cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Historiography of The Common Law

The Common Law, published in 1881 by Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr., fits comfortably within the category of deservedly classic books that are much better known than read. Though peppered with memorable aphorisms, The Common Law is notoriously difficult to follow. Since its publication, readers have complained about its dense prose and cryptic arguments (e.g., White 1993, 154, 181-83, 193; Gordon 1982, 719; Grey 1989, 787, 832; Horwitz 1992, 110; Alschuler 2000, 114, 125). Yet Holmes is almost universally recognized as one of the most important thinkers in the history of American law, and The Common Law, his only book, is arguably his greatest achievement. There is a large body of excellent scholarship about Holmes, much of it quite recent. From the original reviews of The Common Law through the past decade, scholars have portrayed it as combining legal history with jurisprudential analysis (e.g., Dicey 1882; Pollock 1881, in Holmes Papers, reel 55, 385; Howe 1963, 137, 182, 192-93, 204, 211, 228; Horwitz 1992, 141; White 1993, 112; Grey 1989, 805-6; Reimann 1992, 79; Burrow 1992, 20). Many agree that Holmes manipulated history to serve his analytical goals in ways that often sacrificed historical accuracy (see section III.C). In discussing The Common Law, scholars typically focus on Holmes's broad analytical themes. They have observed, for example, that Holmes ambitiously attempted to classify and systemize the entire common law in order to make it both conceptually clear and functionally useful in the modem world (e.g.,
Binary logistic regression models enable miRNA profiling to provide accurate identification of forensically relevant body fluids and tissues

Abstract Numerous studies have demonstrated the ability to identify the body fluid of origin of forensic biological stains using messenger (mRNA) profiling. However, the size of the amplification product used in these assays (100–400 bases) may not be ideal for use with environmentally degraded samples. MiRNA profiling represents a potential alternative to mRNA profiling, since the small size of the miRNAs (∼22 bases) might still permit their detection in degraded stains. Previously, we reported the first study involving the forensic use of microRNA (miRNA) profiling, which required screening of 452 candidates. Since our initial screening, hundreds of novel miRNAs have been identified. We have therefore evaluated additional miRNA candidates to further improve the sensitivity and specificity of the body fluid assays. Consequently we have expanded our body fluid identification panel to include 18 miRNAs (comprising 5 original and 13 novel miRNAs). This panel permits the identification of all forensically relevant body fluids and, uniquely, includes miRNAs for the identification of skin. Using normalized miRNA expression data, we constructed body fluid specific binary logistic regression models to permit an accurate identification of the body fluid of interest. Using the developed models, we have obtained 100% accuracy in predicting the body fluid of interest.
Fuzzy control of sparing in disk arrays

The redundancy regeneration (sparing or rebuild) algorithms in disk arrays face the problem of balancing between the data recovery activity within the array and the user workload acting upon the array at the same time [1]. If the algorithm favors the user workload so the user requests can always preempt the internal data recovery, then the data sparing can stall in the presence of a sustained workload. But on the contrary, if the data recovery is favored over the user requests, the latency of the user requests can be so high to reach unacceptable levels for the data transactions. Using computationally intelligent techniques, like fuzzy logic, better algorithms to balance the level of user requests and the internal data recovery can be achieved. The disk array and data recovery process are modeled using the queue systems with vacations (QSV) [2]. A fuzzy algorithm to control the sparing is presented in this paper. The results indicate that by using fuzzy logic, a better balancing is achieved between the need to have an acceptable response time for the user requests and the data recovered as soon as possible.
In-situ insulator surface charge measurements in dielectric bridged vacuum gaps using an electrostatic probe

Surface charge measurements on alumina and polymer insulators were carried out after stressing them with DC voltages in a high vacuum. The order of magnitude of surface charge density was found to be the same for materials with supposedly widely varying secondary-emission yields. Surface coatings on alumina insulators reduced charge accumulation because of increased surface conductivity and/or reduced secondary-emission yield, which led to significant improvement in voltage hold-off for alumina ceramics. Removing the cathode triple junction from the main body of the cylindrical insulator, reducing the X-ray activity in the gap, or relieving the stress at the critical junction did not significantly alter the surface charge characteristics of cylindrical insulators. Wet hydrogen firing of plain alumina reduced the voltage hold-off by 25% without altering the surface charge density. It is postulated that the charging of insulators in bridged vacuum gaps with DC stresses is due to internal secondary emission produced by ionization of the lattice in the surface layer of the insulating material, by primary electrons injected at the cathode triple junction. This mechanism of charge production differs from the current models where charging is believed to occur due to electrons hopping along the surface/vacuum interface. >
Polydactyly and the triphalangeal thumb

Polydactyly associated with triphalangeal thumb is not rare, as among the records of 1,269 patients with congenital deformation of the upper extremity at the University of Iowa there were 21 patients with 32 hands with such involvement. More detailed classification based on Wassel's work was made. Treatment should be early, with removal of the radial digit if equal in size, excision of all accessory parts including delta bone when present, reconstruction of joint ligaments or joint fusion and osteotomy for correction of deviations. Care should be taken to avoid leaving a narrow first web space.
Stress Levels and Adaptability in Parents of Toddlers with and without Autism Spectrum Disorders.

