cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Intergenerational Energy Balance Interventions: A Systematic Literature Review

Many nations have witnessed a dramatic increase in the prevalence of obesity and overweight across their population. Recognizing the influence of the household environment on energy balance has led many researchers to suggest that intergenerational interventions hold promise for addressing this epidemic. Yet few comprehensive reviews of intergenerational energy balance interventions have been undertaken. Our review of the literature over the past decade revealed that intergenerational intervention approaches to enhance energy balance use a broad array of designs, target populations, and theoretical models, making results difficult to compare and "best practices" challenging to identify. Additional themes include variation in how interventions incorporate the intergenerational component; an increasing acknowledgment of the importance of ecological models; variations in the location of interventions delivery; diversity in the intervention flexibility/structure, intensity, and duration; and variation in outcomes and measures used across studies. We discuss implications and future directions of intergenerational energy balance approaches.
Comparison of the intercondylar distance and the interfacial width as used with the electronic pantograph.

Abstract The electronic pantograph (Pantronic) records mandibular movements and computes the articulator settings. The Pantronic pantograph does not determine the intercondylar distance but approximates it from the interfacial width at the condyles. An average distance of 12.5 mm is subtracted from each side to determine the intercondylar distance. This study recorded 45 patients' articulator intercondylar distances that had been set from a mechanical pantograph and they were compared with the Pantronic's approximation. The difference between the interfacial width and the actual intercondylar distance was 15.1 mm on the right side and 14.9 mm on the left side. A numerical value of 15.0 mm was statistically superior to the Pantronic's 12.5 mm in estimating the average distance between the intercondylar distance and the surface of the skin at the condyle. No statistically significant difference was found between the differences of interfacial width and intercondylar distance values for men and women ( p > 0.05). The mean intercondylar distance was 56.5 mm on the right side and 56.7 mm on the left side. A statistically significant difference was found between the mean intercondylar distances of men and women ( p
Pharmacoeconomics of lipid-lowering drugs.

The widespread use and high cost of lipid-lowing drugs have resulted in numerous investigations of their cost effectiveness. Pharmacoeconomic analyses have considered initiation of treatment, maintenance therapy, and long-term outcomes of lipid-lowering therapy. Analyses have yielded a number of consistent messages, but the story continues to evolve as new trials, models, and drugs are introduced. Certain medications are more efficacious and associated with more cost-effective lipid-lowering therapy initiation. Other medications are lower priced and may be more cost effective for maintenance, contingent upon having achieved lipid-lowering goals. Finally, some medications have proven long-term cost effectiveness in trials and comparative cost effectiveness in models. Research is certain to further our understanding of the costs of lipid-lowering therapy and the methods needed to optimize expenditures.
A blind-friendly photography application for smartphones

Photography is a visual way to capture a moment in time. Photos can be used for artistic expression, and to remember significant events. Because photo taking, organizing and sharing traditionally requires visual information, those with no or limited sight often have problems with these activities. Previous work has made photo capturing without sight easier, however, there is little work that makes photo browsing and sharing blind-accessible. My dissertation research aims at facilitating independence for blind persons to take, organize and share photos through user-centered development of a smartphone application that can be used without sight. The work starts with an investigation of current practices of blind persons in these activities, continued with a review of existing applications, and finally the design and long-term evaluation of the application.
HUMAN INFLUENCES ON TROPHIC CASCADES ALONG ROCKY SHORES

A three-trophic-level interaction among American Black Oystercatchers (Haematopus bachmani), limpets (Lottia spp.), and erect fleshy algae in rocky intertidal communities of central and southern California was documented via manipulative and “natural” experiments. Removal of the territorial limpet (Lottia gigantea) initially caused large increases in the percent cover of erect fleshy algae, followed by a more gradual increase in density of small limpets (Lottia spp.) and a decline in algal cover. Algal cover increased following the removal of small limpets at the sites from which L. gigantea had been removed earlier, thus demonstrating that the large and small limpets had similar inhibitory effects on plant populations. A comparison of sites with and without oystercatchers showed that L. gigantea occupied substrate inclinations in proportion to their availability at sites where oystercatchers were rare, whereas the distribution of L. gigantea was skewed toward vertically inclined substrates where oystercatchers were common. Survival rates of limpets translocated to horizontal and vertical substrates were similar in sites lacking oystercatcher predation, but were much lower on horizontal substrates where oystercatchers were common. Our results are consistent with those from several prior studies in demonstrating that shorelines frequented by humans typically lack oystercatchers. Humans also exploit L. gigantea and reduce populations to low densities of small individuals. These findings may explain why the midlittoral zone of rocky intertidal communities in western North America are so often dominated by high population densities of small limpets.
Management of heart transplant recipients: Guidelines for the obstetrician-gynecologist

