cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
When IT Professionals Choose Nonstandard Work: The Fit between Individuals and Work Arrangements

As organizations face the reality of rapidly evolving technology and the labor shortage of IT professionals, the externalization of their IT workforce is a viable way to handle IT costs and human c...
Plant Breeding Evaluation Based on Coupled Feature Representation

With the rapid development of improved breeding equipment and information technology, computer-aided decision-making in plant breeding evaluation can help solve the problems associated with high-throughput demand and insufficient experience of breeders in modern large-scale field breeding experiments. Many linear models have made great contributions to the development of breeding evaluation although they are based on a wrong assumption of attribute independence. This paper proposes a unified coupled representation that integrates intra-coupled and inter-coupled relationships to capture the interdependence among quantitative traits by addressing coupling context and coupling weights. Moreover, a hybrid scheme of the linear correlation and ordinal relation is introduced to express the coupling relationship with a preset parameter that balances the contributions so as to capture both relative and absolute performance in cultivar selection and breeding evaluation. A framework that includes data preprocessing, coupled data representation, feature selection, prediction model construction, and assisted decision-making is our overall solution for the plant breeding evaluation task. Experiments on real plant breeding data sets demonstrated the effectiveness of coupled representation for elucidating the quantitative phenotypic traits and the advantages of the proposed plant breeding evaluation algorithm compared with benchmark algorithms.
The ‘transformative’ potential of translanguaging and other heteroglossic educational practices

Over the last few decades, there has been an increased awareness about imprecise, inaccurate and, thus, unfair conceptualisations of language based on monoglossic views of language that delegitimise the linguistic repertoire of multilingual minorities as is the case of heritage speakers of Spanish in the US or speakers of Lingua Franca English worldwide. At the same time, there are theoretical and educational proposals that offer new conceptualisations of multilingualism focused on the concept of heteroglossia, which, in contrast with monoglossic views, focuses our attention on the fluid and full use of all linguistic resources available to language learners/users as they engage in the process of interacting with their interlocutors. In the present paper, I describe an important challenge that compromises the valuable agenda of heteroglossic approaches to develop multilingualism: the effect of listeners’ biases and reverse linguistic stereotyping. That is, educational programmes designed to counteract the negative effect of monoglossic approaches to second language learning in general cannot adopt a segregationist approach (neither in their theoretical design nor in their practical implementation). To place this challenge in context, I describe in detail the specific example of Spanish heritage second language learners at the tertiary level of education in the US setting and I also provide a broad outline of potential improvements in the curricular design of such programmes.
Consideration of Clinician and Researcher Opinions on the Parameters of Nonsuicidal Self-Injury Disorder Diagnostic Criteria.

Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) disorder represents an opportunity to address the significant costs associated with NSSI; however, there is a need to resolve the uncertainty regarding specific parameters of the diagnostic criteria to ensure clinical utility. As such, to better understand the clinical applicability, and guide future research in this area, clinicians and researchers in the field of NSSI (n=112) completed an anonymous online survey assessing their opinions regarding several aspects of NSSI disorder. Results highlight that past-month NSSI was the most frequently endorsed timeframe required for a NSSI disorder diagnosis. There was support for the clinical usefulness of several specifiers and general consensus regarding exclusion criterion. Finally, Disruptive, Impulse-Control and Conduct Disorders was considered to be the most appropriate diagnostic category. Our findings suggest that requiring four days of NSSI in the past one-month may enhance the clinical utility of NSSI disorder. Results also offer guidance on additional aspects of the diagnostic criteria to better describe and conceptualize NSSI disorder for research and clinical applications.
Business Analytics: Process and Practical Applications

Today, automation of business processes and devices like IoT for monitoring/activating services generate massive raw data, though they stand alone may not look useful but together carry domain specific signatures that are immensely useful for decision making. The problem of deducing strategic information in detecting patterns, analyzing, reasoning over it, and learning on business trends is popularly known as business analytics and uses artificial intelligence and machine intelligence techniques. This chapter while introducing basics of characteristics of business data analytics, presents types and uses of analytics, and standard processes. Further, this chapter would include an approach to design a recommendation system (with techniques such as content-based filtering, collaborative filtering, and Hybrid recommendations methods). This chapter would do a comparative analysis as well between process of business analytics, various types, and choice of recommendation systems.
Facilitative use of grammatical gender in Heritage Spanish

Abstract This paper presents an eye-tracking study using the Visual World Paradigm that tests whether participants are able to access gender information on definite articles and deploy it to facilitate lexical retrieval of subsequent nouns. A comparison of heritage speakers of Spanish with control monolingual speakers of Spanish suggests that the heritage speakers’ performance on this task is qualitatively similar to that of the baseline. This suggests that, despite non-target-like performance in offline tasks targeting gender production and comprehension, heritage speakers of Spanish can use gender in a target-like manner in online tasks. In line with proposals put forth by Gruter et al. (2012) and Montrul et al. (2014) , a preliminary comparison with previous work on L2 learners ( Lew-Williams & Fernald, 2010 ; Gruter et al., 2012 ; Dussias et al., 2013 ) provides tentative support for the idea that the nature of early language learning is crucial in developing the ability to use grammatical gender to facilitate lexical retrieval ( Gruter et al., 2012 ; Montrul et al., 2014 ).
Practical Convex Formulation of Robust One-hidden-layer Neural Network Training

