cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pacific Salmon, Nutrients, and the Dynamics of Freshwater and Riparian Ecosystems

Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.) accumulate substantial nutrients in their bodies as they grow to adulthood at sea. These nutrients are carried to predominantly oligotrophic lakes and streams, where they are released during and after spawning. Research over more than 3 decades has shown that the annual deposition of salmon-borne marine-derived nutrients (MD-nutrients) is important for the productivity of freshwater communities throughout the Pacific coastal region. However, the pathways and mechanisms for MD-nutrient transfer and accumulation in freshwater and riparian ecosystems remain virtually unexplored, consequently, there are many uncertainties in this area. This article addresses three related topics. First, we summarize recent advances in our understanding of the linkages among MD-nutrients, freshwater (including riparian) ecosystems, and community dynamics by addressing the importance of MD-nutrients to lakes and streams and by then reviewing large-scale and long-term processes in the atmosphere and ocean that govern variability in salmon populations. Second, we evaluate the validity of the discoveries and their implications for active ecosystem management, noting areas where extrapolation from these results still requires great caution. Finally, we outline five key research issues where additional discoveries could greatly augment our understanding of the processes shaping the structure and dynamics of salmon populations and the characteristics of their freshwater habitat and associated riparian zones. Collectively, the data suggest that the freshwater portion of the salmon production system is intimately linked to the ocean. Moreover, for the system to be sustainable, a holistic approach to management will be required. This holistic approach will need to treat climate cycles, salmon, riparian vegetation, predators, and MD-nutrient flowpaths and feedbacks as an integrated system.
Simulation and Analysis of Human Micro-Dopplers in Through-Wall Environments

We present a simulation methodology for generating micro-Doppler radar signatures of humans moving behind walls. The method combines primitive-based modeling of humans with finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulation of walls. Realistic motions of humans are generated from computer animation data. The time-varying human radar cross section is simulated using the primitive-based prediction technique. The scattered returns of humans behind walls are then simulated by a hybrid of the human simulation model with the through-wall propagation data generated from FDTD. The resulting simulator is used to investigate the effects of walls of both homogeneous and inhomogeneous types on human micro-Dopplers. It is found that while through-wall propagation affects the magnitude response of the Doppler spectrogram in the form of attenuation and fading, it only introduces very minor distortions on the actual Doppler frequencies from the body parts. This is corroborated by measurement data collected using a Doppler radar, as well as by a point-scatterer analysis of refraction and multipath introduced by walls.
EXPLORING THE NEED FOR LOCALIZATION IN ENSEMBLE DATA ASSIMILATION USING A HIERARCHICAL ENSEMBLE FILTER

Abstract Good performance with small ensemble filters applied to models with many state variables may require ‘localizing’ the impact of an observation to state variables that are ‘close’ to the observation. As a step in developing nearly generic ensemble filter assimilation systems, a method to estimate ‘localization’ functions is presented. Localization is viewed as a means to ameliorate sampling error when small ensembles are used to sample the statistical relation between an observation and a state variable. The impact of spurious sample correlations between an observation and model state variables is estimated using a ‘hierarchical ensemble filter’, where an ensemble of ensemble filters is used to detect sampling error. Hierarchical filters can adapt to a wide array of ensemble sizes and observational error characteristics with only limited heuristic tuning. Hierarchical filters can allow observations to efficiently impact state variables, even when the notion of ‘distance’ between the observation and the state variables cannot be easily defined. For instance, defining the distance between an observation of radar reflectivity from a particular radar and beam angle taken at 1133 GMT and a model temperature variable at 700 hPa 60 km north of the radar beam at 1200 GMT is challenging. The hierarchical filter estimates sampling error from a ‘group’ of ensembles and computes a factor between 0 and 1 to minimize sampling error. An a priori notion of distance is not required. Results are shown in both a low-order model and a simple atmospheric GCM. For low-order models, the hierarchical filter produces ‘localization’ functions that are very similar to those already described in the literature. When observations are more complex or taken at different times from the state specification (in ensemble smoothers for instance), the localization functions become increasingly distinct from those used previously. In the GCM, this complexity reaches a level that suggests that it would be difficult to define efficient localization functions a priori. There is a cost trade-off between running hierarchical filters or running a traditional filter with larger ensemble size. Hierarchical filters can be run for short training periods to develop localization statistics that can be used in a traditional ensemble filter to produce high quality assimilations at reasonable cost, even when the relation between observations and state variables is not well-known a priori. Additional research is needed to determine if it is ever cost-efficient to run hierarchical filters for large data assimilation problems instead of traditional filters with the corresponding total number of ensemble members.
The psychological control of preoperative anxiety.