As the number and survival time of heart transplant recipients continue to increase, their quality of life, including sexuality and childbearing, have become important issues. Reproduction is possible for both male and female patients after the transplant. Counseling for contraception when sterilization is not desired must take into account the increased risk of infection and genital carcinoma associated with immunosuppressant drug therapy. Teratogenicity has not been reported either with traditional immunosuppressive agents (prednisone, azathioprine) or with cyclosporine. Osteoporosis prophylaxis is particularly important in the female heart transplant recipient, because the chronic use of prednisone increases this risk. Guidelines are provided to counsel patients in these areas.
Heparin-induced lipolysis and feeding behavior in sheep

The lipolytic properties of heparin and their effect on feeding behavior of sheep were studied. Sheep were assigned to three planes of nutrition in a 3 × 3 latin square design. The planes of nutrition were: ad lib (A), 1.5 × maintenance (B), and 80% maintenance (C). Heparin sodium, injected IV at a dose of 240 U/kg body weight, induced a decrease of about 18% (p<0.01) in the feed consumption of sheep fed either ad lib or 1.5 × maintenance (scheduled meals). It did not decrease the feed intake of sheep fed below maintenance requirements. Plasma FFA levels rose slightly 15 min after heparin administration (non-significant). With time (80 min), plasma FFA levels declined in all treatments to levels lower than those at pre-injection (p<0.01). Animals fed ad lib (Plane A) showed higher insulin levels (p<0.01) than sheep on either of the other two feeding regimes (B and C) before heparin administration. Plasma insulin levels were not affected to any significant extent by heparin. It is concluded that the decrease in feed intake may be associated with the decrease in lipid mobilization observed 80 min after the injection of heparin.
Fatigue crack growth retardation behavior of in-100 at elevated temperature

Abstract In this investigation the effect of temperature on the fatigue crack growth retardation behavior of IN-100, a nickel base superalloy, when subjected to a single peak tensile overload cycle was examined. Baseline constant load amplitude fatigue crack growth rate ( d a/ d N ) and single peak tensile overload testing was conducted at room temperature, 649 and 732°C in laboratory air. As a result of this investigation it was concluded that retardation of fatigue crack growth due to a single peak tensile overload cycle does occur in IN-100 at elevated temperatures. In general, the number of delay cycles decreased as temperature increased. The overload testing was conducted at two baseline stress intensity factor ( K max ) values. It was found that for a given amount of overload, the observed retardation was less for tests conducted at the higher value of baseline K max . A new parameter, the Crack Growth Rate Ratio (( d a/ d N ) at K OL /( d a/ d N ) at K max , was dev was found that the influence of test environment on the number of delay cycles resulting from a peak tensile overload could be correlated with the ratio of crack growth rate at the overload value of stress intensity to the crack growth rate at the baseline K max . The utility of the Crack Growth Rate Ratio as a potential tool for predicting the retardation behavior of a material when operating in a complex environment is discussed.
Linear Bayes and minimax estimation in linear models with partially restricted parameter space

Abstract Linear minimax estimation in linear models with partial parameter restrictions can be reduced to a minimax estimation problem under full parameter restrictions. This is due to the duality between minimax and Bayes estimation w.r.t. least favourable prior distributions, and to a decomposition result for Bayes estimators. As an application we find some new results for minimax estimators under partial parameter restrictions.
An Averaging Model for Self-Esteem

Weighted averaging is proposed as a speculative model for self-esteem. Each aspect of personality is weighted by its subjective importance. High self-esteem is held to obtain when high weights are attached to traits with high scale values. Therapy designed to increase self-esteem does so by bringing the patients' weights and scale values into alignment. This may be achieved by altering weights or scale values directly or indirectly. The model thereby suggests varied approaches to treatment.
The effect of particle interactions on the sedimentation process of non-cohesive particles

Abstract The sedimentation process of solid particles in a two-dimensional channel with an initially homogeneous, square configuration is numerically investigated at Reynolds numbers up to 10. The Lattice Boltzmann method is used to simulate the hydrodynamic interactions between fluid and particles. During the process the dispersion of particles in the horizontal direction fluctuates around zero, while the dispersion in the vertical direction (along the gravity direction) increases almost linearly. The increasing rate heavily depends on the initial symmetry of the suspension. The simulations show that the process of sedimentation encompasses three stages. In the first stage, the initial particle configuration plays a major role on the average velocity of the particles. A V-shape or W-shape front may be formed by the particles. During the second stage, the concentration is lower, strong particles interactions occur and the formation and destruction of particle clusters play a major role in the process. The sedimentation velocity depends to a large extent on the number of clusters formed and the velocity field developed. During the third stage, the concentration becomes low and the particle clusters are stable. The wakes generated by particle and clusters, especially of the leading cluster becomes important in the process. Average and fluctuation velocity have been obtained in the simulations and are reported in this paper.
Integrity of graphite/epoxy laminate embedded with piezoelectric sensor/actuator under monotonic and fatigue loads*