Recent work has shown that the training of a one-hidden-layer, scalar-output fully-connected ReLU neural network can be reformulated as a finite-dimensional convex program. Unfortunately, the scale of such a convex program grows exponentially in data size. In this work, we prove that a stochastic procedure with a linear complexity well approximates the exact formulation. Moreover, we derive a convex optimization approach to efficiently solve the "adversarial training" problem, which trains neural networks that are robust to adversarial input perturbations. Our method can be applied to binary classification and regression, and provides an alternative to the current adversarial training methods, such as Fast Gradient Sign Method (FGSM) and Projected Gradient Descent (PGD). We demonstrate in experiments that the proposed method achieves a noticeably better adversarial robustness and performance than the existing methods.
Dehydration and Headache.

We define dehydration and its relationship to pain physiology including both primary and secondary headache disorders. Intravenous fluids administered for acute migraine attacks in an emergency department setting have not been shown to improve pain outcomes. However, increased intravascular volume before diagnostic lumbar puncture may reduce the frequency of post-lumbar puncture headache from iatrogenic spinal fluid leak. Maintenance of euhydration can help treat orthostatic and “coat-hanger” headache due to autonomic disorders. Similarly, prevention of fluid losses can mitigate secondary headaches provoked by dehydration such as cerebral venous thrombosis or pituitary apoplexy. Dehydration alone may cause headache, but oftentimes exacerbates underlying medical conditions such as primary headache disorders or other conditions dependent on fluid balance.
The number of $n$-queens configurations

The $n$-queens problem is to determine $\mathcal{Q}(n)$, the number of ways to place $n$ mutually non-threatening queens on an $n \times n$ board. We show that there exists a constant $\alpha = 1.942 \pm 3 \times 10^{-3}$ such that $\mathcal{Q}(n) = ((1 \pm o(1)ne^{-\alpha})^n$. The constant $\alpha$ is characterized as the solution to a convex optimization problem in $\mathcal{P}([-1/2,1/2]^2)$, the space of Borel probability measures on the square. The chief innovation is the introduction of limit objects for $n$-queens configurations, which we call "queenons". These are a convex set in $\mathcal{P}([-1/2,1/2]^2)$. We define an entropy function that counts the number of $n$-queens configurations that approximate a given queenon. The upper bound uses the entropy method. For the lower bound we describe a randomized algorithm that constructs a configuration near a prespecified queenon and whose entropy matches that found in the upper bound. The enumeration of $n$-queens configurations is then obtained by maximizing the (concave) entropy function in the space of queenons. Along the way we prove a large deviations principle for $n$-queens configurations that can be used to study their typical structure.
Cardiorespiratory fitness modifies the relationship between myocardial function and cerebral blood flow in older adults.

A growing body of evidence indicates that cardiorespiratory fitness attenuates some age-related cerebral declines. However, little is known about the role that myocardial function plays in this relationship. Brain regions with high resting metabolic rates, such as the default mode network (DMN), may be especially vulnerable to age-related declines in myocardial functions affecting cerebral blood flow (CBF). This study explored the relationship between a measure of myocardial mechanics, global longitudinal strain (GLS), and CBF to the DMN. In addition, we explored how cardiorespiratory affects this relationship. Participants were 30 older adults between the ages of 59 and 69 (mean age = 63.73 years, SD = 2.8). Results indicated that superior cardiorespiratory fitness and myocardial mechanics were positively associated with DMN CBF. Moreover, results of a mediation analysis revealed that the relationship between GLS and DMN CBF was accounted for by individual differences in fitness. Findings suggest that benefits of healthy heart function to brain function are modified by fitness.
Technical change and the profit rate: a simple proof of the Okishio theorem

This note presents a simple geometrical proof of Okishio's celebrated theorem on the falling rate of profit (Okishio, 1961). My intent is simply to clarify how Okishio's theorem 'works'. I will thus refrain from comment on the general debate on the falling rate of profit in Marxian economics, on the limits of the general linear model used here, or on the importance and range of applicability of Okishio's contribution. To those unfamiliar with the general linear model, and the Frobenius theorems used here, I recommend reference to Brody (1970) or Pasinetti (1977). The essential economic assumptions underlying the following proof are that there are no scarce non-produced means of production ('no land'), that each 'industry' produces a single product (no joint products), that labour is homogeneous, and that there are no fixed capital goods (the period of production of all goods and the turnover time of all capital goods is one period). These are Okishio's assumptions. Recent contributions (those of Roemer, 1979, for example) have generalized Okishio's result somewhat. Using the usual notation I will let
HYPERVELOCITY PLATE ACCELERATION

