cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Inferring performance in the songs of dark-eyed juncos (Junco hyemalis)

Within bird species, songs differ in their attractiveness to females or effectiveness in male-male interactions. Some songs are more difficult to sing than others, and receivers may use a singer's performance of difficult songs as a means for evaluating the quality of the singer. The concept of song performance aims at quantifying how physiologically demanding are different songs. Using variation between song types of dark-eyed juncos, Junco hyemalis, we show that some song traits trade off with costly aspects of song output—short intervals between syllables or loud sound amplitude—suggesting that those traits are difficult to sing. First, after controlling for other traits, long syllables require longer intervals for recovery. This supports the idea that a measure of “respiratory performance” could be based on the relative lengths of syllables and intervals. Second, some syllable traits trade off strongly with sound amplitude, suggesting that these traits may be difficult to sing at high amplitudes. The ratio of frequency bandwidth and trill rate has been used to infer performance in other bird species, but we found no evidence that frequency bandwidth trades off with any aspect of song output in the junco. The negative association of bandwidth with trill rate may instead be a passive consequence of syllable length, with longer syllables randomly accumulating frequency modulation. We conclude that bird receivers may best evaluate how well a song is performed if they integrate multiple cues and discuss how researchers may similarly devise measures of song performance.
Re‐creating Ancient Hybrid Species’ Complex Phenotypes from Early‐Generation Synthetic Hybrids: Three Examples Using Wild Sunflowers

Abstract: Can the complex phenotypes that characterize naturally occurring hybrid species be re‐created in early‐generation artificial hybrids? We address this question with three homoploid hybrid species (Helianthus anomalus, Helianthus deserticola, Helianthus paradoxus) and their ancestral parents (Helianthus annuus, Helianthus petiolaris) that are phenotypically distinct and ecologically differentiated. These species, and two synthetic hybrid populations of the ancestral parents, were characterized for morphological, physiological, and life‐history traits in greenhouse studies. Among the synthetic hybrids, discriminant analysis identified a few individuals with the multitrait phenotype of the natural hybrid species: 0.7%–1.1% were H. anomalus‐like, 0.5%–13% were H. deserticola‐like, and only 0.4% were H. paradoxus‐like. These relative frequencies mirror previous findings that genetic correlations are favorable for generating the hybrid species’ phenotypes, and they correspond well with phylogeographic ...
Aircraft Optimal Terrain/Threat-Based Trajectory Planning and Control

In this paper, single- and multi-objective three-dimensional terrain- and threat-based trajectory planning and control are addressed for optimal time, fuel, and altitude scenarios. To obtain more realistic and feasible trajectories, a high-fidelity, six-degree-of-freedom dynamic model of the aircraft is used that includes accurate aerodynamic and propulsion models in all path-planning scenarios. The paper is composed of two parts. In the first part, optimal trajectories are generated using a global differential-evolution-based optimization algorithm. A comprehensive analysis of the resulting optimal trajectories reveals major characteristics of each scenario, which are generally different. In the second part of the paper, a multi-input, multi-output nonlinear model predictive controller is established to enable the aircraft to track the optimal paths in real time. The controller uses a neurofuzzy predictor model that is trained using the local linear model tree algorithm. A robustness analysis shows that ...
The coincidence of daily rainfall events in Liberia, Costa Rica and tropical cyclones in the Caribbean basin

The occurrence of tropical cyclones in the Caribbean and North Atlantic basins has been previously noted to have a significant effect both upon individual hydro-climatological events as well as on the quantity of annual precipitation experienced along the Pacific flank of Central America. A methodology for examining the so-called ‘indirect effects’ of tropical cyclones (i.e. those effects resulting from a tropical cyclone at a considerable distance from the area of interest) on a daily rainfall record is established, which uses a variant of contingency table analysis. The method is tested using a single station on the Pacific slope of Costa Rica. Employing daily precipitation records from Liberia, north-western Costa Rica (1964–1995), and historic storm tracks of tropical cyclones in the North Atlantic, it is determined that precipitation falling in coincidence with the passage of tropical depressions, tropical storms, and hurricanes accounts for approximately 15% of average annual precipitation. The greatest effects are associated with storms passing within 1300 km of the precipitation station, and are most apparent in the increased frequency of daily rainfall totals in the range of 40–60 mm, rather than in the largest daily totals. The complexity and nonstationarity of factors affecting precipitation in this region are reflected in the decline in the number of tropical cyclones and their significance to annual precipitation totals after 1980, simultaneous to an increase in annual precipitation totals. The methodology employed in this study is shown to be a useful tool in illuminating the indirect effects of tropical cyclones in the region, with the potential for application in other areas. Copyright  2005 Royal Meteorological Society.
Environmental and genetic influences on the germination of Arabidopsis thaliana in the field