Forty healthy volunteer hospital patients who had been admitted For therapeutic abortions were given anxiety scale questionnaires during the afternoon of the day before operation. That evening. the anesthesiologist conducted either a “cursory” (brief and minimally informative) or “supportive” (long and relatively) informative with maximal rapport) preoperative interview. The following morning the Skin Conductance Anxiety Test (SCAT), a physiological measure of anxiety level, was carried out as part of the induction procedure on the non-premedicated patients. The random order determining the type of interview was known only to the anesthesiologist and no scoring was carried out until after the conclusion of all testing. The investigation showed that highly anxious patients had their anxiety level significantly reduced by both cursory and supportive interviews, while the relatively non-anxious patients had their anxiety levels significantly increased by cursory interviews. It was again demonstrated that the level of anxiety is a determinant of the amount of thiopental sodium required for induction.
Relative Entropy, Exponential Utility, and Robust Dynamic Pricing

In the area of dynamic revenue management, optimal pricing policies are typically computed on the basis of an underlying demand rate model. From the perspective of applications, this approach implicitly assumes that the model is an accurate representation of the real-world demand process and that the parameters characterizing this model can be accurately calibrated using data. In many situations, neither of these conditions are satisfied. Indeed, models are usually simplified for the purpose of tractability and may be difficult to calibrate because of a lack of data. Moreover, pricing policies that are computed under the assumption that the model is correct may perform badly when this is not the case. This paper presents an approach to single-product dynamic revenue management that accounts for errors in the underlying model at the optimization stage. Uncertainty in the demand rate model is represented using the notion of relative entropy, and a tractable reformulation of the “robust pricing problem” is obtained using results concerning the change of probability measure for point processes. The optimal pricing policy is obtained through a version of the so-called Isaacs' equation for stochastic differential games, and the structural properties of the optimal solution are obtained through an analysis of this equation. In particular, (i) closed-form solutions for the special case of an exponential nominal demand rate model, (ii) general conditions for the exchange of the “max” and the “min” in the differential game, and (iii) the equivalence between the robust pricing problem and that of single-product revenue management with an exponential utility function without model uncertainty, are established through the analysis of this equation.
Review of clinical trials

Clinical trials of full-field digital mammography to date have compared sensitivity, specificity, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves of digital to screen-film mammography, typically in paired studies of the two modalities. The largest study to date has been conducted in women at two institutions in the USA involving 6,736 paired examinations of women aged 40 and over presenting for screening mammography at the University of Colorado and University of Massachusetts Medical Centers. Of 1,467 subjects recommended for additional evaluation on at least one modality, 181 biopsies were performed, yielding detection of 42 cancers. Nine cancers were detected only by digital mammography, 15 only by screen-film mammography, 18 by both, and 8 by neither modality. The difference in cancer detection was not statistically significant (P > 0.1). Digital mammography resulted in fewer recalls than screen-film (799 versus 1,007; P 0.1). Results of other trials conducted to date, primarily diagnostic studies for regulatory approval, will also be described, along with the design of the National Cancer Institute sponsored American College of Radiology Imaging Network (ACRIN) DMIST study of 49,500 women, which is currently underway.
Mining frequent web access patterns with partial enumeration

In this paper, we extend the pattern-growth web access pattern mining algorithms [1, 2, 3] with partial enumeration. The extended algorithm can grow the frequent patterns with more than one symbol at a time and unifies the pattern-growth and apriori algorithms [4]. The experimental results show that for the databases of long sequences, the best performance is neither given by the pattern-growth algorithms nor by the full apriori enumeration algorithms, but rather by the mining with partial enumeration in the middle.
Prognostic significance of miR-215 in colon cancer.

Background We have previously shown that miR-215 suppressed the expression of key targets such as thymidylate synthase (TS), dihydrofolate reductase, and denticleless protein homolog (DTL) in colon cancer. miR-215 is a tumor suppressor candidate due to the upregulation of p53 and p21 by targeting DTL. However, high levels of miR-215 conferred chemoresistance due to cell cycle arrest and reduced cell proliferation by suppressing DTL. In this study, the clinical significance of miR-215 was further investigated as a potential prognostic biomarker in colon cancer patients. Methods Total RNAs were extracted from 34 paired normal and colon (stage II and III) tumor specimens using the Trizol-based approach. The levels of miR-215 and a closely related miR-192 were quantified using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) expression analysis. The expression of DTL mRNA and protein were quantified by real time qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. Results The expression levels of miR-192 (P = .0008) and miR-215 (P < .0001) were significantly decreased in colon tumors compared with normal tissues. DTL was significantly over-expressed and was inversely correlated with miR-215, further suggesting an in vivo physiologic relevance of miR-215 mediated DTL suppression. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis by Cox regression revealed that high levels of miR-215 expression (hazard ratio, 3.516; 95% confidence interval, 1.007-12.28, P = .025) are closely associated with poor patient's overall survival. Furthermore, an elevated expression of a miR-215 target protein DTL was detected in colon cancer tissues whereas no expression was present in normal tissues. Conclusion miR-215 has a unique potential as a prognostic biomarker in stage II and III colon cancer.
Structural design and analysis of a compact sweeper magnet for nuclear physics

