cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Opioids and the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal (HPG) Axis

Context Hypogonadism is a well-established consequence of opioid use. It has been reported in both men and women, although more widely studied in men. Evidence acquisition PubMed was searched for articles in English until December 2019 for opioids and hypogonadism. Bibliography of retrieved articles was searched for relevant articles. Evidence synthesis The prevalence of opioid-induced hypogonadism (OIH) varies between studies but was reported to be 69% in a recent systematic review. There is large heterogeneity in the studies, with different factors shown to have stronger association with hypogonadism such as specific types of opioids, higher doses, and longer durations of use. The consequences of OIH include sexual dysfunction, depression, decreased quality of life, and low bone density. There is paucity of randomized controlled trials assessing the efficacy of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) for OIH in men, and even less studies on treating OIH in women. TRT studies in men reported varying outcomes with some studies favoring and others showing no clear benefit of TRT on different measures. Conclusions Despite the high prevalence of OIH, it remains underrecognized and undertreated with multiple endocrine and metabolic consequences. A reasonable approach in patients using opioids includes informing them of this complication and its potential consequences, screening for signs and symptoms of hypogonadism then sex hormone levels if prolonged opioid use > 3 months, and treating patients diagnosed with hypogonadism, if and when clinically indicated, with sex hormones if chronic opioids are planned to be continued for ≥ 6 months.
Valuing non-market valuation studies using meta-analysis: A demonstration using estimates of willingness-to-pay for water quality improvements

Abstract A common refrain in the environmental economics literature is the need for additional estimates of environmental and natural resource values. Yet economists have paid little formal attention to the value of information (VOI) provided by non-market valuation studies, and whether this value justifies the cost. We develop a novel VOI model to quantify the benefit of non-market valuation studies conducted to expand the body of value estimates in the literature, and hence available for use in policy analyses. The approach is designed to capitalize on information available through preexisting valuation meta-data, and can be applied to any valuation meta-regression that is suitable to inform policy decisions. We illustrate the approach for a prototype nationwide water-quality improvement policy in the United States, assuming that policy benefits are evaluated using benefit transfer based on a meta-regression model of willingness-to-pay. Our results suggest that, when evaluating nationwide water quality regulations with uncertain net benefits, the VOI from a typical water quality valuation study will almost certainly exceed the cost. We also examine how VOI varies with study design features and information gaps in the literature, thereby illustrating how the approach can inform research priorities.
Influences of health and environmental deprivation on family relationships among children with chronic disease

Families play a key role in managing chronic illness. Among chronically ill children, we describe the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Family Relationships measure over time and its associations with sociodemographics, environmental deprivation, and health. Parents of children aged 8–18 years with asthma (n = 171), type 1 diabetes (n = 199), or sickle cell disease (n = 135), recruited in pediatric clinics and emergency departments (ED), completed demographic surveys. Every six months for up to three years, children completed PROMIS Family Relationships, Anxiety, and Depressive Symptoms short forms (T-scores; mean 50, SD = 10), and a 5-level health status item. Linear mixed models were fit to estimate associations. Older baseline age was associated with weaker family relationships. For example, for each 3-year higher baseline age, relationships were 3 points weaker for males (− 3.0; 95%CI − 5.7 to − .0.2) and females (− 3.1; 95%CI − 6.0 to − 0.3) with asthma recruited in the ED. For each 1-unit higher mean overall health, relationships were 4.6 points (95%CI 3.2–6.1) stronger for children with diabetes and about 2 points stronger for children with asthma (2.3; 0.7–3.9) and sickle cell disease (2.1; 0.3–3.9). Family relationships were 0.3–0.5 points weaker for each 1-unit increment in mean anxiety or depressive symptoms across all three diseases. Relationships were not significantly associated with environmental deprivation and generally stable over time. Family relationships were weaker among older children and generally stable over time, yet fluctuated with physical and mental health. Monitoring PROMIS Family Relationships scores may facilitate referrals for chronically ill children who need support.
Markov models provide many solutions for appropriate modeling of inapplicable morphological characters in phylogenetics

AO_SCPLOWBSTRACTC_SCPLOWThis paper describes new models for coding inapplicable characters for phylogenetic analysis with morphological data. I show that these new solutions fall into two categories that require use of different Markov models. Their implementation in the Bayesian framework using popular software RevBayes (Hohna et al., 2016) is provided. A combination of the new models and previous solutions (Tarasov, 2019) is capable to model all main type of dependencies between morphological characters.
The computational SIR model

The SIR model is popular compartment model with three populations, the susceptible, infectious, and recovered groups S, I, and R. It characterizes infectious diseases that provide immunity upon infection. Since the SIR model has no analytical solution for the time course of its populations, we discretize it in time using finite differences and adopt explicit and implicit time integration schemes to solve it. We compare the timeline of the SIR model to the analytical solution of the SIS model and show its sensitivity to the infectious period, reproduction number, and initial conditions. To illustrate the features of the SIR model, we simulate the early COVID-19 outbreak in Austria using reported case data. The learning objectives of this chapter on computational SIR modeling are to
Bank Opacity and Uninsured Depositor Monitoring

