cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Detecting critical periods in larval flatfish populations

Abstract We evaluate the time-course of deaths and evidence of periods of increased mortality (i.e., critical periods) in laboratory populations of larval flatfish. First, we make the distinction between age-at-death and abundance-at-time data for fish larvae, the latter being typical in studies of natural populations. Next, we describe an experimental investigation of age- and temperature-dependent mortality in larval winter flounder, Pseudopleuronectes americanus . The survivorship curves of these populations differed significantly in both the magnitude and time-course of mortality among the four water temperatures evaluated (7, 10, 13, and 16°C). Mortality was highest in the cooler temperatures and concentrated in the third quarter of larval life, largely concurrent with settlement of surviving members of the cohort. Among the statistical methods for analysing survival data, the proportional-hazards model with time-varying covariates proved best at capturing the patterns of age-specific mortalities. We conclude that fair appraisals of recruitment hypotheses which are predicated on periods of high, age-specific mortality that vary with environmental conditions (e.g., Hjort's critical period hypothesis) will require: (1) data that are based on age, not time; (2) data that are of higher temporal resolution than commonly available at present and (3) analytical methods that are sensitive to irregularities in survivorship curves. We suggest four research approaches for evaluating critical periods in nature.
The effects of sublethal predation on reproduction in the spionid polychaete Polydora ligni Webster

Abstract Negative effects on reproduction due to sublethal predation were found in the tubiculous, spionid polychaete Polydora ligni Webster. In two laboratory experiments, sublethal predation was simulated by amputating one or both of the feeding palps (tentacles) or posterior segments of mature females. Palp loss yielded mixed results. In one experiment the numbers of gametogenic segments, capsules, eggs per capsule, and fecundity were not significantly different from control female values. In the second experiment there was a significant decrease in fecundity, as well as decreases in gametogenic segments and eggs per capsule. In both experiments loss of posterior segments (but not including gametogenic segments) reduced fecundity significantly, except in one case, with concurrent reductions in gametogenic segments and eggs per capsule. Posterior segment loss also increased brood development time by ≈ 100%. Females continued to reproduce while regenerating lost palps or posterior segments. The costs of regeneration in terms of lost fecundity were estimated to range between 10 and 29% for palp regeneration, and between 49 and 80% for posterior regeneration. These results show that female P. ligni subjected to sublethal predation have reduced individual fitness, and provide a basis for selection in hypotheses concerning the evolution of antipredatory features in spionid polychaetes. Since posterior segment loss had the most negative impact on reproduction, antipredatory features to reduce this type of tissue loss may be important in P. ligni . Also, depending on the level of incidence in the field, sublethal predation can potentially have a dramatic effect on spionid population growth rates due to reductions in fecundity and increases in brood development time.
Enhancing patient satisfaction in dermatology.

Patient satisfaction is an important component of dermatological care that reflects patients’ perspectives on the care they receive. While physicians’ expertise and judgment should always remain the foundation of providing appropriate and effective care, the patient experience can also be influenced by interpersonal relationships, expectations, and a sense of agency in the treatment patients receive. Dermatology providers can use practical techniques such as sitting rather than standing, reframing the concept of cure, and engaging patients in treatment decisions to improve the patient–provider experience and thereby optimize patient satisfaction.
Evolutionary biology: The origins of novelty

Treehoppers produce highly diverse structures called helmets. To do so they seem to have exploited the genetic potential, long inhibited in other winged insects, to develop wings on a particular anatomical segment. See Letter p.83 Treehoppers are close relatives of cicadas that have a bizarre and varied structure called the 'helmet' growing from the wingless first thoracic segment. The helmet is classically described as a cuticular expansion of the first thoracic segment. Closer examination now shows that, in evolutionary terms, it corresponds to a third pair of wings. A striking feature of body plans is their relative stability over long evolutionary times. The discovery of this previously unknown variation of the blueprint for insects illustrates how a structure relieved of its original role is free to evolve new functions and morphologies.
Continuum Traffic Simulation

We present a novel method for the synthesis and animation of realistic traffic flows on large-scale road networks. Our technique is based on a continuum model of traffic flow we extend to correctly handle lane changes and merges, as well as traffic behaviors due to changes in speed limit. We demonstrate how our method can be applied to the animation of many vehicles in a large-scale traffic network at interactive rates and show that our method can simulate believable traffic flows on publicly-available, real-world road data. We furthermore demonstrate the scalability of this technique on many-core systems.
Mutations in the CYS4 gene provide evidence for regulation of the yeast vacuolar H+-ATPase by oxidation and reduction in vivo

