cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Changing Perspectives on Reptile Eggs: One Biologist's Journey from Demography to Development

Abstract This research perspective focuses on three of the disciplinary areas that have engaged my interest as a professional biologist. My research first focused on life history evolution, but it expanded to include the evolution of viviparity, and developmental biology. My subjects are squamate reptiles, although I do hands-on research largely with lizards. A common theme of the research that I discuss here is the role of eggs and embryos in ecological and evolutionary studies and why that role may be critical to the resolution of important biological problems. In this perspective, I summarize highlights of my major research projects since 1971: 1) life history evolution of West Indian island and mainland Anolis lizards; 2) long-term studies on the demography and egg survival of a small, r-selected Panamanian anole; 3) ecological and physiological studies on the transition between oviparity and viviparity in Sceloporus; 4) costs and benefits of the novel rigid-shelled egg of gekkotan lizards; and 5) emb...
Mass-Balanced Reconstruction of Overburden

The mass-balanced paleogeographic reconstructions technique determines the thickness of the rock eroded from the source areas to supply sediment to the sedimentary basins. The thickness of this eroded overburden and the time of its erosion are valuable inputs for calculations of the thermal history of the rocks and the maturation of hydrocarbons.
Molecular Controls of Smooth Muscle Hypertrophy and Hyperplasia: Overview

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on regulation of arterial smooth-muscle growth by Reidy, a great deal of information has been generated that has increased the understanding of the basis of smooth muscle migration and proliferation as it occurs in the rat carotid injury model. Smooth muscle migration, hyperplasia, and hypertrophy are key events in the development of the lesions responsible for cardiovascular disease and its complications. Understanding the genesis of these activities and the roles they play in different disease entities, including the medial hypertrophy that occurs during hypertension, and the intimal hyperplasia that occurs during atherosclerosis and restenosis postangioplasty, will be important if one is to develop approaches to control and prevent these disease processes.
HABITUATION AND SENSITIZATION OF A STARTLE-LIKE RESPONSE ELICITED BY ELECTRICAL STIMULATION AT DIFFERENT POINTS IN THE ACOUSTIC STARTLE CIRCUIT

Publisher Summary The way in which neural systems mediate changes in behavior represents one of the most intriguing challenges faced by physiologists, pharmacologists, and psychologists. The most definitive work in this area has focused on relatively simple types of behavioral change such as habituation and sensitization in invertebrate nervous systems. This chapter presents the short-latency acoustic startle reflex in the rat and the recent work delineating the neural circuit that mediates acoustic startle. It describes how startle-like responses elicited electrically from different points in the acoustic startle circuit behave during repetitive elicitation under conditions known to alter acoustic startle, how different neurotransmitters in the spinal cord modulate acoustic startle, and how these interact with changes observed during repetitive electrical elicitation of startle-like responses.
Behind the Mask: Identity Formation and Team Building.

Medical schools have the responsibility to create an environment where students and faculty work together to advance the knowledge and skills necessary for the practice of medicine, while simultaneously promoting the development of a sound professional identity.[1][1],[2][2] We have successfully
Attention Alterations in Pediatric Anxiety: Evidence From Behavior and Neuroimaging.

Abstract Background Pediatric anxiety disorders involve greater capture of attention by threatening stimuli. However, it is not known if disturbances extend to nonthreatening stimuli, as part of a pervasive disturbance in attention-related brain systems. We hypothesized that pediatric anxiety involves greater capture of attention by salient, nonemotional stimuli, coupled with greater activity in the portion of the inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) specific to the ventral attention network (VAN). Methods A sample of children (n = 129, 75 girls, mean 10.6 years of age), approximately half of whom met criteria for a current anxiety disorder, completed a task measuring involuntary capture of attention by nonemotional (square boxes) and emotional (angry and neutral faces) stimuli. A subset (n = 61) completed a task variant during functional magnetic resonance imaging. A priori analyses examined activity in functional brain areas within the right IFG, supplemented by a whole-brain, exploratory analysis. Results Higher clinician-rated anxiety was associated with greater capture of attention by nonemotional, salient stimuli (F1,125 = 4.94, p = .028) and greater activity in the portion of the IFG specific to the VAN (F1,57 = 10.311, p = .002). Whole-brain analyses confirmed that the effect of anxiety during capture of attention was most pronounced in the VAN portion of the IFG, along with additional areas of the VAN and the default mode network. Conclusions The pathophysiology of pediatric anxiety appears to involve greater capture of attention to salient stimuli, as well as greater activity in attention-related brain networks. These results provide novel behavioral and brain-based targets for treatment of pediatric anxiety disorders.
M-theory on manifolds of G 2 holonomy and type IIA orientifolds

We demonstrate that M-theory compactifications on 7-manifolds of G{sub 2} holonomy, which yield 4d N = 1 supersymmetric systems, often admit at special loci in their moduli space a description as type IIA orientifolds. In this way, we are able to find new dualities of special IIA orientifolds, including dualities which relate orientifolds of IIA strings on manifolds of different topology with different numbers of wrapped D-branes. We also discuss models which incorporate, in a natural way, compact embeddings of gauge theory/gravity dualities similar to those studied in the recent work of Atiyah, Maldacena and Vafa.
Discussion: Adjusting Land-Grant College Programs and Organizations

