cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Weather analogue: A tool for real-time prediction of daily weather data realizations based on a modified k-nearest neighbor approach

Quantifying the response of any given system beyond their current condition to weather alone or together with other factors requires predicting realizations of future weather conditions. The predicted weather data should not only be sufficiently accurate, but also their time scale should be in accordance to the decision support system in which the studied system is being applied. Inclusion of predicted weather data with, for example, a crop process-based simulation model could provide valuable and timely information for evaluation of various management techniques to avoid potential losses or increase crop production and income. Weather analogue as a nonparametric approach is easy and accurate to use to achieve this goal. In this study a weather analogue modeling tool is presented for predicting daily weather data realizations that are based on a modification of the k-nearest neighbor approach. Our intent was to develop a tool to predict a realization of real-time daily weather data by introducing two different methodologies for the k-nearest neighbor approach. In the first approach (k-mean), weather prediction for day t+1 was assumed as the average of all days found as the k best match days for the target day. In the second approach we assumed that only a fraction of the observed data (target year) was available (e.g. 90, 120, and 150 days) and that the realization for the remainder of the year is of interest. Based on this approach, the model should recognize the most similar pattern to the available data of the target year among the same sequence of historical data. Daily weather data of the selected year as the best match would be considered for the remainder of the target year. Both approaches were compared with observed data from 16 locations in the USA, Europe, Africa, and Asia, representing different climatic regions. Employing the first approach (k-mean), the k-NN model was quite promising and was able to recognize the pattern of the target year among the historical observed weather data for solar radiation, maximum and minimum temperature. However, the k-mean approach only reproduced the observed pattern of precipitation successfully when there was not a high variability in the pattern of precipitation occurrences. Using the second approach, as expected, a larger share of observed data in the target year beyond 90 days greatly improved the accuracy of prediction. However, after using 150 days both bias measures, e.g., MSD and MASE, slightly increased due to a change of the best match year. The results from this study showed that this weather analogue program could be a valuable tool for realization of any weather dependent function. There is also scope for incorporation of this tool with application of agricultural, ecological, and hydrological process-based simulation models.
Adiponectin promotes endothelial cell differentiation from human peripheral CD14+ monocytes in vitro.

Adiponectin was revealed to have anti-atherogenic and anti-inflammatory properties and has been recently found to stimulate angiogenesis in vivo and in vitro. However, the role of adiponectin in endothelial differentiation remains unclear. The objective of this study was to investigate whether adiponectin can promote peripheral CD14+ monocytes differentiation into endothelial cells (ECs). Human peripheral blood CD14+ monocytes were cultured with or without adiponectin (10 μg/ml) for 10 days. Adiponectin significantly promoted EC morphology formation from CD14+ monocytes. By flow cytometery analysis, cells treated with adiponection substantially increased mean fluorescence intensity of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), two specific endothelial markers, by 49.2% and 53.9%, respectively, as compared to control cells. By real time PCR analysis, the mRNA level of eNOS in adiponectin-treated cells was also increased by 31.9% of that of the control cells. However, the mRNA levels of calponin and SMMHC, two specific SMC markers, in adiponectin-treated cells were decreased by 81.1% and 79.7% of that of the control cells, respectively. These data demonstrated that adiponectin could promote endothelial differentiation from peripheral blood CD14+ monocytes by morphology change, upregulation of EC markers and downregulation of SMC markers. Adiponectin-promoted EC differentiation may contribute to vascular healing and angiogenesis.
Expect the Unexpected During Pregnancy

Childbearing Poster Presentation Background The birth of a child is a joyous occasion that parents and family anticipate. Though most parents plan even the smallest details of their deliveries, most do not give a second thought to planning for medical complications during the labor and delivery process. This happy occasion can change to one of fear as unforeseen complications arise, and the mother's life is threatened. Patients need support, education, and a multifaceted approach. Emotions such as fear can cloud patients’ thoughts and affect decision making. Education needs to come from a calm knowledgeable team that is protective and supportive for each individual. Case Three cases presented at our 7,000 delivery level III labor and delivery room in the past year, allowing for case plans to be established. The expertise of the maternal fetal medicine staff and the neonatal intensive care unit perinatologists attracts patients and allows for case plans to be implemented for complex patients. The first case was a G6P4 inpatient with a known placenta increta/accreta. A care plan was established outlining surgical, obstetric, and nursing responsibilities, but even the best strategies cannot prevent complications. The second case involved a G1P0 who became pregnant through in vitro fertilization. Labor went as expected, with an uncomplicated vaginal delivery of an infant girl, but when the placenta would not separate, a placenta accreta was suspected. The last case was a G3P2 with a known placenta previa; the scheduled cesarean took an unforeseen turn as a placenta accreta became apparent. Conclusion Doctors and nurses worked side by side to solve each complication as it arose. Individually these three women had specific complications and hurdles to overcome, but the outcome for each became similar as they all were discharged from the hospital to care for their infants.
A Psychometric Evaluation of the STAI-Y, BDI-II, and PAI Using Single and Multifactorial Models in Young Adults Seeking Psychoeducational Evaluation.

