cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Demographic consequences of within-year variation in recruitment

I explored the consequences of variance in the timing of recruitment to early growth and survivorship in a guild of sculpins that occupy intertidal areas on the outer coast of Washington state (USA). When I quantified the appearance of new recruits every month for 3 yr. I found seasonal peaks in recruitment for the 3 most common species in this system, although fishes recruited throughout the sprlng and summer months. Mark-recapture studies revealed espec~ally strong seasonal growth patterns in 2 of the 3 species, with increased growth rates durlng the summer months. This effect was most pronounced for young-of-the-year fishes. As a consequence, lndiv~duals of all specles reach reproductive size more rapidly and benrfit from higher surv~vorship to reproductive size when they recruit earlier in the spring and summer. These demographic consequences of wi th~n-year ecruitment vandtion appear driven by large-scale oceanographic events, since recruitment in all 3 specles can be correlated with upwelling andlor sea surface temperature. Although these results suggest that within-season recruitment variation, via its effect on juvenile performdnce, may affect the population trajectories of these nearshore fishes, previous research in this system also ~ndica tes a strong role for adult survivorship patterns. Thus, understanding the net effect of pelagic events in drivlng population dynamics of organisms with complex life cycles requires integration of both pelagic and b e n t h ~ c hfe history events.
Lambdameter for Accurate Stability Measurements of Optical Transmitters

To accurately measure wavelengths of 1.3 and 1.5 micrometers single-mode sources, we developed a lambdameter that can be used in the near IR and the red regions of the spectrum. Wavelength accuracy and resolution are approximately equals 0.1 ppm (parts per million) at 0.633 micrometers . They were measured by comparing each of two adjacent modes of a HeNe laser, frequency- stabilized by a polarization technique, with a single mode from a second frequency-stabilized HeNe laser. We also verified the wavelength of the reference laser with an accuracy of 1 ppm by comparing it with the 1.52 micrometers HeNe laser line. The uncertainty in wavelength of the 1.52 micrometers HeNe laser is limited to the width of the Doppler gain curve, whose peak is known within 0.2 ppm. We describe our lambdameter and the performance of its reference laser as a wavelength transfer standard. Measurements on a commercially packaged 1.52 micrometers distributed-feedback (DBF) laser diode transmitter show that its wavelength fluctuates by at least 1 ppm during normal changes in room temperature.
The accuracy of computed tomography in the diagnosis of chronic rhinosinusitis.

Objective To determine the sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy of paranasal sinus computed tomography (CT) in the diagnosis of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Study Design Prospective dual cohort study. Methods One hundred seventy-one consecutive patients undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery for CRS were evaluated with CT and staged according to the Lund system. Histopathological findings from sinus specimens were reviewed and graded. A second contemporaneous control group of 130 patients undergoing CT of the sinus regions for other reasons but without a diagnosis of CRS was also staged. Sensitivity, specificity, and the receiver–operator characteristic were determined for the sinus CT in the diagnosis of CRS. Positive and negative predictive values were also computed. Results In the disease-positive group of patients with CRS, the mean Lund score was 9.8 (95% confidence interval, 9.0–10.6). The mean inflammatory grade on histopathological study was 2.3 (range, 0–4). For the control group (without disease), the mean Lund score was 4.3 (95% confidence interval, 3.5–5.0). The AUC for the receiver–operator characteristic was 0.802 (P <.001). Selecting a Lund score cut-off value of greater than 2 as abnormal, the sinus CT exhibited sensitivity and specificity of 94% and 41%, respectively. Increasing the cut-off value to 4 changed the sensitivity and specificity to 85% and 59%, respectively. Conclusions The paranasal sinus CT scan exhibits good sensitivity and above-average specificity for the diagnosis of CRS. When added to the history and physical findings, CT may add to the diagnostic accuracy of CRS.
Induction of Th2 responses in infectious diseases

Recent work on T-helper (Th) cell subset maturation has focused on defining the cellular source of early IL-4, which promotes precursor (naive) CD4+ Th cells to differentiate into Th type 2 (Th2) cells, and also on the roles of counter-regulatory cytokines, costimulatory signals, and antigen in the induction of Th2 responses. Results suggest that not all Th2 cells are equivalent in their ontogeny.
In the company of others: social factors alter acute alcohol effects.

Rationale Alcohol is usually consumed in social contexts. However, the drug has been studied mainly under socially isolated conditions, and our understanding of how social setting affects response to alcohol is limited.
A role for parathyroid hormone-related protein in the pathogenesis of inflammatory/autoimmune diseases.