The toddler years can be a particularly stressful time for all parents, however, parents of children with disabilities may experience additional sources of stress. Recent literature on early education for children with disabilities promotes inclusion with typical peers with increases in the availability of inclusive programs. However, little is known about early intervention inclusion programs and parental factors such as stress and adaptability. The current study expands the research for children with disabilities by investigating the associations of having a young child with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) on multiple dimensions of parental stress for mothers and fathers and how participation in an inclusive toddler program may be related to these stress levels. Results for this community sample are consistent with previous research indicating that that both mothers and fathers of children with ASD report significantly elevated levels of both child and parent related stress in comparison with parents of typically developing toddlers. Following their child's participation in the inclusion program, mothers of children with ASD report significant reductions in child-related stress but no reductions in the parent-related stress domain. No changes were seen with either child or parent domain for fathers. Lastly, a child's level of social skills was a significant predictor of childrelated maternal stress for children with autism. This pattern was not seen in fathers of these children. Implications for early intervention program modifications, such as increasing family support and incorporating adjunctive parent interventions for parents with elevated levels of stress are discussed.
Women Rule: Shattering the Executive Glass Ceiling

“When we inaugurate a President of the United States we give a man the powers of our highest office.”Richard Neustadt, preface to the first edition of Presidential Power and the Modern Presidents, 1960 Using qualitative and quantitative techniques, this article compares nearly all cases of women presidents and prime ministers in power between 1960 through 2007. In a comparative gender analysis, I focus on the impact of institutional and structural factors on the ways in which women acquire their positions and on the type of executive authority exercised. Women are more likely to enter office when their powers are relatively few and constrained. The political systems in which they lead generally feature fragmented executive power arrangements, including a dual executive structure. Women also enter in politically unstable contexts and in countries lacking political institutionalization, frequently as members of privileged groups. Findings indicate that comparative politics research needs to explore the gendered connections between executive positions and authority, power, and independence.
Improving performance of distribution tracking through background mismatch

This paper proposes a new density matching method based on background mismatching for tracking of nonrigid moving objects. The new tracking method extends the idea behind the original density-matching tracker, which tracks an object by finding a contour in which the photometric density sampled from the enclosed region most closely matches a model density. This method can be quite sensitive to the initial curve placements and model density. The new method eliminates these sensitivities by adding a second term to the optimization: the mismatch between the model density and the density sampled from the background. By maximizing this term, the tracking algorithm becomes significantly more robust in practice. Furthermore, we show the enhanced ability of the algorithm to deal with target objects, which possess smooth or diffuse boundaries. The tracker is in the form of a partial differential equation, and is implemented using the level-set framework. Experiments on synthesized images and real video sequences show our proposed methods are effective and robust; the results are compared with several existing methods.
A spatially interactive simulation of climate change, harvesting, wind, and tree species migration and projected changes to forest composition and biomass in northern Wisconsin, USA

In the coming century, forecast climate changes caused by increasing greenhouse gases may produce dramatic shifts in tree species distributions and the rates at which individual tree species sequester carbon or release carbon back to the atmosphere. The species composition and carbon storage capacity of northern Wisconsin (USA) forests are expected to change significantly as a result. Projected temperature changes are relatively large (up to a 5.81C increase in mean annual temperature) and these forests encompass a broad ecotone that may be particularly sensitive to climate change. Our objective was to estimate the combined effects of climate change, common disturbances, and species migrations on regional forests using spatially interactive simulations. Multiple scenarios were simulated for 200 years to estimate aboveground live biomass and tree species composition. We used a spatially interactive forest landscape model (LANDIS-II) that includes individual tree species, biomass accumulation and decomposition, windthrow, harvesting, and seed dispersal. We used data from two global circulation models, the Hadley Climate Centre (version 2) and the Canadian Climate Center (version 1) to generate transient growth and decomposition parameters for 23 species. The two climate change scenarios were compared with a control scenario of continuing current climate conditions. The results demonstrate how important spatially interactive processes will affect the aboveground live biomass and species composition of northern Wisconsin forests. Forest composition, including species richness, is strongly affected by harvesting, windthrow, and climate change, although five northern species (Abies balsamea, Betula papyrifera, Picea glauca, Pinus banksiana, P. resinosa) are lost in both climate scenarios regardless of disturbance scenario. Changes in aboveground live biomass over time are nonlinear and vary among ecoregions. Aboveground live biomass will be significantly reduced because of species dispersal and migration limitations. The expected shift towards southern oaks and hickory is delayed because of seed dispersal limitations.
THE VISCOUS METAMORPHOSIS OF THE BLOOD PLATELETS