This study investigated the integrity of the host graphite/epoxy laminate as well as of the embedded active PZT sensor/actuator under monotonic and fatigue loads. For this, graphite/epoxy (AS4/3501-6) laminates were fabricated where the commercially available piezoelectric device in the pre-packaged form was embedded. Two lay-ups were tested: [0/±45/90]S or [0/0/±45/0/0/90]S. The piezoelectric actuator/sensor was embedded in two ways: one method involved placing them into a cut-out area in the two middle 90° plies, and the second one involved insertion between the two middle 90° plies without any cut-out. Ultimate tensile strength and Young's modulus of the tested laminates were not affected due to insertion of the piezoelectric actuator/sensor using either of the embedding techniques. There was also no degradation in the fatigue strength/lives of the tested laminates due to insertion of the piezoelectric actuator/sensor. Furthermore, these were not affected by the embedding method (i.e. cut-out versus simple insertion method). Also, the integrity of the embedded piezoelectric actuator/sensor was preserved when mechanically fatigued or loaded monotonically to the maximum stress level equal to its operational design limit.
Impact of Concurrent Versus Sequential Tamoxifen With Radiation Therapy in Early-Stage Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Breast Conservation Treatment

Purpose To assess the impact of sequencing of tamoxifen and radiation therapy (RT) on outcomes in early-stage breast cancer. Patients and Methods This retrospective study evaluates the effect of the sequence of tamoxifen with RT on outcomes in stage I to II breast cancer patients who underwent breast-conservation treatment (BCT) and received adjuvant tamoxifen, with or without adjuvant chemotherapy. Patients were grouped as concurrent (tamoxifen given during RT followed by continued tamoxifen; 174 patients) and sequential (RT followed by tamoxifen; 104 patients). Results Median follow-up after RT was 8.6 years for both groups. The pathologic T and N stage, race, estrogen and progesterone status, number of positive nodes, and RT were comparable between the two groups (all P ≥ .08). More women age 49 years or younger and women who received chemotherapy were in the sequential group than the concurrent group (6% and 25%, respectively; P < .0001). The sequence of tamoxifen therapy did not influence 10-year loc...
Development and characterization of microsatellite markers for the seagrass Halodule wrightii

Halodule wrightii is a seagrass widely distributed in tropical areas, particularly in the western Atlantic. We have developed eight microsatellite markers from H. wrightii for use in genetic studies. The number of alleles ranged from 2 to 12 and the observed and expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.080 to 0.88, and from 0.077 to 0.86, respectively. No locus pair showed significant linkage disequilibrium or deviation from Hardy–Weinberg proportions after Bonferroni correction (P < 0.05). These markers should prove useful for elucidating genetic structure, phylogenetic relationships, and ecological processes in this foundational coastal species.
Studying restoration of brain function with fetal tissue grafts: Optimal models

We concur that basic research on the use of CNS grafts is needed. Two important model systems for functional studies of grafts are ignored by Stein & Glasier. In the first, reproductive function is restored in hypogonadal mice by transplantation of GnRH-synthesizing neurons. In the second, circadian rhythmicity is restored by transplantation of the suprachiasmatic nucleus.
A diode-scanner-recorder system for monitoring operating parameters of an 8 MV linear accelerator

The probe can either be placed stationary in the field or be moved backwards and forwards with a remotely controlled scanner. The scanner is placed on the edge of the treatment couch and the probe is positioned and levelled in the field. Scanning speed is one centimetre per second with position being continuously plotted on an X-Y recorder. The probe signal (beam output) is recorded on the Y-axis. Total time required for two perpendicular scans including set-up of the equipment is about ten minutes. These traces are checked for proper indexing of the flattener and bending of the beam.
Relation of Serum Serotonin Levels to Bone Density and Structural Parameters in Women

Recent studies have demonstrated an important role for circulating serotonin in regulating bone mass in rodents. In addition, patients treated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have reduced areal bone mineral density (aBMD). However, the potential physiologic role of serotonin in regulating bone mass in humans remains unclear. Thus we measured serum serotonin levels in a population-based sample of 275 women and related these to total-body and spine aBMD assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, femur neck total and trabecular volumetric BMD (vBMD) and vertebral trabecular vBMD assessed by quantitative computed tomography (QCT), and bone microstructural parameters at the distal radius assessed by high-resolution peripheral QCT (HRpQCT). Serotonin levels were inversely associated with body and spine aBMD (age-adjusted R = −0.17 and −0.16, P < .01, respectively) and with femur neck total and trabecular vBMD (age-adjusted R = −0.17 and −0.25, P < .01 and < .001, respectively) but not lumbar spine vBMD. Bone volume/tissue volume, trabecular number, and trabecular thickness at the radius were inversely associated with serotonin levels (age-adjusted R = −0.16, −0.16, and −0.14, P < .05, respectively). Serotonin levels also were inversely associated with body mass index (BMI; age-adjusted R = −0.23, P < .001). Multivariable models showed that serotonin levels remained significant negative predictors of femur neck total and trabecular vBMD, as well as trabecular thickness at the radius, after adjusting for age and BMI. Collectively, our data provide support for a physiologic role for circulating serotonin in regulating bone mass in humans. © 2010 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
Geologic and mineralogic mapping of Aram Chaos: Evidence for a water-rich history

