cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Loss of GSK-3 Causes Abnormal Astrogenesis and Behavior in Mice

Altered activity of glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) is associated with psychiatric diseases and neurodegenerative diseases. GSK-3 is a key regulator in multiple aspects of neuronal differentiation in the brain. However, little is known about the role of GSK-3 in astrocyte development. To examine the role of GSK-3 in astrocytes, we generated a conditional knockout mouse using a glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-cre driver, in which the GSK-3 alpha and beta genes are deleted in astrocytes. We found that GFAP-cre-mediated GSK-3 deletion led to a larger brain. The number and size of astrocytes were increased in GSK-3 mutant brains. The levels of GFAP and phospho-STAT3, indicators of astrogenesis, were elevated in GSK-3 mutants. Furthermore, we found upregulation of astrocyte regulatory molecules such as phospho-AKT, phospho-S6, and cyclin D in GSK-3 mutant brains. Finally, GSK-3 mutant mice exhibited aberrant anxiety and social behavior. Our results suggest that GSK-3 plays a significant role in astrocyte development and behavioral control in mice.
Function theory of several complex variables

An introduction to the subject Some integral formulas Subharmonicity and its applications Convexity Hormander's solution of the $\bar\partial$ equation Solution of the Levi problem and other applications of $\bar\partial$ techniques Cousin problems, cohomology, and sheaves The zero set of a holomorphic function Some harmonic analysis Constructive methods Integral formulas for solutions to the $\bar\partial$ problem and norm estimates Holomorphic mappings and invariant metrics Manifolds Area measures Exterior algebra Vectors, covectors, and differential forms List of notation Bibliography Index.
Rotordynamic Coefficient Test Results for a Four-Stage Brush Seal

Experimental results are presented for the direct and cross-coupled stiffness and direct damping coefficients for a four-stage brush seal. Variable test parameters include the inlet pressure, pressure ratio, shaft speed, fluid prerotation, and seal spacing. Direct damping slightly increases with running speed; otherwise, the rotordynamic coefficients are relatively insensitive to changes in the test parameters. Cross-coupled stiffness is generally unchanged by increasing the inlet tangential velocity to the seals, in contrast to conventional labyrinth seals. Comparisons of test results for the four-stage brush seal with an eight-cavity labyrinth showed superior rotordynamic performance for the brush seal, namely, larger values for direct stiffness and lower values for the (destabilizing) cross-coupled stiffness coefficient.
Takeoff Predictions for Powered-Lift Aircraft

Takeoff predictions for powered lift short takeoff (STO) aircraft have been added to NASA Ames Research Center's aircraft synthesis (ACSYNT) code. The new computer code predicts the aircraft engine and nozzle settings required to achieve the minimum takeoff roll. As a test case, it predicted takeoff around rolls and nozzle settings for the YAV-8B Harrier that were close to the actual values. Analysis of takeoff performance for an ejector-augmentor design and a vectoring-nozzle design indicated that ground roll can be decreased, for either configuration, by horizontally moving the rear thrust vector closer to the center of gravity, by increasing the vertical position of the ram drag-vector, or by moving the rear thrust vector farther below the center of gravity.
Inhibition Of Quinone Oxidoreductase 2 Improves Learning In A Mouse Model Of Vascular Dementia (P1.237)

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the therapeutic potential of Quinone Oxidoreductase 2 (QR2) inhibition in a mouse model of vascular dementia. BACKGROUND: QR2 is a cytosolic flavoprotein that catalyzes the production of semiquinones which, through redox cycling, produce a high burden of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Recently, QR2 has been implicated in learning impairment and dementia. The enzyme is consistently up-regulated in the hippocampus of rat brains with age related learning decline, and was recently found to be increased in the hippocampus of humans diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Rats administered QR2 inhibitors show improved performance on water maze and other behavioral measures of learning and memory. Despite the mounting evidence of QR2 as a neuroprotective target, no study has investigated the therapeutic potential of QR2 inhibitors in an animal model of dementia. DESIGN/METHODS: We surgically induced cerebral hypo-perfusion in male C57B6 mice in order to replicate a well characterized mouse model of vascular dementia. We then administered a novel selective QR2 inhibitor or a non-selective QR2 inhibitor (Chloroquine) via daily IP injections. MRI and immunohistochemistry were used to quantitatively assess cerebral blood flow, oxidative stress, demyelination, and neuronal rarefication. Cognitive and motor decline was assessed with Morris water maze and rotarod. RESULTS: Mice who received a QR2 inhibitor declined less than vehicle injected controls on cognitive tasks, exhibiting decreased escape latency (P<.05) on the Morris water maze while spending significantly more time in the target quadrant (P<.001). QR2 inhibitors did not significantly increase cerebral blood flow as measured by MRI ADC-perfusion, but preliminary immunohistochemistry results show decreased microgliosis and astrocyte density in white matter tracts. CONCLUSIONS: Collectively, these results suggest a pathologic role for QR2 at both cellular and behavioral levels, while demonstrating the potential of small molecule QR2 inhibitors as novel neuroprotective agent in vascular dementia. Disclosure: Dr. Venkatraman has nothing to disclose. Dr. Dawson has nothing to disclose. Dr. Wang has nothing to disclose. Dr. Laskowitz has received personal compensation for activities with Astute Medical. Dr. Lascola has nothing to disclose.
Pregnancy: Preparation for the Next Generation