A psychometric evaluation on the measurement of self-report anxiety and depression using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II), State Trait Anxiety Inventory, Form-Y (STAI-Y), and the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI) was performed using a sample of 534 generally young adults seeking psychoeducational evaluation at a university-based clinic. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to evaluate single-factor and multifactorial models (including hierarchical and higher-order models). Fit indices indicated superiority of the hierarchical model where the BDI-II and PAI depression subscales loaded onto a depression factor, the PAI anxiety subscales loaded onto an anxiety factor, and the STAI-Y State and Trait scale scores loaded onto a separate factor that indexed variance associated with both depression and anxiety. Findings are discussed in regards to the construct validity of the BDI-II, STAI-Y, and PAI in young adults seeking psychoeducational evaluation and relations among these measures.
A sensitive method for detection and quantitative determination of pyrrolizidine alkaloids

Abstract A sensitive and rapid method for detection and quantitative determination of pyrrolizidine alkaloids is presented. It is based on stoichiometric reaction of protonated alkaloids with methyl orange, followed by a release of the latter from the complex. The color intensity of the dye is assessed visually or spectrophotometrically. The method easily detects alkaloids at a concentration of 0.5 μg/ml. The sensitivity of the quantitative assay ranges from 0.006 to 0.045 μmol/ml (from about 2 to 15μg/ml). The method proved to be especially useful during extraction, purification, and separation of minor pyrrolizidine alkaloids.
Depressive disorders and other emotional issues in the elderly : current issues

Much progress has been made in understanding the nature, causes and treatment of late-life depressive disorders. Early diagnosis and treatment of depression in the elderly remains challenging to the clinician, but ultimately provides opportunities to reduce suffering and increase quality of life, to prevent suicide, to restore optimal levels of function and independence and to decrease the societal costs of healthcare. Late-life depression must not be considered a natural part of the aging process. Despite the challenges and complications of diagnosing late-life depression, it is possible both to recognize the symptoms and initiate treatment. Anti-depressants have proved both safe and effective, and are beneficial in combination with psychotherapy. Additional elderly-specific studies are at present under way to determine more fully the nature of late-life depression, and to inform diagnostic and treatment strategies.
Using Indicator Kriging Technique for Soil Salinity and Yield Management

This paper presents a practical method to manage soil salinity and yield in order to obtain maximum economic benefits. The method was applied to a study area located in the southeastern part of the...
Visualization of Vascular Ca2+ Signaling Triggered by Paracrine Derived ROS

Oxidative stress has been implicated in a number of pathologic conditions including ischemia/reperfusion damage and sepsis. The concept of oxidative stress refers to the aberrant formation of ROS (reactive oxygen species), which include O2•-, H2O2, and hydroxyl radicals. Reactive oxygen species influences a multitude of cellular processes including signal transduction, cell proliferation and cell death1-6. ROS have the potential to damage vascular and organ cells directly, and can initiate secondary chemical reactions and genetic alterations that ultimately result in an amplification of the initial ROS-mediated tissue damage. A key component of the amplification cascade that exacerbates irreversible tissue damage is the recruitment and activation of circulating inflammatory cells. During inflammation, inflammatory cells produce cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) and IL-1 that activate endothelial cells (EC) and epithelial cells and further augment the inflammatory response7. Vascular endothelial dysfunction is an established feature of acute inflammation. Macrophages contribute to endothelial dysfunction during inflammation by mechanisms that remain unclear. Activation of macrophages results in the extracellular release of O2•- and various pro-inflammatory cytokines, which triggers pathologic signaling in adjacent cells8. NADPH oxidases are the major and primary source of ROS in most of the cell types. Recently, it is shown by us and others9,10 that ROS produced by NADPH oxidases induce the mitochondrial ROS production during many pathophysiological conditions. Hence measuring the mitochondrial ROS production is equally important in addition to measuring cytosolic ROS. Macrophages produce ROS by the flavoprotein enzyme NADPH oxidase which plays a primary role in inflammation. Once activated, phagocytic NADPH oxidase produces copious amounts of O2•- that are important in the host defense mechanism11,12. Although paracrine-derived O2•- plays an important role in the pathogenesis of vascular diseases, visualization of paracrine ROS-induced intracellular signaling including Ca2+ mobilization is still hypothesis. We have developed a model in which activated macrophages are used as a source of O2•- to transduce a signal to adjacent endothelial cells. Using this model we demonstrate that macrophage-derived O2•- lead to calcium signaling in adjacent endothelial cells.
Droplet backside exposure for making slanted SU-8 microneedles

This paper presented a droplet backside exposure (DBE) method for making slanted microneedle structures on a flexible polymer substrate. To demonstrate the feasibility of the DBE approach, SU-8 microneedle arrays were fabricated on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrates. The length of the microneedles was controlled by tuning the volume of the SU-8 droplet, utilizing the wetting barrier phenomenon at a liquid-vapor-hydrophilic surface-hydrophobic surface interface. The experimental results showed excellent repeatability and controllability of the DBE method for microneedle fabrication. Analytical models were also studied to predict the dimensions of the microneedles, which agreed with the experimental data.
Weapons of mass destruction: the greatest threat to public health.