The vma41-1 mutant was identified in a genetic screen designed to identify novel genes required for vacuolar H+-ATPase activity in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The VMA41 gene was cloned and shown to be allelic to theCYS4 gene. The CYS4 gene encodes the first enzyme in cysteine biosynthesis, and in addition to cysteine auxotrophy, cys4 mutants have much lower levels of intracellular glutathione than wild-type cells. cys4mutants display the pH-dependent growth phenotypes characteristic of vma mutants and are unable to accumulate quinacrine in the vacuole, indicating loss of vacuolar acidificationin vivo. The vacuolar proton-translocating ATPases (V-ATPase) is synthesized at normal levels and assembled at the vacuolar membrane in cys4 mutants, but its specific activity is reduced (47% of wild type) and the activity is unstable. Addition of reduced glutathione to the growth medium complements the pH-dependent growth phenotype, partially restores vacuolar acidification, and restores wild type levels of ATPase activity. TheCYS4 gene was deleted in a strain in which the catalytic site cysteine residue implicated in oxidative inhibition of the yeast V-ATPase has been mutagenized (Liu, Q., Leng, X.-H., Newman, P., Vasilyeva, E., Kane, P. M., and Forgac, M. (1997) J. Biol. Chem. 272, 11750–11756). This catalytic site point mutation suppresses the effects of the cys4 mutation. The data indicate that the acidification defect of cys4 mutants arises from inactivation of the vacuolar ATPase in the less reducing cytosol resulting from loss of Cys4p activity and provide the first evidence for the modulation of V-ATPase activity by the redox state of the environment in vivo.
George Kennan: A Study in Character – By John Lukacs

This slim book sketches the highlights of diplomat‐scholar George Kennan's remarkable life and character. The author tells readers upfront that his is not a comprehensive biography of Kennan, but i...
Development and validation of a high performance liquid chromatography assay for 17α-methyltestosterone in fish feed

17alpha-Methyltestosterone (MT) is used to manipulate the gender of a variety of fish species. A high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) internal standard method for the determination of 17alpha-methyltestosterone in fish feed using 3beta-methoxy-17beta-hydroxyandrost-5-en-7-one as internal standard (IS) has been developed. The method has been validated for the quantitation of MT in fish feed using 245 nm UV absorbance as the parent wavelength and 255 nm as a qualifier wavelength. The method was validated in the concentration range of 15.0-120 mg/kg of 17alpha-methyltestosterone in fish feed. Method was also found to be suitable for other feeds.
Generation of a direct-current, atmospheric-pressure microplasma at the surface of a liquid water microjet for continuous plasma-liquid processing

Plasmas at the surface of or inside liquids are of importance for emerging applications, and are often formed with stagnant liquids. Here, the authors present the generation of a direct-current, atmospheric-pressure microplasma at the surface of a liquid water microjet that enables solution species to be transported by forced convection. The water jet is formed by pumping conductive ionic solutions through a plastic capillary tube in a vertically falling geometry, and overcomes Plateau–Rayleigh instabilities by controlling the flow rate, resulting in a constant diameter jet of ∼0.45 mm over lengths of more than 30 mm. Analysis of the electrical characteristics of the complete microplasma-water jet system shows that the current–voltage (I-V) relationship is linear with a large positive slope when the solution conductivity is relatively low. The authors show that the primary contribution to this large resistance is the confined solution geometry. As proof-of-concept, the authors demonstrate that plasmonic A...
Microtubules and secondary wall deposition in xylem: the effects of isopropyl N-phenylcarbamate.

The effects of isopropylN-phenylcarbamate (IPC) on xylem differentiation in the roots ofAllium andTriticum seedlings have been investigated. InAllium, IPC reduces the number of cortical microtubules and produces some disorganization of the secondary wall bands. The severity of these effects is variable, however, even at high drug concentrations (1 × 10−3M) and long (up to 5 days) incubation times. InTriticum, IPC at 1 × 10−3M acts within 24 hours to virtually eliminate the cortical microtubules and to produce a total elimination of the secondary wall pattern. Lower concentrations of the drug produce less drastic effects. Ultrastructural examination reveals cross-bridges between microtubules and both the plasmalemma and cytoplasmic vesicles. Our observations suggest that at least the bridges between the microtubules and the plasmalemma may form a strong connection between these structures. We also speculate on how the bridges may function in the microtubule mediated control of the localization and the orientation of deposited cellulose microfibrils.
Creating Successful Process Improvement Programs: the Roles of Consultant and Industry

This study finds that Fortune 500 companies implement expensive process improvement programs only to often abandon them in the long run due to dismal performance, resulting in a waste of the resources used to implement the programs. To prevent this waste, this study develops an implementation model that promotes program sustainability for the long term. Using a technique called Learning by Doing, this model guides the implementation of process-improvement programs. Using a combination of empirical studies and four action-research field studies, this model connects the research on process improvement, Learning by Doing, and consultancy to support program sustainability.
Inequalities related to liftings and applications