Ideally, good nutrition practices begin in the preconception period. Weight gain during pregnancy should be based on prepregnancy body mass index (BMI). Most nutrient requirements during pregnancy can be met through a carefully selected diet. However, all women of childbearing age should take a folic acid supplement, and some high-risk women can benefit from iron and/or calcium supplements. Nutrition remains an important concern during the postpartum period, especially for women who choose to breastfeed their infants. Referrals should be made for women in high-risk pregnancies, low-income women with high risk for poor nutrition, and women with concerns about breastfeeding.
Ageing in colloidal flocs: Effect of double-layer relaxation

Abstract A model for the time variation of the electrical repulsion force due to double-layer relaxation is presented. Two relaxation mechanisms, redistribution of charge within the Stern layer and interchange of charge between the Stern and diffuse parts of the double layer, can individually or jointly lead to repulsion force decay. Through a multipole expansion technique, this model was used to calculate magnitudes and rates of force decay for colloidal plates and spheres at a fixed interparticle separation. Results of the analysis are contrasted with the predictions of the traditional “constant-potential” and “constant-charge” modes of colloidal interaction.
Automaticity and the anxiety disorders

Experimental psychopathologists have increasingly relied upon the concepts and methods of cognitive psychology in their attempts to elucidate information-processing biases associated with anxiety disorders. Many of these biases presumably constitute instances of automatic, not strategic, processing. But research has shown that attributes of automaticity (i.e. capacity-free, unconsious, involuntary) do not all apply to selective processing of threat associated with anxiety. Experimental and clinical findings suggest that biases are automatic in the sense of being involuntary (and sometimes unconscious), but not in the sense of being capacity-free. Implications of involuntary automatic processing of threat for behavior therapy are discussed.
A computational study of leukocyte adhesion and its effect on flow pattern in microvessels.

Abstract Three-dimensional computational modeling and simulation are presented on the adhesive rolling of deformable leukocytes over a P-selectin coated surface in parabolic shear flow in microchannels. The computational model is based on the immersed boundary method for cell deformation and Monte Carlo simulation for receptor/ligand interaction. The simulations are continued for at least 1 s of leukocyte rolling during which the instantaneous quantities such as cell deformation index, cell/substrate contact area, and fluid drag remain statistically stationary. The characteristic ‘stop-and-go’ motion of rolling leukocytes, and the ‘tear-drop’ shape of adherent leukocytes as observed in experiments are reproduced by the simulations. We first consider the role of cell deformation and cell concentration on rolling characteristics. We observe that compliant cells roll slower and more stably than rigid cells. Our simulations agree with previous in vivo observation that the hydrodynamic interactions between nearby leukocytes affect cell rolling, and that the rolling velocity decreases inversely with the separation distance, irrespective of cell deformability. We also find that cell deformation decreases, and the cells roll more stably with reduced velocity fluctuation, as the cell concentration is increased. However, the effect of nearby cells on the rolling characteristics is found to be more significant for rigid cells than compliant cells. We then address the effect of cell deformability and rolling velocity on the flow resistance due to, and the fluid drag on, adherent leukocytes. While several earlier computational works have addressed this problem, two key features of leukocyte adhesion, such as cell deformation and rolling, were often neglected. Our results suggest that neglecting cell deformability and rolling velocity may significantly overpredict the flow resistance and drag force. Increasing the cell concentration is shown to increase the flow resistance and reduce the fluid drag. The reduced drag then results in slower and more stable rolling of the leukocytes with longer pause time and shorter step distance. But the increase/decrease in the flow resistance/fluid drag due to the increase in the cell concentration is observed to be more significant in case of rigid cells than compliant cells.
Adiabatic Theory for Fluctuation-Induced Transport on a Periodic Potential

Nonequilibrium fluctuations can provide energy to drive directed motion along a periodic surface. In this paper a model for fluctuation driven transport based on a rate theory approach is presented. Simple equations for the flow and efficiency of transport as functions of the fluctuation frequency and of the magnitude of an externally applied force are obtained.
Human‐Animal Bonds II: The Role of Pets in Family Systems and Family Therapy