[1] The Aram Chaos crater on Mars contains gray, crystalline hematite within a stack of layered sediments. The Mars Global Surveyor Thermal Emission Spectrometer (MGS-TES) and Odyssey Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS) were used in conjunction with data from the MGS Mars Orbital Laser Altimeter (MOLA) and the MGS Mars Orbital Camera (MOC) instruments to investigate the nature of the hematite deposits in Aram Chaos. Superposition relationships indicate that the layered sediments in Aram Chaos were deposited subsequent to the formation of the chaotic terrain. This observation, along with the possible detection of sulfates and relatively high abundance of phyllosilicates associated with the layered units in Aram Chaos, provides evidence for the formation of the hematite-bearing units in Aram Chaos in a water-rich environment. Although there are several similarities between the hematite-bearing units in Aram Chaos and Meridiani Planum, an estimated age difference of 0.7–1.0 Gyr exists between them. This indicates that either a stable, thick atmosphere was present well into the Hesperian, or, more likely, that episodic catastrophic release of water provided a temporary environment for deposition of the Aram Chaos hematite unit similar to what existed for the deposition of the Meridiani Planum hematite unit close to 1 Gyr earlier.
Feeding habits of the Tydeidae with evidence of Homeopronematus anconai (Acari: Tydeidae) predation on Aculops lycopersici (Acari: Eriophyidae)

Abstract A literature review of the Tydeidae indicated that feeding habits include predation, phytophagy, fungivory, and scavenging. In the current study, evidence for predation of Homeopronematus anconai (Baker) on Aculops lycopersici (Massee) is presented. The tydeid was able to reproduce after feeding on various life stages of the eriophyid mite. In laboratory experiments, significantly lower population densities of A. lycopersici developed on individual tomato leaflets and seedlings that had H. anconai present, compared to leaflets and seedlings void of H. anconai. In addition, H. anconai phytophagy (on pollen and leaf tissue) and fungivory (on Cladosporium cladosporoides) were observed.
New media landscapes and the science information consumer.

Individuals are increasingly turning to online environments to find information about science and to follow scientific developments. It is therefore crucial for scientists and scientific institutions to consider empirical findings from research in online science communication when thinking about science in the public sphere. After providing a snapshot of the current media landscape, this paper reviews recent major research findings related to science communication in the online environment and their implications for science in the 21st century. Particular emphasis is given to the bias introduced by search engines, the nature of scientific content encountered online, and the potential impact of the Internet on audiences’ knowledge and attitudes toward science.
Temporal contrast sensitivity in human infants.

Abstract Temporal contrast sensitivity was measured in 1.5- and 3-month-old infants using the FPL procedure. Stimuli were 0.1 c/deg counterphase-flickering sine wave gratings. Temporal rates ranged from 1 to 20 Hz. Because the spatial sinewave underwent phase shifts of 180°, the target could not be seen unless the observer was able to resolve it temporally. Adults were tested with the same temporal stimuli using a 2-alternative forced-choice procedure and a spatial frequency of 0.5 c/deg. Adult temporal CSFs were bandpass with peak sensitivity at 10 Hz. Infant temporal CSFs were lowpass at 1.5 months and bandpass at 3 months. The infants' contrast sensitivity was over a log-unit lower than adults'. Unlike spatial CSFs, infant sensitivity was closest to adult sensitivity at the highest flicker rate.
FORMATION OF PHOTOPRODUCTS LETHAL FOR HUMAN CELLS IN CULTURE BY DAYLIGHT FLUORESCENT LIGHT AND BILIRUBIN LIGHT

. Irradiation of Dulbecco's modified Eagle's tissue culture medium with “Daylight,”“Special Blue,” or “Bilirubin” fluorescent light produces photoproducts lethal to human cells. Killing is abolished when (1) riboflavin, (2) tryptophan and tyrosine, or (3) riboflavin, tryptophan and tyrosine are deleted from medium prior to irradiation with any of the above fluorescent lamps. Toxic photoproducts are also formed when buffered salt solutions containing (a) riboflavin and tryptophan, (b) riboflavin and tyrosine, or (c) riboflavin, tryptophan and tyrosine are exposed to any of these light sources.
Field Evaluation of a Leading Pedestrian Interval Signal Phase at Three Urban Intersections

About 37 percent of pedestrian injury crashes and 20 percent of fatal pedestrian crashes occur at intersections. Many conventional counter-measures include traffic control devices that either increase pedestrian attention to potential vehicle-pedestrian conflicts or encourage drivers to yield to pedestrians. A noteworthy limitation of these warning and prompting messages is their reliance on a voluntary behavioral response. Public education and enforcement campaigns have also generally not produced tangible and long-lasting safety benefits. This research, conducted at three urban intersections, examined the influence of a 3-s leading pedestrian interval (LPI)—a brief and exclusive signal phase dedicated to pedestrian traffic—on pedestrian behavior and conflicts with turning vehicles. The introduction of a 3-s LPI reduced conflicts between pedestrians and turning vehicles and reduced the incidence of pedestrians yielding the right-of-way to turning vehicles.
Modified cinchona alkaloid ligands: Improved selectivities in the osmium tetroxide catalyzed asymmetric dihydroxylation (AD) of terminal olefins

