cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Real-time PCR reveals endosymbiont titer fluctuations in Metaseiulus occidentalis (Acari: Phytoseiidae) colonies held at different temperatures.

Real-time PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) can estimate Wolbachia endosymbiont population density in mosquitoes (Wiwatanaratanabutr & Kittayapong 2009). The COS (?arbaryl-OP-Sul fur resistant) colony of the phytoseiid Metaseiulus (=Typhlodromus or Gcdendromus) occidentalis (Nesbitt) harbors several endosymbionts, includ ing Cardinium, Wolbachia, Enterobacter, and Bacteroidetes in their gut and reproductive tis sues (Johanowicz & Hoy 1996; Hoy & Jeyaprakash 2005). Johanowicz & Hoy (1998) ob served mating incompatibility when females from a heat-treated (33?C) COS colony (a treatment presumed to eliminate Wolbachia) was crossed with males from a room-temperature (23?C) COS colony containing Wolbachia, resulting in the pro duction of shriveled eggs that did not hatch. It was not clear whether the Wolbachia population was reduced or completely eliminated from the heat-treated mites because a standard PCR pro tocol was used, which is relatively insensitive compared to high-fidelity PCR (Jeyaprakash & Hoy 2000). In this paper, we estimate the endo symbiont population density in COS colonies of M. occidentalis held under different tempera tures in the laboratory using real-time PCR. One colony of M. occidentalis was maintained at room-temperature (23-25?C) and 2 colonies ini tiated from this line were maintained at 32 and 34?C for More than 1 year in growth chambers prior to experiments. Female mites (100) were isolated from each colony and their genomic DNA extracted by Puregene and QIAGEN methods (Jeyaprakash & Hoy 2007), and resuspended in 50 pL of sterile water. Four different plasmids carrying endosymbiont 16S rRNA sequences; pAJ233 (Cardinium), pAJ234 (Bacteroidetes), pAJ235 (Wolbachia) and pAJ239 (Enterobacter), were extracted and their yield estimated with a BioPhotometer Plus (Eppendorf AG, Hamburg, Germany). Species-specific primers were de signed with Primer 3 software (http:// frodo.wi.mit.edu/primer3/) and a probe was de signed with Primer X software (Applied Biosys tems, Foster City, CA) from the variable regions for each species (Table 1). Real-time PCR was per formed in a 20-pL reaction volume containing ge nomic DNA from 2 females (1 pL) or serially-di luted plasmid DNA (100 pg to 1 fg) or a no DNA control (1 pL), forward and reverse primers (400 pM), probe (100 pM) and TaqMan master mix (10 pL). Two linked profiles: (1) one cycle of 50?C for 2 min and 95?C for 10 min, and (2) 60 cycles consist ing of denaturation at 95?C for 15 s, annealing at 59?C (Cardinium) or 57?C (Wolbachia or Entero bacter or Bacteroidetes) for 30 s and extension at 72?C for 30 s, were used. Each treatment was rep l cated 3 times. The starting copy number of all plasmid DNA dilutions used in the real-time PCR was obtained with an open-source software (http:/
Transnasal endoscopic skull base surgery: what are the limits?

Purpose of review Endoscopic skull base surgery has significantly revolutionized the management of skull base disease. Our review focuses on the recent literature relating to endoscopic skull base surgery emphasizing its limitations. Recent findings Current literature continues to expand the indications for endoscopic approaches to the skull base. Experience in endoscopic techniques continues to grow across the world. This is due in part to advances in instrumentation and technology, improvements in technique and, more importantly, an increase in the number of surgeons with training in endoscopic techniques. Long-term outcome data remain sparse. Summary The limitations in endoscopic skull base surgery have not been reached. Increasing experience and improvement in technology will likely expand current indications. Future studies should focus on outcome analysis.
Changes in executive compensation following an environmental shift: the role of top management team turnover

In this study we examine the changes in executive compensation at the top management team (TMT) level following an environmental shift. Using the context of deregulation in the airline industry, we find that: (1) a dramatic environmental change that heightens managerial discretion leads to greater pay level and performance sensitivity of TMT compensation; and (2) the greater the magnitude of turnover among TMT members following the environmental shift, the greater the compensation change. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Apical-Ventricular Cannula for Aortic Valve Bypass Therapy

A growing number of elderly patients with significant co-morbidities do not meet the inclusion criteria for conventional cardiac surgical therapies, including aortic valve replacement and mechanical circulatory support. To meet this clinical need, an aortic valve bypass (AVB) system is being developed that may be implanted using subcostal or mini-thoracotomy surgical approaches without ventricular coring or cardiopulmonary bypass. The AVB system consists of an apical left ventricular (ALV) cannula made from pyrolytic carbon, a valved conduit with a locking mechanism, and a Nitinol clip for anastomosis to the descending aorta. To define design criteria and demonstrate efficacy, ALV cannulae with different diameters (7–14 mm), number of sideholes (6–12), sidehole size (1.9–4.6 mm wide) and tip shapes (tapered, straight) were designed, fabricated, and tested. Cannula efficacy was determined by quantifying flow rates and pressure drops across the ALV cannula using steady-state and dynamic mock circulation models simulating mild, moderate and severe aortic stenosis test conditions. Blood trauma testing was conducted to demonstrate hemocompatibility using the smallest diameter (7 mm) ALV cannula prototype fabricated from pyrolytic carbon (PYC). In vitro and blood trauma testing demonstrated that (1) the 7 mm PYC cannula did not produce significant hemolysis ( 4.5 L/min for <10 mmHg pressure drop across the ALV cannula, and (3) the cannula tip shape did not significantly alter bypass flow rate or pressure drop. The ALV cannula may enable a minimally invasive surgical approach using a modified Seldinger’s technique for implantation in heart failure patients with aortic stenosis.
LONG‐DISTANCE TRANSOCEANIC SHIPMENTS OF FRESH BEEF

