cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
EFFECT OF VALENCE AND STRUCTURE OF FEEDBACK ON RECEPTION IN PERSONAL GROWTH GROUPS

60 college students participated in a one-time personal growth group experience. Subjects were assigned to one of eight groups. Groups participated in three exercises to promote interpersonal contact. Feedback sessions followed for all groups. Two groups generated and exchanged positive feedback and two groups generated and exchanged negative feedback among group members. Lists of statements (positive or negative) were used as feedback in the other four groups. Major factors were valence, structure, and replication Positive feedback was more credible, desirable, and influential than negative feedback as rated by recipients and donors. Exchanging positive information appears more easily achieved in short-term groups than is negative information, and apparently whether information is invented or selected from lists is not crucial. Group cohesiveness and personality change apparently ate not differentially influenced by main variables. Results are discussed in terms of implications for research.
Consumers and the Environment: A Focus on Five Products

Environmental concerns are shaping development and marketing of a host of products. Astute firms are now targeting products to this growing segment of consumers.
A generally applicable technique for the extraction of restrictable DNA from methanogenic bacteria

Abstract We present a method, which is generally applicable to a wide variety of methanogenic bacteria, for the extraction of restrictable genomic DNA. Lysis involves treatment of frozen-thawed cells with pronase, dithiothreitol and sodium dodecyl sulphate, followed by recovery of the DNA by ethanol precipitation.
Transfer of conditioned responses from trained rats to untrained rats by means of a brain extract.

Transfer of Conditioned Responses from Trained Rats to Untrained Rats by Means of a Brain Extract
A study of the systems M2SAl2S3, M = Li, Na, K; preparation, phase study and electrical conductivity

Abstract A study of the systems M2SAl2S3 (M = Li, Na, K) was undertaken to determine the phases present in these systems. New phases identified were LiAlS2, NaAlS2, Na2S·(10±1)Al2S3, KAlS2 and K2S·(10±1)Al2S3, none of which were analogous to the beta-alumina structure. Electrical conductivity measurements were made on the potassium phases, and the former phase is an electronic conductor, while the latter is an ionic conductor (2 × 10−5 (S/m) at 573 K).
Age-related macular degeneration and protective effect of HMG Co-A reductase inhibitors (statins): results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005-2008.

To determine the association of hydroxymethylglutarylcoenzyme A (HMG Co-A) reductase inhibitor (statin) use with the prevalence of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This cross-sectional study included 5604 participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2005 to 2008, ≥40 years of age, who were ascertained with regard to the diagnosis of AMD, the use of statins, and comorbidities and health-related behaviors such as smoking. The mean age of participants denying or confirming a history of AMD was 68 (SEM 0.90) and 55 (SEM 0.36) years, respectively. Individuals 68 years of age or older who were classified as long-term users of statins had statistically significant less self-reported AMD (odds ratio (OR) 0.64, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.49–0.84; P=0.002), after adjusting for potential confounding variables. No significant association was found between the prevalence of AMD and statin consumption among subjects between 40 and 67 years of age (OR 1.61, 95% CI 0.85–3.03; P=0.137). Our results suggest a possible beneficial effect of statin intake for the prevention of AMD in individuals 68 years of age or older.
Energy spectrum and dipole transitions of 89Y

Abstract The formalism has been developed for shell-model calculations in a good isospin basis for nuclei near closed shells with N > Z. It is shown that in addition to the active shell-model configurations a number of extra particle-hole (p-h) excitations in the neutron excess orbitals must be included to guarantee good isospin. However it is shown that this causes no considerable calculational difficulty if one utilizes the properties of isospin operators. The formalism is applied to the case of 89Y of isospins T = T 0 ± 1 2 (T0 is the isospin of the closed shell). The model space includes 1 particle (1p), 2p-1h and some 3p-2h and 4p-3h excitations from the orbitals 1 f 7 2 , 1 f 5 2 , 2 p 3 2 , 2 p 1 2 , 1 g 9 2 , 2 d 5 2 , 3 s 1 2 , 2 d 3 2 , 1 g 7 2 and 1 h 11 2 . The Hamiltonian matrix with realistic two-body interactions is constructed for all spins from 1 2 to 11 2 and both parities. By diagonalizing these large matrices the energy spectra for both isospins were obtained. Radiative widths for γ0 and γ1 dipole transitions are calculated. The results are in very good agreement with the experiment.
Diffusion-weighted echo-planar MR imaging of CNS involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus.

