cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The natural products magnolol and honokiol are positive allosteric modulators of both synaptic and extra-synaptic GABA(A) receptors

The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) estimates that nearly 40% of adults in the United States use alternative medicines, often in the form of an herbal supplement. Extracts from the tree bark of magnolia species have been used for centuries in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicines to treat a variety of neurological diseases, including anxiety, depression, and seizures. The active ingredients in the extracts have been identified as the bi-phenolic isomers magnolol and honokiol. These compounds were shown to enhance the activity of GABA(A) receptors, consistent with their biological effects. The GABA(A) receptors exhibit substantial subunit heterogeneity, which influences both their functional and pharmacological properties. We examined the activity of magnolol and honokiol at different populations of both neuronal and recombinant GABA(A) receptors to characterize their mechanism of action and to determine whether sensitivity to modulation was dependent upon the receptor's subunit composition. We found that magnolol and honokiol enhanced both phasic and tonic GABAergic neurotransmission in hippocampal dentate granule neurons. In addition, all recombinant receptors examined were sensitive to modulation, regardless of the identity of the α, β, or γ subunit subtype, although the compounds showed particularly high efficacy at δ-containing receptors. This direct positive modulation of both synaptic and extra-synaptic populations of GABA(A) receptors suggests that supplements containing magnolol and/or honokiol would be effective anxiolytics, sedatives, and anti-convulsants. However, significant side-effects and risk of drug interactions would also be expected.
Silica Reinforcement and Char Reactions in the Apollo Heat Shield

Reactions of the silica reinforcement fiber and ablation char of the Apollo heat shield have been investigated by laboratory tests in an arc image furnace (at temperature levels up to 5000 R, pressures up to 0.7 atm, and heat flux similar to reentry) and by an actual reentry test. Microchemical analyses and X-ray diffraction studies have been made to determine the presence of SiC formation in the char. Experimental data and analytical predictions of thermal and density profiles have been compared for the ablation of virgin heat shield and precharred materials to determine the effects of SiC formation on ablation performance. In all analyses, general agreement was found between chemical composition and the thermal predictions for laboratory tests and reentry materials. In all ablated materials, SiC was formed in the front surface of the char. The highest SiC content found was 58% by weight and found in a high-pressure environment. The SiC formed was found to act as a heat sink in the ablation process and can lower the front surface temperature by 300 R.
The role of religious identity in the mental health of older working and retired adults.

This study investigates whether religious identity explains unique variance of the self esteem and depressive symptoms of older working and retired adults. Data were collected from a larger, five-year project begun in 1992 that compared the well-being of older workers and with that of new retirees living in the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill, North Carolina metropolitan area. Data are from the third and final wave, collected between March and June, 1997, during which 242 of the eligible 255 people participated. Net of religious attendance, religiosity, and various control variables, religious identity predicted both mental health outcomes. As predicted, self esteem increased and depressive symptoms decreased as religious identity increased (i.e., viewing oneself as more competent, confident, and sociable as a religious person). Though there was a trend towards religious identity being more strongly predictive of mental health among retirees than among the working adults, these interactions did not reach stati...
Highly polarized C-terminal transition state of the leucine-rich repeat domain of PP32 is governed by local stability

The leucine-rich repeat domain of PP32 is composed of five β-strand-containing repeats anchored by terminal caps. These repeats differ in sequence but are similar in structure, providing a means to connect topology, sequence, and folding pathway selection. Through kinetic studies of PP32, we find folding to be rate-limited by the formation of an on-pathway intermediate. Destabilizing core substitutions reveal a transition state ensemble that is highly polarized toward the C-terminal repeat and cap. To determine if this nucleus for folding corresponds to the most stable region of PP32, we monitored amide hydrogen exchange by NMR spectroscopy. Indeed, we find the highest protection to be biased toward the C terminus. Sequence manipulations that destabilize the C terminus spread out the transition state toward the middle of the protein. Consistent with results for helical ankyrin repeat proteins, these results suggest that local stabilities determine folding pathways.
Richard M. Weaver on standards for ethical rhetoric

After summarizing relevant philosophical assumptions held by Richard M. Weaver, this paper explicates potential standards for ethical discourse extracted from Weaver's views on rhetoric. (1) Arguments from genus and from similitude are ethically preferable to arguments from consequences or from circumstances. (2) Pseudoneutrality in language usage is ethically suspect. (3) Unwarranted shifts in meanings of words are ethically suspect. (4) Communication which blurs necessary distinctions is ethically suspect. (5) Public discourse which focuses solely on the realm of the ideal or hypothetical, avoiding attempts to link the ideal with the actual, is ethically suspect.
Medical and Psychology Students' Knowledge and Attitudes Regarding Aging and Sexuality