Abstract Modification on the quinuclidine and the quinoline moieties of the bis cinchona-alkaloid phthalazine ligands resulted in improved enantioselectivities in the osmium tetroxide catalyzed dihydroxylation of olefins. For the first time 1-decene, a common model for terminal aliphatic olefins, afforded enantioselectivities of over ninety percent.
Determinants of Survival Following Hospitalization for Acute Heart Failure

Heart failure constitutes a major public health concern in the United States and is one of the leading causes of hospitalization, readmission, and death. Due to an aging U.S. population, it is estimated that the prevalence of heart failure will increase by 25 % over the coming decades, affecting approximately 3.5 % of the population by the year 2030. The ability to discriminate patients admitted with acute heart failure syndromes who are at increased risk for poor post-hospitalization outcomes is thus critical to guide therapeutic decision making for healthcare providers. This review paper will discuss clinical, hemodynamic, as well as biochemical markers that have been demonstrated to predict post-discharge outcomes among patients hospitalized with acute heart failure.
Fluorescence lifetime imaging of Ca2+ using visible wavelength excitation and emission

Fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM) is a new methodology in which the image contrast is derived from the fluorescence lifetime, not the local concentration and/or intensity of the fluorophore, at each point in a two-dimensional image. In our apparatus, the lifetime images are created from a series of phase-sensitive images obtained with a gain-modulated image intensifier. The phase-sensitive images obtained with various phase shifts of the gain- modulation signal are used to determine the phase angle and/or modulation of the emission at each pixel, which is in essence the phase or modulation lifetime image. Pixel-to-pixel scanning is not required to obtain the images. As an example of biochemical imaging we created lifetime images of the calcium concentration based on Ca2+-induced lifetime changes of calcium green (CaG), which is shown to be highly sensitive to [Ca2+]. Importantly, the FLIM method does not require the probe to display shifts in the excitation or emission spectra, which allows Ca2+ imaging using Ca2+ probes which do not display spectral shifts. The concept of fluorescence lifetime imaging has numerous potential applications in the biosciences. Fluorescence lifetimes are known to be sensitive to numerous chemical and physical factors such as pH, oxygen, temperature, cations, polarity, and binding to macromolecules. Hence, the FLIM method allows chemical or physical imaging of macroscopic and microscopic samples.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Modeled nitrogen loading to Narragansett Bay: 1850 to 2015

Nutrient loading to estuaries with heavily populated watersheds can have profound ecological consequences. In evaluating policy options for managing nitrogen (N), it is helpful to understand current and historic spatial loading patterns to the system. We modeled N inputs to Narragansett Bay from 1850 to 2000, using data on population, human waste disposal, livestock, fertilizer, and atmospheric deposition. We found that total N loading to the bay increased 250% from 1850 to 2000, and 80% from 1900 to 2000. Loading to the upper bay increased far more than that to the lower bay, and the most important source shifted from non-point animal waste to human waste concentrated at sewage treatment facilities. We also modeled future N loads in 2015 under four management scenarios. Planned improvements in sewage treatment would reduce N loads 9% below business-as-usual, to the 1990 loading rate. Greater reductions, to circa 1900 rates of loading, may be possible.
Periodic gonadal activity and protracted mating in elasmobranch fishes

Temporal patterns of gonad development are determined by environmental cues that regulate hormonal cycles and ultimately affect a population's mating system. Annual periodicity of gonad histology is essentially unknown for the more than 450 species of batoid elasmobranchs. Temporal periodicity in spermatogenic activity and ova production in the Atlantic stingray (Dasyatis sabina) were examined by histology over a consecutive 20 month period. Gonadosomatic index (GSI) shows three distinct phases associated with structural changes at the cellular level. Testes in the inactive phase occur from March through July, have a low GSI, and are represented only by germinal (SI) and early spermatocyst (SII) stages. The enlargement phase begins in mid-August, followed by rapid testicular growth that peaks in October. Testicular recrudescence is characterized by a decline in the proportion of early stage spermatocysts (SI, II) and a sequential maturation of cells to the spermatocyte (SIII), spermatid (SIV), immature sperm (SV), and mature spermatozoa (SVI) stages. The measure of absolute spermatogenic production (ASP) is maximum from about August through January. The diminution phase is characterized by a decrease in male GSI from October through April associated with a reduced tissue biomass and predominance of early spermatogenic stages. The annual succession of peaks in sperm formation indicates continuous spermatogenesis through the fall-winter and shows that peak sperm production lags maximum GSI by approximately 3–4 months. Further, seminal vesicle diameter peaks in February, which also lags maximum GSI by 4 months. Egg growth in females is a periodic process of 5–6 months duration that involves vitellogenesis of 2–4 oocytes. Maximum ova diameter increases after mid-September, peaks in March (x¯ = 10.62 mm), and covaries with the increase in female GSI. Despite the brief period of ovulation and fertilization in March-April, fresh mating scars and sperm in the lower reproductive tract of females confirm a protracted mating period from October through April-May. Thus, mating begins in the population at least 7 months prior to ovulation and fertilization. Current evidence indicates this protracted mating period is not explained by female sperm storage or arrested embryonic development. We suggest the protracted mating period serves some currently undetermined function such as induction of steroidogenesis, oocyte growth, or ovulation in females. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The Factorial Validity of a Modified Rokeach Value Survey for Four Diverse Samples