Fresh beef cuts and quarters were shipped from Ellensburg, Wash. to Yokohama, Japan in refrigerated vans with either normal (ambient air) or modified (60% CO2, 25% O2, 15% N2) atmospheres. Packaging treatments involved use of polyvinyl chloride film, calcium alginate coating, cotton stockinettes, polyethylene-lined boxes and vacuum packages for rounds, chucks, ribs, loins and/or quarters. Use of a 0.02% solution of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) did not affect the terminal condition of beef cuts or quarters. Use of modified atmosphere was associated with significant improvements in overall appearance and desirability of beef cuts and quarters. The best method for protecting fresh beef cuts during long-distance shipments was vacuum packaging; vacuum packaged cuts were adequately protected from deterioration and weight loss during the 20–21 day shipment. The best system for protecting fresh beef quarters during long-distance, transoceanic shipments consisted of wrapping with PVC film and transport in a modified atmosphere van; however, quarters treated in this manner were not adequately protected from deterioration and received relatively low appearance ratings.
Hematopoietic stem cell cytokine response

The process of hematopoiesis can be modelled on the concept of a pluripotential stem cell able to differentiate and proliferate in multiple lineages. This process proceeds under the permissive or directive influence of "early" and "late" acting hematopoietic cytokines probably acting in synergistic combinations within the context of the marrow stromal microenvironment. Further characterization of the biochemical events that transduce cytokine signalling into cellular events and the ultimate description of the earliest progenitor cell populations and the cytokines which influence them will provide key insights into embryogenesis and tissue maintenance as well as suggest new therapeutic approaches for hematologic and malignant diseases.
Beyond “Victim-Criminals” Sex Workers, Nonprofit Organizations, and Gender Ideologies

This article examines the St. James Infirmary (SJI), a nonprofit occupational health and safety clinic for sex workers in San Francisco, to consider how particular organizational spaces and practices may challenge gender ideologies in the United States—in this case, of women sex workers as “victim-criminals.” Drawing empirically from multimethod qualitative research and theoretically from feminist institutionalism, I indicate how the SJI’s broader institutional context has (re)produced a victim-criminal ideology of women in prostitution. Next, I consider the SJI’s organizational emergence and operations to argue that, by deploying particular spatial-discursive practices and operational procedures, nonprofits with legacies of activism may draw from these to challenge dominant gender ideologies, even as they work alongside the broader institutional structures that promote them. Although single case studies like the SJI cannot establish broad theoretical generalizations and propositions, I use it to build kn...
Cylindrical x-ray multilayer monochromator

We have designed and built a cylindrical grazing incidence monochromator (mirror) for 1.54A CuKa x-rays. W/C multilayers were deposited onto thin sheets of mica and then bent into cylindrical shapes. The favorable properties of mica, including monolayer smoothness and malleability when used in very thin sheets, provide an ideal substrate material. X-Ray diffraction measurements indicate a multilayer d spacing of 1.07 nm. Such a small d spacing multilayer can be used in cylindrical optics with focal lengths of 50 cm or less. Experimental results using the cylindrical multilayer optic are compared to code predictions.
Oscillation for Nonlinear Second Order Dynamic Equations on a Time Scale

Abstract We obtain some oscillation criteria for solutions to the nonlinear dynamic equation x Δ Δ + q ( t ) x Δ σ + p ( t ) ( f ○ x σ ) = 0 , on time scales. In particular, no explicit sign assumptions are made with respect to the coefficients p ( t ) , q ( t ) . We illustrate the results by several examples, including a superlinear Emden–Fowler dynamic equation.
Complex X-Ray Absorption and the Fe Kα Profile in NGC 3516

