cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evidence for oligodendrocyte progenitor cell heterogeneity in the adult mouse brain

ABSTRACT Oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) are a mitotically active population of glia that comprise approximately 5% of the adult brain. OPCs maintain their proliferative capacity and ability to differentiate in oligodendrocytes throughout adulthood, but relatively few mature oligodendrocytes are produced following developmental myelination. Recent work has begun to demonstrate that OPCs likely perform multiple functions in both homeostasis and disease, and can significantly impact behavioral phenotypes such as food intake and depressive symptoms. However, the exact mechanisms through which OPCs might influence brain function remains unclear. In this work, we demonstrate that OPCs are transcriptionally diverse and separate into three distinct populations in the homeostatic brain. These three groups show distinct transcriptional signatures and enrichment of biological processes unique to individual OPC populations. We have validated these OPC populations using multiple methods, including multiplex RNA in situ hybridization and RNA flow cytometry. This study provides an important resource that profiles the transcriptome of adult OPCs and will provide a significant foundation for further investigation into novel OPC functions.
Acute subdural hematoma in an elite-level rugby union player.

Abstract Acute subdural hematoma is a rare but potentially fatal medical condition in athletes. This condition has been reported in both contact and non-contact sports. Patients who survive an acute subdural hematoma typically have lifelong deficits and require extensive rehabilitation. Prompt recognition of this condition and access to a hospital with an available neurosurgeon is critical. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a subdural hematoma in an elite-level rugby player.
The erosion of trust during a global pandemic and how public administrators should counter it

This article argues that public administrators must advance a more equity-based assessment of vulnerabilities in American communities and more risk-based communication strategies. It provides an ov...
Taking Preprimary Programs to Scale in Developing Countries: Multi-source Evidence to Improve Primary School Completion Rates

The paper argues that in many developing countries there is a set of linked symptoms in education systems that cohere into what we call a weak foundations syndrome. Multi-source evidence is presented to illustrate how weak foundations through the early years of schooling lead to low primary school completion. Symptoms of the syndrome include (1) low access, use, and quality in preprimary programs; (2) permanently high apparent rate of intake (above 100%) into grade 1; (3) over-enrollment bulge, in the early grades, as well as formal and informal grade repetition through primary school; (4) apparent large enrollment drop-off between grades 1 and 2. Small stories for Burundi, Madagascar, and Ethiopia are presented to illustrate the syndrome. These cases also identify how countries and international organizations are starting to address the issues. An interesting aspect of the findings is the data that show parents’ support for preprimary education by enrolling their children earlier than the normative age for grade 1.
Red meat intake and risk of coronary heart disease among US men: Prospective cohort study

Abstract Objectives To study total, processed, and unprocessed red meat in relation to risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) and to estimate the effects of substituting other protein sources for red meat with CHD risk. Design Prospective cohort study with repeated measures of diet and lifestyle factors. Setting Health Professionals Follow-Up Study cohort, United States, 1986-2016. Participants 43 272 men without cardiovascular disease or cancer at baseline. Main outcome measures The primary outcome was total CHD, comprised of acute non-fatal myocardial infarction or fatal CHD. Cox models were used to estimate hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals across categories of red meat consumption. Substitution analyses were conducted by comparing coefficients for red meat and the alternative food in models, including red meat and alternative foods as continuous variables. Results During 1 023 872 person years of follow-up, 4456 incident CHD events were documented of which 1860 were fatal. After multivariate adjustment for dietary and non-dietary risk factors, total, unprocessed, and processed red meat intake were each associated with a modestly higher risk of CHD (hazard ratio for one serving per day increment: 1.12 (95% confidence interval 1.06 to 1.18) for total red meat, 1.11 (1.02 to 1.21) for unprocessed red meat, and 1.15 (1.06 to 1.25) for processed red meat). Compared with red meat, the intake of one serving per day of combined plant protein sources (nuts, legumes, and soy) was associated with a lower risk of CHD (0.86 (0.80 to 0.93) compared with total red meat, 0.87 (0.79 to 0.95) compared with unprocessed red meat, and 0.83 (0.76 to 0.91) compared with processed red meat). Substitutions of whole grains and dairy products for total red meat and eggs for processed red meat were also associated with lower CHD risk. Conclusions Substituting high quality plant foods such as legumes, nuts, or soy for red meat might reduce the risk of CHD. Substituting whole grains and dairy products for total red meat, and eggs for processed red meat, might also reduce this risk.
Cross-Disciplinary, Cross-Institutional Collaboration in Teacher Education: Cases of Learning and Leading

We enter this book writing venture as members of the Faculty Academy, a multi-institutional group of teacher educators spanning post-doctoral, clinical, and tenure-track positions. Our group’s deep history enables us to comprehensively examine our learning and leading along the teaching and teacher education continuum as well as over the passage of time (2002–2020). In this volume, 26 Faculty Academy authors pay keen attention to the ways they lead in the broader landscape of teacher education while concurrently acknowledging how the Faculty Academy scaffolds their learning and leading both as individuals and as members of a shared community of knowing.
Parenteral nutrition in cattle

