cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
INTERPRETIVE AND CRITICAL RESEARCH IN ACCOUNTING: A COMMENTARY ON ITS ABSENCE FROM MAINSTREAM ACCOUNTING RESEARCH

Abstract This paper investigates the lack of interpretive and critical research in mainstream academic accounting journals, particularly those published in the United States, and proposes some reasons for this. The term interpretive research reflects a methodological perspective. In a general sense, interpretive research attempts to describe, understand and interpret the meanings that human actors apply to the symbols and the structures of the settings in which they find themselves. Critical research can also be interpretive, but critical research adopts a particular point of view regarding the research question, whereas interpretive research purports to take a ‘neutral’ stance. Since it is doubtful whether any researcher can adopt a truly neutral stance, we argue that an honest critical perspective is preferable to the dishonest mainstream perspectives and the sometimes less than forthright interpretive is preferable to the dishonest mainstream perspectives. Additionally, we argue that the type of research prevalent in mainstream accounting journals, which is characterized by a positivist methodological perspective and an emphasis on quantitative methods, is incapable of addressing accounting’s complex social ramifications. We cite various examples of interpretive and critical research studies which have looked at accounting’s role in shaping ideologies, forming political hierarchies, preserving organizational structures and masking conflicts. With few exceptions none of these citations are from mainstream accounting journals. Disturbingly, we find these journals to be virtually devoid of interpretive and critical research studies. In order to explain why this is the case, we present a framework in which accounting’s research domain is viewed as a dynamic, multidimensional, social model. Our analysis reveals the existence of social conflict at the meso-level of accounting research which excludes interpretive and critical studies from appearing in the mainstream journals. Accounting’s capacity to create and control social reality translates into empowerment for those who use it. Such power resides in organizations and institutions, where it is used to instill values, sustain legitimizing myths, mask conflict and promote self-perpetuating social orders. Throughout society, the influence of accounting permeates fundamental issues concerning wealth distribution, social justice, political ideology and environmental degradation. Contrary to public perception, accounting is not a static reflection of economic reality, but rather is a highly partisan activity. Accounting′s essence can be best understood through its impact on individuals, organizations and societies. Hence, it is important that accounting research make increasing use of interpretive and critical perspectives.
COMPENSATION FOR HERBIVORY IN WILD SUNFLOWER: RESPONSE TO SIMULATED DAMAGE BY THE HEAD‐CLIPPING WEEVIL

Herbivore damage is generally detrimental to plant fitness, and the evolu- tionary response of plant populations to damage can involve either increased resistance or increased tolerance. While characters that contribute to resistance, such as secondary chem- icals and trichomes, are relatively well understood, characters that contribute to a plant's ability to tolerate damage have received much less attention. Using Helianthus annuus (wild sunflower) and simulated damage of Haplorhynchites aeneus (head-clipping weevil) as a model system, we examined morphological characters and developmental processes that contribute to compensatory ability. We performed a factorial experiment that included three levels of damage (none, the first two, or the first four inflorescences were clipped with scissors) and eight sires each mated to four dams. We found that plants compensated fully for simulated head-clipper damage and that there was no variation among plant families in compensatory ability: seed production and mean seed mass did not vary among treat- ments, and sire X treatment interactions were not significant. Plants used four mechanisms to compensate for damage: (1) Clipped plants produced significantly more inflorescences than unclipped plants. Plants produced these additional inflorescences on higher order branches at the end of the flowering season. (2) Clipped plants filled significantly more seeds in their remaining heads than did unclipped plants. (3) Clipped plants, because they effectively flowered later than unclipped plants, were less susceptible to damage by seed- feeding herbivores other than Haplorhynchites. (4) In later heads, seed size was greater on clipped plants, which allowed mean seed size to be maintained in clipped plants. Although there was genetic variation among the families used in this experiment for most of the characters associated with compensation for damage (seed number, mean seed size, mean flowering date, length of the flowering period, and branching morphology), in analyses of these characters, no sire X treatment interactions were significant indicating that all of the families relied on similar mechanisms to compensate for damage.
Dynamic analysis and simulation of a double transition shift transmission

Double transition shift (DTS) refers to the shift process in a special structured automatic transmission which employs more than one pair of clutches/brakes to perform the gear shift process. Since more elements are involved during the shift process, the DTS control algorithm is much more complicated than traditional one. DTS transmission can achieve multiple-speed gear shifts by using the minimum number of planetary gearsets and clutches/brakes, therefore the advantages of DTS transmission are simpler structure, smaller size, lighter weight, and easier maintenance. Historically, DTS transmission has been overlooked because of the complexity to perform high quality shifts. In this paper, the shift process is studied by dynamic analysis method, a simulation model is developed based on multi-body dynamics theory in which all elements interactions with varies motion states and forces are considered. A new control strategy of a patented DTS transmission is proposed, a well behaved drivability during the DTS process is achieved.
What in the world does Friedrich Nietzsche have against Weltliteratur