From the experiments above described it is evident that the viscous metamorphosis of the blood platelets in shed blood is intimately associated with the early stages of coagulation and that the presence of calcium is a very important element, though perhaps not absolutely necessary. No constant differences in this phenomenon could be detected with platelets or coagulating elements from the blood of normal or diseased individuals or from man or rabbits. All the substances, with the exception of egg white, causing this phenomenon were derived from the blood either during the alteration of fibrinogen or after it had been acted on by thrombin. It seems that the substances or mixtures capable of producing the metamorphosis are especially those associated with the early stages of coagulation or capable in the test-tube of forming or liberating that active coagulating element known as thrombin. The substance in serum that is capable of metamorphosing platelets seems to be attached to the globulin fraction rather than the albumin fraction and is destroyed by heat at temperatures which destroy prothrombin, thrombin, and serozyme, and precipitate fibrinogen. The reaction is not caused by pure thrombin or a mixture of pure thrombin and calcium, though substances causing the metamorphosis are intimately related to thrombin. The metamorphosis seems to be caused by serozyme-like substances as shown both by the fact that barium sulfate absorbs the power of serum to cause the reaction and that a serozyme-like substance is probably to be recognized in all the substances or mixtures, including egg white, causing this change in the platelets, except perhaps when thrombin and fibrinogen are reacting. It is to be noted that in serozyme are contained antithrombin, calcium, and potential thrombin, and that a combination of these isolated factors mixed together occasionally allowed the viscous metamorphosis to occur and not infrequently an abortive metamorphosis. The pseudo- or abortive metamorphosis caused by the mixture of pure thrombin, antithrombin, and calcium may be interpreted on the supposition of a close approximation but not a real reproduction of the colloidal state known as serozyme. That such a reaction is related to real viscous metamorphosis is suggested, because it sometimes occurred with the above mixture and when thrombin and heavily oxalated plasmas were reacting, rather than a real metamorphosis. Simple agglutination of the platelets may occur independently of a viscous metamorphosis, though an agglutination of platelets is to be considered an integral part of the viscous metamorphosis phenomenon. The inconstant results seen with the cephalin-treated sera are probably due to the fact that exactly the same mixtures were not obtained. The results with cephalin-soaked and platelet-soaked sera and with dilutions of sera suggest that the reaction of viscous metamorphosis of the platelets is quantitative.
The precautionary principle-common sense or environment extremism?

The fact that technologies have unintended consequences is self-evident. But risk management - managing the adverse effects of technology - is both uncertain and politically contentious, since it entails making decisions about socially important issues in the face of scientific uncertainty. Originating in European environmental policy in the 1970s, the precautionary principle (PP) is embodied in adages such as "better safe than sorry" and "err on the side of caution." In practice, this means taking steps to avoid possible environmental or health damage, in the face of insufficient scientific evidence. The PP has achieved widespread political support, and - by the Treaty on European Union - it is the foundation of environmental policy in the European Union (EU). The PP is firmly established in international law, and a considerable body of case law is developing about its use in the EU. However, it has also generated immense controversy.
Response to Letter Regarding Article, “Optimizating Clot Retrieval in Acute Stroke: The Push and Fluff Technique for Closed-Cell Stentrievers”

We appreciate the interest in our study. The technique of applying forward force on the delivery wire and microcatheter during stent deployment actually derived from the process of optimizing device wall-apposition as well as generating shouldering, which have been previously used in the treatment of wide-necked aneurysms with Enterprise and Neuroform stents (pre-pipeline era). Indeed, the response of braided, open-cell, and closed-cell to delivery techniques is notoriously different. However, varied within-class stent engineering designs may lead to substantially different behaviors. In vitro testing of the push and fluff technique for the Trevo Retriever (M. Gounis, unpublished data) has corroborated a substantially enhanced clot integration compared with standard unsheathing technique. We think that the Trevo device allows diameter expansion because of its particular cell geometry, cell size, undulated sidewall, and vertical strut design. These characteristics allow the device to move forward …
Independent and Interactive Effects of Smoking Bans and Tobacco Taxes on a Cohort of US Young Adults.