We present data from simultaneous Chandra, XMM-Newton and BeppoSAX observations of the Seyfert 1 galaxy NGC 3516, taken during 2001 April and November. We have investigated the nature of the very flat observed X-ray spectrum. Chandra grating data show the presence of X-ray absorption lines, revealing two distinct components of the absorbing gas, one which is consistent with our previous model of the UV/X-ray absorber while the other, which is outflowing at a velocity of approximately 1100 kilometers per second, has a larger column density and is much more highly ionized. The broad-band spectral characteristics of the X-ray continuum observed with XMM during 2001 April, reveal the presence of a third layer of absorption consisting of a very large column (approximately 2.5 x 10(exp 23) per square centimeter) of highly ionized gas with a covering fraction approximately 50%. This low covering fraction suggests that the absorber lies within a few 1t-days of the X-ray source and/or is filamentary in structure. Interestingly, these absorbers are not in thermal equilibrium with one another. The two new components are too highly ionized to be radiatively accelerated, which we suggest is evidence for a hydromagnetic origin for the outflow. Applying our model to the November dataset, we can account for the spectral variability primarily by a drop in the ionization states of the absorbers, as expected by the change in the continuum flux. When this complex absorption is accounted for we find the underlying continuum to be typical of Seyfert 1 galaxies. The spectral curvature attributed to the high column absorber, in turn, reduces estimates of the flux and extent of any broad Fe emission line from the accretion disk.
A color vision system for microelectronics: Application to oxide thickness measurements

We present a new method of automated inspection of microelectronic structures. The method is based on color rather than black and white vision, and is a first such application of color vision to inspection for microelectronics fabrication. We describe the general method and demonstrate its practical implementation in the measurement of oxide thicknesses. A key result of this work is to have established sensitivity criteria for color detection in microelectronic structures. The resolution achieved allows us to measure differences in oxide thickness to approximately 30 Angstroms or better. By using the Ohta coordinates, our system can discrimimate between cyclically repeating hues. This determination can be done very rapidly (approximately 100 milliseconds) and does not require a complex (and thus expensive) computer system. An additional advantage of our method is the possibility of more easily and flexibly performing oxide thickness measurements in situ, than can be accomplished with standard techniques, such as ellipsometry.
Viral Transcription During Autographa californica Nuclear Polyhedrosis Virus Infection: a Novel RNA Polymerase Induced in Infected Spodoptera frugiperda Cells

Autographa californica nuclear polyhedrosis virus-specific RNA synthesis in isolated nuclei of Spodoptera frugiperda cells in culture was monitored at different times postinfection. Up to 8 h postinfection viral RNA synthesis remained sensitive to 5 mug of alpha-amanitin per ml. During the course of infection this sensitivity decreased, and at 24 h postinfection RNA synthesis was completely resistant to alpha-amanitin. DEAE-Sephadex profiles of RNA polymerase isolated at 24 h postinfection showed a new, chromatographically distinct, alpha-amanitin-resistant form whose kinetics and response to divalent cations differed from those of the host RNA polymerases. The possibility that this enzyme may be responsible for viral late transcription is discussed.
Smaller hippocampal volume predicts pathologic vulnerability to psychological trauma

In animals, exposure to severe stress can damage the hippocampus. Recent human studies show smaller hippocampal volume in individuals with the stress-related psychiatric condition posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Does this represent the neurotoxic effect of trauma, or is smaller hippocampal volume a pre-existing condition that renders the brain more vulnerable to the development of pathological stress responses? In monozygotic twins discordant for trauma exposure, we found evidence that smaller hippocampi indeed constitute a risk factor for the development of stress-related psychopathology. Disorder severity in PTSD patients who were exposed to trauma was negatively correlated with the hippocampal volume of both the patients and the patients’ trauma-unexposed identical co-twin. Furthermore, severe PTSD twin pairs—both the trauma-exposed and unexposed members—had significantly smaller hippocampi than non-PTSD pairs.
Arthritis in the prehistoric Southeastern United States: biological and cultural variables.

Recent research shows that a bacterial life form, Erysipelothrix insidiosa, can produce rheumatoid arthritis in deer, swine, and dogs, and that a number of animals, including man, birds, and fish, may be infected by the organism. Examination of the archaeological record suggests that both cultural and biological variables may be interrelated in the maintenance of some forms of arthritis over long periods of time in geographically disparate populations. Re-examination of Cherokee folk beliefs concerning arthritis suggests that they had some recognition of this connection, and it also suggests that the term “magical” may relate more to the world view of the observer than to any actual inability of preliterate peoples to draw causal relations on the basis of their own intimate knowledge of their environments.
Intention-to-treat analysis with treatment discontinuation and missing data in clinical trials

Motivated by a recent National Research Council study, we discuss three aspects of the analysis of clinical trials when participants prematurely discontinue treatments. First, we distinguish treatment discontinuation from missing outcome data. Data collection is often stopped after treatment discontinuation, but outcome data could be recorded on individuals after they discontinue treatment, as the National Research Council study recommends. Conversely, outcome data may be missing for individuals who do not discontinue treatment, as when there is loss to follow up or missed clinic visits. Missing outcome data is a standard missing data problem, but treatment discontinuation is better viewed as a form of noncompliance and treated using ideas from the causal literature on noncompliance. Second, the standard intention to treat estimand, the average effect of randomization to treatment, is compared with three alternative estimands for the intention to treat population: the average effect when individuals continue on the assigned treatment after discontinuation, the average effect when individuals take a control treatment after treatment discontinuation, and a summary measure of the effect of treatment prior to discontinuation. We argue that the latter choice of estimand has advantages and should receive more consideration. Third, we consider when follow-up measures after discontinuation are needed for valid measures of treatment effects. The answer depends on the choice of primary estimand and the plausibility of assumptions needed to address the missing data. Ideas are motivated and illustrated by a reanalysis of a past study of inhaled insulin treatments for diabetes, sponsored by Eli Lilly.
Polybrominated diphenyl ether congener, BDE-47, impairs insulin sensitivity in mice with liver-specific Pten deficiency