The current study surveys medical and doctoral psychology students (N = 100) from an urban northeastern university regarding knowledge and attitudes toward elderly sexuality and aging using the Facts on Aging Quiz, the Aging Sexuality Knowledge and Attitudes Scale, and measures of interest in gerontology, academic/clinical exposure to aging and sexuality, and contact with elders. The current study found that psychology students demonstrated greater aging knowledge than medical students; however, both groups showed gaps in knowledge about sexuality. Married students had greater academic/clinical exposure and greater knowledge about aging but less permissive attitudes toward elderly sexuality. Generally, knowledge about aging was the strongest correlate of knowledge about sexuality. Level of knowledge about sexuality was not associated with attitudes. Attitudes toward sexuality and aging may be more strongly tied to demographic variables reflective of religious beliefs or adherence to sociocultural norms.
A simulation-based methodology for analyzing congestion and emissions on a transportation network

In this paper, a simulation-based methodology is developed to analyze the effects of two transporta tion control strategies on congestion and automo bile emissions. In particular, two types of road pricing implementations are studied: a Cordon Scheme and a Per-Mile Area Link Charging Scheme. The resulting model is then applied to the metropolitan Atlanta interstate highway sys tem. Finally, the results of the model are ana lyzed, and the extent to which these schemes are effective in reducing rush-hour congestion and automobile emissions is estimated.
Controllable, High Force Amplification Using Elastic Cable Capstans

This paper presents the design and experimental characterization of a continuously variable linear force amplifier based on the theory of capstans. In contrast to traditional capstan amplifiers, the design presented here uses an elastic cable, enabling a control actuator to not only continuously clutch output to a rotating drum but also passively declutch by releasing tension. Our experimental results demonstrate successful declutching at all force amplification ratios up to the limit of our experimental apparatus, 21 — significantly higher than previously published values. A system of distributed capstan amplifiers driven by a central torque source with cable engagement switched by lightweight, low torque actuators has potential to reduce the mass of distal actuators and enable more dynamic performance in robotic applications.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in NSCLC

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Cytotoxic chemotherapy and tyrosine kinase inhibitors provide palliation and prolong survival, however, the median survival for patients with metastatic disease remains poor and more effective therapies are needed. Immune checkpoint inhibitors have shown promising results in phase I trials and are being evaluated in ongoing clinical trials in both small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. These include agents targeting the programmed cell death-1 receptor and its ligand (PD-1/PD-L1; notably nivolumab, pembrolizumab, MPDL3280A, and MEDI-4736) and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4; ipilimumab and tremelimumab); these agents induce antitumor responses by inhibiting critical negative T cell regulators. In particular, the anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapies administered as single agent therapy in chemotherapy refractory patients have produced objective response rates ranging from 15 %–25 %, the majority of which were rapid and ongoing 1 year after starting therapy. Furthermore, the toxicity profile for these agents differs from that of cytotoxic chemotherapy but generally is much better tolerated. Promising biomarkers, particularly tumor expression of PD-L1 and tumor infiltrating lymphocytes, may aid in treatment selection and stratification. Ongoing evaluation is needed to define the most appropriate timing and patient population that will benefit from therapy with an immune checkpoint inhibitors and the role of combining these agents with existing therapies including systemic therapy and radiation.
Humanitarian security regimes

This article introduces a novel concept, humanitarian security regimes, and enquires under what conditions they arise and what is distinctive about them. Humanitarian security regimes are driven by altruistic imperatives aiming to prohibit and restrict behaviour, impede lethal technology or ban categories of weapons through disarmament treaties; they embrace humanitarian perspectives that seek to prevent civilian casualties, precluding harmful behavior, protecting and ensuring the rights of victims and survivors of armed violence. The article explores how these regimes appear in the security area, usually in opposition to the aspirations of the most powerful states. The existing regimes literature has mostly taken a functional approach to analyzing cooperation, lacks a humanitarian hypothesis and does not explore the emergence of new regimes in the core area of security. The author argues that in the processes of humanitarian security regime-making, it is the national interest that is restructured to incorporate new normative understandings that then become part of the new national security aspirations. This article intends to fill this gap and its importance rests on three reasons. First, security areas that were previously considered to be the exclusive domain of states have now been the focus of change by actors beyond the state. Second, states have embraced changes to domains close to their national security (e.g. arms) mostly cognizant of humanitarian concerns. Third, states are compelled to re-evaluate their national interests motivated by a clear humanitarian impetus. Three conditions for the emergence of humanitarian security regimes are explained: marginalization and delegitimization; multilevel agency, and reputational concerns.
Kinetic Mechanism of Transcription Initiation by Bacteriophage T7 RNA Polymerase

