cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Biology and laboratory propagation of Amblymerus bruchophagi (Hymenoptera : Pteromalidae), a parasite of the alfalfa seed chalcid.

Under laboratory conditions, development of A. bruchphagi (Gahan) from egg to adult on the alfalfa seed chalcid required an average of 10.5 days at 27°C Oviposition began 1-2 days after emergence. An average of 251 eggs was laid by each female over a period of 28 days. Average life span for males and females was 20.7 and 30.4 days, respectively. At 27°C, larval diapause was not induced by photophases of 0, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, and 24 hours. A lack of synchronization was observed between emergence of overwintering adult A. bruchophagi and the alfalfa seed chalcid, Bruchophagus roddi Gussakovskii, suggesting that alternate hosts are required when seed chalcid larvae are not available in early spring. A. bruchophagi was propagated successfully on 5 unnatural hosts from 3 insect orders: Musca domestica L.: Sarcophaga bullata Parker, Nomia melanderi. Cockerell, Bathyplectes curculionis (Thomson), and Callosobruchus maculatus (F.).
Anatomic double-bundle versus single-bundle ACL reconstruction: a comparative biomechanical study in rabbits.

Thirty New Zealand white rabbits underwent anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction in their right knees; 15 animals underwent a double-bundle anatomic ACL reconstruction using the medial third of the patellar tendon and the semitendinosus tendon. Additionally, 15 animals underwent ACL reconstruction, using a single-bundle semitendinosus tendon autograft. The knees of both groups were evaluated with a device similar to the KT1000 arthrometer onto which a dial indicator was attached (Mitutoyo dial indicator 2050) in 30° and 90° of flexion, preoperatively, after ACL resection and 3 months postoperatively. Statistical analysis of the results revealed that for 90° of knee flexion, the mean estimated anterior shift for the double-bundle technique was 1.92 mm lesser than that of the single-bundle technique (P = 0.006). For 30° of knee flexion, the mean anterior shift was again lesser than that of the single-bundle technique by 0.66 mm, but this difference was not statistically significant. The described double-bundle ACL reconstruction technique resulted in a more stable knee as far as the anterior tibial shift was concerned as compared to a single-bundle ACL reconstruction. This animal model may be potentially useful in the future for the study of other parameters influencing the outcome of the double-bundle ACL reconstruction.
Serum nicotine and cotinine levels during nicotine‐patch therapy

We related serum nicotine and cotinine levels while subjects were smoking their usual numbers of cigarettes to levels while wearing a nicotine patch under carefully controlled, smoke-free conditions in a clinical research center. Twenty-four volunteers who needed intensive treatment for severe nicotine dependence were admitted to the clinical research center and were treated with a 22 mg transdermal nicotine patch each day and an intensive smoking-cessation program. Serum nicotine and cotinine levels, withdrawal symptoms, and hours and quality of sleep were noted. The steady-state serum nicotine and cotinine levels produced with the nicotine patch were lower than those observed when the subjects were smoking. Mean nicotine and cotinine levels were inversely related to mean withdrawal scores for the first 6 days. A fixed dose of transdermal nicotine will not be effective for all smokers. Individualization of therapy should be based on objective biologic measures such as serum cotinine and subjective assessment of withdrawal relief.
Two mitogen‐activated protein kinase signalling cascades mediate basal resistance to antifungal plant defensins in Fusarium graminearum

Antifungal defensins, MsDef1 and MtDef4, from Medicago spp., inhibit the growth of Fusarium graminearum, which causes head blight disease in cereals. In order to determine the signalling cascades that are modulated by these defensins, we have isolated several insertional mutants of F. graminearum that exhibit hypersensitivity to MsDef1, but not to MtDef4. The molecular characterization of two of these mutants, designated enhanced sensitivity to defensin (esd), has revealed that the Mgv1 and Gpmk1 MAP kinase signalling cascades play a major role in regulating sensitivity of F. graminearum to MsDef1, but not to MtDef4. The Hog1 MAP kinase signalling cascade, which is responsible for adaptation of this fungus to hyperosmotic stress, does not participate in the fungal response to these defensins. Significantly, the esd mutants also exhibit hypersensitivity to other tested defensins and are highly compromised in their pathogenesis on wheat heads and tomato fruits. The studies reported here for the first time implicate two MAP kinase signalling cascades in a plant defensin-mediated alteration of fungal growth. Based on our findings, we propose that specific MAP kinase signalling cascades are essential for protection of a fungal pathogen from the antimicrobial proteins of its host plant.
Cell-free fetal DNA in the cerebrospinal fluid of women during the peripartum period