"The role of physicians and other health workers in the preservation and promotion of peace is the most significant factor for the attainment of health for all." This 1981 resolution of the World Health Assembly (resolution WHA 34.38) recognizes that the greatest threats to the health of the people of the world lie not in specific forms of acute or chronic disease, not even in poverty, hunger, or homelessness, but rather in the consequences of war. Any war, and even preparation for war, 1 can of course lead to poverty, hunger, homelessness, and disease. Indeed, these consequences make even "victory," or the quest for "national security" through massive arms expenditures, seem hollow. Among the dangers of war, the greatest single threat lies in weapons of indiscriminate mass destruction, whichThe Journalrecognizes annually with its Hiroshima anniversary issue. Nuclear Weapons Nuclear weapons remain the most potentially destructive of all these
A multiobjective integer programming model for the land acquisition problem

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to present a multiobjective integer programming formulation for the analysis of the land acquisition problem. There are two important contributions of this paper. First, the model incorporates the discrete and multiobjective nature of land acquisition. Second, we present an efficient, specialized algorithm for finding non-inferior solutions of a multiobjective integer program, a problem for which a general-purpose algorithm, applicable to moderately sized problems, does not exist.
Voyager disk resolved photometry of the Saturnian satellites

The scattering properties of the icy satellites of Saturn are studied. Scans of intensity along the photometric equator near opposition are analyzed, and disk-resolved measurements of intensity are fitted to simple photometric functions. Histograms of the albedo distribution across the satellite disks are constructed, and the geometric albedos are determined as a function of wavelength. It is found that, at low phase angles, Rhea and Dione closely follow lunar behavior with almost no limb darkening. Mimas, Tethys, and especially Enceladus show significant limb darkening at low phase angles, which suggest multiple scattering is important for their surfaces. No satellite's surface can be described by Lambert's law. The darker satellites are redder, and the darker areas of each satellite are redder. A longitudinal dark stripe which represents a 15 percent decrease in albedo is situated near the center of the trailing side of Tethys. Mimas and Enceladus both have remarkably flat spectral reflectances into the ultraviolet.
Introduction to the Dynamics Explorer mission

The NASA Dynamics Explorer (DE) mission has the objective to investigate the physical processes which control interactions among the earth's upper atmosphere, ionosphere, and magnetosphere. The DE 1 and the DE 2 spacecraft were launched together on a Delta 3913 launch vehicle from the Western Test Range on Aug. 3, 1981. It is pointed out that the science objectives of the Dynamics Explorer mission required a comprehensive set of measurements of plasma and electric and magnetic fields simultaneously at high and low altitudes along with neutral-gas measurements in the thermosphere. Attention is given to the various instruments employed on the spacecraft, the primary measurement objectives, and a summary of science results.
Curriculum-Based Measurement of Writing in Kindergarten and First Grade: An Investigation of Production and Qualitative Scores:

Despite the growing body of research on writing assessment, little attention has been devoted to developing and validating measures for beginning writers. This study examined the technical adequacy of a Sentence Writing measure with 233 students in kindergarten and first grade. The reliability, validity, and sensitivity to growth were investigated for production scores (words written, correctly spelled words, and correct word sequences) and for a novel Qualitative Score. Most of the scores have promising alternate-form reliability and criterion-related validity with norm-referenced writing assessments. In addition, all scores were sensitive to bimonthly growth and differentiated between students in kindergarten and first grade. The results indicated that the Qualitative Writing Score may be a promising assessment for beginning writers.
Thermodynamic characterization of the stability and the melting behavior of a DNA triplex: a spectroscopic and calorimetric study.