Shock tubes have been used to accelerate 1.5-mm-thick stainless steel plates to high velocity while retaining their integrity. The fast shock tubes are 5.1-cm-diameter, 15.2-cm-long cylinders of PBX-9501 explosive containing a 1.1-cm-diameter cylindrical core of low-density polystyrene foam. The plates have been placed directly in contact with one face of the explosive system. Plane-wave detonation was initiated on the opposite face. A Mach disk was formed in the imploding styrofoam core, which provided the impulse required to accelerate the metal plate to high velocity. Parametric studies were made on this system to find the effect of varying plate metal, plate thickness, foam properties, and addition of a barrel. A maximum plate velocity of 9.0 km/s has been observed.
Happy-Go-Lucky Revisited: A Response to Basileios Kroustallis

This is a response to: Kroustallis, B. (2012). ‘Film as Thought Experiment: A Happy-Go-Lucky Case?’ Film-Philosophy . 16:1, 72- 84. Available at: http://www.film-philosophy.com/index.php/f- p/article/view/244/825
Policies affecting land use in the Brazilian Amazon: impact on the rainforest.

Abstract This article argues that attempts by the government to reduce or stop deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon are far more likely to succeed If certain policies affecting land use are modified. The author first reviews the most recent estimates of deforestation in the Amazon region. He then briefly traces the evolution of regional development policies over the past 25 years with regard to their impact on the rainforest. The article concludes with several recommendations on how current policies could be altered in order to Improve their environmental impacts.
Revisiting the Battle of Iquique

Both Peru and Chile needed to achieve maritime supremacy to protect themselves from each other as well as to carry the war to their enemy. The Battle of Iquique provided one of the seminal events in the naval war: Peru lost one of its two most powerful ships, giving Chile maritime supremacy. As this article indicates, had the Peruvians won the Battle of Iquique, Peru's navy under the command of the very aggressive Captain Miguel Grau would have threatened Chile's maritime traffic, endangered its heartland, and prevented the invasion of Peru itself. Quite possibly, he might have stalemated the war.
Microbiota of the late Proterozoic Hector Formation, Southwestern Alberta, Canada

Fine-grained, finely laminated, black siliceous shales of the uppermost Proterozoic Hector Formation, Canadian Cordillera, contain a structurally well-preserved and distinctive microflora consisting of a single species of coccoidal, planktonic, endosporeforming blue-green algae described as Sphaerocongregus variabilis n. gen., n. sp. Fossil rich shales from Banff Park, Alberta, occur above a basal diamictite, the Toby Conglomerate, and just below an unconformable contact with the Lower Cambrian St. Piran Quartzite. Toby and Hector Formations are part of the uppermost Proterozoic to earliest Phanerozoic Miette Group of the Windermere Supergroup (850-570 ? m.y.). The fossiliferous beds are considered to be approximately 700 m.y. old. Light microscope and electron microscope study of thin sections, rock chips, and specimens released by hydrofluoric acid maceration, reveals morphologic features upon which comparisons with a modern epiphytic blue-green algae (Pleurocapsa fuliginosa?) which reproduces by endosporulation and vegetative division, are based. Algal fossils occur as single coccoid cells, coccoid cells attached to a similar much smaller cell, chains of attached coccoid cells two or three layers thick and tens of cells long, and as subspheroidal multiunit sporangia and clones. The lithic characteristics of the shales, lack of shallow water sedimentary structures, and random arrangement of the fossils in the rock suggest that this is a planktonic flora which settled into a moderately deep intrageosynclinal basin or distal portion of the Cordilleran miogeosyncline. The significance of the flora is that it biologically characterizes a sequence of rocks occurring very near the Proterozoic-Phanerozoic boundary, just before the appearance of a well-defined record of multicellular animal life. This sequence probably correlates with units further north which appear to be fully transitional across this boundary. The assemblage also offers proof that endosporulating processes in the blue-green algae occurred during the pre-Phanerozoic.
Comparative study on time-varying target localization methods using multiple unmanned aerial vehicles: Kalman estimation and triangulation techniques

In this paper, we evaluate two different methods to search, detect, and locate mobile radio frequency (RF) targets using multiple cooperative unmanned aerial vehicles (VAVs). The primary difference between the two methods is the target localization technique used: the Kalman estimation technique and the triangulation technique. We compare the two methods on the basis of the total task completion time and the total average target location accuracy. The qualitative results generated by a graphical simulator are presented as a part of our comparison study.
The Zenith of our National History! National identity, colonial empire, and the promotion of the Portuguese Discoveries: Portugal 1930s

With the onset of Salazarism in the 1930s, the cult of the Portuguese Discoveries-itself a product of late nineteenth-century Portuguese nationalism-again became a fulcrum of nationalist attention, progressively occupying the very core of Portugals national identity. This (re-)mobilization of the Discoveries and their incorporation into the national profile remained tied to regime legitimacy and consolidation, as well as to concerns over Portugal and its colonial heritage. Drawing on representative writings of the imperial discourse (of the 1930s), this article examines some aspects of the ideological articulation of the Discoveries with Portugals national identity and the defense of Portuguese colonialism.
Divalent Rydberg atoms in optical lattices: Intensity landscape and magic trapping

