cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Control of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae regulatory gene PET494: transcriptional repression by glucose and translational induction by oxygen.

Abstract The product of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae nuclear gene PET494 is required to promote the translation of the mitochondrial mRNA encoding cytochrome c oxidase subunit III (coxIII). The level of cytochrome c oxidase activity is affected by several different environmental conditions, which also influence coxIII expression. We have studied the regulation of PET494 to test whether the level of its expression might modulate coxIII translation in response to these conditions. A pet494::lacZ fusion was constructed and used to monitor PET494 expression. PET494 was regulated by oxygen availability: expression in a respiration-competent diploid strain grown anaerobically was one-fifth the level of expression in aerobically grown cells. However, since PET494 mRNA levels did not vary in response to oxygen deprivation, regulation by oxygen appears to occur at the translational level. This oxygen regulation was not mediated by heme, and PET494 expression was independent of the heme activator protein HAP2. The regulation of PET494 expression by carbon source was also examined. In cells grown on glucose-containing medium, PET494 was expressed at levels four- to sixfold lower than in cells grown on ethanol and glycerol. However, addition of ethanol to glucose-containing medium induced PET494 expression approximately twofold. PET494 transcript levels varied over a fourfold range in response to different carbon sources. The effects on PET494 expression of mutations in the SNF1, SNF2, SSN6, and HXK2 genes were also determined and found to be minimal.
Numerical solutions of ideal MHD equations for a symmetric blunt body at hypersonic speeds

The eight-wave ideal magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) equations are extended to two-dimensional problems. Several developments are reported in this study. (1) The two-dimensional governing equations of ideal MHD equations are derived in the generalized coordinate system, (2) a set of eigenvectors associated with the system of equations are developed for the implementation of the numerical scheme, (3) solutions are obtained for a blunt body at hypersonic speed, and (4) the effect of the magnetic field on the flowfield structure is investigated. The numerical scheme used is the modified Runge-Kutta scheme with the TVD model augmented as a postprocessor approach at each time level.
The role of prostaglandins in glucagon-induced natriuresis.

1. Three groups of anaesthetized dogs were studied to determine the role of renal prostaglandins in glucagon-induced natriuresis. 2. Urine flow, sodium and prostaglandin E excretion rates increased significantly in the experimental kidney with glucagon infusion (0.20 μg/min) into the renal artery. These changes were completely reversed after the administration of either of two inhibitors of prostaglandin synthesis. 3. Infusion of glucagon (0.20 μg/min) after the administration of either of the prostaglandin synthetase inhibitors failed to increase either urine flow rate or sodium excretion above control values and failed to elevate urine prostaglandin E excretion rates. 4. Infusion of glucagon (0.75–1.25 μg/min) resulted in significant elevations in urine flow rate, glomerular filtration rate, renal plasma flow, urine sodium and prostaglandin E excretion rates. 5. The data presented indicate that the diuresis and natriuresis seen with the infusion of glucagon (0.20 μg/min) are accompanied by an increase in urine prostaglandin E excretion and are reversed by the administration of inhibitors of prostaglandin synthesis, suggesting that the increased urine flow and sodium excretion rates are dependent on prostaglandin-mediated mechanisms. The administration of glucagon in higher doses appears to be associated with alterations in electrolyte excretion and glomerular filtration rate, which presumably is related to factors other than prostaglandin synthesis and release.
Medicine Bow orogeny Timing of deformation and model of crustal structure produced during continent-arc collision, ca. 1.78 Ga, southeastern Wyoming

A four-dimensional model for the evolution of the late-Paleoproterozoic Cheyenne belt arc-continent suture is presented based on available geologic mapping, structural analysis, geophysical constraints, geobarometry, geochronology, and isotopic data. All of the data are consistent with a southeast-dipping suture and deformation that lasted from 1.78 Ga to at least 1.76 Ga, and possibly as late as 1.74 Ga. Archean crustal components and/or detritus were subducted at least 30 to 70 km south of the trace of the suture. There is considerable variation in crustal structure and tectonic evolution along strike of the Cheyenne belt. Thick-skinned, intracratonic uplift along the Laramie Peak shear zone and synorogenic emplacement of the Horse Creek anorthosite complex occurred in the east, whereas low-grade metamorphism and late cataclastic thrust faulting occurred in the west. Some of this lateral variation may reflect the influence of preexisting crustal features such as high-angle normal faults and crustal heterogeneities related to ca. 2.0-Ga rifting, whereas other differences may reflect variations in collision geometry. The lithospheric architecture of this arc-continent suture created compositional and structural anisotropies that influenced later deformation and magmatism, such as the generation and emplacement of the 1.43-Ga Laramie anorthosite complex and location of Paleozoic diamond-bearing diatremes. In this paper, the term “Medicine Bow orogeny” is proposed to describe the ca. 1.78-Ga arc-continent collision that formed the Cheyenne belt suture, and the subsequent structural evolution of the orogenic zone, which may have continued to ca. 1.74 Ga. The orogenic belt trends from southeastern Wyoming to northeastern Nevada, a distance of ∼1900 km. This term is invoked to differentiate the tectonic history along the Cheyenne belt from both the Yavapai orogeny to the south, and Central Plains orogeny to the east, because these orogenies include younger rocks and younger deformation. The arc terrane involved in the Medicine Bow orogeny is probably 50 to 100 km wide, and it makes up the basement of northern Colorado and continues at least as far south as the Soda Creek-Fish Creek shear zone in north-central Colorado. Accretion during the Medicine Bow orogeny represents a substantial addition to the North American continent.
On the Compactness of OFDM and Hermite Signals