Kellogg points out that experience has shown that interdisciplinary cooperation is necessary for effective teaching, research or extension. He believes the division of the land-grant institutions into colleges and departments in order to obtain the benefits of specialization has discouraged interdisciplinary cooperation. Therefore, he feels some administrative unit above the departmental level, and perhaps above the college level, must be established within the land-grant universities to insure interdisciplinary cooperation and coordination. His answer to the interdisciplinary problem is a "Natural Resources Institute," which cuts across college and departmental lines. It should be established in each landgrant university to insure interdisciplinary cooperation in this area. I have no basic disagreement with Kellogg's point of view; therefore, I shall attempt to supplement rather than criticize his paper. The advantages of specialization and coordination have been recognized since the time of Adam Smith. Industry has found it profitable to specialize and to provide adequate coordination. The university finds it necessary to specialize in order to obtain and maintain a staff with the depth of understanding of a specific discipline to teach and conduct meaningful research. This need for specialization leads to increased efficiency, assuming adequate coordination can be provided. The answer to the problem of coordination is not to do away with specialization; this would be too inefficient and expensive. Neither will an effort to get along without coordination prove satisfactory. How do we get the coordination essential to the proper functioning of a modern university? My observations and experience indicate that semiformal administrative procedure and organization can be made to provide effective coordination. A university organized along the lines of disciplines would provide adequate basis for specialization. Coordination could be attained by middle management working through such organizational structures as committees, centers, institutes, and special research directors and assistants. Such structures can be superimposed on the more formal and rigid discipline oriented old line organizations, and be made to work efficiently and effectively. Schultz has been generous with his criticism of agricultural economics. Time and space do not permit a response to all the detailed criticism made by him. Therefore, the following brief discussion will be oriented
Advancing data compression via noise detection

Compressing scientific data is essential to save on storage space, but doing so effectively while ensuring that the conclusions from the data are not affected remains a challenging task. A recent paper proposes a new method to identify numerical noise from floating-point atmospheric data, which can lead to a more effective compression.
Enhancing the Messages Displayed on Dynamic Message Signs

A human factors study was carried out to help enhance ways to communicate with highway motorists through dynamic message signs (DMS). Overhead mounted DMSs have been increasingly used by highway authorities in the United States to present real-time traffic information and travel advice to motorists. It is critical to post sign messages that can be quickly and clearly understood by motorists, especially in high-volume traffic and construction/repair zones. Properly worded and formatted sign messages could spell the difference between comprehension and confusion. Message display factors investigated in the study include display effects, color schemes, wording, and formats. Two approaches were employed in this study. First, a questionnaire survey was developed to collect motorists’ preferences regarding various message display factors. Second, a series of lab driving simulation experiments were set up to assess the effects of these factors and their interactions on motorists’ comprehension of DMS messages. Study results suggested that static, one-framed messages with more specific wording and no abbreviations were preferred. Amber or green or a green-amber combination were the most favored colors. Younger subjects took less response time to the DMS stimuli with higher accuracy than older subjects. There were no significant gender differences.
Checkpoint responses and repair of broken yeast chromosome.

Proc Amer Assoc Cancer Res, Volume 47, 2006 SY06-01 Using a galactose-inducible HO endonuclease to create a site-specific double strand break (DSB) on one chromosome of budding yeast, it is possible to analyze both the mechanisms of DSB repair and also the ways that cells turn on and later turn off the DNA damage checkpoint. A single double-strand break, if not repaired, is sufficient to cause cells to arrest prior to mitotic anaphase for as long as 6 generation times, after which cells adapt and resume cell cycle progression even though still suffering DNA damage. The activation of this checkpoint, which can be monitored by hyperphosphorylation of the ATR-dependent Rad53 (Chk2) kinase, is delicately balanced; repair by homologous recombination (gene conversion) using an intrachromosomal donor does not trigger the checkpoint, but the longer time required to accomplish repair from an interchromosomal donor is sufficient to trigger arrest. a more rapid response, is the ATM- or ATR-dependent phosphorylation of histone H2AX (virtually of yeast histone H2A is of the “X” type, able to be phosphorylated at a C-terminal SQE sequence (termed ∈3-H2AX). In yeast, about 50 kb of chromatin around the DSB site is phosphorylated; however heterochromatic sequences are unmodified. Unlike in mammals, ∈3-H2AX modification has little effect on DSB repair, except in the case of sister-chromatid repair, when the recruitment of cohesin to the region covered by ∈3-H2AX markedly facilitates repair. Recently we have focused our attention on several phosphatases that are important in regulating the checkpoint kinases and their downstream targets. The PP2C phosphatases Ptc2 and Ptc3 are required to turn off the DNA damage checkpoint after DSB repair has been accomplished; when they are absent cells fail to recover and remain permanently arrested. Several other genes required for recovery will also be discussed. When the DSB is repaired, ∈3-H2AX is rapidly lost from chromatin; however it is not dephosphorylated “in place”; rather dephosphorylation occurs when ∈3-H2AX, presumably in the form of ∈3-H2AX-H2B dimers are displaced from chromatin. Dephosphorylation of ∈3-H2AX requires the PP4C phosphatases, Pph3, which is found as part of a 3-protein complex that is evolutionarily conserved. The roles of various chromatin remodeling complexes in displacing ∈3-H2AX will be discussed.
Chapter 2: Cascade reactions of carbonyl ylides for heterocyclic synthesis