The use of parenatal nutrition was studied in 32 calves suffering from calfhood diseases that required nutritional support. The most frequent clinical condition requiring parenteral nutrition was a chronic diarrhea and wasting syndrome seen in 20 of the calves. An amino acid-dextrose solution (Formula I) was administered to 27 calves and an amino acid-dextrose-lipid solution (Formula II) was administered to 5 calves. Enteral feeding was limited to less than one-half of the normal requirements for the sick calves. The combination of limited milk and parenteral nutrition using Formula I or II supplied more than 100 percent of the energy and protein requirements for a healthy calf.
Popular Sovereignty and Private Ordering in the State of Exception

Carl Schmitt, how trite for a paper from 2011. This paper unpacks some of the implications of the then-recent Schmittian turn, which raised important implications for our theories of public law, sovereignty, and punishment. Scholars have long made strong claims about unconstrained executive power during emergencies as being consistent with the claim that the republican system in the United States is one of laws, and not of men. In this paper I describe the Schmittian theory of sovereignty (via Benjamin, Agamben, and the secondary literature that has addressed these thinkers), then explain how limits have evolved on popular sovereignty, in turn shifting power to a model of centralized government power to decide on the exception. In so doing, I evaluate the claim offered by Schmittian constitutionalists that the sovereign exception is an inherent feature of western political institutions. It is necessary to look beyond the simple application of Schmittian ideas in the “emergency powers” context, and to evaluate how his concept of sovereignty maps onto our own understanding of “who decides” the law and its exceptions more generally. I then outline a conception of sovereignty that draws upon a close reading of these thinkers’ work. This conception stands in opposition to the older liberal understanding of popular sovereignty, as well as to the newer legal-pluralist understanding of private ordering. Next, I try to reconcile this conception of sovereignty with our understanding of private ordering, decisionism in public law, and jurisgenerative power. The paper ends with observations about the decline of private ordering, centralization of power, and concerns about potentiality and decisionism in American public law.
Kinesin-3 mediated delivery of presynaptic neurexin stabilizes growing dendritic spines and postsynaptic components in vivo

A high degree of cell and circuit-specific regulation has complicated efforts to precisely define roles for synaptic adhesion proteins in establishing circuit connectivity. Here, we take advantage of the strengths of C. elegans for cell-specific analyses to investigate molecular coordination of pre- and postsynaptic development. We show that developing dendritic spines emerge from the dendrites of wild type GABAergic motor neurons following the localization of active zone proteins and the formation of immature synaptic vesicle assemblies in presynaptic terminals. Similarly, clusters of postsynaptic receptors and F-actin are visible in GABAergic dendrites prior to spine outgrowth. Surprisingly, these developmental processes occur without a requirement for synaptic activity. Likewise, the initial stages of spine outgrowth and receptor clustering are not altered by deletion of the C. elegans ortholog of the transsynaptic adhesion protein, neurexin/NRX-1. Over time, however, dendritic spines and postsynaptic receptor clusters are destabilized in the absence of presynaptic NRX-1/neurexin and collapse prior to adulthood. The kinesin-3 family member, UNC-104, delivers NRX-1 to presynaptic terminals and ongoing UNC-104 delivery is required into adulthood for the maintenance of postsynaptic structure. Our findings provide novel insights into the temporal order of synapse formation events in vivo and demonstrate a requirement for transsynaptic adhesion in stabilizing mature circuit connectivity. Contributions SummaryD.O. generated strains, transgenic lines, molecular constructs, confocal and electron microscopy images, and data analysis. S.R. performed all calcium imaging experiments and analysis. C.M.L. generated destination vectors and nrx-1 constructs. D.H.H. and K.C.Q.N. aided in electron microscopy experiments and analysis. M.M.F and D.O designed and interpreted results of all experiments and wrote the manuscript.
Attenuation of Replication Stress–Induced Premature Cellular Senescence to Assess Anti-Aging Modalities

Described is an in vitro model of premature senescence in pulmonary adenocarcinoma A549 cells induced by persistent DNA replication stress in response to treatment with the DNA damaging drug mitoxantrone (Mxt). The degree of cellular senescence, based on characteristic changes in cell morphology, is measured by laser scanning cytometry. Specifically, the flattening of cells grown on slides (considered the hallmark of cellular senescence) is measured as the decline in local intensity of DNA-associated DAPI fluorescence (represented by maximal pixels). This change is paralleled by an increase in nuclear area. Thus, the ratio of mean intensity of maximal pixels to nuclear area provides a very sensitive morphometric biomarker for the degree of senescence. This analysis is combined with immunocytochemical detection of senescence markers, such as overexpression of cyclin kinase inhibitors (e.g., p21WAF1) and phosphorylation of ribosomal protein S6 (rpS6), a key marker associated with aging/senescence that is detected using a phospho-specific antibody. These biomarker indices are presented in quantitative terms defined as a senescence index (SI), which is the fraction of the marker in test cultures relative to the same marker in exponentially growing control cultures. This system can be used to evaluate the anti-aging potential of test agents by assessing attenuation of maximal senescence. As an example, the inclusion of berberine, a natural alkaloid with reported anti-aging properties and a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine, is shown to markedly attenuate the Mxt-induced SI and phosphorylation of rpS6. The multivariate analysis of senescence markers by laser scanning cytometry offers a promising tool to explore the potential anti-aging properties of a variety agents. Curr. Protoc. Cytom. 69:9.47.1-9.47.10. © 2014 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Keywords: cell cycle; nuclear size; laser scanning cytometry; ribosomal protein S6; mTOR signaling; berberine
Differences in style length confer prezygotic isolation between two dioecious species of Silene in sympatry