Abstract Our increased understanding of the critical role of cytokines in chronic inflammatory/autoimmune diseases has led to the recent development of effective anti-cytokine treatments. In particular, agents blocking the function of TNF-α, a cytokine first identified as an endotoxin-inducible mediator of tumor cell necrosis, are now licensed for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and inflammatory bowel disease. However, TNF-α is but one member of a cytokine network that is responsible for mediating these inflammatory disorders. Therefore, as our understanding of the pathophysiologic role of other members of this inflammatory network increases, other cytokines may similarly be identified as effective targets for treatment. In this article, we will review evidence which suggests that parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP), a peptide which, like TNF-α, was first identified because of its effects in the setting of malignancy, may in fact serve an important non-neoplastic, physiologic function by mediating the inflammatory/autoimmune host response. Data identifying PTHrP as a member of the cytokine network induced in multi-organ inflammation and rheumatoid arthritis will be summarized, initial evidence comparing the therapeutic efficacy of PTHrP- vs. TNF-α-blockade in the treatment of endotoxemia will be reviewed, and potential future areas of research, including assessment of the effects of PTHrP blockade in the treatment of RA, will be discussed.
On infinitesimal transformations and limit cycles

A necessary condition for the existence of the limit cycle(s) of a second-order autonomous system, which can be reduced to a first-order system invariant under an infinitesimal transformation, is discussed in this paper. A method for obtaining an expression which will always include any limit cycle of the system that may exist is also shown.
A psychiatric and neuropsychological study of patients with untreated Graves' disease.

Abstract We studied 13 untreated Graves' disease subjects in a clinical research unit using endocrine, psychiatric, and neuropsychological assessments. We used SADS interviews, RDC, standardized symptom rating scales, and motor activity monitoring to update earlier studies and quantified psychiatric symptoms to elucidate any correlations between endocrine and psychiatric status. Nine of 13 subjects had major depression, 813 had generalized anxiety disorder, and 313 were hypomanic. Anxiety levels were much higher than in other hospitalized medical patients. Using a broad battery of neuropsychological testing, we found mild deficits in attention, memory, and complex problem solving that were consistent with previous studies of hyperthyroid patients. The severity of psychiatric symptoms could easily result in an inappropriate referral to a psychiatrist prior to the diagnosis of hyperthyroidism. The relationship between psychiatric symptoms and possible CNS effects of excess levels of thyroid hormone is discussed.
Life-History of Chrysoperla rufilabris (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) Provided Sweetpotato Whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) and Other Food

Abstract We studied predation, development, longevity, survival, body length, head width, body weight, and prey preference of the predator, Chrysoperla rufilabris (Burmeister) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) feeding on the sweetpotato whitefly (SPW), Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae), Aphis gossypii Glover (Homoptera: Aphididae), an artificial diet (meridic casein-yeast), and eggs of Sitotroga cerealella (Olivier) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), Helicoverpa zea (Boddie) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), and Manduca sexta (Linnaeus) (Lepidoptera: Sphingidae). C. rufilabris larvae attacked an average of 532 SPW per day when prey was mainly eggs. Development of C. rufilabris larvae was longer when SPW, aphids, or an artificial diet alone was provided. However, with a combination of eggs and first instars of SPW and an artificial diet or S. cerealella eggs, development of larvae was shortened with increased survivorship, adult emergence, and body weight. Larvae of C. rufilabris preferred S. cerealella eggs over H. zea and M. sexta eggs or B. tabaci. An artificial diet may be an appropriate supplementary food for rearing C. rufilabris where labor costs are high. The impact of C. rufilabris on sweetpotato whitefly population dynamics is discussed.
Multiple genetic factors in the heterogeneity of thyroid hormone resistance.

Generalized resistance to thyroid hormone (GRTH), a syndrome of inherited tissue hyposensitivity to thyroid hormone, is linked to thyroid hormone receptor (TR) mutations. A typical feature of GRTH is variable severity of organ involvement among families that, surprisingly, does not correlate with the degree of T3-binding impairment of the corresponding in vitro synthesized mutant TRs. Furthermore, variations in the clinical severity among family members harboring identical TR beta mutations have been reported. We compared serum levels of thyroid hormones that maintained a normal TSH in members of a large family with GRTH divided in three groups: Group A, 8 affected subjects with a mutation replacing arginine-320 with a histidine in the T3-binding domain of TR beta; Group B, 11 first degree relatives (sibs and children of affected subjects) with no TR beta mutation; Group C, 16 controls related by marriage. TSH values were not different among the three groups. As expected, total and free T4 and T3, and rT3...
Effect of blade passing on a wind turbine output

Renewable energy such as wind and solar is a clean source of energy that can be integrated with conventional ways of producing energy. Power utility companies are looking at ways to integrate renewable energy with conventional methods. The Central and South West (CSW) renewable project (USA) was designed to investigate the role of solar and wind energy in a utility system. When connecting a wind farm to a utility grid, several issues must be taken into consideration such as stability, load matching, cost, location and the wind profile in relation to the peak loads on the system. One other parameter that is seldom considered is the effect of power oscillations due to turbine blades passing through their full arc of motion and periodically encountering different wind speeds at different vertical positions. In the following, this effect is called 'blade passing'. This paper evaluates the effect of blade passing on the output voltage and current for a grid connected wind farm. The effect of blade passing as a function of the number of wind turbines connected to the grid is also investigated. The exact causes of the blade passing effect are also discussed.
Nonlinear optical interactions of laser modes in quantum cascade lasers

We overview the results of recent experimental and theoretical studies of nonlinear dynamics of mid-infrared quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) associated with nonlinear interactions of laser modes. Particular attention is paid to phase-sensitive nonlinear mode mixing which turns out to be quite prominent in QCLs of different kinds and which gives rise to frequency and phase locking of laser modes. Nonlinear phase coupling of laser modes in QCLs leads to a variety of ultrafast and coherent phenomena: synchronization of transverse modes, beam steering, the RNGH multimode instability, and generation of mode-locked ultrashort pulses.
Weak decays of K and pi mesons.