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the cascade reactions of carbonyl ylides for heterocyclic synthesis. Tandem carbonyl ylide generation from the reaction of metallo carbenoids with carbonyl continues to be of great interest both mechanistically and synthetically. Metallo carbenoids are easily generated by treating α-diazo carbonyl compounds with a catalytic amount of a transition metal. In contrast to other catalysts that are suitable for carbenoid reactions of diazo compounds, those constructed with the dirhodium(II) framework are most amenable to ligand modification that, in turn, may influence reaction selectivity. Effective carbonyl ylide formation in the transition metal catalyzed reactions of diazo compounds depends on the catalyst, the diazo species, the nature of the interacting carbonyl group, and competition with other processes. The many structurally diverse and highly successful examples of tetrahydrofuran formation cited in the chapter indicate that the tandem cyclization/cycloaddition cascade of metallo carbenoids has evolved as an important strategy in both carbo- and hetero-cyclic synthesis.
RAMAN SPECTRA OF AMORPHOUS SEMICONDUCTORS PREPARED BY ION BOMBARDMENT.

Raman scattering has been observed in amorphous C, Si, Ge, GaP, GaAs, InSb, and GaSb prepared by ion bombardment of the corresponding single crystal phase. This technique was used to study the crystalline/amorphous transition in surface layers of ion implanted Si and to study the influence of annealing on continuous amorphous Si surface layers. Raman scattering was employed to determine that the short range order in the amorphous phase produced by ion bombardment of diamond is not the same as that in crystalline diamond. The amorphous phases produced in diamond and graphite are essentially identical. Ion damage produces broadening and shifts in peak location of crystalline Raman line(s) which can be attributed to ion implantation induced compressive stresses.
Effects of Substrate Biodegradability on the Mass and Activity of the Associated Estuarine Microbiota

Abstract Multiple biochemical assays of microbial mass and activities were applied to the estuarine detrital microbiota colonizing morphologically similar polyvinyl chloride needles and needles from slash pine (Pinus elliottii). Biodegradable pine needles consistently showed 2- to 10-fold higher values of extractable adenosine 5′-triphosphate, rates of oxygen utilization, activities of alkaline phosphatase and phosphodiesterase, and the mucopeptide cell wall component muramic acid than did the polyvinyl chloride needles, during a 14-week incubation in a semitropical estuary. The higher activities by the microbiota of the biodegradable substrate correlated with estimates of the microbial density from scanning electron microscopy. The microbial community associated with the nondegradable substrate showed minimal activity of β-d-galactosidase, β-d-glucosidase, and α-d-mannosidase in contrast to the biota of the degradable substrate, which showed 10- to 100-fold higher activities of these glycoesterases. These enzymes logically could be involved in catabolism of the carbohydrate polymers of the detritus. Assuming equivalent rates of predation, a surface that is also a utilizable substrate supports a three- to fivefold more active microbial population.
Alcohol use in Ireland - can we hold our drink?

Alcohol use and related harm is now a major public health problem in Ireland. The statistics do not make for pleasant reading. Annual per capita consumption increased by 41% between 1989 and 1999 to 11 litres of pure alcohol per head of population, the second highest level in Europe, and 1.9 litres higher than the EU average. A more telling statistic, estimated alcohol consumption per adult (defined as 15 years and over), was 15.2 litres in the year 2000, the third highest level in the EU and the 12th highest in the world. The dramatic rate of increase in alcohol consumption in Ireland over the past decade, in a time when the vast majority of EU countries have seen a reduction in levels of alcohol consumption, means that Ireland is soon likely to top the EU drinking table.
Non-competitive programming contest problems as the basis for just-in-time teaching

We report on the successful use of small programming assignments that augment a just-in-time approach to teaching programming, and problem solving in the first year of computer science. The emphasis in these assignments is on algorithmic problem-solving rather than on object-oriented design and programming. Students are given a terse explanation of a problem and several non-exhaustive test cases. A programmed solution uses no I/O, but is tested via a Web-based submission system that reports success or failure for between 10 and 40 test cases. Students compile, test, and debug via the online Web-based system. There is no limit on the number of times students can test their solutions. After submission for grading, solutions are judged solely on whether they pass tests, all of which can be seen via the online testing mechanism, and not on the so-called quality of the code submitted.
Conduction Heat Transfer