The vast majority of pet owners regard their companion animals as family members, yet the role of pets in family systems and family therapy has received little attention in research, training, and practice. This article first notes the benefits of family pets and their importance for resilience. It then examines their role in couple and family processes and their involvement in relational dynamics and tensions. Next, it addresses bereavement in the loss of a cherished pet, influences complicating grief, and facilitation of mourning and adaptation. Finally, it explores the ways that clients' pets and the use of therapists' companion animals in animal-assisted therapy can inform and enrich couple and family therapy as valuable resources in healing.
Lymphocyte function-associated antigen 1 (LFA-1) and natural killer (NK) cell activity: LFA-1 is not necessary for all killer:Target cell interactions

A panel of five monoclonal antibodies detecting human lymphocyte function-associated antigen 1 (LFA-1) was generated and shown by competitive binding studies to react with at least four distinct epitopes on this molecule. The antibodies were then tested for their ability to inhibit the lytic activity of a variety of different human natural killer (NK) populations on a panel of four NK-susceptible target cells (K562, MOLT-4, HSB-2, and Jurkat). When heterogeneous NK populations derived from fresh peripheral blood and mixed-lymphocyte culture (MLC)-generated lines were used, these anti-LFA-1 monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) inhibited lysis of all four NK targets; this finding supports the notion that LFA-1 molecules play an important role in NK-mediated lysis. When tested on a cloned line of NK cells (NK 3.3), lysis of K562 was inhibited by these MAbs, but lysis of the other three targets was not affected. This represents an instance where a MAb specific for LFA-1 inhibits the lytic activity of NK cells against some but not all targets; thus the LFA-1 molecule cannot be considered under all circumstances to be an absolute requirement in NK-mediated lysis.
Self-structure and postpartum dejection in first-time mothers

Twenty-nine first-time mothers completed the Beck Depression Inventory (A. T. Beck, C. H. Ward, M. Mendelson, J. Mock, & J. Erbaugh, 1961) at Time 1 (3rd trimester) and at Time 2 (3-6 months after delivery). At Time 1, women described each of 20 self-aspects by repeatedly selecting from a list of 36 traits; they also reported the size of their social support network in a structured interview. At Time 2, the new mothers completed a short measure of mother role stress and described postpartum difficulties to an interviewer. The authors used HIerarchical CLASses (HICLAS; P. De Boeck & S. Rosenberg, 1988) to idiographically model each woman's self-descriptive data and to identify the class that contained each woman's most superordinate (cardinal) traits, which were then coded either as agentic or social-emotional. Postpartum difficulty predicted Time 2 dejection, but mother role stress and social network size did not. However, the content of the most superordinate trait class moderated the latter two effects. New mothers coded as agentic were more dejected than were new mothers coded as social-emotional when there was high mother role stress and when there was a large social support network.
Applying self-healing schemes to modern power distribution systems

Self-healing schemes in the context of power distribution systems have the objective of performing fault location, isolation, and service restoration in an automated fashion, i.e., without (or with limited) distribution system operator and repair crew intervention. Some of the intrinsic benefits of this smart distribution technology are increased reliability due to outage duration reduction, more efficient use of personnel and resources (crews, operators, vehicles, etc), and increased operational flexibility. Reliability is naturally increased since less time is needed for locating and isolating faulted feeder areas, as well as for restoring customers located on healthy feeder sections. Self-healing schemes are an inherent part of the Smart Grid and are expected to play a fundamental role in modern and future distribution systems. It is worth noting that the switchgear technology (protective and switching devices, including adaptive protection), sensors, enterprise systems and communications infrastructures required for the implementation of self-healing schemes represent the basis for the execution of other smart distribution applications such as automated system reconfiguration and optimization. Therefore, a growing number of self-healing projects are being implemented by utilities as part of their power delivery modernization plans. This paper discusses the estimation of reliability benefits of self-healing schemes, with emphasis on Fault Location, Identification and Service Restoration (FLISR) applied to real distribution feeders.
Coactivation and comprehension: contribution of text variables to the illusion of knowing

When a reader’s self-assessment of comprehension is high, but an objective assessment reveals that comprehension is faulty, an illusion of knowing has occurred. This illusion is observed when subjects who have been instructed to find contradictions between sentences in an otherwise coherent text fail to do so, but claim comprehension of the text. Three variables intended to modulate the frequency of contradiction detection and hence the illusion of knowing were manipulated. Illusions of knowing were more frequent when the contradictions involved inferences, when the contradictory sentences were in separate paragraphs, and when contradictory sentences used paraphrase to convey the same concepts. These effects are related to an activation account of contradiction detection.
Comparison of Light Weight Deflectometer Measurements for Pavement Foundation Materials

Light weight deflectometers (LWDs) are increasingly being used in earthwork QC/QA testing to provide rapid determination of elastic modulus, which is an essential input for mechanistic pavement design. To successfully implement the use of these devices, it is important to understand how operating conditions affect the measurements and if differences exist between the various manufacturer devices. This paper provides a review of basic principles, different manufacturer LWD equipment, and correlations between LWD elastic modulus (ELWD) and moduli determined from other in-situ testing devices. Comparison test measurements for three different LWD devices with different plate diameters, plate contact stresses, buffer stiffnesses, and measurement techniques, and correlations with static plate load test measurements are reported in this paper.
Linear Graphs for Understanding Acid–Base Titrations