The potential health effects of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) that are widely used as flame-retardants in consumer products have been attributed, in part, to their endocrine disrupting properties. The purpose of this study is to examine the in vivo effects of an early exposure to PBDEs on the development of insulin resistance in mice. The metabolic consequences of BDE-47 in mice with varying insulin sensitivities secondary to liver-specific activation of Akt (Ptenfl/fl;AlbCre) and mTORC1 (Tsc1fl/fl;AlbCre) as well as wild-type littermates, were studied. BDE-47, a dominant congener of PBDE, was given daily (1 mg/kg/day) for six weeks by oral gavage in young mice following weaning. At the end of the exposure, there were no significant differences in total body, liver, or white adipose tissue weights between the BDE-47-treated vs. DMSO-treated mice for each respective genotype. Metabolic studies revealed significant impairment in insulin sensitivity in the BDE-47-treated Ptenfl/fl;AlbCre mice, but not in wild-type or Tsc1fl/fl;AlbCre mice. This was not accompanied by significant alterations in plasma insulin levels or hepatic triglyceride accumulation in the Ptenfl/fl;AlbCre mice. The mean plasma BDE-47 level in the wild-type mice was 11.7 ± 2.9 ng/g (wet weight). Our findings indicate that BDE-47 exposure during the early post-natal period induces a mild disturbance in glucose metabolism in susceptible mice with increased baseline insulin sensitivity. These results suggest an interaction between BDE-47 and genetic factors that regulate insulin signaling, which may result in long-term consequences.
The load as an energy asset in a distributed architecture

As future naval ships become more electrically integrated, the ability to manage the total energy resources becomes critical. Currently these functions are available only through a centralized controller, which limits flexibility, reconfigurability, and reliability. These limitations can be avoided, and still provide system level coordination through distributed controls based on local information.
Deflagration of HMX-Based Explosives at High Temperatures and Pressures

We measure the deflagration behavior of energetic materials at extreme conditions (up to 520K and 1 GPa) in the LLNL High Pressure Strand Burner, thereby obtaining reaction rate data for prediction of violence of thermal explosions. The apparatus provides both temporal pressure history and flame time-of-arrival information during deflagration, allowing direct calculation of deflagration rate as a function of pressure. Samples may be heated before testing. Here we report the deflagration behavior of several HMX-based explosives at pressures of 10-600 MPa and temperatures of 300-460 K. We find that formulation details are very important to overall deflagration behavior. Formulations with high binder content (>15 wt%) deflagrate smoothly over the entire pressure range regardless of particle size, with a larger particle size distribution leading to a slower reaction. The deflagration follows a power law function with the pressure exponent being unity. Formulations with lower binder content ({le} 10% or less by weight) show physical deconsolidation at pressures over 100-200 MPA, with transition to a rapid erratic deflagration 10-100 times faster. High temperatures have a relatively minor effect on the deflagration rate until the HMX {beta} {yields} {delta} phase transition occurs, after which the deflagration rate increases by more than a factormore » of 10.« less
Gender-Based Differences in Bleomycin-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis

The role of gender and sex hormones is unclear in host response to lung injury, inflammation, and fibrosis. To examine gender influence on pulmonary fibrosis, male and female rats were given endotracheal injections of either saline or bleomycin. Female rats showed higher mortality rates and more severe fibrosis than did male rats, as indicated by higher levels of lung collagen deposition and fibrogenic cytokine expression. To clarify the potential role of female sex hormones in lung fibrosis, female rats were ovariectomized and treated with either estradiol or vehicle plus endotracheal injections of either saline or bleomycin. The results showed diminished fibrosis in the ovariectomized, bleomycin-treated rats without hormone replacement. Estradiol replacement restored the fibrotic response to that of the intact female mice in terms of lung collagen deposition and cytokine expression, which was accompanied by higher plasma estradiol levels. Furthermore, fibroblasts from bleomycin-treated rats exhibited increased responsiveness to estradiol treatment, causing dose-dependent increases in procollagen 1 and transforming growth factor-β 1 mRNA expression relative to untreated controls. Taken together these findings suggest that female mice may have an exaggerated response to lung injury relative to male mice because of female sex hormones, which have direct fibrogenic activity on lung fibroblasts. This may provide a mechanism for a hormonally mediated intensification of pulmonary fibrosis.
The Interactive Effect of Social Comparison and Objective Information on the Decision to See a Doctor

Doctors' schedules are often overcrowded by unnecessary consultations with people complaining of minor or harmless symptoms. Such people typically decide to seek medical attention after hearing the opinions of family and friends. The present study explored some factors that might affect one's readiness to be influenced by nonprofessional opinions. Subjects in a role-playing setting were asked to imagine they were experiencing various symptoms, and then were given social comparison information suggesting they either should or should not see a doctor. As an orthogonal factor, subjects were also given an objective basis, via a simple physical test, for believing the symptoms either did or did not require medical attention. Consistent with Festinger's (1954) propositions, objective information suggesting the need to see a doctor eliminated the influence of social comparison. However, objective information suggesting the symptoms were harmless failed to reduce the impact of social comparison. These results indicate that providing an objective basis for deciding to sec a doctor will not be effective in controlling unnecessary visits, since “don't go” objective information is completely overridden by “go” social comparison information.
A kinetic model for adaptation and the light responses of Phycomyces.