The kinetic mechanism of transcription initiation by bacteriophage T7 RNA polymerase was investigated using transient state kinetic methods. Transcription by bacteriophage T7 RNA polymerase occurs in three stages consisting of initiation, promoter clearance, and elongation. Abortive products, up to 6-8-mer, were synthesized during the initiation phase; the transition from initiation to elongation occurred between the synthesis of 6-8-mer and 11-12-mer, and the processive elongation phase began after the synthesis of 12-mer RNA. Our results show that the synthesis of elongation product from the phi 10 promoter is limited both by the efficiency of initiation and by the frequency at which the polymerase escapes the promoter. Studies with heparin trap suggest that the polymerase maintains contact with the promoter region during multiple turnovers of abortive RNA synthesis; thus, the polymerase does not completely dissociate from the promoter after each event of abortive RNA synthesis. The pre-steady-state kinetics of RNA synthesis indicate that initiation occurs at a rate constant (3.5 s(-1)) that is about 30 times faster than the steady-state rate constant of RNA synthesis (0.1 s(-1)). The steady-state rate constant of RNA synthesis is limited largely by the cycling of the RNA polymerase, whereas initiation is limited by the formation of pppGpG, the first RNA product. We show that the synthesis of pppGpG is not limited by steps associated with GTP binding, DNA binding, or the melting of the promoter DNA. Instead, the kinetic results indicate that initiation at the phi10 promoter is limited either by the first phosphodiester bond formation step or more likely by a conformational change prior to pppGpG formation. Such a conformational change could play a role in proper alignment of the initiating and elongating NTPs for efficient phosphodiester bond formation and in maintaining the fidelity of RNA synthesis.
Ultrastructural plasticity of the dentate gyrus granule cells following recurrent limbic seizures: II. Alterations in somatic synapses.

Hilus lesion-induced recurrent limbic seizures cause a dramatic increase in the numbers of somatic spines on dentate gyrus granule cells in the adult rat. Somatic spines are maximally increased 3 h after the initiation of seizures at which time many of these spines form synapses. The present quantitative electron microscopic study assessed the numbers and types of synapses present on the granule cell perikarya and somatic spines of control and experimental seizure rats with the goal of determining if newly elaborated somatic spines arise at the site of pre-existing synapses or are associated with new innervation. Experimental rats were sacrificed 5 h after hilar lesion placement (or 3 h after seizure onset). In both control and hilus-lesioned (HL) rats, 15–20% of the somatic spines could be seen to form synaptic contacts within a single plane of section; these synapses were almost exclusively of the asymmetric type. With the increased incidence of spines in experimental-seizure rats, there was a 6.25-fold greater number of spine synapses in HL versus control rats. There was, in addition, a 60% decrease in the number of asymmetric synapses occurring directly on the granule cell perikarya but no change in the total (spine plus somatic) number of asymmeteric synapses. Although few asymmetric synapses were associated with spines in control tissue, 60–70% of asymmetric synapses were associated with spines in experimental-seizure tissue. In addition, in hilus lesion rats symmetric somatic synapses were increased by 20% on cells in deep stratum granulosum resulting in a dissolution of the superficial-to-deep innervation gradient present in the untreated rat. These findiings support the conclusion that spines induced by seizure activity form at the site of pre-existing asymmetric synapses on the granule cells and demonstrate that brief seizure episodes can rapidly induce marked changes in innervation patterns in the adult brain. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Synergisms Among Land Use, Transit, and Travel Pricing Policies

A review of empirical studies of the effects of land use on travel behavior leads to the conclusion that increasing density and mix can decrease vehicle kilometers of travel. The authors' research project for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is outlined. Descriptions of the travel model used in the first phase of this research and of the emissions model and the traveler welfare model used in the study are given. The authors describe the six scenarios evaluated to date and the results of the simulations for the year 2015 for travel, emissions, and traveler welfare.
Time Dependence of Spin Operators in Finite Heisenberg Linear Chains

Numerical calculations of quantum-mechanical time correlation functions are reported for finite Heisenberg linear chains containing up to 10 spin-\textonehalf{} particles. The results, obtained by manipulation of eigenvalues and eigenfunctions, give Fourier transforms in histogram form. Two-spin correlation functions show a sharp rise near zero frequency and highly non-Gaussian behavior at infinite temperature. The short-time behavior is estimated and compared with classical calculations and other theories. Four-spin functions are calculated and compared with results of a simple decoupling approximation. Spatial Fourier transforms of two-spin functions as needed for neutron scattering cross sections are computed. These are limited to fairly short wavelengths by the finiteness of the system. The temperature dependence of two-spin functions shows a decrease in the near-zero frequency component with decreasing temperature. Computed correlation functions are used to predict the frequency dependence of the ESR linewidth in the linear-chain salt ${\mathrm{C}\mathrm{u}(\mathrm{N}{\mathrm{H}}_{3})}_{4}$S${\mathrm{O}}_{4}$\ifmmode\cdot\else\textperiodcentered\fi{}${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$O, and comparison is made with experiment. Very good agreement is found using the same exchange constant $J$ as inferred from specific-heat and magnetic-susceptibility data. The Gaussian approximation, on the other hand, is in extremely poor agreement.
Grasping the Torch