We develop a theoretical understanding of the trapping of divalent Rydberg atoms in optical lattices. Because the size of the Rydberg electron cloud can be comparable to the scale of spatial variations of laser intensity, we pay special attention to averaging optical fields over the atomic wave functions. The optical potential is proportional to the ac Stark polarizability. We find that in the independent-particle approximation for the valence electrons, this polarizability breaks into two contributions: the singly ionized core polarizability and the contribution from the Rydberg electron. Unlike the usually employed free-electron polarizability, the Rydberg contribution depends both on the laser intensity profile and on the rotational symmetry of the total electronic wave function. We focus on the $J=0$ Rydberg states of Sr and evaluate the dynamic polarizabilities of the $5sns$(${}^{1}{S}_{0}$) and $5snp$(${}^{3}{P}_{0}$) Rydberg states. We specifically chose the Sr atom for its optical-lattice clock applications. We find that there are several magic wavelengths in the infrared region of the spectrum at which the differential Stark shift between the clock states [$5{s}^{2}$(${}^{1}{S}_{0}$) and $5s5p$(${}^{3}{P}_{0}$)] and the $J=0$ Rydberg states [$5sns$(${}^{1}{S}_{0}$) and $5snp$(${}^{3}{P}_{0}$)] vanishes. We tabulate these wavelengths as a function of the principal quantum number $n$ of the Rydberg electron. We find that because the contribution to the total polarizability from the Rydberg electron vanishes at short wavelengths, magic wavelengths below $\ensuremath{\sim}$1000 nm are ``universal'' as they do not depend on the principal quantum number $n$.
Can knowledge of developmental processes illuminate the evolution of parental care

There are two levels of investigation for elucidating the evolution of parental behavior. The macro level focuses on how parental behavior can evolve as an aspect of reproduction. The micro level focuses on how species variations in parental behavior evolve. Recently, modern evolutionary biology has turned to developmental biology as a source for information about how trait variability (the substrate upon which natural selection and other evolutionary mechanisms can operate) can emerge during development (called “evo-devo”). Application of this evo-devo approach to the phenomenon of parental behavior requires identification of those mechanisms that produce variations in developmental pathways leading to parental behavior. It is these variations that provide the phenotypes for the potential evolution of different parental behavior systems. Variations in rodent maternal behavior affect the development of the HPA and HPG axes in their offspring. These mechanisms are examined to reveal how such developmental variations could underlie the evolution of biparental behavior. Knowledge of the developmental mechanisms responsible for species variations in mammalian parental behavior systems may provide insight into those mechanisms that may have been involved in the evolution of parental behavior itself. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 49: 33–44, 2007.
Theoretical foundations for the evolution and testing of a chaos theory of communicating

The authors explore the heuristic implications of chaos theory for the study of the process of communicating. Chaos theory's application to the study of communication is delineated from a socio‐cultural perspective. The basic tenants of chaos theory are outlined and some of the parallels between chaos theory, as developed for the physical sciences, and the process of communicating are described. Theoretical foundations for a chaos theory of communicating are laid, and suggestions are made for future evolution and testing of these foundations.
Consequences of manure filtration through pervious concrete during simulated rainfall events.

Agricultural activities, and in particular those associated with animal production facilities, can adversely affect water quality. Pollution in runoff from these facilities includes sediments, pathogens, and nutrients. Pervious concrete is a type of concrete made by eliminating a large portion of the fine aggregate (or sand) in the concrete mix. This allows interconnected void spaces to be formed in the hardened concrete which have the ability to allow water to permeate at relatively high rates. Pervious concrete is a material that is being increasingly utilised in urban areas for runoff and stormwater reduction following rain. Pervious concrete also has been shown to have the potential to improve water quality as stormwater or wastewater passes through the concrete matrix. Weekly rainfall simulations were conducted after manure was applied to the surface of pervious concrete specimens. The effluent passing through the manure and pervious concrete was tested for dissolved organic carbon (DOC), ammonium, nitrate, nitrite, total nitrogen (TN), soluble phosphorus (SP), and total phosphorus (TP). Statistical analyses indicated significant increases and decreases in most of these analyte concentrations following simulated rain. The highest concentrations of some analytes (nitrate, TN and TP) in the effluent occurred after the first rainfall simulation. Maximum concentrations for other analytes (DOC, ammonium, nitrate, and SP) occurred after subsequent rain events. There was a significant decrease in faecal coliform concentration as 35.8% passed through after the initial addition of manure and less than 0.2% passed through after two subsequent rainfall events. The use of different aggregates or additives in the pervious concrete mixtures did not significantly affect nutrient concentrations or faecal coliforms in the effluent from the manure. Carbon dioxide emissions indicated microbial activity in which immobilisation of nutrients and decomposition of the manure could occur. Therefore, the potential exists for additional nutrients to be retained by microorganisms in animal waste deposited on the pervious concrete surface.
The Transaction Between Depression and Anxiety Symptoms and Sexual Functioning: A Prospective Study of Premenopausal, Healthy Women