Heat conduction through fully saturated matrices (i.e., a single-phase fluid occupying the pores), as with heat conduction through any heterogeneous media, depends on the structure of the matrix and the thermal conductivity of each phase. When the pore or particle size is smaller than the bulk mean-free path of heat carriers, then pore scattering of the heat carriers must be addressed (Chung and Kaviany, 1999)
A game theoretic approach to content trading in proactive wireless networks

In this paper, the interactions between a wireless network carrier and a set of end-users trading data contents that were downloaded proactively are studied. In particular, we investigate the profit maximization problem for wireless network carrier and payment minimization for end-users. Motivated by recent findings on proactive resource allocation, we focus on the scenario whereby end-users harness their predictable demands and the possibility of being connected together in downloading proactive data and selling them again to minimize their expected payments. The carrier, on the other hand, takes a commission from each trade and utilizes smart pricing schemes to differentiate between off-peak and peak hour prices to spreadout the peak load and maximize its profit. A marketplace based on risk sharing concept is achieved where the tension between carrier and end-users and the competition between end-users themselves is formulated as a Stackelberg game. The existence and uniqueness of the non-cooperative sub-game Nash equilibrium is shown. We compare the new equilibria with the baseline scenario of smart pricing proactive model without trading between users. Despite the uncertainty about future demand, and the freshness of proactively downloaded contents, we characterize new equilibria point that yield to a win-win situation with respect to the baseline equilibrium. We show that users' activity patterns can be harnessed to create a marketplace that will maximize the carrier's profit while users pay less.
Patient navigation and financial incentives to promote smoking cessation in an underserved primary care population: A randomized controlled trial protocol

Despite the high risk of tobacco-related morbidity and mortality among low-income persons, few studies have connected low-income smokers to evidence-based treatments. We will examine a smoking cessation intervention integrated into primary care. To begin, we completed qualitative formative research to refine an intervention utilizing the services of a patient navigator trained to promote smoking cessation. Next, we will conduct a randomized controlled trial combining two interventions: patient navigation and financial incentives. The goal of the intervention is to promote smoking cessation among patients who receive primary care in a large urban safety-net hospital. Our intervention will encourage patients to utilize existing smoking cessation resources (e.g., quit lines, smoking cessation groups, discussing smoking cessation with their primary care providers). To test our intervention, we will conduct a randomized controlled trial, randomizing 352 patients to the intervention condition (patient navigation and financial incentives) or an enhanced traditional care control condition. We will perform follow-up at 6, 12, and 18 months following the start of the intervention. Evaluation of the intervention will target several implementation variables: reach (participation rate and representativeness), effectiveness (smoking cessation at 12 months [primary outcome]), unintended consequences (e.g., purchase of illicit substances with incentive money), adoption (use of intervention across primary care suites), implementation (delivery of intervention), and maintenance (smoking cessation after conclusion of intervention). Improving the implementation of smoking cessation interventions in primary care settings serving large underserved populations could have substantial public health impact, reducing cancer-related morbidity/mortality and associated health disparities.
A zonal wave 3 index for the Southern Hemisphere

[1] In this study 500 hPa geopotential heights from the NCAR-NCEP Reanalysis are used to calculate an index describing the spatial and temporal characteristics of zonal wave three (ZW3) in the high latitude Southern Hemisphere atmosphere. The index spans the period 1958–2001. Wavelet analysis of the index shows the strong interannual variation which is characteristic of ZW3 and also reveals significant, high amplitude decadal-scale variation. This interannual variation takes the form of marked fluctuation in sign and magnitude of the index. It appears to occur when there are rapid changes from strongly meridional to strongly zonal flow or vice versa. Initial indications are that some of this variability may be associated with ENSO events.
Photodissociation Dynamics of Propyne and Allene: A View from ab Initio Calculations of the C3Hn (n = 1−4) Species and the Isomerization Mechanism for C3H2

Potential energy surfaces of various primary and secondary products from the photodissociation of propyne and allene, including the C3Hn (n = 1−3) species, have been investigated at the CCSD(T)/6-311+G(3df,2p)//B3LYP/6-311G(d,p) level of theory. The calculated heats of the reactions and the activation barriers for H2 elimination from C3Hn (n = 2−4) have been employed to analyze the experimental translational energy distribution for different photodissociation channels. The electronic spectra of propyne and various isomers of C3H2 have been calculated by using the CASSCF, MRCI, and EOM-CCSD methods with the ANO(2+) basis set. The calculations suggest that the photodissociation of propyne at 193 nm involves a Franck−Condon transition to the 1E excited state. After internal conversion into the vibrationally excited ground electronic state, propyne can either dissociate to produce HCCCH + H2 or isomerize to allene which, in turn, undergoes the H2 elimination giving H2CCC. The HCCCH produced from propyne can h...
A NEW SPECIES OF RHABDIAS FROM LUNGS OF THE WOOD FROG, RANA SYLVATICA, IN NORTH AMERICA: THE LAST SIBLING OF RHABDIAS RANAE ?