Abstract Rationale and Objectives The purpose of this study was to determine the range of findings at diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and central nervous system involvement. Materials and Methods Diffusion-weighted MR images were reviewed in 20 patients with SLE and correlated with clinical symptoms and findings at computed tomography, conventional MR imaging, MR angiography, or conventional angiography. Results Diffusion-weighted MR imaging showed acute or subacute lesions in nine of 20 patients (45%). In the other 11, it showed no abnormal findings or chronic lesions. In four of the nine patients with lesions, diffusion-weighted imaging primarily showed hyperintense lesions with decreased apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), which indicates acute or subacute infarcts. In four other patients, it primarily showed iso- or slightly hyperintense lesions with increased ADC, suggesting vasogenic edema. In two of these four patients, the findings were consistent with hypertensive encephalopathy. In the other two, small hyperintense foci on diffusion-weighted images with decreased ADC were seen within the vasogenic edema. These foci presumably represent microinfarcts associated with SLE vasculopathy. In the ninth patient, diffusion-weighted imaging showed a small linear hyperintense lesion with normal ADC in the left parietooccipital region. Conclusion Diffusion-weighted imaging shows primarily two patterns of acute or subacute parenchymal lesions in patients with SLE: acute or subacute infarction and vasogenic edema with or without microinfarcts.
Diffusion based abnormality markers of pathology: Toward learned diagnostic prediction of ASD

This paper presents a paradigm for generating a quantifiable marker of pathology that supports diagnosis and provides a potential biomarker of neuropsychiatric disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This is achieved by creating high-dimensional nonlinear pattern classifiers using support vector machines (SVM), that learn the underlying pattern of pathology using numerous atlas-based regional features extracted from diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) data. These classifiers, in addition to providing insight into the group separation between patients and controls, are applicable on a single subject basis and have the potential to aid in diagnosis by assigning a probabilistic abnormality score to each subject that quantifies the degree of pathology and can be used in combination with other clinical scores to aid in diagnostic decision. They also produce a ranking of regions that contribute most to the group classification and separation, thereby providing a neurobiological insight into the pathology. As an illustrative application of the general framework for creating diffusion based abnormality classifiers we create classifiers for a dataset consisting of 45 children with ASD (mean age 10.5 ± 2.5 yr) as compared to 30 typically developing (TD) controls (mean age 10.3 ± 2.5 yr). Based on the abnormality scores, a distinction between the ASD population and TD controls was achieved with 80% leave one out (LOO) cross-validation accuracy with high significance of p<0.001, ~84% specificity and ~74% sensitivity. Regions that contributed to this abnormality score involved fractional anisotropy (FA) differences mainly in right occipital regions as well as in left superior longitudinal fasciculus, external and internal capsule while mean diffusivity (MD) discriminates were observed primarily in right occipital gyrus and right temporal white matter.
A comparison of variant theories of intact biochemical systems. I. enzyme-enzyme interactions and biochemical systems theory

Abstract The need for a well-structured theory of intact biochemical systems becomes increasingly evident as one attempts to integrate the vast knowledge of individual molecular constituents, which has been expanding for several decades. In recent years, several apparently different approaches to the development of such a theory have been proposed. Unfortunately, the resulting theories have not been distinguished from each other, and this has led to considerable confusion with numerous duplications and rediscoveries. Detailed comparisons and critical tests of alternative theories are badly needed to reverse these unfortunate developments. In this paper we (1) characterize a specific system involving enzyme-enzyme interactions for reference in comparing alternative theories, and (2) analyze the reference system by applying the explicit S-system variant within biochemical systems theory (BST), which represents a fundamental framework based upon the power-law formalism and includes several variants. The results provide the first complete and rigorous numerical analysis within the power-law formalism of a specific biochemical system and further evidence for the accuracy of the explicit S-system variant within BST. This theory is shown to represent enzyme-enzyme interactions in a systematically structured fashion that facilitates analysis of complex biochemical systems in which these interactions play a prominent role. This representation also captures the essential character of the underlying nonlinear processes over a wide range of variation (on average 20-fold) in the independent variables of the system. In the companion paper in this issue the same reference system is analyzed by other variants within BST as well as by two additional theories within the same power-law formalism—flux-oriented and metabolic control theories. The results show how all these theories are related to one another.
Antenna Mechanic-computation of antenna vibration mode elastic-rigid and effective-weight coefficients

A significant amount of both qualitative and quantitative information about structures can be derived from the elastic-rigid structural coupling matrices and from the effective model inertias and masses. An easy way to develop this information from the output of finite-element programs is described. It is shown how to deal with alternative origins for the reference coordinate system. Hand calculations suffice for these computations. >
Some invariance principles for mized rank statistics and induced order statistics and some application

The structural affinity of mixed rank statistics and linear combinations of functions of concomitants of order statistics (or induced order statistics) is examined here. Some weal as well as strong invariance principles for these statistics are studied. A variety of models (depend on the nature of stochastic dependence of the two variates) is considered and the regularity conditions are tailored for these diverse situations. Some possible applications of these results in some problems of sequential (statistical) inference are also considered.
A 320-Gb/s Capacity (32-User $\times$ 10 Gb/s) SPECTS O-CDMA Network Testbed With Enhanced Spectral Efficiency Through Forward Error Correction