Seasonal germination timing strongly influences lifetime fitness and can affect the ability of plant populations to colonize and persist in new environments. To quantify the influence of seasonal environmental factors on germination and to test whether pleiotropy or close linkage are significant constraints on the evolution of germination in different seasonal conditions, we dispersed novel recombinant genotypes of Arabidopsis thaliana into two geographic locations. To decouple the photoperiod during seed maturation from the postdispersal season that maternal photoperiod predicts, replicates of recombinant inbred lines were grown under short days and long days under controlled conditions, and their seeds were dispersed during June in Kentucky (KY) and during June and November in Rhode Island (RI). We found that postdispersal seasonal conditions influenced germination more strongly than did the photoperiod during seed maturation. Genetic variation was detected for germination responses to all environmental factors. Transgressive segregation created novel germination phenotypes, revealing a potential contribution of hybridization of ecotypes to the evolution of germination. A genetic trade-off in germination percentage across sites indicated that determinants of fitness at or before the germination stage may constrain the geographic range that a given genotype can inhabit. However, germination timing exhibited only weak pleiotropy across treatments, suggesting that different sets of genes contribute to variation in germination behavior in different seasonal conditions and geographic locations. Thus, the genetic potential exists for rapid evolution of appropriate germination responses in novel environments, facilitating colonization across a broad geographic range.
Winners and losers among stream fishes in relation to land use legacies and urban development in the southeastern US

The southeastern United States is a center of aquatic species diversity and endemism in North America, but many taxa are imperiled or in decline. Proactive conservation strategies depend on developing sensitive measures of ecological response to environmental degradation early in the process. In the southern Appalachian highlands, much of the region has reforested following extensive logging and agriculture in the last century, but recently exurban development has surged. Patterns of aquatic ecosystem response to these changes were examined in 36 watersheds along a gradient of forest cover from moderately to heavily forested. A linear combination of watershed-scale measures reflecting the extent contemporary forest cover, the trajectory of forest cover change over time, and building and road density were stronger predictors of fish assemblage composition than topographic features. A measure of biotic homogenization relating the abundance of endemic highland fishes to abundance of broad-ranged fishes was sensitive to the gradient of anthropogenic disturbance. Across the watershed disturbance gradient, cosmopolitan species were clear winners as forms unique to the Appalachian highlands were lost. Similar measures of homogenization may be suitable elsewhere for tracking early warning signs of ecosystem stress, particularly in regions with significant endemism. Quantification of the homogenization process in response to urban development and other stressors is a promising avenue for proactive conservation, land use planning, and sustainable development efforts.
Culture, Feeding, and Growth of Alewives Hatched in the Laboratory

Abstract Alewives (Alosa pseudoharengus) were reared from the egg to the early juvenile life stage. The major obstacle to rearing alewives from the egg — providing an acceptable food that facilitates first feeding — was overcome by presenting a mixture of wild Zooplankton to the larvae twice daily, beginning on the day of hatching. Initial feeding by larvae held at 20°C was observed 2 days after hatching, when the yolk was nearly absorbed. Comparison of stomach contents and the wild Zooplankton composition suggested that the diet of larvae during the first 15 days of life shifted with changes in the availability of food but remained within a fairly narrow range of food sizes. Larvae hatched at a mean total length of 3.8 mm and grew at an average rate of 0.62 mm per day, to a mean of 35.5 mm after 50 days. At 50 days most fish had transformed into juveniles. The daily instantaneous mortality coefficient was 0.018. About half of the mortality occurred during the first 13 days after hatching.
Heart Failure Trials: Are They Becoming Impractical?

Of all medical specialties, evidence-based medicine has taken its strongest hold in cardiology. This reflects the large number of clinical trials with mortality and morbidity endpoints, many of which have involved patients with chronic heart failure. Indeed, the first Vasodilator Heart Failure Trial (V-HeFT-I) not only initiated the modern era of heart failure trials but also was one of the first studies to show that a pharmacological therapy can improve survival in any chronic cardiovascular condition. Since V-HeFT-I, the number of heart failure trials has grown rapidly, and these now provide the evidence that guides our treatment of these patients and has led to a substantial improvement in their prognosis. Although trials addressing important questions in heart failure continue to be initiated, a number of troubling trends have emerged that threaten to adversely impact this critical tool of clinical investigation. Indeed, the growing difficulty of conducting clinical trials threatens to dampen the enthusiasm for addressing critical unresolved questions and for developing new therapies. In this first of two editorials on this subject, I will discuss three closely related issues: the growing size of trials, their skyrocketing costs, and the higher risks of failure. In the next editorial, I will focus specifically on the increasing difficulty of performing heart failure trials in the United States and North America.
Multiwatt Microscale Permanent-Magnet Generators Operating at High Temperatures

We report microscale permanent-magnet generators delivering 8W of DC power to an external load at room temperature, dropping to 4W at an operating temperature of 200degC, demonstrating that permanent magnet microgenerators are a feasible approach to microscale heat-engine-driven mechanical-to-electrical power converters.
Why is chronic kidney disease the "spoiler" for cardiovascular outcomes?