A number of studies have called attention to the problematic interplay between depression and anxiety symptoms and sexual difficulties. However, despite the bidirectional conceptualization of the association between affective and sexual problems, few studies have adequately examined temporal precedence or state-level fluctuations between these two constructs. Using Clark and Watson's (1991) tripartite model of anxiety and depression, the current study employed a repeated measures design to examine how weekly changes in affective symptoms were related to weekly changes in sexual functioning in a non-clinical sample of premenopausal women. First, we examined how general distress, anxious arousal, and anhedonia were concurrently related to various indices of sexual functioning. Next, we examined lagged effects of mood and anxiety symptoms predicting later levels of sexual functioning. Finally, we tested sexual functioning's influence on later reports of affective symptoms. Hierarchical linear modeling analyses revealed that, of the three symptom types tested, anhedonic depression was the most consistently related to sexual problems, and that these relations were more proximal than distal. The preponderance of data suggested temporal precedence of mood on sexual symptoms. These findings emphasize the importance of prospective studies in the investigation of mental and sexual health.
Effects of Helminthosporium carbonum race 1 toxin on host and non-host cereal protoplasts

Abstract Leaf mesophyll protoplasts of susceptible and resistant corn (Zea mays L.) and non-host oats (Avena sativa L.) were treated with HC toxin. This toxin, a cyclic tetrapeptide produced by the fungus Helminthosporium carbonum race 1, is a pathogenicity factor for the disease Helminthosporium leaf spot. The effects of HC toxin on susceptible protoplasts differed from those in other toxin/protoplast systems in which toxin rapidly decreases viability. In contrast, HC toxin promoted long-term viability (i.e staining with fluorescein diacetate) of protoplasts cultured in a minimal medium. The first effect of HC toxin, observed after 36 h or more depending on the culture medium used, involved changes in the distribution of chloroplasts within the protoplasts. Increases in budding of protoplasts occurred after 48 h of exposure to toxin. Effects of HC toxin on chloroplast distribution and protoplast shape might be due to enhanced nutrient uptake. As in other types of studies with HC toxin, protoplasts from a susceptible genotype were affected by low toxin concentrations (1 μg/ml), whereas protoplasts from resistant genotypes (host and non-host) showed similar effects at higher toxin concentrations (10 μg/ml). Chlamydocin, a cyclic tetrapeptide similar to HC toxin produced by the fungus Diheterospora chlamydosporia, also altered chloroplast distribution in corn protoplasts, with no differential effect on susceptible and resistant protoplasts. Effects on chloroplast distribution in susceptible corn protoplasts might be used as a bioassay for activity of small volumes of HC toxin preparations.
Statistical orientation fluctuations in hot rotating nuclei

Abstract Statistical fluctuations in the orientation of the shape relative to the rotation axis are calculated with the j= 13 2 model and the Landau model. The fluctuations are determined with two alternative assumptions: (i) the rotational frequency remains constant as the shape orientation fluctuates, and (ii) the average angular momentum remains constant as the shape orientation fluctuates. These two constraints produce different orientation probability distributions. The dynamic inertia tensor and the kinematic inertia tensor both give principal moments of inertia which depend upon the orientation of a deformed potential relative to the rotation axis. This phenomenon is caused by single-particle level crossings, which are induced by variations in the orientation.
Model for the spin, isospin, and energy dependence of pion-nucleus annihilation

The pion-nucleus optical potential is extended to include terms describing the effect of pion annihilation on $\mathrm{pn}$ and $\frac{\mathrm{pp}}{\mathrm{nn}}$ pairs with accompanying possibility of spin flip. An isobar model is generalized and fit to pion production data in all charge channels, and then the strengths for different spin-isospin absorption channels are projected out as a function of energy.NUCLEAR REACTIONS Pion annihilation, absorption, function of energy, isospin, spin, optical potential.
The influence of weight-related variables on smoking cessation

Recently, researchers have suggested the possible importance of weight-related variables, particularly among women, in relapse to smoking. The present study prospectively examined the prediction of success versus failure (both relapse and dropout) in a smoking-cessation program using several weight-related variables and gender. Weight-related variables accounted for a significant amount of variance in the prediction of dropout from a cessation program. The interaction of gender with Body Mass Index (BMI) and gender with concern about postcessation weight gain also accounted for a significant amount of variance in dropout. Particularly, women who were lower in weight and women who were concerned about postcessation weight gain were more likely to drop out of a cessation program before completion than the other participants in the study. Results also indicated that people who have chronic weight concern and gain weight during a cessation attempt were more likely to drop out of a cessation program before completion than individuals with chronic weight concern and little to no weight gain during the quit attempt. Prediction of relapse to smoking during the cessation program was not very revealing. One finding that did emerge was that, among those who completed the study and did not drop out, men were twice as likely to relapse as were women. These results indicate the importance of weight-related variables, particularly among women, in the prediction of success in a cessation program. Findings also suggest that dropout may be more revealing in predicting failure in a cessation program than relapse to smoking in terms of the influence of weight-related issues.
Cicatricial pemphigoid-induced phimosis