A superconducting dipole, designed for use as a sweeper magnet in nuclear physics experiments, is being constructed by the NHMFL for operation at the NSCL. The magnet operates at a peak field of 3.8 T in a 140 mm gap. A multi-particle beam enters the magnet from the upstream side. The neutrons continue straight through to a neutron detector. The charged particles are swept 40 degrees on a one-meter radius into a mass spectrometer. To allow space for the exit of the downstream neutron beam, the magnet iron and coil structure are built in a modified "C" configuration. There are two coils of "D" shape, one above and one below the beam. This configuration keeps the magnet compact and removes the need for a negative curvature side. The peak field in the winding is 6.5 T. The net force on the curved leg of a single "D" is 1.6 MN. Design of the structure to contain these forces in a superconducting magnet of such a geometry is presented along with details of stability and quench analysis, field profiles, etc.
Analysis and Experimental Evaluation of Symmetric and Asymmetric 18-Pulse Autotransformer Rectifier Topologies

This paper presents the analysis and experimental evaluation of symmetric and asymmetric 18-pulse autotransformer rectifiers. Specifically, three symmetric topologies having the capability to feed from dual ac voltage networks-rated at 0.5 and 1 p.u., and three asymmetric topologies of minimum number of windings and kVA rating were considered. The evaluation assayed the voltage regulation, input power factor, input current THD, dc common-mode voltage, and power conversion efficiency, all obtained while operating at 400 and 800 Hz for both types of topologies, and additionally from 0.5 and 1 p.u. ac voltages for the symmetric topologies. The results obtained using 2 kW scaled-down prototypes show that the best symmetric topology is the one optimized to operate from 1 p.u. voltages, and the best asymmetric ones the topologies based on polygon autotransformers.
Real tense and real aspect in mirativity

The goal of this paper is an account of the role of tense and aspect in mirative constructions in Spanish. I propose that the past tense morphology and the imperfect/perfect morphology in Spanish miratives contribute their standard meanings to the semantics of mirativity. I define mirativity as the clash between the speaker’s previous beliefs and the current state of affairs asserted by the proposition. I propose a M operator that relates the speaker’s beliefs and the proposition by ranking the worlds in which the proposition doesn’t hold in the speaker’s previous beliefs as better ones. The past tense is interpreted outside the proposition, and constitutes the time argument of the modal base (doxastic domain). Aspect gets its usual interpretation in the proposition but also in the alternative propositions that order the worlds in the modal base. This way, differences regarding the imperfect mirative and the pluperfect one are accounted for. Finally, the paper also discusses stative miratives, which apparently challenge part of the analysis. I claim that these are not counter examples, but rather confirmation of the analysis, once we account for the interaction between miratives, statives and lifetime effects.
Approximate partitioned method of snapshots for POD

The proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) method has been widely used to construct efficient numerical surrogate models for computationally intensive applications in control and optimization. An inherent challenge with this method is that POD basis generation can be computationally expensive due to the huge size of the input snapshot data obtained from typical high-fidelity, large-scale dynamic system simulations. However, if the process can be distributed into much smaller tasks over multiple processors in parallel, computational time can be drastically reduced. In this paper, we put forth a novel partitioned method for generating the POD basis from snapshot data. This method preserves the distributed nature of the data and takes advantage of parallelism for computation. Additionally, it greatly reduces subtask communication volume. Two numerical examples are presented that demonstrate the effectiveness of the new method.
High-Temperature Deformation Constitutive Law for Dissimilar Weld Residual Stress Modeling: Effect of Thermal Load on Strain Hardening

Weld residual stress is one of the primary driving forces for primary water stress corrosion cracking in dissimilar metal welds (DMWs). To mitigate tensile residual stress in DMWs, it is critical to understand residual stress distribution by modeling techniques. Recent studies have shown that weld residual stress prediction using today’s DMW residual stress models strongly depends on the strain-hardening constitutive model chosen. The commonly used strain-hardening models (isotropic, kinematic, and mixed) are all time-independent and inadequate to account for the time-dependent (viscous) plastic deformation at the elevated temperatures experienced during welding. For materials with profound strain-hardening, such as stainless steels and nickel-based alloys that are widely used in nuclear reactor and piping systems, the equivalent plastic strain — the determinate factor of the flow stress — can be highly dependent on the recovery and recrystallization processes. These processes are in turn a strong function of temperature, time, and deformation rate. Recently, the authors proposed a new temperature- and time-dependent strain-hardening constitutive model: the dynamic strain-hardening constitutive model. The application of such a model has resulted in improved weld residual stress prediction compared to the residual stress measurement results from the contour and deep-hole drilling methods. In this study, the dynamic strain-hardening behavior of Type 304 stainless steel and Alloy 82 used in pressure vessel nozzle DMWs is experimentally determined. The kinetics of the recovery and recrystallization of flow stress are derived from experiments, resulting in a semi-empirical equation as a function of pre-strain, time, and temperature that can be used for weld residual stress modeling. The method used in this work also provides an approach to study the kinetics of recovery and recrystallization of other materials with significant strain-hardening.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
The Effects of Putrescine on Somatic Embryogenesis of Daucus Carota as Examined by Two-Dimensional Electrophoresis

