pH values were equal at 7.6. A 100 mM sodium gluconate gradient directed into the basal-lateral membrane vesicles increased PAH uptake about 2-fold over that when N- methyl- d -glucamine or potassium gluconate gradients were present. When hydroxyl and sodium gradients were simultaneously imposed (pH o = 6.0, pH i = 7.6 and 100 mM sodium gluconate extravesicularly) PAH uptake was stimulated greater than with the pH or Na + gradient alone. In fact, an ‘overshoot’ was observed. Countertransport experiments showed that either intravesicular PAH or intravesicular PAH and Na + could stimulate 3 H-PAH uptake. Probenecid, an inhibitor of organic anion transport, inhibited both the hydroxyl-stimulated and Na + gradient-stimulated PAH uptake but the greatest inhibition by probenecid was seen when the hydroxyl and sodium gradients were both present. Thus, it is proposed that the driving force for PAH accumulation across the basal-lateral membrane of the proximal tubule is a transport system which moves Na + and PAH into the cell for an hydroxyl ion leaving the cell, i.e. a sodium-dependent anion-anion exchange system.
Pharmakon: Plato, Drug Culture, and Identity in Ancient Athens

Michael Rinella's Pharmakon: Plato, Drug Culture, and Identity in Ancient Athens aims to uncover the politics behind early attempts to regulate intoxicating substances. The book develops a thick de...
Real-time co-registered IVUS-OCT catheter for atherosclerotic plaque identification

Coronary artery disease remains the leading cause of death and disability in the US. Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) is one of the standard medical tests routinely performed in hospital to diagnose atherosclerosis by visualizing the structure of affected vessels and identifying the composition of plaques. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) possesses higher resolution to image vulnerable plaque near the lumen boundary, but with a shallow penetration depth. Thus, an integrated IVUS-OCT catheter would potentially capitalize the advantage of sufficient imaging depth of IVUS and the high resolution of OCT while offering improved diagnostic information. Different IVUS-OCT catheter designs have been reported previously by using either co-axial, co-planner or sequential configuration, which suffers from either the large size of catheter or suboptimal image co-registration. By placing the OCT probe and 45MHz single element IVUS transducer back-to-back at the same axial direction, this probe can provide automatically co-registered, co-axial IVUS-OCT imaging. To demonstrate its capability, IVUS-OCT imaging of major types of advanced plaques in human cadaver coronary segments was obtained using this catheter and system. Results were validated by histology analysis.
Gender Differences in Risk‐Taking Behavior and their Relationship to SAT‐Mathematics Performance

This study focused on the relationship of an individual's risk-taking behavior and his/her performance on the mathematics section of the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT-M). Previous research in this area has found that on multiple choice tests, calculated guessing (risk-taking) plays a role in the score one obtains. Risk-taking behavior was defined by the number of items omitted by the student on the instrument designed for the purpose of assessing this behavior. The data were obtained from 89 students who were attending two colleges in upstate New York. The data consisted of SAT-M scores and performance scores on a mathematics test designed to assess risk-taking. A t-test performed on the number of omissions revealed that females omit more items and thus manifest less risk-taking behavior. A significant difference in favor of females omitting more items was found at the p < .01 level. A multiple regression design was employed, and gender and risk-taking behavior were found to be significantly related at the p<.01 level to a student's performance on the SAT-M.
Polymer force fields from ab initio studies of small model molecules: can we achieve chemical accuracy?

Abstract We endeavor to demonstrate, using poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) as a model system, that atomistic force fields based upon high-level quantum chemistry calculations on small model molecules can accurately reproduce static and dynamic properties of polymer melts and solutions. The validity of the force field is demonstrated through (1) comparison of predicted properties of the small molecules obtained from quantum chemistry with experiment, (2) comparison of properties predicted by the force field for larger molecules with those determined from quantum chemistry and (3) comparison of static and dynamic properties obtained from molecular dynamics simulations of PEO melts and PEO/LiI solutions using the quantum chemistry based force field with experimental neutron scattering and NMR measurements on these systems.
Effects of ground cover on tree survival and growth in filter strips of the Cornbelt Region of the midwestern US

Abstract Growing concern for non-point source pollution in agricultural watersheds has generated alternative agronomic practices such as filter strips that minimize off-site movement of farm chemicals and sediment. Guidelines for establishment of filter strips in the Midwest region of the US are few with respect to the interplanting of fine hardwood tree species that can provide additional income to farm owners as well as site protection. This study was undertaken to discern the effects of different herbaceous cover types on tree growth and survival when interplanted. Ladino clover ( Trifolium repens L.) and orchardgrass ( Dactylis glomerata L.) were sown and seedlings of three tree species, green ash ( Fraxinus pennsylvanica Marsh.), black walnut ( Juglans nigra L.), and red oak ( Quercus rubra L.) were planted within each cover type to examine the performance of these integrated cover-tree systems. A series of plots containing the native mix of annual and perennial weed species was used as a control. Height and stem caliper of the trees were taken for 4 years. Additionally, habitat quality for bird species was assessed with respect to the corn ( Zea mays L.) crop the filter strips replaced. Results indicated that cover type had little influence on tree growth and survival when weed control adjacent to seedlings was effective. Compared with the native weed population, clover and grass covers allowed equal height growth of trees, providing no greater competition but higher management costs. For habitat quality, filter strips provided better habitat for birds when compared with corn. Thus, the construction of filter strips with tree species along streams or drainage ditches can take several forms that can serve to filter excess nutrients and sediment.
On the failure of ellipticity of the equations for finite elastostatic plane strain