We report a complete thermodynamic characterization of the stability and the melting behavior of an oligomeric DNA triplex. The triplex chosen for study forms by way of major-groove Hoogsteen association of an all-pyrimidine 15-mer single strand (termed y15) with a Watson-Crick 21-mer duplex composed of one purine-rich strand (termed u21) and one pyrimidine-rich strand (termed y21). We find that the near-UV CD spectrum of the triplex can be duplicated by the addition of the B-like CD spectrum of the isolated 21-mer duplex and the CD spectrum of the 15-mer single strand. Spectroscopic and calorimetric measurements show that the triplex (y15.u21.y21) melts by two well-resolved sequential transitions. The first transition (melting temperature, Tm, approximately 30 degrees C) is pH-dependent and involves the thermal expulsion of the 15-mer strand to form the free duplex u21.y21 and the free single strand y15. The second transition (Tm approximately 65 degrees C) is pH-independent between pH 6 and 7 and reflects the thermal disruption of the u21.y21 Watson-Crick duplex to form the component single strands. The thermal stability of the y15.u21.y21 triplex increases with increasing Na+ concentration but is nearly independent of DNA strand concentration. Differential scanning calorimetric measurements at pH 6.5 show the triplex to be enthalpically stabilized by only 2.0 +/- 0.1 kcal/mol of base triplets (1 cal = 4.184 J), whereas the duplex is stabilized by 6.3 +/- 0.3 kcal/mol of base pairs. From the calorimetric data, we calculate that at 25 degrees C the y15.u21.y21 triplex is stabilized by a free energy of only 1.3 +/- 0.1 kcal/mol relative to its component u21.y21 duplex and y15 single strand, whereas the 21-mer duplex is stabilized by a free energy of 17.2 +/- 1.2 kcal/mol relative to its component single strands. The y15 single strand modified by methylation of cytosine at the C-5 position forms a triplex with the u21.y21 duplex, which exhibits enhanced thermal stability. The spectroscopic and calorimetric data reported here provide a quantitative measure of the influence of salt, temperature, pH, strand concentration, and base modification on the stability and the melting behavior of a DNA triplex. Such information should prove useful in designing third-strand oligonucleotides and in defining solution conditions for the effective use of triplex structure formation as a tool for modulating biochemical events.
Mobile Reference: What Are the Questions?

Although many libraries already offer some type of reference service geared toward people who use mobile devices, they generally focus on the reference transaction and not on some of the broader aspects of service, including availability of content for mobile devices and relationship of the library's services to mobile initiatives on campus. Asking the right questions during the planning process can assist librarians in clarifying their goals for the service, identifying units to work with on campus, and determining whether the service is successful. This is a rapidly developing area and flexibility is key.
Retropubic long-needle suspension procedures for stress urinary incontinence

A brief review of the Pereyra and the Stamey procedures and their modifications, including success rates and potential problems, is presented. A new modified technique is described that has potential advantages of ease, rapidity, less dissection, and less blood loss than may be seen with the modified Pereyra procedure and less chance of foreign body reaction than may be seen with the Stamey procedure. Twenty patients with significant stress urinary incontinence (14 with concurrent severe pelvic relaxation) underwent the procedure with an 80% cure plus 5% significant improvement rate noted 12 to 39 months after operation. All failures occurred in patients who were obese and involved apparent suture pull-through. Complications were minimal. Suggested causes for failures are discussed.
PVFS: A Probabilistic Voting-based Filtering Scheme in Wireless Sensor Networks

In this paper, we study two important attacks in Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs): the fabricated report with false votes attack; the false votes on real reports attack. Most of the existing works address the first attack while leaving an easy way for the attackers to launch the second. We draw our motivation from this and propose a Probabilistic Voting-based Filtering Scheme (PVFS) to deal with both of these attacks simultaneously. With the general en-route filtering scheme as the underlying model, PVFS combines cluster-based organisation, probabilistic key assignment, and voting methods to curtail these attacks. Through both analysis and simulation, we demonstrate that PVFS can achieve strong protection against both the aforementioned attacks while maintaining a sufficiently high filtering power.
The "Phase Velocity" of Nonlinear Plasma Waves in the Laser Beat-Wave Accelerator

A calculational scheme for beat-wave accelerators is introduced that includes all orders in velocity and in plasma density, and additionally accounts for the influence of plasma nonlinearities on the wave's phase velocity. The main assumption is that the laser frequencies are very large compared to the plasma frequency - under which it is possible to sum up all orders of forward Raman scattering. It is found that the nonlinear plasma wave does not have simply a single phase velocity, but that the beat-wave which drives it is usefully described by a non-local ''effective phase velocity'' function. A time-space domain approach is followed. (LEW)
A new species of Pachydactylus (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from the Otavi Highlands of northern Namibia

A new species of the "northwestern clade" of Pachydactylus is described from the Otavi Highlands of north- eastern Namibia. It is distinguishable from all other members of this clade and from the superficially similar members of the Pachydactylus serval/weberi group on the basis of its inclusion of the rostral in the nostril rim, the possession of a maximum of only four undivided scansors beneath the digits of the pes, is 16 rows of strongly keeled, rounded, juxta- posed dorsal trunk tubercles, its projecting, keeled, lanceolate caudal tubercles, and its complex dorsal trunk patterning. Its probable closest relative is P. otaviensis, also form the Otavi Highlands. These are the only known endemic reptiles from this dolomitic area and their existence points both to an unappreciated area of diversity and endemism in northeast- ern Namibia and to the need for additional herpetological work in even well-known parts of the country.
Parenting practices and adolescent smoking in mainland China: the mediating effect of smoking-related cognitions.