The modern-day, first-world epidemics of obesity and hypertension are central drivers of an epidemic of combined chronic kidney disease (CKD) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) [(1)][1]. Among those with diabetes for 25 years or more, the prevalence of diabetic nephropathy in type 1 and type 2
Impact of Extraterrestrial Life Discovery for Third World Societies: Anthropological and Public Health Considerations

In this chapter we focus on the strategies developed by humans, living around the world, to prevent the injuries and death that can occur when confronted by random, but not totally unanticipated disasters. While the occurrence of events such as tsunamis, floods, volcanic eruptions, drought, and hostility from a distant tribe may be forgotten, the ancestral memory of these events, and strategies for coping with them, are retained in such things as stories and rituals. These seemingly unimportant cultural strategies made it possible for individuals to respond to such events with immediate and appropriate actions, thus providing those people with significant survival advantages. We begin by outlining some of the strategies honed by humans over centuries and millennia that proved to be successful in responding to potentially threatening events and that informed future generations about these events and the strategies needed to address them. These strategies, which continue to be practiced in traditional groups, include the use of such things as stories, parables, song and dance. We then apply this thinking to develop a research design for studying the response of individuals living in developing countries to information about possible contact with extraterrestrial complex or intelligent life. We conclude this chapter by outlining a justification for such a study.
La seconda rivoluzione educativa: come la tecnologia sta trasformando l'educazione

The transition from apprenticeship to universal schooling was precipitated by the shift from an agricultural society to an industrial society. In the process, the state took over responsibility for education from parents and individuals. We are now going through a similar transformation from an industrial to a knowledge society, which is propelling another revolution in education. We see the seeds of a new education system forming in the explosion of distance education, home schooling, workplace learning, adult education, learning centers, computer-based learning environments, web communities, technical certification, etc. All these new forms of education are enabled by technology. We are moving from just-in-case learning to just-in-time learning. Parents and individuals are taking back responsibility for education. Schools will always be with us, but their role in education is diminishing.
The next generation of cancer management.

As readers of Cancer Biology and Medicine well know, there has been a seismic shift in human molecular biology over the past few years, as momentous in its own way as the discovery of the double-helical structure of DNA by Watson and Crick 60 years ago, the elucidation of the genetic code shortly thereafter, the advent of recombinant DNA and gene cloning in the 1970s, and the introduction of the polymerase chain reaction in the mid-1980s. For the first time in history, we now have ready access to the entire complement of human genes and intergenic regions-all 6.6 billion nucleotides of the human genome-of any individual, for either research or medical purposes. No longer limited in our technology of examining one individual gene or sub-segment of a gene at a time by the traditional methods of PCR and Sanger sequencing, we can now produce, with astonishing accuracy and precision, the complete genome sequence within a few days and at reasonable cost. Nor are we restricted to any particular cell type or body site: we can obtain the germline genomic sequence from nucleated cells in the peripheral blood or saliva, from free fetal DNA circulating in the mother's bloodstream, or-with singular relevance to this special issue-the somatic genome sequence from cancer cells, revealing both their acquired "driver" and secondary mutations that produce the malignant phenotype and serve as potential targets for "precision" or "personalized" therapies.
A Comparison of Harwell & FWT Alanine Temperature Coefficients from 25 °C to 80 °C.

The dosimeters used to monitor industrial irradiation processing commonly experience significant temperature rises that must be considered in the dose analysis stage. The irradiation-temperature coefficient for a dosimetry system is derived from the dosimeter’s radiation response to the absorbed dose and the irradiation temperature. This temperature coefficient is typically expressed in percent change per degree. The temperature rise in dosimeters irradiated with high-intensity ionizing radiation sources can be appreciable. This is especially true for electron-beam processing in which dosimeter temperatures can approach 80 °C. A recent National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) study revealed modest (0.5 % to 1.0 %) deviations from the predicted value at temperatures above 70 °C for absorbed doses of 1 kGy and 20 kGy. However, these data were inconsistent with a concurrent manuscript published by National Physical Laboratory (NPL) researchers that found a significant dose-dependent non-linear alanine response but used dosimeters from a different manufacturer and a different experimental design. The current work was undertaken to reconcile the two studies. Alanine dosimeters from each manufacturer used by NIST and NPL were co-irradiated over a wide range of absorbed dose and irradiation temperature. It was found that though there was a slight variation in the temperature coefficient between the two alanine dosimeter sources both systems were linear with irradiation temperature up to 70 °C and the NPL observations of non-linearity were not reproduced. These data confirmed that there is no fundamental difference in the two commercial alanine dosimeter sources and that temperature corrections could be made on industrial irradiations at the extremes of irradiation temperature and absorbed dose.
Density functional theory based calculation of small-polaron mobility in hematite