Abstract Cicatricial pemphigoid is an autoimmune bullous disease that has a predilection for mucous membranes and often results in scarring. We describe a case of cicatricial pemphigoid with severe involvement of the glans penis, which, despite systemic therapy, led to phimosis. (J Am Acad Dermatol 2001;46:S128-9.)
Use of Veterinary Ultrasound to Identify Sex and Assess Female Maturity of Pacific Halibut in Nonspawning Condition

Abstract Ultrasound was used for sex identification and female maturity assessment of Pacific halibut Hippoglossus stenolepis ranging from 64- to 144-cm fork length collected during their nonspawning period (boreal summer) in the central and eastern Gulf of Alaska. Ultrasonic sex identification employed inspection of gross morphology and gonadal morphometrics, the latter involving determination of gonad length (maximum posterior gonad extent [MPGE]) and testing for difference between sexes. Morphometric analysis was refined further for females by removing ovaries, macroscopically determining maturity status, and comparing MPGE and proportional ovarian length (POL) among maturity stages. Ultrasonically determined gross morphology was sufficient to achieve accurate sex identification in even the smallest individuals examined. Ovaries were rounded anteriorly with no apparent internal structure, whereas testes were sickle-shaped with characteristic internal structure formed by the junctures between testicular...
Hospital readmission is associated with poor survival after esophagectomy for esophageal cancer.

Background Hospital readmissions are costly and associated with inferior patient outcomes. There is limited knowledge related to readmissions after esophagectomy for malignancy. Our aim was to determine the impact on survival of readmission after esophagectomy. Methods This cohort study utilizes Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results–Medicare data (2002 to 2009). Survival, length of stay, 30-day readmissions, and discharge disposition were determined. Multivariate logistic regression models were created to examine risk factors associated with readmission. Results In all, 1,744 patients with esophageal cancer underwent esophagectomy: 80% of patients (1,390) were male, and mean age was 73 years; 71.8% of tumors (1,251) were adenocarcinomas, and 72.5% (1,265) were distal esophageal tumors; 38% of patients (667) received induction therapy. Operative approach was transthoracic in 52.6% of patients (918) and transhiatal in 37.4% (653), and required complex reconstruction (intestinal interposition) in 9.9% (173). Stage distribution was as follows: stage I, 35.3% (616); stage II, 32.5% (566); stage III, 27.9% (487); and stage IV, 2.3% (40). Median length of stay was 13 days, hospital mortality was 9.3% (158 patients), and 30-day readmission rate was 18.6% (212 of 1,139 home discharges); 25.4% of patients (443) were discharged to institutional care facilities. Overall survival was significantly worse for patients who were readmitted ( p Conclusions Hospital readmissions after esophagectomy for cancer occur frequently and are associated with worse survival. Improved identification of patients at risk for readmission after esophagectomy can inform patient selection, discharge planning, and outpatient monitoring. Optimization of such practices may lead to improved outcomes at reduced cost.
The effects of acid rock drainage onCarex aquatilis leaf litter decomposition in rocky Mountain fens

Fens occur in many Colorado Rocky Mountain watersheds that have historically been affected by metal mining activities. A persistent effect of mining is acid rock drainage (ARD), which flows from mine adits and tailings piles. ARD water has low pH and high concentrations of heavy metals and can pollute surface and ground water supporting fens. There are few floristic differences between polluted and pristine fens, and it is unclear what long-term affects ARD has on fens. We investigated decomposition of native leaf litter and a standard litter for two years in fourCarex aquatilis-dominated subalpine fens. Two of the fens are affected by ARD, and their source waters have pH 6.0 and low metal concentrations. ARD significantly reduced native litter decomposition rates over two years (ANOVA, p <0.01) with 63% of the initial mass of leaf litter remaining at the most pristine site (Peru Creek fen), 47 % at a moderately polluted site (Argentine fen), and 23% at the most pristine site (Deer Creek fen). ARD also reduced the quality of litter produced. Standard litter decomposed more rapidly than native litter at all sites, particularly Peru Creek fen. Site, representing fen environment, and litter origin, representing native vs. standard litter, significantly affected decomposition rates (ANOVA, p < 0.0001) Pristine fens had decomposition rates comparable with boreal rich fens, while polluted fens had decomposition rates comparable with boreal poor fens and bogs. Acid rock drainage causes ecosystem-level responses in organic matter processing, peat accumulation rates, and most likely in nutrient cycling, which could have long-term affects on fen primary and secondary production and other functions.
Click Chemistry: Versatility and Control in the Hands of Materials Scientists