This paper examines whether bank financial reporting opacity increases agency cost between bank managers and uninsured depositors. In particular, following calls from prior research, I investigate the effects of reporting opacity on this critical source of bank financing, which represents over $5 trillion at 2019. Using quarterly regulatory filings of federally-insured US commercial banks, I confirm a predicted negative association between uninsured deposits and larger delays in expected loss recognition, my proxy for reporting opacity. I also document expected cross-sectional variation, with this negative association accentuated for banks that are not too-big-to-fail (as these lack the implicit government guarantees of too-big-to-fail banks), and some evidence for banks that are not publicly-traded (which have lower overall reporting and disclosure quality relative to publicly-traded banks). The results are consistent with monitoring by uninsured depositors, such that stronger reporting transparency enables banks to attract higher levels of uninsured deposits.
Human α-galactosidase A : High plasma activity expressed by the -30G→A allele

Human alpha-galactosidase A (EC 3.2.1.22; alpha-Gal A) is the lysosomal exoglycosidase responsible for the hydrolysis of terminal alpha-galactosyl residues from glycoconjugates and is the defective enzyme causing Fabry disease (McKusick 301500). An unusally elevated level of plasma alpha-Gal A activity (> 2.5 times the normal mean) was detected in two unrelated normal males and the elevated activities were inherited as X-linked traits in their families. Sequencing of the alpha-Gal A coding region, intron/exon boundaries and 5'-flanking region from the proband identified a single mutation, a G-->A transition 30 nt upstream from the initiation of translation codon in exon 1. The -30G-->A mutation occurred in a putative NF kappa B/Ets consensus binding site that was recently shown to inhibit protein binding to the 5'-untranslated region of the gene, providing a possible explanation for its high activity. To further characterize the mutation, the mRNA and protein expressed by this variant allele were studied. Purified plasma and lymphoblast alpha-Gal A activity from individuals with the -30G-->A mutation had normal physical and kinetic properties. In vitro translation of mRNAs from the cloned normal and high plasma activity alleles resulted in similar levels of alpha-Gal A protein, indicating that this mutation did not enhance translation. These findings suggest that the -30G-->A mutation in the 5'-untranslated region of the alpha-Gal A gene enhances transcription, presumably by interfering with the binding of negatively-acting transcription factors which normally decrease alpha-Gal A expression in various cells. Preliminary studies of the frequency of the -30G-->A mutation in 395 unrelated normal males of mixed ancestry revealed two additional unrelated individuals who had high plasma enzymatic activity and the mutation, confirming the effect of this mutation on enzyme expression and suggesting that about 0.5% of normal individuals have high plasma alpha-Gal A activity due to this variant allele.
Suprathermal ions ahead of interplanetary shocks: New observations and critical instrumentation required for future space weather monitoring

[1] We report new findings on the low-energy ion population associated with interplanetary (IP) shocks based on Wind/Suprathermal Ion Composition Spectrometer (STICS) observations. Suprathermal ions (6–200 keV) are present in the upstream region of most (86%) IP shocks at 1 AU. These foreshock ions are characterized by (1) median energy >25 keV, that is, higher than a thermal distribution; (2) spectra that increase in intensity with energy in the range 10–30 keV; (3) flow predominantly outward (antisunward). In the months surveyed, all forward shocks with speeds >30 km/s showed at least one of the above features. Because these characteristics are so often seen in foreshocks, 5 to 100 keV ions can be used to provide advance warning (∼5–72 hours) of disturbances that are drivers of the most hazardous geomagnetic storms. These characteristics of the preshock suprathermal ions could be readily monitored on future space weather missions in order to predict the arrival of the IP shocks that initiate space weather events; here we define these measurement requirements and describe the implementation of such an instrument.
A New Shape Function Based Spatiotemporal Interpolation Method

In this paper we propose a new spatiotemporal interpolation method for 3-D space and 1-D time geographic data. Similarly to the existing ST (space-time) product and the tetrahedral spatiotemporal interpolation methods, this new method is also based on shape functions. However, instead of only manipulating the time dimension as in the ST product and the tetrahedral methods, our new method combines 2-D shape functions in the (x,y) domain with the (z,t) domain shape functions. This method yields data that can be represented and queried in constraint databases and we discuss how to represent this new method in constraint databases. We also show certain unique properties of the new shape function based spatiotemporal interpolation method.
A Role for the Region Encompassing the c″ Strand of a TCR Vα Domain in T Cell Activation Events