The dependence of the various concentrations on the progress of an acid-base titration can be visualized in the form of linear graphs.
Intercoronary Communication Between Left Anterior Descending Artery and Totally Occluded Right Coronary Artery

The author presents a patient with chronic total occlusion of the right coronary artery with a large lumen communication to the distal left anterior descending artery as a single conduit. The diameter of this connection was very large and equaled the distal left anterior descending artery diameter. The unusual finding of a large lumen connection between the left anterior descending artery and right coronary artery most likely represents a congenital coronary anomaly.
Exact λ -numbers of generalized Petersen graphs of certain higher-orders and on Möbius strips

An L(2,1)-labeling of a graph G is an assignment f of nonnegative integers to the vertices of G such that if vertices x and y are adjacent, |f(x)-f(y)|>=2, and if x and y are at distance two, |f(x)-f(y)|>=1. The @l-number of G is the minimum span over all L(2,1)-labelings of G. A generalized Petersen graph (GPG) of order n consists of two disjoint copies of cycles on n vertices together with a perfect matching between the two vertex sets. By presenting and applying a novel algorithm for identifying GPG-specific isomorphisms, this paper provides exact values for the @l-numbers of all GPGs of orders 9, 10, 11, and 12. For all but three GPGs of these orders, the @l-numbers are 5 or 6, improving the recently obtained upper bound of 7 for GPGs of orders 9, 10, 11, and 12. We also provide the @l-numbers of several infinite subclasses of GPGs that have useful representations on Mobius strips.
Contrasting patterns of hydraulic redistribution in three desert phreatophytes

We measured sap flow in taproots, lateral roots and stems within a single individual in each of three co-occurring tree species in a Chihuahuan desert arroyo to assess the seasonality and magnitude of hydraulic redistribution. Nocturnal reverse flow (hydraulic redistribution) was detected in shallow lateral roots of Fraxinus velutina and Juglans major during periods when surface soils were dry. Reverse flow in the Fraxinus lateral root ranged from near zero to 120 g h-1, and was inversely correlated with nighttime vapor pressure deficit (D), suggesting that nighttime transpiration may have inhibited hydraulic redistribution. Reverse flow in the Juglans lateral root ranged from near zero to 18 g h-1. There was no relationship between reverse flow and nighttime D in the Juglans lateral root, despite a weak positive relationship between nighttime D and rates of basipetal flow (flow towards the stem) in the taproot. Reverse flow in Fraxinus and Juglans ceased when surface soils were wetted by monsoon rains and flooding. We found no reverse flow or seasonal variation in root sap flow in Celtis reticulata. However, basipetal sap flow in Celtis roots continued throughout most of the evening, even during periods when D was near zero, and commenced in the morning more than two hours after the onset of sap flow in the main stem. Patterns of nocturnal root sap flow in Celtis may have been facilitated by the diurnal withdrawal from, and refilling of above ground storage compartments (i.e. above ground diurnal storage capacity), which may have prevented hydraulic redistribution. Species differences in nocturnal root function may have significant impacts on ecosystem hydrological fluxes, and should be considered when scaling fluxes to catchment, landscape, and regional levels.
Language-rich discussions for English language learners

Abstract A study involving 75 Spanish-speaking fifth graders from a school in the Chicago area investigated whether a peer-led, open-format discussion approach, known as Collaborative Reasoning, would accelerate the students’ English language development. Results showed that, after participating in eight discussions over a four-week period, the CR group performed significantly better than the control group on measures of listening and reading comprehension. The CR group produced more coherent narratives in a storytelling task. The reflective essays written by the CR group were longer; contained more diverse vocabulary; and contained a significantly greater number of satisfactory reasons, counterarguments, and uses of text evidence. CR discussions also enhanced students’ interest and engagement in discussions, perceived benefits from discussions, and attitudes toward learning English.
Percolation routing in a three-dimensional multicomputer network topology using optical interconnection

We investigate the network communication behavior of a three-dimensional (3D) multicomputer system using optical interconnection in which faulty nodes are left in place, a concept called
Safety and short-term outcomes of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy as a revisional approach for failed laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding in the treatment of morbid obesity.