New Editor in Chief Roy Want, "grasping the torch" Mahadev Satyanarayanan handed to him, outlines the magazine's mission, offers a taste of things to come, and reveals his resolutions.
A Newton root-finding algorithm for estimating the regularization parameter for solving ill-conditioned least squares problems

We discuss the solution of numerically ill-posed overdetermined systems of equations using Tikhonov a priori based regularization. When the noise distribution on the measured data is available to appropriately weight the fidelity term, and the regularization is assumed to be weighted by inverse covariance information on the model parameters, the underlying cost functional becomes a random variable that follows a χ2 distribution. The regularization parameter can then be found so that the optimal cost functional has this property. Under this premise a scalar Newton root-finding algorithm for obtaining the regularization parameter is presented. The algorithm, which uses the singular value decomposition of the system matrix, is found to be very efficient for parameter estimation, requiring on average about 10 Newton steps. Additionally, the theory and algorithm apply for generalized Tikhonov regularization using the generalized singular value decomposition. The performance of the Newton algorithm is contrasted to standard techniques, including the L-curve, generalized cross validation and unbiased predictive risk estimation. This χ2-curve Newton method of parameter estimation is seen to be robust and cost effective in comparison to other methods, when white or colored noise information on the measured data is incorporated.
Dialogue about Dialogue: Investigating Intersubjectivity in Interview Research

This essay represents a dialogue between the two co‐authors about the role of intersubjectivity in their respective fields of research‐intergroup dialogue and communication at the end of life. Using dialogue and intersubjectivity as both the topic and the method of their inquiry, the authors work together to articulate the nature of intersubjective moments in interview research, the relationship between dialogue and intersubjectivity, the conditions under which they experienced it, and what such moments bring to the process and products of research grounded in participation. Engaging the concept of dialogue as praxis, the essay attempts to capture and illustrate dialogic engagement.
Spirits in Culture, History, and Mind

Spirits in Culture, History, and Mind. Jeannette Marie Mageo and Alan Howard. eds. New York: Routledge, 1996. 282 pp.
The Third Dimension for Apparel Designers: Visual Assessment of Hat Designs for Sun Protection Using 3-D Body Scanning

The three-dimensional (3-D) body scanner is an imaging tool with advantages for functional apparel designers. Images of garments can help assess the function of apparel as it is worn, especially images of wearers in active positions. We evaluate 3-D body scanning as a visualization tool for designers by comparing 3-D images and printed images from a digital camera to assess benefits and limitations of 3-D images.We used images of hats worn by female golfers to assess their effectiveness for sun protection. Data were collected from six female golfers in three different stances. Multiple 2-D images (using a digital camera) and a 3-D body scan were made of each participant for comparison.As a baseline we first compared printouts from the digital camera images to printed two-dimensional (2-D) images made from the 3-D body scan data. We then compared the printouts from the digital camera to 3-D scan images as viewed and manipulated on the computer screen. Printouts from the digital camera provided better infor...
Reliability of extraction/chromatography RIAs.

In their editorial (1) in a recent issue of Clinical Chemistry , entitled “Immunoassays for Testosterone in Women: Better than a Guess?”, David Herold and Robert Fitzgerald discussed the article by Taieb et al. (2) that appeared in the same issue. The latter authors compared serum testosterone concentrations measured with 10 different commercially available direct immunoassays with corresponding values determined by isotope dilution–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (ID-GC/MS). They found that none of the immunoassays tested was sufficiently reliable, as assessed by agreement with ID-GC/MS, for quantifying testosterone in women, children, or men with low testosterone concentrations. We evaluated four different commercial direct testosterone immunoassays (3). Using RIA with preceding organic solvent extraction and Celite column partition chromatography (extraction/chromatography …
Cytokine and sex hormone effects on zidovudine- and lamivudine-triphosphate concentrations in vitro

Introduction Elevated zidovudine- and lamivudine-triphosphates have been observed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from females versus males and in patients with high inflammatory states versus lower inflammatory states. Consistent with high triphosphate exposures, these same patient groups also experience elevated rates of toxicity, including lipoatrophy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of oestradiol, progesterone and testosterone as well as tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and interferon (IFN)-alpha on zidovudine- and lamivudine-triphosphates in PBMCs and, for the cytokines, in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Methods Multiple replicates of adipocytes and human PBMCs were incubated with experimental versus control conditions using several cytokine and sex hormone doses. Zidovudine- and lamivudine-triphosphate concentrations were determined with validated LC-MS-MS assays. A mixed effects, cell means model that accounted for experiment number was used to evaluate the effects of experimental conditions relative to control. Results In adipocytes, TNF-alpha doses below 2 ng/mL increased zidovudine-triphosphate by 18% (5-31%). Lamivudine-triphosphate was not detectable in adipocytes. In PBMCs, pooled IFN-alpha doses (0.1-10 U/mL) decreased zidovudine-triphosphate 26% (10-42%); 100 and 1000 ng/mL of progesterone decreased lamivudine-triphosphate by 22% (1-43%) and 47% (25-68%), respectively. Pooled testosterone doses (10-1000 ng/mL) decreased lamivudine-triphosphate by 24% (7-41%). No other statistically significant effects were observed. Conclusions We found evidence that sex hormones and cytokines influence zidovudine-triphosphate and lamivudine-triphosphate slightly in PBMCs and adipocytes in vitro. These findings provide insight and scientific direction to address inflammation-dependent and sex-dependent phosphorylation and responses in patients.
Differential alteration of hippocampal excitatory synaptic transmission by cannabinoid ligands