A kinetic model is described consisting of two sequential first order processes connected by two parallel reaction pathways, one of which is light-catalyzed. A change in light flux changes the rate constant of the light-dependent process, whereupon the levels of two chemical intermediaries readjust. The model's output duplicates all the main features of the cell's light-growth and dark-growth responses except their latent periods. An asymmetric modification of the model reproduces the two types of phototropic inversion discovered by Reichardt and Varju and by Dennison. Simple exponential equations describe these responses of the model, as well as the theoretical course of its light and dark adaptation. It is concluded that adaptation in Phycomyces consist in the photocatalytic adjustment of the level of a metabolic reservoir.
Intrinsic borohydride fuel cell/battery hybrid power sources

The electrochemical oxidation behaviors of NaBH4 on Zn, Zn–MH, and MH (metal-hydride) electrodes were investigated, and an intrinsic direct borohydride fuel cell (DBFC)/battery hybrid power source using MH (or Zn–MH) as the anode and MnO2 as the cathode was tested. Borohydride cannot be effectively oxidized on Zn electrodes at the Zn oxidation potential because of the poor electrocatalytic ability of Zn for borohydride oxidation and the high overpotential, even though borohydride has the same oxidation potential of Zn in an alkaline solution. The borohydride can be electrochemically oxidized on Ni and MH electrodes through a 4e reaction at a high overpotential. Simply adding borohydride into an alkaline electrolyte of a Zn/air or MH/air battery can greatly increase the capacity, while an intrinsic DBFC/MH(or Zn)–MnO2 battery can deliver a higher peak power than regular DBFCs. © 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Applying LVQ techniques to compress historical information in sensor networks

Summary form only given. In the emerging area of wireless sensor networks, a typical challenge is to retrieve historical information from the sensor nodes. We propose a new technique, called adaptive learning vector quantization (ALVQ), to compress this historical information. Our technique is based on the following two observations: (1) in sensor networks, the historical information exhibits similar patterns over time; and (2) different measurements are intrinsically correlated. Our algorithm works as follows: first, the codebook is obtained through a LVQ (learning vector quantization), which adjusts the codebook to be nearer to the optimal codebook. Second, ALVQ compresses the codebook update data pieces and transfers the compressed information to the base station. Using 2-level piece-wise regression, ALVQ can compress the updates with high precision while saving more bandwidth for data transmission in order to increase the quality of the approximation. In our experiments we used weather data to compare the performance of the ALVQ algorithm with the recently proposed SBR (self based regression) technique. Our experimental results demonstrate that the LVQ learning process significantly improves the quality of the codebook, thus increasing the regression precision. In addition the use of two-level regression for transmitting the codebook updates further minimizes the required bandwidth. Overall the ALVQ technique can achieve the same precision with SBR while using 75% of the bandwidth.
Carotenoid pigments in male American goldfinches: what is the optimal biochemical strategy for becoming colourful?

Studies of brilliant carotenoid-based coloration in birds have traditionally centred on the role that these colours play in attracting mates. More recently, biologists have begun to take a biochemical approach to understanding the types of pigments found in feathers and how these relate to the expression of ornamental coloration. Nevertheless, surprisingly few studies have assessed the types and amounts of carotenoids present in the diet or blood of animals in relation to season, sex, condition or sexually attractive colour traits, particularly for wild birds. It is conceivable not only that the total concentration of pigments available is an important predictor of sexual attractiveness and mate quality, but also that specific pigments vary among individuals and play more important physiological and pigmenting roles than others. We investigated the carotenoid content of blood and feathers in wild-caught, yellow-pigmented male American goldfinches (Carduelis tristis) throughout the year to determine the optimal biochemical strategy for becoming colourful. We found that birds acquired two main yellow hydroxycarotenoids (lutein and zeaxanthin) from the diet during both moulting and non-moulting periods. Blood concentrations of both pigments changed significantly over time, with moulting birds accumulating higher levels of both lutein and zeaxanthin, but proportionally more zeaxanthin, than non-moulting birds. Moulting birds that acquired more lutein and more zeaxanthin in blood deposited a higher concentration of carotenoid pigments (canary xanthophylls A and B) into plumage and acquired more colourful feathers. In sum, these results indicate that (a) the types of dietary carotenoids available across seasons do not change in American goldfinches, (b) seasonal fluctuations in plasma-carotenoid signatures may result from differences in dietary access or pigment processing, and (c) the best biochemical strategy for becoming a colourful, wild male goldfinch is to accumulate as many dietary/blood pigments as possible during moult. © 2004 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2004, 83, 273–280.
Evaluation of image noise in fan-beam x-ray computed tomography