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) has been used as a first step of a two-stage approach in bariatric surgery for high-risk patients. Recently, LSG is being utilized as a primary and final procedure for morbid obesity with acceptable short-term results. The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of LSG as a revisional procedure for patients with unsatisfactory outcomes after laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LAGB). A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database was performed. Data were reviewed for all patients undergoing revision from LAGB to LSG during the period May 2005 and May 2009. Data collected included demographics, indication for revision, operative time, length of stay, postoperative complications, and degree of weight reduction. Fifteen patients (three males and 12 females) had revisional surgery converting a LAGB to a LSG. The indication in four patients (26.66%) was weight regains and in five patients (33.33%) was poor weight loss; four patients (26.66%) had a band slippage and symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux, and one patient (6.66%) had poor weight loss, band slippage, and reflux. In one patient (6.66%), the indication was slippage and duodenal fistula. One-step revision procedure was done in 13 patients (86.66%), while two-step procedure was done in two patients (13.33%). Mean preoperative weight and BMI were 233.02 (181.4–300) lb and 38.66 (29.7–49.3) kg/m2, respectively. Mean weight loss at 2, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months postoperatively was 20.7, 48.3, 57.2, 60.1, and 13.5 lb, respectively. Mean % excess BMI loss was 28.9%, 64.2%, 65.3%, 65.7%, and 22.25% at 2, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months, respectively. There was one major complication (staple line leak) and one postoperative acute gastric outlet obstruction. We had no mortality. Thirteen patients were followed up postoperatively. The number decreased as follow-up time progressed. LSG could provide short-term weight loss after previously failed LABG, but prone to more complications compared to an initial LSG without a prior bariatric procedure.
Image Segmentation Algorithms

The paper describes a sequence of algorithms used to perform segmentation of aerial images of natural terrain for the purpose of extracting features pertinent to cartographic applications. Topics include image filtering, labeling, automated editing and refinement of the segmentation within a resolution pyramid. These techniques are considered to be preprocessing activities which will, in general, require some editing by trained cartographers. The objective of this work is to minimize the tedium of feature extraction using algorithms that do not require excessive computational overhead.
Patch testing for allergies.

Purpose of review Patch testing has rapidly become an important clinical allergy tool, but is underutilized in the evaluation of complex patients, especially when these patients have skin disorders and respiratory allergies, food allergies, or eosinophilic enteritis. Learning when and how to use patch tests thus adds to any practitioner's diagnostic abilities. Recent findings This review discusses selected studies from the past year, grouped into immunology, pediatric testing, contact allergy, food allergy, and drug allergy. Summary Patch tests can detect a wide range of sensitivities to inorganic and organic chemicals, drugs, biologic molecules, inhalants acting as contactants, food allergens, allergens that have not been commercially extracted, and solid allergens. Because patch tests detect the full range of immunologic reactions, Gell and Coombs type I to IV, they may be uniquely reactive when other allergy tests are negative. Because of the large number of published studies that utilize patch testing, clinicians often can use a literature search of prior studies of similar problems, or for particular allergens, to choose technical details that make successful patch testing more likely.
Isolation and structural elucidation of a triterpenoid saponin from guar, Cyamopsis tetragonoloba

Abstract A new saponin has been isolated from the methanolic extract of the seed meal of Cyamopsis tetragonoloba and its structure elucidated as 3-O-{[α- L -rhamnopyranosyl(1 → 2)]-[α- L -rhamnopyranosyl(1 → 4)]-β- D -glucopyranosyl(1 → 2)-
Brain cholinesterase activities of birds from forests sprayed with trichlorfon (Dylox) and carbaryl (Sevin-4-oil)

Brain cholinesterase activities were determined in birds from forests sprayed with Dylox2 at 1.13 kg/hectare (1 1b/acre — active ingredient [a.i.]) or Sevin-4-oil2 at 1.13 kg/hectare (1 1b/acre — a.i.) for up to 5 days postspray. Of ten bird species evaluated from the Dylox spray area, four species represented by six individuals had values which were depressed more than 2 standard deviations below the mean. Three of these activities (two species) were about 20% less than the mean. Of 12 species evaluated from the Sevin-4-oil spraying, three individuals representing three species had depressed values. One value was depressed greater than 20% below the mean. Half of the depressed activities were in canopy-dwelling birds collected on the day of spray.
Vertical variations in the N2 mass mixing ratio during a thermospheric storm that have been simulated using a coupled magnetosphere‐ionosphere‐thermosphere model

[1] The Center for Integrated Space Weather Modeling's (CISM) suite of models was run together to simulate the passage of an idealized coronal mass ejection (CME) from the Sun's corona to geospace. The resulting interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) pattern included a period during which Bz was southward. The effects of this CME were then propagated through the Lyon-Fedder-Mobarry (LFM) model of the magnetosphere to study its influence on the Earth's ionosphere and thermosphere. The effect of these changes on the thermosphere ionosphere nested grid (TING) model was to drive a large ionospheric and thermospheric storm. This storm had higher potentials than one would expect from the magnitude of the southward excursion of Bz. Changes in N2 mmrs were analyzed to investigate their height variations rather than attempting to make any detailed comparison with data. Several conclusions were drawn from this study: (1) The results were consistent with previous data and modeling studies of composition changes on a horizontal surface; (2) neutral composition was severely affected by this storm with large increases in the relative densities of the molecular species first being seen in the high and middle latitudes of the night and early morning sectors and later at all local times; (3) the observed changes were larger than might be expected from the IMF; (4) most upwelling occurred in the dayside auroral oval; far less upwelling occurred in the nightside auroral oval; (5) the large-scale circulation of the storm on the nightside created an overturning in the middle latitudes; (6) this overturning was primarily the result of molecular-rich air being transported horizontally over air that was not as rich in the molecular species; (7) the overturning acted as a diffusive barrier that prevented molecular diffusion from driving recovery to the thermosphere's quiet time compositional distribution; (8) the large-scale circulation has the potential to directly mix the thermosphere on relatively short timescales.
Ecdysial failures in the cotton boll weevil: synergism of diflubenzuron with juvenile hormone