Abstract We present two inequalities for liftings of smooth maps from the torus T d into the unit circle S 1 . Using these inequalities, we answer a question of J. Bourgain, H. Brezis, and P. Mironescu in [J. Bourgain, H. Brezis, P. Mironescu, Lifting, degree, and distributional Jacobian revisited, Comm. Pure Appl. Math. 58 (2005) 529–551] and establish an estimate of liftings in the spirit of R.R. Coifman and Y. Meyer [R.R. Coifman, Y. Meyer, Une generalisation du theoreme de Calderon sur l'integrale de Cauchy, in: Fourier Analysis, in: Proc. Sem., El Escorial, vol. 1, Asoc. Mat. Espa nola, Madrid, 1980, pp. 87–116]. To cite this article: H.-M. Nguyen, C. R. Acad. Sci. Paris, Ser. I 346 (2008).
Recognition and Surgical Management of the Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome

Patients with upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS) have clinical signs and symptoms of excessive daytime somnolence (EDS) in the absence of obstructive sleep apnea. These patients have increased upper airway resistance, reflected by an elevated intrathoracic pressure measurement, despite a normal respiratory disturbance index (RDI). Physical findings often include excessive palatal tissue and narrowing of the oropharynx and hypopharynx. Nine patients with UARS who received surgical treatment were prospectively evaluated. The four men and five women had signs of EDS, with or without snoring. The mean (±standard deviation) RDI was 2.1 (±1.2), and the mean esophageal pressure recording during polysomnography was -36.7 (±16.2) cm H 2 O. The Epworth sleepiness scale was used to quantify EDS. The preoperative score of 12.0 (±6.6) decreased to 3.4 (±1.9) (P=.001) after surgical treatment. A variety of procedures, all including some type of palatal surgery, were performed. No treatment complications occurred. The recognition of UARS and an understanding of the mechanisms responsible for the progressive development of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome may facilitate the prompt identification and treatment of such patients. The pathophysiology of UARS and a preliminary report of its surgical treatment are discussed.
Photovoltaics: Emerging role as a dominant electricity generation technology in the 21 st century

Photovoltaics (PV) offer a unique opportunity to solve the 21st century's electricity generation problem because solar energy is essentially unlimited and PV systems provide electricity without any undesirable impact on the environment. With current technology of silicon based PV systems, volume manufacturing, appropriate business model and without any subsidy, PV electricity can be generated today at the cost of less than $0.10/Wp. Silicon based PV systems will continue to dominate the PV market. Multi-junction PV systems based on Si and other abundant materials have the potential of manufacturing the next generation of ultra-low cost PV modules. For storing PV electricity there are many directions that have the potential of providing a low-cost solution. Overall, the future of PV electricity generation for rich and poor all over the world is bright.
Effect of breed-type on performance and carcass traits of intensively managed hair sheep.

Abstract The objectives of this study were to evaluate growth performance and carcass characteristics of intensively managed purebred and crossbred hair sheep, and determine the value of the Dorper breed as a terminal sire on St.Croix and St. Croix-cross dams. Animals used were Dorper×St. Croix (DS), and Dorper×Romanov×St. Croix (DX), Katahdin (KA), St. Croix (SC), and 3/4 St. Croix- 1 4 Romanov (SX) wether lambs. From birth to weaning, daily gains (ADG) were greater (P 0.10) among the breed types; however, carcasses from SC lambs received lower (P 0.10), the LT from DX lambs was redder (P
Experimental and theoretical studies of Fischer—Tropsch synthesis over ruthenium in a bubble-column reactor

Abstract Fischer—Tropsch synthesis of hydrocarbons over a Ru/Al 2 O 3 catalyst has been studied using a bubble-column reactor. The reaction kinetics observed for differential syngas conversions are quite similar to those reported in earlier studies with fixed bed reactors. For integral syngas conversions, the performance of the reactor can be described using a theoretical model recently proposed by Stern et al. , 1985, Chem. Engng Sci. 40 , 1665. The model correctly predicts the dependence of syngas conversion and H 2 CO utilization ratio on the feed gas velocity and composition.
Size-dependent regulation of dorsal-ventral patterning in the early Drosophila embryo.

How natural variation in embryo size affects patterning of the Drosophila embryo dorsal–ventral (DV) axis is not known. Here we examined quantitatively the relationship between nuclear distribution of the Dorsal transcription factor, boundary positions for several target genes, and DV axis length. Data were obtained from embryos of a wild-type background as well as from mutant lines inbred to size select embryos of smaller or larger sizes. Our data show that the width of the nuclear Dorsal gradient correlates with DV axis length. In turn, for some genes expressed along the DV axis, the boundary positions correlate closely with nuclear Dorsal levels and with DV axis length; while the expression pattern of others is relatively constant and independent of the width of the Dorsal gradient. In particular, the patterns of snail (sna) and ventral nervous system defective (vnd) correlate with nuclear Dorsal levels and exhibit scaling to DV length; while the pattern of intermediate neuroblasts defective (ind) remains relatively constant with respect to changes in Dorsal and DV length. However, in mutants that exhibit an abnormal expansion of the Dorsal gradient which fails to scale to DV length, only sna follows the Dorsal distribution and exhibits overexpansion; in contrast, vnd and ind do not overexpand suggesting some additional mechanism acts to refine the dorsal boundaries of these two genes. Thus, our results argue against the idea that the Dorsal gradient works as a global system of relative coordinates along the DV axis and suggest that individual targets respond to changes in embryo size in a gene-specific manner.
The effects of physiological stress on black cutworm (Agrotis ipsilon) larval growth and food utilization