This study was concerned with the underlying dimensionality of the Rokeach Value Survey (RVS) when an interval scaling ap proach rather than the customary rank ordering method was used for measurement purposes. Factor structures derived from samples of students, parents, businessmen, and members of a general popu lation clearly indicated the existence of two distinct value categories. Their underlying dimensionality was investigated. Findings also suggested that the RVS may be used to differentiate among these four groups.
An interdisciplinary study of adolescent obesity.

Ten obese and 10 nonobese adolescents were studied using an interdisciplinary approach. The obese girls had accelerated skeletal maturation, advanced height age, and early menarche, whereas more variations in growth were noted in the obese boys. Plasma growth hormone responses to insulin-induced hypoglycemia, serum lipid values, and serum thyroxin levels were normal. Evidence of increased feeding concerns during infancy and a prevalent use of food as reinforcers of good behavior were reported. Average daily caloric intakes differed little between obese and nonobese subjects. The obese were usually a focus of family conflict and were characterized by defective body-image development, low self-esteem, physical inactivity, and depression.
Coupling prefix caching and collective downloads for remote dataset access

Scientific datasets are typically archived at mass storage systems or data centers close to supercomputers/instruments. End-users of these datasets, however, usually perform parts of their workflows at their local computers. In such cases, client-side caching can offer significant gains by reducing the cost of wide-area data movement.Scientific data caches, however, traditionally cache entire data-sets, which may not be necessary. In this paper, we propose a novel combination of prefix caching and collective download. Prefix caching allows the bootstrapping of dataset downloads by caching only a prefix of the dataset, while collective download facilitates efficient parallel patching of the missing suffix from an external data source. To estimate the optimal prefix size, we further present an analytical model that considers both the initial download over-head and the downloading speed. We implemented our proposed approach in the FreeLoader distributed cache prototype. Experimental results (using multiple scientific data repositories and data transfer tools, as well as a real-world scientific dataset access trace) demonstrate that prefix caching and collective download can be implemented efficiently, our model can select an appropriate prefix size, and the cache hit rate can be improved significantly without hurting the local access rate of cached datasets.
Gustducin and its Role in Taste

The mechanisms responsible for taste signal transductions are very complex. A key molecule, α-gustducin, a primarily taste-specific G protein α-subunit, was discovered in 1992 and was later found to be Involved in both bitter and sweet taste transduction. A proposed mechanism for α-gustducin involves coupling specific cell-surface receptors with a cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase which would open a cyclic nucleotide-suppressible cation channel leading to influx of calcium, and ultimately leading to release of neurotransmitter. Although "knock-out" animals deficient in the α-gustducin gene clearly demonstrate that gustducin is an essential molecule for tasting certain bitter and sweet compounds, the precise role of α-gustducin in bitter and sweet taste is presently unclear, Indeed, there are several other signaling mechanisms in sweet and bitter taste, apparently unrelated to α-gustducin, that increase cyclic AMP or inositol 1,4,5 trisphosphate. Thus, proposed models for α-gustducin and those found by o...
Molecular regulation of stem cell quiescence

Subsets of mammalian adult stem cells reside in the quiescent state for prolonged periods of time. This state, which is reversible, has long been viewed as dormant and with minimal basal activity. Recent advances in adult stem cell isolation have provided insights into the epigenetic, transcriptional and post-transcriptional control of quiescence and suggest that quiescence is an actively maintained state in which signalling pathways are involved in maintaining a poised state that allows rapid activation. Deciphering the molecular mechanisms regulating adult stem cell quiescence will increase our understanding of tissue regeneration mechanisms and how they are dysregulated in pathological conditions and in ageing.
The impacts of flow on chemical communication strategies and fight dynamics of crayfish

Signal transmission is influenced by the physics of an environment. Consequently, a physical effect on sensory signals can influence how animals send or sample sensory information. Habitat-specific physics may constrain or enhance signal transmission (e.g. sound transmission in a flowing river versus a still pond) and provide a mechanism for the evolution of sensory biases. This study investigated how the transmission of chemically mediated social signals in crayfish is influenced by two different aquatic environments. Agonistic bouts between crayfish were performed under lotic (flowing water) and lentic (nonflowing, still water) conditions. When crayfish (Orconectes rusticus) collected from a lotic system (river) interacted under lotic conditions, we noted that dominant O. rusticus spent more time upstream than subordinate O. rusticus. Orconectes rusticus positioned themselves randomly and spent equal amounts of time with respect to upstream and downstream in the nonflowing environment. We tested another...
Ring(s)-related esophageal meat bolus impaction: biopsy first, dilate later