Through a special interplay of strong and weak interactions, small but significant pieces with a wrong'' flavor could be introduced into wave functions of mesons. Thus, e.g., not only a ({ital u{bar s}}) pair, but also a ({ital u{bar d}}) pair can be found with some probability within {ital K}{sup +}, etc. The possible importance of such anomalous'' terms in understanding of {ital K}-meson decays is discussed in a new scheme. The scheme is characterized by diagrammatic calculations of full amplitudes in the long-distance environment. Two classes of models which correctly reproduce the main {ital K}-meson branching ratios and the {Delta}{ital I}=1/2 rule are constructed. The predictive power of the scheme is then tested in a decay of a kaon into a pion and a light hyperphoton.
Effects of D-Lysine Substitutions on the Activity and Selectivity of Antimicrobial Peptide CM15

Despite their potent antimicrobial activity, the usefulness of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) as antibiotics has been limited by their toxicity to eukaryotic cells and a lack of stability in vivo. In the present study we examined the effects of introducing D-lysine residues into a 15-residue hybrid AMP containing residues 1-7 of cecropin A and residues 2-9 of melittin (designated CM15). Diastereomeric analogs of CM15 containing between two and five D-lysine substitutions were evaluated for their antimicrobial activity, lysis of human erythrocytes, toxicity to murine macrophages, ability to disrupt cell membranes, and protease stability. All of the analogs caused rapid permeabilization of the Staphylococcus aureus cell envelope, as indicated by uptake of SYTOX green. CM15 also permeabilized the plasma membrane of RAW264.7 macrophages, but this was substantially diminished for the D-lysine containing analogs. The introduction of D-lysine caused moderate decreases in antimicrobial activity for all analogs studied. However, D-Lys substitution produced a much more pronounced reduction in toxicity to eukaryotic cells, leading to marked improvements in antimicrobial efficacy for some analogs. Circular dichroism studies indicated a progressive loss of helical secondary structure upon introduction of D-lysine residues, and there was a good correspondence between helical content and eukaryotic cell cytotoxicity. Overall, these studies show that the biological activity of CM15 analogs containing D-lysine depends on both the number and position of D-Lys substitutions, and that such substitutions can dramatically lower toxicity to eukaryotic cells with only minimal decreases in antimicrobial activity.
Characterize Dynamic Response of Cantilevers Submerged in Viscous Fluids

Miniaturized devices are essential to precisely determine the rheological properties of viscous fluid when the available sample volume is inadequate. In this paper, we have attempted to apply the finite element analysis (FEA) method to characterize the dynamic response of a mini cantilever beam to measure the rheological properties of viscous fluid. First, the dynamic response of a mini cantilever beam, partially submerged in viscous fluid, is experimentally measured, and then compared with corresponding FEA solutions. Once the FEA model is validated, further numerical analysis is conducted to investigate how the modal response would change with changing density and viscosity associated with different viscous fluids. The numerical simulations are also repeated with changing the dip-length to investigate the sensitivity analysis. It seems from numerical results that the resonant frequency, Q-factor, time constant and depth of penetration of acoustic wave are dominantly influenced by viscosity of submerged liquid. Results obtained from this study can be used to design the optimized MEMS based test set up for measuring the rheological properties of viscous fluid.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
A PATH ANALYSIS OF FACTORS OFTEN FOUND TO BE RELATED TO STUDENT RATINGS OF TEACHING EFFECTIVENESS

The relationships among several variables outside of the instructor's classroom control and student ratings of teaching effectiveness are investigated in a causal network. Student ratings are relatively independent of external variables. Students may be able to take into account more factors than generally assumed when they rate their instructors.
RNA Switches Out in the Cold

In this issue of Molecular Cell, Giuliodori et al. (2010) describe a cold-induced genetic switch made of RNA. Could thermo-sensing RNAs be among the most common types of RNA genetic switches?
Influences on the intent to make Internet purchases

Using the theory of planned behavior as the theoretical base, data collected through a semi‐annual survey of Web users were used to determine if beliefs about privacy and Internet trustworthiness helped determine attitudes towards the Internet, which were thought to affect intent to make Internet purchases. Intent, in turn, was thought to affect actual purchasing behavior. Taking Internet experience into account, general support for the model was found.
Phénoménologie et renseignement des cours de langue obligatoire