Rhabdias bakeri n. sp. is described from specimens found in lungs of the wood frog, Rana sylvatica, from North Dakota. The new species has previously been mistakenly identified as Rhabdias ranae Walton, 1929, a common parasite of the leopard frog, Rana pipiens. The new species differs from R. ranae and Rhabdias joaquinensis Ingles, 1935 by the shape and size of pseudolabia, shape and size of buccal capsule, and wider esophageal bulb. Molecular analysis based on the partial sequences of nuclear 18S rDNA gene, complete sequences of internal transcribed spacer region, and partial sequences of 28S gene demonstrates clear differences between Rhabdias from Ra. sylvatica and Ra. pipiens, and supports the status of R. bakeri as a new species.
Data necessary for the detection and description of tides and gravity waves in the upper atmosphere

Abstract The following is a report requested by the Panel on Dynamics and Structure of the Neutral Atmosphere of COSPAR's Working Group II. Its purpose is to clarify, from the point of view of the theoretician and synoptieian, the problem of measuring gravity waves and tides in the upper atmosphere.
ASIS effects on 1H and 19F nuclei of dipolar solutes in C6F6, C6H5F, p-C6H4F2, 1,2,4,5-C6H2F4 and C6H6

Protons at the positive ends of the dipolar solutes HC(OCH2)3CMe, MeC(OCH2)3CMe, CF3C(OCH2)3CMe, P(OCH23)P and P(OCH2)3CEt exhibit upfield shifts in benzene while the hydrogens at the negative end display downfield shifts. Increased fluorination of the solvent causes a progression toward higher fields for protons at the negative end which is rather gradual through 1,2,4,5-C6H2F4 but comparatively drastic at C6F6. This is interpreted to indicate hydrogen bonding of the solvent protons to the solute oxygen lone pairs which prevents reorientation of the solvent. A similar explanation is given for the ASIS effects shown by the 19F nuclei. The downfield progression of the OCH2 protons in the waist of the solute dipoles on solvent fluorination is halted and even reversed at C6F6. Attenuation of the downfield trend of the ethyl protons at the positive end of the dipole on solvent fluorination is also noted and these observations are rationalized in terms of the steric requirements of the solvents. The increased ASIS effect of the ethyl methylene compared to the methyl protons is ascribed to their proximity to the solute dipole. A long-range 5JHF (0.9 Hz) is noted in F3CC(OMe)3.
MET LIFE'S QUEST FOR QUALITY

Metropolitan Life's President and GEO, John J. Creedon, has said, “Quality is more a journey than a destination.” This phrase is descriptive of what has been happening at Met Life in its quality improvement program.
NOT EXPLANATION BUT SALVATION: SCIENTIFIC THEOLOGY, CHRISTOLOGY, AND SUFFERING

The view that Christian belief is explanatory is widespread in contemporary theology, apologetics, and philosophy of religion and it has received particular impetus from attempts to correlate science and Christianity. This article proposes an account of explanatory thinking in theology based on the principle that theological explanations should be disciplined by the internal logic of Scripture. Arthur Peacocke's biologically construed Christology and Alister McGrath's argument that suffering is an anomaly in the Christian explanatory scheme are shown to yield theological results which are inconsistent with this principle. This article's theological argument complements philosophical criticisms of the view that religious belief is explanatory.
Hole propagation in correlated spin systems.

An approximation method is presented for the calculation of the Green's function for a single hole moving in a correlated spin background. General formulas are obtained for calculating the moments of the Green's function, generalizing the Brinkman-Rice method to a general spin state. Numerical results are presented for a one-dimensional Gutzwiller resonating-valence-bond (RVB) state. In the two-dimensional case, the bandwidth is derived. The kinetic energy of a single hole in a correlated antiferromagnet or Gutzwiller RVB state is higher than in a N\'eel antiferromagnet.
Pseudoplasticity and setting properties of two‐solution bone cement containing poly(methyl methacrylate) microspheres and nanospheres for kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty

The viscosity and setting parameters of acrylic bone cements used for restoring vertebral compression fractures are critical factors in vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty procedures. Cements exhibiting lower viscosities and longer setting times are desired to overcome the difficulty of forcing the dough through small gauge needles and to reduce the risk of cementing them during surgery. However, cement extravasation is of great concern and can result when cements exhibiting lower viscosities are used. Therefore, the viscosity of cements should also be highly pseudoplastic to simultaneously facilitate flow through needles (shear-thinning) and inhibit potentially deleterious extravasation by viscosity recovery at the delivery sites. The viscosity of two-solution bone cement can be manipulated by changes in the polymer-to-monomer ratio and by the incorporation of cross-linked poly(methyl methacrylate), (PMMA), microspheres or nanospheres in the polymer phase. In this study, the effect of the addition of cross-linked PMMA particles to the linear polymer-monomer solution with particle sizes ranging from 20–100 μm (microspheres) and 300–330 nm (nanospheres) is evaluated in terms of cement rheological properties and setting behavior. The addition of cross-linked PMMA particles was observed to reduce the viscosity in comparison to the standard formulation while keeping the pseudoplastic characteristics, and to improve the setting properties by increasing curing time and reducing maximum exotherm significantly. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2009
Sex differences in aggression: Origins and implications for sexual integration of combat forces