The distinct strand topology of TCR Vα domains results in a flatter surface in the region encompassing the c″ strand than the corresponding region in Ig V domains. In the current study a possible role for this region in T cell activation has been investigated by inserting a potential glycosylation site at Vα residue 82. This residue is in proximity to the c″ strand and distal to the putative interaction site for cognate peptide:MHC ligand. An additional N-linked carbohydrate at this position would create a protrusion on the Vα domain surface, and this may interfere with TCR aggregation and/or recruitment of signaling molecules. The modified TCR has been expressed in transfected T cells, and the phenotype following stimulation has been compared with that of cells expressing the wild-type TCR. The mutation has significant effects on activation-induced cell death and TCR internalization, but, unexpectedly, does not affect IL-2 secretion. Furthermore, analyses with tetrameric, peptide:MHC class II complexes suggest that the mutation decreases the ability of the TCR to aggregate into a configuration compatible with avid binding by these multivalent ligands.
Effect of ankle position on knee flexor and extensor torque

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of ankle position on knee flexor and extensor torque at 60 and 180 o/s. Twelve female athletes had their dominant and non-dominant limb tested on a Cybex II + dynamometer (Cybex, Ronkonkoma, NY) under two conditions: with the ankle plantarflexed and dorsiflexed. Paired t-tests showed no statistical differences in knee extensor torque. Significant differences were noted in knee flexor torque at both 60 (P < 0.05) and 180 (P < O.Ol)°/s with the greatest torque being seen with the ankle in the dorsiflexed position. These results suggest that ankle position affects knee flexor torque during open chain isokinetic movements. Copyright © 1996 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd.
Discordant rates of chromosome evolution in the Drosophila virilis species group.

In Drosophila, the availability of polytene chromosome maps and of sets of probes covering most regions of the chromosomes allows a direct comparison of the organization of the genome in different species. In this work, we report the localization, in Drosophila virilis, D. montana, and D. novamexicana, of >100 bacteriophage P1 clones containing ~65 kilobase inserts of genomic DNA from D. virilis. Each clone hybridizes with a single euchromatic site in either chromosome 1 or chromosome 3 in D. virilis. From these data, it is possible to estimate the minimum number of inversions required to transform the map positions of the probes in one species into the map positions of the same probes in a related species. The data indicate that, in the D. virilis species group, the X chromosome has up to four times the number of inversions as are observed in chromosome 3. The first photographic polytene chromosome maps for D. montana and D. novamexicana are also presented.
Coronary perfusion for dissecting aneurysms involving the aortic root.

Abstract The danger of direct damage to the coronary arteries by cannulation for coronary perfusion is increased in the presence of a dissecting aneurysm involving the aortic root. Avoidance of direct coronary cannulation in this circumstance is recommended, and a technique involving aortic root perfusion is described.
The Impact of Roadway Intersection Design on Driving Performance of Young and Senior Adults

Objective. To test the effectiveness of the FHWA guidelines for intersection design. Methods. In an experimental design we used kinematics measures from an instrumented vehicle and behavioral (error) data collected during on-road evaluations to quantify the effects of improved versus unimproved intersections (turn phase) and to determine if these intersections were safer (vehicular stability and driver confidence) for both older (65–85 years) and younger (25 –45) drivers. We analyzed kinematics data with a 2 × 2 repeated measures ANOVA and behavioral data (driving errors yes, no) with Wilcoxon sign rank test (within subject variable: intersection improved vs. unimproved) and Wilcoxon rank sum test (between subject variable: age, younger vs. older driver). Results. Kinematics measures (turn phase), showed three maneuvers had statistically significantly lesser side forces (measured by lateral acceleration and combined acceleration) for the improved conditions, and four maneuvers had statistically significan...
The PsbP family of proteins

The PsbP family of proteins consists of 11 evolutionarily related thylakoid lumenal components. These include the archetypal PsbP protein, which is an extrinsic subunit of eukaryotic photosystem II, three PsbP-like proteins (CyanoP of the prokaryotic cyanobacteria and green oxyphotobacteria, and the PPL1 and PPL2 proteins found in many eukaryotes), and seven PsbP-domain (PPD) proteins (PPD1–PPD7, most of which are found in the green plant lineage). All of these possess significant sequence and structural homologies while having very diverse functions. While the PsbP protein has been extensively studied and plays a functional role in the optimization of photosynthetic oxygen evolution at physiological calcium and chloride concentrations, the molecular functions of the other family members are poorly understood. Recent investigations have begun to illuminate the roles that these proteins play in membrane protein complex assembly/stability, hormone biosynthesis, and other metabolic processes. In this review we have examined this functional information within the context of recent advances examining the structure of these components.
Design and Development of Isocyanatoacrylates as Dental Adhesives