Abstract Objective The purpose of this study was to determine whether cell-free fetal DNA is detectable in the cerebrospinal fluid of women during pregnancy and after delivery. Study design Cerebrospinal fluid was collected from 39 women who underwent an indicated spinal anesthesia procedure. Twenty-six samples were from women who carried at least 1 male fetus, and 13 samples were from women with only a female fetus. DNA was analyzed with the use of real-time polymerase chain reaction for DYS-1 (which represented male fetal DNA) and β-globin (which represented maternal and fetal DNA). Results β-Globin DNA was detected in all cerebrospinal samples. DYS-1 gene sequences were detected in 4 cerebrospinal fluid samples from women who had male fetuses (2 samples were from women who underwent cesarean delivery of singleton pregnancies, 1 sample was from a triplet pregnancy, and 1 sample was from a woman after delivery). No male DNA was detected in the cerebrospinal fluid of women who carried female fetuses. Conclusion Male fetal cells and/or cell-free fetal DNA is detectable in the cerebrospinal fluid of some pregnant women or some women after delivery.
Social Support and Networks: Cardiovascular Responses Following Recall on Immigration Stress Among Chinese Americans

Social support has been shown to act as a buffer for cardiovascular responses to stress. However, little is known about how social support and networks are related to cardiovascular responses to immigration stress recall. The current study evaluated the impact of structural and functional support on cardiovascular reaction following immigrant stress recall provocation as well as the moderation effect of interdependent self-construal among first-generation Chinese immigrants. One hundred fifty Chinese immigrants were recruited in the New York Chinatown area. Participants completed questionnaires assessing their levels of social support and networks, and interdependent self-construal. Following adaptation, participants recalled a recent post-immigration stress-provoking situation. Cardiovascular measures were taken during adaptation, stressor task, and recovery period. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis was performed. Social network size and type, as well as perceived emotional support were positively predictive of systolic blood pressure (SBP) reactivity changes. Instrumental support seeking was a positive predictor of SBP and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) reactivity. The moderation effect between instrumental support seeking and interdependent self-construal were significantly predictive of DBP reactivity and recovery, suggesting that perceptions about themselves in relation to others is a crucial factor for determining whether support seeking is beneficial or not. Social support was not a direct buffer on cardiovascular responses to stress among Chinese immigrants. Chinese values of interdependence and collectivism may partly explain the disconfirming results. Still, when interdependent self-construal was taken into account, Chinese immigrants who had less interdependent self-construal, but solicited more instrumental support, had faster adaptation to stress over the long term.
Protective effects f CG-4203, a novel stable prostacyclin analog, in traumatic shock

Abstract We studie the effects of CG-4203, a novel stable prostacyclin analog, in a severe model of traumatic shock in rats. Traumatic shock was produced by Noble Collip drum trauma and was characterized by marked hypotension, a 4- to 5-fold increase in plasma cathepsin D and myocardial depressant factor activities, and survival time of 95 ± 15) minutes. Treatment with CG-4203 (100 ng/mg/min)_signidficantly prolonged survival time to 194 ± 20 min (p
172 DECREASED DNA-CELLULOSE AFFINITY OF LUNG GLUCOCORTICOID RECEPTORS IN THE FETUS OF HYPERCLYCEMIC RATS

Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is due to a deficiency of dipalmitoyl lecithin (DPL), the developmental appearance of which is controlled in the fetal lung by glucocorticoid (GC) induction of choline phos-photransferase (CPT). GC produce their effects by binding to cytosolic receptors which in turn bind to nuclei and induce DNA-transcription and consequently enzyme synthesis. Since infants of diabetic mothers (IDM) have an increased incidence of RDS, we investigated this relationship by producing hyperglycemic rats with streptozotocin (STZ), prior to implantation. Mothers were consistently hyperglycemic (> 250mg%). One day prior to term, fetuses were obtained. The concentration of fetal lung cytosol dexamethasone receptor at saturating concentration (2×10-8M) was unchanged (500.4 vs. 515.8 fmole/mg prot.). However, in vitro DNA-cellulose affinity and CPT activity were decreased in the fetuses of treated animals (128.6 vs. 236.0 f.mole/mg prot. and 1.28 vs. 4.24 p.mole/min./mg, protein respectively; p < 0.05 for both). It is concluded that the fetus of the STZ-treated hyperglycemic rat is a useful model for RDS in the IDM, and suggests that steroid receptor DNA-affinity may affect DPL production and the incidence of RDS.
Effect of bile acid analogs on 7α-dehydroxylase activity in eubacterium Sp. V.P.I. 12708

Abstract 7β-Methyl-chenodeoxycholic acid (7-MeCDC, 3α, 7α-dihydroxy-7-methyl-5-cholan-24-oic acid), 7α-methyl-ursodeoxycholic acid (7-MeUDC, 3α, 7-dihydroxy-7α-methyl-5-cholan-24-oic acid), 7ξ-methyl-lithocholic acid (7-MeLC, 3α-hydroxy-7ξ-methyl-5-cholan-24-oic acid) and ursodeoxycholylsarcosine (UDCS) were tested as inhibitors of bacterial bile acid 7α-dehydroxylase activity. At a concentration of 50 μM, 7-MeCDC and 7-MeUDC inhibited enzyme activity by 66% and 12%, respectively. 7α-Dehydroxylase activity was not inhibited in the presence of 7-MeLC and UDCS. None of the four bile acid analogs tested inhibited the growth of Eubacterium sp. V.P.I. 12708 at concentrations up to 100 μM.
Angiographic correlates of lesion relevance and suitability for percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty and coronary artery bypass grafting in the Bypass Angioplasty Revascularization Investigation study (BARI)