The mobility of electron small polarons in hematite, $\ensuremath{\alpha}$-${\text{Fe}}_{2}$${\text{O}}_{3}$, is calculated by density functional theory within the generalized gradient approximation including Hubbard $U$ corrections. Our work goes beyond previous computational investigations of this system by computing both the prefactor and activation energies for adiabatic polaron transport. The results obtained using a Hubbard $U$ value of 4.3 eV yield a calculated value of the room-temperature basal plane mobility of 0.009 S*${\text{cm}}^{2}$/s, which compares to within an order of magnitude with experimental measurements. Further, the values of the electronic-coupling parameter in the Marcus theory for small-polaron transport are estimated from DFT$\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}+\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}U$ calculations of the defect energy levels in the stable and saddle-point configurations. Our results predict an adiabatic polaron transfer, in good agreement with previous wave function based calculations.
Mechanism of the Post-Gastrectomy Dumping Syndrome

Summary 1.Observations on 20 post-gastrectomy patients manifesting the "dumping syndrome" revealed that the symptoms occur during, toward the end of or immediately after a mixed meal. The symptoms were accompanied by a rise in blood pressure and an increase in pulse rate. Hyperglycemia but no hypoglycemia was encountered during the period of symptoms. 2.The symptoms were reproduced by the oral administration of glucose and sucrose but not by intravenous administration of glucose. They also followed the ingestion of hypertonic solutions of protein hydrolysate. 3.The symptoms were reproduced in individuals with an intact stomach, as well as in patients subjected to subtotal gastrectomy, by the intrajejunal instillation of a hypertonic solution of glucose, of protein hydrolysate or of sodium sulfate; also by distention of the jejunum by means of an air-inflated balloon. In addition, they have been observed after the introduction of 33 per cent magnesium sulfate into the duodenum for the purpose of evacuating the gall bladder. 4.It is proposed that the early postprandial "dumping" symptoms are due to marked distention of the jejunum. This distention results from excessive intestinal secretion induced by the presence in the bowel of a hypertonic solution. After a gastric resection the stomach no longer functions as an adequate reservoir and so permits food material with an abnormally high osmotic pressure to reach the jejunum. The food material itself, without the added increment of intestinal secretion, is not sufficient to produce the necessary distention or symptoms. Neither can the symptoms be explained on the basis of hyperglycemia.
When and where did GW150914 form

The recent LIGO detection of gravitational waves (GW150914), likely originating from the merger of two ∼ 30M_⊙ black holes suggests progenitor stars of low metallicity ([Z/Z_⊙] ≲ 0.3), constraining when and where the progenitor of GW150914 may have formed. We combine estimates of galaxy properties (star-forming gas metallicity, star formation rate and merger rate) across cosmic time to predict the low redshift black hole – black hole merger rate as a function of present day host galaxy mass, M_(gal), the formation redshift of the progenitor system z_f and different progenitor metallicities Z_p. For Z_p ⩾ 0.1Z_⊙, the signal is dominated by binaries in massive galaxies with z_f ≃ 2 while below Z_p ⩽ 0.1Z_⊙ most mergers come from binaries formed around z_f ≃ 0.5 in dwarf galaxies. Additional gravitational wave detections from merging massive black holes will provide constraints on the mass–metallicity relation and massive star formation at high redshifts.
Rapid, Even Distribution of Pollen Populations on Semi-Solid Media Using a Modified Replica Plate Technique

Pollen populations are proving to be very useful tools for a wide variety of studies, including the measurement of biotic and abiotic stresses. A majority of these studies require fresh pollen which readily germinate on appropriate selected artificial media. A second requirement is the even distribution of single pollen grains on the medium so that numbers of pollen grains, rate of germination, and tube lengths are easily measured. Brush and other gross dusting techniques produce clumpy, uneven population distribution on semi solid media. This poster describes a simple technique which produces even population distribution.
Horace Carm. 2.12, Maecenas, and Prose History

Carm. 2.12 has often received attention because scholiasts observe that Licymnia is a pseudonym for Maecenas' wife Terentia. The poem is also interesting for the originality of the recusatio it contains, and for the comments it elicits from scholars on Maecenas. Horace begins with a polite refusal to incorporate epic themes into his poetry, and in lines 9-12 he announces that Maecenas will better tell of Caesar's deeds in prose (‘pedestribus historiis’). Rejections of grand themes are found in Greek poetry, but for Roman poets the recusatio acquired the added function of dismissing apparent requests for weighty poetry, and poets on occasion address Maecenas in recusationes that supposedly decline his requests. Typically the poet recommends another poet to undertake the rejected task in a more elevated style, usually because the other person's talent (ingenium) is better suited to the job. In the case of Carm. 2.12.9-12, however, Maecenas himself is the suggested alternate, and he is not asked to compose a poem, but to write about Caesar's deeds in prose. Interpretations of these lines tend to focus on Horace's motives for suggesting that Maecenas, whose literary style was notoriously bad, should compose anything, much less prose history, for Caesar. In fact there are no motives or hidden meanings concerning Maecenas as a writer. Horace merely turned to a genre that better represented both his patron's status and the weightiness of Caesar's deeds.
Kinetic Equations on Finite Domains

In the previous three chapters we have analyzed in detail the existence and uniqueness theory for the abstract differential equation.
Bemerkungen zu meinen Kritikern