In this letter, the compactness of the orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) and orthogonal Hermite signals is compared by measuring their time-bandwidth products (TBPs). In a theory, it has been shown that the Hermite functions provided the minimum possible TBP among all orthogonal functions; however, this minimum is obtained from the root mean square sense, which is not useful for most communication applications. For instance, an OFDM system that usually employs rectangular pulses in time domain, the whole time duration of the pulses, is considered. In this letter, we use pulse energy criterion, i.e., 99% of the energy, in our measurements, and propose an empirical model as well as a theoretical equation for the TBP of these signals and show that the Hermite signals will still be more compact than OFDM signals. To make a fair comparison, we employ Hermite functions in an orthogonal signal multiplexing system as in OFDM, where trigonometric waveforms are employed as orthogonal basis.
Spirituality, Religiosity, and Weight Management Among African American Adolescent Males: The Jackson Heart KIDS Pilot Study

Spirituality and religion have been identified as important determinants of health for adults; however, the impact of faith-oriented factors on health behaviors and outcomes among African American adolescent males has not been well studied. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between religiosity and spirituality and obesity-related behaviors among 12-19 year old African American males (N = 105) in the Jackson Heart KIDS Pilot Study. Key variables of interest are church attendance, prayer, daily spirituality, weight status, attempts to lose weight, nutrition, physical activity, and stress. Daily spirituality is associated with whether an individual attempts to lose weight. The results from logistic regression models suggest that daily spirituality increases the odds that African American male adolescents attempt to lose weight (OR = 1.22, CI: 1.07-1.41) and have a history of diet-focused weight management (OR = 1.13, CI: 1.02-1.26). Future studies are needed to further explore the association between religion, spirituality, and obesity-related behaviors.
Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine

Over the last decade, the medical community has come to appreciate a growing number of differences in caring for older patients as compared to a younger population. This growth in knowledge includes special considerations for older patients with pulmonary disease and critical illness. This chapter will review how physiologic changes of aging alter how clinicians approach common pulmonary disease processes as well as highlight special considerations when caring for older patients with critical illness.
Recent declines in cancer incidence: related to the Great Recession?

In recent years, cancer case counts in the U.S. underwent a large, rapid decline—an unexpected change given population growth for older persons at highest cancer risk. As these declines coincided with the Great Recession, we examined whether they were related to economic conditions. Using California Cancer Registry data from California’s 30 most populous counties, we analyzed trends in cancer incidence during pre-recession (1996–2007) and recession/recovery (2008–2012) periods for all cancers combined and the ten most common sites. We evaluated the recession’s association with rates using a multifactorial index that measured recession impact, and modeled associations between case counts and county-level unemployment rates using Poisson regression. Yearly cancer incidence rate declines were greater during the recession/recovery (3.3% among males, 1.4% among females) than before (0.7 and 0.5%, respectively), particularly for prostate, lung, and colorectal cancers. Lower case counts, especially for prostate and liver cancer among males and breast cancer, melanoma, and ovarian cancer among females, were associated with higher unemployment rates, irrespective of time period, but independent of secular effects. The associations for melanoma translated up to a 3.6% decrease in cases with each 1% increase in unemployment. Incidence declines were not greater in counties with higher recession impact index. Although recent declines in incidence of certain cancers are not differentially impacted by economic conditions related to the Great Recession relative to pre-recession conditions, the large recent absolute declines in the case counts of some cancer may be attributable to the large declines in unemployment in the recessionary period. This may occur through decreased engagement in preventive health behaviors, particularly for clinically less urgent cancers. Continued monitoring of trends is important to detect any rises in incidence rates as deferred diagnoses come to clinical attention.
Periodically Correlated Sequences with Rational Spectra and PARMA Systems

An acronym PARMA is used in different configurations, we talk about PARMA systems, PARMA sequences, or PARMA models. This paper is a result of the author search to understand this complex world of PARMAs.
Risk of Geologic Sequestration of CO2 to Groundwater Aquifers: Current Knowledge and Remaining Questions☆