We investigate the problem of evaluating noise in computed tomography images that are reconstructed from x-ray measurements collected in fan-beam geometry. For reconstruction, we use the classical direct filtered backprojection method, which acts directly on the fan-beam projections without rebinning to the parallel-beam geometry. In this context, we present an accurate and efficient method to evaluate the image noise. This method is first validated using results from Monte-Carlo simulations. Then, we illustrate its advantages through the implementation of a channelized Hotelling observer for a lesion detection task.
Filamentation Instability of Counterstreaming Laser-Driven Plasmas

Filamentation due to the growth of a Weibel-type instability was observed in the interaction of a pair of counterstreaming, ablatively driven plasma flows, in a supersonic, collisionless regime relevant to astrophysical collisionless shocks. The flows were created by irradiating a pair of opposing plastic (CH) foils with 1.8 kJ, 2-ns laser pulses on the OMEGA EP Laser System. Ultrafast laser-driven proton radiography was used to image the Weibel-generated electromagnetic fields. The experimental observations are in good agreement with the analytical theory of the Weibel instability and with particle-in-cell simulations.
Methods to Enhance in Vivo Urothelial Growth on Seromuscular Colonic Segments in the Dog

AbstractPurpose: We demonstrated survival and expansion in vivo of urothelial free autografts on demucosalized seromuscular segments.Materials and Methods: Four methods of in vivo urothelial expansion were investigated on demucosalized colonic segments in the canine model. Group 1 underwent colonic mucosal removal by manual stripping, group 2 underwent removal of colonic mucosa and submucosa, and group 3 underwent manual stripping of the colonic mucosa followed by treatment with protamine sulfate and urea. In the 3 groups urothelial autografts were then placed on the seromuscular segment and tubularized over a balloon splint. In group 4 the colonic mucosa was removed but the grafts were not tubularized. Instead the colonic segment was sutured to the parietal peritoneum.Results: Group 4 grafts had no epithelial growth and shrinkage of the bowel segment. Group 1 grafts had minimal growth with no expansion and colonic mucosal regrowth. Group 2 grafts demonstrated growth and expansion, although these colonic ...
Lights, camera, condoms! Assessing college men's attitudes toward condom use in pornography.

ABSTRACTObjective: Investigate male college students' attitudes toward actors' use of condoms in pornography. Participants: Two hundred thirteen undergraduate males attending a large, state-supported midwestern university in the fall semester, 2012. Methods: Using a Web-based procedure, participants completed questionnaires assessing their pornography use, sexual history characteristics, and their attitudes toward condom use by adult performers. Results: Factor analysis of the 11-item condom use attitudes questionnaire supported 2 distinct subscales: Condom Supportive Attitudes and Condom Critical Attitudes. Although participants typically agreed with statements supportive of condom use and generally disagreed with statements critical of condom use in pornography, gay men had significantly higher condom supportive subscale scores than did heterosexual men. Neither subscale was correlated with weekly viewing of pornography. Conclusions: Although some producers of adult films argue that actors wearing condo...
Nursing care of the patient with myasthenia gravis

Nursing priorities for patients with acquired autoimmune myasthenia gravis are reviewed. Three key aspects of care are discussed: assessment of weakness, knowledge of treatments and medications, and understanding the need for patient education and support. The article traces these needs throughout the diagnostic process, during hospitalization, including crisis, and subsequent outpatient care. Advances in treatment and their implications for nursing care are emphasized.
The Effect of Salt Addition and Postmortem Holding Time on Cooked Yield and Texture of Hot-Stripped Ground Fowl Meat

Abstract Breast and leg (thigh and drumstick) meat was stripped from unchilled, uneviscerated fowl carcasses after bleeding for 2 min, scalding for 2 min at 58 C, and feather removal. The meat was then ground and assigned to one of four sublots: breast meat without sodium chloride; breast meat mixed with 2% (w/w) sodium chloride; leg meat without sodium chloride; and leg meat mixed with 2% (w/w) sodium chloride. Three 90-g aliquots were removed at the end of mixing time, formed into circular patties, and blast frozen at −34 C. These patties were designated as 1.5 hr postmortem holding time. Remaining sublots were held at 2 C, and sampled at 4 and 24 hr by removing aliquots to form 90-g patties, which were then immediately blast frozen. Cooked yield, moisture and fat contents, and objective texture were determined from patties oven-cooked to 74 C from the frozen state. Patties with salt had significantly higher cooked yields and moisture contents and exhibited lower hardness and cohesiveness values and higher springiness values than patties without salt. Patties from leg meat took less time to cook, had higher cooked yields, moisture, and fat contents than patties from breast meat. Texture attributes, pooled over salt treatments, also indicated that leg meat was less hard, less cohesive, and less chewy than breast meat. Differences attributed to postmortem holding time were statistically significant (P≤.05) for the springiness attribute only; springiness significantly declined at 24 hr.
Use of Ground-Based Wind Measurements for Improved Guided Airdrop Accuracy