Plant developmental processes can be studied using tissue culture models, e. g., the production of somatic embryos using cell suspension cultures. In this study, a putrescine/arginine treatment was used to synchronize the embryogenic process, and two-dimensional electrophoresis was used to compare the translational profiles at different stages of embryo formation [P.M. Bradley (1984) Ph.D. Thesis, Worcester Polytechnic Institute].
Spin inelastic currents in molecular ring junctions

Within a simple model, we discuss spin inelastic currents in molecular ring junctions. We generalize considerations of the spin-flip inelastic electron tunneling spectroscopy (IETS) to the case of multisite molecular system, and formulate a conserving approximation, which takes into account renormalization of elastic channel. We also extend recent studies of circular currents in molecular junctions beyond scattering theory formulation. We demonstrate control of the spin-flip IETS signal and discuss spin polarization of total and circular currents in a benzene ring junction.
Choline and Brain Development

Gestation is a sensitive period when maternal nutrition has an important impact on fetal development. Choline is an essential nutrient required for brain development during gestation. Animal studies have indicated that gestational choline deficiency negatively alters the fetal development of brain areas involved in cognition, learning, and memory, with long-lasting consequences throughout the life. Human and animal studies revealed that choline and folate metabolisms are interrelated, and that folate availability can modify choline requirements. Moreover, choline requirements should be individualized, based on gender, age, specific physiological states (i.e. gestation), and genotypes related to both choline and folate metabolisms. Choline contributes to the homeostasis of S -adenosylmethionine and, thus, is an active player in inducing epigenetic changes (DNA methylation and histone modifications) in neuronal precursors, altering their cell proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation. Although adequate intakes have been established for choline, a systematic approach is needed for further characterization of individual dietary requirements.
Germinal Center in Rat Lymphatic Tissues after the Administration of L-Asparaginase

During the few last years the immune reaction of the germinal center to an antigen and/or immuno-depressive drug was extensively studied. The present experiment was designed to investigate the immune reaction of the germinal center induced by the enzymatic drug L-asparaginase. This compound can: 1st, depress lymphocyte blastogenesis (1), and, consequently, all the reactions connected with cell-immunity (2). This depression of lymphocyte blastogenesis is caused by quantities of L-asparaginase sufficient to deplete the exogenous L-asparagine, which is the specific substrate for L-asparaginase. 2nd, depress the antibody production, i.e., the humoral-immunity (3–5). Since the inhibition of antibody production occurs only after administration of large doses of L-asparaginase, this effect is probably not mediated by specific L-asparaginase activity. On the other hand, the administration of intermediate doses of that enzymatic compound induces the formation of specific anti-asparaginase antibodies (6,7).
Noise Reduction in Long‐Period Seismograms by Way of Array Summing

Long‐period (>100 s period) seismic data can often be dominated by instrumental noise as well as local site noise. When multiple collocated sensors are installed at a single site, it is possible to improve the overall station noise levels by applying stacking methods to their traces. We look at the noise reduction in long‐period seismic data by applying the time–frequency phase‐weighted stacking method of Schimmel and Gallart (2007) as well as the phase‐weighted stacking (PWS) method of Schimmel and Paulssen (1997) to four collocated broadband sensors installed in the quiet Albuquerque Seismological Laboratory underground vault. We show that such stacking methods can improve vertical noise levels by as much as 10 dB over the mean background noise levels at 400 s period, suggesting that greater improvements could be achieved with an array involving multiple sensors. We also apply this method to reduce local incoherent noise on horizontal seismic records of the 2 March 2016 M w 7.8 Sumatra earthquake, where the incoherent noise levels at very long periods are similar in amplitude to the earthquake signal. To maximize the coherency, we apply the PWS method to horizontal data where relative azimuths between collocated sensors are estimated and compared with a simpler linear stack with no azimuthal rotation. Such methods could help reduce noise levels at various seismic stations where multiple high‐quality sensors have been deployed. Such small arrays may also provide a solution to improving long‐period noise levels at Global Seismographic Network stations.
Improving Constitutional Literacy

In 1998, civics teacher Randy Wright and his students from Liberty Middle School in Ashland, VA, set out to educate America and the world about the US Constitution by having a condensed version of it placed on the back of the US dollar bill (Kroll 2003).
Effects of horseback riding exercise on the relative alpha power spectrum in the elderly