One fundamental signature of reinforcement is elevated prezygotic reproductive isolation between related species in sympatry relative to allopatry. However, this alone is inadequate evidence for reinforcement, as traits conferring reproductive isolation can occur as a by-product of other forces. We conducted crosses between Silene latifolia and S. diclinis, two closely related dioecious flowering plant species. Crosses with S. latifolia mothers from sympatry exhibited lower seed set than mothers from five allopatric populations when S. diclinis was the father. However, two other allopatric populations also exhibited low seed set. A significant interaction between style length and sire species revealed that seed set declined as style length increased when interspecific, but not intraspecific, fathers where used. Moreover, by varying the distance pollen tubes had to traverse, we found interspecific pollen placement close to the ovary resulted in seed set in both long- and short-styled S. latifolia mothers. Our results reveal that the long styles of S. latifolia in sympatry with S. diclinis contribute to the prevention of hybrid formation. We argue that forces other than reinforcing selection are likely to be responsible for the differences in style length seen in sympatry.
Adenoid cystic carcinoma of Bartholin's gland: a review of the literature and report of a patient.

Abstract The literature relevant to adenoid cystic carcinoma of Bartholin's gland is reviewed and an additional patient is reported. The distinctive clinical and histological nature of this tumor is noted. Conclusions considered apposite to therapy are presented, including emphasis on initial radical vulvectomy and the fact that the efficacy of routine lymphadenectomy has not been demonstrated.
Identification of an intracellular pool of glucose transporters from basal and insulin-stimulated rat skeletal muscle

The purpose of this study was to simultaneously isolate skeletal muscle plasma and microsomal membranes from the hind limbs of male Sprague-Dawley rats perfused either in the absence or presence of 20 milliunits/ml insulin and to determine the effect of insulin on the number and distribution of glucose transporters in these membrane fractions. Insulin increased hind limb glucose uptake greater than 3-fold (2.4 +/- 0.7 versus 9.2 +/- 1.0 mumol/g x h, p less than 0.001). Plasma membrane glucose transporter number, measured by cytochalasin B binding, increased 2-fold (9.1 +/- 1.0 to 20.4 +/- 3.1 pmol/mg protein, p less than 0.005) in insulin-stimulated muscle while microsomal membrane transporters decreased significantly (14.8 +/- 1.6 to 9.8 +/- 1.4 pmol/mg protein, p less than 0.05). No change in the dissociation constant (Kd approximately 120 nm) was observed. K+-stimulated-p-nitrophenol phosphatase, 5'-nucleotidase, and galactosyltransferase specific activity, enrichment, and recovery in the plasma and microsomal membrane fractions were not altered by insulin treatment. Western blot analysis using the monoclonal antibody mAb 1F8 (specific for the insulin-regulatable glucose transporter) demonstrated increased glucose transporter densities in plasma membranes from insulin-treated hind limb skeletal muscle compared with untreated tissues, while microsomal membranes from the insulin-treated hind limb skeletal muscle had a concomitant decrease in transporter density. We conclude that the increase in plasma membrane glucose transporters explains, at least in part, the increase in glucose uptake associated with insulin stimulation of hind limb skeletal muscle. Our data further suggest that these recruited transporters originate from an intracellular microsomal pool, consistent with the translocation hypothesis.
Erratum to: A Review of the Long-Term Oncologic Outcomes of Robotic Surgery Versus Laparoscopic Surgery for Colorectal Cancer

The goal of this review was to compare long-term oncologic outcomes of robotic versus laparoscopic resection of colorectal cancer. A literature search was performed using PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, and Medline (2002-2014). Search terms: laparoscopic, robotic, rectal, colon, surgery, oncologic, and outcomes. Studies comparing overall and disease free survival of robotic versus laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer were included. Meta-analysis was performed using OpenMeta[Analyst] for Windows 8. Five studies were identified reporting on overall survival, disease free survival, lymph node extraction, and distal and circumferential resection margin. Three hundred and seventeen patients underwent robotic resection and 368 underwent laparoscopic resection, with similar demographics. Operative times were longer with robotic resections, with no difference in estimated blood loss (EBL) or length of stay. The disease stage was distributed similarly in both groups. Similar numbers underwent neo-adjuvant therapy. Laparoscopic resection was associated with 3.2 mm larger distal resection margins (p = 0.04) and 2.2 more lymph nodes removed (p = 0.001), but with equivalent circumferential resection margin status. Disease-free and overall survival was equivalent. Robotic and laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer offer comparable overall and disease free survival. Laparoscopic surgery offered a slight advantage in operative time, distal margin, and lymph node yield. Larger, prospective trials are needed to confirm the equivalence of these approaches.
Age differences in the expression of acute and chronic tolerance to ethanol in male and female rats.