Cannabinoid compounds affect synaptic activity and plasticity in numerous brain areas by activating CB1 receptors (CB1). In hippocampus, varying results have been obtained on the extent and site of cannabinoid actions on excitatory transmission, ranging from no effect to complete obliteration of synaptic responses. Here we used the rat hippocampal slice preparation to study and compare the effect of various synthetic and endogenous CB1 ligands on excitatory synaptic transmission. The full CB1 agonist WIN55212-2 (WIN2) greatly decreased excitatory synaptic transmission by 62%. The effect of WIN-2 was concentration dependent (EC50 of 200 nM) and completely prevented by CB1 antagonists. The nondegradable partial CB1 agonist R1-methanandamide (mAEA) decreased transmission by 25% and the endocannabinoids 2-arachid-onylglycerol (2-AG) and anandamide (AEA) had no significant effect. The action of AEA was improved by inhibiting its degradation but not its transport. The effect of 2-AG was enhanced upon inhibition of COX-2 but remained unchanged with blockade of monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL). The observed effects were prevented by CB1 antagonists regardless of the ligand used, and paired-pulse paradigms pointed to presynaptic mechanisms of cannabinoid action. Our results show that cannabinoid effects on neuronal activity differ widely according to the CB1 ligand used. We observed large differences between full (synthetic) and partial (endogenous) CB1 agonists in altering synaptic transmission, notably because of the involvement of active degradation mechanisms.
Marginal Zone B-Cell Depletion Impairs Murine Host Defense against Borrelia burgdorferi Infection

Marginal zone B (MZB) cells are a B-cell subset that produces T-cell-independent antibodies to blood-borne antigens. In this study, we examined the effects of MZB cell depletion on the immune response to the Lyme disease spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi, an extracellular pathogen for which T-cell-independent antibody is an important host defense. MZB cell depletion of C3H/HeJ mice using monoclonal antibody to LFA-1 and alpha(4)beta(1) integrins reduced B. burgdorferi-specific immunoglobulin M (IgM) titers, enhanced pathogen burden, and led to more severe arthritis assessed within the first 2 weeks of infection. In addition, MZB cell-depleted mice had reduced levels of B. burgdorferi-specific IgG, which correlated with diminished splenic CD4+ T-cell-activation, proliferation, and cytokine production. Passive transfer of immune mouse serum from infected control mice into infected MZB cell-depleted mice reduced pathogen burden but did not alter the expression of T-cell activation markers on splenic CD4+ T cells. These findings demonstrate that MZB cells not only are a source of pathogen-specific IgM important for limiting spirochete burden and pathology but also play a prominent role in the priming of splenic T-cell responses to a blood-borne pathogen.
Complementary Product Integration by High-Technology New Ventures: The Role of Initial Technology Strategy

In this paper, we investigate the relationship betweencomplementary product integration and theinitial technology strategy of a high-technology new venture. With customers placing considerable emphasis on cross-product integration, the success of a new venture is dependent as much on its ability to integrate its product with relevant complementary products as on the core product functionality itself. We identify three types of complementary product integration: value-added internal, add-on module, and data interface. We argue that the adoption of proactive initial technology strategy critically determines the ability of a high-technology new venture to rapidly and efficiently integrate its product with new and emerging complementary products. More specifically, we offer hypotheses that relate initial design and development strategies to the number and the type of complementary product integrations achieved by a new venture in the initial years. The hypotheses are tested using data from a set of U.S.-based software new ventures. The results support our arguments and imply the need for high-technology new ventures to adopt an explicit complementary product focus during initial product design.
The impact of model and rainfall forcing errors on characterizing soil moisture uncertainty in land surface modeling

