cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Anticoccidial Activity of Combinations of Narasin and Nicarbazin

The efficacy of mixtures of narasin and nicarbazin were evaluated by comparing broiler performance, susceptibility to heat stress, and the mode of action against Eimeria. In a floor pen trial, narasin (70 ppm) alone or in combination with nicarbazin at levels between 10/10 and 50/50 ppm gave significantly better performance than unmedicated birds or birds given nicarbazin at 125 ppm alone. Amelioration of nicarbazin-associated mortality with heat as a stressor was observed in birds given the 50/50 ppm mixture of narasin and nicarbazin: mortality in these birds was similar to that of unmedicated birds and was reduced by 15 to 20% of that occurring in birds in the nicarbazin (125 ppm) treatment. The narasin/nicarbazin mixture (50/50) appears primarily to prevent further development of sporozoites. However, in birds treated with 25/25 ppm of narasin and nicarbazin, both the deleterious action of nicarbazin on merogeny and the antisporozoite activity of narasin were observed.
The lactose synthase acceptor site: a structural map derived from acceptor studies.

A pictorial map of the lactose synthase (galactosyl transferase) acceptor binding site has been formulated from this and published studies on substrate analogs and inhibitors. The basic requirements are a pyranose, thiopyranose or inositol ring structure and equatorial substituents (if any) at C-2, C-3, C-4, and C-5. The aglycone (at C-1) may be either alpha or beta-, but alpha- is somewhat preferred. In the absence of alpha-lactalbumin galactosyl transferase will accept long chain 2-N-acyl substituents on the glucosamine (GlcNH2) structure. An equatorial amino or N-acetyl substituent (e.g. mannosamine, N-acetylmannosamine) is also a suitable acceptor in the absence of alpha-lactalbumin since both N-acetylglucosamine and N-acetylmannosamine have complementary binding loci for the N-acyl moiety. The aglycone moiety must be equatorial (beta-configuration). However, upon alpha-lactalbumin binding the aglycone specificity allows for axial (alpha-configuration) as well as equatorial substituents. Furthermore, the 2-N-acyl substituent binding locus is blocked beyond a 2-N-hexanoyl group. It is suggested that alpha-lactalbumin binds to a hydrophobic site some distance from the C-2 group.
Activation of the endothelium in cardiac allografts

Initial graft failure, especially in hearts from “marinal” or “expanded” donors, and cardiac allograft asculopathy (CAV), which develops in more than half f transplant recipients who survive beyond 3 to 5 ears, represent the major limitations for the recipients’ hortand long-term survival. The causes for both of hese pathophysiologic processes are largely undefined nd most likely multifactorial; however, activation of he allograft endothelium and the ensuing inflammatory eaction represent early events, serving as potential herapeutic targets (Figure 1). This article initially discusses the pathophysiology of ndothelial activation in cardiac allografts and then ocuses on possible therapeutic strategies to minimize he activation of the endothelium, thereby reducing the ncidence of early and late organ failure.
Feeding Preference of Three Lady Beetle Predators of the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (Homoptera: Adelgidae)

In a laboratory study, we tested the feeding preferences of three coccinellid predators of hemlock woolly adelgid, Adelges tsugae Annand, an introduced pest of hemlock in the eastern United States. The species tested were Sasajiscymnus tsugae Sasaji & McClure (formerly Pseudoscymnus tsugae) from Japan, Scymnus ningshanensis Yu & Yao from China, and Harmonia axyridis (Pallas), a generalist species introduced from Asia that is currently widespread in eastern hemlock, Tsuga canadensis Carriere, forests. We measured the feeding preference of each beetle species when given the choice of A. tsugae and either 1) Pineus strobi (Hartig) on Pinus strobus L.; 2) Adelges laricis Vallot on Larix decidua Mill.; 3) Adelges cooleyi (Gillette) on Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco; or 3) Paraprociphilus tessellatus (Fitch) on Alnus serrulata (Ait.) Willd. We evaluated beetle preference for adults, nymphs, and eggs of each prey species. Generally, when adult or nymphal prey stages were compared, S. tsugae preferred A. tsugae adults to P. strobi, A. cooleyi, A. laricis, and P. tessellatus. S. ningshanensis showed less preference between adelgid species, but it did not prefer P. tessellatus nymphs. When preferences for adelgid eggs were assayed, S. tsugae and S. ningshanensis showed no preference between A. tsugae and A. cooleyi or P. strobi, but S. tsugae did prefer A. tsugae to A. laricis. Larvae of S. tsugae were unable to survive on P. tessellatus nymphs. H. axyridis adults readily consumed both A. tsugae and P. tessellatus, but H. axyridis larvae did not complete their life cycle on A. tsugae. Our host range tests suggest that S. ningshanensis and S. tsugae may feed on several species of Adelgidae and that A. tsugae is often preferred.
Drug insight: autoimmune effects of medications-what's new?