The Bypass Angioplasty Revascularization Investigation (BARI) randomized 1,829 patients to percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Clinical site angiographers categorized lesions of ≥50% diameter stenosis (n = 4,977) as clinically significant (86.4%) or nonsignificant (13.6%), and as favorable or nonfavorable for PTCA or CABG. More lesions were considered favorable for revascularization by CABG than by PTCA (91.5% vs 78.4%; p
Accelerating switch-level simulation by function caching

We present a caching method that significantly reduces the cost of subnetwork evaluation during switchlevel simulation. The method speeds up switch-level simulation by as much as a factor of two while encurring a reasonable space penalty that is linearly related to the netlist size.
A Concept for a Lens Configuration for 360 $^{\circ}$ Scanning

A concept is presented for a lens configuration that produces scanned beams over the full azimuth angular domain of 360deg. Conventional microwave lenses produce scanned beams over limited angular range that is less than +/-90deg . A number of beam ports transmit signals to illuminate a number of receive ports with an aperture amplitude and phase tapers. The receive ports are in turn connected to a radiating aperture with transmission lines of prescribed lengths. This concept uses the beam ports and the receive ports in an interleaving sequence such that adjacent ports alternate beam and receive functions. The result is a lens that produces scanned beams on opposite sides of the structure, resulting in a 360deg scanning range. The structure can use multiple opposing facets or continuous circular port and radiating element contours. The multiple opposing facets make the radiating structure in the form of a polygon, while the circular contour will produce a circular array structure. The concept may be extended to three-dimensional conformal arrays with three-dimensional scanning.
Architecture and IC implementation of a digital VRM controller

This paper develops the architecture of a digital PWM controller for application in multi-phase voltage regulation modules (VRMs) with passive current sharing. In this context, passive current sharing and VRM transient response are analyzed. A scheme for sensing a combination of the VRM output voltage and output current with a single low-resolution windowed analog-to-digital converter (ADC) is proposed. The architecture and IC implementation of a digital PWM (DPWM) generation module, using a ring-oscillator-MUX scheme, is discussed. Experimental results from a prototype VRM and a partial controller IC implementation are presented.
Ultrasonic attenuation in sinter-forged high Tc superconductor YBa2Cu3O7 − δ☆

Abstract We have measured ultrasonic absorption in sinter-forged high Tc YBa2Cu3O7 − δ. Owing to the anisotropic properties of the sinter-forged samples, longitudinal ultrasonic attenuation measurements showed very strong anisotropy when waves were propagated parallel and perpendicular to the forging axis. Sound absorption was found to increase with decreasing temperature for shear waves travelling parallel to the forging axis.
Proteasomal Inhibition Attenuates Transcriptional Activity of Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1 (HIF-1) via Specific Effect on the HIF-1α C-Terminal Activation Domain

The ubiquitin-proteasome pathway (UPP) is involved in regulation of multiple cellular processes. Hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) is a prototypic target of the UPP and, as such, is stabilized under conditions of proteasomal inhibition. Using carbonic anhydrase IX (CAIX) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression as paradigmatic markers of HIF-1 activity, we found that proteasomal inhibitors (PI) abrogated hypoxia-induced CAIX expression in all cell lines tested and VEGF expression in two out of three. Mapping of the inhibitory effect identified the C-terminal activation domain (CAD) of HIF-1α as the primary target of PI. PI specifically inhibited the HIF-1α CAD despite activating the HIF-1α coactivator p300 and another p300 cysteine/histidine-rich domain 1-dependent transcription factor, STAT-2. Coimmunoprecipitation and glutathione S-transferase pull downs indicated that PI does not disrupt interactions between HIF-1α and p300. Mutational analysis failed to confirm involvement of sites of known or putative posttranslational modifications in regulation of HIF-1α CAD function by PI. Our data provide evidence for the counterintuitive hypothesis that inhibition of HIF-1 function could be responsible for at least some of the antitumor effects of proteasomal inhibition. Further studies of the mechanism of the PI-induced attenuation of HIF-1α will provide important, potentially novel insight into regulation of HIF-1 activity and possibly identify new targets for HIF-directed therapy.
A Distribution-Function Approach in the Many-Body Quantum Transport Theory of Quantum-Based Devices

A rigorous derivation of an exact equation for the quantum distribution function in many-body quantum transport theory is given. With a subsidiary device boundary condition, a finite “active” open system can be simulated. A fully gauge-invariant exact quantum transport equation for uniform electric fields is also presented.
Electoral Gender Quotas: Lessons from Argentina and Chile

This comparative case study examines the role of electoral quotas for increasing women's representation in Argentina and Chile. The Central hypothesis is that gender quotas in favourable electoral systems increase women's representation, and a corollary hypothesis is that more women in politics should also promote gender issues in public policy. Since the transitions to democratic regimes, many Argentine and Chilean women still promote gender issues, such as gender quotas, but the different transitions shaped the opportunity space for gender issues in politics. Thus, gender quotas can be effective, but the types of electoral and quota systems are important defining conditions and improvements in gender issues are not guaranteed.
Maternal Micronutrient Deficiency, Fetal Development, and the Risk of Chronic Disease