Background Ontogenetic differences in response to ethanol challenge have been observed under a variety of circumstances, including varying reports of developmental differences in the expression of tolerance to ethanol. The purpose of the present experiment was to further explore potential differences in acute and chronic tolerance expression between adolescent and adult, male and female Sprague-Dawley rats, using the social interaction test.
The Nature of Executive Leadership: A Conceptual and Empirical Analysis of Success

The Nature of Executive Leadership Conceptual Review of CCT Empirical Review of CCT Conceptual Review of BCT and Evaluation Empirical Review of BCT and Evaluation Conceptual Review of SDM Models and Evaluation Empirical Review of SDM Models and Evaluation Conceptual Review of V/I Models and Evaluation Empirical Review of V/I Models and Evaluation Executive Leadership - An Integrated Model.
Introduction to Ochsner's Tenth Annual Research Day

Included in the current issue of The Ochsner Journal are the abstracts presented at Ochsner's Eleventh Annual Research Day that was held May 20, 2014. As in the past, the many activities planned for Research Day served as a catalyst for the exchange of ideas that forged new collaborations and
Spiral Waves Caused by a Passage of the LMC

This progress report on the deduction of an almost grazing orbit of the Large Magellanic Cloud from the warped shape of our Galaxy focused on two issues of special relevance to this Symposium: (i) Distance R 0. — An implausibly large mass (> 3 × 1010 M ⊙) of the LMC is needed to account for the observed warp even with the most optimal orbit, using Schmidt’s (1965) disk model of our Galaxy, or any close variant thereof. Although as yet only tentative, the inference seems to be that our distance R 0 from the galactic center has been overestimated; instead of the now ‘standard’ R 0 =10 kpc, these disk-bending calculations suggest a value more like the older R 0 ≅ 8 kpc. (ii) Forced spiral waves. — Even with the revised R 0, the sense of the LMC orbit remains ambiguous (though not the perigalactic distance of roughly 20 kpc nor the low absolute inclination of that orbit relative to the galactic plane). Neither the detailed shapes of the vertically bent model disks, nor any computed tidal effects of the Galaxy upon the LMC and SMC, either separately or as a system, rule out an LMC passage that is retrograde with respect to the galactic rotation, but all favor a direct passage as being the more plausible. The latter kind of passage, however, presents an embarrassment of riches. This is best illustrated by Figure 1.
Feast or Famine: Food and Drink in American Westward Expansion

Review of: "Feast or Famine: Food and Drink in American Westward Expansion," by Reginal Horsman.
An Analysis of Static, Dynamic, and Saltatory Vibrotactile Stimuli to Inform the Design of Efficient Haptic Communication Systems

The sense of touch is uniquely well-suited for displaying certain types of information, such as navigation instructions and some high-level messaging. As part of a line of research in developing a vibrotactile communication system to support person-to-person tactile messaging over a network, the present study examines the effectiveness and efficiency of three types of vibrotactile signal presentations for communicating spatial patterns. Participants identified spatial patterns presented statically (one or multiple locations vibrating at once), via non-overlapping dynamic sequences of presentations, and via saltatory presentations which induced the “apparent motion” tactile illusion. Signal complexity and presentation duration were also varied. The results suggest that both response time and accuracy are strongly dependent on the presentation method utilized, with static and saltatory presentations outperforming dynamic presentations. With more complex signals, the relative benefit of saltatory presentatio...
Hysteroscopic Fluid Monitoring Guidelines.

Safety and outcome of surgical procedures are clearly linked to adequate training. The criteria suggested below are minimal requirements and not absolute requirements as determined by the Board of Trustees of the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists. Surgeons are responsible for obtaining adequate training. Surgeons should not request privileges for procedures or the use of new technologies in which they have not received adequate training. This is especially true when new technologies are used. The burden for satisfying the adequacy of training and surgical competence of the surgeon before allowing direct patient care ultimately falls on the hospital/facility medical staff. Physicians seeking hysteroscopic training should: a. Be board eligible/certified in gynecology, b. Have unsupervised gynecologic privileges for patient care, OR c. Be in an accredited residency program in obstetrics and gynecology. The components of hysteroscopic training ideally will include: a. Didactic training. b. Hands-on laboratory training. c. Case observation (highly recommended). d. Preceptorship (highly recommended). The didactic portion should initially include diagnostic and operative hysteroscopy and be a minimum of 6 hours. It should be a CME-approved program and include: 1. Uterine anatomy 2. Options of distention media 3. Management of distention media 4. Energy sources 5. Instrumentation 6. Surgical indications and techniques for: a. diagnostic hysteroscopy b. adhesiolysis c. metroplasty d. polycystic ovary e. fibroid resection/vaporization f. endometrial ablation 7. Prevention and management ofhysteroscopic complications.
Studies on the Single Truss Tomato Culture