SUMMARYPhenomenology and Requirements in Foreign LanguagesAt Northern Illinois University, requirements in foreign languages are still part of an undergraduate curriculum. Teaching of these courses is based on the following principle: the first responsibility of the teacher is to train students in their specialties. The problem becomes one of adopting a teaching procedure allowing each student to concentrate on his or her specialty while attending classes structured for the group. If one avoids the temptation to confine language training to grammatical concepts or oral understanding, it is the manner in which the student participates that will determine the significance of the matter studied. This significance will be based on the interaction brought about by a specific text and by the particular experience of each student. It should be understood that each specialist possesses in his or her own field a dictionary of signifiers and coordinates not available to other members of the class. These coordinates are acquired by the very fact of becoming a specialist.Our method is therefore based on the phenomenology of the situation and the principle based on the particular interaction of the subject (the student) with the object (matter studied) so as to utilize the given offered by intuition and to apply it in a new context. The solution depends upon the use of acquired knowledge and cognition rather than solely on the language itself outside of a specific framework.RESUMOLa fenomenologio kaj la deviga instruado de fremdlingvojCe la Universitato de Norda Illinois (Usono), la deviga instruado de fremdlingvoj ankorau konsistigas parton de diplomiga kurso. La instruado de tiuj kursoj bazigas sur la principo, ke la cefa devo de la instruisto estas, trejni studenton pri sia fako. La problemo montrigas, kiel alpreni metodon de instruado, kiu permesos al ciu studento, koncentigi pri sia fako, dum li au si ceestas kurson, kies strukturo celas la grupon. Evitinte la tenton, limigi la lingvan trejnadon nur al gramatikaj konceptoj au al la auda kompreno, la maniero de partopreno de ciu opa studento regos la signifon de la pristudata lingvajo. La graveco de tio bazigas sur la la interago inter aparta lingva teksto kaj la aparta sperto de ciu opa studento. Oni komprenu, ke ciu fakulo disponas en sia fako pri vortostoko da signifoj kaj kunmetoj; la aliaj kursanoj ne disponas pri tiuj. Igante fakulo, oni ja akiras tiujn kunmetojn.Do ni bazigas nian metodon sur la fenomenologio de la situacio. Nia principo bazigas sur la aparta interagado inter la subjekto (la studento) kaj la objekto (la pristudata teksto), por utiligi la ekzistantan intuicion kaj gin apliki al nova kunteksto. La solvo dependas de la uzo de akiritaj scio kaj ekkono, ne nur sole de la lingvo mem ekster aparta kadro.
Nature of anti‐hapten antibodies arising after immune suppression of a set of cross‐reactive idiotypic specificities

Anti-p-azophenylarsonate (anti-Ar) antibodies arising in strain A mice immunized with keyhole limpet hemocyanin-Ar have previously been shown to exhibit strong idiotypic cross-reactions. The appearance of the cross-reacting idiotype is suppressed by prior administration of antiidiotypic antibody, but a high titer of anti-Ar antibodies lacking the idiotype is produced in response to the antigen. The present studies indicate that these antibodies do not share idiotype with anti-Ar antibodies arising in other suppressed or nonsuppressed mice of the same strain. Strain A mice therefore produce at least 2 populations of anti-Ar antibodies, one showing intrastrain cross-reactions and the other being unique to each mouse. The results emphasize the great diversity of anti-hapten antibodies produced within an inbred strain. Suppression persisted when 9 weeks were permitted to elapse between administration of antiidiotypic antibody and the first challenge with antigen. This gives further evidence that suppression takes place at a central level and not through simple neutralization by antiidiotypic antibody of anti-Ar antibodies bearing the cross-reactive idiotype. Suppression of idiotype is maintained for a total of at least 5 months.
The Tissue Selective Estrogen Complex: A Novel Approach to the Treatment of Menopausal Symptoms

Abstract Background: Menopause-related health issues, including vasomotor symptoms, vulvar/vaginal atrophy, and osteoporosis, can decrease women's quality of life. Hormone therapy is the primary treatment option targeting both menopausal symptoms and bone loss but has been associated with some safety concerns. The tissue selective estrogen complex (TSEC) is a novel therapy, partnering a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) with one or more estrogens. The pairing of bazedoxifene (BZA) with conjugated estrogens (CE) has been evaluated in the Selective estrogens, Menopause, And Response to Therapy (SMART) phase 3 trials. This article reviews key findings for BZA/CE and discusses its potential as a treatment option for postmenopausal women. Methods: A review of BZA/CE findings from the SMART trials was conducted based on relevant publications and presentations. Results: BZA 20 mg/CE 0.45 and 0.625 mg have been shown to reduce hot flush frequency (by 74% and 80%, respectively, versus 51% for placebo [S...
Double-Acting Sleeve Muscle Actuator for Bio-Robotic Systems

This paper presents a new type of muscle-like actuator, namely double-acting (DA) sleeve muscle actuator, which is suitable for the actuation of biologically-inspired and biomedical robotic systems, especially those serving human-assistance purposes (prostheses, orthoses, etc.). Developed based on the traditional pneumatic muscle actuator, the new DA sleeve muscle incorporates a unique insert at the center. With the insert occupying the central portion of the internal volume, this new actuator enjoys multiple advantages relative to the traditional pneumatic muscle, including a consistent increase of force capacity over the entire range of motion, and a significant decrease of energy consumption in operation. Furthermore, the insert encompasses an additional chamber, which generates an extension force when pressurized. As such, this new actuator provides a unique bi-directional actuation capability, and, thus, has a potential to significantly simplify the design of a muscle actuator-powered robotic system. To demonstrate this new actuator concept, a prototype has been designed and fabricated, and experiments conducted on this prototype demonstrated the enhanced force capacity and the unique bi-directional actuation capability.
Vasospasm-induced polymorphic ventricular tachycardia.