Sex differences in aggressive and risk-taking behaviors have practical implications for sexual integration of military combat units. The social-role theory implies that female soldiers will adapt to their role and display the same aggressive and risk-taking propensities as their male comrades. If sex differences reflect evolved propensities, however, adoption of the soldier's role is unlikely to eliminate those differences.
Agents of Power, Landscapes of Fear: The Vampires and Heart Thieves of Madagascar

Vampires and heart thieves have, it is said, inhabited the island of Madagascar for the last century. These mythic figures signify relations of identity tied to the global processes of colonial capitalism, modernism, and imperialism as they relate to a colonized Africa, and more specifically, to the island of Madagascar. The vampire and heart thief express the array of extractive processes rooted in the social relations between colonizer and colonized, political subjects, empire, church, and state. These mythic figures are manipulated by various groups to fulfil specific local political agendas and invoke difference based upon race and class. Rumors and sightings of vampires and heart thieves create a landscape of fear which enables or constrains complicity with, or rebellion against, agents of the state and the church.
Classification of Thyroid Nodules Using a Resonance-Frequency–Based Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy: A Preliminary Assessment

Background: Ultrasound and ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy are considered the most effective approaches for both identifying and classifying thyroid nodules. However, despite continuing improvements in scanner technology and refinements in ultrasound/cytological classification guidelines, indeterminate findings still lead to diagnostic lobectomy under general anesthesia. This study aims to investigate the feasibility of applying a modified noninvasive electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) approach to classifying thyroid nodules. Method: To increase nodule classification sensitivity, we developed a new EIS-based model that introduces an optimized inductance component, which increases the measured signal-to-noise ratio of capacitance variation in and about thyroid nodules. Our model then measures the change of resonance frequency when the positive reactance of the system inductor cancels out the negative reactance of the nodule capacitance in a multi-frequency electrical signal scan. The s...
Ari Shavit Broods Over Israel's Sins and Celebrates Its Virtues

Ari Shavit. My Promised Land: The Triumph and Tragedy of Israel. New York: Random House, 2013. xiv + 445 pp., $28.00 hardcover. ISBN: 978-0-385-52170-3.My Promised Land: The Triumph and Tragedy of ...
Structural Diversity in Copper−Sulfur Chemistry: Synthesis of Novel Cu/S Clusters through Metathesis Reactions

With the ultimate goal of understanding the Cu4S cluster in nitrous oxide reductase, studies of the fundamental chemistry of nitrogen-donor ligand-supported copper−sulfur species have been pursued....
OPINION Endless summer: internal loading processes dominate nutrient cycling in tropical lakes

SUMMARY. 1. Fossi! diatom assemblages deposited in more than a dozen African lakes roughly y5(X) years BP were dominated by a single planktonic species, Stephanodiscus astraea (Ehrenb.) Grun. (although realistically this is likely to be a species complex). These diatoms flourished when lake-levels were maximal. Data are included from many of the large African lakes, and others extending from Lake Abh6, Ethiopia, to Lake Cheshi. Zambia. 2. Because the ecological physiology of Stephanodisctts species is well known one can predict the nutrient regime that must have existed when Stephanodiscus bloomed. Owing to competition for resources Stephanodiscus species dominate when the supply ratio of silicon to phosphorus (in moles) in the epilimnion is relatively low (Si:P—1). Consequently, lakes dominated by S. astraea are often hypereutrophic. 3. We propose a series of hypotheses to explain why tropical lakes have decreasing Si:P ratios as lake-levels increase, primarily owing to internal P-loading processes in the epilimnia. These observations appear to contradict present conceptions of the fundamental relationships governing nutrient loadings to and within lakes. Tropical lakes appear to have had increasing epilimnetic phosphorus loading as lake-levels increased. In contrast, large, deep lakes in the temperate zone are usually oligotrophic, with high Si:P ratios. 4. Our major conclusion is that regeneration rates are greater than removal rates for phosphorus in tropical lakes as compared to temperate lakes, especially where epilimnetic mixing exceeds 50 m. Biological control of the elemental cycles dominate in tropical lakes, whereas nutrient cycles in temperate lakes are dominated by physical processes for a large part of the year. This results in major differences in the fundamental mechanisms of nutrient regeneration and their relationships to morphometric features of lakes in the two regions.
Effects of unilateral lesions of auditory cortex on brain stem thresholds for electrical stimulation.