Our reseach on the single truss tomato culture was begun in an attempt to find out some means to increase the efficiency of tomato production. The results are summarized as follows1. Seeds of tomato cultivars FTVNR-3 and Dantobi-Yozu (self-topping variety) were sown nine times monthly on the 10th of each month from July 1974 to March 1975.The planting density was approximately 11, 000 plants per 10 a and the plants were all pinched at three leaves above the first inflorescence.2. Days from sowing to harvesting were about 170-188 in September, October, November and December sowings, about 140-155 in August, January and Feburuary sowings, and about 120 in March and July sowings respectively.Days after planting to harvesting were about 120 in September and October sowings, 85-100 in August, November and December sowings and about 65-75 in July, January, February and March sowings.3. The length and width of the uppermost leaf varied with sowing dates and these were affected principally by temperature. The stem length below the first inflorescence was determined by the temperature during propagation. Thus, it was much shorter in November, December and January sowings than in the other sowings.4. Total yields from each sowing over the year were in excess of 7 tons per 10 a, except for cultivar FTVNR-3 sown in October and cultivar Dantobi-Yozu sown in September.Percentage marketable fruits was, in both cultivars, as high as 85%, except for cultivar FTVNR-3 sown in October. Cultivar Dantobi-Yozu proved to be more suitable for single truss culture than cultivar FTVNR-3 since it produced stable yield throughout the year.5. The daily mean of solar radiation during the growth period and especially that during 30 days after anthesis were found to be highly correlated with the yield; the correlation coefficients being 0.758 (p<0.05) and 0.906 (p<0.001) to total yield and 0.774 (p<0.02) and 0.923 (p<0.001) to yield of marketable fruits, respectively.6. For a year-round cropping system of single truss tomatoes, however, seedlings should be planted at the stage just before the first anthesis to shorten the growing period of each crop, which is difficult to practice.Performance of three crops over the year is rather feasible by planting seedlings at five or six leaf stage and yet annual yield about 25 tons per 10 a can be obtained.7. Year-round culture of single truss tomatoes may increase the efficiency of tomato production and may bring profits to commercial growers, because 1) these plants give an annual yield higher than multi truss plants and their fruit quality is good, 2) the optimal environments are necessary to be kept only for the period of growth and development of the first inflorescence, which will simplify the cultivation and 3) the plants are supported by bar, thus the labour requirement for training is avoided.Furthermore, this cropping system makes it possible to make a planting programme over the year with flexibility from a viewpoint of the distribution of labor, and to regulate the production or shipping of tomato fruits taking aim at high price.
A constrained optimization model of risky decisions

Abstract A decision model is formulated for individual choices between gambles whose probabilities and payoffs are explicitly stated. The decision situation is characterized as R N = ( X , P , Z , T , α ) where X is a payoff matrix, P is the objective probability distribution over the states of nature, Z is a class of objective functions, T is tolerable regret and 1 − α is the maximum probability for accepting regrets greater than T . Given R N , the problem of selecting a strategy is the solution of a chance constrained optimization problem. The solutions for choice situations having two alternatives and n states of nature are developed in a series of theorems. Some implications for experimentation and possible applications are discussed.
Leadership Style and Leader Title

In a 2 by 4 design, leadership style (authoritarian versus democratic) was varied against form of address (Mr., Ms., Miss, Mrs.) in a simulated small group case study. Subjects (374 college and high school students) read the case study and then rated their reactions to the leaderson behavioral differential factors of “subordination” and “friendship.” These ratings indicate significant effects due to leader style (i.e., greater subordination and stronger friendship attraction to democratic rather than authoritarian leaders). Leader title produced no significantmain effects although authoritarian leaders using the title Ms. evoked higher subordination (p <.001) than other authoritarian leaders.
Evolving Partnerships: Academia, Pharma, and Venture Groups Adapt to Challenging Times

Several times a week, Markus Frank, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School, meets with scientists from Pfizer, with whom he is collaborating. Their mutual goal, which joins Frank and a postdoc with Pfizer antibody engineers, toxicologists, and other skilled hands, is to further develop a strategy for targeting stem cells in malignant melanoma that Frank has worked on for 6 years. There’s no need to commute to the pharmaceutical giant’s R&D facilities or connect through Skype.
Toxic, neurochemical and behavioral effects of dieldrin exposure in mallard ducks.