The German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche (1844–1900) briefly mentioned world literature twice in his work, once in Die Geburt der Tragodie aus dem Geiste der Musik (The Birth of Tragedy out of the Spirit of Music), first published in 1872, then later in Jenseits von Gut und Bose (Beyond Good and Evil) of 1886. Both mentions are puzzling, ambivalent, allusive, and in need of hermeneutic explication. They ask the “big question” of world literature, namely what consolation (Trost) it can provide modern man. This essay examines Nietzsche’s discussion in light of the (substantially different) overall arguments of the two works, and of the potential sources for Nietzsche’s idea of world literature. It then turns to later writers who, at times under the direct influence of Nietzsche, have examined world literature under a similar optic.
Separation of Selected Bile Acids by TLC. V. Influence of Temperature on the Separation

Adsorption thin-layer chromatography (TLC) was used to study the influence of temperature, 18°C and 40°C, on retention and separation of selected bile acids, that is, cholic acid (C), glycocholic acid (GC), glycolithocholic acid (GLC), deoxycholic acid (DC), chenodeoxycholic acid (CDC), glycodeoxycholic acid (GDC), and lithocholic acid (LC). The mixture of n-hexane-ethyl acetate-acetic acid, in various volume compositions, was used as a mobile phase. Chromatographic experiments were performed on the following stationary phases: glass plates precoated with silica gel 60F 254 without concentrating zone (#1.05715); glass plates precoated with silica gel 60F 254 with concentrating zone (#1.11798); aluminum plates precoated with silica gel 60F 254 (#1.05554), and silica gel 60 (#1.05553), and also on aluminum plates precoated with the mixture of silica gel 60 F 254 and Kieselguhr F 254 (#1.05567). It was proven that the temperature of 40°C improved the separation of GC from GDC performed on aluminum plates precoated with silica gel 60 (#1.05715, #1.05554, and #1.05553). However, when this temperature is used, the separation of CDC from DC poses the biggest problem. The obtained results indicate that the separation of some bile acids can be improved by proper choice of temperature. The temperature of 40°C causes the change of bile acids elution order.
Tumors composed of immature granulocytes occurring in the breast in chronic granulocytic leukemia.

The clinical evolution in reported cases of chronic granulocytic leukemia (CGL) in which either leukemic tumors or “lymphomas” subsequently developed is distinctive. Whether the tumor is interpreted as lymphoma or as a leukemic tumor, survival is seldom more than a few months. It is probable that many of the reported cases of CGL with subsequent lymphoma are in fact examples of leukemic tumors. Two patients with CGL, in whom involvement of the breast was of clinical significance, are presented. Histologic sections in both cases were difficult to distinguish from reticulum cell sarcoma. Massive accumulations of immature leukemic cells in one case were confused histologically with undifferentiated carcinoma. The diagnosis of leukemic tumor in these tissue sections was established by the demonstration of eosinophilic precursors.
Synthesis and characterization of copper(II) complexes of cysteinyldopa and benzothiazine model ligands related to pheomelanin.

A new cysteinyldopa model ligand Cydo {3-[(2-aminoethyl)sulfanyl]-4,6-di-tert-butylbenzene-1,2-diol} was prepared and its reactivity with CuII explored. Under anaerobic conditions, tetranuclear [Cu4(Cydo)4] is isolated, but in the presence of O2, a benzothiazine intermediate accumulates that is trapped as the CuII complex [Cu(zine)2]. Under slightly different reaction conditions, the benzothiazine further oxidizes to benzothiazole (zole). All three compounds were characterized by X-ray crystallography, and the reactions were monitored spectrophotometrically.
Boundary conditions at p-n junctions

Abstract A discussion is presented of the relationships between carrier densities at a p-n junction and the junction potential. The major purpose of the work is to discuss the relationship between the Fletcher and Misawa boundary conditions. In addition, a discussion is presented of an extension of the normal boundary conditions to account for current flow within the junction space charge region.
Neurocysticercosis among children in Chicago.

Neurocysticercosis has been diagnosed increasingly in the United States as a consequence of increased immigration from and travel to areas of endemic cysticercosis. We report a retrospective series of 47 pediatric cases of neurocysticercosis in our large children's hospital in Chicago, which has a large immigrant population. Neurocysticercosis was diagnosed on the basis of any of the following three criteria : (1) surgical biopsy findings, (2) radiographic findings consistent with neurocysticercosis as well as diagnostic serum and/or cerebrospinal fluid titers, or (3) consistent radiographic findings and a compatible epidemiologic history (without diagnostic serological findings). Epidemiologic, clinical, laboratory, and radiographic data were analyzed. Neurocysticercosis is a relatively common cause of afebrile seizures in children who present to our emergency department in Chicago. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are both important modalities in evaluation of children with neurocysticercosis. Laboratory studies are neither sensitive for nor predictive of the diagnosis of neurocysticercosis. Therapy is well tolerated. The long-term prognosis for treated patients appears to be excellent.
Effects of flow, brass location, tube materials and temperature on corrosion of brass plumbing devices