Autoantibodies and autoimmune diseases such as drug-related lupus can occur following exposure to certain drugs; however, although many patients develop autoantibodies only a minority develops lupus-like features. As discussed in this Review, clinicians should consider the possibility of a drug-related effect in patients treated with medications such as tumor necrosis factor inhibitors and minocycline who develop an apparent 'flare' of the disease. Autoantibodies and lupus-like syndromes can develop following the use of certain medications; however, although many patients develop autoantibodies, only a minority develop clinical features. Although these autoantibodies primarily consist of antinuclear and antihistone antibodies, additional types of antibody, such as antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies and anti-double-stranded DNA antibodies, have been reported in association with minocycline and tumor necrosis factor inhibitor therapy. Clinical features of drug-related lupus usually consist of constitutional symptoms, arthralgias, arthritis, myalgias and serositis, although cutaneous manifestations have been reported in association with the use of tumor necrosis factor inhibitors. Typically, clinical features resolve with discontinuation of the medication, although antibodies can persist for months or years. Arthralgias and inflammatory arthritis have also been reported in association with the use of aromatase inhibitors and other biologic agents such as interleukins and interferons.
Inhibition of Gibberellic Acid-induced Germination by Abscisic Acid and Reversal by Cytokinins.

The germinatioil of seed can be controlled by ap)plication of exogenous hormones at physiological concenitrations. It is therefore possible that the n-atural control of germination involves an interplay of hormones, both promoters and inh,,ibitors. WXe have shown that cytokinins overcome the inhibitoryaction of several natural inhibitors in the germination of the photosensitive Grand Rapids lettuce seed (4,5). There are other reports of cytokinin-inhibitor antagonism in germinationl and dormancy (6, 7, 10, 12, 14). Chrispeels and Varner have shown that gibberellic acid (GA3) induced a-amylase synthesis in the excised barley aleurone is inhibited by abscisic acid and revrersed only partially by excess GA) (2). In the intact barlev seed, like&% ise. GA3 fails to reverse abscisic acid inhibited a-amylase production and coleoptile growth (8, 9). Cytokinins, such as kinetin and ben'zyladenine. on the otlher hand, nearly completely reverse the abscisic acid inhiblition of a-amylase synthesis and coleoptile grovth in the seed (9). This communication will show that another GA. induced process, namely dark germination of Grand Rapids lettuce seed, is inhibited by abscisic acid and is reversed by the cvtokinin, kinetin but not by excess GA3. Lettuce seeds (Lactitca s.lizta var. Grand Rapids. Ferry Morse Seed Company. 1967) were germinated at 200 and 250 in total darkness in 5 cm Petri plates on 2 layers of filter paper soaked in 2 ml of test solut"ion (4 replicates of 50 seeds each). Germination was recorded after 48 hours. Emiiergence of the radicle was taken as criterion of germination. The effect of abscisic acid anid kinetin on GA: induced dark germination was examinied at 20( (fig 1) and 250 (fig 2). A concentration of 0.05 mM GA, was sufficient for coml)lete indutction of germination at 200 i(fig 1, curve BP wvhile at 250 much higher concentration of GA (5 mI-M) was
Electrical and inertial parameters for Th, U, Pu isotopes

Nuclear properties of eight heavy deformed isotopes have been determined from muonic x-ray hyperfine structure. Trends observed for the electrical and inertial properties are discussed in terms of collective model predictions.
Cost effectiveness of screening for hepatitis C virus in asymptomatic, average-risk adults.

Abstract Purpose To estimate the cost effectiveness of screening for hepatitis C in asymptomatic, average-risk adults. Methods We used a Markov decision analysis model to estimate the lifetime cost effectiveness of three screening strategies: (1) initial screening for hepatitis C antibody by third-generation enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), followed by confirmatory testing for hepatitis C virus ribonucleic acid (RNA) using polymerase chain reaction (PCR); (2) initial screening for hepatitis C virus RNA by PCR only; and (3) the current practice of not screening. The patient population comprised a hypothetical cohort of average-risk adults presenting to their regular primary health care provider for routine physical examination. The main outcome measure was cost per additional quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained. Results The no screening strategy was the dominant strategy in the baseline analysis. The model was most sensitive to the reduction in quality of life related to patient awareness of hepatitis C infection. Screening with ELISA and PCR was preferred when this value was Conclusions This analysis does not support the widespread screening for hepatitis C among asymptomatic, average-risk adults.
Implicit serial learning: Questions inspired by Hebb (1961).