Abstract Data are presented from a total of 28 electrodes which were permanently implanted in six cats in cochlear nucleus, medial geniculate body, and nonauditory loci. Behaviorally measured detection thresholds for electrical stimuli applied through the electrodes were obtained prior to and after unilateral ablation of auditory cortex. The principal results were that detection thresholds were elevated after the lesion for 7 of 11 placements in the medial geniculate body, for three of nine placements in the cochlear nucleus or cochlear nerve root, and for none of the placements in the visual system. The threshold increases for four of the medial geniculate electrodes could be accounted for in terms of retrograde degeneration in the vicinity of the electrode tip. Other threshold increases, particularly those for placements in or near the cochlear nucleus, are interpreted in terms of a functional disturbance in the auditory system that resulted from the cortical lesion.
The non-host disease resistance response in peas; alterations in phosphorylation and ubiquitination of HMG A and histones H2A/H2B

The non-host disease resistance response of cuticle-free pea endocarp tissue against Fusarium solani f. sp. phaseoli, a bean pathogen, is a synchronous cellular response that completely inhibits the challenging fungal growth within 6 h. This tissue becomes susceptible to the true pathogen, F. solani f. sp. pisi, within 18 h. Previous research indicated that there is an early effect by both pathogens on pea chromatin possibly via the architectural transcription factor, HMG A. HMG A binds with AT-rich regions of the pea DRR206 gene (a PR gene) promoter. The total PR gene-based defense response is activated by three eliciting agents, Fsph DNase, chitosan oligomers and inhibitors of phosphatase such as calyculin A. This report monitors the presence of HMG A and histone and their phosphorylation and ubiquitination, both within the total cytoplasm and in association with isolated chromatin. Inoculation results in a diminution of both HMG A and histones H2A/H2B within 5 h, being more extensive in the susceptible interaction. The detectable phosphorylated HMG A and some accompanying nuclear proteins are diminished within 4 h after pathogen challenge. Changes in the molecular weight of the nuclear components were ELISA-monitored with anti-HMG A, anti-histone H2A/H2B and anti-ubiquitin antisera and indicated that some fungal-caused global changes in chromatin occur via ubiquitin complexing. These modifications of the pea's nuclear proteins could have major transcriptional-related roles in disease resistance since they are temporally associated with the onset of PR gene activation.
If It's South Dakota You Must Be Episcopalian: Lies, Truth-telling, and the Mapping of U.S. Religion

Presentation critique de trois ouvrages essentiels a la doctrine de la regionalisation : l'Atlas of American Religion de Newman et Halvorson, le New Historical Atlas of Religion in America de Gaustad et Barlow, et le Routledge Historical Atlas of Religion in America de Carroll.
Effects of bilateral and unilateral ophthalmectomy on plasma melatonin in Rana tadpoles and froglets under various experimental conditions.

Abstract The effect of ophthalmectomy (enucleation) on plasma melatonin in Rana tadpoles and froglets was studied under various experimental conditions to determine if ocular melatonin is released into the circulation from the eyes and to study the factors which might affect this process. Where operations occurred in early or mid-photophase on a 12 light:12 dark (12L:12D) cycle (light onset at 08:00 h), sampling in mid-light and mid-dark revealed that scotophase plasma melatonin was reduced at all developmental stages, with the more significant effects occurring before metamorphic climax. Experiments sampling prometamorphic tadpoles six times in a 24 h period on 18L:6D, 12L:12D, or 6L:18D five days after enucleation also showed a significant lowering of plasma melatonin in the dark, so that the scotophase peak was virtually eliminated on all the LD cycles. These findings indicated that the reduction in plasma melatonin after bilateral eye removal was independent of the LD cycle and the metamorphic stage, and that it abolished the diel melatonin rhythm at the expense of the scotophase peak. Experiments carried out for 5 weeks suggested that compensatory secretion of melatonin by other organs after eye removal might partially restore the plasma melatonin level over time. Unilateral ophthalmectomy tended to reduce, but not eliminate, the night peak of plasma melatonin, and did not result in a compensatory increase in ocular melatonin in the remaining eye. Ophthalmectomized tadpoles exhibited darkening of the skin after the operation, which was not associated with a significant change in pituitary α-melanotropin. The findings overall indicate that the eyes in Rana tadpoles and froglets contribute up to somewhat over one-half of the circulating melatonin, particularly during the scotophase, and provide experimental evidence for ocular secretion into the blood for the first time in the Amphibia.
Evaluations of children who have disclosed sexual abuse via facilitated communication

Objective: To review the findings of interdisciplinary team evaluations of children who disclosed sexual abuse via facilitated communication. Design: Case series. Setting: Tertiary care hospital outpatient child sexual abuse program in central New York. Patients: Between January 1990 and March 1993, 13 children who disclosed sexual abuse via facilitated communication and were referred to a university hospital child abuse referral and evaluation center. The range of previously determined developmental diagnoses included mental retardation, speech delay, and autism. Interventions: None. Main Outcome Measures: Medical records were reviewed for (1) disclosure, (2) physical evidence, (3) child's behavioral and medical history, (4) disclosures by siblings, (5) perpetrator's confession, (6) child protective services determinations, and (7) court findings. Results: Four children had evidence of sexual abuse: two had physical findings consistent with sexual abuse, one also disclosed the allegation verbally, and one perpetrator confessed. Conclusions: These results neither support nor refute validation of facilitated communication. However, many children had other evidence of sexual abuse, suggesting that each child's case should be evaluated without bias. (Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 1994;148:1282-1287)
Cellular Heterogeneity Within the Solitary Tract Nucleus and Visceral Afferent Processing—Electrophysiological Approaches to Discerning Pathway Performance