Abstract The frequency and etiology of ecdysial failures occurring during the pupal-adult transformation of the cotton boll weevil, Anthonomus grandis , was studied after treatment with juvenile hormone (JH) and/or diflubenzuron (DFB). Failure at emergence was the result of inability of the adult insects to escape from their pupal exuviae. Teratogenic effects in the form of pupal-adult intermediates or adults with pupal characters were not obtained with JH or DFB treatment after the larval-pupal ecdysis. Combining JH with the DFB treatment yielded a synergistic response that increased the frequency of ecdysial failures about sevenfold when applied in the later pupal stages. The fine structure of the abdominal cuticle of adults experiencing ecdysial failure after treatment with JH as white-eyed pupae exhibited granular deposits within the lamellar region and interference with deposition of the nonlamellate endocuticle. DFB treatment of the earlier pupal stages interfered with deposition of the lamellate cuticle by eliminating or reducing the lamellar structure. It was concluded that the primary interaction of JH with DFB was that of extending or reinitiating DFB sensitivity in the later pharate adult. A secondary interaction may involve inhibition of cuticle hardening as both JH and DFB appear to inhibit the tanning process of adults treated as white-eyed pupae.
Temporal Landscapes of Morality in Narrative: Student Evaluation in a Thai Parent-Teacher Conference

As many scholars have noted, narrative is a fundamental human tool for making sense of life experience. Although often described as a mode of relating experience that organizes events along temporal dimensions, research has also shown how participants in narrative activity explore the experiential logic of events by theorizing and evaluating the causes, consequences, responses and attempts to deal with problematic or unexpected situations. This article explores how educators and parents evaluate the moral identity of a problematic student through narrative activity in a Thai parent—teacher conference. Drawing on Taylor's (1989) conceptualization of `the good' as a moral space of questions within which modern persons orient themselves, the article extends Taylor's metaphor of orienting persons in moral space to orienting them in time. Focusing in particular on the use of tense, aspect and modality in temporal perspective taking, the analysis focuses on how narrators discursively configure an ideal moral la...
Isopach pattern of the Lower Cambrian Zabriskie Quartzite, Death Valley region, California-Nevada: How useful in tectonic reconstructions?

New thickness measurements of the Lower Cambrian Zabriskie Quartzite indicate an original isopach pattern much less regular than once supposed, and thus less useful as an indicator of the magnitude of lateral slip on the Death Valley fault system. But within a wide range of possible restorations, the isopachs conform with the locations of Proterozoic highlands and basins. The Zabriskie Quartzite, being mature, laterally persistent, and, unlike the underlying formations, devoid of evidence of rifting, apparently records the beginning of the passive stage of the developing Cordilleran miogeocline.
Urea and osmotic properties of tapeworms from elasmobranchs.

Abstract Incubation of Calliobothrium verticillatum in salt solutions showed that the worms change in wet weight as a function of the salt content of the medium and that chloride is gained or lost depending on the concentration in the medium. Evidence is presented to show that the addition of urea to salt solutions prevents an initial imbibition of water observed in all salt solutions used. Similar data were obtained with Anthobothrium and Inermiphyllidium. It was shown that the blood and spiral valve fluids of the hosts and freshly collected worms have a high content of urea. In Calliobothrium, urea makes up 3.7% of the dry weight of the animal. Urea is lost from the worm on incubation in urea-free media and the concentration in the worm is a function of the concentration of urea in incubation media. There is an inverse relationship of tissue chloride in the worm and concentration of urea in incubation media. Permeability of the worms to urea and water is affected by deletion of calcium from salt solutions in which they are incubated. Tetrabothrius erostris and Hymenolepis diminuta undergo irreversible hydration when urea is added to salt solutions which are isosmotic. The trematodes, Cryptocotyle, Himasthla, Zoogonoides, Lepocreadium and Lecithaster and the turbellarians, Planocera and Hoploplana, are immobilized by the addition of urea to salt solutions in which these worms normally remain active for considerable periods. Bdelloura, a symbiotic triclad, was not affected by addition of urea to sea water. The data are discussed in terms of the possible special roles of urea in the biology of tetraphyllideans and as a barrier to the exploitation of elasmobranchs as habitats by other helminths.
Federalist Institutions, Voting Behavior, and Party Systems in Spain