This study examined the direct and indirect associations of general and smoking-specific parenting practices with Chinese adolescents' smoking behaviors. Adolescents aged 14 e17 years (N ¼ 658) and their parents were recruited from three high schools in mainland China. Adolescents completed an anonymous online survey on their smoking behaviors, perceptions of parenting behaviors, and smoking-related cognitions including attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control. Parents completed a paper-and-pencil questionnaire on their parenting behaviors. Results indicated that psychological control and frequency of communication about smoking were positively linked to adolescent smoking through the mediation of two smoking-related cognitionseattitude and subjective norm. Parental knowledge of adolescent activities, disapproval of adolescent smoking, and home rules were negatively linked to adolescent smoking through the mediation of attitude and subjective norm. Results suggest that parenting practices and smokingrelated cognitions are critical components to be incorporated in prevention and intervention programs for adolescent smoking in China. © 2014 The Foundation for Professionals in Services for Adolescents. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Optimal defence theory predicts investment in extrafloral nectar resources in an ant-plant mutualism.

Summary 1. Nearly all mutualisms entail the production of resources by one species that attract and reward the species with which it interacts. As such resource production could otherwise be allocated to growth or reproduction, mutualists are predicted to minimize these investment costs. Here, we employ optimal defence theory for plant secondary compounds to evaluate plant production of extrafloral nectar (EFN) resources to attract and reward ants for resistance against herbivores. 2. Through ant exclusion and artificial herbivory experiments, we examined investment in EFN by both buds and fruits of Pachycereus schottii (senita cacti) in the Sonoran Desert of North America. We tested predictions of optimal defence theory that plants invest more in high value parts (fruits) through constitutive EFN, less in low value parts (buds) through induced EFN, and that for a given plant part (buds or fruits), constitutive and induced EFN are negatively correlated. 3. Constitutive levels of EFN were greater in fruits than in buds. Only buds showed induced EFN production following artificial herbivory. Constitutive EFN scaled positively with fruit size but not bud size. Induced EFN was negatively correlated with constitutive EFN for fruits (but not buds), suggesting a potential trade-off in these two herbivore resistance traits. 4. These results indicate that P. schottii minimizes its costs by investing in induced EFN for buds and constitutive EFN for fruits. Moreover, by shifting from induced to constitutive EFN with the morphogenesis of buds to fruits, our results show that investment in EFN can change as a particular plant tissue increases from a lower to a higher value. 5. Synthesis . Indirect defence through EFN production is in accord with that of direct defence through plant secondary compounds, thereby supporting optimal defence theory as a general framework with which to evaluate the costs of producing resources (i.e. the defence) by plants, lycaenids and homopterans to attract and reward ants for their resistance against natural enemies in protection mutualisms.
Imaging sports medicine injuries of the foot and toes.

Imaging sports-related injuries of the mid and forefoot complements the physical examination and clinical history. Timely detection of stress-related marrow edema may permit early clinical intervention and prevent evolution to fracture. MRI has revolutionized the evaluation of soft tissue injury; however, it may not be possible to image the entire foot without exceeding the limits of the surface coil or compromising the quality of the examination by field inhomogeneity or failure of fat suppression. Imaging should be focused on the region of interest to permit small field of view, high-resolution imaging. This is particularly crucial in assessing small and subtle derangements of digit structures.
Comparison of a Tissue Equivalent and a Silicon Equivalent Proportional Counter Microdosimeter to High-Energy Proton and Neutron Fields

A tissue equivalent and a silicon equivalent proportional counter microdosimeter were exposed to eight progressively hardened neutron energy spectra at the LANSCE ICE House facility and to 70 MeV protons. Selected dosimetric results are compared.
Out of Sight But Not Out of Mind: Managing Invisible Social Identities in the Workplace

Invisible social identities influence social interaction in distinct ways and create unique dynamics in terms of identity management. We integrate research from the sexuality, illness, and racial diversity literature, as well as the stigma, disclosure, and identity literature, to create a generalized model of invisible identity management. We focus specifically on revealing and passing strategies of identity management and conclude by discussing the implications of invisible differences for diversity research.
International Institutions and Economic Sanctions

Economic sanctions have long occupied the attention of both scholars and policy makers. Despite the widespread use of sanctions, many observers have concluded that the inherent problems associated with imposing sanctions involving multiple senders substantially limit their effectiveness. This article reviews two books that analyze the factors that influence cooperation among senders of multilateral sanctions. These books indicate that international institutions can do much to promote cooperation of this sort. However, this essay argues that the extent to which international institutions facilitate cooperation among senders of sanctions is likely to depend on the domestic politics of members, the type of institution being used for this purpose, the nature of the strategy being pursued, and the distribution of power among members. Although these books make significant contributions to our understanding of the factors that promote cooperation among senders of multilateral sanctions, they examine the factors that promote the effectiveness of sanctions in only a peripheral manner. One potential influence on the effectiveness of sanctions that are organized by an international institution, however, is the likelihood that the institution will be captured by member states or by interest groups within them. Additional research that investigates the conditions under which international institutions are likely to be captured and the implications of institutional capture for their performance may therefore prove useful to scholars of international relations and economic statecraft.
Genomics of Preterm Birth