Abstract The effects of rearing temperature, dietary moisture, and dietary pH on black cutworm ( Agrotis ipsilon ) growth and food utilization were investigated using an artificial diet. Parameters measured were consumptive rate, larval weight gain, assimilation, and efficiency of food conversion. All three experimental treatments decreased larval growth to some degree, when tested above or below an optimal level. Under each treatment regime there was a relatively broad peak for black cutworm development, on either side of which at least one parameter of nutritional performance declined. Below 25°C, the percentage of food assimilated was greater than at temperatures of 25°C and above. Conversion of food and larval growth rate however, were highest at approx 27°C. Food consumption, larval weight gain, and conversion of food were found to be inversely proportional to increases in the percentage dry matter of the diet. These results also indicated that black cutworms are capable of regulating larval and faecal moisture levels. Alkaline and acidic diets slightly altered weight gain, assimilation, and conversion depending upon the compound used to adjust the pH. Some regulation of the insects faecal pH was also detected.
The associations of perceived neighborhood disorder and physical activity with obesity among African American adolescents

According to recent research studies, the built and socioeconomic contexts of neighborhoods are associated with African American adolescents’ participation in physical activity and obesity status. However, few research efforts have been devoted to understand how African American adolescents’ perceptions of their neighborhood environments may affect physical activity behaviors and obesity status. The objective of the current study was to use a perceived neighborhood disorder conceptual framework to examine whether physical activity mediated the relationship between perceived neighborhood disorder and obesity status among African American adolescents. The data were obtained from a cross-sectional study that examined social and cultural barriers and facilitators of physical activity among African American adolescents. The study included a sample of 101 African American adolescents age 12 to 16 years and their parents who were recruited from the Birmingham, Alabama metropolitan area. The primary outcome measure was obesity status which was classified using the International Obesity Task Force cut off points. Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity was assessed via accelerometry. Perceived neighborhood disorder was assessed using the Perceived Neighborhood Disorder Scale. Mediation models were used to examine whether the relationship between neighborhood disorder and obesity status was mediated by physical activity. Perceived neighborhood disorder was significantly and positively related to obesity status and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity was inversely associated with obesity status. However, there was no evidence to support a significant mediating effect of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity on the relationship between neighborhood disorder and obesity status. Future studies should longitudinally assess perceived neighborhood disorder characteristics and childhood adiposity to examine the timing, extent, and the mechanisms by which perceived neighborhood disorder characteristics increase the risk of obesity.
Higher-order accurate polyspectral estimation with flat-top lag-windows

Improved performance in higher-order spectral density estimation is achieved using a general class of infinite-order kernels. These estimates are asymptotically less biased but with the same order of variance as compared to the classical estimators with second-order kernels. A simple, data-dependent algorithm for selecting the bandwidth is introduced and is shown to be consistent with estimating the optimal bandwidth. The combination of the specialized family of kernels with the new bandwidth selection algorithm yields a considerably improved polyspectral estimator surpassing the performances of existing estimators using second-order kernels. Bispectral simulations with several standard models are used to demonstrate the enhanced performance with the proposed methodology.
In situ hybridization studies suggest a role for the basic region-leucine zipper protein hXBP-1 in exocrine gland and skeletal development during mouse embryogenesis.

The spatial and temporal distribution of transcripts for the TRE/CRE-binding basic region-leucine zipper protein hXBP-1 was determined by in situ hybridization. Analysis of embryos from day 10.5 to 18.5 pc revealed high level expression of hXBP-1 RNA in two developing organ systems: (1) in bone and cartilage cells of the developing skeleton and toothbuds, and (2) in exocrine glands including the pancreas and the submandibular and salivary glands. High level expression was also found in whisker follicles and in selected cells in brown adipose tissue. In the developing skeleton, hXBP-1 RNA was expressed starting on day 11.5 pc in osteoblasts of newly formed intramembranous bone. Thereafter, hXBP-1 was expressed in both osteoblasts and preosteoblasts in bone formed directly by intramembranous formation as well as in bone formed during endochondral ossification. The most intese signal was observed in preosteoblasts and osteoblasts of newly forming bone. At day 11.5 pc low level hXBP-1 expression was also observed in matrix secreting chondroblasts of bones which are formed initially of cartilage, at the stage where they consist entirely of cartilage, at the stage where they consist entirely of cartilage. Signal was also present in matrix producing chondroblasts of the mature zone of the growth region during endochondral ossification although at significantly lower level than in osteoblasts. hXBP-1 is thus the first transcription factor described, to our knowledge, whose level of expression is modulated during the osteoblast developmental sequence in vivo. The pattern of expression of hXBP-1 in the developing skeleton was found to be very similar to that of the genes encoding the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase and alkaline phosphatase throughout development. These observations suggest that hXBP-1 may play a role in regulating the expression of tissue specific genes (TIMP, osteonectin, osteopontin, osteocalcin) expressed in osteoblasts. It is intriguing that the promoter regions of several such genes contain potential hXBP-1 binding sites. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Interplay of Investors' Financial Knowledge and Risk Taking