Es ist vier Jahre her, das Professor Watkins und ich einen fur uns beide undurchdringlichen Gedankenaustausch anlaslich des Internationalen Kolloquiums uber die Philosophie der Wissenschaft im Bedford College zu London hatten. Indem ich nun unsere Beitrage zusammen mit den anderen lese, die seitdem hinzugefugt worden sind, ware ich beinahe geneigt, die Existenz von zwei Personen mit dem Namen Thomas Kuhn zu vermuten. Kuhn1 ist der Verfasser dieses Beitrags und eines fruheren Stuckes in dem vorliegenden Band. Er hat auch ein Buch unter dem Titel The Structure of Scientific Revolutions [= Die Struktur der wissenschaftlichen Revolutionen] i. J. 1962 veroffentlicht, dasjenige, woruber er selber und Miss Masterman sprechen. Kuhn2 ist der Verfasser eines anderen Buches unter demselben Titel. Dieses andere Buch wird hier mehrmals von Sir Karl Popper wie auch von den Professoren Feyerabend, Lakatos, Toulmin und Watkins zitiert. Es kann kein Zufall sein, das beide Bucher denselben Titel fuhren; denn die Ansichten, die in ihnen vertreten werden, decken sich haufig, und auf alle Falle werden sie mit denselben Worten zum Ausdruck gebracht. Doch ihre Absichten sind gewohnlich verschieden. Wie seine Kritiker berichten (denn sein Original ist fur mich, leider, unzuganglich geworden), scheint Kuhn2 gelegentlich Behauptungen aufzustellen, die wesentliche Aspekte jenes Standpunktes umstosen, die sein Namensvetter skizziert hat.
Theoretical Study of Mask Haze Formation

Studies on the haze formation mechanism in deep ultraviolet (UV) lithography were carried out. A nucleation and growth model on haze formation was proposed based on Gibbs energy change analysis. Haze formation is a nucleation and growth process. For a spontaneous process, Gibbs energy change in nucleation results from surface energy increase and volume energy decrease; the former tends to prevent nucleation and the latter to enhance it. Then, a critical dimension of nuclei exists, i.e. when a nucleus is larger than critical dimension, it can grow with a system Gibbs energy decrease. The study shows that it is thermodynamically spontaneous for small haze to merge with large haze. A critical distance exists, beyond which nuclei grow independently. The haze formation region on a plot of composition versus temperature was proposed based on the equilibrium constant calculation and a haze growth mechanism postulated. Photochemical dissociation of molecular oxygen to atomic oxygen by excimer laser less than 246 nm wavelength plays an important role in the oxidation of sulfur dioxide. The proposed mechanism agreed well with previously published experimental results.
Simplified Eigenvalues Distributions of 2 × 2 Complex Noncentral Wishart

This paper derives new simplified analytical cumulative density functions for the eigenvalues of complex noncentral Wishart matrix of size 2times2. Such distributions are often encountered in multiple input multiple output (MIMO) Ricean channels. The results derived herein are general for any arbitrary non-centrality matrix, and they account the cases having identical or non-identical eigenvalues of the underlying non-centrality matrix. When compared to the generalized distribution recently found in literature which only treated the case of non-identical eigenvalue of the non-centrality matrix, the expressions presented in this paper exhibit a larger parameters range to which the numerical calculation remains computationally viable.
Book Review: The Watchdog That Didn’t Bark: The Financial Crisis and the Disappearance of Investigative Journalism, by Dean Starkman

The Watchdog That Didn't Bark: The Financial Crisis and the Disappearance of Investigative Journalism. Dean Starkman. New York: Columbia University Press, 2014. 368 pp. $24.95 hbk. $18.95 pbk. $23.99 ebk.In a March 2009 interview, Jon Stewart confronted CNBC business commentator Jim Cramer with the charge that in the period leading up to the Wall Street crash of 2008, Cramer, specifically, and business journalism generally, had missed the biggest financial story of their era. Now a popular view, it is a charge that Dean Starkman largely supports. A former reporter for the Wall Street Journal and other newspapers, Starkman is an editor and Kingsford Capital Fellow of the Columbia Journalism Review.He concludes that the mainstream business press failed to meet even minimum standards of investigative reporting on financial institutions during the bubble period. This was despite the fact that many times throughout the history of business journalism, even up until a short time before the bubble (the period 2000-2003), many fine examples of investigative journalism exposed fraud and held the fraudsters to account, as in the New York Times' expose of Lehman and its deep relationship with predatory lenders. Yet in 2004-2006 when subprime lending went stratospheric, the watchdog was dormant. Drawing from a Columbia Journalism Review survey of relevant coverage, Starkman offers three main causes for this failure: (a) the rise of CNBCization and accompanying dominance of what he calls "access" journalism, (b) deregulation, and (c) financial distress among media outlets. A small number of reporters (whom Starkman identifies) did understand and report the story, but they worked for local media or did not get the backing and exposure from big media employers that could have unleashed the necessary critical force.Even media that did see subprime lending as dangerous for the economy simply did not get the reality that a great deal of it consisted of egregiously fraudulent and criminal behavior in which borrowers, who either could not afford loans or already had satisfactory low-interest mortgages, were aggressively and massively scammed into signing up for new debt without the safeguard of proper disclosure of fundamentals such as rates, fees, and built-in triggers for future interest hikes. The brokerage system in subprime came out of a culture of hire-and-fire boiler room cold-calling, door-knocking sales frenzy often conducted by sleazy companies whose funding nonetheless came from Wall Street. This not only smashed the rules of professionalism characteristic of prime lending but insidiously contaminated the prime lending institutions as well.Wall Street's culpability was threefold. Wall Street provided the money to support the loans. Sometimes, Wall Street banks became directly involved in subprime practices. And it was Wall Street that leveraged the loans for the mainstream investment community worldwide through the sale of spliced-and-diced bonds. …
Maternal care and affective behavior in female offspring: Implication of the neurosteroid/GABAergic system