Abstract Effects of plumbing-specific installation factors on brass corrosion were investigated in a series of pipe-loop experiments. Increased flow velocity increased corrosion rates, but did not affect corrosion type. The presence of copper tubing in the plumbing system increased selectivity of brass corrosion for zinc, unless a galvanic connection was made between copper and brass, in which case corrosion became more uniform and was accelerated. Plastic tubing allowed oxidant (i.e., free chlorine) to persist in water, increasing brass exposure. Additionally, hot water significantly increased lead leaching from brass. These findings may inform future investigations into brass corrosion issues and plumbing designs.
CLEO: hadronic B decays

Abstract The CLEO Collaboration used its 9.1 fb −1 data sample to explore new B meson hadronic decay paths. We report the first observation and branching fractions of exclusive decays of the type B → D ∗ N N X , where N is a nucleon. We also have improved measurements of the B 0 → D s + D ∗− and B 0 → D s ∗+ D ∗− branching fractions, and first evidence for the decay B + → D s (∗)+ D ∗∗0 , where D ∗∗0 represents the sum of the possible D ∗∗ states. We report the first measurement of the D s ∗+ polarization in the decay B 0 → D s ∗+ D ∗− . We report the branching ratios for B → D ∗ π + π − π − π 0 decays and find that the final states have a sizeable D ∗ ω 0 π − component. We also observe B→D ω 0 π − decays. The ω 0 π − appears to come from the decay of a wide 1 − resonance with a mass of 1418±26±19 MeV and width of 388±44±32 MeV . We identify this object as the ρ ′ or ρ (1450). We also tested factorization in hadronic B decays using the longitudinal polarization of D ∗ s in B → D ∗ D s and D ∗ ρ′ .
TREATMENT RECOMMENDATION, IMPLEMENTATION, AND FOLLOW-UP IN CHILD ABUSE

Seventy cases of child abuse identified at an urban general medical hospital were studied to find variables which predict treatment recommendations and follow-up care. Response to only the most vivid cases often overlooks the need to assess other abuse. Continued clinical research and improved follow-up documentation are recommended.
The association between cannabinoid receptor 1 gene (CNR1) and cannabis dependence symptoms in adolescents and young adults.

Abstract Objective This study examined the genetic association between variation in the cannabinoid receptor 1 (CNR1) gene and cannabis dependence symptoms. Method Adolescent and young adult subjects were recruited from three settings: a treatment program for youth with substance use disorders, the criminal justice system, and the community. A case–control sample consisted of 224 cases who endorsed at least one dependence symptom and 108 controls who tried cannabis but endorsed no symptoms. A family-based sample of 219 families was also analyzed. Results Case–control analysis identified a nominal association between SNP rs1049353 and having one or more cannabis dependence symptoms ( p = .029), but the association did not hold up in a combined sample. Family-based analysis found a trend for the same SNP ( p = .07). We did not replicate a previous report that SNP rs806380 was associated with the development of cannabis dependence. Conclusion These results provide inconclusive evidence of association between rs1049353/rs806380 and the development of cannabis dependence, and underscore the importance of replicating results of genetic association studies. Additional family-based studies are needed to clarify the role of the CNR1 gene, and its various SNPs, in the development of cannabis use disorders.
Hyperostotic chronic sinusitis as an indication for outpatient intravenous antibiotics

Objectives There is a subset of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) that demonstrate osteitis of the sinuses. Osteitic bone is evident on computed tomography (CT) as hyperostosis. We propose treatment of this entity with a six week course of outpatient intravenous antibiotics in an approach similar to that used in the orthopedic literature for long bone osteomyelitis. This group of patients can be identified based on symptoms, unremitting course of disease, and imaging criteria. Although indications for the use of outpatient intravenous antibiotics must be determined judiciously in CRS we believe that hyperostotic sinusitis is an additional indication. Study design A retrospective chart review. Methods A retrospective chart review of ten patient with hyperostotic sinusitis treated over a three year period (1/2007- 8/2009). Results Ten patients (age range, 25-85) with hyperostotic sinusitis were identified and quality of life was evaluated with SNOT-22. All patients underwent both pre- and post- treatment nasal endoscopy and CT. All patients underwent revision surgery by senior author (VKA). Five patients were treated with 6 weeks of intravenous antibiotics. Antibiotic choices were culture directed and antibiotics administered included Cefazolin, Clindamycin, Ertapenem, Maxipime, and Vancomycin. Minor complications encountered during therapy included: paresthesias and elevated liver enzymes. Five patients, (serving as the control group), were treated with traditional therapy involving intermittent and prolonged courses of oral antibiotics. Conclusions Prolonged intravenous antibiotics may achieve adequate serum levels that cannot be achieved with oral antibiotics. Symptomatic relief in patients with hyperostotic sinusitis appears superior with intravenous antibiotics versus traditional oral therapy. Indications for intravenous antibiotics should include hyperostotic sinusitis.
THE MINI-MENTAL STATE EXAMINATION SCORE AND THE CLINICAL DIAGNOSIS OF DEMENTIA