The present study aimed to identify the effects of horseback riding and mechanical horseback riding exercise on the relative α-power spectrum in the elderly. A total of 31 healthy elderly were randomly divided into horseback riding (n=15) and mechanical horseback riding exercise groups (n=16). The horseback riding exercise program was conducted for 25min twice a week for 12 weeks. Two-way repeated analysis of variance was used to identify the changes in measured variables before the exercise program, and after 6 and 12 weeks of the program. The horseback riding exercise group showed an increase in relative fast alpha power in the background electroencephalogram, and the mechanical horseback riding exercise group showed an increase in relative slow alpha power. Both horseback riding and mechanical horseback riding exercises activated the EEG in all domains, thus increasing concentration and restfulness. The results suggested that horseback riding and mechanical horseback riding exercise may have a positive effect on psychological stability in the elderly.
The passions of the soul and other late philosophical writings

Descartes’s final work published in his lifetime was The Passions of the Soul (hereafter Passions) of 1649. The general purpose of the text, referred to by its author as his ‘little treatise’ (74),...
Review of the enigmatic genus Boalda with transfer of pulcherrima Köhler from Nephelistis and description of two new species (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Schaus (1929: 49) described Boalda gyona in a monobasic genus known only from the holotype taken in Santa Catarina, Brazil. Biezanko et al. (1957) reported the species from Uruguay. A number of specimens of Boalda similar to gyona were collected recently in Paraguay, at least two of which match the anomalous Argentinian taxon Nephelistis pulcherrima Kohler (1947: 77–78). Herein the genus Boalda is reviewed, with one new species described from the Paraguayan samples, and with N. pulcherrima transferred Boalda . A singleton specimen from Parque Nacional Cerro Cora, Dpto. Amambay, Paraguay, is figured but not described as a distinct species because of a lack of additional specimens.
Two-Hand Actuator Placement for Power Press Operation: A Reexamination of After-Reach Speeds

This study reexamined data from an earlier study by the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health addressing the after-reach speed of press operators—a speed that is a key part of standards for locating two-hand actuator buttons from the point of operation. The 60 participating press operators performed four reaches in each of two button placements. The investigators reported on the fastest of the four for each operator. They concluded that the 1.6 m/s value is inadequate to protect many of the faster press operators. For this paper, all reach speeds were analyzed and used to identify the percentiles of all after-reaches that were slower than several common percentile.
Beyond BMI: Obesity and Lung Disease

The worldwide prevalence of obesity has increased rapidly in the last 3 decades, and this increase has led to important changes in the pathogenesis and clinical presentation of many common diseases. This review article examines the relationship between obesity and lung disease, highlighting some of the major findings that have advanced our understanding of the mechanisms contributing to this relationship. Changes in pulmonary function related to fat mass are important, but obesity is much more than simply a state of mass loading, and BMI is only a very indirect measure of metabolic health. The obese state is associated with changes in the gut microbiome, cellular metabolism, lipid handling, immune function, insulin resistance, and circulating factors produced by adipose tissue. Together, these factors can fundamentally alter the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of lung health and disease.
Very Low Frequency Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Allows the Imaging of Oxygen Concentrations in Distinct Pharmacologic Compartments Deep in Living Tissue

The use of electron paramagnetic (spin) resonance (EPR) for measurements in living tissue has been limited by the depth of penetration of multi-GHz microwaves which stimulate the transitions detected by the technique. The use of much lower frequency stimulating radiation, 250 MHz, characteristic of the highest frequency human nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measurements, allows penetration deep (of order ~10 cm)) in human tissues. Frequency reduction entails a loss in signal-to-noise, although less than is often assumed. Using selectively deuterated spin labels as oximetric spin probes, spectral fitting techniques, and sample size specific resonators, we have regained the signal lost in the frequency reduction. The oximetric spin probes used can be modified at a spectrally irrelevant site to redirect its pharmacologic compartment distribution. Since the detection is a magnetic resonance technique, field gradients allow imaging of the murine tumors used as samples. We present measurments from FSa and NFSa fibrosarcomas grown in the thighs of C3H mice of various sizes above and below 1 cm maximum diameter. We detect significantly lower oxygen concentrations in the larger tumors. This is unlikely to be due to the smaller proportion of normal tissue in the larger tumor samples. The excellent tumor distribution of the spin probe at sub millimeter resolution is documented using the broadening it induces in T1 weighted 1H MRI. An oxygen sensitive EPR image with a resolution of approximately 3mm using spectral spatial imaging will be presented. These measurements, in small murine tumors, are rigorous tests of the technique, more so than in the larger samples presented by human tissues and tumors.
Neutrophilic dermatoses: Pathogenesis, Sweet syndrome, neutrophilic eccrine hidradenitis, and Behçet disease