In female rats, the proestrus phase of the estrous cycle is associated with decreased levels of anxiety-like and depressive-like behavior relative to the metestrus phase. Progesterone likely modulate these behaviors, in part through the influence of its metabolite, allopregnanolone (THP) on hippocampal GABAAR subunit expression. As natural variations in maternal care have been found to influence both progesterone levels at proestrus and anxiety-like behavior in female offspring, we sought to investigate the importance of maternal care and the estrous cycle on affective behavior in female rats that had received Low or High levels of licking/grooming (LG) during early life. Subjects were tested for anxiety-like behavior in the elevated plus maze at proestrus or metestrus or for estrous cycle-dependent changes in depressive-like anhedonic behavior with a saccharin preference test. GABAAR subunit expression, and THP levels in the dorsal hippocampus and in plasma were also evaluated. Estrous cycle phase influenced saccharine preference and hippocampal THP level in both phenotypes. Low LG animals showed higher levels of hedonic behavior and anxiety-like behavior, irrespective of estrous cycle phase, as well as lower THP levels within the dorsal hippocampus when compared to High LG animals. Only High LG animals showed positive correlations between hippocampal THP levels and GABAAR subunit expression, suggesting a relative insensitivity to THP's modulation of these receptor subunits in Low LG offspring. These findings suggest that natural variations in maternal care influence anxiety-like and hedonic behavior through the modulation of the neurosteroid/GABAergic system.
Gene Expression Profiles for Prognosis in MGUS, Coupled with Signatures of Oncogenic Pathway Deregulation Provide a Novel Approach for Selection of Molecular Targets in Multiple Myeloma.

Gene expression profiles that reflect unique aspects of biologic phenotypes and characterize the heterogeneity of monoclonal gammopathies may facilitate the development of a ‘signature’ that predicts the evolution of MGUS to multiple myeloma (MM). Furthermore, while most patients with MM are initially sensitive to therapy, resistance invariably develops. Thus, a need exits for novel therapeutic strategies targeting resistance-associated deregulated molecular pathways. Using previously-described methodologies that employ DNA microarray data in a cohort of 877 annotated samples from patients with plasma cell dyscrasias (MGUS, untreated MM and refractory MM), a complex multi-gene expression profile (‘metagene’) of 120 genes was identified that predicts risk of progression, from MGUS to MM. This analysis used an initial ‘test’ cohort of patients with MGUS that represented patients followed for a median of 36.4 months. At follow up, 11% of these patients were identified as having disease progression. Leave-one-out cross validation analysis within the test cohort revealed 95% accuracy. The ‘metagene model’ was also evaluated in a large independent validation cohort. Overexpressed genes in the predictive model represented those involved in the proteasome, RAS, and MAP-kinase pathways. In addition, we used gene expression signatures that reflect the deregulation of major oncogenic signaling pathways (Ras, PI3kinase, Akt, Src, s-catenin, E2F, and Myc) and pathways representative of the tumor microenvironment (Hypoxia, Angiogenesis, Chromosomal Instability, and TNF-alpha) to identify patterns of pathway activation unique to individual patients with plasma cell dyscrasias. This analysis revealed that patterns of pathway activation clearly defined the stages of myeloma progression. As an example, Myc deregulation was unique to refractory MM (p 96%) had deregulation of multiple signaling pathways, suggesting a complex oncogenic process. In particular, these samples demonstrated deregulation in Ras (78%), Myc (70%), Src (63%), E2F (52%) and s-catenin (52%) pathways. In contrast, normal plasma cells showed none to minimal deregulation of the oncogenic pathways. As a proof of concept, we then used cell proliferation assays to show that the predicted deregulation of Ras, Src and PI3 kinase pathways was directly proportional (p
Physical and Functional Association of the MRN Complex with Human Telomerase in Multiple Myeloma.