Abstract Although many studies have investigated different aspects of an inadvertent release of CO 2 from deep subsurface reservoirs into overlying groundwater aquifers, there are still questions that remain unanswered. This paper includes a short summary of the results obtained mainly from research activities and modeling efforts conducted over the last 5 years at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in collaboration with Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.
Evolution of vortex structures over flapping foils in shear flows and its impact on aerodynamic performance

Abstract The evolution of vortex structures over flapping NACA0012 foils in shear flows and the corresponding aerodynamic performance are numerically studied using a two dimensional (2D) high-order accurate spectral difference Navier–Stokes flow solver, and further analyzed using the dynamic mode decomposition (DMD) method and vortex theory. Several types of vortex structures over pitching or plunging foils are simulated and analyzed to answer the following questions: (1) how mean flow shear affects the evolution of vortex structures, including both leading and trailing edge vortices, over flapping foils; and (2) how mean flow shear affects the aerodynamic performance under different kinematics. A temporal DMD method is used to analyze vortex structures. It is found that mean flow shear does not modify the dominant temporal frequencies in flow fields, but strong mean flow shear can significantly alter the growth rate, amplitude, and spatial patterns of coherent structures. From simulation results, it is observed that mean flow shear can affect evolution as well as interaction among leading and trailing edge vortices, thus altering the direction of wakes behind flapping foils. The mechanism of shear-induced deflective wakes is explained via qualitative analysis of evolution of simplified vortex street models. Finally, the effects of mean flow shear on aerodynamic performances of flapping foils with different kinematics are studied. By comparing the practical aerodynamic performances with those predicted by the steady aerodynamic theory, it is shown that flapping motion can significantly promote unsteady lift generation in mean flow shear. Furthermore, compared with flapping foils with positive mean angles of attack in a uniform incoming flow, the lift over flapping foils in flows with negative mean flow shear is enhanced without compromising thrust generation.
Degenerative Spine: Modic Type I Changes

Degenerative Modic type I endplate changes in the lumbar spine can mimic infection on conventional MR sequences. FDG PET/MR imaging is an excellent modality to differentiate degenerative changes from osteomyelitis/discitis by combining MR signal characteristics and physiological information related to glucose metabolism.
Rethinking Economic and Social Rights: The Recognition, Institutionalization, and Accountability Framework

In a report to the UN Human Rights Council the author argues that while much has been achieved in relation to economic and social human rights (ESR) in recent years, at both the international and domestic levels, the reality is that these rights remain largely invisible in the law and institutions of the great majority of States. For example: many of the States whose Constitutions recognize ESR have not translated that recognition into a human rights-based legislative framework; the increasingly widespread constitutional acceptance of ESR justiciability contrasts with the resistance of many of the relevant courts to acting on these rights; many of the States that enjoy the world’s highest living standards have specifically rejected proposals to recognize ESR in legislative or constitutional form; most National Human Rights Institutions neglect ESR; and national ESR accountability mechanisms are rare. As a result, most discussions of ESR continue to slide into broad discussions of development or welfare initiatives, which might or might not be consonant with treating ESR as human rights. In order to breathe new life into ESR promotional efforts, the report proposes the adoption of the RIA framework (Recognition, Institutionalization and Accountability). This focuses primarily not on issues such as redistribution or justiciability but rather on putting in place the necessary foundations upon which subsequent efforts can be based. It involves: (i) ensuring (legislative) recognition of the rights; (ii) creating institutional support for their promotion; and (iii) exploring innovative accountability mechanisms for their implementation.
Drug resistance in melanoma: Mechanisms, apoptosis, and new potential therapeutic targets

Melanoma is the most aggressive form of skin cancer. Patients with advanced disease, such as lymph node involvement and distant metastases, have 5-year survival rates of 50% and 10–20%, respectively. This poor prognosis largely results from resistance to conventional chemotherapy, namely cytotoxic drugs. The basis for drug resistance in melanoma is most likely dysregulation of apoptosis, although other mechanisms including drug transport, detoxification, and enhanced DNA repair may also play a role. Defects at multiple levels and in both major apoptotic pathways have been described in melanoma. Our laboratory has identified an inhibitor of apoptosis, termed survivin, that is expressed in melanoma and required for maintenance of melanoma cell viability. Targeting of survivin and other apoptotic regulators increases the sensitivity of melanoma cells to cytotoxic drugs, and may provide a promising new therapeutic approach to cancer.
Lateral Line Sensory Ecology

Because all fish experience night, perpetually dark, or turbid waters, there is strong selection for the use of non-visual senses in all fish species. Anatomical diversity hints that the lateral line is one of the most important senses for fishes, and it is put to diverse use. Research on the function of the lateral line has lagged due to poor understanding of hydrodynamics at small scales and lack of this sense in humans, making it difficult to imagine a fish’s hydromechanical world. Consequently, much work has focused on the use of an easily generated stimulus, an oscillating sphere. This yields some useful information, but recent work on how potential prey and predator animals move water shows that an oscillating sphere is highly non-biological. Understanding the mechanosensory eoology of an animal requires an understanding of the demands from diverse natural stimuli.
Is Salvage Prostatectomy a Benefit

Salvage prostatectomy is a term used for the surgical removal of localized prostatic carcinoma after failure of radiation therapy. Within the last six years we have approached selected patients who have failed definitive radiation therapy as possible candidates for this surgery. Herein we will discuss the rationale for this approach, the problems encountered during these surgical procedures, and the outcome of patients to address especially the benefits from quality of life from this surgical procedure.
STUDIES ON SODIUM-POTASSIUM-ACTIVATED ADENOSINETRIPHOSPHATASE. XI. THE SALT GLAND OF THE HERRING GULL.