A 63-year-old man was admitted for workup of syncope and episodic, midsternal chest pain of one-year duration. During another episode of chest pain after admission, the electrocardiogram (Figure 1) revealed a heart rate of 55 beats/min; ST elevation in leads II, III and aVF; with reciprocal ST depression in leads I and aVL and upsloping ST depression in leads V1 to V4, demonstrating inferior and posterior wall myocardial ischemia. The telemetry rhythm strip (Figure 2) revealed ST elevation followed by wide-complex polymorphic ventricular tachycardia at 300 beats/min, characteristic of torsades de pointes that resolved 5 min later. Cardiac enzymes were within normal limits. Transthoracic echocardiography showed no ventricular dysfunction or wall motion abnormalities and cardiac catheterization revealed no evidence of stenotic coronary artery disease. These findings demonstrate polymorphic ventricular tachycardia in the setting of variant or Prinzmetal’s angina in the absence of obstructive coronary artery disease (1). The patient was subsequently treated with felodipine and a nitroglycerin patch to prevent episodes of variant angina, and reported no further episodes in six months of follow-up (2). Figure 1) Electrocardiogram revealing a heart rate of 55 beats/min; ST elevation in leads II, III and aVF, with reciprocal ST depression in leads I and aVL and upsloping ST depression in leads V1 to V4, demonstrating inferior and posterior wall myocardial ischemia ... Figure 2) Telemetry rhythm strips revealing ST elevation followed by wide-complex polymorphic ventricular tachycardia at 300 beats/min, characteristic of torsades de pointes that resolved 5 min later. Strip 1 Vasospasm; Strip 2 Polymorphism; Strip 3 Normal sinus ...
Innovative solutions to enhance the legacy equipments towards "one generation ahead" in flip chip BGA 0.8mm ball pitch technology

VAI ball attach has been the legacy ball placement equipment for flip chip ball grid array (FCBGA) technology for the past 4 years. The rapid advances of integrated circuit (IC) fabrication technology and the accelerated growth of the market for faster, smaller, yet less expensive products continue to challenge IC packaging technology. Hence, the package size is getting smaller with higher IO count, smaller ball pitch and size. Current requirements call for a ball pitch reduction from the industry standard of 1.27 mm or 1 mm to 0.8 mm (with a potential to go down further to 0.65 mm or even 0.5 mm). Ball size is also not an exception to the rule. It has been reduced from 30 mil or 24 mil to 20 mil (diameter). The fact that semiconductor industries utilize high capital and incur intensive equipment costs has prompted us to enable and reuse the existing legacy equipments to extend the capability to be "one generation ahead". The legacy equipments faced serious technical road blocks to achieve the high ball placement accuracy in term of yield and machine run-rate to stay competitive. Using current gravitational ball drop technology, the lightness of the solder balls has created a lot of ball placement issues such as solder balls were not dropped per expected timing. This was largely due to the equipment's ability to precisely control the timing and location of ball placement. Therefore, the tighter the ball pitch and ball size, the lower the yield would be. Besides, new packages with 2 mm keep-out-zone (KOZ) design requirements were also one of key challenges for the existing tooling design to handle in term of package rest platforms and also the gripping mechanisms. Failure of reusing the legacy equipments would mean scraping our fleet of 21 equipments and replacing them with next generation equipments at a cost of USD$420K per tool, which translates to USD$20.5M over the next 4 years. The team took up the challenge to explore various opportunities to extend the lifespan of legacy equipments without having to revert to purchasing new equipment in order to meet the future flip-chip BGA chipset requirements through year 2008
THERMOREGULATORY STRATEGIES IN COLIAS BUTTERFLIES: THERMAL STRESS AND THE LIMITS TO ADAPTATION IN TEMPORALLY VARYING ENVIRONMENTS

As a case study of adaptive strategies in temporally varying environments, thermoregulation in three populations of Colias butterflies along an elevation gradient in Colorado is studied in relation to the fluctuating meteorological environment. Emphasis is placed on short time scale (15-300 s) variation in air temperature and wind speed and its role in determining elevational patterns of body temperature, flight activity, and thermal stress due to overheating. A stochastic, linear filter model of an organism in a variable environment is used which views the adaptive process as the adjustment of the organism's filter. The relation-ship between this filter model and a transient energy balance model of the butterfly is examined to show how the thermoregulatory mechanisms of adaptation determine the filtering properties of the organism. Heat shocks at 45⚬ C significantly decrease survivorship and fecundity in Colias. Time series analysis indicates that short-term variation in wind speed and air temperature un...
Validating the Willingness to Self-Censor Scale II: Inhibition of Opinion Expression in a Conversational Setting