With the establishment of the 17 autonomous communities in Spain in the early 1 980s, representation has been compounded. This articles assesses the empirical implications of compounded representation in Spain by analyzing regional, national, and European electoral data over time. Comparisons are also drawn across Spanish regions. In addition, the article discusses the effects of compounded representation on party systems and government formation in the regions. Voting patterns vary depending on the level of election and also across regions. Party systems, subjective regional identity, and types of government in the regions are linked as well. The evidence suggests that the federalization of Spain has compounded representation by adding new layers of elections and representative institutions.
Proton-induced degradation of VUV transmission of LiF and MgF 2

Proton-induced degradation of vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) transmittance of LiF and MgF2 was measured for 85- and 600-MeV protons for a fluence up to 2.8 x 10 to the 13th p/sq cm. Transmittances were measured from 105 to 210 nm. When the irradiation level for a given material is expressed in terms of absorbed energy per unit of volume of crystal, 85- and 600-MeV protons produce the same degradation. MgF2 is substantially more radiation resistant than LiF in the VUV. Irradiation of LiF with 1.8 x 10 to the 13th p/sq cm at 85 MeV changed the transmittance of the hydrogen Ly-alpha line at 121.6 nm from 55 to 23%. The corresponding change for MgF2 was from 52 to 42% for 2.8 x 10 to the 13th p/sq cm.
Persistent sex-by-environment effects on offspring fitness and sex-ratio adjustment in a wild bird population

Summary A major component of sex-allocation theory, the Trivers–Willard model (TWM), posits that sons and daughters are differentially affected by variation in the rearing environment. In many species, the amount of parental care received is expected to have differing effects on the fitness of males and females. When this occurs, the TWM predicts that selection should favour adjustment of the offspring sex ratio in relation to the expected fitness return from offspring. However, evidence for sex-by-environment effects is mixed, and little is known about the adaptive significance of producing either sex. Here, we test whether offspring sex ratios vary according to predictions of the TWM in the house wren (Troglodytes aedon, Vieillot). We also test the assumption of a sex-by-environment effect on offspring using two experiments, one in which we manipulated age differences among nestlings within broods, and another in which we held nestling age constant but manipulated brood size. As predicted, females with high investment ability overproduced sons relative to those with lower ability. Males were also overproduced early within breeding seasons. In our experiments, the body mass of sons was more strongly affected by the sibling-competitive environment and resource availability than that of daughters: males grew heavier than females when reared in good conditions but were lighter than females when in poor conditions. Parents rearing broods with 1:1 sex ratios were more productive than parents rearing broods biased more strongly towards sons or daughters, suggesting that selection favours the production of mixed-sex broods. However, differences in the condition of offspring as neonates persisted to adulthood, and their reproductive success as adults varied with the body mass of sons, but not daughters, prior to independence from parental care. Thus, selection should favour slight but predictable variations in the sex ratio in relation to the quality of offspring that parents are able to produce. Offspring sex interacts with the neonatal environment to influence offspring fitness, thus favouring sex-ratio adjustment by parents. However, increased sensitivity of males to environmental conditions, such as sibling rivalry and resource availability, reduces the fitness returns from highly male-biased broods.
Stability of nonlinear systems with three time scales

We study the asymptotic stability of a singularly perturbed nonlinear time-invariant systemSɛv, which has three vastly different time scales. The systemSɛv is approximated by three simpler systems over different time intervals. We give a straightforward proof of the fact that the asymptotic stability ofSɛv is guaranteed when the equilibrium points of the three simpler systems are exponentially stable and when the parametersɛ andν are sufficiently small.
Bovine adenovirus vectored vaccine for avian influenza

Reports of avian influenza in humans over the past several years have raised concerns about a potential H5N1 influenza pandemic. The development of a vaccine against H5N1 influenza is therefore an important research priority. In this issue of Molecular Therapy, Singh and colleagues1 report the construction of a bovine adenovirus serotype 3 (BAd3)–based vector expressing the hemagglutinin (HA) protein from the H5N1 influenza virus.
Quantification of benzaldehyde and its precursors in montmorency cherry (Prunus cerasus L.) kernels

Kernels from Michigan-grown tart cherry Prunus cerasus L. cv. Montmorency were frozen at −40°C, lyophilized, crushed and extracted sequentially with hexane and methanol. Amygdalin, mandelonitrile and benzaldehyde were present in the kernel extracts and were quantified by high performance liquid chromatography. Amygdalin was found to be the major component, while free mandelonitrile is detected for the first time in the tart cherry pit kernels.
Mycophenolate mofetil for the treatment of scleritis