During the last 12 years, significant progress has been made in the development of dental adhesive systems. Some of the more promising systems are based on multifunctional structures that contain polymerizable vinyl double bonds and reactive isocyanate groups. The utility of compounds with such structures as adhesives arises in part because their isocyanate functionality is available for reaction independently, without compromising the reactivity of the vinyl groups. The hypotheses tested in this investigation were: (1) that the monomer reactivity ratios (r1, r2) for the free-radical-initiated copolymerization of ethyl a-isocyanatoacrylate (a-EIA) and 2-isocyanatoethyl methacrylate (IEM) with selected vinyl monomers can be determined; (2) that these reactivity ratios can be used to establish Q (reactivity) and e (polarity) values for a-EIA and IEM; and (3) that these reactivity parameters can be useful in designing copolymers with controlled compositions for dental adhesive applications. The free-radical ...
The effect on the blood pressure of normal persons and hypertensive patients of glyceryl trinitrate, sodium nitrite, erythrol tetranitrate, and mannitol hexanitrate

Abstract 1. 1. Nitroglycerin, sodium nitrite, erythrol tetranitrate, mannitol hexanitrate, and a placebo were given to normal and hypertensive subjects, and blood pressure measurements were made at brief intervals until the effect of the drug was over. Each of the thirty-eight subjects received one or more of these substances, and most received all four “nitrite” drugs. 2. 2. Of the subjects who were given these drugs, 51 per cent had a fall of systolic pressure, and 23 per cent had a lowering of diastolic pressure. The systolic fall was almost always greater than the diastolic. None had a fall in blood pressure after the administration of a placebo. 3. 3. The amount of the fall in blood pressure in hypertensive patients varied greatly, but the averages were as follows: nitroglycerin, 16 4 mm. Hg , sodium nitrite, 21 1 mm. , erythrol tetranitrate, 14 5 mm. , and mannitol hexanitrate, 12 4 mm . In normal subjects, the average fall in blood pressure was as much as 10 mm. less than the corresponding figure for hypertensives. 4. 4. The period between the administration of the drug and the beginning of the fall in blood pressure was variable. For nitroglycerin this interval averaged 2 minutes; for sodium nitrite, 7 minutes; for erythrol tetranitrate, 35 minutes; and for mannitol hexanitrate, 55 minutes after the drug was given. 5. 5. The average duration of blood pressure lowering was as follows: nitroglycerin, 20 minutes; sodium nitrite, 62 minutes; erythrol tetranitrate and mannitol hexanitrate, about the same, 256 and 252 minutes, respectively. With the last two drugs there was wide variation in the duration.
Hierarchical structure formation and chemical evolution of damped Lyα systems

We present a model for the chemical evolution of damped Lyα systems considering the production of "metals" by Type II supernovae and infall associated with hierarchical structure formation. The growth of metallicity in these systems is a reflection of the competition between astration and infall. The apparent late turn-on of these systems is due to the late cutoff of infall. The wide range in [Fe/H] at a given redshift is explained by the range of the times for the onset of star formation and the range of the times for infall cessation in different systems. The observed lower bound of [Fe/H] ≈ -3 follows from the very rapid initial rise of [Fe/H] subsequent to the onset of star formation. To reach [Fe/H] ≈ -3 from a metal-free initial state requires only ~30 Myr, so the probability of observing lower [Fe/H] values is very small.
The Psychology of the Withdrawal Process: A Cross-Validational Test of Mobley's Intermediate Linkages Model of Turnover in Two Samples.

A study investigating the validity of Mobley's (1977) model of the intermediate linkages in the turnover decision process among employees working in two diverse settings yielded a pattern of results generally consistent with the model. However, except for commitment to the organization, regression analyses failed to double cross-validate either within or between samples.
Surface membranes of malarial parasites

Abstract The possibility that vaccines may by developed to control malaria has stimulated research on the structure and composition of the membrane of malarial parasites. Although the information obtained so far is very limited, surface membrane determinants and surface antigens are being investigated
Assessment of Laboratory Methods for Evaluating Potato Tubers for Resistance to Late Blight

Two laboratory methods (whole tuber and tuber slice) were evaluated and compared with field assessment of potato tubers for resistance to late blight caused by Phytophthora infestans. Altogether, the resistance responses of 20 cultivars and advanced selections were compared by the three methods. All three assays separated materials into resistant and susceptible groups. The majority of cultivars and advanced selections did not react in the same way within the field and tuber-slice assays but did react similarly within the whole-tuber assay. Some cultivars were susceptible in the field at harvest but were resistant in the whole-tuber assay. The differences may be due to the extent of lenticel and eye development during tuber formation. In contrast, other cultivars resistant in the field at harvest were susceptible in the whole-tuber assay. In this case, placement in the hill may affect whether or not the tuber is exposed to inoculum or whether aging of tubers during storage affects susceptibility to tuber blight. Our study shows that high levels of tuber resistance are available in certain commercial cultivars and advanced potato selections. For laboratory assessments to be reliable, however, both pre- and poststorage evaluations may be necessary.
Technology and Method Intersect in the Online Focus Group