Hayes, Glynn, and Shanahan (2005a) introduced the Willingness to Self-Censor Scale as a measure of the extent to which a person uses cues about the climate of opinion when deciding whether to publicly voice opinions. The study reported here provides new validation evidence, collected during actual rather than hypothetical discussions. Each participant interacted with two confederates about a controversial topic. The confederates were trained to produce a discussion climate that was either consistent or inconsistent with the participant's own opinion on the topic. The manipulation of the climate of opinion affected opinion expression only among dispositional self-censors (i.e., those scoring relatively higher on the scale), even after controlling for dispositional shyness. As expected, people who scored relatively low were unaffected by information about the climate of opinion. These results further attest to the construct validity of the Willingness to Self-Censor Scale.
Effects of reduced numbers of lateral geniculate Y-cells on development of ocular dominance in cat striate cortex.

Abstract In the companion study ( Dev. Brain Res. , 34 (1987) 223–233), we showed that a monocular injection of antibodies against ox large retinal ganglion cells produces a 53% (low concentration) to 82% (high concentration) loss of Y-cells in lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) layers A and A 1 that receive inputs from the antibody-injected eye. At the same time, the percentage of LGN X-cells is unaffected. In the present study, we investigated the effect of this monocular antibody-induced reduction of LGN Y-cells on the development of ocular dominance in striate cortex. Four-week-old kittens were given an intraocular injection of either a low (110 μg/33 μl volume) or a high (333 μg/33 μl volume) concentration of antibodies and single-cell recordings were carried out in striate cortex 33–65 weeks later. Following an injection of either antibody concentration, we found only slight abnormalities in striate cortex ocular dominance compared to normal adult cats. There was a small, but significant, decrease in the percentage of binocularly driven cells and a concomitant increase in the percentage of cells driven exclusively by the normal or control-injected eye. No ocular dominance abnormalities were found in kittens injected monocularly with control γ-globulins, indicating that the changes are due to effects of the antibodies. The changes in cortical ocular dominance produced by early antibody treatment are very different from those produced by rearing with monocular deprivation (MD) despite a similar loss of LGN Y-cells in the two conditions. This suggests that an initial (primary) monocular loss of LGN Y-cells in young kittens is not sufficient to alter cortical ocular dominance in a manner similar to that found after MD. The results thus argue against the hypothesis that the MD-induced loss of response to the deprived eye in striate cortex is secondary to a Y-cell loss in the LGN.
The immediate effects of strenuous exercise on free-recall memory.

A free-recall memory task was used to assess the after-effects of strenuous exercise on the cognitive functioning of young adults. In a first study, 24 college-age subjects performed tests of memory immediately following a treadmill run to voluntary exhaustion. The number of words recalled following exercise did not differ from the number of words recalled by 24 subjects in a non-exercise control group. Further, there were no differences in the serial position effect between the two groups. In a second study, 12 highly fit subjects were compared with 12 subjects of average fitness. No differences were found.
Reconfigurable, panoramic vision micro camera array

We present a prototype of a micro panoramic vision system that includes five micro-cameras controlled simultaneously by mechanical arm-like actuators, structurally similar to umbrella ribs. Each camera rests on an arm that can be oriented at an angle simultaneously with the other four arms. This arrangement offers reconfigurable angle of view and depth perception. Stitching of the images from individual cameras yields a horizontal field of view of 360°. This micro-camera set is configured in the context of laparoscopic surgery and single-port surgery.
Aflatoxin Effects in White Leghorn Chicken s Selected for Response to Sheep Erythrocyte Antigen.2. Serological and Organ Characteristics

Abstract Aflatoxin was fed to chickens from lines selected for high and low antibody response to sheep erythrocyte (SRBC) antigen and reciprocal crosses between the two lines. Differences were found among populations for liver, bursa, and thymus weight and antibody production to SRBC but not for spleen weight or heterophil lymphocyte ratios. Dietary aflatoxin depressed absolute and relative weights of bursae and thymi and absolute weights of livers and spleens. Relative to body weight, however, liver and spleen weights increased. There was a large decrease in liver metabolism and a dramatic increase in heterophil .lymphocyte ratios when 5700 ppb of alfatoxin was fed, but no alteration in antibody production to SRBC antigen was detected. Population by response to aflatoxin interactions were not significant for any of the traits measured except bursa and spleen weights, suggesting a general response to this mycotoxin among lines of chickens known to be immunologically different.
Damage profiles for 250-keV self-ion bombardment of Au: Simulations and experiment

Abstract Damage profiles for 250-keV self-ion irradiation of gold, determined by (1) stereo electron microscopy measurements of the depth distribution of visible clusters and (2) binary-collision simulations, are presented. Simulations for an amorphous medium, a single crystal (with the ion beam oriented in a nonchanneling direction), and a polycrystal were performed using the MARLOWE code. The calculated damage profiles for the single crystal and the polycrystal both exhibit approximately exponential tails, but have shallower modal depths than the profile for the amorphous medium. The inclusion of room-temperature thermal vibrations in the simulations is found to broaden the profile and suppress long-range channeling. Comparison between simulation and experiment suggests that a screening length somewhat smaller than the Firsov value is appropriate for Au-Au interactions.
Feasibility of assessing differential pharmacodynamic (PD)/adverse events (AE) profiles on CNS agents