There are many possible explanations for the financial behavior of investors. One of the explanations is financial knowledge. Using a survey data, this study demonstrates that, at least for investors, their objective knowledge, subjective knowledge, and risk taking are highly correlated. More importantly, gender emerges as an important factor that differentiates investors' levels of objective knowledge, subjective knowledge, and risk taking, whereas investors' subjective knowledge mediates investors' objective knowledge on risk taking.
Interrelationships among Highly Effective Construction Injury Prevention Strategies

Preventing injuries to workers is essential to effective organizational management in the construction industry. It is generally accepted that achieving a high level of safety performance requires the implementation of an effective safety program. In an effort to provide guidance for the development of an effective safety program, previous studies have focused on identifying highly effective injury prevention strategies and quantifying their individual impacts on safety performance. Despite these advancements in knowledge, the synergistic interrelationships among highly effective injury prevention strategies remain unknown. The objective of this paper is to describe the results of a Delphi study that quantified the interrelationships (i.e., pairwise cross impacts) of highly effective and commonly implemented injury prevention strategies. Analysis of the data indicates that the site safety manager, worker participation and involvement, a site-specific safety plan, and upper management support and commitmen...
Cooperative Binding of Transforming Growth Factor (TGF)-β2 to the Types I and II TGF-β Receptors *

TGF-β1 binds with high affinity (KD = 25-50 pM) directly to the TGF-β type II receptor serine-threonine kinase (Tβ-RII) in the absence of expression of the TGF-β type I or III receptors (Tβ-RI and Tβ-RIII). The serine-threonine kinase Tβ-RI is essential for TGF-β1 signaling but not for binding to Tβ-RII. TGF-β2, in contrast, does not bind directly to Tβ-RII, although coexpression of Tβ-RIII does allow binding and cross-linking of TGF-β2 to Tβ-RII. Here we show that in transfected COS cells binding and cross-linking of 125I-TGF-β2 to Tβ-RI or Tβ-RII requires expression of both receptors. In cells transfected with the c-myc-tagged human Tβ-RII cDNA, only low amounts of 125I-TGF-β2 cross-linked to Tβ-RI and Tβ-RII were detected even with high concentrations (700 pM) of ligand. Cotransfection of the influenza-hemagglutinin-tagged human Tβ-RI cDNA dramatically increased the binding of TGF-β2 to Tβ-RII; the concentration of 125I-TGF-β2 required for half-maximal binding and cross-linking to Tβ-RI and Tβ-RII was ~40 pM. Coimmunoprecipitation studies showed that the high affinity receptor for TGF-β2 is composed of a hetero-oligomer of Tβ-RI and Tβ-RII. Thus TGF-β1 and -β2 bind to TGF-β receptors in different ways; TGF-β1 binds directly to Tβ-RII, while binding of TGF-β2 to Tβ-RII requires coexpression of Tβ-RI or Tβ-RIII.
Effect of sodium dodecyl sulfate on circular dichroism of some nonhelical proteins.

Abstract Circular dichroism measurements on solutions of histones F1 and F2a, of oxidized ribonuclease, and of reduced and S-carboxymethylated ribonuclease, trypsin, and soybean trypsin inhibitor indicated that the unordered polypeptide chains of these proteins were ordered by sodium dodecyl sulfate to a considerable degree. Resolution of the ellipticity curves into Gaussian peaks showed that sodium dodecyl sulfate incited the formation of negative bands at 203–209 nm and at 218–225 nm and positive bands at 188–194 nm. These transitions were promoted by low pH, especially in soybean trypsin inhibitor and the ribonuclease derivatives. Intact ribonuclease was affected by sodium dodecyl sulfate relatively little and the effects depended on pH. At 240–300 nm, the circular dichroism bands were weakened by the detergent in all cases. The detergent binding apparently resulted in shielding of the polypeptide helices and in the promotion of rotational freedom of the aromatic amino acid side chains.
Promoting fruit and vegetable consumption among members of black churches, Michigan and North Carolina, 2008-2010.

Introduction Evidence-based health promotion programs that are disseminated in community settings can improve population health. However, little is known about how effective such programs are when they are implemented in communities. We examined community implementation of an evidence-based program, Body and Soul, to promote consumption of fruits and vegetables.
Anti-estrogenic suppression of the lordosis response in female rats.