Abstract The enzyme Na-K-activated adenosinetriphosphatase (Na-K ATPase) was found in high activity (2.7 moles/kg wet wt/hr) in the salt gland of the herring gull. It requires for activation both Na ( K m = 12.5 mmoles/liter) and K( K m = 1.5 mmoles/ liter), and is inhibited by the cardiac glycoside ouabain (pI 50 = 6.30). Its pH optimum is 7.2, while the Mg-activated ATPase activity has a pH optimum of 8.7. The properties of the Na-K ATPase activity suggest that it is involved in the ouabain-sensitive salt secretion by this gland. Comparison of the glandular Na-excretion rate determined by other workers with the Na-K ATPase activity per whole gland of freshly caught animals gave a ratio of 2.0 equivalents Na excreted per mole ATP hydrolyzed. This ratio falls within the range of Na/ATP ratios previously determined for several other tissues. Herring gulls maintained for 7 weeks on fresh water had only 51% of the Na-K ATPase activity per gram gland of wild animals, while the gland weight had dropped to 65%. Calculation showed that the remaining activity was just sufficient for the average daily salt intake. When four of the captive animals were given 3% NaCl to drink, all four died within 10 days, suggesting that the loss of Na-K ATPase activity could not be quickly reversed. The high molar activity of carbonic anhydrase, which was not significantly changed in the fresh water animals, indicates that this enzyme can only play a secondary nonlimiting role in the salt secretion process.
An Integrative View of Limitations to Muscular Performance

First we describe the changing site of limitation to maximal O2 transport with increasing fitness in mammals. The capacity for diffusion and airway/parenchymal flow rate and volume are markedly overbuilt in the sedentary subject’s lung, but undergo little change with increased training/fitness; accordingly, as demand for O2 transport increases in the highly fit, the limits for maximal diffusion and ventilation are surpassed or met at maximal exercise. Secondly, low-frequency diaphragmatic fatigue occured with by heavy endurance exercise. This fatigue resulted from increased diaphragmatic work together with the major contribution from the secondary effects of increased locomotor muscle activity; namely, metabolic acidosis and increased requirement for blood flow.
Processing and Properties of Spray Formed 2XXX Aluminum Alloys

Spray forming (S/F) process has been commercially used to fabricate large diameter tubes and roll preforms.1 Monolithic and metal matrix composite extrusion and forging preforms have also been produced to develop an alternative preform fabrication process to P/M- or I/M-based processes.2,3 Furthermore, reduction in the number of manufacturing steps and improvement in microstructure along with extended composition range; the spray forming process has emerged as a serious alternative primary process to I/M process as well as continuous casting processes.
Treatment of Orthostatic Hypotension in Parkinson’s Disease

Orthostatic hypotension (OH) affects at least 30% of people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and should be tested for regularly. In addition to causing the expected symptoms of orthostatic light-headedness, dizziness, pre-syncope, and syncope, it may also present with orthostatic pain across the shoulders or low back pain, fatigue, mental fogginess, exertional shortness of breath, and falls without apparent loss of consciousness. The first step in treatment is reduction or elimination of drugs that cause OH, including those for PD and other nonneurologic conditions including hypertension. The second step is to educate patients about circumstances than exacerbate OH and employing non-pharmacologic treatment such as increasing water and salt intake, use of an abdominal binder, and propping the head up overnight. The third tier of management is medical therapy using one or more of fludrocortisone, midodrine, droxidopa, or pyridostigmine with awareness of side effects including supine hypertension. Treatment of OH relies on supine and standing BP readings taken in the context of patient symptoms.
Vitamin D sterols increase FGF23 expression by stimulating osteoblast and osteocyte maturation in CKD bone.