Online focus groups may provide a new tool for research conducted in sport science settings (e.g., psychology, sociology, management, physical education, and recreation). Benefits of online focus groups include the ability for people in multiple locations to respond synchronously via chat rooms or asynchronously via discussion software. Additional benefits include increased equality of participation, greater participant diversity, the matching of research design with research environment, researcher interaction, and the elimination of transcribing. Disadvantages include under representation of non-Internet users, lack of face-to-face contact, potential participant no-show rate, and the difficulty of securing data on the Internet. Sport science scholars are encouraged to examine this emerging method as related to their specific research aims and consider application of online focus groups to further their research.
Evidence of high densities from {J}/{ψ} suppression

Abstract Evidence of high densities in nucleus-nucleus collisions is extracted by comparing hadron-nucleus and nucleus-nucleus measurements of J ψ production.
On the possibility of deducing interplanetary and solar parameters from geomagnetic records

While at present we are able to deduce from ground records only qualitative properties of the solar wind, in the future quantitative deductions may be possible, in a statistical sense, from an examination of polar cap magnetograms together with records of geomagnetic activity. The qualitative inferences that are possible now indicate several important features of the behavior of the solar wind over the last 100 years. First, there appear to be significant long term changes in either the solar wind velocity, the magnetic field strength, the variability of the field or some combination of all three. Second, a heliographic latitude dependence of these parameters exists, whose amplitude depends on sunspot number. Third, with the exception of the most recent solar cycle, there is little north-south asymmetry in these solar parameters. Finally, there is a double sunspot cycle modulation of geomagnetic activity, the most likely cause of which is a modulation of the interplanetary magnetic polarity with latitude, and which in turn implies the presence of a solar polar magnetic dipole. The amplitude of this modulation has undergone significant changes since 1868, being large then and at the present, but effectively disappearing from 1908 to 1948.
Supple to stiff

In a cross-sectional, multicenter prevalence study, Soucie and colleagues (page [2467][1]) analyzed range-of-motion data on more than 4000 hemophilic male subjects, aged 2 to 19 years. As expected, there was an inverse relationship between flexibility and age. However, teens with more severe
Universality Considerations for Graphing Parachute Opening Shock Factor Versus Mass Ratio

The parachute opening shock factor C k is a nondimensional ratio corresponding to the maximum drag F maX generated during inflation and is written in terms of the dynamic pressure at the beginning of inflation as well as in terms of the drag area during steady descent. This ratio has been a useful tool for estimating the value of the F maX of "off-the-shelf" parachutes used in untested drop conditions or with new canopy dimensions. This paper addresses the issue of the "universality" of plotting C k vs the mass ratio R m , which estimates the air mass that codecelerates with the system; that is, whether Ck can be plotted on the same graph, using data collected from parachutes of different canopy shape and porosity, reefing design, etc. The use of the momentum-impulse theorem shows how such a practice is warranted; it shows also how to use the C k -R m data of existing parachute systems to get predictions for altogether new and never-tested designs. This approach should be useful also for estimating F max of flown but uninstrumented prototypes, because it allows a calculation based solely on canopy shape and dimensions, reefing design, drop conditions, and on a video study of the inflation time.
A FADED BEDTIME WITH RESPONSE COST PROTOCOL FOR TREATMENT OF MULTIPLE SLEEP PROBLEMS IN CHILDREN

The sleep-wake cycles of 4 developmentally delayed individuals with longstanding severe sleep disturbances were regulated using a faded bedtime procedure with response cost. Bedtimes were systematically delayed for each individual, thus increasing the probability of short latency to sleep onset. The response cost component, consisting of removing the individual from bed for 1 hour, was implemented when an individual did not experience short latency to sleep onset. A fading procedure was then applied successfully to advance the bedtimes and to gradually increase durations of sleep. Specifically, all 4 individuals had decreased amounts of nighttime sleep that increased following treatment. Two of the 4 individuals showed excessive daytime sleep that decreased following treatment. Three of the 4 individuals experienced decreases in night wakings following treatment. Both environmental and biological manipulations of the sleep-wake cycle are hypothesized as mechanisms of treatment. The relative advantages of this procedure over other procedures for the treatment of pediatric sleep disorders are discussed, as are directions for future research.
Focussing of synchroton radiation X-ray beams using synthetic multilayer mirrors

Abstract A two multilayer X-ray mirror system has been developed to focus 8 keV X-rays from a synchrotron X-ray source. The system uses a Kirkpatrick-Baez mirror geometry and the mirrors are made by sputtering carbon and tungsten layers on spherical optical mirror substrates. A focused X-ray spot 40 μm wide by 10 μm high was obtained using an 8 keV X-ray beam from a wiggler beamline at the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory. Similar mirror systems may be useful for microprobe and small sample experiments using both synchrotron and laboratory sources.
MBP-1 physically associates with histone deacetylase for transcriptional repression.