Toxic, neurochemical and behavioral alterations were evaluated in ducks fed various dietary levels of dieldrin. Increasing amounts of dieldrin in the diet caused an appreciable decrease in the levels of three biogenic amines in whole brain,i.e. serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. No effect was noted in whole brain gamma aminobutyric acid contents. Hepatic microsomal enzymes were assayed in these birds usingp-nitroanisol andO-ethyl-O-p-nitrophenyl benzenethionophosphate as substrates. Sublethal amounts of dieldrin caused an increase in hepatic drug metabolizing enzymes. Similar alterations were noted in liver protein, deoxyribonucleic acid and ribonucleic acid contents. Studies involving encounters between mallard drakes indicated a decline in the tendency for dieldrin exposed drakes to take the initiative and establish rights of access in approach confrontations. Although many of these changes are compatible with life processes, their significance is not well understood, especially in terms of lifelong exposure to persistent pesticides. The possible relationship between neurochemical alterations and the mechanisms of insecticide neurotoxicity is discussed.
Interactions of ambient temperature and photoperiod on deer mouse energetics

Abstract 1. 1. Male Peromyscus maniculatus were exposed to ambient temperatures of 10°C, 21°C and 30°C and photoperiods ranging from 4 hr to 20 hr of light/24 hr. Metabolic rate, catecholamine excretion, and locomotor activity was determined as a function of the environmental variables. 2. 2. Daily and summit metabolic rates were inversely correlated with ambient temperature. 3. 3. Daily catecholamine excretion was inversely correlated with ambient temperature. 4. 4. Long day photoperiod, independent of temperature, was correlated with an increase in active period metabolic rate. 5. 5. Overall locomotor activity was reduced upon exposure to 10°C compared to center replicate activity. 6. 6. Although locomotor activity level demonstrated night-time maxima, no statistically significant relationship between levels of wheel running and photoperiod was observed. 7. 7. Photoperiod, specifically time of dark onset, had a significant synchronizing effect on peak of motor activity and metabolic acrophase. The acrophase and periods of metabolic cycles were a proportional function of dark period length.
Practices that Support the Transition to Public Preschool Programs: Results from a National Survey.

Abstract The number of children participating in public school preschool programs has steadily increased over the last two decades. While the use of specific practices to support the transition to kindergarten has received a great deal of attention, there are little data on the use of transition practices by public school preschool teachers to support children's entry into the public school preschool setting. This article presents findings from a national sample of 2434 public school preschool teachers on the use of 25 transition practices to support the transition of young children into public school preschool programs. The study represents a collaborative extension of the National Center for Early Development and Learning (NCEDL) Kindergarten Transition Survey [Pianta, R. C., Cox, M. J., Taylor, L., & Early, D. (1999). Kindergarten teachers’ practices related to the transition to school: Results of a national survey. Elementary School Journal, 100 (1), 71–86]. Public school preschool teachers reported using an average of 12.81 of the 25 transition practices included in the survey, with a total of 12 of the 25 transition practices reportedly in use by 70% or more of teachers responding to the survey. Findings from this study indicate that three variables – training on the use of specific transition practices, classroom composition, and school context – were related to the use of transition practices by public school preschool teachers.
Attention to visual and kinesthetic components of skills.

Abstract The performance of skilled movements gives rise to several sources of feedback. It is important to determine whether and at what level these cues are used. This article considers their use at the highest level of conscious control. Several experimental techniques are outlined to investigate the role of attention in the processing of visual and kinesthetic cues during the acquisition, initiation and control of movements. The mere presence of a visual pattern disrupts the acquisition of a kinesthetic pattern, while the presence of a kinesthetic pattern does not affect the acquisition of a visual pattern unless the subject is forced to attend the kinesthetic information. In the initiation of simple movements, kinesthetic cues seem to be ignored when visual cues are present, even though this delays the initiation. These results support the view that vision dominates kinesthesis at the level of central attention. Attentional mechanisms are involved in the initiation and control of discrete movements. Within the context of a continuous tracking task anticipated corrections appear to demand more attention than those which are not anticipated.
Pillared porphyrin homologous series: intergrowth in metal-organic frameworks.

We report three new porphyrin-based, pillared paddle-wheel homologous series: porphyrin paddle-wheel frameworks PPF-3, -4, and -5. These compounds are assembled from free base or palladium tetrakis(4-carboxyphenyl)porphine, M(NO3)2 (M = Co and Zn), and 4,4′-bipyridine via solvothermal reactions. The resulting solids exhibit 3D metal−organic frameworks, where 2D layers are pillared by bipyridine with three different packing arrangements.
Culturally Shaped Patterns of Disciplining Children

Research indicates an association between parents’ disciplinary practices and their children’s developmental outcomes. Research also suggests that disciplinary practices vary with demographic factors such as class, ethnicity, and gender. This article draws on the Douglas-Wildavsky grid-group theory to explain the association between demographic factors and disciplinary practices in microsocial terms. This theory links disparate sets of core beliefs and value priorities to contrasting conceptions of the family (including distinctive orientations toward parenting) and parental preferences for different disciplinary strategies. Studies by other researchers provide empirical support for these linkages. This grid-group theory application contributes to theory development through (a) bridging macroexplanations and microexplanations by showing how culture contributes to shaping parental practices, (b) distinguishing rival sets of core beliefs and value priorities that help researchers and practitioners understan...
Comparative efficacy and cost of the prostaglandin analogs dinoprostone and misoprostol as labor preinduction agents