Abstract Telomerase is a specialized RNA-directed DNA polymerase that extends telomeres of eukaryotic chromosomes, is repressed in normal human somatic cells but is activated during development and upon malignant transformation. There is abundant evidence that the regulation of telomerase is multifactorial in mammalian cells, involving telomerase gene expression, post-translational protein-protein interactions, and protein phosphorylation. Initial experiments indicated that the catalytic subunit(s) of human telomerase (hTERT) is highly elevated in Multiple Myeloma (MM) cell lines and MM patient samples relative to normal donor plasma cells. We then exploited this highly detectable level of hTERT to address the potential role of proteins that may physically associate with the telomerase complex in MM. To this end, we investigated whether the MRN complex, a trimeric structure that consists of Mre11, RAD50 and Nbs that is evolutionarily conserved and functions in DNA repair and homologous recombination physically associates with the human telomerase complex. The MRN complex is required in vivo for a 5′ to 3′ exonuclease activity that mediates DNA recombination at double-strand breaks (DSBs). We have observed that each of the three MRN components was associated with the catalytic subunit of human telomerase (hTERT) in MM cell lines as demonstrated by in vivo co-immunoprecipitation with an hTERT monoclonal antibody under non-denaturing conditions. In addition, polyclonal antibodies to each MRN component individually immunoprecipitated the hTERT catalytic subunit. We also detected that the telomerase complex accessory proteins TRF-1 and TRF-2 are also associated with hTERT and the MRN components. TRF-2 may function as bridge coupling hTERT to the MRN complex. The association of the MRN components with hTERT was increased following treatment of myeloma cells with DNA-damaging agents indicating a functional relationship between telomere maintenance and the DNA repair pathway. The functional role of this complex is being addressed by measuring telomerase activity, telomere length and homologous recombination activity. Based upon the data that abolition of exonuclease activity in MRN mutants resulted in shortened telomeric DNA tracts, we hypothesize that this elevated MRN complex expression and its interaction with hTERT in myeloma, provides the ability to maintain telomeres and may be an important therapeutic target in MM.
Healthier than thou? “Practicing what you preach” backfires by increasing anticipated devaluation.

[Correction Notice: An Erratum for this article was reported in Vol 112(5) of Journal of Personality and Social Psychology (see record 2017-17124-001). In the article, the beginning phrase of the second paragraph of the Internal Meta-Analysis of Studies 3 Through 5 section is incorrect. It should instead begin as follows: Across the three studies. The Monin et al. (2014) reference in both the References list and in text is included in error. The correct citation should read as follows: Monin, B., & Oppenheimer, D. M. (2014). The limits of direct replications and the virtues of stimulus sampling: Commentary on Klein et al., 2014. Social Psychology, 45, 299–300.] Should experts always practice what they preach? When an expert displays exemplary behavior, individuals who fear negative devaluation sometimes anticipate that this expert will look down on them. As a result, displays of excellence can paradoxically turn off the very people they are trying to inspire. Five studies document this in the medical domain, showing that individuals who are overweight or obese and concerned about their weight avoid physicians who advertise their fitness, for fear that these doctors will judge them negatively. People (erroneously) believe that doctors have healthier habits than other individuals (Study 1), doctors advertise healthy habits (Study 2), and overweight individuals anticipate devaluation from, and thus avoid and feel less comfortable with, doctors who portray themselves as fitness-focused (Study 3). Studies 4 and 5 test strategies for physicians to emphasize their own fitness without turning off weight-sensitive patients. This work demonstrates that it is critical to take into account ego-defensive processes when attempting to lead by example. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2017 APA, all rights reserved)
Effects of fiscal stress labels on municipal government finances, housing prices, and the quality of public services: Evidence from Ohio

Abstract This paper analyzes the Ohio fiscal stress labeling system, which labels municipal governments that are in financial trouble and requires them to implement financial recovery plans. These recovery plans are undertaken by the municipality or by the state depending on the type of label. I examine the effect of these fiscal stress labels on municipal government financial behavior, crime, and housing prices from 1999–2012. Using difference-in-differences, I find that municipalities with fiscal stress labels reduce total expenditures per capita by nearly 25 percent. Although municipalities make reductions to both per capita capital and operating expenditures, the largest percentage reductions occur in per capita capital expenditures. There are heterogeneous responses by the type of municipality and type of governance structure in place, especially in the reductions made to operating expenditures. Cities and municipalities with council-manager governance structures much more heavily focus on reductions in spending for specific public services (e.g., safety services, roads), while villages and municipalities with mayor-council governance structures primarily reduce general operating expenditures and increase local tax revenue. These labels have minimal impacts on crime rates and police employment. While I find no statistically significant effect of label receipt on housing prices, I do find that residential home sale prices fall following fiscal stress label removal. Thus, the reductions in public service expenditures may have long-lasting ramifications on the quality of public services offered by these municipalities.
Resource recovery by osmotic bioelectrochemical systems towards sustainable wastewater treatment