Objectives. We examined the mutual effects of smoking bans and taxes on smoking among a longitudinal cohort of young adults.Methods. We combined a repository of US tobacco policies at the state and local level with the nationally representative geocoded National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997 (2004–2011) from ages 19 to 31 years and Census data, to examine the impact of tobacco policies on any current and daily pack smoking. The analytic sample amounts to 19 668 observations among 4341 individuals within 487 cities.Results. For current smoking, we found significant effects for comprehensive smoking bans, but not excise taxes. We also found an interaction effect, with bans being most effective in locales with no or low taxes. For daily pack smoking, we found significant effects for taxes, but limited support for bans.Conclusions. Social smoking among young adults is primarily inhibited by smoking bans, but excise taxes only deter such smoking in the absence of a ban. Heavy smokers are primarily deterred...
Bond Pricing via Parameters Inferred from Options on a Stock

We study a bond pricing problem for a case when the short term interest rate is a random process with unknown prior distribution and evolution law. We assume that there is a stock and options on this stock with observable prices; the stock volatility can be random. We assume that the option prices are generated by a risk-neutral valuation method and that they are correlated with the short term interest rate that generates the bond price. We suggest to price bonds via volatility and cumulative risk free interest rate inferred from stock and option prices. These parameters can be found unconditionally from a system of two equations. We found that the implied forward risk free rate inferred from system of put and call options does not depend of the option strike price, and, therefore, it can be effectively used for bond pricing.
FDA-State Projects to Improve Reporting of Adverse Drug Reactions

AbstractIn an effort to understand physician behavior in reporting adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and to assess ways to improve direct reporting of ADRs, the FDA initiated a contract research program through state health departments in 1985. Maryland and Rhode Island were awarded the first two pilot test contracts to survey physicians' existing attitudes and to design interventions to promote and increase ADR reporting. To investigate the feasibility of increasing ADR reporting within hospitals, a third pilot contract was awarded to Mississippi in 1986. In 1987, Massachusetts and Colorado were awarded contracts to use and build on the interventions developed by the first three states. The program has been successful in stimulating the reporting of ADRs by physicians. However, ongoing interventions are needed to sustain the higher reporting rates. Ideally, five to six ADR reporting centers in different geographic regions should be established nationally.
A Risk of Bias Assessment of Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) on Periodontal Regeneration Published in 2013.

Abstract Objective The objective of this assessment is to evaluate the degree of risk of bias in randomized controlled trials published in 2013 and focusing on periodontal regeneration. Methods Three reviewers searched and selected the trials based on pre-defined inclusion criteria. Predictor variables [number of authors, primary objective of the study, biomaterial employed, follow-up time periods, split mouth study (yes/no), journal, year of publication, country, scale (single/multi-center) and nature of funding] were extracted and risk of bias assessment using Cochrane risk of bias tool were performed independently by the three reviewers. Results Seventeen RCTs were included in this assessment. The risk of bias in RCTs published in 2013 with a focus in periodontal regeneration varied significantly with only in less than 30% of the included trials, the overall risk of bias was found to be low, while 41% of trials were designated to have a higher degree of bias. Specifically, when looking at the domains assessed, 70% of the included trials reported an accepted method of sequence generation, blinding (whenever possible), completeness of outcome data or avoided selective outcome reporting. Meanwhile, only 47% of the included trials reported some form of allocation concealment. Conclusion In this assessment, of the included 17 trials, slightly more than 40% of them had a high risk of bias, underscoring the importance of careful appraisal of trials before implementing the study interventions in clinical practice and the need for more detailed analyses.
Principles of Hardware/Software Communication

A hardware/software communications channel connects two parallel and heterogeneous entities, hardware and software. The design of such a channel introduces several interesting and challenging problems in computer design, and this chapter describes the underlying ideas of the solution. The first of these is synchronization, the structured interaction of parallel and independent entities. A second important discussion in this chapter is performance analysis of hardware/software communication links. This leads to the distinction of computation-constrained systems from communication-constrained systems. The final discussion is the distinction between loosely-coupled and tightly-coupled hardware-software interfaces.
Improving the convergence rate and speed of Fisher-scoring algorithm: ridge and anti-ridge methods in structural equation modeling

In structural equation modeling (SEM), parameter estimates are typically computed by the Fisher-scoring algorithm, which often has difficulty in obtaining converged solutions. Even for simulated data with a correctly specified model, non-converged replications have been repeatedly reported in the literature. In particular, in Monte Carlo studies it has been found that larger factor loadings or smaller error variances in a confirmatory factor model correspond to a higher rate of convergence. However, studies of a ridge method in SEM indicate that adding a diagonal matrix to the sample covariance matrix also increases the rate of convergence for the Fisher-scoring algorithm. This article addresses these two seemingly contradictory phenomena. Using statistical and numerical analyses, the article clarifies why both approaches increase the rate of convergence in SEM. Monte Carlo results confirm the analytical results. Recommendations are provided on how to increase both the speed and rate of convergence in parameter estimation.
Paraesophageal Hernia Repair and Collis Gastroplasty