Neutrophilic dermatoses are a heterogeneous group of inflammatory skin disorders that present with unique clinical features but are unified by the presence of a sterile, predominantly neutrophilic infiltrate on histopathology. The morphology of cutaneous lesions associated with these disorders is heterogeneous, which renders diagnosis challenging. Moreover, a thorough evaluation is required to exclude diseases that mimic these disorders and to diagnose potential associated infectious, inflammatory, and neoplastic processes. While some neutrophilic dermatoses may resolve spontaneously, most require treatment to achieve remission. Delays in diagnosis and treatment can lead to significant patient morbidity and even mortality. Therapeutic modalities range from systemic corticosteroids to novel biologic agents, and the treatment literature is rapidly expanding. The first article in this continuing medical education series explores the pathogenesis of neutrophilic dermatoses and reviews the epidemiology, clinical and histopathologic features, diagnosis, and management of Sweet syndrome, neutrophilic eccrine hidradenitis, and Behcet disease.
Influence of Nutrition on the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal Axis in Primates

The influence of nutrition on reproductive function in primates has been most thoroughly studied in human beings. In humans, normal adult reproductive function in both females and males can be profoundly influenced by changes in the body’s nutritional status. In women, states of food deprivation including protein-calorie malnutrition, diets for weight loss, and anorexia nervosa are associated with an increased incidence of anovulatory menstrual cycles and amenorrhea (Warren and Vande Wiele 1973; Vigersky et al. 1977; Graham et al. 1979). In men, malnutrition can result in infertility and gonadal atrophy (Zubiran and Gomez-Mont 1953; Smith et al. 1975).
Introduction: Hume, Gibbon, and the Attack on Christianity

Nineteen ninety four marked the two hundredth anniversary of Edward Gibbon’ s death. When he expired at the age of fifty-six Gibbon had already enshrined his literary immortality in the three thousand pages of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, the Enlightenment’s most celebrated and “notorious” work of history. Gibbon’s often harsh treatment of the conduct of the early Christians, his skepticism of miracles, and his hostility toward institutional Christianity caused the notoriety and marked him as an enemy of the Christian religion. Since the publication of volume one in 1776, the Decline and Fall has remained continuously in print.1 Two hundred years after its completion in 1788 this ork still entices the interpreters and exegetes who grapple with its deliberately elusive style and supremely artful modes of insinuation.2
After the Gold Rush: Cleaning Up after Steve Fuller’s Theosis:

Remedios and Dusek have provided a useful contextualization of Steve Fuller’s recent work in social epistemology. While they have provided some good criticisms of some of Fuller’s new ideas, they f...
Morphogenesis in Schizophyllum commune

In the basidiomycete Schizophyllum commune, a mutation in a locus coh-1 prevents the formation of cohensive masses of hyphae and thus precludes the development of fruiting bodies. The mutation does not interfere with dikaryosis. coh-1 - is recessive to its wild-type allele and is unlinked to either the B factor or to the modifying mutation M14.
Listing Agent Signals: Does a Picture Paint a Thousand Words?

Utilizing signaling theory, this study examines the effectiveness of images and words to influence homebuyers to move from reading a property listing to deciding to see a property in person. We first compare real estate agents’ perceptions of terms commonly used in MLS records to those of potential homebuyers and find that the signal being sent by agents is generally interpreted as intended. In the second stage, after controlling for demographics, real estate experience, and empathy, we find that using only positive words has a significantly higher impact on likelihood to visit a property than a high-quality picture and the type of home. These results are robust to both a between subjects and within subjects design framework.
On the origin of the 2-aminobicyclo[3.1.0]hexane-2,6-dicarboxylate scaffold's unique group II selectivity for the mGlu receptors

Analogs based on the 2-aminobicyclo[3.1.0]hexane-2,6-dicarboxylate scaffold showed high potency and selectivity as both group II mGlu receptors orthosteric agonists and antagonists. This scaffold was initially designed to mimic the fully extended glutamate backbone conformation that was hypothesized to be the active conformation for the group II mGlu receptors. With the availability of crystal structures of l-Glu-bound amino terminal domain proteins from multiple mGlu receptor subtypes spanning all three subgroups, a new steric hindrance hypothesis was proposed to account for the scaffold's unique group II selectivity that explores the subtle distance differences between the α-carbon of l-Glu and the center of the tyrosine phenyl ring from the bottom lobe (e.g. Y216 of mGlu2).
Bilateral acquired blaschkoid dermatitis

A 68 year old man presented with a striking non-dermatomal, linear and whorled dermatitis consistent with acquired blaschkoid dermatitis (ABD) involving the bilateral upper and lower lateral extremities. ABD is a rare unilateral self-limited inflammatory skin disease and we are unaware of other reports of bilateral ABD.
On-the-fly surface manufacturability constraints for freeform optical design enabled by orthogonal polynomials.