The contribution of rainfall forcing errors relative to model (structural and parameter) uncertainty in the prediction of soil moisture is investigated by integrating the NASA Catchment Land Surface Model (CLSM), forced with hydro-meteorological data, in the Oklahoma region. Rainfall-forcing uncertainty is introduced using a stochastic error model that generates ensemble rainfall fields from satellite rainfall products. The ensemble satellite rain fields are propagated through CLSM to produce soil moisture ensembles. Errors in CLSM are modeled with two different approaches: either by perturbing model parameters (representing model parameter uncertainty) or by adding randomly generated noise (representing model structure and parameter uncertainty) to the model prognostic variables. Our findings highlight that the method currently used in the NASA GEOS-5 Land Data Assimilation System to perturb CLSM variables poorly describes the uncertainty in the predicted soil moisture, even when combined with rainfall model perturbations. On the other hand, by adding model parameter perturbations to rainfall forcing perturbations, a better characterization of uncertainty in soil moisture simulations is observed. Specifically, an analysis of the rank histograms shows that the most consistent ensemble of soil moisture is obtained by combining rainfall and model parameter perturbations. When rainfall forcing and model prognostic perturbations are added, the rank histogram shows a U-shape at the domain average scale, which corresponds to a lack of variability in the forecast ensemble. The more accurate estimation of the soil moisture prediction uncertainty obtained by combining rainfall and parameter perturbations is encouraging for the application of this approach in ensemble data assimilation systems.
Minimally disruptive decompression and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion

Abstract Background Posterior spinal procedures through tubular exposures have been described. However, tubes restrain visibility and require co-axial instrument manipulation, increasing difficulty and potentially compromising surgical results. An independent-blade retractor system overcomes the obstacles of working through a tube and has been used to perform minimally-disruptive decompression and instrumented tranforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF). Purpose To evaluate the advantages to patient recovery and surgical efficacy of this technique. Methods/Results Retrospective review of technique employing a minimally-disruptive approach to decompression and transforaminal lumber interbody fusion (TLIF). Conclusions Minimally-disruptive decompression and instrumented TLIF can be performed in a safe and effective manner using an independent-blade retractor system. Relative to traditional-open techniques, surgical goals can be accomplished, but with the benefits of minimally-disruptive surgery.
Comparison of MR/Ultrasound Fusion–Guided Biopsy With Ultrasound-Guided Biopsy for the Diagnosis of Prostate Cancer

Importance Targeted magnetic resonance (MR)/ultrasound fusion prostate biopsy has been shown to detect prostate cancer. The implications of targeted biopsy alone vs standard extended-sextant biopsy or the 2 modalities combined are not well understood. Objective To assess targeted vs standard biopsy and the 2 approaches combined for the diagnosis of intermediate- to high-risk prostate cancer. Design, setting, and participants Prospective cohort study of 1003 men undergoing both targeted and standard biopsy concurrently from 2007 through 2014 at the National Cancer Institute in the United States. Patients were referred for elevated level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) or abnormal digital rectal examination results, often with prior negative biopsy results. Risk categorization was compared among targeted and standard biopsy and, when available, whole-gland pathology after prostatectomy as the "gold standard." Interventions Patients underwent multiparametric prostate magnetic resonance imaging to identify regions of prostate cancer suspicion followed by targeted MR/ultrasound fusion biopsy and concurrent standard biopsy. Main outcomes and measures The primary objective was to compare targeted and standard biopsy approaches for detection of high-risk prostate cancer (Gleason score ≥ 4 + 3); secondary end points focused on detection of low-risk prostate cancer (Gleason score 3 + 3 or low-volume 3 + 4) and the biopsy ability to predict whole-gland pathology at prostatectomy. Results Targeted MR/ultrasound fusion biopsy diagnosed 461 prostate cancer cases, and standard biopsy diagnosed 469 cases. There was exact agreement between targeted and standard biopsy in 690 men (69%) undergoing biopsy. Targeted biopsy diagnosed 30% more high-risk cancers vs standard biopsy (173 vs 122 cases, P Conclusions and relevance Among men undergoing biopsy for suspected prostate cancer, targeted MR/ultrasound fusion biopsy, compared with standard extended-sextant ultrasound-guided biopsy, was associated with increased detection of high-risk prostate cancer and decreased detection of low-risk prostate cancer. Future studies will be needed to assess the ultimate clinical implications of targeted biopsy. Trial registration clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00102544.
Game Changer: A Case Study of Social-Media Strategy in Big Ten Athletic Departments

This study used a case-study approach to develop an understanding of how social-media strategy is developed and deployed in Big Ten Conference athletic departments and to explore the issues associated with it. Based on in-depth interviews with department officials, the following 6 themes emerged: connecting with target audiences, varied approaches in coordination of postings, athletic communications as content gatekeepers, desire to incorporate sponsors and generate revenue, focusing on building fan loyalty through engagement, and challenges of negativity and metrics. The social-media strategy in Big Ten Conference athletic departments appears to be driven by athletic communications/sports information departments as opposed to marketing departments. The greatest benefit of social media has been the ease of engagement and instantaneous connection between fans and the teams they love, which can lead to building greater loyalty to a team. Some of the challenges departments face include having to deal with th...
Protein Supplementation of an Alfalfa Hay-Sorghum Grain Ration for Cows in Early Lactation

