cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Offsetting Effects of Wolbachia Infection and Heat Shock on Sperm Production in Drosophila simulans: Analyses of Fecundity, Fertility and Accessory Gland Proteins

Infection in Drosophila simulans with the endocellular symbiont Wolbachia pipientis results in egg lethality caused by failure to properly initiate diploid development (cytoplasmic incompatibility, CI). The relationship between Wolbachia infection and reproductive factors influencing male fitness has not been well examined. Here we compare infected and uninfected strains of D. simulans for (1) sperm production, (2) male fertility, and (3) the transfer and processing of two accessory gland proteins, Acp26Aa or Acp36De. Infected males produced significantly fewer sperm cysts than uninfected males over the first 10 days of adult life, and infected males, under varied mating conditions, had lower fertility compared to uninfected males. This fertility effect was due to neither differences between infected and uninfected males in the transfer and subsequent processing of accessory gland proteins by females nor to the presence of Wolbachia in mature sperm. We found that heat shock, which is known to decrease CI expression, increases sperm production to a greater extent in infected compared to uninfected males, suggesting a possible link between sperm production and heat shock. Given these results, the roles Wolbachia and heat shock play in mediating male gamete production may be important parameters for understanding the dynamics of infection in natural populations.
Atrazine and 2,4-D mineralization in relation to microbial biomass in soils of young-, second-, and old-growth riparian forests

Abstract Current agricultural practices are responsible for the deposition of unwanted quantities of pesticides into streams throughout the United States. Previous studies in riparian areas have shown that microbial communities are capable of degrading herbicides faster in forest soils than in pasture soils. This study tested the influence of age of riparian forests on herbicide degradation in the soil. Active and total fungal and bacterial biomasses and mineralization of atrazine (2 chloro-4[ethylamino]-6[isopropylamino]S-triazine) and 2,4-D (2,4-dichlorophenoxy-acetic acid) in the litter and top 10 cm of mineral soil were measured in forests 20–40, 60–90, and 120–300 years old on three riparian sites in autumn, winter, spring, and summer. Active and total fungal and active and total bacterial biomasses did not differ in the top 10 cm of mineral soil regardless of forest age. In litter, total bacterial biomass also did not differ with forest age throughout the year, but in spring and autumn, active bacterial biomass was greater in old-growth than in second- or young-growth litter samples, as were both active and total fungal biomasses. Atrazine mineralization in litter did not differ with forest age or season, but in mineral soil it was greater in old-growth than in second or young-growth forest samples in all seasons. Mineralization of 2,4-D in litter was greater in old- and second-growth forest samples than in young-growth samples, except in winter; and in mineral-soil, it was greater in old-growth samples than in those from both younger forest types. Results indicate that microbial communities in old-growth riparian areas have a greater capacity to degrade herbicides than do such communities in second-or young-growth forests. Management of riparian forest to long rotations may tend to increase herbicide degradation and protection of lakes and streams.
Effects of Heterogeneity of Variance on the Analysis of Designed Experiments: A Comparison of Robustness of Classical ANOVA with the Use of S/N Ratios

In this study the effectiveness of the traditional ANOVA procedures for the analysis of designed experiments as compared with the use of Taguchi's signal-to-noise ratios under conditions of heterogeneous variances are investigated. With the assumption o..
Caries experience of children. II. Relation of fluoride to hypoplasia, malocclusion and gingivitis

Caries experience of children one to six years old in two Oregon communities (Corvallis and Albany) II. Relation of fluoride to hypoplasia, malocclusion and gingivitis
Parallel simulation of the IBM SP2 interconnection network

Simulations of large multistage interconnection networks used in parallel processing systems are computationally expensive. The paper describes the parallel simulation of a realistic and highly detailed model of the IBM SP2 interconnection network. The challenges involved in efficiently parallelizing such a complex simulation are discussed.
RAPID CHANGES OF MAGNETIC FIELDS ASSOCIATED WITH SIX X-CLASS FLARES

In this paper, we present the results of the study of six X-class flares. We found significant changes in the photospheric magnetic fields associated with all of the events. For the five events in 2001, when coronagraph data were available, all were associated with halo coronal mass ejections. Based on the analyses of the line-of-sight magnetograms, all six events had an increase in the magnetic flux of the leading polarity of order of a few times 1020 Mx while each event had some degree of decrease in the magnetic flux of the following polarity. The flux changes are considered impulsive because the changeover time, which we defined as the time to change from preflare to postflare state, ranged from 10 to 100 minutes. The observed changes are permanent. Therefore, the changes are not due to changes in the line profile caused by flare emissions. For the three most recent events, when vector magnetograms were available, two showed an impulsive increase of the transverse field strength and magnetic shear after the flares, as well as new sunspot area in the form of penumbral structure. One of the events in this study was from the previous solar cycle. This event showed a similar increase in all components of the magnetic field, magnetic shear, and sunspot area. We present three possible explanations to explain the observed changes: (1) the emergence of very inclined flux loops, (2) a change in the magnetic field direction, and (3) the expansion of the sunspot, which moved some flux out of Zeeman saturation. However, we have no explanation for the polarity preference; i.e., the flux of leading polarity tends to increase while the flux of following polarity tends to decrease slightly.
Lighting the way or stealing the shine? An examination of the duality in star scientists' effects on firm innovative performance