Implicit serial learning occurs when indirect measures such as transfer reveal learning of a repeating sequence even when subjects are not informed of the repeating sequence, are not asked to learn it, and do not become of aware of it. This phenomenon is reminiscent of an experiment by Hebb (1961), who studied the repetition of sequences in a serial recall task. Two experiments investigated the relation between implicit serial learning and ideas about learning forwarded by Hebb and others who used his method. The experiments showed that implicit serial learning occurs even when the repeating sequence is intermixed with randomly generated sequences instead of being repeated continuously, that the organization of the sequence into regularly or irregularly grouped subsequences determines the extent of learning, and that the repetition effect observed does not depend on subjects' ability to recognize the repetition.
The Philippine “Hip Hop Stick Dance”

(2012). The Philippine “Hip Hop Stick Dance”. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance: Vol. 83, No. 1, pp. 17-32.
Potentiation of trichothecene-induced leukocyte cytotoxicity and apoptosis by TNF-α and Fas activation

Trichothecene mycotoxins cause immunosuppression by inducing apoptosis in lymphoid tissue. Trichothecene-induced leukocyte apoptosis can be augmented by bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) but the mechanisms involved in this potentiating effect are not completely understood. The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that the trichothecene deoxynivalenol (DON, vomitoxin) can interact with LPS directly and other mediators or agonists associated with immune/inflammatory responses to induce apoptosis in primary murine leukocyte cultures. Primary leukocyte suspensions were prepared from murine thymus (TH), spleen (SP), bone marrow (BM) and Peyer's patches (PP) and then cultured with DON in the absence or presence of LPS, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), anti-immunoglobulin (as antigen mimic), dexamethasone, Fas ligand, or TNF-alpha. Cytotoxicity and apoptosis were evaluated by MTT assay and morphologic assays, respectively. DON was found to inhibit LPS-induced proliferation and dexamethasone-induced apoptosis in SP cultures. In contrast, potentiation of DON-induced apoptosis and cytotoxicity was observed in BM cultures treated with anti-Fas and in TH cultures treated with TNF-alpha. When potentiation of DON-induced apoptosis by TNF-alpha was assessed using pharmacological inhibitors, generation of ROS, intracellular Ca2+, p38/SAPK, and caspase-3 activation were found to play roles. Taken together, these data demonstrate that LPS and its downstream mediators can interact with trichothecenes to modulate proliferative, cytotoxic and apoptotic outcomes in leukocytes in a tissue-specific manner.
Plant microbiology. Quieting the raucous crowd.

Many bacteria communicate by using dedicated signalling molecules. Signal-degrading enzymes from other bacteria interrupt the conversation, and can protect tobacco and potato plants from infection.
Application of Decision Theory to the Testing of Large Systems

A methodology for determining priorities in allocating test resources among the various subsystems within a large system is described. The methodology is based on concepts from applied decision theory. Two versions of the methodology are presented: a complete version, called the extensive form, and an approximate version, called the diminutive form.
Practical issues in ultra-short-pulse measurements with ‘GRENOUILLE’

We examine the characteristics and limitations of GRENOUILLE, a simple and compact implementation of the second-harmonic-generation (SHG) frequency-resolved-optical-gating (FROG) technique. We show that it can be made to operate effectively over a relatively wide range of pulse lengths and wavelengths. We also describe procedures for its design and calibration, and we discuss the use of arbitrary nonlinear SHG crystals.
The Columbia Impairment Scale: Factor Analysis Using a Community Mental Health Sample

Objective: The objective of this study was to test the factor structure of the parent version of the Columbia Impairment Scale (CIS) in a sample of mothers who brought their children for community mental health (CMH) services (n = 280). Method: Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to test the fit of the hypothesized four-factor structure and the empirically validated one-factor structure. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was used to identify what factor structure best fit our sample of distressed mothers. Results: Neither the one- nor the four-factor model fit our sample. The EFA suggested that the CIS was best understood as a 12-item, three-factor model that identified functional impairment: (a) at school/work; (b) in socializing; and (c) at home/family. Conclusion: These findings call into question the construct validity of the parent version of the CIS in a CMH sample of mothers and provide support for multidimensional measures of functional impairment.
This little girl dies today, in front of the Americans.

In the isolated Honduran villages we visited or any other place in the world lacking health care, something as common as appendicitis is a death sentence. Life is cruel in many parts of the world.
Comparison of LDA and SPRT on Clinical Dataset Classifications.

In this work, we investigate the well-known classification algorithm LDA as well as its close relative SPRT. SPRT affords many theoretical advantages over LDA. It allows specification of desired classification error rates α and β and is expected to be faster in predicting the class label of a new instance. However, SPRT is not as widely used as LDA in the pattern recognition and machine learning community. For this reason, we investigate LDA, SPRT and a modified SPRT (MSPRT) empirically using clinical datasets from Parkinson’s disease, colon cancer, and breast cancer. We assume the same normality assumption as LDA and propose variants of the two SPRT algorithms based on the order in which the components of an instance are sampled. Leave-one-out cross-validation is used to assess and compare the performance of the methods. The results indicate that two variants, SPRT-ordered and MSPRT-ordered, are superior to LDA in terms of prediction accuracy. Moreover, on average SPRT-ordered and MSPRT-ordered examine less components than LDA before arriving at a decision. These advantages imply that SPRT-ordered and MSPRT-ordered are the preferred algorithms over LDA when the normality assumption can be justified for a dataset.
Chromatographic analysis of glycosyl asparagine derivatives