Abstract Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the relative efficacy and cost of three commercially available prostaglandin analogs, misoprostol (Cytotec), dinoprostone gel (Prepidil), and dinoprostone insert (Cervidil), as labor preinduction agents. Study design: One-hundred eleven women with an unfavorable cervix who underwent labor induction were assigned randomly to receive either misoprostol 50 μg every 6 hours for two doses, dinoprostone gel 0.5 mg every 6 hours for two doses, or dinoprostone insert 10 mg for one dose intravaginally. Twelve hours later, oxytocin induction was initiated per standardized protocol. Efficacy and cost of the labor preinduction/induction with the study treatments were compared. Results: Mean Bishop score change (±SD) over the initial 12-hour interval was significantly greater in the misoprostol group (5.2 ± 3.1) compared with the dinoprostone insert (3.2 ± 2.3) or the dinoprostone gel groups (2.2 ± 1.3, P
Discrete-time complementary models and smoothing

Abstract The fact that the smoothing error is a (wide sense) Markov process is somehow surprising since smoothed estimates depend upon both past and future data. In this paper we first give a simple and general proof of this fact. Then we use the so-called complementary models introduced by Weinert and Desai to derive forwards and backwards markovian models for the smoothing error in state-space models. By exploring the structure of the complementary models we show that, under certain restrictions, only two simple structured models exist, one that runs forwards in time and the other that runs backwards in time. The forwards complementary model leads to the forward Rauch-Tung-Striebel (RTS) smoothing formula and to a backwards markovian model for the error, whereas the backwards model leads to the backward RTS formula and to a forwards error model. The two models for the smoothing error can be derived one from the other by a forward-backward transformation that preserves the sample paths. Finally, by using...
Mechanistic Studies of Stereospecific Polymerization of Methacrylates Using a Cationic, Chiral ansa-Zirconocene Ester Enolate

Mechanistic studies of isospecific polymerization of methacrylates by a cationic, chiral ansa-zirconocene ester enolate complex, rac-(EBI)Zr+(THF)[OC(OiPr)CMe2][MeB(C6F5)3]- [1; EBI = C2H4(Ind)2], are reported. Complex 1 effects isospecific and living (co)polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) and n-butyl methacrylate (BMA), producing highly isotactic homopolymers and block copolymers with narrow molecular weight distributions and high initiator efficiencies. Investigations of statistical copolymerizations of MMA and BMA have yielded monomer reactivity ratios of rMMA = 0.62 and rBMA = 0.72 (the Kelen−Tudos method), indicating that the copolymer formed instantaneously has a somewhat alternating character. Studies of MMA polymerization kinetics have shown that propagation is first order in both concentrations of the monomer and the active species. The single MMA addition product, rac-(EBI)ZrMe[OC(OMe)C(Me)CH2C(Me2) C(OiPr)O] (3), has been isolated from the reaction between the neutral rac-(EBI)ZrMe[OC(...
Implementation intentions forge a strong cue–response link and boost prospective memory performance

Prospective memory (PM) performance (i.e., remembering to perform intentions) is often in the service of higher goals and thus could be improved through better self-regulation. We examined the effectiveness of three self-regulatory strategies in a laboratory event-based PM task: implementation intention (i.e., planning in an if/when–then format), rehearsal (i.e., planning not in an if/when–then format) and upward counterfactual (“if only…” thoughts about a past performance). The cue and response mentioned in all three strategies were held constant, such that only format and timing (past vs. future orientation) of the strategy varied. Results indicated that the implementation intention strategy strengthened the cue–response link and improved PM performance over baseline, relative to a control condition. Neither rehearsal nor counterfactual strategies had significant benefits, relative to a control condition. These findings suggest that the if/when–then plan format of implementation intentions may be a crit...
Established and theoretical factors to consider in assessing the red cell storage lesion

The collection and storage of red blood cells (RBCs) is a logistical necessity to provide sufficient blood products. However, RBC storage is an unnatural state, resulting in complicated biological changes, referred to collectively as the “storage lesion.” Specifics of the storage lesion have been studied for decades, including alterations to cellular properties, morphology, molecular biology of carbohydrates, proteins and lipids, and basic metabolism. Recently, mass spectrometry–based “omics” technology has been applied to the RBC storage lesion, resulting in many new observations, the initial effects of which are more information than understanding. Meanwhile, clinical research on RBC transfusion is considering both the efficacy and also the potential untoward effects of transfusing stored RBCs of different ages and storage conditions. The myriad biological changes that have now been observed during the storage lesion have been extensively reviewed elsewhere. This article focuses rather on an analysis of our current understanding of the biological effects of different elements of the storage lesion, in the context of evolving new clinical understanding. A synopsis is presented of both established and theoretical considerations of the RBC storage lesion and ongoing efforts to create a safer and more efficacious product.
Maternal psychological characteristics as influences on home visitation contact