This chapter describes in a case presentation-format the pre-operative evaluation and operative techniques required for a laparoscopic paraesophageal hernia repair and Collis gastroplasty. Evaluation of a paraesophageal hernia includes a barium upper gastrointestinal swallow study, an esophagogastroduodenoscopy, and esophageal manometry. The paraesophageal hernia operation is performed through 5 upper abdominal ports. The hernia sac is reduced and an extensive mediastinal dissection is performed to ensure adequate intra-abdominal esophageal length. A posterior cruroplasty is then performed with an absorbable mesh overlay followed by an antireflux fundoplication tailored to the patient’s preoperative esophageal motility. In the rare situation of inadequate intra-abdominal esophageal length, a Collis gastroplasty is performed over a 48F bougie by creating both a horizontal staple line (starting at the greater curvature to allow 2.5 cm of intra-abdominal neo-esophagus) followed by a vertical staple line along the bougie to create a “V” wedge gastroplasty.
Sampling Procedures for Tobacco Flea Beetles (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in Flue-cured Tobacco

Methods for estimating population densities of larvae, pupae, and emerging adult tobacco flea beetles, Epitrix hirtipennis (Melsheimer), were examined. Soil cores (10 and 20 cm in diameter) were used to sample larvae. Relative net precision analysis indicated that soil cores of 10 cm in diameter were relatively more precise than cores of 20 cm in diameter as a unit for sampling larvae. Optimum sample number for a coefficient of variability equal to 0.3 was ca. 50 when larval density was five per core, a common density. Soil cores 10 cm in diameter were used to sample pupae. At a pupal density of about two per core, a common density, optimum sample number needed for a coefficient of variability of 0.3 was ca. 12 cores. This represents a major reduction in collecting soil cores compared with sampling larvae. However, processing soil cores can be time-consuming, ranging from 10 to 40 min per core. An emergence trap was designed and used for collecting emerging adults. At a catch of ca. 0.75 beetles per trap, ca. 30 traps were needed to reach a coefficient of variability of 0.3. A method was developed to estimate density of emerging adults from the proportion of traps containing at least one beetle.
The CVD Diamond Nucleation Mechanism on Si Overlaid with sp2 Carbon

Rudder et al. [1] observed heavy (>109 cm-2) diamond nucleation on unscratched Si wafers overlaid with carbon fibers during CVD growth. We demonstrate that the nucleation occurs on the edges of etch pits and carbon-rich particles resulting from reaction between the fibers and the substrate. Both the etch pits and the particles satisfy what we consider to be two necessary conditions for “spontaneous” nucleation; a carbon-saturated surface and high energy sites (unsatisfied valencies) at edges and steps.
Immersion Treatment of Straw Fiberboard with Micro Poplar Fibrils

Micro fibrils produced from poplar pulp were mixed with melamine formaldehyde resin and used as a immersion treatment for straw fiberboard.The authors evaluated specimens cut from the treated fiberboard for weight-gain and moisture-resistance rates.The results showed that as the micro fibril concentration and treatment duration increased,the fiberboard weight-gain and moisture-resistance rates improved considerably.
Interpregnancy Interval and Risk of Autism Spectrum Disorders.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether subsequent births after short and long interpregnancy intervals (IPIs) are associated with risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). METHOD: We assessed the association between IPI and ASD risk in a cohort of 45 261 children born at Kaiser Permanente Northern California (KPNC) between 2000 and 2009. Children with ASD were identified from International Classification of Diseases, Revision 9 diagnostic codes 299.0, 299.8, and 299.9 recorded in KPNC electronic medical records. IPI was defined as the time from the birth of the first child to the conception of the second child. Survival analysis and logistic regression models were used to evaluate the association between IPI and risk of ASD in second-born children. RESULTS: Children born after an IPI of CONCLUSIONS: Children born after interpregnancy intervals 6 years may be at increased risk of ASD. The mechanism explaining this association is unknown, and more research is needed.
Optimization of Sacral Ventral Root Stimulation Following SCI: Two Case Reports With Six-Month Follow-Up

Sacral ventral root stimulation in conjunction with sacral dorsal rhizotomy has been effective in promoting voiding in individuals with upper-motor-neuron spinal cord injury. We report on two patients who had variable voiding responses to stimulation during the first six months after electrode implantation. We used videourodynamic records and daily voiding records to characterize their voiding difficulties. Different methods were used to improve voiding, including seating adjustments and changes in stimulation parameters. The first patient was unable to empty his bladder on a regular basis with stimulation using 24 pulses per sec stimulating frequency for the first two months after implantation. Voiding was substantially improved by using 35 pulses per sec. At the end of six months, he is regularly emptying his bladder with stimulation and is on an every-second-day bowel program. However, his bowel program has been irregular. The second patient had very good voiding when stimulation was applied in bed, but he had poor voiding with high residual volumes when sitting in his wheelchair. Voiding was improved when he used a wheelchair cushion that was cut out in the back or lifted his buttocks off the chair. These procedures appeared to reduce perineal pressures. This patient has bowel care on alternate days and his bowel care time has been reduced following implantation of the device. Neither of the patients experienced an erection with the device. Both patients feel positive about their implant experience.
Reactions of Standing Bipeds on Moving Platforms to Keep Their Balance May Increase the Amplitude of Oscillations of Platforms Satisfying Hooke's Law.