Abstract The long column of the amino acid analyzer has been adapted for monitoring extent and type of digestion of glycosyl-Asn derivatives of glycoproteins by highly purified glycosidases. The glycosyl-Asn derivative of deoxyribonuclease A has been shown to be digested by sequential additions of glycosidases in a manner identical to similar derivatives from ovalbumin and ribonuclease B. All derivatives appear to have a mannose linked to a di- N -acetylchitobiose-bound asparagine by a β-glycosidic bond.
Effects of temperature on growth of north-east Pacific moon jellyfish ephyrae, Aurelia labiata (Cnidaria: Scyphozoa)

The effects of ten different water temperatures on the growth of newly released ephyrae of Aurelia labiata were explored. Ephyrae grown at 21°C showed the greatest growth, increasing in bell diameter from about 4.0 mm to 14.5 mm in 14 days and remained in good condition for the duration of the experiment. Ephyrae subjected to other temperatures grew at different rates. Ephyrae maintained at 8°C gradually decreased in size during the experiment, shrinking in bell diameter from about 4.0 mm to 3.8 mm by day 14, but remained in apparent good condition. Ephyrae reared at 22.5°C and above everted their bells, were in poor condition, and were unable to feed or swim effectively by about day ten. In this study the optimal temperature range for rearing A. labiata ephyrae was 12°C—21°C, which corresponds with the reported range for this species.
A double-pinch criterion for regenerative Rankine cycles

Abstract A double-pinch criterion for closed feedwater heaters (FWH) of regenerative Rankine cycles is presented. The FWHs are modeled as counter-current heat exchangers. Thus, two potential pinch positions in the FWH exist: (i) at the exit of the bleed (drain) and (ii) at the onset of condensation. For a given heat duty in the FWH, feed inlet temperature and flowrate, the extraction flowrate and pressure should be chosen to achieve the same minimal approach temperature at the two potential pinch points. An analytical proof is given for a fixed pinch value for the case that the drain enters the condenser, based on weak assumptions. Additionally, the criterion is numerically demonstrated for fixed pinch value and for fixed heat exchanger area using the most common configurations: drain to condenser, drain to deaerator, and drain cascaded to next FWH. A similar criterion is developed for the case that the drain is pumped (upwards or downwards) and mixed with the feedwater. The double pinch criterion simplifies the optimization procedure and results in significant efficiency increase for fixed heat exchanger area. For numerical reasons it is advisable to use the pressure as the optimization variable and calculate the heat duty and mass flowrate.
Epidemiologic advances in chronic fatigue syndrome

Abstract Epidemiologic studies of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) have been hampered by the absence of a specific diagnostic test, but with increasing interest in this disorder there has been a greater understanding of the risk factors, illness patterns, and other aspects of this multisystem disorder. Working case definitions have been developed for research purposes but they have continued to change over time and have not always been utilized precisely by various investigators. This has been a major factor in the widely varying estimates of prevalence rates, but two different studies using the same working definition and including a medical work-up have estimated the prevalence to be approximately 200 100 000 . Clusters of CFS cases, which appear to be related to earlier reports of “epidemic neuromyasthenia”, have attracted considerable attention and appear to be well documented, although investigated with varying methodology and often with dissimilar case definitions. Risk factors for cases occurring in clusters and sporadically appear to be similar, the most consistent ones being female gender and the co-existence of some form of stress, either physical or psychological. The prognosis of CFS is difficult to predict, although cases occurring as part of clusters appear to have a better prognosis as a group than sporadic cases, and those with an acute onset have a better prognosis than those with gradual onset. It is highly unlikely that there is a single agent, infectious or noninfectious, that is responsible for more than a small proportion of CFS cases and, at the present time, the risk factors for developing CFS appear to lie more prominently in the host rather than the environment.
Expression of the murine Duchenne muscular dystrophy gene in muscle and brain

Complementary DNA clones were isolated that represent the 5' terminal 2.5 kilobases of the murine Duchenne muscular dystrophy (Dmd) messenger RNA (mRNA). Mouse Dmd mRNA was detectable in skeletal and cardiac muscle and at a level approximately 90 percent lower in brain. Dmd mRNA is also present, but at much lower than normal levels, in both the muscle and brain of three different strains of dystrophic mdx mice. The identification of Dmd mRNA in brain raises the possibility of a relation between human Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) gene expression and the mental retardation found in some DMD males. These results also provide evidence that the mdx mutations are allelic variants of mouse Dmd gene mutations.
Direct Te Mining: Resource Availability and Impact on Cumulative Energy Demand of CdTe PV Life Cycles

As the availability of tellurium (Te) is constrained by the production rate of itsmain parent compound (Cu), its potential supply to deploy CdTe photovoltaics (PV) merits investigation. Recently, Te-rich ores and gold-telluride mines have been discovered in several places throughout the world that will allow the economic recovery of Te, independent of the production of copper. In conventional CdTe life-cycle assessments, the environmental impacts of mining and smelting are typically allocated to all the coproducts on the basis of the products' physical amount or economic values. Consequently, directly mining Te from such ores potentially might increase the environmental burden of mining and smelting operations in the life cycle of CdTe PV systems. Other factors influencing the impacts of direct Te mining include the presence of additional coproducts (e.g., gold and silver), the relative contribution of Te to the life-cycle cumulative energy demand (CED) of CdTe PV, the proportion of directly mined Te content relative to the content of the Cu byproduct in the Te-supply chain, and end-of-life CdTe PV recycling. We estimated that the total CED would increase by 1% when 100% of the supply came from direct mining and by 0.7% if we assume a supply mixture representing the ratios of the reserves.
Voyager engineering improvements for Uranus encounter