This paper demonstrates a high-performance optical-code-division-multiple-access (O-CDMA) network testbed using the spectral phase encoded time spreading (SPECTS) method. Through additional time and polarization multiplexing, a total of 32 10-Gb/s users are supported while sharing eight O-CDMA spreading codes. User detection is achieved with time gating and nonlinear thresholding to suppress the multiaccess interference of other users. Incorporation of forward error correction successfully reduces the performance loss imposed by coherent beat interference, resulting in error-free performance (BER<10-11), significant per-user power penalty reduction, and the elimination of a bit-error-rate noise floor. The testbed also applies bandwidth suppression within the encoders and decoders, yielding a 52% increase in spectral efficiency
Laparoscopic percutaneous inguinal hernia repair in children: review of technique and comparison with open surgery.

Summary Introduction Minimally-invasive approaches for inguinal hernia repair have evolved from conventional laparoscopy requiring placement of three ports and intracorporeal suturing to simple, one and two port extraperitoneal closure techniques. We utilize a single port laparoscopic percutaneous repair (LPHR) technique for selected children requiring operative intervention for inguinal hernia. We suspect that compared to open surgery, LPHR offers shorter operative duration with comparable safety and efficacy. Our objectives are to (1) illustrate this technique and (2) compare operative times and surgical outcomes in patients undergoing LPHR versus traditional open repair. Methods We reviewed operative times, complications, and recurrence rates in 38 patients (49 hernias) who underwent LPHR at our institution between January 2010 and September 2013. These data were compared with an age-, gender-, weight-, and laterality-matched cohort undergoing open repair during the same 3 year period. All cases were performed by a pediatric urologist or pediatric surgeon. Results Thirty-eight patients with a median age of 21.5 months underwent LPHR, and 38 patients with a median age of 23 months underwent open repair. In both groups, 27/38 patients (71%) had unilateral repairs, and 11/38 patients (29%) had bilateral repairs. For unilateral procedures, average operative duration was 25 min for LPHR and 59 min for OHR (p Conclusions In select patients, LPHR is an efficient, safe, and effective minimally invasive alternative to OHR, with reduced operative times but without increased rates of complications or recurrences. The technique has a short learning curve and is a practical alternative to OHR for pediatric urologists who infrequently utilize pure laparoscopic technique. Table . Patient characteristics, operative duration, and follow-up. Characteristic Total LPHR OHR p Male, n (%) 70 (92%) 34 (90%) 36 (95%) 0.674 a Age (months), median (range) 23 (1–103) 21.5 (2–103) 23 (1–92) 0.934 b Weight (kg), mean (±SD) 12.8 (±6.7) 13.1 (±6.7) 13.2 (±6.8) 0.981 c Laterality, n (%) 1.00 a Unilateral 54 (71%) 27 (71%) 27 (71%) Bilateral 22 (29%) 11 (29%) 11 (29%) Operative time, median (range) 43 (13–135) 31 (13–85) 64 (30–135) b Unilateral 42 (13–135) 25 (13–85) 59 (30–135) b Bilateral 61 (25–102) 31 (25–62) 79 (61–102) b Follow-up (days), median (range) 48 (21–146) 51 (37–113) 47 (21–146) 0.346 b a Fisher's Exact test. b Mann–Whitney U . c t test.
Measurement invariance of DSM-IV alcohol, marijuana and cocaine dependence between community-sampled and clinically overselected studies

Aims To examine whether DSM-IV symptoms of substance dependence are psychometrically equivalent between existing community-sampled and clinically overselected studies. Participants A total of 2476 adult twins born in Minnesota and 4121 unrelated adult participants from a case-control study of alcohol dependence. Measurements Life-time DSM-IV alcohol, marijuana and cocaine dependence symptoms and ever use of each substance. Design We fitted a hierarchical model to the data, in which ever use and dependence symptoms for each substance were indicators of alcohol, marijuana or cocaine dependence which were, in turn, indicators of a multi-substance dependence factor. We then tested the model for measurement invariance across participant groups, defined by study source and participant sex. Findings The hierarchical model fitted well among males and females within each sample (comparative fit index (CFI) > 0.96, Tucker-Lewis index (TLI) > 0.95 and root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) < 0.04 for all), and a multi-group model demonstrated that model parameters were equiva- lent across sample- and sex-defined groups (DCFI = 0.002 between constrained and unconstrained models). Differences between groups in symptom endorsement rates could be expressed solely as mean differences in the multi-substance dependence factor. Conclusions Life-time substance dependence symptoms fitted a dimensional model well. Although clinically overselected participants endorsed more dependence symptoms, on average, than community- sampled participants, the pattern of symptom endorsement was similar across groups. From a measurement perspec- tive, DSM-IV criteria are equally appropriate for describing substance dependence across different sampling methods.
Testing for beneficial reversal of dominance during salinity shifts in the invasive copepod Eurytemora affinis, and implications for the maintenance of genetic variation