Abstract Impaired osteoblast and osteocyte maturation contribute to mineralization defects and excess FGF23 expression in CKD bone. Vitamin D sterols decrease osteoid accumulation and increase FGF23 expression; these agents also increase osteoblast maturation in vitro but a link between changes in bone cell maturation, bone mineralization, and FGF23 expression in response to vitamin D sterols has not been established. We evaluated unmineralized osteoid accumulation, osteocyte maturity markers (FGF23: early osteocytes; sclerostin: late osteocytes), and osteocyte apoptosis in iliac crest of 11 pediatric dialysis patients before and after 8 months of doxercalciferol therapy. We then evaluated the effect of 1,25(OH)2vitamin D on in vitro maturation and mineralization of primary osteoblasts from dialysis patients. Unmineralized osteoid accumulation decreased while numbers of early (FGF23-expressing) increased in response to doxercalciferol. Osteocyte apoptosis was low but increased with doxercalciferol. Bone FGF23 expression correlated with numbers of early, FGF23-expressing, osteocytes (r = 0.83, p
Applications of De Minimis

The concepts of a nonthreshold pollutant (such as radiation) and of de minimis are essentially contradictory—the first states that there is no level of exposure that does not produce some harm, the second that there is some defined threshold below which there is no concern. It is the job of the regulatory agencies to see if these concepts can be reconciled and, more important, produce some benefit. As we shall see, this is a process of compromise and not of absolutes.
Bereavement care to minimize bereaved parents' suffering in their lifelong journey towards healing

Abstract This article presents select findings from an interpretive phenomenological study which aimed to describe the lived experience of parental bereavement. Six parents, each of whom experienced the death of a child due to cancer at least one year prior, participated in conversational interviews to share what it has been like for them since their child's death. Heideggerian (1962) phenomenology provided the philosophical underpinnings of the study, while van Manen's (1997) phenomenological method guided data collection and analysis. From this methodological approach, a structure of the meaning of parental bereavement experience was revealed. Profound suffering emerged as one essential theme. Pertinent findings related to this theme are discussed. Parents share ways others might minimize their suffering and provide support in their lifelong journey towards healing. Findings will enhance nurses' practice of providing bereavement care, which is an expectation of quality palliative care.
Volatile anaesthetic for treatment of respiratory failure from status asthmaticus requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

A 37-year-old male smoker with asthma presented with status asthmaticus refractory to terbutaline, intravenous magnesium, continuous bronchodilators, steroids, heliox and theophylline infusion. He was intubated on hospital day 2 and cannulated for veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V-V ECMO) on hospital day 3 for refractory respiratory acidosis secondary to hypercapnia and hypoxemia despite maximum medical management over 4 days. He was started on inhaled isoflurane with improvement in peak airway pressures and respiratory acidosis, allowing for prompt weaning from V-V ECMO and extubation. Inhaled volatile anaesthetics exert a direct action on bronchiole smooth muscle causing relaxation with significant effect despite severely impaired pulmonary function. This treatment in patients on ECMO may allow for earlier decannulation and decreased risk of coagulopathy, ECMO circuit failure, infection, renal failure, pulmonary haemorrhage and central nervous system haemorrhage. However, major limitations exist in delivering volatile anaesthetics, which may make use inefficient and costly despite efficacy.
Consumer adoption of fashion subscription retailing: antecedents and moderating factors

The purpose of this study is to investigate consumers' adoption intention of fashion subscription retailing services by using the Technology Acceptance Model. This study also investigated the moder...
Clinical applications of virtual reality in patient-centered care

Abstract Clinical virtual reality (VR) interventions can spur perceptual, behavioral, and attitudinal changes in patients. Long-standing patient-centered applications include pain management, physical therapy, psychotherapy, treating neurological conditions, and promoting healthy behaviors. Recent improvements in tracking, hardware fit, and increased mobility in consumer VR have increased the range of potential applications. System requirements are a key consideration for the design and use of such VR experiences. This chapter will present current patient-centered VR interventions through the lens of system requirements and conclude with a discussion on the future directions of clinical VR based on what equipment is now, and is becoming, available.
Ontogenetic diet shifts with potential ramifications for resource competition in a kokanee–Mysis diluviana system

Ontogenetic shifts represent important transitions that can influence how fish interact with their environment. However, ontogenetic shifts are rarely placed into a population context due to the difficulty of incorporating the vagaries of size-mediated interactions. As such, we evaluated the role of ontogenetic shifts in diet as they relate to potential competitive interactions between kokanee Oncorhynchus nerka and Opossum Shrimp Mysis diluviana (hereafter Mysis) in Lake Pend Oreille, Idaho. Contemporary data were used to understand diet patterns of Mysis and kokanee. Historical data were evaluated within the context of ontogenetic shifts to better understand the long-term, population-level ramifications of interactions between Mysis and kokanee. Diet analysis revealed age-specific divergences in diet whereby juvenile kokanee primarily consumed copepods and adult kokanee preferentially consumed cladocerans. When placed in a historical context, age-specific patterns in kokanee diet likely led to increases in adult growth following declines in Mysis abundance. Improved fitness of adult fish likely resulted in record high abundances of kokanee in Lake Pend Oreille thereby shifting the balance from inter- to intraspecific competition.
Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae infection in a woman with a CDH1 gene mutation.