Background The AE profile of psychotropics is an important opportunity for differentiation of new drugs in development relative to marketed competitors. This study was designed to assess the feasibility of using different subjective scales as biomarkers of PD response using 4 model CNS drugs. Methods 20 healthy subjects were randomized in a double-blind, single dose, 5 way crossover study in a Phase 1 clinic. Treatments were atomoxetine (A, 80 mg), olanzapine (O, 10 mg), lorazepam (L, 2 mg), paroxetine (P, 40 mg) and placebo (PCB). PD responses were measured up to 24 hrs post-dose using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS, 6 items), and Likert scales (7-point ordered categorical, 70 items) to assess items like somnolence, dizziness, nausea, restlessness, etc. ANCOVA analyses were conducted on peak change and time-average area under the curve vs. PCB. Results Different PD profiles (Likert and VAS) and time course of PD response were noted for the 4 model drugs. For L and O, CNS depressant activities such as sleepy, confused, poor balance, dizzy, and difficulty concentrating, were different from PCB. Decreases in DSST were also significant (L, O). A different pattern of PD effects (e.g., dry mouth, sweating, hot or flushed, excited, nervous, gastrointestinal (GI) effects were observed with A. Only GI effects were significant with P. Conclusions Different PD/AE profiles can be detected in a small Phase 1 study; and may be used as biomarkers to compare potency and tolerability of new drugs relative to marketed compounds. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2005) 77, P27–P27; doi: 10.1016/j.clpt.2004.11.105
Determination of urinary free cortisol and cortisone by sequential thin layer and high-performance liquid chromatography

A specific, rapid and sensitive method for urinary free cortisol and cortisone utilizing sequential thin layer (TLC) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was developed. After addition of prednisone as the internal standard to 1 ml of urine, extraction of the steroids was accomplished by automated sorption on and desorption from a styrenedivinylbenzene copolymeric resin cartridge. Further purification was carried out by TLC. Quantitation of the recovered steroids at 254 nm was achieved during HPLC in a reverse phase system with 21-deoxycortisone as the external standard. When the values of urinary free cortisol both from normal subjects and patients were compared with those obtained by a current RIA procedure, the greater specificity of the new method was clearly demonstrated. Simultaneous measurement of both urinary free cortisol and cortisone in various clinical states appears to offer a more complete index of adrenocortical function than urinary free cortisol alone.
Efficient measurement of endogenous neurotransmitters in small localized regions of central nervous systems in vitro with HPLC.

High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is widely used to determine neurotransmitter concentrations in the central nervous system (CNS). Finding the optimal methods to sample from CNS tissue poses a challenge for neuroscientists. Here, we describe a method that allows assay of neurotransmitters (or other chemicals) in small regions (down to 180mum in diameter) in in vitro preparations concurrently with electrophysiological recordings. The efficiency for measuring small amounts of chemicals is enhanced by a sample collecting pipette with filter paper at the tip that makes close contact with the target region in CNS tissue. With a wire plunger in the calibrated pipette controlled by a microsyringe pump, there is virtually no dead volume. Samples in a volume of 10muL (taken, e.g., at 2muL/min over 5min) can be injected into a HPLC machine with microbore columns. We demonstrate the effectiveness of this method by measuring acetylcholine (ACh) in the ventral horn and its surrounding areas of the spinal cord in en bloc brainstem-spinal cord preparations. In control conditions, endogenous ACh levels in these regions were detectable. Application of neostigmine (an inhibitor of acetylcholinesterases (AChEs)) increased ACh concentrations, and at the same time, induced tonic/seizure-like activity in efferent motor output recorded from cervical ventral nerve roots. Higher ACh concentrations in the ventral horn were differentiated from nearby regions: the lateral and midline aspects of the ventral spinal cord. In addition, ACh in the preBotzinger Complex (preBotC) and the hypoglossal nucleus in medullary slice preparations can also be measured. Our results indicate that the method proposed in this study can be used to measure neurotransmitters in small and localized CNS regions. Correlation between changes in neurotransmitters in target regions and the neuronal activities can be revealed in vitro. Our data also suggest that there is endogenous ACh release in spinal ventral motor columns at fourth cervical (C4) level that regulates the respiratory-related motor activity.
Modulation of the Electrical Properties of VO2 Nanobeams Using an Ionic Liquid as a Gating Medium

Vanadium dioxide (VO2) is a strongly correlated transition metal oxide with a dramatic metal–insulator transition at 67 °C. Researchers have long been interested in manipulating this transition via the field effect. Here we report attempts to modulate this transition in single-crystal VO2 nanowires via electrochemical gating using ionic liquids. Stray water contamination in the ionic liquid leads to large, slow, hysteretic conductance responses to changes in the gate potential, allowing tuning of the activation energy of the conductance in the insulating state. We suggest that these changes are the result of electrochemical doping via hydrogen. In the absence of this chemical effect, gate response is minimal, suggesting that significant field-effect modulation of the metal–insulator transition is not possible, at least along the crystallographic directions relevant in these nanowires.
A review of research-based interventions on marriage preparation