Maintenance of genetic variation at loci under selection has profound implications for adaptation under environmental change. In temporally and spatially varying habitats, non-neutral polymorphism could be maintained by heterozygote advantage across environments (marginal overdominance), which could be greatly increased by beneficial reversal of dominance across conditions. We tested for reversal of dominance and marginal overdominance in salinity tolerance in the saltwater-to-freshwater invading copepod Eurytemora affinis. We compared survival of F1 offspring generated by crossing saline and freshwater inbred lines (between-salinity F1 crosses) relative to within-salinity F1 crosses, across three salinities. We found evidence for both beneficial reversal of dominance and marginal overdominance in salinity tolerance. In support of reversal of dominance, survival of between-salinity F1 crosses was not different from that of freshwater F1 crosses under freshwater conditions and saltwater F1 crosses under saltwater conditions. In support of marginal overdominance, between-salinity F1 crosses exhibited significantly higher survival across salinities relative to both freshwater and saltwater F1 crosses. Our study provides a rare empirical example of complete beneficial reversal of dominance associated with environmental change. This mechanism might be crucial for maintaining genetic variation in salinity tolerance in E. affinis populations, allowing rapid adaptation to salinity changes during habitat invasions.
On available bandwidth in FDDI-based reconfigurable networks

Networks used in mission-critical applications must be highly fault-tolerant. The authors propose an FDDI-based reconfigurable network (FBRN) that can survive multiple faults. An FBRN consists of multiple FDDI trunk rings and has the ability to reconfigure itself in the face of extensive damage. They consider three classes of FBRNs depending on their degree of reconfigurability: N-FBRN (nonreconfigurable), P-FBRN (partially reconfigurable) and F-FBRN (fully reconfigurable). They analyze the performance of FBRNs in terms of their available bandwidth in the presence of faults. In mission-critical systems, it is not enough to ensure that the network is connected in spite of faults; the traffic carrying capacity of the network must be sufficient to guarantee the required quality of service. They present a probabilistic analysis of the available bandwidth of FBRNs given the number of faults. They find that a fully reconfigurable FBRN can provide a high available bandwidth even in the presence of a large number of faults. A partially reconfigurable FBRN is found to be an excellent compromise between high reliability and ease of implementation. >
Risk and Culture Research Some Cautions

Psychological study of cross-cultural differences in risk responses can be undermined by failure to take account of the challenges of such research. Investigators who see any differences found across populations as cultural, use other disciplines' theoretical models or culture-specific psychometric scales without realizing their limits, and uncritically accept standard categories of risks and risk responses may reduce the potential of this conjunction of culture, risk, and psychology.
The Role of Bariatric Surgery in the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes: Current Evidence and Clinical Guidelines

The incidence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) continues to rise worldwide. The management of T2D is challenging and therefore amenable to multimodality treatment options. Many published observations of obese individuals with T2D that have undergone bariatric surgery consistently demonstrate remarkable improvement and short-term remission of T2D. Recently published randomized trials confirm these findings and demonstrate significantly improved glycemic control following bariatric procedures, especially Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. However, the question of long-term remission remains uncertain. Clinicians may consider the use of bariatric surgery as a treatment option for certain obese patients with T2D who have failed intensive lifestyle intervention and conventional pharmacotherapy.
THE EFFECT OF PHOTOPERIOD ON DIAPAUSE INDUCTION AND INHIBITION IN HIPPODAMIA TREDECIMPUNCTATA (COLEOPTERA: COCCINELLIDAE)

Diapause in Hippodamia tredecimpunctata (Linnaeus) can be inhibited by exposing adult females to photoperiod regimens of LD 16:8 or 14:10 hours. Exposing adult females to a photoperiod of LD 12:12 hours initiates diapause. The photoperiod to which the egg, larval, and pupal stages are exposed has no effect on the developmental rate and has little effect on adult diapause status.
Robust Structural Equation Modeling with Missing Data and Auxiliary Variables

The paper develops a two-stage robust procedure for structural equation modeling (SEM) and an R package rsem to facilitate the use of the procedure by applied researchers. In the first stage, M-estimates of the saturated mean vector and covariance matrix of all variables are obtained. Those corresponding to the substantive variables are then fitted to the structural model in the second stage. A sandwich-type covariance matrix is used to obtain consistent standard errors (SE) of the structural parameter estimates. Rescaled, adjusted as well as corrected and F-statistics are proposed for overall model evaluation. Using R and EQS, the R package rsem combines the two stages and generates all the test statistics and consistent SEs. Following the robust analysis, multiple model fit indices and standardized solutions are provided in the corresponding output of EQS. An example with open/closed book examination data illustrates the proper use of the package. The method is further applied to the analysis of a data set from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997 cohort, and results show that the developed procedure not only gives a better endorsement of the substantive models but also yields estimates with uniformly smaller standard errors than the normal-distribution-based maximum likelihood.
KInNeSS: A Modular Framework for Computational Neuroscience