When leveraging orthogonal polynomials for describing freeform optics, designers typically focus on the computational efficiency of convergence and the optical performance of the resulting designs. However, to physically realize these designs, the freeform surfaces need to be fabricated and tested. An optimization constraint is described that allows on-the-fly calculation and constraint of manufacturability estimates for freeform surfaces, namely peak-to-valley sag departure and maximum gradient normal departure. This constraint’s construction is demonstrated in general for orthogonal polynomials, and in particular for both Zernike polynomials and Forbes 2D-Q polynomials. Lastly, this optimization constraint’s impact during design is shown via two design studies: a redesign of a published unobscured three-mirror telescope in the ball geometry for use in LWIR imaging and a freeform prism combiner for use in AR/VR applications. It is shown that using the optimization penalty with a fixed number of coefficients enables an improvement in manufacturability in exchange for a tradeoff in optical performance. It is further shown that, when the number of coefficients is increased in conjunction with the optimization penalty, manufacturability estimates can be improved without sacrificing optical performance.
ELECTROCARDIOGRAPHIC ACUTE RIGHT VENTRICULAR STRAIN PATTERN PRECEDING IN-HOSPITAL CARDIAC ARRESTS DUE TO PULSELESS ELECTRICAL ACTIVITY/ASYSTOLE: PULMONARY EMBOLISM IS NOT THE ONLY CAUSE

Survival from in-hospital cardiac arrests (IHCA) due to pulseless electrical activity (PEA)/asystole remains poor, and our understanding of its pathophysiology is limited. Acute right ventricular (RV) strain is a well-known factor in the pathophysiology of PEA due to massive pulmonary embolism; it
A longitudinal neurite and free water imaging study in patients with a schizophrenia spectrum disorder.

Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) studies show widespread white matter abnormalities in schizophrenia, but it is difficult to directly relate these parameters to biological processes. Neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging (NODDI) is geared toward biophysical characterization of white matter microstructure, but only few studies have leveraged this technique to study white matter alterations. We recruited 42 schizophrenia patients (30 antipsychotic-naive and 12 currently untreated) and 42 matched controls in this prospective study. We assessed the orientation dispersion index (ODI) and extracellular free water (FW) using single-shell DTI data before and after a 6-week trial of risperidone. Longitudinal data were available for 27 patients. Voxelwise analyses showed significantly increased ODI in the posterior limb of the internal capsule in unmedicated patients (242 voxels; x = −24; y = 6; z = 6; p < 0.01; α < 0.04), but no alterations in FW. Whole brain measures did not reveal alterations in ODI but a 6.3% trend-level increase in FW in unmedicated SZ (t = −1.873; p = 0.07). Baseline ODI was negatively correlated with subsequent response to antipsychotic treatment (r = −0.38; p = 0.049). Here, we demonstrated altered fiber complexity in medication-naive and unmedicated patients with a schizophrenia spectrum illness. Lesser whole brain fiber uniformity was predictive of poor response to treatment, suggesting this measure may be a clinically relevant biomarker. Interestingly, we found no significant changes in NODDI indices after short-term treatment with risperidone. Our data show that biophysical diffusion models have promise for the in vivo evaluation of brain microstructure in this devastating neuropsychiatric syndrome.
Impact of gestational age, sex, and postnatal age on urine biomarkers in premature neonates.

Background Urine proteins may help in understanding physiology and diagnosing disease in premature infants. Determining how urine proteins vary by degree of prematurity, sex, and postnatal day is warranted.
Aromatization and Development of Responsiveness of the Brain to Gonadal Steroids

ABSTRACT Gonadal steroid hormones exert both permanent ‘organizational’ and reversible ‘activational’ actions within the brain-pituitary complex. In the rat the organizational actions occur during the first few days after birth. The result of these actions are a programming, or sexual differentiation, of the developing brain by androgens secreted by the testes. This programming in turn determines the capability of the maturing animal to respond to the activational actions of estrogens and androgens with a display of male or female sexual behavior or with a preovulatory-like discharge of pituitary gonadotropic hormones. Present evidence favors the concept that sexual differentiation of the neonatal rat brain requires the aromatization of testosterone to estradiol by neurons in the brain. This estradiol then interacts with the estrogen receptor systems in these cells to produce the differentiative changes. Studies which have provided evidence supporting this concept include: hormone administration and withdrawal paradigms to produce or inhibit sexual differentiation of the brain; in vitro and in vivo demonstrations of testosterone-to-estradiol conversion under experimental and normal physiologic conditions; experimental manipulations which interfere with aromatization and sexual differentiation; and characterization of the ontogeny of functional androgen and estrogen receptor systems in the brain.
Can behavioural ecologists help establish protected areas

Protecting wild places is conservation's most pressing task given rapid contemporary declines in biodiversity and massive land use changes. We suggest that behavioural ecology has a valuable, albei...
Congenital heart disease (CHD) and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC)

Abstract The incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis or NEC is higher in infants with congenital heart disease. A heightened awareness and early surgical consultation is needed in order to optimize outcome.
Updating the Diabetic Foot Treatment Algorithm: Recommendations on Treatment Using Advanced Medicine and Therapies.