The current investigation examines how women's psychological characteristics influence their use of home visitation services in programs for mothers and infants in Elmira, New York, and Memphis, Tennessee. Subjects were 99 White (in Elmira) and 207 predominantly African American (in Memphis) first-time mothers. They were recruited during pregnancy and were provided home visitation services by public health nurses until the child's second birthday. In the Elmira trial, variables measuring number of home visits and amount of telephone contact were regressed on a measure of maternal sense of control over life circumstances. Sense of control showed a linear and quadratic relationship to home visitation, with number of visits decreasing as sense of control increased. Phone contact, however, showed a positive linear relationship with sense of control, as did support from partner. In Memphis, similar results were seen with home visitation contact using a measure of psychological resources (comprised of maternal intellectual and mental-health functioning and copying style). These results are interpreted in terms of the nurses varying their contact with families based upon their perception of the mother's need. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Locating and Acquiring an Object In a Robot Workspace Using Multiple Stereo Images

A method is presented for locating an object which is introduced into a well modelled robot workspace. A sparse, accurate depth map of the object can be found by examining images of the workspace captured prior to introduction of the object, extracting visual edges from the old and new images, and suppressing old edges by a window-correlation technique. The resulting features can be matched within the stereo pair. This focus-of-attention strategy yields points on the object which are sufficiently numerous and accurate that the object may be acquired by a robot gripper.
A Robust and Efficient Message Passing Library for Volunteer Computing Environments

The objective of this research is to convert ordinary idle PCs into virtual clusters for executing parallel applications. The paper presents VolpexMPI that is designed to enable seamless forward application progress in the presence of frequent node failures as well as dynamically changing networks and node execution speeds. Process replication is employed to provide robustness. The central challenge in the design of VolpexMPI is to efficiently and automatically manage dynamically varying number of process replicas in different states of execution progress. The key fault tolerance technique employed is fully distributed sender based logging. The paper presents the design and an implementation of VolpexMPI. Preliminary results validate that the overhead of providing robustness is modest for applications with a favorable ratio of communication to computation and a low degree of communication.
THE PROLYTIC LOSS OF K FROM HUMAN RED CELLS

The prolytic loss of K., i.e. the loss of K which takes place from red cells exposed to hypolytic concentrations of lysins, has been measured in systems containing distearyl lecithin, sodium taurocholate, sodium tetradecyl sulfate, saponin, and digitonin, by means of the flame photometer. The lysins are added in various concentrations to washed red cells from heparinized human blood, and the K in the supernatant fluids is determined after various intervals of time and at various temperatures. The prolytic loss K(p) is compared in every experiment with the loss K(s) into standard systems containing isotonic NaCl alone, with no lysin. The losses K(s) and K(p) increase with time, so that new steady states are approached logarithmically. The values of K(p) which correspond to the new steady states depend on the lysin used, being greatest with taurocholate and smallest with digitonin. The temperature coefficient of the loss is positive, and the extent and course of the losses have no apparent relation to the prolytic shape changes. In systems in which the loss of K is appreciable, it can be inhibited by the addition of plasma or of either cholesterol or serum albumin. Of these two substances, even when used in quantities which have an approximately equal effect in inhibiting hemolysis, serum albumin is much the more effective. Just as the prolytic loss of K occurs without the loss of any Hb, so in concentrations of lysin sufficient to produce hemolysis the loss of K, expressed as a percentage of the total red cell K, increases much more rapidly with lysin concentration than does the loss of Hb expressed as a percentage of the total Hb. The explanation of these relations depends on whether the loss of K is treated as being all-or-none in the case of the individual cell or as being the result of the loss of part of the K from all of the cells. This point has still to be decided.
Diazepam reverses bombesin-induced gastric spasms and food intake reduction in the rat.

Bombesin (2-16 micrograms/kg, i.p.) produced abnormally large gastric contractions in intact rats consisting of increases in gastric pressure and motility. The effect was antagonized by diazepam (5 mg/kg, i.p.). The same dosage of diazepam abolished bombesin-induced food intake reduction. Diazepam by itself did not increase food intake above control levels. The time course of this behavioral antagonism was followed. There was no significant difference in the intake time course of diazepam-alone and diazepam-bombesin treatments, while there was a significant difference between the saline control and the bombesin-alone treatments. Intake of the saline control, the diazepam-alone and the diazepam-bombesin treatment terminated at the same level, while the bombesin-alone remained significantly different. Additionally, swift aversion to 8 micrograms/kg bombesin was obtained when flavored nutrient was substituted for flavored water, suggesting that the aversion developed as a consequence of interaction with the ingested diet. Abnormalities that result from intake reduction is due to the bombesin-produced intragastric abnormalities, and not by satiety.