MBP-1, a c-myc promoter binding protein, is a mammalian transcription factor with intriguing properties including transcriptional repression of cellular genes. Recently, we have identified and characterized two different repressor domains of MBP-1. In this report, we have demonstrated that MBP-1 physically associates with histone deacetylase (HDAC), thus promoting formation of neucleosomes that inhibit transcription. Trichostatin A, an inhibitor of histone deacetylase, significantly reduces MBP-1-mediated transcriptional repression. However, MBP-1-mediated repression on c-myc promoter is resistant to histone deacetylase activity. Our results suggest that MBP-1 represses transcription by recruiting histone deacetylase as one of the mechanisms, whereas the other mechanism is resistant to HDAC activity and probably related to direct binding of promoter sequences or interaction through yet unidentified factor.
The tropics as a source of evolutionary novelty through geological time

SPATIAL and temporal variations in biological diversity can be shaped by a variety of dynamical interactions between origination and extinction1–3. For this reason, the evolutionary basis of the latitudinal diversity gradient—with the tropics extraordinarily rich in species, higher taxa and evolutionary novelties—has been much debated4–8. High origination rates with the tropics operating as a diversity pump8–11, low extinction rates with the tropics operating as a diversity accumulator12–15, or some combination of the two16–18, have all been proposed to explain the wealth of higher taxa and morphological variety in low latitudes. Few historical data have been available, however, to test directly whether the tropics are 'a cradle or a museum'15,19. A new palaeontological analysis of post-Palaeozoic marine orders shows significantly more first appearances in tropical waters, whether defined latitudinally or biogeographically, than expected from sampling alone. This provides direct evidence that tropical regions have been a major source of evolutionary novelty, and not simply a refuge that accumulated diversity owing to low extinction rates.
The anomalous thermal boundary resistance in superfluid4He near Tλ

The anomalous thermal boundary resistance δR of superfluid4He near the lambda point Tλ was studied in a cell with parallel copper faces and with various fluid layer thicknesses. The study was made as a function of the heat current Q and reduced temperature (T — Tλ)/Tλ = ɛ. In all cases, ΔR tends to a maximum value ΔRitmax at T = Tλ. This value is independent of Q, and is reproducible for various experiments. This contrasts with the regular boundary resistance which can vary considerably between successive experiments. Near Tλ, the limiting slope dΔR/d¦ɛ¦ is found to be proportional to Q−1, and this leads to a scaled representation of the data. This analysis is extended to data of similar experiments with gold plated copper surfaces by Duncan and Ahlers and by Zhong et al. The measurements of ΔR over the whole range of¦ɛ¦ where it is observable are discussed and compared with previous experiments.
Comparison of Physical and Photophysical Properties of Monometallic and Bimetallic Ruthenium(II) Complexes Containing Structurally Altered Diimine Ligands.

The physical and photophysical properties of a series of monometallic, [Ru(bpy)2(dmb)]2+, [Ru(bpy)2(BPY)]2+, [Ru(bpy)(Obpy)]2+ and [Ru(bpy)2(Obpy)]2+, and bimetallic, [{Ru(bpy)2}2(BPY)]4+ and [{Ru(bpy)2}2(Obpy)]4+, complexes are examined, where bpy is 2,2‘-bipyridine, dmb is 4,4‘-dimethyl-2,2‘-bipyridine, BPY is 1,2-bis(4-methyl-2,2‘-bipyridin-4‘-yl)ethane, and Obpy is 1,2-bis(2,2‘-bipyridin-6-yl)ethane. The complexes display metal-to-ligand charge transfer transitions in the 450 nm region, intraligand π → π* transitions at energies greater than 300 nm, a reversible oxidation of the ruthenium(II) center in the 1.25−1.40 V vs SSCE region, a series of three reductions associated with each coordinated ligand commencing at −1.3 V and ending at ∼−1.9 V, and emission from a 3MLCT state having energy maxima between 598 and 610 nm. The RuIII/RuII oxidation of the two bimetallic complexes is a single, two one-electron process. Relative to [Ru(bpy)2(BPY)]2+, the RuIII/RuII potential for [Ru(bpy)2(Obpy)]2+ increases...
Identifying Critical Sources of Bridge Deterioration in Cold Regions through the Constructed Bridges in North Dakota

This paper presents the performance of constructed bridges in cold regions through examining the bridges in North Dakota that is one of the coldest regions in the United States. Unique approach of a combined multiple regression and geographic information system technology is employed to evaluate the performance and to identify the critical sources affecting deterioration of the 5,289 bridges sampled from the National Bridge Inventory database inspected between 2006 and 2007. Typical parameters examined include physical, material, and environmental factors associated with the existing bridges. The importance of maintenance and repair is highlighted. Traffic volume significantly influences the level of deterioration of the bridge decks. Year built is the most significant contribution to the structural deficiency of the bridges, followed by structural characteristics and traffic volumes. The presence of water particularly influences the deterioration. Concrete bridges are more durable than steel bridges. Tru...
Developing Ergonomic Interventions to Reduce Musculoskeletal Disorders in Grocery Distribution Centers