The molecular mechanisms controlling human birth timing at term, or resulting in preterm birth, have been the focus of considerable investigation, but limited insights have been gained over the past 50 years. In part, these processes have remained elusive because of divergence in reproductive strategies and physiology shown by model organisms, making extrapolation to humans uncertain. Here, we summarize the evolution of progesterone signaling and variation in pregnancy maintenance and termination. We use this comparative physiology to support the hypothesis that selective pressure on genomic loci involved in the timing of parturition have shaped human birth timing, and that these loci can be identified with comparative genomic strategies. Previous limitations imposed by divergence of mechanisms provide an important new opportunity to elucidate fundamental pathways of parturition control through increasing availability of sequenced genomes and associated reproductive physiology characteristics across diverse organisms.
On the scattering of polarized light

The elementary solutions basic to the azimuthally symmetric component of the radiation density vector are developed for a general model concerning the scattering of polarized light.
Consequences of co-applying insecticides and fungicides for managing Thrips tabaci (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) on onion.

BACKGROUND: Insecticides and fungicides are commonly co-applied in a tank mix to protect onions from onion thrips, Thrips tabaci Lindeman, and foliar pathogens. Co-applications reduce production costs, but past research shows that an insecticide’s performance can be reduced when co-applied with a fungicide. An evaluation was made of the effects of co-applying spinetoram, abamectin and spirotetramat with commonly used fungicides, with and without the addition of a penetrating surfactant, on onion thrips control in onion fields. RESULTS: Co-applications of insecticides with chlorothalonil fungicides reduced thrips control by 25 – 48% compared with control levels provided by the insecticides alone in three of five trials. Inclusion of a penetrating surfactant at recommended rates with the insecticide and chlorothalonil fungicide did not consistently overcome this problem. Co-applications of insecticides with other fungicides did not interfere with thrips control. CONCLUSION: Co-applications of pesticides targeting multiple organisms should be examined closely to ensure that control of each organism is not compromised. To manage onion thrips in onion most effectively, insecticides should be applied with a penetrating surfactant, and should be applied separately from chlorothalonil fungicides. c � 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Women Play Sport, But Not on TV A Longitudinal Study of Televised News Media

One of the long-standing trends in research on gender in sports media is the lack of coverage of women’s sport and the lack of respectful, serious coverage of women’s sport. In this article, we critically interrogate the assumption that the media simply provide fans with what they “want to see” (i.e., men’s sports). Using quantitative and qualitative analysis, we examine 6 weeks of the televised news media coverage on the local news affiliates in Los Angeles (KABC, KNBC, and KCBS) and on a nationally broadcast sports news and highlight show, ESPN’s SportsCenter. Part of an ongoing longitudinal study, the findings demonstrate that the coverage of women’s sport is the lowest ever. We argue that the amount of coverage of women’s sports and the quality of that coverage illustrates the ways in which the news media build audiences for men’s sport while silencing and marginalizing women’s sport. Moreover, the overall lack of coverage of women’s sport, despite the tremendous increased participation of girls and w...
Particle size of antigen in relation to antibody-suppressive effect of cortisone.

SummaryRabbits were immunized with either p-bromophenylureido-BSA or similarly conjugated human red cell stroma. One-half the rabbits in each group were treated with cortisone. Antibody was measured with a p-bromophenylureido-protein other than the one used for immunization. Cortisone reduced antibody production to the conjugated BSA but affected antibody produced to the conjugated stroma but little, if at all.
Vaccination Reduces Simian-Human Immunodeficiency Virus Sequence Reversion through Enhanced Viral Control

It has been suggested that vaccination prior to infection may direct the mutational evolution of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) to a less fit virus, resulting in an attenuated course of disease. The present study was initiated to explore whether prior immunization might prevent the reversion of the virus to the wild-type form. Mamu-A*01 monkeys were vaccinated to generate a cytotoxic T-lymphocyte response to the immunodominant Gag p11C epitope and were then challenged with a cloned pathogenic CXCR4-tropic simian-human immunodeficiency virus (SHIV) expressing a mutant Gag p11C sequence (Δp11C SHIV). The epitopic and extraepitopic compensatory mutations introduced into gag of Δp11C SHIV resulted in attenuated replicative capacity and eventual reversions to the wild-type Gag p11C sequence in naive rhesus monkeys. However, in vaccinated rhesus monkeys, no reversions of the challenge virus were observed, an effect that may have been a consequence of significantly decreased viral replication rather than a redirection of the mutational evolution of the virus. These findings highlight the multifactorial pressures that affect the evolution of primate immunodeficiency viruses.
A survey of retirement planning by Texas psychiatrists