Early life nutritional exposures, combined with changes in lifestyle in adult life, can result in increased risk of chronic diseases. Although much of the focus on the developmental origins of disease has been on birth size and growth in postnatal life and the availability of energy and protein during these critical developmental periods, micronutrient deficiencies may also play an important role in fetal growth and development. Micronutrient status in fetal and early life may alter metabolism, vasculature, and organ growth and function, leading to increased risk of cardiometabolic disorders, adiposity, altered kidney function, and, ultimately, to type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. This review elucidates pathways through which micronutrient deficiencies lead to developmental impairment and describes the research to date on the evidence that micronutrient deficiencies in utero influence the development of chronic disease risk. Animal studies, observational human studies examining maternal diet or micronutrient status, and limited data from intervention studies are reviewed. Where data are lacking, plausible mechanisms and pathways of action have been derived from the existing animal and in vitro models. This review fills a critical gap in the literature related to the seminal role of micronutrients in early life and extends the discussion on the developmental origins of health and disease beyond birth size and energy and protein deficiency.
The Toxicology of Interleukin-12: A Review

Recombinant murine interleukin (IL)-12 (rmIL-12) exhibits antitumor, antiviral, and antimicrobial activities and can modify allergic inflammatory reactions in animal models. Recombinant human IL-12 (rhIL-12) is currently in clinical trials for treatment of cancer, asthma, and viral hepatitis. Principally a phagocyte-derived cytokine, IL-12 targets natural killer cells and T lymphocytes, stimulating their activity and the secretion of interferon (IFN)-gamma. An understanding of the toxicology of IL-12, due in part to effects mediated by IFN-gamma, has emerged from preclinical safety and mechanistic studies and initial clinical trials. Target organs common to several animal species and humans include the lymphohematopoietic system, intestines, liver, and lung.
Application of the wavelet transform for pitch detection of speech signals

An event-detection pitch detector based on the dyadic wavelet transform is described. The proposed pitch detector is suitable for both low-pitched and high-pitched speakers and is robust to noise. Examples are provided that demonstrate the superior performance of the pitch detector in comparison with classical pitch detectors that use the autocorrelation and the cepstrum methods to estimate the pitch period. >
Modification of Sitting Posture of Patients with Hemiplegia Using Seat Boards and Backboards

The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the effects of using seat boards only and a combination of seat boards and backboards on wheelchair posture. Forty-one patients with hemiplegia secondary to cerebrovascular accidents were assigned sequentially to 1) a group that used seat boards only (SB Group), 2) a group that used both seat boards and backboards (SBB Group), or 3) a group that used no boards (Control Group). The SB and SBB Groups used the boards throughout rehabilitation. Wheelchair sitting posture was measured at entry to and discharge from the rehabilitation program. The SB and SBB Groups were measured with and without boards. Anterior-posterior pelvic tilt, lumbar lordosis, thoracic kyphosis, lateral flexion, and lateral pelvic tilt were measured using a gravity goniometer, photographs, and calipers. Use of seat boards was associated with a decreased lateral pelvic tilt of 2.3 degrees at discharge while the seat boards were in place. The use of seat boards and backboards combined was associated with decreased lateral pelvic tilt of 3.1 and 1.6 degrees, increased anterior pelvic tilt of 13.1 and 11.1 degrees, and decreased thoracic kyphosis of 13.0 and 14.2 degrees at entry to and at discharge from the rehabilitation program, respectively, while the boards were in place. At the end of rehabilitation when the boards were removed, no long-term postural changes had occurred in the treatment groups compared with the Control Group. This study demonstrated that seat boards and backboards in wheelchairs improve certain postural deviations of patients with hemiplegia, but that these improvements are not maintained when the boards are removed after 5 to 10 weeks of use.
Hot data identification for flash-based storage systems using multiple bloom filters

Hot data identification can be applied to a variety of fields. Particularly in flash memory, it has a critical impact on its performance (due to a garbage collection) as well as its life span (due to a wear leveling). Although the hot data identification is an issue of paramount importance in flash memory, little investigation has been made. Moreover, all existing schemes focus almost exclusively on a frequency viewpoint. However, recency also must be considered equally with the frequency for effective hot data identification. In this paper, we propose a novel hot data identification scheme adopting multiple bloom filters to efficiently capture finer-grained recency as well as frequency. In addition to this scheme, we propose a Window-based Direct Address Counting (WDAC) algorithm to approximate an ideal hot data identification as our baseline. Unlike the existing baseline algorithm that cannot appropriately capture recency information due to its exponential batch decay, our WDAC algorithm, using a sliding window concept, can capture very fine-grained recency information. Our experimental evaluation with diverse realistic workloads including real SSD traces demonstrates that our multiple bloom filter-based scheme outperforms the state-of-the-art scheme. In particular, ours not only consumes 50% less memory and requires less computational overhead up to 58%, but also improves its performance up to 65%.
Using SAT for combinational equivalence checking