The increasing need for materials with tightly controlled structures will continue to fuel the induction of synthetic organic concepts into materials science. One powerful example is the embracement of "click chemistry" by the materials science community. Because of their high selectivity, near-perfect reliability, high yields, and exceptional tolerance towards a wide range of functional groups and reaction conditions click reactions have recently attracted increased attention, specifically for use in polymer synthesis as well as for the modification of surfaces and nanometer- and mesoscale structures. As outlined in this Review article, click chemistry, such as the Cu I -catalyzed Huisgen 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition and the Diels-Alder reaction, presents a synthetic concept that lends itself superbly to the controlled preparation of multifunctional materials.
Pathology caused by a viral toxin in the parasitoid Apanteles militaris

Abstract The toxin extracted from the hemolymph of larvae of the armyworm, Pseudaletia uniquncta, infected with the synergistic strain of a granulosis virus, adversely affects the embryonic and larval stages of the parasitoid Apanteles militaris. The initial effect of the toxin is the cessation of parasitoid growth. On the second day, the tissues begin to recede from the cuticle, but the parasitoid usually survives for several days even after 50% or more of its tissues have receded. Eventually it dies. In a dead larva, the basement membrane, which has separated from the lysed epidermal cells, encloses the remnant of the parasitoid. In the necrocytosis of the affected parasitoid, the tissues become atrophied, the organs lose their organization and cellular integrity, and the caudal vesicle, in many instances, becomes separated from the hindgut. Although all larval stages are affected by the toxin, 10-day-old parasitoids challenged with the toxin may emerge asynchronously from the armyworm larvae but do not pupate normally. Adult parasitoids fed a mixture of 3 parts of toxic plasma to 1 part of honey are not adversely affected.
Kansas Energy Sources: A Geological Review

Kansas produces both conventional energy (oil, gas, and coal) and nonconventional (coalbed gas, wind, hydropower, nuclear, geothermal, solar, and biofuels) and ranks the 22nd in state energy production in the U.S. Nonrenewable conventional petroleum is the most important energy source with nonrenewable, nonconventional coalbed methane gas becoming increasingly important. Many stratigraphic units produce oil and/or gas somewhere in the state with the exception of the Salina Basin in north-central Kansas. Coalbed methane is produced from shallow wells drilled into the thin coal units in southeastern Kansas. At present, only two surface coal mines are active in southeastern Kansas. Although Kansas has been a major exporter of energy in the past (it ranked first in oil production in 1916), now, it is an energy importer.
Epistemic means and ends: a reply to Hofmann

How is epistemic justification related to knowledge? Is it, as widely thought, constitutive of knowledge? Is it merely a means to knowledge, or merely a means to something else, such as truth? In a recent article in this journal, Hofmann (2005, Synthese, 146(3), 357–369) addresses these questions in attempting to defend an important argument articulated by Sartwell (1992, The Journal of Philosophy, 89(4), 167–180) and reconstructed and criticized by Le Morvan (2002, Erkenntnis: An International Journal of Analytic Philosophy, 56(2), 151–168). This Sartwellian argument purported to show that, since epistemic justification is of merely instrumental value, it is not constitutive of knowledge. In this paper, I argue that Hofmann’s defense of Sartwell fails, but that its failure brings to light some important lessons concerning the nature of justification and its relationship to truth and knowledge.
Thermomechanical characterization of the nonlinear rate-dependent response of shape memory polymers

This study presents the testing techniques used to thermomechanically characterize the material behavior of a shape memory polymer as well as the resulting data. An innovative visual-photographic apparatus, known as a Vision Image Correlation system was used to measure the strain. A series of tensile tests were performed on specimens in which strain levels of 10%, 25%, 50%, and 100% were applied to the material while above its glass transition temperature. After deforming the material to a specified applied strain, the material was constrained and cooled to below the glass transition temperature. Finally, the specimen was heated again to above the transition temperature, and the resulting shape recovery profile was measured. The dependence of the recoverable strain on the heating and cooling rate was investigated in this work. Results showed that strain recovery occurred in a nonlinear fashion with respect to temperature. Results also indicated that the ratio of recoverable strain to the applied strain was a constant value, and was independent of the level of applied strain.
The use of frequency-response tests in the analysis of a foil mill automatic gage control

FREQUENCY-response measurements are often made in the laboratory to determine performance of components or systems. Such tests are far more rare on complete processes. To the authors' knowledge, the tests described here were the first to vary sinusoidally, while rolling, the speed of a metal rolling mill to determine how strip thickness was affected by the frequency of oscillation.
Outcomes, utility, and feasibility of single task and dual task intervention programs: Preliminary implications for post-concussion rehabilitation