Engineering changes made on the Voyager spacecraft during their explorations of the outer solar system are discussed. A recovery from a scan actuator fault, achieved by ground testing, in flight capability enhancement and testing, conservation of actuator usage and a set of contingency plans to substitute roll motion of the spacecraft for motion of the scan platform in the AZ direction, is discussed. General engineering improvements made are addressed, including a scan platform anticreep patch modification, an improvement of dynamic performance during maneuvers, and adaptive control of the attitude control deadband. Changes made in the power management are described. Finally, engineering improvements made in order to enhance scientific findings at the Uranus encounter are reviewed in detail. The two most important were the increased gyro drift turn rate capability to accommodate image motion compensation for the close fly-by of Miranda and the reduction in spacecraft rates to accommodate increased imaging exposure times without incurring excessive image smear.
Mapping the triplet potential energy surface of 1-methyl-8-nitronaphthalene.

Spin-unrestricted calculations and time-dependent DFT were used to characterize structure and reactivity of 1-methyl-8-nitronaphthalene (1) in the triplet state. Four hybrid models (B3LYP, PBE0, MPW1K, BHLYP) with significantly different amount of the exact exchange were employed. The triplet potential energy surface of 1 was mapped by using the UB3LYP and UMPW1K techniques. Both hybrid models provided qualitatively consistent pictures for the potential energy landscape. Thirty-one stationary points, of which 15 were minima, were found at the UB3LYP level of theory. Three minima corresponding to the nitro form of 1 were located on the triplet surface; just one was found for the singlet ground state. Two reaction paths leading from 1 either to a nitrite-type intermediate (2) or to the aci-form (3) were characterized. For both paths, reaction products were of diradical nature. The lower activation energy was obtained for the triplet-state tautomerization affording 3. The ground state of triplet multiplicity...
Isotropic compact interpolation schemes for particle methods

In particle methods, an accuracy degradation can occur because of the distortion of the element positions. A solution consists in the periodic re-initialization of the particles onto regular locations, at the nodes of a lattice. This so-called redistribution works by the interpolation of particle quantities. The present work considers the design of redistribution schemes on general lattices and in particular on lattices with a higher level of symmetry than the usual cubic lattice. Such lattices allow schemes which are more compact and more isotropic. We test our schemes in the context of three-dimensional vortex methods.
Beyond carbon and nitrogen: how the microbial energy economy couples elemental cycles in diverse ecosystems

Microbial metabolism couples elemental reactions, driving biogeochemical cycles. Assimilatory coupling of elemental cycles, such as the carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus cycles, occurs when these elements are incorporated into biomass or released through its decomposition. In addition, many microbes are capable of dissimilatory coupling, catalyzing energy-releasing reactions linked to transformations in the oxidation state of elements, and releasing the transformed elements to the environment. Different inorganic elements provide varying amounts of energy yield, and the interaction of these processes creates a microbial energy economy. Dissimilatory reactions involving C, N, iron, and sulfur provide particularly important examples where microbially mediated oxidation–reduction (redox) transformations affect nutrient availability for net primary production, greenhouse-gas emissions, levels of contaminants and natural toxic factors, and other ecosystem dynamics. Recent discoveries of previously unrec...
A new exact closest lattice point search algorithm using linear constraints

The problem of finding the closest lattice point arises in several communications scenarios and is known to be NP-hard. We propose a new closest lattice point search algorithm which utilizes a set of new linear inequality constraints to reduce the search of the closest lattice point to the intersection of a polyhedron and a sphere. This set of linear constraints efficiently leverage the geometric structure of the lattice to reduce considerably the number of points that must be visited. Simulation results verify that this algorithm offers substantial computational savings over standard sphere decoding when the dimension of the problem is large.
The Future and Fate of Living Systems

The future of life on Earth and elsewhere in the Universe is the least studied of the three fundamental questions posed by NASA’s Astrobiology Roadmap (Des Marais and Walter 1999; Des Marais et al. 2003, 2008). A lack of focus on this question raises two concerns. First, in a sense, the future of life is the question that has the greatest practical significance, since an ability to anticipate the consequences of human actions for the biosphere on Earth and wherever humans may come in contact with alien life in the future, should be a critical consideration in formulating policies for human activities on Earth at present and exploratory strategies for the future. The only one of the Roadmap’s seven Goals and Objectives (#6) that relates to the future of life focuses narrowly on the fate of ecosystems and the evolution of microbes on Earth and in alien environments. The biosphere is now being changed so rapidly by anthropogenic forces, though, that the bigger and more immediate question is the general fate of groups of organisms, including especially those with the greatest environmental impact (Tong 2000; Woodruff 2001). This might also include an alteration of the genetic code (Xue and Wong 2017), intended or unintended. Secondly, on planetary systems older than the Solar System, there is little reason to doubt that life has emerged in some cases, and therefore had longer to evolve than on Earth. The question may then be asked whether the history of life on Earth provides insights into the fate of living systems that have had longer to unfold.
The Laboratory Diagnosis of Bilharziasis