This paper addresses the problem of combinational equivalence checking (CEC) which forms one of the key components of the current verification methodology for digital systems. A number of recently proposed BDD based approaches have met with considerable success in this area. However, the growing gap between the capability of current solvers and the complexity of verification instances necessitates the exploration of alternative, better solutions. This paper revisits the application of Satisfiability (SAT) algorithms to the combinational equivalence checking (CEC) problem. We argue that SAT is a more robust and flexible engine of Boolean reasoning for the CEC application than BDDs, which have traditionally been the method of choice. Preliminary results on a simple framework for SAT based CEC show a speedup of up to two orders of magnitude compared to state-of-the-art SAT based methods for CEC and also demonstrate that even with this simple algorithm and untuned prototype implementation it is only moderately slower and sometimes faster than a state-of-the-art BDD based mixed engine commercial CEC tool. While SAT based CEC methods need further research and tuning before they can surpass almost a decade of research in BDD based CEC, the recent progress is very promising and merits continued research.
Guilty Until Proved Innocent: Wrongful Conviction and Public Policy

Few problems can pose a greater threat to free, democratic societies than that of wrongful conviction—the conviction of an innocent person. Yet relatively little attention has been paid to this problem, perhaps because of our understandable concern with the efficiency and effectiveness of the criminal justice system in combatting crime. Drawing on our own database of nearly 500 cases of wrongful conviction, our survey of criminal justice officials, and our review of extant literature on the subject, we address three major questions: (1) How frequent is wrongful conviction? (2) What are its major causes? and (3) What policy implications may be derived from this study?
Comparison of soil infiltration rates in burned and unburned mountainous watersheds

Steady-state infiltration measurements were made at mountainous sites in New Mexico and Colorado, USA, with volcanic and granitic soils after wildfires and at comparable unburned sites. We measured infiltration in the New Mexico volcanic soils under two vegetation types, ponderosa pine and mixed conifer, and in the Colorado granitic soils under ponderosa pine vegetation. These measurements were made within high-severity burn areas using a portable infiltrometer with a 0Ð017 m 2 infiltration area and artificial rainfall rates ranging from 97 to 440 mm h � 1 . Steadystate infiltration rates were less at all burned sites relative to unburned sites. The volcanic soil with ponderosa pine vegetation showed the greatest difference in infiltration rates with a ratio of steady-state infiltration rate in burned sites to unburned soils equal to 0Ð15. Volcanic soils with mixed conifer vegetation had a ratio (burned to unburned soils) of at most 0Ð38, and granitic soils with ponderosa pine vegetation had a ratio of 0Ð38. Steady-state infiltration rates on unburned volcanic and granitic soils with ponderosa pine vegetation are not statistically different. We present data on the particle-size distribution at all the study sites and examples of wetting patterns produced during the infiltration experiments. Published in 2001 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the differentiation of anthrax bacilli from Bacillus cereus.

led Smith, Gordon and Clark (1952) to suggest that nonvirulent strains of B. anthracis may actually be identical with B. cereus, and further that it may be proper to regard virulent anthrax bacilli as pathogenic variants of the supposedly more stable parent species, B. cereus. Recently Brown et al (1955, 1956, 1958) have presented new evidence in support of these concepts. Brown, Moody, Treece and Smith (1958) described an anthrax-like disease produced in laboratory animals as the result of inoculating rapidly multiplying B. cereus which had apparently been transformed into capsulated bacilli capable of causing "the gross pathology of anthrax." In the present paper results of our further studies will be presented. By use of
Head tremor secondary to MS resolved with rituximab

We describe the case of a 33-year-old woman who presented with a 2-month history of worsening head tremor. The medical evaluation led to the new diagnosis of MS and the MRI of brain demonstrated prominently active disease. Intravenous rituximab was started according to the HERMES trial, and significant improvement was noted. She has received additional rituximab dosing approximately every 6 months, and at the 2-year follow-up the tremor has not recurred. The resolution of head tremor likely resulted from the complete suppression of MS disease activity, which must have allowed restoration of normal neural circuitry. In agreement with a growing body of evidence that supports early control of MS disease activity to prevent accumulation of fixed disability, this case advocates for aggressive immunological therapy at the onset of tremor in MS patients.
One is better than two: TCR pairing and GVHD

T lymphocytes that express dual TCRs were found more frequently in patients with acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) as compared with patients who also underwent allogeneic stem cell transplantation but did not develop acute GVHD (Morris et al., this issue).
Reproductive skew drives patterns of sexual dimorphism in sponge-dwelling snapping shrimps

Sexual dimorphism is typically a result of strong sexual selection on male traits used in male–male competition and subsequent female choice. However, in social species where reproduction is monopolized by one or a few individuals in a group, selection on secondary sexual characteristics may be strong in both sexes. Indeed, sexual dimorphism is reduced in many cooperatively breeding vertebrates and eusocial insects with totipotent workers, presumably because of increased selection on female traits. Here, we examined the relationship between sexual dimorphism and sociality in eight species of Synalpheus snapping shrimps that vary in social structure and degree of reproductive skew. In species where reproduction was shared more equitably, most members of both sexes were physiologically capable of breeding. However, in species where reproduction was monopolized by a single individual, a large proportion of females—but not males—were reproductively inactive, suggesting stronger reproductive suppression and conflict among females. Moreover, as skew increased across species, proportional size of the major chela—the primary antagonistic weapon in snapping shrimps—increased among females and sexual dimorphism in major chela size declined. Thus, as reproductive skew increases among Synalpheus , female–female competition over reproduction appears to increase, resulting in decreased sexual dimorphism in weapon size.
Relation between intrinsic motivation and boredom in leisure time