Recovering valuable resources from wastewater will transform wastewater management from a treatment focused strategy to a sustainability focused strategy, creating a need for new technology development. Osmotic bioelectrochemical systems (OsBESs), an innovative treatment concept which is based on cooperation between bioelectrochemical systems (BESs) and forward osmosis (FO), have been introduced and studied in the past few years. An OsBES can accomplish the simultaneous treatment of wastewater and recovery of resources such as nutrients, energy, and water (NEW). The cooperation can be accomplished in either an internal (integrated OsBES) or external (coupled OsBES) configuration, through a strong synergy between a BES and FO. A BES can provide draw solute, perform pre-treatment, or reduce reverse salt flux to help with FO operation, while FO can achieve water recovery, enhance current generation, and supply energy sources to BES operation. Given that there has been much progress and interest in the OsBES, this paper reviews the previous studies, describes the current status, presents qualitative and quantitative analyses, and discusses the perspectives of the OsBES technology, focusing on NEW recovery from wastewater. The challenges for further research and development of OsBESs have also been identified.
Validation of commercial business lists as a proxy for licensed alcohol outlets

Abstract Background Studies of retail alcohol outlets are restricted to regions due to lack of U.S. national data. Commercial business lists (BL) offer a possible solution, but no data exists to determine if BLs could serve as an adequate proxy for license data. This paper compares geospatial measures of alcohol outlets derived from a commercial BL with license data for a large US state. Methods We validated BL data as a measure of off-premise alcohol outlet density and proximity compared to license data for 5528 randomly selected California residential addresses. We calculated three proximity measures (Euclidean distance, road network travel time and distance) and two density measures (kernel density estimation and the count within a 2-mile radius) for each dataset. The data was acquired in 2015 and processed and analyzed in 2015 and 2016. Results Correlations and reliabilities between density (correlation 0.98; Cronbach’s α 0.97–0.99) and proximity (correlations 0.77–0.86; α 0.87–0.92) measures were high. For proximity, BL data matched license in 55–57% of addresses, overstated distance in 19%, and understated in 24–26%. Conclusions BL data can serve as a reliable proxy for licensed alcohol outlets, thus extending the work that can be performed in studies on associations between retail alcohol outlets and drinking outcomes.
DISPERSANT PERFORMANCE: FINDING NEW RESULTS IN EXISTING DATA

Abstract No. 092 Abstract: Chemical dispersants are used to mitigate oil spills in aquatic environments. Dispersants promote the breakdown of oil into smaller droplets that more readily diffuse int...
Trends in Perceived Access to Marijuana Among Adolescents in the United States: 2002-2015

Objective:There is concern that changes in marijuana-related policy and public opinion may lead to increased access to marijuana among young people in the United States. However, little research has been conducted on changes in youth’s perceptions of marijuana access, and studies have yet to systematically examine trends in perceived access across key sociodemographic and externalizing behavioral subgroups.Method:Using population-based data collected between 2002 and 2015 as part of the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, we examined trends in perceived marijuana access among non-Hispanic White, African American, and Hispanic adolescents (ages 12–17, n = 221,412). Following the trend analysis method outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, we conducted logistic regression analyses to test for secular trends.Results:Between 2002 and 2015, we observed a 27% overall reduction in the relative proportion of adolescents ages 12–17—and a 42% reduction among those ages 12–14—reporting that ...
Antenatal corticosteroids administration: are we giving them at the right time?

Antenatal corticosteroids before preterm births are considered to be most effective 48 h after and up to 1 week after the first dose. We aim to evaluate: (1) our practice of administration of antenatal corticosteroids in Singapore; (2) admission characteristics of women for discriminatory factors of spontaneous preterm delivery within 1 week. This is a retrospective study in a tertiary obstetrics unit in Singapore. 3044 women who delivered live births (at term or preterm) from 1st November 2014 to 31st January 2015, who were at risk of spontaneous or induced preterm delivery, were included. Data related to the time of and indications for antenatal corticosteroids administration, characteristics assessed at the time of presentation, and time of delivery were collected and analysed. 85.9% of women who delivered at gestational age ≤ 34+6 received at least one dose. 22.1% had delivered within the window of efficacy. Gestational age > 32 weeks at presentation, uterine activity on tocography and cervical dilation with effacement were associated with preterm delivery within 1 week of presentation. Overall, our antenatal corticosteroids administration rate is comparable to that attained by centres in other developed countries. It is difficult but important to discriminate women who will benefit from this timely intervention.
Determination of Aromatic Arsines in Environmental Solids by Direct Thermal Desorption Gas Chromatography

ABSTRACTTo quantify aromatic arsines in the environment, such as World War I era chemical warfare agents and degradation products of arsenicals used in agriculture, a sensitive, selective, and direct method is needed. We describe the development and optimization of a method for the measurement of trace levels of triphenylarsine used as a model aromatic arsenic compound. Triphenylarsine was determined at low µg/g levels in sand, soil, and lake sediment by thermal desorption before gas–liquid chromatography (GC) with mass spectrometric and pulsed flame photometric detection. The dithiol derivative of phenylarsonic acid was used as an internal standard, thereby significantly improving the precision of the method. The desorption conditions were studied and found to be optimal at 350°C for 15 min. Significant improvement in precision was realized by preparing the solid samples as slurries in acetone and by inserting a small (∼100 mg) quartz wool plug into the sample vial. The method was applied to determine tr...