Consider a person standing on a platform that oscillates laterally, i.e. to the right and left of the person. Assume the platform satisfies Hooke’s law. As the platform moves, the person reacts and moves its body attempting to keep its balance. We develop a simple model to study this phenomenon and show that the person, while attempting to keep its balance, may do positive work on the platform and increase the amplitude of its oscillations. The studies in this article are motivated by the oscillations in pedestrian bridges that are sometimes observed when large crowds cross them.
The role of body mass index and body fat percentage on physical function in sedentary African American adults

Carole Campbell Burnett, PT, DSc, Ed.M is an Associate Professor in the College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences in the Department of Physical Therapy at Howard University for. He has served on the faculties of Northeastern University, the University of Maryland Baltimore and Eastern Shore and Central Buganda University in Uganda, East Africa. He also serves as a member of the District of Columbia Licensure Board of Physical Therapy. She has presented at numerous national and international conferences. The role of body mass index and body fat percentage on physical function in sedentary African American adults
Social plasticity in non-territorial male African cichlid fish Astatotilapia burtoni

The African cichlid fish Astatotilapia burtoni represents a valuable model system for studies of social decision-making due to its socially mediated phenotypic plasticity. The males reversibly transition in social status from reproductively dominant and territorial (DOM) to submissive and non-territorial (SUB). Males are traditionally categorized into these two behavioral phenotypes by observational scoring. There is evidence, however, that this dichotomous categorization might not capture the behavioral plasticity displayed by individuals transitioning between SUB and DOM status. To test this concept, we used focal observations of intrasexual conflict behavior in fish communities combined with a modified analysis of the ethogram typically used in A. burtoni. Results revealed a cluster of males close to the crossover point between SUB and DOM status as defined by the traditional dominance index. These intermediate males showed the highest frequency of intrasexual conflict behaviors, distinct behavioral responses to threats, and body pigment signaling displays that distinguish them from prototypical SUBs and DOMs. As such, our results provide a noninvasive behavioral metric to categorize A. burtoni males into three groups, thus further capturing the complex social dynamic of this model organism.
MODIFICATION OF EXCITATORY AND INHIBITORY SYNAPTIC MECHANISMS BY MINOR TRANQUILIZERS

Abstract The action of barbiturates on excitatory and inhibitory synaptic mechanisms has been examined in a variety of systems in the vertebrate CNS. These results indicate that in the vertebrate CNS barbiturates in anesthetic concentrations depress synaptic excitation and prolong synaptic inhibitions which are mediated by GABA. These effects are likely to arise in part from alterations in the response of the post-synaptic membrane to the released transmitter since the action of putative excitatory and inhibitory transmitters are similarly affected. In addition, barbiturates appear to activate the GABA receptors on primary afferents as well as on motoneurons. The resulting depolarization of primary afferents should reduce the evoked release of transmitter from primary afferent synapses, while the hyperpolarization of CNS neurons would decrease their excitability. All of the actions of barbiturates reported above would act to decrease the overall level of excitability in the CNS and would be expected to contribute to varying degrees to the depressant actions of these drugs on the CNS.
Influenza: The Once and Future Pandemic:

Influenza A viruses infect large numbers of warm-blooded animals, including wild birds, domestic birds, pigs, horses, and humans. Influenza viruses can switch hosts to form new lineages in novel hosts. The most significant of these events is the emergence of antigenically novel influenza A viruses in humans, leading to pandemics. Influenza pandemics have been reported for at least 500 years, with inter-pandemic intervals averaging approximately 40 years.
Tree growth is more sensitive than species distributions to recent changes in climate and acidic deposition in the northeastern United States