Abstract The present investigation replicated and extended an earlier finding of the negative relation between intrinsic motivation in leisure behavior and boredom in leisure time (Iso‐Ahola & Weissinger, 1987). Secondary analysis of data from 474 college undergraduates was used to construct a regression model of boredom. Results indicate that the self‐determination component of intrinsic leisure motivation explained the greatest portion of boredom variance (R = .38). Other variables entering the regression equation, in descending order of variance explained: competence, leisure ethic, age, and leisure repertoire (total R2 = .52). Gender was not a significant predictor of boredom in leisure time. Results suggest that boredom in leisure time is usefully conceptualized as a disruption of the intrinsic motivation process.
Modularizing Small Group Theories in Sociology

This article asserts that it is beneficial to formulate theories using methods specifically designed to facilitate and promote integrations. Although it is written using illustrations primarily from sociology, the discussion is relevant to other fields to whatever extent their theories may be deemed informal (i.e., presented without explicitly defined terms, distinct propositions, or logical calculi for deriving hypotheses). Constructing theories in a modular fashion makes the processes of development and explication more efficient, and the products more generally useful. Modules are semiautonomous components designed with sufficient flexibility that they can be assembled into larger combinations which are capable of generating explanations and predictions that individual modules could not manage alone. The general benefits of modularization are demonstrated for a variety of applications, and the argument is made that modularizing our theories would facilitate refinement, integration, and problem solving....
Positive hurdle rates without asymmetric information

Abstract We present a simple model where a firm will commit to a strictly positive hurdle rate on investment proposals by managers even though the two parties are symmetrically informed about the investments' profitability. Facing a positive hurdle rate, a manager who derives partial benefits from the investment profits will have more incentive to collect information about the projects. The optimal hurdle rate trades off the benefit of more information with the cost of foregoing ex post positive Net Present Value (NPV) projects.
Antecedents of Adopting e-Learning: Toward a Model of Academic e-Learning Acceptance Culture

This study investigates factors that predict the successful adoption and implementation of e-learning technologies in producing knowledge. Two hundred and twelve members of the faculty in a small Liberal Arts college in the Midwest were targeted. Several layers of analysis were performed to test the effects of academic backgrounds and other demographic variables on the tendencies to adopt elearning. It was found that the academic background variables did not yield significant correlations with perception about, and the decision to adopt, e-learning. The data showed that the primary interest in the correlates of the decisions to adopt e-learning is the faculty’s self confidence in using the technology.
Rational series for multiple zeta and log gamma functions

Abstract Text We give series expansions for the Barnes multiple zeta functions in terms of rational functions whose numerators are complex-order Bernoulli polynomials, and whose denominators are linear. We also derive corresponding rational expansions for Dirichlet L-functions and multiple log gamma functions in terms of higher order Bernoulli polynomials. These expansions naturally express many of the well-known properties of these functions. As corollaries many special values of these transcendental functions are expressed as series of higher order Bernoulli numbers. Video For a video summary of this paper, please click here or visit http://youtu.be/2i5PQiueW_8 .
Triple-correlation direct sequence receiver

A self-referencing direct sequence spread spectrum receiver is presented which is based on an appropriate single lag of the auto-triple-correlation. The receiver is self-acquiring, in the sense that no local reference code is necessary. The received signal is auto-triple-correlated at a particular lag such that the transmitted code acts as its own reference. The proposed receiver is characterized by a bound on its probability of bit error in additive white Gaussian noise, and compared with a conventional coherent BPSK receiver. >
Small Mammal Use of Refugia, Population Recovery, and Survival Following Prescribed Burning in Scrubby Flatwoods Ecosystem, Florida, USA

This study was conducted in Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve, Florida, USA, with the purpose of establishing: (1) if small mammals used wetlands as refugia following prescribed fire, (2) if small mammals returned to burned areas after the regrowth of the vegetation, and (3) if prescribed burning had a negative effect on the survival of the species. Few studies have addressed these topics in the literature, which are important for management and restoration purposes. The design consisted of two treatments and two control sites (scrub) with 100 traps each and a wetland next to each site with two transects (10 traps each) between the scrub and the wetland. A total of 182 individuals of Florida mouse (Podomys floridanus), cotton rat (Sigmodon hispidus), cotton mice (Peromyscus gossypinus), and golden mouse (Ochrotomys nuttalli) were marked to monitor movements between the scrub and the wetlands, but only Florida mouse and cotton rat had sufficient data for analysis. The survival analysis was carried out by using Cormack-Jolly-Seber model and the program MARK. In treatment sites, Florida mouse and cotton rat were captured primarily in the scrub (69%) before burning, they used the vegetation surrounding wetlands as refugia for 11 months after burning, and they returned to the scrub after that. In control sites, Florida mouse and cotton rat were captured mostly in the scrub (89%). Both species returned to the scrub after the vegetation had >50% cover and provided flowers and fruits. The survival analysis found that fire did not have a negative effect on the survival of the species. The results imply that if no refugia are provided during prescribed fire, wetlands next to the burned areas should not be burned. Wetlands should be burned if other refugia are provided or a year after mice have returned to burned areas.
Burning fat fuels photoreceptors