Forty-six percent (274 of 600) of the members of the Texas Society of Psychiatric Physicians responded to a mailed survey that addressed retirement issues. Forty-seven percent of respondents were 60 to 69 years of age. Only 12% were female. Ninety-one percent were white, with 86% of respondents married. Only 24% of the sample (66 of 274) were retired at the time of the survey. Although engaged in more than one area of professional activity, 71% were involved in private practice, with 51% practicing in a private office. The major reasons for retiring were “a full life and ready to change pace” (52%) and “retired to pursue other interests” (25%). Twenty percent retired because of physical illness. A mixed financial package formed their retirement package, which included social security (80%), personal savings (73%), Keogh (64%), and state/US government monies (39%). Retired psychiatrists were interested in receiving additional information on successful patterns of retirement (21%), maintaining emotional and...
Sucrose transporter1 functions in phloem loading in maize leaves

In most plants, sucrose is exported from source leaves to carbon-importing sink tissues to sustain their growth and metabolism. Apoplastic phloem-loading species require sucrose transporters (SUTs) to transport sucrose into the phloem. In many dicot plants, genetic and biochemical evidence has established that SUT1-type proteins function in phloem loading. However, the role of SUT1 in phloem loading in monocot plants is not clear since the rice (Oryza sativa) and sugarcane (Saccharum hybrid) SUT1 orthologues do not appear to function in phloem loading of sucrose. A SUT1 gene was previously cloned from maize (Zea mays) and shown to have expression and biochemical activity consistent with a hypothesized role in phloem loading. To determine the biological function of SUT1 in maize, a sut1 mutant was isolated and characterized. sut1 mutant plants hyperaccumulate carbohydrates in mature leaves and display leaf chlorosis with premature senescence. In addition, sut1 mutants have greatly reduced stature, altered biomass partitioning, delayed flowering, and stunted tassel development. Cold-girdling wild-type leaves to block phloem transport phenocopied the sut1 mutants, supporting a role for maize SUT1 in sucrose export. Furthermore, application of (14)C-sucrose to abraded sut1 mutant and wild-type leaves showed that sucrose export was greatly diminished in sut1 mutants compared with wild type. Collectively, these data demonstrate that SUT1 is crucial for efficient phloem loading of sucrose in maize leaves.
Magnetization of the plasma sheet

[1] Long-term-averaged three-dimensional data-based models were made of the −30 < x < −10, ∣y∣ < 15, ∣z∣ < 5 RE plasma sheet region. The average magnetic moments 〈μ〉 and Chew-Goldberger-Low (CGL) double adiabatic parameters α⊥ and α∥ were evaluated for ions and electrons. It was shown that restricting the observations to those taken within 0.2 RE of the Bx = 0 point gave both a good determination of conditions at the neutral sheet and enough data points for reliable averages. Large pitch angle anisotropies would develop if the CGL parameters were constant along drift paths. In contrast, pitch angle scattering was so rapid that the observed plasma remained almost isotropic and it was the CGL parameters that varied markedly along the drift paths. Frequent ion scattering is explained by the chaotic nature of ion orbits, but electrons usually spiral around magnetic field lines even at the neutral sheet. Electron scattering by an average of 90° was needed during the 1 min it takes for a typical flux tube to undergo a net earthward displacement of 0.1 RE. A fast flow flux tube could move several Earth radii during this characteristic scattering time period. Rapid electron scattering also provides a mechanism to divert perpendicular current to form Birkeland current, produces diffusion, and generates a heat flux. The long-term-averaged magnetization vector M was evaluated and used to calculate the magnetization or bound current density jm = ∇ × M. The magnetization current and an almost oppositely directed perpendicular free or guiding center drift current jf were strongest near the neutral sheet. Their sum, the total perpendicular current density j⊥, was an order of magnitude smaller than either jm or jf in this region.
Validation of simplified formation models at L2

This paper introduces a new method to probabilistically evaluate the validity of dynamics model approximations, and applies the method to simplified models of satellite formation dynamics near the Sun-Earth/Moon L2 libration point. The new method uses a Monte Carlo scheme similar to a sampling importance resampling filter to evolve state probability densities through satellite dynamics models of varying complexity. The evolved densities are fit with a Gaussian mixture model and compared probabilistically to evaluate the validity of the dynamics models over time.
Towards a cognitive robot that uses internal rehearsal to learn affordance relations

This paper introduces a new approach to develop robots that can learn general affordance relations from their experiences. Our approach is a part of larger efforts to develop a cognitive robot and has two components: (a) the robot models affordances as statistical relations among actions, object properties and the effects of actions on objects, in the context of a goal that specifies preferred effects and outcomes, (b) to exploit the general-knowledge potential of actual experiences, the robot engages in internal rehearsal by playing out virtual scenarios grounded in yet different from actual experiences. To the extent the robot accurately appreciates affordance relations, the robot can autonomously predict the outcomes of its behaviors before executing them. Internal rehearsal-based outcome production in turn facilitates planning of a sequence of behaviors toward successful task execution. We also report simulation results of internal rehearsal-based traversability affordance learning of a humanoid robot.
EVER GREEN: A POST-OCCUPANCY BUILDING PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS OF LEED CERTIFIED HOMES IN NEW ENGLAND