To set a working cutoff score for the referral to diagnostic examination, we evaluated 150 consecutive patients with complaints potentially related to dementia, using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). All patients were later given a complete, standardized work-up and diagnosis as part of our Alzheimer's Disease Patient Registry protocol. Dementia diagnosis was made, consistent with accepted criteria, by consensus of the physicians and psychologist. Diagnosis was reaffirmed after 1-year follow-up exam; 133 of the 150 original patients completed follow-up (80 dementia, 53 no dementia). We evaluated the initial MMSE score compared with the follow-up diagnosis. Sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values were calculated for MMSE scores ranging from 22 through 29. The conventional cutoff score of or = 27. We conclude that an MMSE score of 26 or 27 should be used as a cutoff score in symptomatic populations with similar educational and socioeconomic backgrounds when the goal is to miss few true cases. Population surveys where the expected prevalence is low may require a different cutoff score to indicate the need for further diagnostic evaluation.
Laparoscopic and Image-guided Radiofrequency Ablation of Renal Tumors: Patient Selection and Outcomes

Multiple modalities exist for the management of small renal tumors, including active surveillance, extirpation (radical nephrectomy and partial nephrectomy), and ablative therapies. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is an alternative to extirpative surgery for renal tumors. This article presents the current literature on RFA for renal tumors. We reviewed 28 RFA series in the English literature from 2003 to 2010 to assess patient selection, biopsy, renal outcomes, and oncologic outcomes.
Understanding strategic corporate environmental responsibility in professional sport.

This study sought to understand how teams and leagues in professional sport in North America understand, position, and deploy environmentally focused CSR practices. We conducted interviews with sport executives and executives from consulting, advisory, non-profit and partner groups. Data revealed that teams and leagues viewed their environmental practices as being strategic and as playing a key role in the teams’ and leagues’ core CSR activities. We also uncovered some of the tangible and intangible benefits for the teams and leagues as a consequence of adopting environmentally responsible initiatives. We determined and integrated the perceived strategic benefits of environmentally responsible actions by considering whether these efforts were based on defensive factors (e.g., risk management to manage social legitimacy) or value adding factors (e.g., enhancing market demand from customers and fans). We present practical implications and discuss directions for future studies in the area of environmental responsibility.
Defining Literacy: Lessons from High-Stakes Teacher Testing

Teacher educators face a dilemma: How do we prepare preservice teachers to pass new high-stakes certification tests when these tests are often based on philosophical perspectives that run counter to our own beliefs about literacy, learning, and teaching. In this article, the authors offer an inquiry-oriented approach that uses the lens of the New Literacy Studies to help prospective teachers simultaneously prepare for and critique high-stakes standardized tests such as the Communication and Literacy Skills (CLS) portion of the Massachusetts Educator Certification Tests. The authors describe a specific activity, inviting preservice teachers to explore the social nature of literacies, investigate the characteristics of the CLS, and reflect on this type of high-stakes assessment. After providing a critique of the CLS test based on this type of activity, the authors offer recommendations for more extended activities to be used in teacher education courses.
Synthesis of the monoclinic and orthorhombic phases of LiMnO2 in oxidizing atmosphere

Abstract We show that the monoclinic and orthorhombic ordered-rocksalt polymorphs of LiMnO 2 can be synthesized by high-temperature firing in air atmosphere, without requiring reducing ambients as previously used. For undoped LiMnO 2 , the orthorhombic phase is stable up to 1000 °C in air, while the monoclinic (layered) phase is obtained at higher temperature. Aluminum doping further stabilizes the monoclinic phase over the orthorhombic phase. Control of cooling conditions is crucial to avoiding oxidative decomposition into LiMn 2 O 4 and Li 2 MnO 3 . The stability of LiMnO 2 in the α-NaFeO 2 structure over the corrugated layered structure at higher temperatures can be explained based on the temperature dependence of cooperative Jahn–Teller distortion.
Prediction of double-pomeron cross sections from single-diffraction measurements

Abstract A particular case of a Mueller formula describing the absence of long-range two-particle correlations is used to predict double-pomeron cross sections from available data on single-diffraction dissociation. Although success of the formula in this application would immediately verify the double-pomeron hypothesis, the converse is not true because the formula may be invalidated by prominent low-energy resonances (such as the f 0 ) in the pomeron-pomeron total cross section. Low-statistics experiments at s = 200 and 400 GeV 2 are in order of magnitude agreement with the formula.
Cardiovascular effects of adolescent drug abuse