Abstract The CDH1 gene, which encodes E-cadherin, may be associated with cancer when mutated, but the significance of mutations in the context of infection is unknown. In this report, we describe a case of disseminated hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae infection in a 49 year old Caucasian woman with a documented CDH1 mutation.
Top-Down Effects of Salamanders on Macroinvertebrates in Fishless Headwater Streams

Salamanders are the top predators in many fishless headwater streams, and intraguild interactions among stream salamanders are well documented. However, little is known about the top-down effects of salamanders on stream food webs or how intraguild interactions mediate these effects. To investigate the effects of salamanders on macroinvertebrate communities of headwater streams, we conducted an experiment in stream mesocosms to test for effects of two stream salamander species, namely, Eurycea bislineata and Gyrinophilus porphyriticus, alone or in combination, on benthic and emerging macroinvertebrate density, biomass, and community composition. We also assessed intraguild interactions between these salamander species by comparing Eurycea bislineata survival and G. porphyriticus growth in single-species versus two-species treatments. Gyrinophilus porphyriticus reduced benthic macroinvertebrate densities when alone but not when co-occurring with E. bislineata. There were no effects of salamanders on benthic macroinvertebrate biomass or community composition and no effects on emerging macroinvertebrate density, biomass, or community composition. Eurycea bislineata survival decreased and G. porphyriticus weight increased in two-species treatments, suggesting that intraguild predation was occurring. Overall, although some of our findings are equivocal, these results suggest that salamanders can exert top-down control on macroinvertebrate communities in fishless headwater streams, decreasing benthic macroinvertebrate density. But this effect is dependent on the salamander species present, and can be removed by intraguild interactions between salamander species.
Insights from Monitoring Aspirin Adherence: A Medication Adherence Cascade Tool.

Background Adherence to recommended medications is a key issue in the care of patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and barriers to adherence are well established during the medication adherence cascade, the processes of prescribing, obtaining, taking, and maintaining medication use. Aspirin avoids many of the barriers in the medication adherence cascade as it does not require a prescription (prescribing) and is inexpensive, easily accessible (obtaining), prescribed once-daily (taking) as an over-the-counter medication and is generally perceived by patients as safe (maintaining). The purpose of this paper is to report aspirin adherence and propose the Medication Adherence Cascade Tool to assist clinicians to consider all aspects of medication adherence. Methods Adherence to aspirin was monitored with an electronic pillbox. Frequency analysis, independent T-tests, and ANOVA were completed on 151 patients with underlying heart failure who were prescribed aspirin within a larger parent study. Chi-square tests were completed to assess differences in baseline demographic characteristics. Findings Mean aspirin adherence was 82.2% overall, with 11.9% of sample with adherence 50%, 18.5% with adherence 50-80%, and 69.5% with adherence ≥80%. Greater adherence was observed in self-identified White as compared to Black patients (84.47% vs 73.53%; p = 0.014), and patients ≥70 years of age compared to <70 years (87.00% vs 77.49%; p = 0.009). Interpretation Aspirin adherence was suboptimal despite the fact that it addresses most of the barriers on the medication adherence cascade (ie, relatively easy access, low cost, and low risk). A Medication Adherence Cascade Tool (MACT) is proposed as a clinical guide to facilitate patient-provider co-production of strategies to address medication adherence. The tool can assist patients and providers to co-produce adherence to achieve optimal medication benefits.
Coordinate transformations in the visual system: how to generate gain fields and what to compute with them.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses that gain modulation is a generalized mechanism, by which populations of neurons may encode sensory stimuli and other kinds of information, with the advantage that such representation may greatly facilitate certain computations. The two models for coordinate transformations involved separate anatomical structures in the dorsal and ventral visual pathways, as well as independent modulatory effects. The chapter also discusses that gain fields are an efficient means to perform coordinate transformations. The presence of gain fields at one stage of a processing pathway suggests that responses at a downstream stage in a different coordinate system. Similarly, the presence of transformed or invariant responses at one area suggests that gain modulated responses will be found at points upstream from that area. The gain fields arise naturally from the recurrent connectivity that is a characteristic of cortical circuitry. The chapter discusses how gain fields are built and exploited by the nervous system, but they will probably remain a prime example of neural design serving a computational purpose.
Reward and Neurocomputational Processes

The neurobiology of eating disorders (EDs) is largely unknown. However, brain imaging studies over the past decade have identified neurotransmitter alterations that could be part of dysfunctional behavior characteristics of EDs. In this chapter we focus on a specific behavioral construct, the brain reward system, and demonstrate a functional brain imaging approach toward identifying dopamine function in anorexia nervosa (AN). We demonstrate how human brain reward activation can be used in a translational approach to test whether computer models, based on basic science research, can predict expected in vivo reward system activation, and how such an approach can identify specific biologic alterations in a psychiatric population.
An examination of the accuracy of finite impulse response modeling