Do star employees enhance or constrain the innovative performance of an organization? Using data from 456 biotechnology firms between 1973 and 2003, we highlight the duality of the effects that stars have on firm performance. We show that while stars positively affect firms' productivity, their presence constrains the emergence of other innovative leaders in an organization. We find that firm productivity and innovative leadership among non-stars in a firm are greatest when a star has broad expertise and collaborates frequently. We offer cross-disciplinary insights into the role of human capital as a source of competitive advantage, suggesting that the value of human capital in a firm is contingent on the mutual dependence inherent in high-status employees' relationships with other individuals in a firm.
From the 30 by 60 to the Langley Full Scale Tunnel

Old Dominion University (ODU) has negotiated a long-term operating agreement with NASA Langley Research Center permitting ODU to re-open the "Full Scale" wind tunnel as an independent, self-financing operation. This tunnel, formerly known as the NACA/NASA Full Scale Tunnel and later as the NASA 30 by 60, is the second largest in the United States in terms of test section size, and is now the largest University-operated facility in the world. This paper briefly reviews the long and colorful history of this unique facility, which has been used for an amazing range of testing throughout its 64 years of service with the NACA and NASA. Next, the motivations for the reopening and the potential applications of a facility of this type are addressed. These applications include aerospace and ground vehicle testing, with full-scale automotive testing seen as the strongest near-term opportunity. The achievements to date in development of a road vehicle test capability are discussed. The management and operating approach for the facility involves a unique partnership between federal and state government, military services, academia, a not-for-profit foundation and private industry. The proposed arrangement and problems arising are briefly addressed. Finally the educational and training thrust, seen as an integral part of the LFST operation, is reviewed.
A Low Jitter Multi-Phase PLL with Capacitive Coupling

Capacitive coupling improves both phase noise and phase accuracy in coupled LC oscillators since the coupling current is in phase with the regeneration current. A prototype 3 GHz PLL with four LC oscillator stages and capacitive coupling is fabricated in 0.13?m CMOS. The long term measured RMS jitter of the buffered clock from the PLL is 1.61 ps and the pk-pk jitter is 13.33ps.
Interaction of Acoustic Waves and Conduction Electrons

Publisher Summary This chapter attempts to give a systematic presentation of the theory of the acoustic phonon-conduction electron interaction as it stands today. It places particular emphasis on the effect of dc magnetic and electric fields on the electron-phonon interaction. It is restricted mainly to conduction electrons in spherical energy bands, thus ignoring the effects of complicated Fermi surfaces on the interaction. These effects have been covered in some detail in review articles by other authors and in articles on the Fermi surface. However, some discussion is given on the extension of the calculations to more general energy bands. This chapter concentrates mainly on presenting a clear physical picture of the interaction, with more emphasis on the theoretical aspects than on the experimental aspects. However, sufficient reference is made to experiments to illustrate the applicability of the theory. Reference is also made to the powerful tool this interaction represents in exploring the band structure of solids.
An overview of therapeutic drug monitoring principles.

Recent technological advances allow determination of anticonvulsant blood levels. Consequently, the principles of pharmacokinetics can be applied in managing patients with seizures. We review these principles as well as those of therapeutic drug monitoring for the control of antiepileptic drug levels.
Abstract 1996: Chronic arsenic exposure and changes in global levels of histone modifications in a human population in Bangladesh

Arsenic and arsenic compounds have been classified as group 1 human carcinogens by IARC. Naturally occurring inorganic arsenic, in particular, has been implicated in the development of human skin, lung, and bladder cancers and has also been associated with the development of liver and prostate cancers. However, despite being a formidable carcinogen, arsenic is a poor mutagen and it has been suggested that arsenic-induced carcinogenesis maybe governed by epigenetic mechanisms. We have detected differences in the levels of several histone epigenetic marks, such as H3K9acetylation, H3K9dimethylation and H3K27trimethylation in human peripheral mononuclear cell collected from individuals exposed to varying levels of inorganic arsenic in their drinking water. The changes in the global levels of these epigenetic marks were primarily measured using a novel ELISA method, while changes of arsenic-induced histone modifications in peripheral blood lymphocytes treated in vitro have also been examined via Mass Spectrometry and Western Blotting. Furthermore, we have also found a profound increase in the expression of histone genes after in vitro treatment of peripheral blood lymphocytes with sodium arsenite and will be examining this finding further. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first in its class to measure arsenic-induced epigenetic modifications in humans and how they relate to changes in gene expression in a human population. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1996. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-1996
Partitioned Structural Eigenvalue Analysis, Part I: Mode Synthesis Approximations and Error Estimates