Bilharziasis is unquestionably one of the major parasitic diseases of Southern Africa where both the urinary and intestinal forms occur. When it presents in the classical form, the diagnosis either from the clinical or laboratory viewpoint is seldom a major problem; but when, as so often happens, the presenting features have little in common with the accepted text-book descriptions of the disease, diagnosis becomes a matter of considerable difficulty.
Love will tear you apart: different components of female choice exert contrasting selection pressures on male field crickets

Female mate choice is a driving force in the evolution of male secondary sexual characters. It can be dissected into several components: discrimination describes the degree to which females distinguish male trait variation, responsiveness indicates the speed or likelihood of females’ reactions to a mate, and preference functions illustrate how the probability of mating relates to male trait variation. Relatively little is known about how these components interact to produce final mating decisions and influence the strength and direction of sexual selection, so I used female field crickets (Teleogryllus oceanicus) to measure interactions between individual preference functions, discrimination, and 2 measures of responsiveness (number of responses and response effort). Preference function shape varied considerably between individual females. Highly discriminating females showed greater numbers of responses to playbacks and were more likely to have stabilizing preference functions. When I constructed 2 population-level preference functions using either response number or response effort, the first yielded a linear, directional function, whereas the second implied a stabilizing function. The clear differences between the 2 imply that different components of female choice can exert contrasting selection pressure on a single male trait. Overall, both response number and discrimination were mutually reinforcing and likely govern the strength of sexual selection in this population. The direction of selection in a wild setting ultimately depends on the relative importance of response number versus response effort, where exogenous factors such as predation risk or density will determine which component of female choice predominates mating decisions. Key words: choosiness, discrimination, mate choice, preference function, sexual selection, Teleogryllus oceanicus. [Behav Ecol]
Photometric microtitration of catechols (epinephrine).

Catechols in a buffered aqueous solution may be quantitatively titrated with ferrous ethylenediamine sulfate standard solution. The photometric end point is determined at 530 mμ, the wavelength of maximum absorption for the purple complex formed between ferrous ion and catechols. Advantages over the U.S.P. assay for epinephrine are (a) sensitivity is increased and (b) an epinephrine reference standard is not needed.
Accumulation of interleukin-1β and interleukin-6 in amniotic fluid: A sequela of labour at term and preterm

labour (forebag) respectively. AF sampling, as well as labour and delivery, were completed in 18 h before AF was collected in 39 out of 106 (37%) PTL pregnancies. The incidence of IL-1β-positive samples among AFs collected before 18 h of PTL (23 out of 67; 34%) was indistinguishable from that in AFs collected during labour at term. However, in AFs collected after >18 h PTL, the incidence of IL-1β-positive samples was 35 out of 39 (89.7%) The concentrations of IL-1β (pg/ml; mean ± SEM) in AFs collected during PTL (2680 ± 730; n = 106) were greater than those in AFs collected from the upper compartment and forebag during term labour (436 ± 244, n = 64; and 468 ± 119, n = 176) respectively; this difference, however, was attributable to very high concentrations of IL-1 β in AFs in which PTL was in progress for >18 h before AF collection (6021 ± 1832; n = 39). The concentrations of IL-6 in AF were correlated with those of IL-1 β (P < 0.001). We conclude that IL-1β and IL-6 accummulate in AF in a similar proportion of pregnancies during the first 18 h of term and preterm labour. Therefore, the accumulation of these cytokines in AF cannot be taken as evidence for a role for infection in the pathogenesis of PTL.
Social Media Meet Multiple Sclerosis

Although the use of social media and open-access resources is prevalent throughout diverse realms of inquiry, science and medicine do not yet fully exploit the full power of these tools. The Alzheimer Research Forum was one of the first Web sites designed to build bridges among researchers who study
Performance analysis and enhancement for backbone based wireless mobile ad hoc networks

In this paper, we present an extended mobile backbone network (MBN) topology synthesis algorithm (ETSA) for constructing and maintaining a dynamic backbone structure in mobile wireless ad hoc networks. For conventional backbone formation algorithms (such as Connected Dominating Set construction algorithms) to operate correctly, perfect neighborhood knowledge is required. However, in a wireless ad hoc network, both control message losses and asynchronous timers among nodes can lead to imperfect neighborhood information. Thus, two restricting rules are introduced in this paper for the election of backbone nodes that are shown to improve asynchronous, distributed and stable operation of the algorithm. The scalability and efficiency of backbone based routing in ad hoc networks depend on the overhead introduced by the formation of a connected backbone network (BNet) and the size of the backbone network. We prove that the size of the backbone network synthesized by this algorithm is independent of nodal density. We also prove that the extended topology synthesis algorithm introduced in this paper has constant O(1) time complexity and yields a constant O(1) communication overhead factor per node.
Estimation of tail dependence coefficient in rainfall accumulation fields