Abstract The anti-estrogen, CI 628, was used to suppress the lordosis response induced by sequential injections of estrogen and progesterone in ovariectomized (OVX) female rats. Appropriate doses of CI 628 completely abolished sexual receptivity in females administered estradiol benzoate (EB) in sesame oil. This behavioral effect could be attenuated by providing increased quantities of EB or decreased quantities of CI 628. Anti-estrogenic effects on lordosis induced by free estradiol in saline (E) were assessed after first establishing behaviorally equivalent doses of EB and E. This was accomplished by determining thresholds for E-induced lordosis. OVX females were approximately seven times less sensitive to E than to EB. CI 628 had no significant effects on E-induced lordosis, in contrast to the complete abolition of lordosis in females treated with behaviorally equivalent EB doses. A possible mechanism to explain this differential responsiveness of EB- and E-treated females is discussed.
Victor W. Pagé's Early Twentieth-Century Automotive and Aviation Books: “Practical Books for Practical Men”

Victor W. Page was either the first or one of the first to make a living primarily as a technical communicator in the 1910s, 1920s, and 1930s. His 33 automotive and aviation books published by the Norman W. Henley Company were popular with both the public and critics because they contained timely, comprehensive coverage of novel technology; profuse illustrations; occasional analogies; easy-to-access information; well-established expertise; and sophisticated employment of task orientation. Page was able to publish many books quickly because he reused manufacturers' and his own material and methods of organization. He was also able to communicate his novel information effectively because he had both extensive firsthand experience with early automobiles and planes and because he was continually involved in teaching. Victor Page's early twentieth-century work demonstrates both what have become mainstream techniques in technical communication and a number of unique rhetorical strategies.
Determinants of Risk Mitigation in Virtual Organizations

The paper examines the problem of risk mitigation in virtual organizations (VOs). In a virtual organizational setting, various information technologies provide employees freedom to work from any place and at any time. Such temporal and spatial dispersion however weakens the ties that bind the organizations and their members. The paper examines the problem of risk mitigation in VOs. The paper posits that organizational structuring, communication, culture, trust, self-efficacy beliefs, organization identification and leadership influence risk mitigation in a virtual organizational setting. Virtual organizations need to understand these factors in order to be efficient in their operations.
Visual Analysis and Exploration of Relationships

Relationships can provide a rich and powerful set of information and can be used to accomplish application goals, such as information retrieval and natural language processing. A growing trend in the information science community is the use of information visualization—taking advantage of people’s natural visual capabilities to perceive and understand complex information. This chapter explores how visualization and visual exploration can help users gain insight from known relationships and discover evidence of new relationships not previously anticipated.
Prostaglandins and preovulatory follicular maturation in mice

Experiments have been carried out in an effort to reverse the indomethacin-induced inhibition of preovulatory follicular development in immature superovulated mice utilizing prostaglandins E2 and F2 alpha. All mice were primed with 5 IU pregnant mare's serum gonadotropin followed 40 h later by 80 IU luteinizing hormone (LH). Animals were sacrificed 10 1/2 or 11 1/2-12 h post-LH, at which time ovaries were fixed and prepared for microscopic observation. Control mice receiving both indomethacin and prostaglandin (PG) vehicles averaged 92% germinal vesicle breakdown, and 82% of maturing oocytes were surrounded by an expanded cumulus oophorus. Ovarian weight increased by 29% and the apical walls of preovulatory follicles demonstrated appreciable thinning following LH administration. In mice receiving indomethacin plus PG vehicle, follicular maturation was suppressed in a dose-dependent manner; in mice receiving 10 mg/kg, less than 50% of the oocytes resumed meiosis and, of these, only 9% were accompanied by cumulus expansion. Ovarian weight gain was also inhibited, and the apical follicle wall exhibited few signs of preovulatory thinning. PGE2 and PGF2 alpha both reversed the inhibition of cumulus and oocyte maturation induced by indomethacin, though PGE2 was more effective. Only PGF2 alpha promoted apical follicular thinning, and neither PG had a significant effect on ovarian weight. We conclude that, in mice, PGs may play an integral role during preovulatory maturation of the oocyte and cumulus, as well as thinning of the apical wall.
Effect of seven common supplements on plasma electrolyte and total carbon dioxide concentration and strong ion difference in Standardbred horses subjected to a simulated race test

This study used a randomized crossover design, with investigators blind to the treatment given, to test the hypothesis that seven commercially available electrolyte supplements would alter plasma concentrations of Na+, K+, Cl−, lactate, total protein (TP) and total carbon dioxide (tCO2) as well as plasma strong ion difference (SID) and haematocrit (HCT). Ten unfit Standardbred mares (∼450 kg, 4–9 years) completed a series of simulated race exercise tests (SRT) during which venous blood was collected at five sampling intervals (prior to receiving electrolyte treatment, prior to the SRT, immediately following exercise and at 60 and 90 min post-SRT). Plasma electrolyte and tCO2 concentrations were measured in duplicate using a Beckman EL-ISE electrolyte analyser. No difference (P>0.05) between treatments was detected at any of the five sampling intervals for plasma [Na+], [K+], [Cl−] or [tCO2]. Similarly, no significant difference was detected between treatments across each of the five sampling intervals for plasma SID, HCT or TP concentration. There were differences (P 0.05) were detected between treatments across the pre-electrolyte and pre-SRT sampling intervals for plasma lactate concentration. There was, however, a significant time by treatment interaction during the 0, 60 and 90 min post-SRT sampling intervals for this parameter. The electrolyte supplements featured in this investigation did not affect either plasma tCO2 concentration or SID; however, this result does not rule out the potential for other supplements, especially those containing alkalinizing ingredients, to exert an effect that could push a horse towards threshold values.
Synchrony in Affect Among Stressed Adults: The Notre Dame Widowhood Study