Many homeostatic reflexes depend on autonomic central nervous system mechanisms to systemically coordinate visceral organ function. The nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) is the common entry of cranial visceral afferents into these regulatory pathways. Such NTS neurons initiate adjustments in cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal and other visceral systems. Diversity of neurons within the NTS appears integral to such processing but is daunting to approach experimentally. This review outlines three experimental approaches to understanding cellular heterogeneity within NTS and its relation to function. Brainstem slice preparations coupled with patch recordings afford cellular-molecular resolution with substantial links to the more intact system. Pharmacological approaches based on visceral afferent phenotype have helped identify myelinated and unmyelinated solitary tract inputs to NTS neurons. An interesting outcome has been the robust association of A-type potassium currents with NTS neurons receiving unmyelinated afferents. Neuroanatomical tracers offer a second, complementary approach. Anterograde transport of fluorescent dye identifies cranial visceral afferent terminals on second order neurons that cluster on or proximal to the soma-a highly unusual distribution in the central nervous system. Thus, second order baroreceptive neurons can be identified neuroanatomically in vitro. Equally helpful has been identification of NTS projection neurons by retrograde tracers injected into target regions of the hypothalamus or brainstem and this approach indicates substantial specialization-relative homogeneous neurons within the overall heterogeneity of NTS. Lastly, transgenic mouse strains, particularly those expressing marker chromophores, have identified phenotypic subtypes such as GABAergic inhibitory neurons within NTS. Combined methodologies are forging new understanding of NTS and autonomic regulation.
The evolution to stool DNA testing for colorectal cancer

Despite a variety of screening strategies and recent trends showing death rate stabilization, colorectal cancer still remains the second leading cause of overall cancer death. Current screening tools suffer from performance limitations, low patient acceptability, and marginal reliable access within the health care system. Noninvasive strategies present the lowest risk with the highest potential for patient satisfaction. However, serious implementation barriers exist requiring consistent programmatic screening, strict patient adherence, and poor sensitivity for adenomas. Colonoscopy remains an invasive screening test with the best sensitivity and specificity, but faces large financial costs, manpower requirements, patient access and adherence. Development of advanced molecular techniques identifying altered DNA markers in exfoliated colonocytes signify early or precancerous growth. Stool-based DNA testing provides an entirely noninvasive population-based screening strategy which patients can perform easier than faecal occult blood testing (FOBT). Large-scale prospective randomized control trials currently pending should help characterize accurate test performance, screening intervals, cost-effectiveness, direct comparison to FOBT and analysis of patient adherence. As tumour development pathways and potential target genes are further elucidated, refinements in multi-assay stool-based DNA testing portend enhanced test characteristics to detect and treat this genetically heterogeneous disease.
Stereoscopic acuity with defocused and spatially filtered retinal images

Spectacle blur decreases stereoacuity more than ordinary visual acuity, and this cannot be accounted for by contrast reduction or by accommodation and/or convergence instability. Stereoscopic acuity was measured over a range of defocus exceeding 2 D in normal subjects with a 3-mm artificial pupil. Blur of one eye leads to a decrement in stereoacuity that is at least as high and usually higher than blur of both eyes; blurring only the disparate element of the pattern while keeping the rest clear is nearly as detrimental as blurring the whole pattern. In a separate experiment, the individual line elements of the pattern were subjected to spatial frequency filtering in the horizontal direction. For best stereoacuity values, representation of the whole spatial frequency spectrum is required. Patterns with diminished high-frequency content (> 10 cycles/deg) show lowered stereoacuity and those utilizing predominantly a spatial frequency band centered on 22 cycles/deg even more so.
Anti-matter production in shocked ism clouds

The efficiency of the anti-proton (pBAR) production in interstellar clouds is increased by a factor ≳50 when the engendering cosmic-ray protons (CRs) experience diffusive acceleration by shocks. One can represent the pBAR/p observations by a conventional multi-phase model of the interstellar medium in which the volume-filling factor for shocked clouds is ≤1 % of that for all clouds. The pBAR/p ratio will reach a maximum value at an energy which depends upon a typical cloud size; the present observations give this size to be ≳1 pc. if individual cloud sizes do not get very much larger then thepBAR/p value may peak at a low energy, slightly above ∼10 GeV. The porosity factor of Cox and Smith (1974) is limited (Q≲0.2). Standard CR confinement models are examined using a diffusion equation approach. Most of the production ofpBAR's by any old CR population will occur in shocked clouds near the galactic plane. One does not need to assume an old CR population exists in order to explain thepBAR observations.