Uncertainty in atmospheric winds represents one of the primary sources of landing error in airdrop systems. While guided airdrop systems can compensate for uncertainties in the wind profile, unexpected winds in the drop zone can still result in large errors in landing location, and they can even lead to damage or complete loss of the cargo if the system hits the ground while traveling downwind. This work examines the impact of real-time knowledge of the winds in the drop zone on guided aidrop landing accuracy and landing quality. Measurements of the horizontal wind profile at multiple altitudes above the target provided by a ground-based LIDAR are considered in addition to a simple ground wind measurement. The guidance logic running on the airdrop system’s onboard autopilot is modified to integrate the wind measurements near the intended landing zone with onboard wind estimates to provide an improved, real-time estimate of the wind profile. The strategy is first developed in the framework of a rigorous simulation model and then validated in flight test. In both simulated and actual flight tests, knowledge of the wind profile near the target provided from the LIDAR unit improved landing accuracy by 40%. Knowledge of the ground winds alone provided by a low-cost, lightweight, highly portable device, again in both simulated and actual flight tests, is enough to improve landing accuracy by 33% and completely eliminate potentially dangerous downwind landings.
Stabilization of the atlantoaxial joint with C1-C3 lateral mass screw constructs: biomechanical comparison with standard technique.

BACKGROUND: Anatomically and biomechanically, the atlantoaxial joint is unique compared with the remainder of the cervical spine. OBJECTIVE: To assess the in vitro stability provided by 2 C2 screw sparing techniques in a destabilized model of the atlantoaxial joint and compare with the gold standard system. METHODS: The 3-dimensional intervertebral motion of 7 human cadaveric cervical spine specimens was recorded stereophotogrammetrically while applying non-constraining, nondestructive pure moments during flexion-extension, left and right axial rotation, and left and right lateral bending. Each specimen was tested in the intact state, followed by destabilization (odontoidectomy) and fixation as follows: (1) C1 and C3 lateral mass screws rods with sublaminar wiring of C2 (LC1-C3 + SW), (2) C1 and C3 lateral mass screws rods with a cross-link in the C1-2 interlaminar space (LC1-C3 + CL), (3) C1 and C3 lateral mass screw rods alone (negative control), and (4) C1 lateral mass and C2 pedicle screws rods augmented with C1-2 interspinous wire and graft (LC1-PC2, control group). RESULTS: Compared with the intact spine, each instrumented state significantly stabilized range of motion and lax zone at C1-2 (P < .001,1-way repeated-measures analysis of variance). LC1-C3 + SW was equivalent to LC1-PC2 during flexion and lateral bending and superior to LC1-C3 + CL during lateral bending, while LC1-C3 + CL was equivalent to LC1-PC2 only during flexion. In all other comparisons, LC1-PC2 was superior to both techniques. CONCLUSION: From a biomechanical perspective, both C2 screw sparing techniques provided sufficient stability to be regarded as an alternative for C1-2 fixation. However, because normal motion across C2-3 is sacrificed, these constructs should be used in patients with unfavorable anatomy for standard fixations.
Building the IBM Containers cloud service

Linux® containers have been employed for operating system-level virtualization since around 2008, but only recently they have started to gain tremendous popularity, fueled by open source projects such as Warden and Docker. Initially, container technologies have been used mainly for stateless web applications in platform-as-a-service (PaaS) clouds, but as the technology matures, they are being used for a larger variety of cloud workloads that are typically run on infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS) clouds. For this reason, we developed the IBM Containers service, a cloud service that allows multiple developers to compose, deploy, and manage the lifecycle of complex application topologies with security and isolation on a shared infrastructure. The service provides developers with features of a PaaS cloud and flexibility of an IaaS cloud. In this paper, we discuss the challenges, architecture, security considerations, and capabilities of the service.
Reply to “Quantitative MRI of the Thymus: Chemical-Shift Ratio, Signal Intensity Index, and Apparent Diffusion Coefficient Value”

AJR 2016; 206:W98 0361–803X/16/2066–W98 © American Roentgen Ray Society Reply to “Quantitative MRI of the Thymus: Chemical-Shift Ratio, Signal Intensity Index, and Apparent Diffusion Coefficient Value” My coauthors and I are grateful to Dr. Karabulut for his interest in our Structured Review article titled “Pitfalls in the Imaging and Interpretation of Benign Thymic Lesions: How Thymic MRI Can Help” [1] and his excellent comments. We agree with most of the comments and would like to add the following. First, Dr. Karabulut is correct that the initially electronically published article very unfortunately had a mistyped equation for the calculation of the chemical-shift ratio (CSR), with the denominators exchanged. This error was rapidly discovered and corrected within a few days, so the CSR equation is now correctly displayed as follows:
Effects of distillers' dried grains with solubles and soybean oil on dietary lipid, fiber, and amino acid digestibility in corn-based diets fed to growing pigs