The purpose of this work was to explore intervention concepts aimed at addressing the workers' needs in grocery distribution centers. Worker interviews indicated that many of the items that they ha...
Fabrication Process for Integrating Nanoparticles With Released Structures Using Photoresist Replacement of Sublimated p-Dichlorobenzene for Temporary Support

This letter introduces a fabrication technique that enables deposition of a wide variety of materials on released microelectromechanical systems devices by providing a temporary support layer of photoresist (PR). The technique is particularly useful for materials that cannot survive aggressive wet etchants or high-temperature processes. The novel step of the process involves continuous replacement of solid p-dichlorobenzene (p-DCB) by liquid PR as the p-DCB sublimates from a released structure, without ever allowing the structure to dry. The PR serves as both a temporary support for the device and a mold for targeted deposition of the material. As a demonstration of the process, fully released silicon microresonators were coupled with nanoparticles that would not survive common sacrificial oxide etch processes. The process is shown to produce nanoparticle-functionalized resonators that operate as functional resonant gas sensors.
EVIDENCE FOR UNMYELINATED SENSORY FIBRES IN THE POSTERIOR COLUMNS IN MAN

The human posterior columns are generally described as a myelinated fibre pathway. The present study demonstrates that more than 25% of the component axons are unmyelinated. Many of these unmyelinated axons are labelled by antibodies to calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), a substance found in sensory cells, axons and terminals. On this basis we suggest that there are significant numbers of unmyelinated primary afferent axons in the human posterior columns. These results indicate that unmyelinated sensory axons are more widespread than previously thought, and that they should be taken into account when considering stimulation of the posterior columns to relieve pain.
The Faces of Hunger: The Educational Impact of Hunger on Students With Disabilities

The relationship between students’ living in poverty and academic underachievement challenges schools across the nation. Poverty is particularly prevalent among children with disabilities. One detrimental condition of poverty that directly affects student development and academic achievement is food insecurity and hunger. With the increasing number of children identified as living in food-insecure households, it is inevitable that at some point, a teacher will work with a child suffering from hunger. With this article, the authors hope to assist educators in understanding poverty and its relationship to childhood hunger. Tips for identifying the signs and symptoms of hunger are shared. School- and classroom-level recommendations are made to aid in alleviating hunger in school-age children.
Body fatness and motor performance during preadolescence.

Abstract Performance differences between males and females have been attributed to both biological and cultural factors, although the relative significance of each has not been ascertained. Differences in body fatness between males and females has been frequently mentioned as one biological factor responsible for variations in physical performance. In children, it has been shown that boys exhibit slightly higher performance levels than girls until adolescence, when the differences favoring the boys become greater. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between selected physical performance tests and body fatness in preadolescent boys and girls. Measures of age, height, weight, skinfold thicknesses at two sites, and performance scores on the vertical jump, standing broad jump, modified pullup, 40-yard dash, and 400-yard run were obtained on 563 elementary school children. The results of a one-way ANOVA indicated that there was a significant difference between boys and girls on all of...
Model for the conformational analysis of hydrated peptides. Effect of hydration on the conformational stability of the terminally blocked residues of the 20 naturally occurring amino acids

The effects of hydration are included in empirical conformational energy computations on oligopeptides by means of a modified hydration-shell model. Free energy terms are introduced to account for “specific hydration” due to water–solute hydrogen bonding and for “nonspecific hydration” describing the interaction of the solute with water molecules in a first-neighbor shell. The dielectric constant has been doubled (over the value used for calculations in the absence of water) to take into account the presence of solvent. Computations were carried out for the N-acetyl-N′-methylamides of the 20 naturally occurring amino acids. Conformational energy maps are compared with similar maps calculated in the absence of hydration. Minimum-energy conformations are located and compared with the corresponding minima for unhydrated peptides in terms of ordering with respect to potential energy, the dihedral angles at the minima, and the presence of intramolecular hydrogen bonds. The Boltzmann factors for various conformational regions are altered significantly on hydration in some cases. These changes can be explained in terms of differences in the hydration free energy terms for various conformations.
Social Science Impact on Legislative Decision Making: Process & Substance

Today, with an annual federal investment in social research, development and evaluation (RD&E) of between $375 million and $2 billion, these moods of confidence and despair continue to dominate discussions of social science and public policy. Observers with more confidence than despair insistently urge better utilization of social science findings within the policy-making process. Such observers want to know
The response of right ventricular size, function, and pressure to supine exercise: a comparison of patients with chronic obstructive lung disease and normal subjects.