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the usefulness of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) (CellCept, Roche, Nutley, NJ), an antimetabolite immunosuppressant with a selective antiproliferative effect on T and B lymphocytes, for the treatment of scleritis. Design Retrospective, noncomparative case series. Participants Eight patients with scleritis treated with MMF in a tertiary referral center. Methods Review of the clinical records of patients evaluated at the National Eye Institute and prescribed MMF for the treatment of scleritis. Main outcome measures Control of scleral inflammation, the ability to taper prednisone or other immunosuppressive medications, and adverse events were recorded for each patient. Mycophenolate mofetil was determined to be an effective steroid-sparing agent if the daily prednisone dosage could be reduced by 50% or more and was determined to be an effective adjunctive immunosuppressive agent if the scleral inflammation was controlled in patients with active scleritis. Results Four patients with diffuse anterior scleritis, two with necrotizing scleritis with inflammation, one with nodular anterior scleritis, and one with nodular anterior and posterior scleritis, were identified. Mycophenolate mofetil administration was initiated as a steroid-sparing agent in 4 patients with controlled scleritis and as an additional immunosuppressive agent in 4 patients with active scleritis receiving concomitant treatment with prednisone and cyclosporine or methotrexate. In 3 of the 4 patients started on MMF as a steroid-sparing agent, the scleritis remained controlled while the prednisone dosage was tapered by more than 50%. One of the patients started on MMF as a steroid-sparing agent had recurrent scleritis, and each of the patients with active scleritis continued to have persistent scleral inflammation requiring additional immunosuppressive therapy. Adverse effects recorded in 4 of the 8 patients included a rash, gastrointestinal symptoms, paresthesias, and laboratory evidence of hepatotoxicity and renal toxicity. Conclusions Although MMF maybe be useful as a steroid-sparing agent, it was not effective as an adjunctive immunosuppressive agent in patients with active scleritis in our small, tertiary referral series. The adverse effects encountered with the use of MMF in this study cannot be attributed conclusively to MMF and are more likely complications of the multiagent systemic immunosuppressive therapy required for the treatment of recalcitrant scleritis.
PROBING FRICTION FORCES USING GECKO MATERIALS

Geckos can cling to almost any surface using dense arrays of microscopic hierarchical hairs called setae. The flat, regular, terminal branches of the setae adhere by the van der Waals dispersion force, and the mechanics of the gecko attachment scheme are a current topic among biologists and researchers in smart materials for adhesion. We studied the friction behavior of natural gecko arrays. Our experiments demonstrate the presence of velocity strengthening dynamic friction over the range of velocities from 5×10−4 to 158 mm/s and a range of specimen elastic moduli from 1.1 to 3.6 GPa. From these dynamic experiments, we calculate low-v activation volumes between 1500 and 3000 nm3. Since these volumes are 3 orders of magnitude larger then are typical for bulk materials, we conclude that there is weak coupling between individual sliding contacts in the gecko system.
Excimer laser as a source for thin Cu film deposition for use in electronic device fabrication

ABSTRACT Investigations are carried out to characterize Cu deposition from a solid target using a XeCl, 28nspulse width, excimer laser at energies between 2- 1 5 J/cm2. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) studiesof the target surface revealed sputtering effects, droplet formation and surface waves. Density per unitsubstrate area of droplet-like-Cu particles transferred from the target is a function of frequency, depositiontime, state of the target surface and power density. Mass and charge collected at the substrate are obtainedas a function of distance to the target. Mass deposition as a variation of laser beam to target angle,facetting angle at feature edges and grain size as a function of substrate bias were measured. Fill shapeevolution of micron size holes are obtained. An energy threshold for Cu-ion generation is extrapolatedfrom the measured ion current vs. energy in. 1. INTRODUCTION An investigation into the use of a pulsed high power XeC1 excimer laser for Cu deposition ontomicroelectronic components was undertaken based on early promising results of K.Perry1 et.al. They wereable to fill micrometer features with an aspect ratio (height-to-width) of 1.5 on polyimide patterns, i.e., attemperatures significantly below metal flow.The unique characteristics of laser deposition are the transfer of a very intense plasma generated at thetarget surface to the substrate, very short pulse width (28ns) and, therefore, thermal diffusion depths thateconomically heat only the surface. Single event 308nm photons (4eV) have insufficient energy toovercome the Cu work-function (4.5eV). At least two photon collisions are necessary for ionization withresidual energy dissipated in surface heating, plasma absorption and kinetic energy. Other losses may alsobe present. The objective of this paper is to characterize an excimer laser deposition system as a possibledeposition tool for Cu, building on the initial work of Perry et.al.
The controlled potential coulometric and controlled potential polarographic determinations of substituted nitrobenzene compounds in dimethylsulfoxide

Abstract The n-values for the reduction of the isomers of nitrophenol and nitrobenzoic acid and for several other nitro compounds were determined in dimethylsulfoxide by controlled potential coulometry. A procedure is given in which one μmole of nitro compound may be determined in less than 8 min with an error of approximately ±l%. The associated background currents were quantitatively evaluated, and electrolysis conditions for their minimization were discussed. A procedure and results are given for the controlled potential polarography of these nitro compounds in dimethylsulfoxide.