Extreme rainfall events are of particular importance due to their severe impacts on the economy, the environment and the society. Characterization and quantification of extremes and their spatial dependence structure may lead to a better understanding of extreme events. An important concept in statistical modeling is the tail dependence coefficient (TDC) that describes the degree of association between concurrent rainfall extremes at different locations. Accurate knowledge of the spatial characteristics of the TDC can help improve on the existing models of the occurrence probability of extreme storms. In this study, efficient estimation of the TDC in rainfall is investigated using a dense network of rain gauges located in south Louisiana, USA. The inter-gauge distances in this network range from about 1 km to 9 km. Four different nonparametric TDC estimators are implemented on samples of the rain gauge data and their advantages and disadvantages are discussed. Three averaging time-scales are considered: 1 h, 2 h and 3 h. The results indicate that a significant tail dependency may exist that cannot be ignored for realistic modeling of multivariate rainfall fields. Presence of a strong dependence among extremes contradicts with the assumption of joint normality, commonly used in hydrologic applications.
A model of decision-making with sequential information-acquisition (part 2)

Abstract While most real-life decision are of necessity made with less than perfect information, there is usually some opportunity to acquire additional information regarding the problem at hand before a final decision is made. It is, of course, the recognition of this fact which has led to the importance now attached to the field of Decision Support Systems. On the other hand, the formal analysis of the sort of decision problem for which Decision Support Systems can be useful appears to have lagged behind the developments in applications. In this paper we develope a model of decision-making in which there is available a variety of informational sources (experiments) which can reduce (though generally not eliminate) the uncertainty associated with the final decision. Since the informational sources are available only at some cost (either monetarily or in terms of time, or both), the decision-maker must solve two conceptually distinct problems: (1) developing an optimal information-gathering strategy, and (2) developing an optimal final decision strategy, conditional upon the information obtained during the information-gathering process. A theoretical framework is developed here for the analysis of this general problem, and fairly complete solutions are obtained for some interesting special cases; most notably the computer file search problem.
Trustworthiness and IT Suspicion: An Evaluation of the Nomological Network

Objective: The authors evaluated the validity of trust in automation and information technology (IT) suspicion by examining their factor structure and relationship with decision confidence. Background: Research on trust has burgeoned, yet the dimensionality of trust remains elusive. Researchers suggest that trust is a unidimensional construct, whereas others believe it is multidimensional. Additionally, novel constructs, such as IT suspicion, have yet to be distinguished from trust in automation. Research is needed to examine the overlap between these constructs and to determine the dimensionality of trust in automation. Method: Participants (N = 72) engaged in a computerbased convoy scenario involving an automated decision aid. The aid fused real-time sensor data and provided route recommendations to participants who selected a route based on (a) a map with historical enemy information, (b) sensor inputs, and (c) automation suggestions. Measures for trust in automation and IT suspicion were administered after individuals interacted with the automation. Results: Results indicated three orthogonal factors: trust, distrust, and IT suspicion. Each variable was explored as a predictor of decision confidence. Distrust and trust evidenced unique influences on decision confidence, albeit at different times. Higher distrust related to less confidence, whereas trust related to greater confidence. Conclusion: The current study found that trust in automation was best characterized by two orthogonal dimensions (trust and distrust). Both trust and distrust were found to be independent from IT suspicion, and both distrust and trust uniquely predicted decision confidence. Application: Researchers may consider using separate measures for trust and distrust in future studies.
Development of an evaluation function for eye-hand coordination robotic therapy

This paper is the continuation of a work presented at ICORR 07, in which we discussed the possibility of improving eye-hand coordination in children diagnosed with this problem, using a robotic mapping from a haptic user interface to a virtual environment. Our goal is to develop, implement and refine a system that will assess and improve the eye-hand coordination and grip strength in children diagnosed with poor graphomotor skills. A detailed analysis of patters (e.g., labyrinths, letters and angles) was conducted in order to select three very distinguishable levels of difficulty that could be included in the system, and which would yield the greatest benefit in terms of assessment of coordination and strength issues as well as in training. Support algorithms (position, force, velocity, inertia and viscosity) were also developed and incorporated into the tasks in order to introduce general computer assistance to the mapping of the user's movements to the computer screen without overriding the user's commands to the robotic device. In order to evaluate performance (given by %accuracy and time) of the executed tasks, a sophisticated evaluation function was designed based on image analysis and edge detection algorithms. This paper presents the development of the haptic tasks, the various assistance algorithms, the description of the evaluation function and the results of a study implemented at the Motor Development Clinic at Cal Poly Pomona. The results (Accuracy and Time) of this function are currently being used as inputs to an Intelligent Decision Support System (described in [5]), which in turn, suggests the next task to be executed by the subject based on his/her performance.
THE SYSTEMATICS AND TAXONOMY OF FIDDLER CRABS: A PHYLOGENY OF THE GENUS UCA