Objective Since the last diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) treatment algorithm was published in 2002, new options for diagnostic testing and treatments have been developed. This study seeks to update the DFU treatment algorithm to include new options available in diagnostic testing and treatment. Materials and methods A computerized literature search of peer-reviewed articles published between January 2003 and January 2016 was conducted using MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library. Diabetic foot ulcer treatment algorithms were reviewed and changes recommended based on current standards of care, new treatment modalities, and clinical experience. Results A multidisciplinary approach is recommended to address potential underlying problems. A visual inspection, foot pulse palpation, skin temperature measurement, and shoe gear, gait, orthopedic, neurologic, and vascular exams are recommended. Appropriate offloading and continuing diabetes education are included as treatment for all DFUs. If calluses or increased foot pressure are present, preventative care is necessary to prevent further tissue breakdown. If infection is present, treatment should follow the Infectious Diseases Society of America diabetic foot infection guidelines. As the DFU severity increases, advanced wound dressings and advanced wound therapies should be employed. In acute/chronic and acute/urgent DFUs, debridement, amputation, and skin grafting may be required. Conclusions Treatment for DFUs should start when a possible pre-ulcer is noticed. This prophylactic treatment may reduce development of more severe DFUs. Once a DFU has developed, care should be optimized for both the patient and the wound bed. While these treatment recommendations are focused solely on DFUs, they may be expanded for use in other foot/leg pressure ulcers.
An updated applied formulation for the Goubau transmission line

The Goubau line is a unique transmission line that consists of only a single conductor. Its unique properties make it a solid candidate for low-loss RF propagation and wireless power transfer applications. However, the applied theory of this line that has been established thus far is missing key details of the line's characteristics. Namely, no discussion has been made on the Goubau line's ohmic current distribution or its effective characteristic impedance that would be used in RF/microwave circuit analysis scenarios. Furthermore, the method previously used to solve the waveguide mode is laborious and obsolete when considering current computational methods. In this work, an updated, efficient mode solution process for the Goubau line will be presented, and the current, loss, and characteristic impedance of the line will be discussed. Additionally, all other waveguide parameters such as wave velocity, guide wavelength, propagation constant, etc. will be investigated.
Image Classification of Clogs in Direct Ink Write Additive Manufacturing

For our direct ink write (DIW) setup, hours of video are collected of fibrous ink that is printed from a translucent nozzle while parts are made. Due to sporadic misalignment of the fibers, clogs may arise that disrupt ink flow, resulting in a failed part. Without on-line monitoring, defective parts can only be identified by operators who witness clogs as or after they occur, requiring operators to continuously monitor the process to eliminate defects. In order to alleviate this, we aim to minimize the effect of clogging via automated process monitoring and rapid detection, thereby reducing labor costs, material loss, and proper identification of defective parts. In this paper, we propose applying a convolutional neural network (CNN) for single frame classification on images gathered from our DIW setup. We report a class average recall of 99.85% across clogged and unclogged classes, and average error of 1.64% when evaluated on new test video sequences, with a processing rate of 27.58 fps. Using class activation mapping, we can visualize image regions the CNN model identifies as salient for each class in performing its discriminative classification task.
Production of the Copepod Pseudodiaptomus forbesi Is Not Enhanced by Ingestion of the Diatom Aulacoseira granulata During a Bloom

In 2016, a massive bloom of the chain-forming diatom Aulacoseira granulata occurred in the upper San Francisco Estuary, California, with chlorophyll concentrations up to 75 μg Chl L−1. In this study, quantitative PCR was used to investigate consumption of the bloom organism by the numerically dominant zooplankter Pseudodiaptomus forbesi (Copepoda: Calanoida) and to estimate the contribution of the bloom to egg production. Copepods were collected on four transects during May and June 2016; egg production rates were somewhat elevated above previous rates measured in the estuary. Ingestion of A. granulata was highest on the first sampling day, just after the peak of the bloom, ranging from 175 to 945 cells copepod−1 day−1. One month later ingestion rates dropped to 0–130 cells copepod−1 day−1, despite continued dominance of A. granulata in the plankton. Ingestion of A. granulata provided from 0 to 21% (median 1%) of the estimated daily carbon required for growth and reproduction of P. forbesi. Although the copepods probably obtained nutrition from a microbial food web stimulated by the bloom, monitoring data showed little demographic response to this bloom. Thus, a massive diatom bloom in an unproductive estuary provided only a minor stimulus through an abundant consumer to the pelagic food web.