Making use of very detailed neurophysiological, anatomical, and behavioral data to build biologically-realistic computational models of animal behavior is often a difficult task. Until recently, many software packages have tried to resolve this mismatched granularity with different approaches. This paper presents KInNeSS, the KDE Integrated NeuroSimulation Software environment, as an alternative solution to bridge the gap between data and model behavior. This open source neural simulation software package provides an expandable framework incorporating features such as ease of use, scalability, an XML based schema, and multiple levels of granularity within a modern object oriented programming design. KInNeSS is best suited to simulate networks of hundreds to thousands of branched multi-compartmental neurons with biophysical properties such as membrane potential, voltage-gated and ligand-gated channels, the presence of gap junctions or ionic diffusion, neuromodulation channel gating, the mechanism for habituative or depressive synapses, axonal delays, and synaptic plasticity. KInNeSS outputs include compartment membrane voltage, spikes, local-field potentials, and current source densities, as well as visualization of the behavior of a simulated agent. An explanation of the modeling philosophy and plug-in development is also presented. Further development of KInNeSS is ongoing with the ultimate goal of creating a modular framework that will help researchers across different disciplines to effectively collaborate using a modern neural simulation platform.
Revisiting the cellular mechanisms of strong luminal alkalinization in the anterior midgut of larval mosquitoes

Here we critically review two recent hypotheses about the mechanism of strong alkalinization by the anterior midgut of mosquito larvae and our tests of these hypotheses. We present experimental evidence against the major components of transport models proposed in these hypotheses. Measurements of the transapical and transbasal proton electrochemical gradients provide an indication of driving forces faced by and generated by the transport mechanisms of the tissue. These measurements confirmed that basal V-ATPase energizes alkalinization. Serotonin stimulates the V-ATPase, as indicated by the ensuing increase in proton-motive force across the basal membrane. Moreover, the neurohormone resulted in a surprisingly large increase in the intracellular pH. The results of inhibitor studies indicate that, contrary to previous proposals, carbonic anhydrase is apparently not involved in supplying acid–base equivalents to the respective transporters. Furthermore, any apical processes proposed to be involved in alkali secretion or acid absorption must be Cl– independent and insensitive to DIDS, amiloride, Zn2+ and ouabain. These results argue against the involvement of putative apical Cl–/HCO –3 exchangers, apical H+ channels, apical cation/proton exchangers and the importance of the apical Na+/K+ pump. The studies analyzed here thus provide both a limitation and direction for further studies of the mechanism of strong alkalinization in this system.
Non-interference in constructive authorization logic

We present a constructive authorization logic where the meanings of connectives are defined by their associated inference rules. This ensures that the logical reading of access control policies expressed in the logic and their implementation coincide. We study the proof-theoretic consequences of our design including cut-elimination and two non-interference properties that allow administrators to explore the correctness of their policies by establishing that for a given policy, assertions made by certain principals will not affect the truth of assertions made by others.
Maternal high density lipoproteins affect fetal mass and extra-embryonic fetal tissue sterol metabolism in the mouse

Previous studies have shown that antibodies to cubulin, a receptor on the yolk sac that binds high density lipoproteins (HDL) and cobalamin, induce fetal abnormali- ties. Mice with markedly low concentrations of plasma HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) give birth to healthy pups, how- ever. To establish whether maternal HDL-C has a role in fetal development, sterol metabolism was studied in the fetus and extra-embryonic fetal tissues in wild-type and apolipo- protein A-I-deficient mice (apoAI 2 / 2 ). Maternal HDL-C content was markedly greater in apoAI 1 / 1 mice prior to pregnancy and at 13 days into gestation. By 17 days into ges- tation, HDL-C content was similar between both types of mice. Fetuses from apoAI ( 2 / 2 3 2 / 2 ) matings were 16- 25% smaller than control mice at 13 and 17 days of gesta- tion and contained less cholesterol. The differences in size and cholesterol content were not due to a lack of choles- terol synthesis or apoA-I in the fetus. In the yolk sac and pla- centa, sterol synthesis rates were , 50% greater in the 13- day-old apoAI 2 / 2 mice as compared to the apoAI 1 / 1 mice. Even though synthesis rates were greater, cholesterol concentrations were 22% lower in the yolk sac and similar in the placenta of apoAI 2 / 2 mice as compared to tissues of wild-type mice. These data suggest that a difference in maternal HDL-C concentration or composition can affect the size of the fetus and sterol metabolism of the yolk sac and placenta in the mouse.— McConihay, J. A., A. M. Honkomp, N. A. Granholm, and L. A. Woollett. Maternal high density lipoproteins affect fetal mass and extra-embryonic fetal tissue sterol metabolism in the mouse. J. Lipid Res. 2000. 41: 424-432.
The role of virtuality and work family conflict in forming attitudes towards virtual work