Adolescent drug abuse has been shown to be highly prevalent. Similarly, chest pain is a frequent complaint among adolescents. The cardiovascular effects of adolescent drug abuse, however, are infrequently considered. We present a case report of a 17-year-old drug abuser who presented with a myocardial infarction. The potential cardiovascular complications of the commonly abused drugs are discussed. When dealing with an adolescent with potential cardiovascular symptoms, we stress an awareness of the potential cardiovascular effects of drug abuse and that such cardiovascular effects are not unique to the habitual or intravenous drug abuser.
Three-dimensional confocal scanning microscope using an MEMS mirror for lateral scan and an MEMS lens scanner for depth scan

We present a three-dimensional confocal scanning microscope using MEMS scanners for both the lateral and the axial scan. The lateral scan is performed by an electrothermal two-axis MEMS mirror that is capable of scanning large angles up to ± 20° at low driving voltages less than 4.5 V. The depth scan is accomplished by an electrothermal lens scanner with a large tunable range of 475 μm at 3 V. 2D and 3D confocal images have been obtained by this system.
The evolution of the nutrient composition of mammalian milks

1. In mammals, nutrient allocation during lactation is a critical component of maternal care as milk intake promotes juvenile growth and survival, and hence maternal and offspring fitness. 2. Milk composition varies widely across mammals and is hypothesized to have arisen via selection pressures associated with environment, diet and life history. These hypotheses have been proposed based on observations and/or cross-species comparisons that did not standardize for stage of lactation and did not consider evolutionary history of the species in analyses. 3. We conducted the largest comparative analysis of milk composition to date accounting for phylogenetic relationships among species in order to understand the selective advantage of producing milk with specific nutritional profiles. We examined four milk constituents in association with species ecology while incorporating phylogeny in analyses. 4. Phylogenetic signal was apparent for all milk constituents examined. After controlling for phylogeny, diet and relative lactation length explained the greatest amount of variation in milk composition. Several aspects of species' ecologies, including adaptation to arid environments, reproductive output and maternal body mass were not associated with milk composition after accounting for phylogeny. 5. Our results suggest that milk composition is largely a function of evolutionary history, maternal nutrient intake and duration of milk production. Arriving at these conclusions was made possible by including the evolutionary relationships among species.
Preoperative β-blockade in coronary artery bypass grafting surgery

In the current issue, Brinkman and colleagues1 use the Society of Thoracic SurgeonsNationalDatabase (STS-ND) to study the effect of preoperative β-blockade on postoperative coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) outcomes. Their results show no mortality advantage and a paradoxically increased incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients receiving preoperative β-blockers, findings that challenge the continuation of this practice and its use as a quality metric. I will examine the rationale for preoperative β-blockade, controversies regarding its use innoncardiac surgery, the valueof β-blockade in CABG, and reasonable clinical recommendations based on the preponderance of current evidence.
Response perseveration, inhibitory control, and central dopaminergic activity in childhood behavior disorders.

Abstract We screened students (N = 710) in grades four through six at two public elementary schools for behavior problems, using the Revised Behavior Problem Checklist. Five groups of children were identified: conduct disorder (n = 8), attention deficit disorder (n = 9), conduct disorder plus attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity (n = 11), anxiety-withdrawal (n = 12), and normal control (n = 15). A response perseveration task, inhibitory control task, and a noninvasive measure of dopaminergic activity were administered to selected students, and group differences were predicted based on Quay's hypotheses as derived from Gray's theory of brain function. Hypothesized group differences were not found, although analyses revealed dimensional relationships that were consistent with the hypotheses. Results are discussed in terms of Quay's hypotheses and potential modifications to tasks for future research.
Peer Support and Mentorship in a US Rare Disease Community: Findings from the Cystinosis in Emerging Adulthood Study

Medical advances have transformed the rare disease cystinosis from fatal in childhood to chronic and manageable into adulthood. Disease-specific advocacy groups and interaction via the Internet create opportunities for peer support, part of the changing experience and outcomes of the illness. This study utilized a qualitative grounded theory approach to explore the experience of emerging adults and adults with cystinosis, and their parents. Individuals (n = 49) from 21 families were recruited online and in person for focus groups and/or individual interviews. Individuals participate in the disease community through comfortability, comparing notes, witnessing/scaling, modeling/mentoring, and going/being public. Participants valued connection to others who shared their diagnosis, and seek to provide support and mentorship to younger patients and their families. Adults with cystinosis perceived themselves as role models but also as examples of potential progression and disability. Going/being public about one’s health condition carried emotional and social risks. Individuals and families benefit from peer support and mentorship from others who share their illness experience. Participation in the disease community helps individuals (and caregivers) negotiate living with illness and the transition to adulthood. Further research regarding these processes within other disease communities is needed.
Community structure of an estuarinemeiobenthic copepod assemblage