Abstract Although fiddler crabs (genus Uca) have been among the most widely studied organisms with respect to sexual selection, agonistic behavior, asymmetry, and visual and acoustic signaling, the phylogenetic relationships within the genus have remained largely a mystery. After reviewing the systematic history of the genus and its species, including a discussion of the systematic conflicts between two alternative proposals of subgeneric division, a phylogenetic analysis was performed for 88 species on a data matrix of 236 discrete morphological characters. These results were compared to a previously published molecular analysis of 16S ribosomal DNA for 28 species. To a large extent, the uncertainty in the proper taxonomic names for the subgenera can be resolved with these results. The biogeographic history of the genus is discussed, although these results do not provide enough support to allow complete resolution of the deep divergences between Indo-West Pacific and American clades. There is strong morp...
Edema of pregnancy : A comparison of water aerobics and static immersion

Objective: To compare the edema-relieving effects of static immersion with water aerobics. Methods: Eighteen healthy women between 20 and 33 weeks’ gestation were studied standing on land, immersed to the axilla, and participating in a water aerobics class, each for 30 minutes. Results: Water aerobics and the static immersion led to a similar diuresis, 187 and 180 mL, respectively. Both were significantly greater than standing 30 minutes on land, 65 mL (P < < .01). The dilutional effect as measured by a decline in urine specific gravity was also similar between static immersion and water aerobics and greater than standing on land (P < .01). Standing on land led to a small increase in leg volume compared with water aerobics or static immersion (P < .01). Conclusion: Water aerobics had diuretic and edemarelieving effects similar to static immersion. When women develop edema of pregnancy, water aerobics classes may be used as a potential treatment. (Obstet Gynecol 1999;94:726 ‐9. © 1999 by The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.) Edema is a common problem associated with pregnancy. Bedrest with leg elevation is often suggested as a possible treatment. Recent studies have shown that immersion initiates a diuresis faster than bedrest and is more effective hour per hour as a treatment for the edema of pregnancy. 1‐3 The diuresis that occurs with immersion is secondary to the hydrostatic force of water. The hydrostatic force is proportional to the depth of immersion, acting on the fluid in the extravascular spaces. Edema fluid is pushed from the extravascular space into the venous system, bypassing the lymphatics. 4‐ 7 The resultant increase in central blood volume leads to an increase in glomerular filtration and subsequently to water excretion. 4‐ 7 Because the hydrostatic force is proportional to the depth of water, the diuretic effects of immersion occur to a greater extent when standing in several feet of water compared with swimming in it or lying in a bathtub. Unfortunately, to stand in water for as long as 45 minutes can be tedious and sometimes cold. In contrast, water aerobic exercise, which has become quite popular in recent years, offers the ability for the pregnant woman to be upright in the water at the same time that she performs an activity. In previous studies, we compared water exercise with land exercise and found a significant diuretic effect with exercise in water. 8 ‐11 In this study, we were interested in comparing the diuretic effects of static immersion with water exercise. Exercise produces a hemoconcentrating effect, as fluid moves out of the vascular space, which may partially counteract the hydrostatic forces. However, if static immersion and water aerobics demonstrated similar diuretic effects, then the benefits of water aerobics would be greater than that of exercise alone. Additionally, we chose to compare static immersion with water aerobics because the combined physiologic effects of exercise and immersion are not well understood.
Collaborative Treatment for the Psychosomatic Couple

This article reflects on the conceptualization and treatment strategies associated with a systems perspective of the somatic couple. It is suggested that resistance to change, nurturance of the somatic patient by his or her partner, and rigid role taking serve to promote relationship stability and individual pseudopower at the cost of patient health. The authors suggest that psychotherapists can aid primary care physicians in more effective treatment for somatizing patients by educating physicians about the role of the couple relationship in the maintenance of somatic disorder, how the somatizing patient can triangulate health care into an unstable dyadic relationship, and the usefulness of a multidisciplinary, contextual approach to the treatment of somatization. A case example is offered to demonstrate these concepts.
Internet Challenges to Business Innovation

While the adoption of the licensing model in the hard goods arena is problematic from a legal standpoint, it is misguided from a purely policy-oriented one as well. The embrace of 'wrap agreements' and the licensing model (as opposed to the old-fashioned idea of a sale) by courts was motivated by a desire to encourage business innovation and deter bad faith business conduct. Unfortunately, many of the technology innovators of yesterday are the innovation stiflers of today, attempting to control what consumers can do with software through overreaching contractual clauses and overzealous legal departments. To make matters worse, companies in established industries, such as book publishing, are following the lead of the software giants by relying upon innovative contracting models rather than by developing innovative business models. The distributive power of the Internet and the relatively low cost of setting up a virtual community and online shop open up possibilities for writers, musicians and other artists that were unavailable just a few years ago. Consequently, the next wave of online business innovation may be driven by content providers who recognize their value and demand some sort of compensation, whether it be in the form of cash, royalties, or equity.