A variational formulation is presented, which leads to a general form of partitioned equations of motion for structures. The present partitioned equations are shown to be suitable for developing a family of structural component mode synthesis methods. Two new forms of component mode synthesis methods are derived by introducing different approximations to the present partitioned equations that can be implemented on both sequential and parallel computers. For each approximation, a corresponding substructural mode selection expression is identified, which can be used for a rational mode selection criterion for each substructure. By exploiting the present formulation, a hierarchy-free algorithm for reducing the interface degrees of freedom is presented as an alternative to a tree-structure architecture that has been adopted in implementing the Craig-Bampton method for parallel computations.
Neuronal deletion of ghrelin receptor almost completely prevents diet-induced obesity

Ghrelin signaling has major effects on energy and glucose homeostasis, but it is unknown whether ghrelin's functions are centrally and/or peripherally mediated. The ghrelin receptor, growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R), is highly expressed in the brain and detectable in some peripheral tissues. To understand the roles of neuronal GHS-R, we generated a mouse line where Ghsr gene is deleted in all neurons using synapsin 1 (Syn1)-Cre driver. Our data showed that neuronal Ghsr deletion abolishes ghrelin-induced spontaneous food intake but has no effect on total energy intake. Remarkably, neuronal Ghsr deletion almost completely prevented diet-induced obesity (DIO) and significantly improved insulin sensitivity. The neuronal Ghsr-deleted mice also showed improved metabolic flexibility, indicative of better adaption to different fuels. In addition, gene expression analysis suggested that hypothalamus and/or midbrain might be the sites that mediate the effects of GHS-R in thermogenesis and physical activity, respectively. Collectively, our results indicate that neuronal GHS-R is a crucial regulator of energy metabolism and a key mediator of DIO. Neuronal Ghsr deletion protects against DIO by regulating energy expenditure, not by energy intake. These novel findings suggest that suppressing central ghrelin signaling may serve as a unique antiobesity strategy.
Adaptive Multiparty Non-interactive Key Exchange Without Setup In The Standard Model.

Non-interactive key exchange (NIKE) is a fundamental notion in Cryptography. This notion was introduced by Diffie and Hellman in 1976. They proposed the celebrated 2-party NIKE protocol and left open as a fascinating question, whether NIKE could be realized in the multiparty setting. NIKE has since then been an active area of research with an ultimate goal of obtaining best possible security in the multiparty setting. Although this has evaded researchers for many decades, advancements have been made through relaxations in multiple directions such as restricting to 3-parties, static/semi-static model (where the adversary needs to commit to the set of parties he wishes to be challenged upon ahead of time), random-oracle model, allowing initial setup, etc. In this work, we settle the longstanding open question: we present the first multiparty NIKE protocol that is adaptively secure with no setup and in the standard model. Our construction is based on indistinguishability obfuscation and obliviously-patchable puncturable pseudorandom functions, a new notion that we introduce. We employ novel techniques of using indistinguishability obfuscation, which are interesting in their own right and which we believe would find wider applications in other settings. One such technique pertains overcoming, the somewhat inherent, drawback of non-adaptivity of the puncturing technique introduced by Sahai and Waters [STOC’14]. Central to this technique is our new notion of obliviously-patchable puncturable pseudorandom functions. We present a concrete construction of these pseudorandom functions using multilinear maps and their recent approximations – the leveled-graded encoding schemes. Note that pseudorandom functions amount to an interactive assumption. We shall establish via a meta-reduction technique that, in natural settings, an interactive assumption is necessary (even with setup). ∗University of California, Los Angeles. vanishri@cs.ucla.edu.
Forkhead Box O member FOXO1 Regulates the Majority of Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Responsive Genes in Ovarian Granulosa Cells

FSH promotes maturation of ovarian follicles. One pathway activated by FSH in granulosa cells (GCs) is phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase/AKT. The AKT target FOXO1 is reported to function primarily as a repressor of FSH genes, including Ccnd2 and Inha. Based on its broad functions in other tissues, we hypothesized that FOXO1 may regulate many more GC genes. We transduced GCs with empty adenovirus or constitutively active FOXO1 followed by treatment with FSH for 24 h, and conducted RNA deep sequencing. Results show that FSH regulates 3772 genes ≥2.0-fold; 60% of these genes are activated or repressed by FOXO1. Pathway Studio Analysis revealed enrichment of genes repressed by FOXO1 in metabolism, signaling, transport, development, and activated by FOXO1 in signaling, cytoskeletal functions, and apoptosis. Gene regulation was verified by q-PCR (eight genes) and ChIP analysis (two genes). We conclude that FOXO1 regulates the majority of FSH target genes in GCs.
A Model of the Influences that Lead to Consumers’ Helping Behavior