The community organization of the meiobenthic copepods of two sub-tidallocations was compared with that of a low marsh, intertidal site in the same South Carolina estuary, over a 12 month period. Twenty-four collections of 4–8 replicate cores were gathered from the soft sediments between Spartina alterniflora plants. Total numbers of post-naupliar copepods ranged from 75 to 620·10 cm −2 . Of the 2 cyclopoid and 19 harpacticoid species, 8 comprised 97% of the fauna. The 4 most abundant species had summer or late fall peaks when copepods were most abundant, while 4 others had their minimal densities at this time. The monthly mean H′, J′ and number of species (1·50, 0·63 and 11·2, respectively) were not statistically different from the diversity values at the two subtidal locations. During the summer and fall months, horizontal, between replicate spatial correlations among the 3 most abundant low marsh species were very strong. Horizontally, Stenhelia (Delavalia) bifidia and Microarthridion littorale were negatively correlated, S. (D.) bifidia and Enhydrosoma propinquum positively correlated, while E. propinquum and M. littorale showed no interaction among the 24 collections. Based on a lack of readily identifiable microhabitat specializations, some combination of predation and physical disturbance seem the most likely regulators of the copepod assemblage at this low marsh site.
Lactational responses to dietary magnesium, potassium, and sodium during winter in Florida.

Abstract Forty-eight midlactation Holstein cows were used to evaluate dietary treatments arranged as a 4×2×2 factorial: .26, .38, .48, or .60% Mg, .24 or .62% Na, and 1.14 or 1.59% K. Supplemental Mg, K, and Na were supplied by feed-grade magnesium phosphate, potassium bicarbonate, or sodium chloride. All dietary treatments were equal in Ca and P. There were no effects of dietary Na or K on feed intake or milk production. Feed intakes were equal with .26, .38, and .48% Mg but declined 4.9% with .60% Mg. Milk yields responded curvilinearly to dietary Mg. Similarly, 4% FCM yields responded curvilinearly, increasing 7% with .48% Mg compared with .26% Mg then declining with .60% Mg. Milk fat percentages were unaffected by dietary Mg concentration, but milk fat yields responded curvilinearly. Milk protein percentages declined linearly as dietary Mg increased. Plasma Mg concentrations increased linearly from 2.52 to 2.68 mg/dl as dietary Mg increased. Renal fractional excretions of Ca responded curvilinearly as dietary Mg increased and decreased as dietary K increased. Results of this experiment suggested that current recommendations for dietary Mg do not maximize lactational performance. A companion laboratory experiment showed that feed-grade magnesium phosphate had less alkalizing capacity than two MgO sources.
Ethics and Professional Persuasive Communications.

Abstract Public relations practitioners are torn between two distinct heritages: the objectivity ethic of the journalist, and the persuasion ethic of the advocate. Moral confusion has resulted. This article argues that the persuasion ethic is defensible and laudable in a participatory democracy. The social role of any professional needs examining and justifying before ethical limits are identified. Here, the role of the public relations practitioner has been likened to that of a lawyer. Both are advocates in an adversarial society, advancing their clients' interest by distributing selectively favorable information. They rightfully assume others will accept the social role of generating counterbalancing messages. Such a role justifies the distribution of “selective truth,” relieving the public relations person from the obligation to tell “objective truth”, and allows for ethical persuasion. However, it does not delineate the parameters of ethical behavior. An appropriate model for resolving the problem is Sissela Bok's test for deceit.
Evidence Concerning the Origin of Androgenic Activity in Female Bovine Feces

Summary An investigation has been conducted to study the source and formation of the androgenic activity of the incubated cow feces. The results indicate that the androgenic activity is dependent upon the presence of two factors: (1) an androgen precursor which is present only in cow feces, and (2) microbial activity which is present both in bull and in cow feces. Apparently, progesterone can serve as a precursor of the androgenic substance.
Molecular mechanisms of mechanosensing and their roles in fungal contact sensing

Numerous fungal species respond to contact with a surface by undergoing differentiation. Contact between plant pathogenic fungi and a surface results in the elaboration of the complex structures that enable invasion of the host plant, and for the opportunistic human pathogen Candida albicans, contact with a semi-solid surface results in invasive growth into the subjacent material. The ability to sense contact with an appropriate surface therefore contributes to the ability of these fungi to cause disease in their respective hosts. This Review discusses molecular mechanisms of mechanosensitivity, the proteins involved, such as mechanosensitive ion channels, G-protein-coupled receptors and integrins, and their putative roles in fungal contact sensing.
A Note on Variance Estimation in Random Effects Meta-Regression

For random effects meta-regression inference, variance estimation for the parameter estimates is discussed. Because estimated weights are used for meta-regression analysis in practice, the assumed or estimated covariance matrix used in meta-regression is not strictly correct, due to possible errors in estimating the weights. Therefore, this note investigates the use of a robust variance estimation approach for obtaining variances of the parameter estimates in random effects meta-regression inference. This method treats the assumed covariance matrix of the effect measure variables as a working covariance matrix. Using an example of meta-analysis data from clinical trials of a vaccine, the robust variance estimation approach is illustrated in comparison with two other methods of variance estimation. A simulation study is presented, comparing the three methods of variance estimation in terms of bias and coverage probability. We find that, despite the seeming suitability of the robust estimator for random effects meta-regression, the improved variance estimator of Knapp and Hartung (2003) yields the best performance among the three estimators, and thus may provide the best protection against errors in the estimated weights.
Mapping wintering waterfowl distributions using weather surveillance radar.