Current dogma suggests that high-energy–consuming photoreceptors depend on glucose. A new study reveals that the retina also uses fatty acid b-oxidation for energy, and that dysregulated lipid and glucose photoreceptor energy metabolism may drive neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
Abstract 4743: Genetically engineered allogeneic T Cells for BMT immunotherapy: Expression of TRAIL and PLZF selectively enhances GVT and abrogates GVHD

Efforts to improve graft-versus-tumor (GVT) activity of alloreactive donor T cells are limited by a concomitant rise in graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). We employed experimental allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (allo-BMT) models to assess two novel strategies, in which T lineage cells were genetically engineered to enhance selective effector functions. In addition to the transgenic expression of these molecules on mature donor T cells, we also used genetically engineered precursor T cells as an “off the shelf” adoptive cell therapy. One strategy relies on T cell cytolytic molecule TNF-Related Apoptosis Inducing Ligand (TRAIL), which induces apoptosis through death receptors (DR) 4 and 5 (only DR5 in mice). Certain tumor cells express high levels of DR5 making TRAIL an attractive candidate for engineering T cells to augment GVT. Mature T cells were transduced with a lentiviral TRAIL expression vector and adoptively transferred into lethally irradiated allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (allo-BMT) recipients, bearing LB27.4 tumors (B6 into CBF1+LB27.4). TRAIL+ T cells had enhanced antitumor effect compared to control-transduced T cells in vitro and upon transfer into tumor-bearing allo-BMT recipients (p The second strategy explores the effect of overexpressing the transcription factor promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger (PLZF) in T cells. PLZF transgenic (tg) T cells have an effector/memory phenotype with innate-like characteristics. Following transfer, they cells display an altered cytokine profile with increased expression of TNF-alpha and decreased IFN-gamma. Using adoptive transfer of CFSE-labeled donor T cells we observed that fast proliferating allo-responsive PLZF+ T cells died after only a few cell cycles. Using PLZF Tg mice, we found that PLZF+ T cells cause less GVHD with intact GVT activity (p Our data suggest that adoptive therapy with genetically engineered TRAIL+ or PLZF+ T cells cause less GVHD while displaying intact or enhanced GVT activity. Furthermore, the “off the shelf” use of genetically enhanced preT cells represents a promising cell therapy strategy to enhance anti-tumor activity in both autologous and allo-BMT patients. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4743. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-4743
Breath Condensate as a Vehicle for Collection of Inflammatory Mediators, Especially Hydrogen Peroxide

Exhaled air is saturated with water at 37°C, and cooling causes condensation of this water vapor. Breath condensate can be analyzed for the presence of inflammatory mediators and other putative markers of inflammation, among which are hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)), leukotrienes (LT), prostanoids, thiobarbituric acid reactive products (TBARs), and metabolites of nitric oxide (NO), including nitrites and nitrates. The methodology for these measurements has not been standardized. There is very little, if any, direct evidence that concentrations of substances detected in breath condensate actually reflect their concentration at the level of the intrapulmonary airways. However, studies that have correlated breath condensate findings to the presence and severity of lower airway disease suggest that this might be the case.
CPLOAS_2 V2.10 verification report.

A series of test cases designed to verify the correct implementation of several features of the CPLOAS_2 program are documented. CPLOAS_2 is used to calculate the probability of loss of assured safety (PLOAS) for a weak link (WL)/strong link (SL) system. CPLOAS_2 takes physical properties (e.g., temperature, pressure, etc.) of a WL/SL system and uses these properties and definitions of link failure properties in probabilistic calculations to determine PLOAS. The features being tested include (i) six aleatory distribution forms, (ii) five numerical procedures for the determination of PLOAS (i.e., one quadrature procedure, two simple random sampling procedures, and two importance sampling procedures), and (iii) time and environmental margin calculations. All tests were performed with CPLOAS_2 version 2.10.
The impact of non-fatal workplace injuries and illnesses on mortality

BACKGROUND: Little research has examined the relationship between non-fatal workplace injuries and illnesses, and long-term mortality. METHODS: We linked non-fatal injury cases reported to the New Mexico workers' compensation system for 1994-2000 with Social Security Administration data on individual earnings and mortality through 2014. We then derived sex-specific Kaplan-Meier curves to show time to death for workers with lost-time injuries (n = 36,377) and comparison workers (n = 70,951). We fit multivariable Cox survival models to estimate the hazard ratio separately for male and female workers with lost-time injuries. RESULTS: The estimated hazard ratio for lost-time injuries is 1.24 for women and 1.21 for men. Ninety-five percent confidence intervals were 1.15, 1.35 and 1.15, 1.27, respectively. CONCLUSION: Lost-time occupational injuries are associated with a substantially elevated mortality hazard. This implies an important formerly unmeasured cost of these injuries and a further reason to focus on preventing them. Am. J. Ind. Med. 9999:XX-XX, © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.© 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Language: en
Host use and seasonality of Culex (Melanoconion) iolambdis (Diptera: Culicidae) from eastern Florida, USA