Consumers’ contributions to the betterment of their society can be viewed as helping behavior. Yet the process that motivates consumers to engage in helping behavior has been little studied within the framework of consumer behavior. This paper presents a model of this system of influences on helping. This model, which reflects recent findings from both behavioral science research and research involving marketing systems, provides a foundation for consumer research into the helping behavior that occurs in a wide variety of consumption-related areas where assistance is desirable or necessary. The model assumes the necessary conditions for helping are (1) a helping situation that involves (2) a victim or recipient of help, and (3) a potential helper.
The Replicability of Development Projects

Chapters 2 and 3 have been concerned with the determinants and consequences of adoption of improved technologies at the project level. As noted in Chapter 1, until very recently the appropriate technology movement has tended to neglect the problem of replicating successful interventions at this level. Defined in a broad way as the reproduction of project ideas, practices and technologies beyond the initial context in which they were introduced and promoted (Weiss et al., 1982), replication is, however, by no means a new concept in development. Indeed, ‘The idea of a project as “a demonstration” is as familiar in host government plans as it is in the programs and projects funded by donor agencies’ (Weiss et al., 1982, p. 1). There is consequently much that can be learnt from a study of this general experience. What is especially deserving of attention is the fact that the replication envisaged by these many endeavours rarely seems to occur. Consider, for example, Pyle’s (1981, p. 13) distressing description of the historical record of replication in development. How many times during the last three decades of intensive development efforts has a demonstration or pilot project provided ‘the answer’ to a development problem? Flushed with enthusiasm and optimism, the model that proved so successful on a small scale is expanded with the hopes of benefiting a larger portion of the population. All too often, unfortunately, the happy story ends there; impact is decreased or disappears completely and in the process officials as well as the public lose confidence and eventually interest in the project-proven approach. Before long the cycle begins again with the testing of a new idea in a small-scale project.
Cognitive and adaptive advantages of growth hormone treatment in children with Prader‐Willi syndrome

Background People with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) typically have mild to moderate intellectual deficits, compulsivity, hyperphagia, obesity, and growth hormone deficiencies. Growth hormone treatment (GHT) in PWS has well-established salutatory effects on linear growth and body composition, yet cognitive benefits of GHT, seen in other patient groups, have not been well studied in PWS. Methods Study 1 included 96 children and youth with PWS aged 4–21 years who naturalistically varied in their exposures to GHT. Controlling for socioeconomic status, analyses compared cognitive and adaptive behavior test scores across age-matched treatment naive versus growth hormone treated children. Study II assessed if age of treatment initiation or treatment duration was associated with subsequent cognition or adaptive behavior in 127, 4- to 21-year olds with PWS. Study III longitudinally examined cognitive and adaptive behavior in 168 participants who were either consistently on versus off GHT for up to 4–5 years. Results Compared to the treatment naive group, children receiving GHT had significantly higher Verbal and Composite IQs, and adaptive communication and daily living skills. Children who began treatment before 12 months of age had higher Nonverbal and Composite IQs than children who began treatment between 1 and 5 years of age. Longitudinally, the groups differed in their intercepts, but not slopes, with each group showing stable IQ and adaptive behavior scores over time. Conclusions Cognitive and adaptive advantages should be considered an ancillary benefit and additional justification for GHT in people with PWS. Future efforts need to target apparent socioeconomic inequities in accessing GHT in the PWS population.
Outline of Objectives and Materials for Rhythmic Activities for Children

(1935). Outline of Objectives and Materials for Rhythmic Activities for Children. The Journal of Health and Physical Education: Vol. 6, No. 10, pp. 29-54.
The Surgical Management of Evacutory Dysfunction

Evacuatory Dysfunction refers to a constellation of symptoms such as prolonged repeated straining at bowel movements, sensation of incomplete evacuation, and the need for digital manipulation. Evacuatory dysfunction is used interchangeably with obstructed defecation syndrome (ODS), outlet constipation, and pelvic outlet obstruction and is a common complaint of women. In a cohort of 2,000 women ages 40-69 years 60% of respondents self-reported symptoms of ODS over a 12-month period while 12% reported symptoms of ODS weekly (Varma et al. 2008).
Overview no. 102 Theory assisted design of high strength low alloy aluminum

The design of an aluminum alloy having good strength while maintaining a high resistance to fracture is discussed. Theory suggests that the desired microstructure consists of a small volume fraction of an ultra-fine dispersion of hard particles. In addition to conventional heat treatments, dispersion hardened aluminum alloys have been recently produced by rapid solidification or mechanically alloying and powder metallurgy consolidation. Alloys which can serve as models for mechanistic studies of nucleation of non-coherent phases as well as the basis for a new class of engineering aluminum alloys are identified.
Physician, Patient and Malpractice: An Historical Perspective

As long as there have been those in Western civilization who call themselves physicians or doctors or surgeons and undertake to cure, alleviate or correct physical abnormalities, or provide prophylaxis, certain standards of competence, etiquette and responsibility have been assumed, if not always precisely defined in legal terms. This has been true whether the practice of medicine was held to be a right or a privilege. In the West, until the late Middle Ages, anyone who wished could call himself a physician and practise medicine. There simply were no provisions for licensure. But even under such laissezfaire conditions, standards of competence and responsibility were popularly expected of those who would assume a healing role in society.
“Now That I’m a Whore, Nobody Is Holding Me Back!”: Women in Favela Funk and Embodied Politics