Summary Tree-growth responses to environmental change could provide early detection of shifts in forest composition and help facilitate ecosystem management and conservation. We studied forest tree responses to recent trends in climate and acidic deposition using analyses of tree rings and long-term climate, deposition and forest plot data along an elevational climatic gradient in the northeastern United States. We analysed how (i) individual growth of dominant species (Picea rubens, Abies balsamea) and (ii) spatial distributions of all species, changed with elevation over time due to changing environment. We observed a mean 220 m upslope shift of temperature envelopes since the 1960s, consistent with regional climate warming, but found no evidence of synchronous upslope shifts in species abundance. Species' ranges were stable although some leaned upslope or downslope, suggesting species-specific migration lags or controls on species' ranges. Compared to species distributions, the growth of dominant species was more responsive to environmental change. Although the basal area of P. rubens declined within its range since the 1960s, its growth has increased recently with increasing precipitation pH and to a lesser extent with warming climate. Abies balsamea has gradually increased in both basal area and density since the 1960s, with its growth responding to precipitation pH but not climate. Historically, P. rubens grew better at lower and A. balsamea at higher elevations, but these elevation effects appeared to be mediated primarily by moisture, and have disappeared over time. Synthesis and applications. Mean tree-growth responses to changing climate (temperature, moisture) and precipitation chemistry were more consistent and more clearly detectable than shifts in tree species' ranges, suggesting that monitoring tree growth across climatically controlled species' ranges (e.g. along elevational or latitudinal gradients) may provide a powerful tool for early detection of potential future changes in forest composition in a changing environment.
Professional development in adapted physical education with graduate web-based professional learning

Background: The field of adapted physical education (APE) has long struggled to overcome significant and persistent personnel shortages [Healy, S., M. E. Block, and J. Judge. 2014. “Certified Adapt...
Don Quixote Rides Again

When I returned from Mexico in May, Ranulfo saw me in a new light. I had gone to the other side and come back. I had stayed in his childhood home. By travelling with an open heart along the emotional fault line that ran from Oregon to Michoacan, I had unwittingly shifted a tectonic plate in our relationship.
Modified mRNAs in the Cardiovascular System: A New Platform for Gene Therapy.

Gene delivery to the cardiovascular system as a therapeutic strategy has exploded recently, especially in the setting of inherited cardiomyopathies.1–3 In the last few years, a novel non-viral vector system based on modified mRNA (modRNA) has emerged. In this issue of Molecular Therapy, Sultana et al.4 report on the optimization of cardiac delivery of modRNA both in vitro and in vivo. Several recent reports, including Sultana et al.,4 make it clear that modRNAs have become an exciting platform for cardiac gene therapy.
Evidence for ubiquitous preferential particle orientation in representative oceanic shear flows

In situ measurements were undertaken to characterize particle fields in undisturbed oceanic environments. Simultaneous, co-located depth profiles of particle fields and flow characteristics were recorded using a submersible holographic imaging system and an acoustic Doppler velocimeter, under different flow conditions and varying particle concentration loads, typical of those found in coastal oceans and lakes. Nearly one million particles with major axis lengths ranging from ∼14 μm to 11.6 mm, representing diverse shapes, sizes, and aspect ratios were characterized as part of this study. The particle field consisted of marine snow, detrital matter, and phytoplankton, including colonial diatoms, which sometimes formed “thin layers” of high particle abundance. Clear evidence of preferential alignment of particles was seen at all sampling stations, where the orientation probability density function (PDF) peaked at near horizontal angles and coincided with regions of low velocity shear and weak turbulent dissipation rates. Furthermore, PDF values increased with increasing particle aspect ratios, in excellent agreement with models of spheroidal particle motion in simple shear flows. To the best of our knowledge, although preferential particle orientation in the ocean has been reported in two prior cases, our findings represent the first comprehensive field study examining this phenomenon. Evidence of nonrandom particle alignment in aquatic systems has significant consequences to aquatic optics theory and remote sensing, where perfectly random particle orientation and thus isotropic symmetry in optical parameters is assumed. Ecologically, chain-forming phytoplankton may have evolved to form large aspect ratio chains as a strategy to optimize light harvesting.
Trust in Theater

Trust is a major factor in theatrical performance‚ whose ensemble work depends on the reliability and good will of everyone present‚ including actors, audience, and technicians. Trust is also a condition of social life, which depends on the willingness of participants to place a portion of their well-being in the direction of other people, systems, institutions, and environments, and to act in turn on the trust invested in them. Trust is not the opposite so much as the condition of courage, which requires the calculation but also minimization of risk, as well as the mustering of an audience, real or imagined, for one’s deeds. This essay explores the dynamic between trust and courage in Romeo and Juliet and King Lear , with brief commentaries on Emma Donaghue’s Room, The Merchant of Venice , and Barack Obama’s Farewell Address.
Investigating the Impact of Adaptive Beaconing on GEOADV Performance