SUMMARY Distal esophageal or Schatzki's rings are a common cause of intermittent solid food dysphagia requiring endoscopic dilation for relief. Similarly, eosinophilic esophagitis (EE) is a rapidly emerging disease in both children and young adults, and manifests as dysphagia to solids and/or episodic food bolus impaction. Endoscopic findings vary considerably among patients with EE, posing significant recognition and management challenges. Esophageal dilation in EE can be painful and risky. This case report describes a patient with acute food bolus impaction due to underlying Schatzki's ring and associated but clinically indolent EE, and highlights some safety aspects of esophageal dilation.
Treating vasomotor symptoms of menopause: The nurse practitioner’s perspective

Purpose: This article reviews the pathophysiology of vasomotor symptoms (VMS) of menopause and current management options. Data sources: Current scientific literature. Conclusions: In most menopausal women, loss of ovarian function results in VMS, including hot flashes, night sweats, and mood and sleep disturbances. Hormone therapy (HT) has been the mainstay of VMS treatment for many years, but safety concerns raised by publication of the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) results have dramatically reduced the use of this treatment. Since the WHI published its findings, attention has focused on other novel treatments for menopausal symptoms, including low-dose oral or transdermal HT and agents such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, gabapentin, and clonidine. Many women also use complementary and alternative medications to manage VMS, but little evidence from controlled clinical trials supports their efficacy. Implications for practice: The increasing number of alternative treatments for VMS requires improvement in patient–provider communication about treatment risks and benefits, individualization of treatment to meet patient needs and attitudes, and careful follow-up to ensure adherence to potentially effective therapy. Nurse practitioners play a leading role in patient evaluation, discussions, and management to help women achieve control over bothersome VMS that dramatically impact their quality of life.
Interaction of morphine, etorphine and enkephalins with dopamine-stimulated adenylate cyclase of monkey amygdala

Abstract Adenylate cyclase activity (AC) of homogenates of monkey amygdaloid nucleus was approximately doubled in the presence of dopamine (10 μM). Morphine, etorphine, and several enkephalin analogs (met-enkephalin, d -ala2-met-enkephalin, and d -met2,pro5-enkephalinamide) were capable of inhibiting the stimulation of AC produced by dopamine (90–100% with etorphine or d -ala2-met-enkephalin). Unlike morphine and etorphine, the peptides exhibited bell-shaped dose-response curves for this inhibition with maximal effects at approximately 1 × 10−7M, but negligible effects at 1 × 10−5M. Under the conditions studied, only etorphine inhibited basal AC. Naloxone antagonized the inhibitory effects of each of the opioids tested, and dextrorphan, an inactive l -(+)-opiate, failed to inhibit the dopamine response. Together these data indicate that the effects were mediated via the classically described stereospecific opiate receptor. The relative order of potency (etorphine > enkephalins > morphine) was similar to that previously reported for the binding affinities of these drugs in rat brain homogenates. The influence of narcotic agents on dopamine stimulated AC was eliminated by either freezing the amygdaloid tissue or preincubating the homogenate at 4 °C; the dopamine responses, however, could still be elicited. The narcotic receptor interaction with the adenylate cyclase thus appears to be distinct from and more labile than that of the dopamine receptor. Gpp(NH)p-stimulated AC was not inhibited by morphine. It is postulated that the inhibition involves interaction of opiate receptors with catalytic units of dopamine-stimulated AC, but not with other cyclase species which may provide the major component of Gpp(NH)p-stimulated activity in amygdala.
Transiently overexpressed α2-adrenoceptors and their control of DNA synthesis in the developing brain

During brain development, neurotransmitters act as trophic factors controlling the patterns of cell replication and differentiation. Alpha2-adrenoceptors (alpha2ARs) are transiently overexpressed in zones with high mitotic activity and we evaluated whether these receptors are linked to DNA synthesis in the perinatal rat brain. Acute administration of clonidine (2 mg/kg), an alpha2AR agonist, elicited dramatic decreases in DNA synthesis in the forebrain, brainstem, and cerebellum whether given on gestational day (GD) 21, or on postnatal days (PN) 1 or 8. However, alpha2AR blockade elicited by yohimbine (2.5 mg/kg) also resulted in decreased DNA synthesis on GD21 and PN8, albeit to a smaller extent than with clonidine. Yohimbine was able to blunt the effects of clonidine, verifying that both drugs are acting through the same receptor population. Because betaARs are also known to regulate DNA synthesis, we used propranolol (10 mg/kg) blockade of betaARs to evaluate whether the alpha2AR effects were mediated by presynaptic autoreceptors that regulate the release of norepinephrine and consequent betaAR responses; the effects of yohimbine were still discernible in the presence of propranolol. Accordingly, transiently overexpressed alpha2ARs in the developing brain participate in the control of DNA synthesis in a biphasic manner, with promotional actions at low, endogenous levels of stimulation, but inhibitory effects when stimulation is high. Effects on alpha2ARs are likely to contribute to long-term consequences of adrenergic agents used in obstetrics or neurotoxicants that affect adrenergic activity.
Structure-function relationships of rat androgen—binding protein/human sex-hormone binding globulin: the effect of mutagenesis on steroid-binding parameters