The response of right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF) and right ventricular end-diastolic volume (RVEDV) to exercise was studied in 11 patients with severe (FEF25%–75%=0.32±0.13, mean ±SD) chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Using gated radionuclide cardiac blood pool imaging techniques, the response of the patients with COPD was compared with that of 15 control subjects. Arterial blood gases, pulmonary arterial pressures, wedge pressure, and right ventricular pressures also were monitored in patients with COPD. The resting R VEF was lower and the resting RVEDV was higher in patients with COPD than in normals (both,P<0.01). Two of the 11 COPD patients had a RVEF during rest that was below lower limits, while 10 of 11 patients had RV dilation. Right ventricular end-diastolic pressure, measured during rest in patients with COPD, was normal (6.1±2.1 mm Hg) and cardiac index was within normal limits (3.55±0.82 l/min/m2). With exercise this cardiac index rose to 5.52±1.7/min/m2 (P<0.01) due to the increase in heart rate (83±18 to 125±25 beats/min;P<0.01) while stroke volume did not significantly change. During exercise, normal subjects showed and increase in RVEF while RVEDV did not change; in patients with COPD, the RVEF fell and the RVEDV increased. In the patients with COPD, mild resting arterial hypoxemia and hypercapnia were both exaggerated during exercise; and mild resting pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAm=24.3±7.6 mm Hg) also worsened with exercise (PAm=41±19 mm Hg,P<0.01). Correlation between change in RVEF and PAm was-0.58, and between change in RVEDV and PAm was 0.63. We conclude that patients with severe COPD often have right ventricular dilation at rest and commonly respond to supine exercise with a fall in LV ejection fraction and further dilation of the right ventricle.
An Improved Alignment System For Wafer Steppers

A diffraction grating alignment system has been demonstrated on a GCA stepper. Registration of better than 0.2 microns, 3 sigma has been achieved on NMOS production wafers.
Enhanced enzyme activity in concentrated salt solutions.

The enzyme activity of thrombin, β-factor Xa-E and trypsin was enhanced in 1.0 M sodium citrate solution. Thrombin activated factor X. Synthetic substrate S-2222, designed for factor Xa, was hydrolyzed more rapidly with factor Xa or with thrombin in 1.0 M sodium citrate solution than in dilute salt solutions.
Preteens Talking to Parents: Perceived Communication and School-Based Aggression

In order to combat escalating aggression and violence in schools, it is important to understand the relationship between intrafamilial communication and aggressive behaviors. In this study, the authors examined the link between preadolescents’ perceptions of parent- child communication and their levels ofschool-based aggressive behavior. The results indicate that perceived effective communication was highestfor mother-girl dyads, followed in order by mother-boy, father-boy, and father-girl dyads. Second, no difference between preadolescents’ levels of aggressive behaviors in school on the basis of gender of child was found. Finally, the results indicated that preadolescents’ perceptions of effective parent-child communication were negatively correlated with school-based aggression. Implications for prevention and intervention strategies are discussed.
LEADERSHIP EMERGENCE AND SOURCE VALENCE: CONCEPTS IN SUPPORT OF INTERACTION THEORY AND MEASUREMENT

This study sought to determine what perceived characteristics discriminate between leaders and nonleaders in a small group situation. After interacting for three work periods, members of several groups evaluated one another on a source valence instrument containing measures of credibility, attraction, and homophily. During subsequent meetings, a computerized technique (PROANA5) was used to analyze group interaction and identify group leaders. Results indicated that three variables: task attraction, extroversion, and character provided reasonably accurate classifications of leaders and nonleaders. Findings were discussed in terms of Gibb's interaction theory of group leadership.
Negative control of cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1) by glucocorticoids in rainbow trout liver

Abstract 1. In rainbow trout liver, dexamethasone caused a reduction in cytochrome P 450 1A1 proteins but no change in P 450 3A proteins as measured by Western blots using specific anti P 450 1A1 and P 450 3A sera. 2. After dexamethasone administration, the level of P 450 1A1 was down to 14% and 8% of the control values at 24 and 48 hr, respectively. 3. There was no change in P 450 1A1 mRNA abundance at 24 hr but a decrease to 45% of the control value was observed at 48 hr after dexamethasone. 4. There is, therefore, a differential response between P 450 1A1 and P 450 3A to dexamethasone in the trout liver. 5. The initial decrease in P 450 1A1 protein probably occurs at the translational level while both translational and transcriptional levels are involved 48 hr after dexamethasone administration.
Angle-resolved photoemission study of the clean and hydrogen-covered Pt(111) surface.

We report the results of a high-resolution angle-resolved photoemission study of the surface electronic structure of clean and hydrogen-covered Pt(111). Several surface-resonance bands and one surface state are observed on the clean surface. These exhibit qualitative similarities to, as well as some differences from, previous studies and calculations for Pd(111). Unlike the results for Pd(111), essentially all surface bands are quenched upon hydrogen exposure, even at room temperature. There is no clear support in our data for a structural model placing the hydrogen atoms in an underlayer adsorption site, as had been suggested from a previous photoemission study. The significance of our results to a recently proposed correlated-quantum-liquid model is investigated. We also discuss the relevance of our bands near ${\mathit{E}}_{\mathit{F}}$ to a recent controversy about the possible existence of phonon anomalies on this surface.