In the last few years, the amount of virtual work performed in organisations has increased significantly, effectively changing the traditional workplace environment. In this study, we used longitudinal data obtained from 324 university alumni to examine changes in attitudes towards virtual work over time. We predicted that the virtuality of an individual's job and the work family conflict experienced on the job would moderate attitudes towards virtual work over time. We found that degree of virtuality was a positive moderator of the relationship between attitudes towards virtual work in times 1 and 2. However, we did not find work family conflict to moderate the relationship between attitudes towards virtual work in times 1 and 2. Interestingly, however, we found the presence of a three-way interaction between attitudes towards virtual work, virtuality and work family conflict.
Effect of Age and Food Restriction on Alkaline Protease Activity in Rat Liver

The effect of age and food restriction on the hepatic alkaline protease activity of 100,000 x g supernatant has been investigated using 7-, 16-, and 26-month-old Fischer 344 rats. The proteasome, a major component of alkaline protease activity, is activated by sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and this property was exploited to gain insight into the effects of age and food restriction on proteasome activity. Three alkaline protease activities, chymotrypsin-like (ChT-L), trypsin-like (T-L), and peptidylglutamyl peptide hydrolyzing (PGPH) activities were measured. These activities are also commonly used as measurement of proteasomal activities. Basal ChT-L and PGPH activities were not markedly altered by either age or food restriction. The level of T-L activity did not change with age, but was decreased by food restriction. SDS-activated ChT-L activity increased 15% between 7 and 26 months of age and this increase was blocked by food restriction. SDS-activated PGPH activity decreased 40% and the decrease was ameliorated by food restriction. In conclusion, we have shown that the alteration of alkaline protease activities by age and food restriction is not uniform and that the changes observed are likely due to alterations of proteasomal activity. The lack of uniformity in these alterations indicates that any assessment of alkaline protease activity requires the measurement of more than one of the enzymatic activities. Lastly, the first evidence suggesting that age and food restriction can modulate proteasomal activity is presented.
Toward flexibility-activity relationships by NMR spectroscopy: dynamics of Pin1 ligands.

Drug design involves iterative ligand modifications. For flexible ligands, these modifications often entail restricting conformational flexibility. However, defining optimal restriction strategies can be challenging if the relationship between ligand flexibility and biological activity is unclear. Here, we describe an approach for ligand flexibility−activity studies using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spin relaxation. Specifically, we use 13C relaxation dispersion measurements to compare site-specific changes in ligand flexibility for a series of related ligands that bind a common macromolecular receptor. The flexibility changes reflect conformational reorganization resulting from formation of the receptor−ligand complex. We demonstrate this approach on three structurally similar but flexibly differentiated ligands of human Pin1, a peptidyl-prolyl isomerase. The approach is able to map the ligand dynamics relevant for activity and expose changes in those dynamics caused by conformational locking. Thus,...
Dimensions of Anxiety Among High IQ Children

Responses of 584 high IQ children to the 37 item Revised Children's Manifest Anxiety Scale were submitted to a factor analysis. The five factors that emerged (Physiological, Worry/Oversensitivity, ...
Participation and Accountability at the Periphery: Democratic Local Governance in Six Countries

Abstract Democratic local governance (DLG), now a major subtheme within the overall context of democratic development, promises that government at the local level can become more responsive to citizen desires and more effective in service delivery. Based on a six-country study sponsored by USAID (Bolivia, Honduras, India, Mali, the Philippines and Ukraine), this paper analyzes the two topics of participation and accountability, finding that both show significant potential for promoting DLG, though there seem to be important limitations on how much participation can actually deliver, and accountability covers a much wider range of activity and larger scope for DLG strategy than initially appears.
Contingency Analysis Using the Transient Energy Margin Technique

The transient energy margin technique, whict is based on the transient energy function method of transient stability analysis, is used for contingency analysis. A scheme for using it in system planning and in system operation is presented, and its application to a 17-generator power system is demonstrated.
A Mark–Recapture Technique for Monitoring Feral Swine Populations

Techniques to monitor populations of feral swine (Sus scrofa) relative to damage control activities are needed on rangelands. Our objectives were to describe and assess a mark–recapture technique using tetracycline hydrochloride (TH) for monitoring feral swine populations. We established bait stations at study sites in southern and central Texas. During 1 d, we replaced normal soured corn bait with bait containing TH and counted the number of feral swine that consumed bait with observers. We conducted feral swine removal using box-style traps and helicopters, at which time we collected teeth for TH analysis. In southern Texas, we estimated population reduction to be 43%. In central Texas, we estimated population reduction of 31%. Our mark–recapture population monitoring technique would complement programs to manage feral swine populations and damage through lethal control.
Special Relativity from Measuring Rods