OBJECTIVES: To examine neurocognitive and balance performance in recreational athletes, prior to and following a dual-task training intervention compared to single-task controls in order to assess the utility and feasibility of these interventions in the clinical setting. DESIGN: Controlled laboratory study. METHODS: Thirty healthy, physically active recreational athletes (dual-task group=15; single-task group=15; age: 20.3±1.9 years) completed neurocognitive and balance assessments before and after a four-week intervention. Sensory Organization Test composite score and ratio scores, Balance Error Scoring System total score, and nine CNS Vital Signs composite scores served as outcome measures. Mixed model analyses of variance were used to examine each measure. RESULTS: The single-task group showed greater improvement for complex attention (F1,26=5.48, p=.027) following the training period. Both groups improved their performance on the complex attention domain (F1,26=6.73, p=.015), the Balance Error Scoring System score (F1,26=42.34, p CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest combining cognitive and balance tasks as performed does not provide additional benefit to performing these tasks independently among healthy individuals, but appear to be feasible in this setting. Future research should examine integration of single-task and dual-task exercises for concussed patients. Language: en
Endothelium-dependent relaxations of piglet pulmonary arteries augment with maturation

ABSTRACT: To determine whether maturation alters endothelium-dependent responses in porcine pulmonary arteries, rings, with and without endothelium, of small pulmonary arteries taken from piglets of 3, 10, and 30 d of age were suspended in organ chambers filled with buffered salt solution, bubbled with 95% O2-5% CO2, and maintained at 37°C. These studies were performed in the presence of indomethacin (10−5 M) to inhibit prostaglandin synthesis. In rings without endothelium, potassium chloride (10−2 to 8.5 × 10−2 M) and histamine (10−9 to 10−5 M) caused concentration-dependent contractions. When normalized to maximal contractions achieved to each agonist, the concentration-effect curves to potassium chloride and histamine in rings without endothelium were similar at each age. Rings with endothelium showed a progressive shift to the right of the concentration-effect curve to histamine, possibly secondary to an increase in the basal release of, or responsiveness to, the endothelium-derived relaxing factor with maturation. Relaxations to sodium nitroprusside (10−9 to 10−5 M) were unaffected by age. In precontracted rings, acetylcholine (10−9 to 10−6 M), bradykinin (10−10 to 10−6 M), and the calcium ionophore A23187 (10−9 to 10−6 M) caused relaxations in rings with endothelium, but not in those without endothelium, which were greater at 10 and 30 d compared to 3 d; further augmentation at 30 d compared to 10 d was not observed. In rings without endothelium, changes in the responsiveness to nitric oxide (10−9 to 10−5 M), one of the proposed endothelium-derived relaxing factors, with age were comparable to those observed with endothelium-dependent relaxing agents. These studies demonstrate that endothelium-dependent relaxations increase with age, possibly due to changes in sensitivity of the smooth muscle to the endothelium-derived relaxing factor.
Formation and Urinary Excretion of Arsenic Triglutathione and Methylarsenic Diglutathione

Taking advantage of mice deficient in gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase that are unable to metabolize glutathione (GSH), we have identified two previously unrecognized urinary metabolites of arsenite: arsenic triglutathione and methylarsenic diglutathione. Following administration of sodium arsenite to these mice, approximately 60-70% of urinary arsenic is present as one of these GSH conjugates. We did not detect the dimethyl derivative, dimethyl arsenic GSH; however, dimethyl arsenic (DMAV) represented approximately 30% of urinary arsenic. Administration of buthionine sulfoximine, an inhibitor of GSH synthesis, to wild-type mice reduced urinary arsenic excretion by more than 50%, indicating the GSH dependence of arsenic metabolism, transport, or both. Rodents deficient in three known ABC family transporters (MRP1, MRP2, and MDR1a/1b) exhibited urinary arsenic levels similar or greater than those in wild-type rodents; however, administration of MK571, an MRP inhibitor, reduced urinary arsenic excretion by almost 50%. MK571-treated mice showed approximately 50% reduction of AsIII, MMAV, and AsV as compared to untreated wild-type controls, while DMAV levels were unchanged. These findings suggest that arsenic excretion is in part dependent on GSH and on an MRP transporter other than MRP1 or 2.
Dermatology and the World Wide Web.

The World Wide Web is a rapidly expanding network of computers with information stored in computers called hosts, accessible to users from all over the world. The web contains a large amount of information about human dermatology, but only a limited number of sites are devoted to veterinary dermatology at this time. The World Wide Web currently has sites that provide lessons on various dermatology topics, images of dermatologic conditions, client education material, useful information about professional dermatology organizations, and sites that perform literature searches on various topics. Expansion of the web in veterinary dermatology is currently underway and should lead to better teaching, increased quality of professional practice, and increased numbers of research opportunities.
Relationship between femur neck bone mineral density and prevalent chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or COPD mortality in older non-Hispanic white adults from NHANES III

Summary The relationship between femur neck bone mineral density (FNBMD), prevalent COPD, and COPD mortality was examined in older non-Hispanic white adults from NHANES III. FNBMD was significantly related to prevalent COPD and COPD mortality before and after adjusting for shared risk factors.