Results. Multilevel models revealed that although the nomothetic average of the synchrony scores indicated a negative or desynchronous relationship between positive and negative affect, an ideographic view identified evidence of individual differences. Furthermore, patterns of change in the relationship between positive and negative affect suggested that, over time, desynchrony in affect generally abates for widows but individual differences were predictive of adjustment over time. Furthermore, distinct trajectories that the women follow from the time of their husband’s death include patterns of resilience and delayed negative reaction, each of which predicted present levels of grief. Discussion. Discussion focuses on (a) individual differences in the within-person structure in affect, (b) the dynamic processes involving negative and positive affect, and (c) the predictive power of synchrony scores.
The bulk modulus - Attenuation - Viscosity systematics of diopside-anorthite melts

Ultrasonic measurements of Q{sub p}{sup {minus}1} and V{sub p} for An and Di{sub .64}An{sub .36} melts are reported in the frequency range 3 - 20 MHz and in the temperature range from melting to 1,934K and 1,831K respectively. When Q{sub p}{sup {minus}1} and shear viscosity are normalized to their respective liquidus temperature values, they have the same linear dependence on reciprocal homologous temperature. From the Arrhenius temperature dependence of Q{sub p}{sup {minus}1}, the activation energies calculated for An and Di{sub .64}An{sub .36} melts are on the order of 216 and 302 kJ/mol, respectively. Although there is insufficient data for An, the activation energy of Q{sup {minus}1} for Di{sub .64}An{sub .36} is in excellent agreement with its activation energy of viscosity. The relaxed adiabatic bulk modulus, derived from relaxed velocities, for An at 1,893K is 20.4 {plus minus} 0.2 GPa and for Di{sub .64}An{sub .36} at 1,677K is 23.0 {plus minus} 0.1 GPa. These values fall into a general trend of decreasing bulk modulus with increasing Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}.
Caustics and focusing produced by sedimentary basins: applications of catastrophe theory to earthquake seismology

Summary. As high-frequency elastic waves propagate through real media, it is common for caustics and focusing to occur. Typically, rays may envelop a caustic surface in space, or exceptionally they may all coalesce at a focal point. In strong motion seismology, the observed large fluctuations in peak acceleration and intensity of ground shaking may just be a consequence of focusing and caustics created by waves propagating through irregularly shaped sedimentary basins. These basins, acting as deformed optical lenses, are capable of producing a complex network of patches and seemingly isolated pockets of intensified damage or high intensity shaking where the caustic intersects the ground surface. We adapt methods from optics and catastrophe theory to study the properties of caustics induced by typical sedimentary basins. Several hypothetical examples are shown that reflect the fact that these properties are useful to assess quantitatively the degree of wavefield amplification to be expected. A good correlation is found between actual damage patterns and caustic locations computed for the Caracas, Venezuela earthquake of 1967.
Weed Seed Pools Concurrent with Corn and Soybean Harvest in Illinois

Abstract At the time of grain harvest, weed seeds can be classed into one of four pools on the basis of dispersal status and location: (1) undispersed, remaining on the mother plant; (2) dispersed in the current year, on the soil surface; (3) dispersed in the current year and collected by harvest machinery; and (4) dispersed in a previous year and persisting within the soil seed bank. Knowledge of the relative sizes of these seed pools for different weed species under different crop environments will be useful for determining the best way to reduce the size of inputs to the soil seed bank. In fall 2004 and fall 2005, four randomly selected commercially managed corn and soybean fields in east-central Illinois were sampled to quantify weed seed pools at time of crop harvest. Thirty randomly located 0.125-m2 quadrats were placed within each field, the four seed pools mentioned above were sampled for each quadrat, and the species composition and abundance of each seed pool was determined. The magnitude of the...
Conflict Resolution Between Mexican Origin Adolescent Siblings

We investigated correlates of adolescents' sibling conflict resolution strategies in 246, two-parent Mexican origin families. Specifically, we examined links between siblings' conflict resolution strategies and sibling dyad characteristics, siblings' cultural orientations and values, and sibling relationship qualities. Data were gathered during home interviews with adolescent siblings. Older siblings were more likely to use controlling strategies whereas younger siblings were more likely to use nonconfrontation strategies. Cultural orientations and familism values were positively linked to siblings' solution orientation. Solution orientation strategies were associated with sibling intimacy, and control strategies were related to sibling negativity. Discussion highlights the importance of considering the cultural context in which sibling relationships are embedded.
Lack of exercise is a major cause of chronic diseases