The use of corn coproducts increases the concentration of fiber and, often, the use of supplemental lipids in swine diets, which may affect energy and nutrient digestibility. An experiment was conducted to determine the effects of reduced-oil distillers' dried grains with solubles (DDGS) and soybean oil (SBO) on dietary AA, acid hydrolyzed ether extract (AEE), and NDF digestibility in corn-based diets fed to growing pigs. Eighteen growing pigs (33.8 ± 2.2 kg BW) were surgically fitted with a T-cannula in the distal ileum and allocated to 1 of 6 dietary treatment groups in a 3-period incomplete Latin square design, with 9 observations per treatment. Six dietary treatments were obtained by adding 0, 20, and 40% DDGS to corn-casein diets formulated with 2 and 6% SBO. Ileal digesta and fecal samples were collected and the apparent ileal digestibility (AID) and apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of AEE and NDF and the AID of AA were determined. Apparent values were corrected for endogenous losses of lipids, and true ileal (TID) and true total tract digestibility (TTTD) values of lipids were calculated. Results showed that the AID of Lys decreased ( 0.05). In conclusion, the AID of Lys decreased with DDGS and was not affected by lipids from SBO. The greatest AID and ATTD of NDF was observed in diets with a high AEE and low NDF content. Low values of apparent digestibility of AEE in lower-lipid diets are possibly the result of endogenous losses of lipids, because the true digestibility of AEE was not affected by the dietary increase of AEE.
Infant Developmental Milestones and Cognitive Outcome

The relationship between infant developmental milestones and later intellectual function was determined in a representative sample of 5,362 children born in the United Kingdom in 1946, after the second world war, and followed in to adulthood by researchers at the Behavioral and Clinical Neuroscience Institute, University of Cambridge; and University College London, UK.
Effect of phytohemagglutinin in cultures on the lactate dehydrogenases of lymphocytes from chronic lymphatic leukemia.

1. Normal lymphocytes show significant increases in their total LDH content and proportion of M-LDH during the first 24 hours of culture with PHA, while most of them undergo blast-cell formation in three days. The changes in LDH occur before mitosis is a factor in altering the cell population and apparently is the result of PHA action at the genetic loci controlling the synthesis of M- and H-LDH polypeptide subunits. 2. The capacity of lymphocytes from patients with CLL to produce blast-cells and to increase their total LDH activity and M-LDH content varied inversely with the height of the peripheral WBC counts. Sometimes prolongation of incubation to five days permitted LDH and blast-cell changes to become discernible. This perhaps resulted from increase by mitosis in the numbers of cells capable of reacting to PHA. 3. Increase in total LDH and proportion of M-LDH promotes glycolysis which may be needed to supply increased energy requirements for both blast-cell formation and mitosis.
Abstract Creationism and Authorial Intention

Abstract creationism about fictional characters is the view that fictional characters are abstract objects that authors create. I defend this view against criticisms from Stuart Brock that hitherto have not been adequately countered. The discussion sheds light on how the number of fictional characters depends on authorial intention. I conclude also that we should change how we think intentions are connected to artifacts more generally, both abstract and concrete.
Functional MRI in Autism

Nearly 200 reports of functional MRI (fMRI) studies in autism have been published, including an extensive literature of differential brain activation in autism during cognitive tasks. A selection of reports are reviewed involving brain responses during auditory processing, language, touch perception, visual perception, motor function, oculomotor control, processing of faces, social and empathic reasoning, theory of mind, emotion, attention, executive function, reward processing, and learning. Although the literature is heterogeneous, a trend toward decreased brain activation in complex networks involving unimodal and heteromodal association cortex is apparent. Functions requiring integration of multiple distributed brain regions are particularly affected, and functions such as language that exhibit lateralization of function typically show greater recruitment of contralateral homologous regions in autism. Efforts to establish biomarkers or endophenotypes using fMRI and open questions for further research are discussed.
Cooperativity Has Empirical and Ultimate Levels of Explanation

Controversy over the meaning of pharmacological parameters often arises because of a lack of appreciation of different hierarchical levels of analysis. In a recent letter in Trends in Pharmacological Sciences, Zhang and Kavana [1] concluded that my two-state model for allosterism lacks cooperativity, even though Figures 5 and 6 in my review [2] illustrate examples of how the two-state model yields specific cooperativity values. Here, I explain how the two-state model (receptor-state analysis) gives rise to the cooperativity parameter (α) of the allosteric ternary complex model (receptor-population analysis).
Intentions in the Experience of Meaning: INTENTIONS IN DISCOURSE

The chapters in Part III examine exactly how intentions play an important role in the mental processes by which people construct meaningful interpretations of spoken and written language. I describe in some detail how speakers and listeners cooperate and coordinate with each other to achieve successful communication. In doing so, I emphasize that interpretation is probabilistic in the extent to which communicative intentions shape the experience of meaning. One of the great obstacles in the debates over intentions in interpretation is that it is assumed that people either always or never infer authorial intentions. Yet authorial intentions may contribute only partial information to people about how to interpret speech and texts. In many cases, people infer unintended meanings of messages that still fit the context, but these meanings, nonetheless, depend on the recognition that speakers have some other meanings they are trying to express. Writing and reading, just like speaking and listening, are best characterized as social transactions which include the specific attempt to achieve successful communication of intentional meanings.