The current network of weather surveillance radars within the United States readily detects flying birds and has proven to be a useful remote-sensing tool for ornithological study. Radar reflectivity measures serve as an index to bird density and have been used to quantitatively map landbird distributions during migratory stopover by sampling birds aloft at the onset of nocturnal migratory flights. Our objective was to further develop and validate a similar approach for mapping wintering waterfowl distributions using weather surveillance radar observations at the onset of evening flights. We evaluated data from the Sacramento, CA radar (KDAX) during winters 1998–1999 and 1999–2000. We determined an optimal sampling time by evaluating the accuracy and precision of radar observations at different times during the onset of evening flight relative to observed diurnal distributions of radio-marked birds on the ground. The mean time of evening flight initiation occurred 23 min after sunset with the strongest correlations between reflectivity and waterfowl density on the ground occurring almost immediately after flight initiation. Radar measures became more spatially homogeneous as evening flight progressed because birds dispersed from their departure locations. Radars effectively detected birds to a mean maximum range of 83 km during the first 20 min of evening flight. Using a sun elevation angle of −5° (28 min after sunset) as our optimal sampling time, we validated our approach using KDAX data and additional data from the Beale Air Force Base, CA (KBBX) radar during winter 1998–1999. Bias-adjusted radar reflectivity of waterfowl aloft was positively related to the observed diurnal density of radio-marked waterfowl locations on the ground. Thus, weather radars provide accurate measures of relative wintering waterfowl density that can be used to comprehensively map their distributions over large spatial extents.
Collective Moral Responsibility

Etude de la nature et des conditions de la responsabilite morale collective. Definissant la collectivite comme agent intentionnel, agent volontaire et agent epistemique, responsable du resultat de ses actes et de ses omissions, l'A. recourt a une philosophie sociale naturalisee, fondee sur la psychologie empirique, pour examiner les cas particuliers de la responsabilite morale collective.
Incumbents, successors, and crisis bargaining Leadership turnover as a commitment problem

Leadership turnover may produce significant foreign policy changes when leaders differ from their predecessors in their preferences over the resort to war and when they cannot commit to implement i...
Male infant with ichthyosis, Kallmann syndrome, chondrodysplasia punctata, and an Xp chromosome deletion

We report on a male infant with X-linked ichthyosis, X-linked Kallmann syndrome, and X-linked recessive chondrodysplasia punctata (CPXR). Chromosome analysis showed a terminal deletion with a breakpoint at Xp22.31, inherited maternally. This patient confirms the localization of XLI, XLK, and CPXR to this region of the X chromosome and represents an example of a "contiguous gene syndrome." A comparison of the manifestations of patients with CPXR, warfarin embryopathy, and vitamin K epoxide reductase deficiency shows a remarkable similarity. However, vitamin K epoxide reductase deficiency does not appear to be the cause of CPXR. We propose that CPXR may be due to a defect in a vitamin K-dependent bone protein such as vitamin K-dependent bone carboxylase, osteocalcin, or matrix Gla protein.
Modeling cross-situational word-referent learning: prior questions.

Both adults and young children possess powerful statistical computation capabilities—they can infer the referent of a word from highly ambiguous contexts involving many words and many referents by aggregating cross-situational statistical information across contexts. This ability has been explained by models of hypothesis testing and by models of associative learning. This article describes a series of simulation studies and analyses designed to understand the different learning mechanisms posited by the 2 classes of models and their relation to each other. Variants of a hypothesis-testing model and a simple or dumb associative mechanism were examined under different specifications of information selection, computation, and decision. Critically, these 3 components of the models interact in complex ways. The models illustrate a fundamental tradeoff between amount of data input and powerful computations: With the selection of more information, dumb associative models can mimic the powerful learning that is accomplished by hypothesis-testing models with fewer data. However, because of the interactions among the component parts of the models, the associative model can mimic various hypothesis-testing models, producing the same learning patterns but through different internal components. The simulations argue for the importance of a compositional approach to human statistical learning: the experimental decomposition of the processes that contribute to statistical learning in human learners and models with the internal components that can be evaluated independently and together.
Pharmacogenomics of antihypertensive drugs: Rationale and design of the Pharmacogenomic Evaluation of Antihypertensive Responses (PEAR) study