ABSTRACTRio de Janeiro’s favela funk is one of Brazil’s most important contemporary cultural and musical expressions. Women in favela funk play with contradictory and excessive performances of femininity that tend to complicate binary understandings of gender. By examining the funkeiras’ staged performances of femininity through the lenses of female unruliness and transgression, I attend to how funkeiras transgress heterofemininity. I conclude that funkeiras’ performances foster solidarity with and echo the stories of other women. Through these performances, these women navigate, resist, and fight oppressive structures. Ultimately, this article highlights the importance of embodied politics for marginalized women as a point of entry to instigate structural changes.
Processing Time and Complexity Preference in Preschool Children

Preschool children were presented with modified jigsaw puzzles containing 1, 3, 6, 10, and 16 pairs of pieces. Half of the Ss were given 30 sec. to complete each puzzle; half were given 2 min. Both groups exhibited an inverted-U relationship between complexity and preference. As predicted, the 2-min. group exhibited maximal preference for a higher complexity level than did the 30-sec. group. The advantages of tasks as opposed to random stimuli in complexity preference research were discussed.
The association between renal recovery after acute kidney injury and long-term mortality after transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

Background This study aimed to examine the association between renal recovery status at hospital discharge after acute kidney injury (AKI) and long-term mortality following transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Methods We screened all adult patients who survived to hospital discharge after TAVR for aortic stenosis at a quaternary referral medical center from January 1, 2008, through June 30, 2014. An AKI was defined as an increase in serum creatinine level of 0.3 mg/dL or a relative increase of 50% from baseline. Renal outcome at the time of discharge was evaluated by comparing the discharge serum creatinine level to the baseline level. Complete renal recovery was defined as no AKI at discharge, whereas partial renal recovery was defined as AKI without a need for renal replacement therapy at discharge. No renal recovery was defined as a need for renal replacement therapy at discharge. Results The study included 374 patients. Ninty-eight (26%) patients developed AKI during hospitalization: 55 (56%) had complete recovery; 39 (40%), partial recovery; and 4 (4%), no recovery. AKI development was significantly associated with increased risk of 2-year mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 2.20 [95% CI, 1.37–3.49]). For patients with AKI, the 2-year mortality rate for complete recovery was 34%; for partial recovery, 43%; and for no recovery, 75%; compared with 20% for patients without AKI (P < .001). In adjusted analysis, complete recovery (HR, 1.87 [95% CI, 1.03–3.23]); partial recovery (HR, 2.65 [95% CI, 1.40–4.71]) and no recovery (HR, 10.95 [95% CI, 2.59–31.49]) after AKI vs no AKI were significantly associated with increased risk of 2-year mortality. Conclusion The mortality rate increased for all patients with AKI undergoing TAVR. A reverse correlation existed for progressively higher risk of death and the extent of AKI recovery.
Belief roadmap search: Advances in optimal and efficient planning under uncertainty

We characterize and propose advances in the technique of Belief Roadmap Search (BRMS), the process of searching a roadmap in belief space for robot motion planning under localization uncertainty. We discuss the conditions required for optimal substructure in the single-source search of a roadmap in belief space, demonstrating that there are several desirable cost functions for which this property cannot be achieved. Practical performance issues of BRMS are discussed, including the implications of a commonly-used anti-cycling rule, and the computational complexity realized in practical applications of the technique. We propose a best-first implementation of BRMS, in contrast to the standard breadth-first implementation, which we show to improve the computational cost of search by up to 49% by eliminating unnecessary node expansions — the mechanics of both approaches are compared in detail. A variety of motion planning examples are explored.
Prolyl carboxypeptidase in Agouti-related Peptide neurons modulates food intake and body weight.

Abstract Objective Prolyl carboxypeptidase (PRCP) plays a role in the regulation of energy metabolism by inactivating hypothalamic α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH) levels. Although detected in the arcuate nucleus, limited PRCP expression has been observed in the arcuate POMC neurons, and its site of action in regulating metabolism is still ill-defined. Methods We performed immunostaining to assess the localization of PRCP in arcuate Neuropeptide Y/Agouti-related Peptide (NPY/AgRP) neurons. Hypothalamic explants were then used to assess the intracellular localization of PRCP and its release at the synaptic levels. Finally, we generated a mouse model to assess the role of PRCP in NPY/AgRP neurons of the arcuate nucleus in the regulation of metabolism. Results Here we show that PRCP is expressed in NPY/AgRP-expressing neurons of the arcuate nucleus. In hypothalamic explants, stimulation by ghrelin increased PRCP concentration in the medium and decreased PRCP content in synaptic extract, suggesting that PRCP is released at the synaptic level. In support of this, hypothalamic explants from mice with selective deletion of PRCP in AgRP neurons (PrcpAgRPKO) showed reduced ghrelin-induced PRCP concentration in the medium compared to controls mice. Furthermore, male PrcpAgRPKO mice had decreased body weight and fat mass compared to controls. However, this phenotype was sex-specific as female PrcpAgRPKO mice show metabolic differences only when challenged by high fat diet feeding. The improved metabolism of PrcpAgRPKO mice was associated with reduced food intake and increased energy expenditure, locomotor activity, and hypothalamic α-MSH levels. Administration of SHU9119, a potent melanocortin receptor antagonist, selectively in the PVN of PrcpAgRPKO male mice increased food intake to a level similar to that of control mice. Conclusions Altogether, our data indicate that PRCP is released at the synaptic levels and that PRCP in AgRP neurons contributes to the modulation of α-MSH degradation and related metabolic control in mice.
Maternal medical risks during pregnancy and childhood externalizing behavior