Androgen-binding protein (ABP) and plasma sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) are encoded by the same gene and have the identical amino acid sequence within a species. Mammalian ABPs and SHBGs bind sex steroids with high affinity, but some binding properties differ among species. Human SHBG has a higher affinity for steroids and forms a more stable 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) complex (t1/2 = 40 min) than rat epididymal ABP (t1/2 = 5 min) at 0 C. In this study it was found that recombinant wild-type rat ABP/SHBG bound DHT and estradiol with nearly the same affinities as human SHBG, rather than the affinities of rat epididymal ABP. This finding is reminiscent of our previously published data demonstrating that ABP secreted by cultured Sertoli cells had a higher affinity for DHT than did epididymal ABP. Recombinant wild-type ABP had DHT dissociation properties similar to those of rat epididymal ABP. The differences in binding properties of epididymal ABP and recombinant ABP could in part be caused by intrinsic differences in the properties of the proteins due to posttranslational modifications or allelic variations in sequence. To aid in identification of the steroid-binding domain of ABP and SHBG, we developed recombinant rat ABP/SHBG chimeras containing human sequences in and flanking the putative steroid-binding region (residues 134-150). Four regions were mutated: 1) residues 129-132; 2) residues 133-138; 3) residues 148-155; and 4) 165-169; residues between these regions are identical in rat and human ABP/SHBG. Wild-type (ABPwt) and mutant proteins were expressed in COS cells, and their steroid-binding properties were determined. Conversion of rat amino acid residues 133-169 (ABP2,3,4) to human ABP/SHBG sequence resulted in a 2-fold increase in affinity for estradiol compared to ABPwt. Another mutant ABP2,3,4; Leu 137, which contained the rat Leu137 residue, had a 5-fold increase in estradiol affinity. Conversion of residues 129-132 to human sequence in ABP2,3,4 to form ABP1,2,3,4 resulted in a dramatic decrease in estradiol affinity. Conversion of each region separately also resulted in some changes in steroid-binding properties. The largest change was observed with ABP1, which had a 3-fold reduction in estradiol affinity compared to ABPwt. There was a 14-fold difference in estradiol affinity between ABP1 and ABP2,3,4; Leu 137. Alterations of some individual amino acid residues in region 2, which is the least conserved region between rat and human, caused subtle or major changes in the estradiol-binding properties; none affected DHT binding.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Model-based integration of control and operations: Overview, challenges, advances, and opportunities

Abstract We provide a systematic review of current progress in integrated control and operations. Recently, an increasing number of integrated methods have been presented in the literature. These methods optimize the entire system by simultaneously solving the control and operation problems. Their advantages have been demonstrated in comparison to the conventional sequential method, which solves the subproblems independently and neglects the interaction among the subproblems. We give an in-depth review of these integrated methods in terms of the integration scopes, model formulations, solution algorithms, and implementation strategies to address uncertainty. Though significant progress has been made, research on integrated methods is still in its infant stage. It is still mathematically challenging to solve a complex integrated problem composed of binary/logic variables from operation problems and nonlinear differential-algebraic equations inherited from control problems. We discuss some major challenges concerning complexity, heterogeneity, and uncertainty, and suggest a number of promising directions for future research.
Mineral-Kerogen Interactions in Laboratory Experiments--Significance for Petroleum Genesis: ABSTRACT

Kerogen from lagoonal mats and from a coastal marine sediment was extracted, mixed with known minerals, and heated in sealed pyrex tubes for periods extending from 1 to 100 hours over a temperature range of 50 to 500°C. The minerals used were calcite, kaolinite, illite, and two different montmorillonites. Methane and carbon dioxide were separated, quantitatively determined, and their 13C/12C isotope ratio measured. Rock Eval was used on the bulk residual material after pyrolysis to determine amount of hydrocarbon formed and the thermal changes in the kerogen. These results were compared with data obtained from bitumen extraction by organic solvents. The results suggest that minerals can have either catalytic or inhibitory effects. These effects are displayed at lower temperatures only. At higher temperatures, thermal effects dominate. Calcite and montmorillonite C were found to be inhibitory to production of bitumen, whereas kaolinite, illite, and montmorillonite B were found to be catalytic. The inhibitory effects were interpreted as being due in part to direct interaction between mineral and kerogen, but also to entrapment of bitumen within interlayer spacing and prevention of its escape due to mineral-organic molecular configuration. End_of_Article - Last_Page 1690------------