Background Selection of antihypertensive therapy is often empiric, and use of genetic information to guide drug therapy selection holds future promise. Trial design The objective of this trial is to identify the genetic determinants of the antihypertensive and adverse metabolic responses to a thiazide diuretic (hydrochlorothiazide), a β-blocker (atenolol), and their combination. This will be accomplished through candidate gene and genome-wide association approaches. Individuals with uncomplicated hypertension (N = 800), with ages 17 and 65 years, are being enrolled. Current antihypertensive therapy is discontinued, and hypertension is confirmed, along with collection of other baseline data. Subjects are then randomized to either hydrochlorothiazide or atenolol, with 1 dose titration step, followed by assessment of response to therapy after at least 6 weeks on the target dose. Those with blood pressure >120/70 mm Hg have the second drug added, with similar dose titration and response assessment procedures. Data collected include home, office, and 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure. Biological samples collected in the fasting state include plasma, serum, DNA (buffy coat), and urine. Epstein-Barr virus transformed lymphocyte cell lines are also being created. Conclusions Pharmacogenetic-guided therapy holds clinical potential for hypertension, but the literature in the field is limited. This trial will add substantially to our understanding of the genetic determinants of antihypertensive and adverse metabolic responses to 2 commonly used antihypertensive drug classes.
Cell cycle dependent changes in potassium transport.

K transport has been investigated during progression of cultured Ehrlich ascites tumor cells through the cell cycle. Using a double thymidine block technique, Ehrlich cells carried in continuous culture have been synchronized, as verified by simultaneous monitoring of cell number, cell volume, 3H-thymidine incorporation and mitotic index. Unidirectional influx, efflux and cell content of K have been monitored throughout the cell cycle. The nature of the pump mediated, ouabain-sensitive K flux and the furosemide-sensitive component of K flux, presumably representing K-K exchange, have also been evaluated. In early S period the ouabain sensitive component, representing the Na-K pump, comprises 52% of the total unidirectional K influx. During S period the pump activity increases to a maximum of 65% of the unidirectional K influx and subsequently declines during G2 period to a minimum of 40% in mid G2. During M and early S the activity again rises. As the ouabain sensitive component becomes maximal in late S period, the furosemide sensitive component diminishes from approximately 30% of the total influx to approximately 10%. The same pattern is observed in the G2 period. As the pump component diminishes, the furosemide sensitive component increases. Furosemide sensitive K efflux has also been monitored and the pattern is equivalent to that observed in the influx studies. No change in net K flux is observed in the presence of furosemide. This indicates that the furosemide sensitive component represents an exchange component for K. These results are consistent with the conclusion that the alterations in exchange and pump fluxes are physiological events associated with progression of the cell cycle.
Youth and digital media: from credibility to information quality

This paper seeks to map and explore what we know about the ways in which young users of age 18 and under search for information online, how they evaluate information, and how their related practices of content creation. Building upon a process- and context-oriented information quality framework and by looking at levels of new literacies, general digital media usage, and social patterns affect these activities. A review of selected literature at the intersection of digital media, youth, and information quality—primarily works from library and information science, sociology, education, and selected ethnographic studies— reveals patterns in youth’s information-seeking behavior, but also highlights the importance of contextual and demographic factors both for search and evaluation. Looking at the phenomenon from an information-learning and educational perspective, the literature shows that youth develop competencies for personal goals that sometimes do not transfer to school, and are sometimes not appropriate for school. Thus far, educational initiatives to educate youth about search, evaluation, or creation have depended greatly on the local circumstances for their success or failure.
Experimental design issues for the early detection of disease: novel designs.

SUMMARY This paper investigates two experimental designs which have been used to evaluate the benefit of the early detection of breast cancer. They have some advantages over a classical design (the screening program versus usual medical care) in that subjects in a control group may benefit by participating in the study. We refer to the two experimental designs as the up-front (UFD) and close-out (COD) designs. The UFD consists of offering an initial exam to all participants. Then they can be randomized to a usual care group or a screening group receiving one or more special examinations. If the outcome of the initial examination is included in the analysis, then the study can answer the question of the benefit of an additional screening program after an initial examination. If the analysis excludes all the cases diagnosed at the initial examination, then the analysis evaluates the benefit of a screening program after elimination of the prevalent cases. These prevalent cases are most likely to be affected by length bias sampling and consequently will tend to have less aggressive disease and live longer. As a result, the UFD can answer two scientific questions. The COD consists of randomizing subjects to a usual care group and a screened group. However, the usual care group receives an examination which coincides at the time of the last exam in the study group. In this paper the power of these two designs have been evaluated. In both cases the power is severely reduced compared to the usual control group receiving no special exams. The power is a function of the sensitivity of the exam, the number and spacings of the exams given to the screened group as well as the sample size, disease incidence of the population and the survival distribution. The theoretical results on power are applied to the Canadian National Breast Cancer Study (ages 40–49) which used an UFD and the Stockholm Mammography Breast Cancer Screening Trial which utilized a COD.