The author examines the suitability of modeling discrete-time linear systems with a finite number of impulse response (FIR) coefficients. The FIR terms can be used to construct a model of plant transfer function. A theoretical basis for this concept is developed in the form of theorems that characterize sets of transfer functions by their FIR coefficients. To illustrate the modeling technique a feedback control system is designed from the FIR model of an example plant transfer function and simulated. The results of this simulation provide an indication of the accuracy of the FIR model. >
“Knife to Skin” Time Is a Poor Marker of Operating Room Utilization and Efficiency in Cardiac Surgery

Background Markers of operation room (OR) efficiency in cardiac surgery are focused on “knife to skin” and “start time tardiness.” These do not evaluate the middle and later parts of the cardiac surgical pathway. The purpose of this analysis was to evaluate knife to skin time as an efficiency marker in cardiac surgery. Methods We looked at knife to skin time, procedure time, and transfer times in the cardiac operational pathway for their correlation with predefined indices of operational efficiency (Index of Operation Efficiency - InOE, Surgical Index of Operational Efficiency - sInOE). A regression analysis was performed to test the goodness of fit of the regression curves estimated for InOE relative to the times on the operational pathway. Results The mean knife to skin time was 90.6 ± 13 minutes (23% of total OR time). The mean procedure time was 282 ± 123 minutes (71% of total OR time). Utilization efficiencies were highest for aortic valve replacement and coronary artery bypass grafting and least for complex aortic procedures. There were no significant procedure-specific or team-specific differences for standard procedures. Procedure times correlated the strongest with InOE (r = −0.98, p < 0.01). Compared to procedure times, knife to skin is not as strong an indicator of efficiency. A statistically significant linear dependence on InOE was observed with “procedure times” only. Conclusions Procedure times are a better marker of OR efficiency than knife to skin in cardiac cases. Strategies to increase OR utilization and efficiency should address procedure times in addition to knife to skin times. doi: 10.1111/jocs.12528 (J Card Surg 2015;30:477–487)
Management of Systemic-Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease

Although scleroderma-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD) is a significant contributor to both morbidity and mortality, its pathogenesis is largely unclear. Pulmonary function tests and high-resolution computed tomographic scanning continue to be the most effective tools to screen for lung involvement and to monitor for disease progression. More research and better biomarkers are needed to identify patients most at risk for developing SSc-ILD as well as to recognize which of these patients will progress to more severe disease. Although immunosuppression remains the mainstay of treatment, antifibrotic agents may offer new avenues of treatment for patients with SSc-ILD in the future.
Type-Based MCMC

Most existing algorithms for learning latent-variable models---such as EM and existing Gibbs samplers---are token-based, meaning that they update the variables associated with one sentence at a time. The incremental nature of these methods makes them susceptible to local optima/slow mixing. In this paper, we introduce a type-based sampler, which updates a block of variables, identified by a type, which spans multiple sentences. We show improvements on part-of-speech induction, word segmentation, and learning tree-substitution grammars.
High-spin states in 155Dy and 154Dy from (12C, xn, γ) studies☆

Abstract Levels in 155Dy and 154Dy were studied using 146 Nd ( 12 C , x n , γ) reactions. Excitation functions between 57 MeV and 109 MeV, γ-angular distributions and γ-γ-time three dimensional coincidence relationships were determined. The most intense feature of the 155Dy spectrum is a cascade of stretched E2 transitions between levels of the strongly mixed positiveparity band arising from the i 13 2 , N = 6 shell-model state. Several of the strong γ-rays associated with a 6 μs isomer are also observed and placed in this decay scheme with this 11 2 − isomeric state of 155Dy at 233.4 keV. A less strongly populated rotational band is based on this 11 2 − [505] orbital. The available information on 155Dy from this and previous studies is discussed to arrive at a consistent interpretation. Coriolis mixing calculations are performed for the positive parity band and compared with the experimental data. Additional transitions of the ground rotational band in 154Dy are identified up to the level with spin 14+ (18+). For the spins higher than 14 “back-bending” occurs. Transitions from states of a β-vibrational band are confirmed.
Patterns of Small Mammal Microhabitat Utilization in Cedar Glade and Deciduous Forest Habitats

Differential microhabitat use by the small mammals inhabiting a cedar glade and a deciduous forest was investigated using discriminant function analysis of 30 structural parameters measured around the capture site of each animal. Ochrotomys nuttalli and Peromyscus leucopus utilize different microhabitats in the cedar glade, as do Blarina brevicauda and P. leucopus in the deciduous forest. P. leucopus was found to be a microhabitat generalist in the deciduous forest and a specialist in the cedar glade, whereas O. nuttalli and B. bravicauda were a microhabitat generalist and specialist, respectively. The sexes of P. leucopus were found to occupy different microhabitats in the deciduous forest but not in the cedar glade. Female P. leucopus occupied microhabitat with better protective cover in the deciduous forest. Comparisons of microhabitats used by the two species captured in each habitat with a random microhabitat sample and trap sites at which no animals were captured indicate that each habitat is a complex matrix of microhabitats, some of which are used by small mammals and some of which are not. 24 references, 5 figures, 5 tables.
The Instructional Design Environment: technology to support design problem solving