Abstract Rationale Research has indicated that maternal health during the prenatal period and at delivery carries far reaching significance for the development of offspring. Even so, the role of the accumulation of maternal medical risks during pregnancy in the development of externalizing behavior during childhood has generally been overlooked. Objective The present study investigates whether the accumulation of maternal medical risks during the prenatal period is positively associated with childhood externalizing behavior, and whether this association is stronger among male offspring. Method We examined a large, nationally representative sample of children who participated in the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Birth Cohort (ECLS-B). Information concerning maternal medical history, including the presence of a number of medical risks during pregnancy, was obtained through hospital records. A subsample of children with both parent and teacher reports of externalizing behavior during kindergarten was employed in the present study. Results A greater number of maternal medical risks during pregnancy increased the odds of childhood externalizing behavior across settings, but only among male offspring. The predicted probability of persistent externalizing behavior among males increased from .084 in the absence of maternal medical risks during pregnancy to .241 in the presence of three or more maternal medical risks during pregnancy. Conclusions Our findings suggest that maternal medical risks during the prenatal period can have far-reaching consequences for the behavioral development of male offspring. Treatment of medical risks among expectant mothers may have the added benefit of reducing the likelihood of childhood externalizing behavior among male progeny.
Agent-based Dynamic Scheduling for Distributed Manufacturing

Manufacturing enterprises are facing great challenges to improve their production efficiency and profitability in order to survive in a globally competitive market. Agent-based manufacturing scheduling technology provides a promising way to address these challenges. This technology can well address both dynamic changes and unpredictable disturbances in the manufacturing shop floor locally without disruptions to regular production — a problem that cannot be solved by traditional centralised planning and scheduling systems. It can significantly improve equipment-utilisation rates, thereby improving the efficiency and productivity of manufacturing enterprises. This chapter provides a brief research literature review on agent-based distributed manufacturing scheduling, presents some of our recent R&D results in this area, and discusses key issues in deploying this technology in industry.
Efficacy of a Self-forgiveness Workbook: A Randomized Controlled Trial with University Students

EFFICACY OF A SELF-FORGIVENESS WORKBOOK: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL WITH UNIVERSITY STUDENTS By Brandon J. Griffin, B.A. A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the degree of Master of Science at Virginia Commonwealth University. Virginia Commonwealth University, 2014 Director: Everett L. Worthington, Jr., Ph.D. Professor, Department of Psychology Insofar as forgiveness of oneself enables one to responsibly manage the consequences of wrongdoing, the practice of self-forgiveness may be essential to the preservation of one’s physical, psychological, relational, and spiritual health. In the present thesis, an intervention wait-list design was employed to investigate the efficacy of a 6-hour self-directed workbook designed to promote self-forgiveness. University students (N = 204) who reported perpetrating an interpersonal offense and who experienced some sense of remorse were randomly assigned to either an immediate treatment or wait-list control condition, and assessments were administered on three occasions. Participants’ self-forgiveness ratings increased in conjunction with completion of the workbook, and the effect of treatment depended upon self-administered dose and baseline levels of dispositional self-compassion in some cases. In summary, the workbook appeared to facilitate the process of responsible self-forgiveness among perpetrators of interpersonal wrongdoing, though replication trials are needed in which lower rates of attrition reduce the possibility of biased results.
Signal Detection and Perceived Risks: Homeowner Responses to Radon Risk Information

Policies for reducing such risks as natural hazards, AIDS, household use of pesticides, and indoor air pollution often rely on dissemination of risk information to promote risk-reducing behavior. Economists often use state-dependent utility constructs to model this kind of problem. While this approach assumes a high degree of competence on the part of the decision maker, psychological evidence indicates that people frequently use simple rules when faced with complex decisions. This study employs Heiner’s model of rule-governed behavior to analyze radon mitigation. Application of the reliability model is illustrated with observed mitigation responses of a sample of Maine homeowners. Data now being collected from a sample of New York homeowners will provide a basis for testing formal hypotheses arising from the model.
Localization and function of Xinα in mouse skeletal muscle.