Abstract We evaluated supplementing an alfalfa hay-sorghum grain ration with soybean oil meal in an alternating-treatment, single-reversal trial involving 37 comparisons and 23 Holstein cows in early lactation during 1974 to 1976. Data were collected for a week after a 1-wk preliminary period for each treatment. Intakes of dry matter and protein and production of milk for control and soybean meal treatments were 18.8 and 18.7 kg/day, 2.87 and 3.47 kg/day, and 29.9 and 31.0 kg/day. Percentages of milk fat, protein, ash, and total solids were not influenced by the treatments. Net efficiency of protein (feed protein minus maintenance requirement) averaged 80g per kg milk and 2,98g per g milk protein for the control treatment.
Relative influence of static and dynamic features on black‐footed albatross (Phoebastria nigripes) habitat use in central California Sanctuaries

Effective conservation of highly mobile species requires an understanding of the factors that influence their habitat use patterns, locally and within a largescale oceanographic context. We characterized the seasonal (chick-rearing, post-breeding) and interannual (2004–2008) distribution and abundance of black-footed albatross (Phoebastria nigripes; BFAL) along the central California continental shelf/slope using standardized vessel-based surveys. We used a hypothesis-based information-theoretic approach to quantify the relative influence of environmental conditions on BFAL occurrence and abundance by assessing their association with: (i) local static bathymetric features, (ii) local and regional dynamic oceanographic processes, and (iii) seasonal and inter-annual basin-wide variability. While the presence/absence models yielded stronger results than the abundance models, both revealed that static and dynamic features influence BFAL habitat use. Specifically, occurrence was greatest near the shelf-break, particularly in months with strong upwelling. High BFAL densities were associated with Rittenburg Bank, especially during the chick-rearing season, periods of positive North Pacific Gyre Oscillation index and large northern monthly upwelling, evidenced by cool, salty waters in the study area. BFAL aggregation intensity was greatest onshore of the shelf-break (200 m isobath). Behavioral observations reinforced the notion that transiting BFAL are widely dispersed near the shelf-break and concentrate in large flocks of birds sitting on the water farther onshore. These results underscore the need to consider oceanographic processes at multiple spatial scales when interpreting changes in BFAL dispersion within marine sanctuaries, and highlight the feasibility of implementing bathymetrically defined protected areas targeting predictable BFAL aggregations within these larger management jurisdictions.
An Alternating Sum of Alternating Sign Matrices

An alternating-sign matrix (ASM) is a square matrix with entries from {-1, 0,1}, row and column sums of 1, and in which the nonzero entries in each row and column alternate in sign. ASMs have many non-trivial parameters and symmetries that reveal their significant combinatorial structure. In this note, we will prove an identity that relates one parameter and one symmetry. An alternating-sign matrix (ASM) is a square matrix with entries from {-1, 0,1}, row and column sums of 1, and in which the nonzero entries in each row and column alternate in sign. In the early 1980s, D. Robbins and H. Rumsey discovered ASMs, which can be thought of as generalizations of permutation matrices, through their work on -determinants [2]. With W. Mills, they advanced several conjectures related to determining the number An of n ◊ n ASMs—but their relatively simple formulas turned out to be surprisingly dicult to prove
Dose-response association of physical activity with HbA1c: Intensity and bout length.

Abstract Objective The aims of this study were to characterize the dose–response relationship between moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA), and light-intensity activity with HbA1c in adults at low, moderate, and high risks of type 2 diabetes, and to compare the relationship of short (1 to 9 min) versus long (10 + min) bouts of MVPA with HbA1c. Methods Data from 2707 participants from the 2003–2006 National Health And Nutrition Examination Survey were analyzed in 2014–2015. Type 2 diabetes risk was classified into three groups based upon age ( Results There was a curvilinear dose–response relationship between HbA1c with total activity and MVPA in adults at moderate or high risk for type 2 diabetes: higher amounts of physical activity were associated with lower HbA1c. The association of physical activity on HbA1c was stronger at lower levels of physical activity. There was no dose–response relationship in adults at low risk for type 2 diabetes. The relationship between short bouts with HbA1c was stronger than for bouts ≥ 10 min. Conclusions In adults at risk for type 2 diabetes, there is a dose–response relationship between physical activity and HbA1c levels such that the relationship: (1) is curvilinear; (2) is stronger when a higher percent of total activity comes from MVPA; and (3) is more potent with short bouts of MVPA. Fractionalized physical activity of at least moderate-intensity may contribute to long-term glucose control.
GPS Technology and Human Psychological Research: A Methodological Proposal

Animal behaviorists have made extensive use of GPS technology since 1991. In contrast, psychological research has made little use of the technology, even though the technology is relatively inexpensive, familiar, and widespread. Hence, its potential for pure and applied psychological research remains untapped. We describe three methods psychologists could apply to individual differences research, clinical research, or spatial use research. In the context of individual differences research, GPS technology permits us to test hypotheses predicting specific relations among patterns of spatial use and individual differences variables. In a clinical context, GPS technology provides outcome measures that may relate to the outcome of interventions designed to treat psychological disorders that, for example, may leave a person homebound (e.g. Agoraphobia, PTSD, TBI). Finally, GPS technology provides natural measures of spatial use. We, for example, used GPS technology to quantify traffic flow and exhibit use at the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum. Interested parties could easily extend this methodology some aspects of urban planning or business usage.
Na+K+-ATPase gene expression in rat intestine and Caco-2 cells : response to thyroid hormone