Abstract The purpose of this research was to conduct a pilot study of LEED certified homes in New England one to five years after occupancy to determine whether they continue to perform at the leve...
Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasms of the Pancreas: Clinical Surveillance and Malignant Progression, Multifocality and Implications of a Field-Defect

Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) are a heterogeneous group of mucin producing cystic tumors that involve the main pancreatic duct and/or branch ducts and may be associated with invasive carcinoma. Predicting the risk of malignant transformation of an IPMN lesion can be challenging. The Sendai criteria, based in large part on radiographic imaging features, help guide surgical intervention based on the stratification of cysts into high and low risk lesions for malignancy. Invasive carcinoma may develop in the index IPMN lesion or in a separate site within the pancreas, supporting the concept of a field defect in IPMN tumorigenesis. This stresses the importance of evaluation of the entire pancreas upon diagnosis of IPMN and continued surveillance of the residual pancreas following resection. Herein, the authors summarize the data presented at the 2012 ASCO Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium regarding prevalence and site of invasive carcinoma detected in patients undergoing surveillance for IPMN (Abstract #152).
Internal Sanctions in Mill's Moral Psychology

Mill's discussion of ‘the internal sanction’ in chapter III of Utilitarianism does not do justice to his understanding of internal sanctions; it omits some important points and obscures others. I offer an account of this portion of his moral psychology of motivation which brings out its subtleties and complexities. I show that he recognizes the importance of internal sanctions as sources of motives to develop and perfect our characters, as well as of motives to do our duty, and I examine in some detail the various ways in which these sanctions give rise to motivating desires and aversions.
Excess no predisposes mitochondrial succinate–cytochrome c reductase to produce hydroxyl radical

Abstract Mitochondria-derived oxygen-free radical(s) are important mediators of oxidative cellular injury. It is widely hypothesized that excess NO enhances O 2 •− generated by mitochondria under certain pathological conditions. In the mitochondrial electron transport chain, succinate–cytochrome c reductase (SCR) catalyzes the electron transfer reaction from succinate to cytochrome c . To gain the insights into the molecular mechanism of how NO overproduction may mediate the oxygen-free radical generation by SCR, we employed isolated SCR, cardiac myoblast H9c2, and endothelial cells to study the interaction of NO with SCR in vitro and ex vivo. Under the conditions of enzyme turnover in the presence of NO donor (DEANO), SCR gained pro-oxidant function for generating hydroxyl radical as detected by EPR spin trapping using DEPMPO. The EPR signal associated with DEPMPO/ • OH adduct was nearly completely abolished in the presence of catalase or an iron chelator and partially inhibited by SOD, suggesting the involvement of the iron–H 2 O 2 -dependent Fenton reaction or O 2 •− -dependent Haber–Weiss mechanism. Direct EPR measurement of SCR at 77 K indicated the formation of a nonheme iron–NO complex, implying that electron leakage to molecular oxygen was enhanced at the FAD cofactor, and that excess NO predisposed SCR to produce • OH. In H9c2 cells, SCR-dependent oxygen-free radical generation was stimulated by NO released from DEANO or produced by the cells following exposure to hypoxia/reoxygenation. With shear exposure that led to overproduction of NO by the endothelium, SCR-mediated oxygen-free radical production was also detected in cultured vascular endothelial cells.
Increased DLPFC activity during moral decision-making in psychopathy

1 Department of Psychology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA 2 Departments of Criminology, Psychiatry, and Psychology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA 3 Department of Psychology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA 4 Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139 USA 5 Departments of Psychology, Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, and Biological Anthropology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138
A Dynamic Impact Analysis Approach for Object-Oriented Programs

Dynamic impact analysis produces more precise results than static impact analysis [1]. However, existing dynamic impact analysis techniques [2,3,4] do not consider the differences of object-oriented (OO) programs from procedural programs. We introduced a dynamic impact analysis approach [5] for OO programs that considers the unique features of OO programs compared to procedural ones and the dependency relationships of OO runtime program entities. In this paper, we present the further improved approach with the ability to identify runtime OO inheritance relationships. Furthermore, we present the implementation of our approach - a tool named Javatrade dynamic impact analyzer (JDIA) that can perform dynamic impact analysis for Java programs residing in a local or a remote Java virtual machine (JVM). Empirical studies of JDIA are presented to show that our approach produces more precise results than the existing dynamic impact analysis techniques by performing dependency analysis.
Presence of a Community Health Center and Uninsured Emergency Department Visit Rates in Rural Counties

CONTEXT Community health centers (CHCs) provide essential access to a primary care medical home for the uninsured, especially in rural communities with no other primary care safety net. CHCs could potentially reduce uninsured emergency department (ED) visits in rural communities.