The Xin repeat-containing proteins were originally found in the intercalated discs of cardiac muscle with implicated roles in cardiac development and function. A pair of paralogous genes, Xinα (Xir...
Describing and predicting frequent users of an emergency department.

The objective of this study was to examine the pattern of emergency department (ED) utilization among a cohort of ED users over a 3-year period and to identify factors predicting use. Billing records were used to track one hospital's cohort of adult frequent ED users (> or = 3 visits/per year) over a 3-year period. Frequent and (< 3 visits/per year) infrequent users were compared by age, gender, marital status, insurance status, and hospitalization rates. We compared the number of ED visits by patients in the two groups during follow-up years. Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors predicting ED visits by patients in the two groups in the follow-up years. Results from the study showed that frequent users were younger (P < 0.01) and more likely to be male (P < .01). Patients identified as frequent users in the first year were 52 to 77% more likely to visit frequently in the following two years. Logistic regression analysis showed the pattern of prior ED use was the best predictor of future use. Other factors (including age, gender, marital status, insurance status, and hospitalization following an ED visit) were not significant independent predictors of frequent ED use. Our data revealed that the past history of frequent ED use is predictive of future frequent ED use. Studies are needed on effective interventions to determine the reasons for continued frequent ED use.
States of randomness from mild to wild, and concentration from the short to the long run

An innovative useful metaphor is put forward in this chapter, and described in several increasingly technical stages. Section 1 is informal, but Sections 4 and 5 are specialized beyond the concerns of most readers; in fact, the mathematical results they use are new.
Field trip to an MRI

10.1119/1.5051167.1This is the second of two articles on MRI physics. In this article I discuss what a class of physics students might expect to see and learn from a field trip to a full-scale MRI. Magnetic resonance imaging is not only becoming a more common medical diagnostic tool—it is now a more common research tool. Being such an important application of physics, many universities have their own MRI for their medical physics programs.
Dual-functional core-shell electrospun mats with precisely controlled release of anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial agents.

Abstract Acute wounds are worldwide problems affecting millions of people and causing heavy economic burden to national healthcare systems. Herein, we describe novel wound dressing materials relying on core/shell electrospun mats incorporated with flurbiprofen and vancomycin for achieving programmable release of anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial agents. The shell matrix of nanofibers consisted of polyethylene oxide while the core matrix was made from a blend of silk and collagen. Several optimal mat architectures were engineered with distinct configurations, of which release profiles displayed an exponential trend, which indicates a first-order process following Fickian diffusion behavior. The flurbiprofen release lasted from 2 to 6 days, which was much faster compared to the one of vancomycin prolonged up to about 20 days. Mechanical data indicated tensile modulus, tensile strength, elongation before break of core/shell electrospun mats became enhanced or comparable to those for human skin after methanol vapor treatment. Desirable release kinetics and mechanical characteristics achieved by novel core/shell electrospun mats were attributable to induced enrichment of β-sheet phase in silk via methanol vapor treatment as well as water annealing process with time and judicious selections for matrix materials and mat configurations. The design principles considered in this study successfully addressed a range of inflammation and infection requirements in wound healing, potentially guiding construction of other biomedical coatings and devices.
Partner status moderates the relationships between sexual problems and self-efficacy for managing sexual problems and psychosocial quality-of-life for postmenopausal breast cancer survivors taking adjuvant endocrine therapy.

AbstractObjective:Past studies indicate that >90% of breast cancer survivors taking adjuvant endocrine therapy (AET) experience menopausal symptoms including sexual problems (eg, vaginal dryness, dyspareunia); however, research examining the impact of these problems on quality-of-life is limited. Th
In vitro and in vivo effects of 5-aminotetrazole (5-AT), an energetic compound

Abstract Perchlorate is an important oxidizer used in propellants, pyrotechnics, and as a gas generator in commercial airbags, fireworks, and roadside flares. It is highly water soluble, interferes with thyroidal iodide uptake and is an environmental contaminant. By changing the reaction chemistry, 5-aminotetrazole (5-AT) and nitrates replace perchlorate in some propellants. The short term toxicity of 5-AT was evaluated. Using a modified Ames assay, 5-AT was not mutagenic with or without S9 metabolic activation. 5-AT was considered “slightly toxic” with an EC50 of 28.8 mg 5-AT/L for a 15 min exposure in Aliivibrio fischeri. In the in vitro sodium iodide symporter test, 5-AT did not inhibit the uptake of iodine. In the acute rat oral test, no adverse effects and no mortalities were observed at the limit dose of 2000 mg 5-AT/kg. In the 14-day sub-acute study, there were no clinical signs of toxicity or morbidity up to 623 mg 5-AT/kg-day; the highest dose tested. No differences were observed in hematology, clinical chemistry, organ weight, body weight, food consumption, histopathology, or DNA damage (peripheral blood micronucleus assay) of treatments compared with controls. The No Observed Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL) was 623 mg 5-AT/kg-day, the highest dose in the subacute oral bioassay.
Mechanisms of palmitic acid-conjugated antisense oligonucleotide distribution in mice