The mathematical structures associated with a space-time theory, such as the special theory of relativity (SRT) — or the general theory (GRT) for that matter — are numerous and interrelated in complex ways.1 One may start their analysis with the concept of a point set, the elements of which are identified with events in space-time.2 Imposing a continuity structure on this set leads to the concept of space-time as a four-dimensional topological manifold. Restriction to a differentiable structure then leads to the concept of space-time as a differentiable manifold. Various additional mathematical structures may now be introduced on this manifold: projective, affine, conformal and pseudo-metrical (a metrical structure with Minkowski signature). Each of these mathematical structures is closely associated with the behavior of some idealized physical entity in space-time. The projective structure is associated with the trajectories of structureless free test particles. If each particle carries some intrinsic measure of duration along its trajectory, it reflects the affine structure. The conformal structure is associated with the wave fronts of massless fields, such as the electromagnetic. A pseudo-metrical structure with Minkowski signature implies the existence of two fundamentally distinct types of interval which cannot be transformed into one another by any operation of the symmetry group defining the geometry (the inhomo- geneous Lorentz group for SRT).3 These two distinct types of interval are called spacelike and timelike, and physically quite distinct entities — measuring rods and clocks — are associated with their respective measurement.
National Health Spending Up 5.6 Percent Between 1997 and 1998; Public Spending for Health Care Understated

According to the Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA), national health expenditures increased 5.6 percent between 1997 and 1998, reaching a record high of more than $1.1 trillion. The private sector accounted for 54.5 percent of national health spending, and the public sector accounted for 45.5 percent of national health spending, according to HCFA. Recent analysis suggests that these estimates may be understating public spending for health care. For example, it has been estimated that public-sector employers contributed $63.2 billion toward the purchase of employment-based health insurance, but HCFA assigns this expenditure to the private sector. Furthermore, forgone tax revenue not collected because of the tax preference for health care spending is not counted toward national health spending by HCFA. The PDF for the above title, published in the July 2000 issue of EBRI Notes, also contains the fulltext of another July 2000 EBRI Notes article abstracted on SSRN: "Finances of Employee Benefits."
The influence of the family environment on adaptive functioning in the classroom: A longitudinal study of children with developmental disabilities.

Abstract Background No study has examined trajectories of school-based adaptive functioning (AF) for children with developmental disabilities (DD). This is a critical gap in the literature, since AF is context dependent, and high levels of AF at school facilitate meaningful participation at school. Aims This study examined trajectories of school-based AF for 170 children with DD from age 3 to 15 years, and indicators of the early childhood home and family environment as predictors of these trajectories. Methods Multilevel modeling was used to explore trajectories of school-based AF and identify early childhood home and family predictors of these trajectories. Results Children’s school-based AF raw scores increased over time. There was significant variability in initial status and rate of change of AF. As hypothesized, higher quality mother-child interaction predicted more positive functioning. Conclusions Findings indicate the influence of the early childhood home and family environment on school-based AF over time.
Climate Change May Alter Breeding Ground Distributions of Eastern Migratory Monarchs (Danaus plexippus) via Range Expansion of Asclepias Host Plants

Climate change can profoundly alter species’ distributions due to changes in temperature, precipitation, or seasonality. Migratory monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) may be particularly susceptible to climate-driven changes in host plant abundance or reduced overwintering habitat. For example, climate change may significantly reduce the availability of overwintering habitat by restricting the amount of area with suitable microclimate conditions. However, potential effects of climate change on monarch northward migrations remain largely unknown, particularly with respect to their milkweed (Asclepias spp.) host plants. Given that monarchs largely depend on the genus Asclepias as larval host plants, the effects of climate change on monarch northward migrations will most likely be mediated by climate change effects on Asclepias. Here, I used MaxEnt species distribution modeling to assess potential changes in Asclepias and monarch distributions under moderate and severe climate change scenarios. First, Asclepias distributions were projected to extend northward throughout much of Canada despite considerable variability in the environmental drivers of each individual species. Second, Asclepias distributions were an important predictor of current monarch distributions, indicating that monarchs may be constrained as much by the availability of Asclepias host plants as environmental variables per se. Accordingly, modeling future distributions of monarchs, and indeed any tightly coupled plant-insect system, should incorporate the effects of climate change on host plant distributions. Finally, MaxEnt predictions of Asclepias and monarch distributions were remarkably consistent among general circulation models. Nearly all models predicted that the current monarch summer breeding range will become slightly less suitable for Asclepias and monarchs in the future. Asclepias, and consequently monarchs, should therefore undergo expanded northern range limits in summer months while encountering reduced habitat suitability throughout the northern migration.
THERMALLY INDUCED DAMAGE INITIATION AND GROWTH IN CARBON-CARBON COMPOSITES