Expression of the Na(+)-K(+)-adenosinetriphosphatase (ATPase) gene family in rat intestinal epithelial cells was examined using RNA blot hybridization analyses. Rat intestinal epithelial cells express only the alpha 1- and beta 1-subunit mRNAs. A gradient in expression of alpha 1- and beta 1-subunit mRNA was seen along the villus-crypt unit in both jejunum and ileum, i.e., villus tip >> crypt cells. Regional differences in expression were observed along the intestine. alpha 1- and beta 1-subunit mRNA abundance was similar in jejunum, ileum, and colon while enzymatic activity was highest in the jejunum and lowest in the ileum. Administration of thyroid hormone to thyroidectomized rats increased the expression of alpha 1- and beta 1-subunit mRNAs in jejunum but not in colon. Hypothyroidism had no effect on subunit mRNA expression. The human intestinal cell line Caco-2 was also studied. These cells also expressed only the alpha 1- and beta 1-isoform mRNAs and demonstrated a developmental profile in both mRNA and enzymatic activity. Furthermore, in Caco-2 cells both alpha 1- and beta 1-mRNAs and Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase enzymatic activity were stimulated by thyroid hormone. Caco-2 cells transfected with 5' flanking regions of the human Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase beta 1-gene linked to the chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) reporter gene responded to 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine (T3) treatment with increased expression of CAT activity. This suggests that the 5' flanking region of the beta 1-gene contains a thyroid hormone response element and that T3 upregulation occurs at the transcriptional level.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
T Regulatory Cell Biology in Health and Disease

Regulatory T (Treg) cells that express the transcription factor forkhead box protein P3 (FOXP3) play an essential role in enforcing immune tolerance to self tissues, regulating host-commensal flora interaction, and facilitating tissue repair. Their deficiency and/or dysfunction trigger unbridled autoimmunity and inflammation. A growing number of monogenic defects have been recognized that adversely impact Treg cell development, differentiation, and/or function, leading to heritable diseases of immune dysregulation and autoimmunity. In this article, we review recent insights into Treg cell biology and function, with particular attention to lessons learned from newly recognized clinical disorders of Treg cell deficiency.
Enzymatic conversion of metanephrine to normetanephrine.

In der Mikrosomen-Fraktion der Leber von Kaninchen, Ratte und Meerschweinchen wurde ein Ferment gefunden, welches Metanephrin zu Normetanephrin unter Formaldehydbildung N-demethylieren kann.
GENDER ROLES AND INFANT/TODDLER CARE: MALE AND FEMALE PROFESSORS ON THE TENURE TRACK

This study seeks to determine the association between gender role attitudes about childcare, utilization of parental leave policies and parental/infant preferences, on the one hand, and the distribution of childcare in the families of assistant professors with children under two on the other. Both utilization of paid parental leave policies by men and men’s belief in non-traditional gender roles are associated with higher levels of participation in parenting tasks. However, even those male professors who take leave and believe in nontraditional gender roles do much less childcare relative to their spouses than female professors do. This result holds even when the male professor’s wife works full time. Our results suggest that one reason why female professors do more childcare may be that they like it more than men do. The association of enjoyment of childcare with gender role attitudes or leave-taking status is not statistically significant, which suggests that sex differences in the enjoyment of childcare will not be easily changed by changes in policies or gender role ideology. Accordingly, when exploring the stickiness of gender roles with respect to infant and toddler care, it would seem prudent to consider biological and evolutionary explanations as well as those focusing on institutions and gender ideology.
Student-Designed Service-Learning Projects in an Undergraduate Neurobiology Course †

One of the challenges in teaching a service-learning course is obtaining student buy-in from all students in the course. To circumvent this problem, I have let students in my undergraduate Neurobiology course design their own service-learning projects at the beginning of the semester. Although this can be chaotic because it requires last-minute planning, I have made it successful through facilitating student communication in the classroom, requiring thorough project proposals, meeting with students regularly, and monitoring group progress through written reflection papers. Most of my students have strong opinions about the types of projects that they want to carry out, and many students have used connections that they have already made with local organizations. Almost all projects that students have designed to this point involve teaching basic concepts of neurobiology to children of various ages while simultaneously sparking their interest in science. Through taking ownership of the project and designing it such that it works well with their strengths, interests, and weekly schedule, students have become more engaged in service learning and view it as a valuable experience. Despite some class time being shifted away from more traditional assignments, students have performed equally well in the course, and they are more eager to talk with others about course concepts. Furthermore, the feedback that I have received from community partners has been excellent, and some students have maintained their work with the organizations.