Routing in VANETs is challenging due to the high mobility and dynamic topology. Geographic routing is considered suitable for such networks. In geographic routing, nodes are able to maintain up-to-date information on their neighbors by using beaconing. Beaconing is successful in VANET environments but causes a large amount of routing overhead. This paper investigates the impact adaptive beaconing has on the Geographic Ad hoc On-Demand Distance Vector (GEOADV) protocol. In our adaptive beaconing scheme, each vehicle starts with the same initial broadcast interval. After the first broadcast, the next beacon interval is then determined by supplying the fuzzy inference engine with three inputs. These inputs are the number of neighbors in a one-hop distance, the speed of the vehicles, and the link quality of the network. GEOADV performance is evaluated with an adaptive beacon rate network and compared to its performance in three different fixed beacon rates networks. We are able to show that the adaptive beaconing scheme is able to reduce routing overhead, increases the average delivery ratio, and decreases the average delay. We are also able to show that by reducing beacon frequency the information accuracy is degraded and packets which are forwarded are less suitable or get dropped due to the route becoming stale.
Evaluating Penetration Ability of Plodia interpunctella (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) Larvae into Multilayer Polypropylene Packages

The larvae of the Indian meal moth, Plodia interpunctella (Hubner), can invade or penetrate packaging materials and infest food products. Energy bars with three polypropylene packaging types were challenged with eggs (first instars), third instars, and fifth instars of P. interpunctella to determine package resistance at 28 °C and 65% r.h. The packing types were also challenged with two male and two female pupae of P. interpunctella under similar conditions in order to determine which package provided the greatest protection against larval penetration. Samples infested with eggs, third instars, and pupae were evaluated after 21 days and 42 days to count the number of larvae, pupae, and adults found inside the packages. Packages challenged with fifth instars were observed after 21 days to count the number of larvae, pupae, and adults inside each package. The number and diameter of the holes were determined in each package, followed by the amount of damage sustained to the energy bar. Third and fifth instars showed a higher tendency to penetrate all of the packaging types. First instars showed a reduction in package penetration ability compared with third and fifth instars. The increase in exposure time resulted in an increase in the damage sustained to the energy bars. Among packaging types, the thickest package (Test A) was most resilient to penetration by all of the larval stages. In conclusion, energy bar manufacturers need to invest more effort into improving packaging designs, creating thicker gauge films, or advancing odor barrier technology, in order to prevent penetration and infestation by P. interpunctella larvae.
The performance of a double-guarded cold-plate thermal conductivity apparatus.

The insulating effectiveness of multilayer insulations and the influence of different physical conditions on their performance are of prime importance in the use of liquid hydrogen in future space missions. To better define the problems associated with the storage of liquid propellants in space [1] we are investigating a number of variables which influence the thermal performance of the multilayer insulations. Considering the conditions under which these insulations may be used, the effects of the following variables on their thermal con« ductivity are of particular interest: (1) boundary temperatures; (2) gas pressure; (3) gas type; (4) mechanical load; (5) number of shields and thickness; and (6) thermal shorts and discontinuities.
Photocatalytic oxidation of air contaminants by chlorine (Cl) or hydroxyl (OH) radicals or holes (h+): Mechanistic correlations

Abstract We recently demonstrated that photocatalyzed destruction rates of low quantum efficiency contaminant compounds in air can be promoted substantially by addition of a high quantum efficiency contaminant, trichloroethylene(TCE),in a single pass fixed bed illuminated catalyst, using a residence time of several milliseconds[1-3]. Perchloroethylene (PCE) and trichloropropene (TCP) were also shown to promote contaminant conversion[2]. These results establish novel potential process approach to cost- effective photocalytic air treatment for contaminal removal.
Improvement of Snap Bean

In this chapter, we review the status of snap bean research and suggest directions for the future. The snap bean group is defined and differences with dry bean are delineated. The origin of edible podded bean, from their possible genesis in the New World, to expansion of genetic diversity in the Old World, to their reintroduction into the U.S.A. is considered. We examine world commercial production with particular emphasis on North American environments and production constraints. Genetic control for whole plant traits, pod traits, seed traits, and disease resistances of importance is discussed. Finally, we suggest areas in need of research and breeding objectives for the future.
Quantifying the contribution of tile drainage to basin-scale water yield using analytical and numerical models.

Abstract The Des Moines Lobe (DML) of north-central Iowa has been artificially drained by subsurface drains and surface ditches to provide some of the most productive agricultural land in the world. Herein we report on the use of end-member mixing analysis (EMMA) models and the numerical model Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) to quantify the contribution of tile drainage to basin-scale water yields at various scales within the 2370 km2 Boone River watershed (BRW), a subbasin within the Des Moines River watershed. EMMA and SWAT methods suggested that tile drainage provided approximately 46 to 54% of annual discharge in the Boone River and during the March to June period, accounted for a majority of flow in the river. In the BRW subbasin of Lyons Creek, approximately 66% of the annual flow was sourced from tile drainage. Within the DML region, tile drainage contributes to basin-scale water yields at scales ranging from 40 to 16,000 km2, with downstream effects diminishing with increasing watershed size. Developing a better understanding of water sources contributing to river discharge is needed if mitigation and control strategies are going to be successfully targeted to reduce downstream nutrient export.