In this investigation, carbon-carbon woven composites are analyzed using three-dimensional finite element analysis to predict the state of the composite after processing. Two types of weaves are examined. These are the plain weave and eight-harness satin weave. The effect of the stacking sequence of these weaves, either simple or symmetric, is also investigated. Linear elastic threedimensional analysis of plain weave woven composites has been performed previously. No three-dimensi onal finite element analysis of eight-harness satins has been performed. Periodic boundary conditions for analyzing eight-harness satin are derived herein. Temperature dependent material properties and a non-linear damage model are used in the analysis procedure. Results indicate that there is a significant difference in the as processed damage states and moduli of these composites for different stacking sequences.
LOCUS OF CONTROL AND SLEEP IN EVOLUTIONARY PERSPECTIVE

We examined the relationship between locus of control and sleep among firefighters using predictions driven by life history theory. Firefighters (n=115, males, aged 22-54) completed the Nowicki and Duke Locus of Control (LOC) questionnaire. Average minutes slept and sleep debt (number of nights on shift) were provided via selfreport. Statistical output supported the underlying theoretical relationship between LOC and life history strategy. Further results indicate a quadratic effect on LOC such that sleeping very little or sleeping a lot was associated with more external LOC scores when controlling for station-specific emergency response call volume and participant current health status. Finally, as sleep loss accumulates due to increasing nights on shift, LOC externality significantly increases. This data supports the notion that sleep acquisition may pose a mediating role in personality psychology in ways predicted by life history and evolutionary ecological theories.
"It Ain't Over 'til It's Over" (a) -The Search for Treatments and Cures for Alzheimer's Disease.

In the neuroscience landscape, there is no condition with higher unmet medical and societal need than Alzheimer's disease (AD). There are significant opportunities to improve upon symptomatic treatments in AD, and as yet, there are no treatments to modify (slow, stop, or prevent) underlying disease progression. Our goals are to discover new symptomatic AD therapies with improved efficacy and longevity; to complete definitive studies that refute or prove the amyloid hypothesis, potentially opening multiple avenues to new therapeutic modalities; and to initiate tests of novel mechanisms that can prevent tau pathology and neurodegeneration. It's a critical time in the testing of novel AD therapeutics—let's hope we succeed.
Prenatal Ultrasonic Diagnosis of Pentalogy of Cantrell

Purpose To explore the value of prenatal ultrasound diagnosis of pentalogy of Cantrell. Materials and Methods A retrospective study was performed in 6 fetuses with pentalogy of Cantrell diagnosed with prenatal ultrasound. The first diagnostic ultrasound time, ultrasound images and follow-up results were reviewed to analyze ultrasonographic features. Results All the fetuses were characterized by omphalocele and ectopic heart. All 6 fetuses were diagnosed by prenatal ultrasound during the first ultrasound screening, of which 5 were diagnosed before 16 weeks of gestation. Five cases were confirmed with induced labor and 1 was confirmed postnataly. The accuracy of prenatal ultrasonic diagnosis was 100%. Conclusion The characteristic features of pentalogy of Cantrell are omphalocele and ectopic heart. Prenatal ultrasound is reliable and valuable to diagnose pentalogy of Cantrell.
Contamination-Focused Exposure as a Treatment for Disgust-Based Fears: A Preliminary Test in Spider-Fearful Women

Background: Disgust is thought to play a prominent role in multiple anxiety disorders and fears, including spider phobia, though little attention has been given to specific treatment strategies that may be effective for multiple disgust-based fears. Aims: In the present study, we evaluated contamination-focused exposure as a potential transdiagnostic treatment strategy for disgust-based fears in a spider fearful sample. Method: Women with significant spider fear were randomized to three 30-minute sessions of exposure therapy involving repeated contact with a dirt mixture (n=17) or a waitlist control condition (n=17). Assessments of spider fear and disgust were administered at baseline and at one-week posttreatment. Results: At high (but not low) levels of pretreatment disgust propensity, exposure led to lower in vivo spider fear and perceived danger than waitlist, though exposure had no effects on spider-related disgust. Similar effects of exposure on spider fear were found at high levels of pretreatment spider-related disgust. Exposure also reduced fear and danger perceptions, but not disgust, related to a separate contamination assessment (touching a toilet). No effects of treatment were found on self-report measures of spider fear or disgust propensity. Conclusions: These findings suggest contamination-focused exposure therapy may be an effective transdiagnostic treatment strategy for individuals with elevated disgust propensity. Limitations and directions for future research are discussed.