The problems of efficiently producing effective instruction in areas such as industry, military, and vocational education are exacerbated by several complex factors: increasingly rapid change in technology; substantial variation in training needs and target populations within large organizations; inefficient mechanisms for performing formative evaluations; and a lack of means for efficiently incorporating new models of design into practice. In the context of these increasingly difficult problems, we present the Instructional Design Environment (IDE), a hypermedia system for designing and developing instructional material, including texts, interactive video disk, and intelligent tutoring systems. The representation of design analyses and specifications, and the design activities of IDE users are not constrained by any particular model of instructional design, but can be tailored to suit a wide range of such models. Although the system is continually evolving and exists in several forms, (Swartz and Russell, 1989) we discuss how the features of IDE suggest how computer-based design environments may provide ways simplifying the design problems for technical training in rapidly changing areas.
Talking Back to Scripted Curricula: A Critical Performance Ethnography with Teachers' Collective Narratives

Although research shows the importance of the teacher in effective instruction, there has historically been an underrepresentation of teachers' voice in curricular decision- making. Some recent comprehensive reform programs include the use of mandated scripted curricula, which the authors argue often serve to further silence teachers, constraining their capacity to independently act within the classroom. The authors' research seeks to speak back to such constraints as they attend to the lived experiences of teachers using scripted reading curricula, particularly Success for All. Situating this work as a critical performance, the authors viewed their in-depth interviews as performative, with each teacher narrating their own response to using and/or resisting the use of a scripted reading curriculum. Through a performative text, constructed as a three-act play, the authors interrogate relationships of power, knowledge, and political control at work within the context of teachers' lives, as well as other stakeholders.
A high-performance end system architecture for real-time CORBA

Many application domains (e.g., avionics, telecommunications, and multimedia) require real-time guarantees from the underlying networks, operating systems, and middleware components to achieve their quality of service (QoS) requirements. In addition to providing end-to-end QoS guarantees, applications in these domains must be flexible and reusable. Requirements for flexibility and reusability motivate the use of object-oriented middleware like the Common Object Request Broker Architecture (CORBA). However, the performance of current CORBA implementations is not yet suited for hard real-time systems (e.g., avionics) and constrained latency systems (e.g., teleconferencing). This article describes the architectural features and optimizations required to develop real-time ORB end systems that can deliver end-to-end QoS guarantees to applications. While some operating systems, networks, and protocols now support real-time scheduling, they do not provide integrated solutions. The main thrust of this article is that advances in real-time distributed object computing can be achieved only by systematically pinpointing performance bottlenecks; optimizing the performance of networks, ORB end systems, common services, and applications; and simultaneously integrating techniques and tools that simplify application development.
Effect of spironolactone on the distribution of mercury.

Abstract The distribution and biliary excretion of 203HgCl2 (0.3 mg Hg/kg) iv was measured in rats treated with spironolactone (SP, 75 mg/kg, ip) for various time intervals. SP had its greatest effect when administered as a single dose 15 min before HgCl2. SP decreased the concentration of 203Hg in the plasma from 1.5 to 0.05 μg/ml, while it increased the blood concentration from 1.5 to 5 μg/ml. This treatment increased the content of Hg in the lung 12, heart 6, spleen 3, brain 3, muscle 2, stomach 1.7, and liver 1.5 times control, had no effect on the concentration of 203Hg in the intestine, bone, and testes, and markedly decreased the amount in the kidney to 10% of controls. Biliary excretion of Hg was not increased. When SP was administered 90 min or 3 hr before administration of the 203HgCl2, qualitatively similar but less dramatic effects on the distribution of Hg were obtained. SP administered 15 min after HgCl2 administration had a similar effect on the distribution of Hg as when administered 30 min before HgCl2, with the exception that the concentration of Hg in the kidney was not decreased. The two major metabolic products of SP, canrenone and thioacetic acid, were also given to determine their effect on Hg distribution. Canrenone had no effect while thioacetic acid produced an effect similar to that produced by SP. It appears that the alteration in the distribution of Hg after SP treatment is due to the sulfur portion of the molecule. It seems likely that the sulfur moiety complexes the Hg; this complex distributes in the body similar to organic mercurial compounds, which in comparison to inorganic mercurials, reach a lower concentration in the plasma and kidney and a higher concentration in the blood and other tissues. The decrease in the concentration of Hg in the kidney produced by SP is probably responsible for the decreased toxicity of Hg after SP treatment.
User Experience and the Spectacles of the Small: On Mundane Change and Encounters

My interest in this talk is in exploration of small change and the study of user experience. How can small, mundane and usually hidden change(s) interact with the study of user experience to gain the visible force needed to propel both into deeper understandings of users (and more canny products)?