Conjugation of antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) with a variety of distinct lipophilic moieties like fatty acids and cholesterol increases ASO accumulation and activity in multiple tissues. While lipid conjugation increases tissue exposure in mice and reduces excretion of ASO in urine, histological review of skeletal and cardiac muscle indicates that the increased tissue accumulation of lipid conjugated ASO is isolated to the interstitium. Administration of palmitic acid-conjugated ASO (Palm-ASO) in mice results in a rapid and substantial accumulation in the interstitium of muscle tissue followed by relatively rapid clearance and only slight increases in intracellular accumulation in myocytes. We propose a model whereby increased affinity for lipid particles, albumin, and other plasma proteins by lipid-conjugation facilitates ASO transport across endothelial barriers into tissue interstitium. However, this increased affinity for lipid particles and plasma proteins also facilitates the transport of ASO from the interstitium to the lymph and back into circulation. The cumulative effect is only a slight (∼2-fold) increase in tissue accumulation and similar increase in ASO activity. To support this proposal, we demonstrate that the activity of lipid conjugated ASO was reduced in two mouse models with defects in endothelial transport of macromolecules: caveolin-1 knockout (Cav1-/-) and FcRn knockout (FcRn-/-).
Property Tax Deferral: Can a Public/Private Partnership Help Provide Lifetime Income?

Many retirees will not have enough money from conventional retirement programs to maintain their standard of living once they stop working. To help support themselves, they will need to tap their home equity, the major asset for most middle-income older households. Yet tapping home equity is difficult: most people are reluctant to downsize and, even when they do, they rarely reduce their housing expenses. Reverse mortgages are an option, but most households are put off by the enormity of the decision, the complexity of the product, and the high up-front costs. A statewide property tax deferral program overcomes the hurdles to accessing home equity. Property tax deferral does not provide access to as much home equity as a reverse mortgage, but the offsetting advantage is that some of the house value after the repayment of the loan and interest will be available for a bequest. At the household level, the proposed program is revenue-neutral: all taxes owed by a participating household are paid back, with interest sufficient to cover borrowing costs and administrative expenses. But because loans are made well in advance of repayments, the sponsor of the plan must cover start-up costs. In Massachusetts, if the state government simply borrowed money to cover the annual outlays, the state’s ratio of debt-to-GSP would rise from 14.0 percent to 15.1 percent. The alternative is to involve the private sector. This decision would raise the costs to homeowners, but nevertheless it may be necessary to get a broad-based program up and running.
Transcutaneous PCO2 Is Nearly Identical to Arterial CO2 in Adult Outpatients

Background: In patients with pulmonary disease there is value in determining a patient9s carbon dioxide (CO2) level. Arterial CO2 (PaCO2) levels are often used to determine if a patient has hypercarbia, as part of UNOS guidelines for lung transplantation, and it can be used to determine physiologic dead space (VD/VT ratio) at rest and during exercise. Obtaining direct measurement of PaCO2 requires an arterial blood gas sample, which is expensive, painful, and with potential risks. Our pulmonary function and exercise lab evaluated a noninvasive method of estimating the PaCO2 using a transcutaneous monitor (TCM) to measure PtcCO2. We were particularly interested in using these devices during our cardiopulmonary exercise testing to aide in calculating VD/VT ratio during rest and exercise. The first step was to evaluate how well the non-invasive PtcCO2 correlated to the PaCO2 at rest. METHOD: Adult patients presenting to the outpatient pulmonary lab to have an arterial blood gas sample collected were placed on a COMBI M54 (TCM 4 series) transcutaneous CO2 monitor (Radiometer Medical, Denmark) prior to arterial puncture. The patients were measured at rest. We set the TCM metabolic correction factor setting at 4 and set the probe temperature to 42C for all measurements. The probe was placed on the skin just below the clavicle using the Radiometer fixation ring. The monitor was kept in place for 10 min to ensure a stabilized reading prior to arterial puncture. We compared PaCO2 values to simultaneously recorded PtcCO2 values using a Bland-Altman plot. Results: We measured 110 PaCO2 levels with simultaneously recorded PtcCO2 levels. A Bland-Altman plot of the comparison is represented in the figure. The mean PaCO2 - PtcCO2 difference (bias) was -0.01 Torr and the standard deviation for the difference was 1.44 Torr. There appeared to be no relationship between the PaCO2 values and the PaCO2 - PtcCO2 difference. Conclusions: PtcCO2 matched PaCO2 almost identically in patients at rest. We will testing PaCO2 - PtcCO2 difference while patients are undergoing exercise testing with arterial catheters in place to determine if the values match under those conditions as well. PtcCO2 is an accurate, noninvasive way to estimate PaCO2. PtcCO2 could facilitate measurement of complex parameters such as VD/VT without the need for arterial puncture.