Culex (Melanoconion) iolambdis (Dyar, 1918) is a mosquito (Diptera: Culicidae) species found throughout much of tropical America, including southern Florida. Relatively few reports are available regarding the ecology of Cx. iolambdis, despite its widespread distribution and putative involvement in transmission of Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus. To quantify habitat and host utilization, adults of Cx. iolambdis were sampled from resting shelters at a field site in Vero Beach, Florida, over a 12-month period. Culex iolambdis (1109 males, 3072 females) constituted more than half (56.76%) of all mosquitoes sampled (24 species) and was active year-round. Unfed females and gravid females of Cx. iolambdis were significantly more abundant in mangrove habitat, while males and blood-fed females were not. PCR-based bloodmeal analysis of 305 females revealed that Cx. iolambdis has very wide host breadth, feeding on birds (37.0% overall), reptiles (26.6%), amphibians (23.3%) and mammals (13.1%). Green heron (Butorides virescens), Southern leopard frog (Lithobates sphenocephala) and American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) were the most commonly fed upon hosts. Bloodmeals from different host classes varied significantly with season, suggesting that Cx. iolambdis may play a role in the amplification and epidemic transmission of zoonotic arboviruses affecting human health.
Performance of Adult Pyeloplasty Relative to Endourological Management in the Era of Robotic Surgery: Data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample

Abstract Introduction Reports of robot-assisted pyeloplasty have increased. However, it is unclear if this change is due to increased diagnosis of adult ureteropelvic junction obstruction, a shift in management based on presumed efficacy, a desire to maximize robot use or some combination thereof. Therefore, we acquired and analyzed data on a national scale to determine the incidence of interventions to correct ureteropelvic junction obstruction in adults and to characterize trends in procedure selection. Methods Patients older than 18 years with ICD-9 procedure codes 55.87 (pyeloplasty) and 55.11 (endopyelotomy) were included in the study, with attention to those designated laparoscopic robotic assistance (17.42). Data were collected for the period from January 2000 through December 2012, and weighted to a national average using Nationwide Inpatient Sample guidelines. Results A total of 47,992 pyeloplasties were identified. Pyeloplasty rates exhibited a significant increase during this period [F(1,11)=41.38, p Conclusions Rates of pyeloplasty appear to be increasing at the expense of endopyelotomy. The percentage of pyeloplasty cases performed robotically is increasing but it is unclear if this is due to superior results or a need for increased robot use.
Optical Cavity Effects in InGaN Micro-Light-Emitting Diodes With Metallic Coating

We implement finite difference method (FDM) to calculate the optical cavity effects in InGaN micro-light-emitting diodes (LEDs) with metallic coating. The dispersion relation, mode profile, energy density $W$ of electromagnetic field, cavity quality factor $Q$ , and effective mode area $A_{e\,f\,f}$ are theoretically investigated. The results show that although the strongest confinement of the field is achieved by surface plasmon modes at GaN/Ag interface, the energy density $W$ is small inside the cavity, leading to a high effective mode area. Additionally, the cavity without metallic coating has the highest $Q$ factors since no metal loss is involved. These results can serve as guidelines for the design and fabrication of high efficiency and high speed LEDs for the applications of solid-state lighting and visible-light communication.
Infrared laser processing of NIF optics

Infrared laser heating of silica optics is an effective means for reducing damage initiators which limit performance in high-power laser systems. Here we present simulation and experimental results to show the efficacy of this approach.
“No wonder they are sick, and die of study”: European fears for the scholarly body and health in New England schools before Horace Mann

AbstractEuropean physicians long worried that the scholarly life was harmful to health. Neurological and digestive problems flowed from sedentary, seated lives. In the late eighteenth century, when the Enlightenment began spreading education to more people, educators inspired by Rousseau’s Emile such as Johann Guts Muths, Friedrich Jahn, Johann Pestalozzi, and Philipp von Fellenberg explored ways to add exercise to schooling. In the northeastern United States, educational reformers were also concerned with how to expand schooling without subjecting more children and teachers to the diseases of scholars. Particularly in New England, educators such as Catharine Beecher, Mary Lyon, Alden Partridge, and Joseph Green Cogswell tested new forms of exercise in academies for both girls and boys. Educational reformers had in common a tendency toward ill health, so the dilemma of scholarly frailty particularly engaged them. Spinal curvature and pulmonary consumption added to the previous concerns for students and te...
A 2030 Vision: “Fake Challenge” or Time for Action

“When the last tree is cut, the last fish is caught, and the last river is polluted; when to breathe the air is sickening, you will realize, too late, that wealth is not in bank accounts and that you can’t eat money…” – Alanis Obomsawin “an Abenaki from the Odanak reserve” – From the collection of essays published in 1972 titled “Who is the Chairman of This Meeting?”