In this paper we establish necessary and sufficient conditions, in terms of the local principal stretches, for ordinary and strong ellipticity of the equations governing finite plane equilibrium deformations of a compressible hyperelastic solid. The material under consideration is assumed to be homogeneous and isotropic, but its strain-energy density is otherwise unrestricted. We also determine the directions of the characteristic curves appropriate to plane elastostatic deformations that are accompanied by a failure of ellipticity.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon metabolism in rat adrenal, ovary, and testis microsomes is catalyzed by the same novel cytochrome P450 (P450RAP)

A novel ACTH-inducible P450, cytochrome P450RAP, is responsible for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) metabolism in male rat adrenal microsomes. P450RAP is present at similar levels in male and female adrenal microsomes and is immunochemically distinct from P450IA1. Anti-P450RAP immunoblots a protein present in ovarian and testicular microsomes that is the same size as P450RAP and which coelutes with the P450 fraction during chromatography on an immobilized artificial membrane column made with phosphatidylcholine. Rat adrenal, ovarian, and testicular microsomes exhibit similar regioselectivities in the metabolism of two polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) and benzo(a)pyrene (BP). Unlike P450IA1, these microsomes form little or no 7-OH-DMBA and BP-4,5-diol but do catalyze the formation of a high proportion of the presumptive procarcinogen, DMBA-3,4-diol. The relative activities of PAH metabolism by untreated adrenal, testicular, and ovarian microsomes are approximately 60...
Information technology and software project management: Advanced undergraduate/graduate laboratory practicum

A convergence of computer science (CS)/computer information systems (CIS) and management areas, in general, and, software development/software engineering and management, in particular, is quickly reshaping a profile of the software development industry. This motivated the Department of Computer Science and Information Systems at Bradley University (Peoria, IL) to propose, design, and develop innovative curriculum in CS-Management and CIS-Management areas. The developed state-of-the-art courseware in those areas is based on active utilization of software and CIS engineering concepts, methods, models, approaches, factors, and metrics in traditional (defined by Project Management Institute) project management processes and knowledge areas, particularly, 1) applications of software engineering methods and models to traditional five project management processes and nine knowledge areas; 2) utilization of software development life cycle stages in traditional project management life cycle; 3) applications of software/CIS specific estimation models and methodologies to traditional cost and time management; 4) utilization of specific software quality metrics and factors (ISO 9126) in traditional quality management; and 5) utilization of software-focused quality methodology (CMMI, DFSS) in software and CIS project management.
Optimizing power and performance for reliable on-chip networks

We propose novel techniques to minimize the power and performance penalties in protecting the NoC against soft errors, while giving desired reliability guarantees. Some applications have inherent error tolerance which can be exploited to save power, by turning off the error correction mechanisms for a fraction of the total time without trading off reliability. To further increase the power savings, we bound the vulnerability of a router by throttling the traffic into the router. In order to minimize the throughput loss due to throttling, we propose dividing the die into domains and using multiple vulnerability bounds across these domains. We explore both static and dynamic selection of vulnerability bounds. We find that for applications with an error tolerance of 10% of the raw error rate, the dynamic multiple vulnerability bound scheme can save up to 44% of power expended for error correction at a marginal network throughput loss of 3%.
Sources of Mesoscale Variability of Gravity Waves. Part II: Frontal, Convective, and Jet Stream Excitation

Abstract We present studies of four cases of mesoscale variance enhancements of horizontal velocity and temperature due to frontal activity, nonfrontal convection, and wind shear. These data were obtained aboard commercial aircraft during the Global Atmospheric Sampling Program (GASP) in 1978 and 1979 and from the corresponding meteorological analyses and satellite imagery. Additional GASP data were used to permit a statistical assessment of the importance of various sources of enhanced variances. Our results, and those in a companion paper addressing the variance enhancements associated with topography, represent refinements of previous source analyses using the GASP dataset. Significant findings include mean variance enhancements of velocity and temperature due to convection and jet-stream flow ranging from ∼2 to 8 for 64-km and 256-km data segments, and enhancements for individual segments as high as ∼20 to 100. The mean 64-km variance enhancement for all variables and source types, relative to a quies...
The Future of the Human Connectome

The opportunity to explore the human connectome using cutting-edge neuroimaging methods has elicited widespread interest. How far will the field be able to progress in deciphering long-distance connectivity patterns and in relating differences in connectivity to phenotypic characteristics in health and disease? We discuss the daunting nature of this challenge in relation to specific complexities of brain circuitry and known limitations of in vivo imaging methods. We also discuss the excellent prospects for continuing improvements in data acquisition and analysis. Accordingly, we are optimistic that major insights will emerge from human connectomics in the coming decade.