This review concentrates on three widely used marriage preparation inventories and a group of smaller, well-researched couple questionnaires used by an extensively researched marriage preparation program. The three inventories included are Facilitating Open Couples Communication Understanding and Study, Premarital Preparation and Relationship Enhancement, and Relationship Evaluation Questionnaire. The review describes the context in which the tools were developed, their similarities and differences and psychometric properties, and research regarding their relation to relationship outcomes. Further research is needed to determine the effect of using a pre-marriage inventory, alone or in conjunction with facilitated discussion and/or other marriage preparation activities, on long-term marital stability and satisfaction.
Gas-Phase Fragmentation Pathways of Mixed Addenda Keggin Anions: PMo12-nWnO403– (n = 0–12)

We report a collision-induced dissociation (CID) investigation of the mixed addenda polyoxometalate (POM) anions, PMo(12-n)W(n)O(40)(3-) (n = 0-12). The anions were generated in solution using a straightforward single-step synthesis approach and introduced into the gas phase by electrospray ionization (ESI). Distinct differences in fragmentation patterns were observed for the range of mixed addenda POMs examined in this study. CID of molybdenum-rich anions, PMo(12-n)W(n)O(40)(3-) (n = 0-2), generates an abundant doubly charged fragment containing seven metal atoms (M) and 22 oxygen atoms (M(7)O(22)(2-)) and its complementary singly charged PM(5)O(18)(-) ion. In comparison, the doubly charged Lindqvist anion, (M(6)O(19)(2-)) and its complementary singly charged PM(6)O(21)(-) ion are the dominant fragments of Keggin POMs containing more than two tungsten atoms, PMo(12-n)W(n)O(40)(3-) (n = 3-12). The observed transition in the dissociation pathways with an increase in the number of W atoms in the POM may be attributed to the higher barrier of tungsten-rich anions towards isomerization. We present evidence that the observed distribution of Mo and W atoms in the major M(6)O(19)(2-) and M(7)O(22)(2-) fragment ions is different from that predicted by a random distribution, indicating substantial segregation of the addenda metal atoms in the POMs. Charge reduction of the triply charged precursor anion resulting in formation of doubly charged anions is also observed. This is a dominant pathway for mixed POMs having a majority (8-11) of W atoms and a minor channel for other precursors indicating a close competition between fragmentation and charge loss pathways in CID of POM anions.
Standards‐Based Scoring and Traditional Grading Practices

The forward and preface to this 224-page paperback warn the reader that the "book will not put you at ease" (p. ix) as the focus is upon the "intractable problem" (p. xiii) of grading and reporting student achievement. Editors Trumbull and Farr observe that "school and district staffs as well as parents are beginning to wake up to the contradictions between standards-based scoring and traditional grading practices" (p. xix). The editors suggest that it is time to revisit the idea that grading practices are and always will be a problem in theory and practice. Through Trumbull and Farr's reflection on current grading practices, and the collected essays of ten other educators (Bisesi, Busick, Carr, Casanova, Farr, Greene, Haydel, Langdon, Stiggins, and Waters), readers are presented with a number of practical recommendations for improving the alignment of standards-based education with the practice of grading and reporting student achievement. The audiences for this collection of essays include school district staff responsible for evaluation and testing, school principals and teachers who work to align grading and reporting with the principles of standards-based education, and the faculties who teach measurement courses. NCME members are also challenged to read and review this book as the essays promise to "narrow the gap between school-based educators and the so-called assessment experts" (p.18)! The book is particularly germane to NCME members as it responds to the Standards for Teacher Competence in Educational Assessment of Students developed as the result of collaborations between the American Federation of Teachers, National Council on Measurement in Education, and the National Education Association (1990). Five of the book's nine essays provide logical answers to questions about the meaning of grades. In addition, rationales are developed for articulating the need for grades, and for describing the type of grading methods commonly used, the methods for converting rubric scores to grades, and the assignment of grades in a standards-based school setting. The first essay presents an excellent review of the history of grading practices and the related technical issues of grading. Four subsequent essays focus on the theory, purpose, and techniques used for reporting grades. Among the highlights of these five essays are the writers' apparent agreement that grades should report achievement alone and that norm-referenced classroom assessment is inappropriate. Two of the book's nine essays are reserved for discussions of the issues of bias and equity in reporting grades. Although each of these essays offers suggestions for
Developing social work education in Lithuania

Abstract From 1991 through 1998, during the turmoil of independence and transition to a democracy and free-market economy, the authors established the first social work education programme in Lithuania and assisted Lithuanian professionals to assume responsibility for the programme. This article supplies an initial general and conceptual narrative and analyses some of the factors that influenced the development of the programme and a practice model to address conditions in Lithuania.
Fostering success at community colleges.

In the Education Forum “Growing Roles for Science Education in community colleges” (3 September 2010, p. [1151][1]), G. R. Boggs proposes that community college curriculums be revised to include science projects or research-based experiences. Most community college students are not prepared to