Chronic diseases are major killers in the modern era. Physical inactivity is a primary cause of most chronic diseases. The initial third of the article considers: activity and prevention definitions; historical evidence showing physical inactivity is detrimental to health and normal organ functional capacities; cause vs. treatment; physical activity and inactivity mechanisms differ; gene-environment interaction [including aerobic training adaptations, personalized medicine, and co-twin physical activity]; and specificity of adaptations to type of training. Next, physical activity/exercise is examined as primary prevention against 35 chronic conditions [Accelerated biological aging/premature death, low cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2max), sarcopenia, metabolic syndrome, obesity, insulin resistance, prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, coronary heart disease, peripheral artery disease, hypertension, stroke, congestive heart failure, endothelial dysfunction, arterial dyslipidemia, hemostasis, deep vein thrombosis, cognitive dysfunction, depression and anxiety, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, balance, bone fracture/falls, rheumatoid arthritis, colon cancer, breast cancer, endometrial cancer, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, polycystic ovary syndrome, erectile dysfunction, pain, diverticulitis, constipation, and gallbladder diseases]. The article ends with consideration of deterioration of risk factors in longer-term sedentary groups; clinical consequences of inactive childhood/adolescence; and public policy. In summary, the body rapidly maladapts to insufficient physical activity, and if continued, results in substantial decreases in both total and quality years of life. Taken together, conclusive evidence exists that physical inactivity is one important cause of most chronic diseases. In addition, physical activity primarily prevents, or delays, chronic diseases, implying that chronic disease need not be an inevitable outcome during life.
A Continuous Spawning Method for Nonadiabatic Dynamics and Validation for the Zero‐Temperature Spin‐Boson Problem

A four-dimensional spin-boson model is used to study the convergence and accuracy of the full multiple spawning (FMS) method using two spawning algorithms. The original spawning algorithm, based on the idea of effective non-adiabatic coupling, is expected to be optimal when the coupling between electronic states is either spatially or temporally localized. The new “continuous spawning” algorithm ensures that at all times there is a (user defined) minimal overlap between a basis function traveling on one electronic state and one (or more) basis functions traveling on the other electronic state. The algorithm is expected to be numerically efficient when the electronic states are coupled by a constant, position-independent term, as is the case in spin-boson models. The fast convergence of the algorithm is demonstrated by direct comparison to numerically converged results obtained using the multi-configuration time-dependent Hartree method. The results of the FMS dynamics are also compared to the more classical surface-hopping and Ehrenfest methods. The surface-hopping and Ehrenfest methods are shown to be sensitive to the particular method used to choose the trajectory initial conditions (quasi-classical vs. Wigner), while the FMS method is not very sensitive to this choice.
Octopamine-Like Immunoreactivity in the Honey Bee and Cockroach: Comparable Organization in the Brain and Subesophageal Ganglion

A serum raised against octopamine reveals in cockroaches and honey bees structurally comparable systems of perikarya and their extensive yet discrete systems of arborizations in neuropils. Numerous and prominent clusters of lateral cell bodies in the brain as well as many midline perikarya provide octopamine-like immunoreactive processes to circumscribed regions of the subesophageal ganglion, antennal lobe glomeruli, optic neuropils, and neuropils of the protocerebrum. There is dense octopaminergic innervation in the protocerebral bridge and ellipsoid body of the central complex. The antennal lobes are supplied by at least three octopamine-immunoreactive neurons. In contrast, the mushroom bodies show the fewest immunoreactive elements. In Apis a single axon supplies sparse immunoreactive processes to the calyces' basal ring, collar, and lip. A diffuse arrangement of immunoreactive processes invades all zones of the mushroom body calyces in Periplaneta. These processes derive from an ascending axon ascribed to a dorsal unpaired median neuron at the maxillary segment of the subesophageal ganglion. In both taxa octopamine-immunoreactive processes invade only the gamma lobes of the mushroom bodies, omitting their other divisions. The present observations are discussed with respect to possible roles of octopamine in sensory integration and association.
Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3 in the Etiology and Treatment of Mood Disorders

The mood disorders major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder are prevalent, are inadequately treated, and little is known about their etiologies. A better understanding of the causes of mood disorders would benefit from improved animal models of mood disorders, which now rely on behavioral measurements. This review considers the limitations in relating measures of rodent behaviors to mood disorders, and the evidence from behavioral assessments indicating that glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK3) dysregulation promotes mood disorders and is a potential target for treating mood disorders. The classical mood stabilizer lithium was identified by studying animal behaviors and later was discovered to be an inhibitor of GSK3. Several mood-relevant behavioral effects of lithium in rodents have been identified, and most have now been shown to be due to its inhibition of GSK3. An extensive variety of pharmacological and molecular approaches for manipulating GSK3 are discussed, the results of which strongly support the proposal that inhibition of GSK3 reduces both depression-like and manic-like behaviors. Studies in human postmortem brain and peripheral cells also have identified correlations between alterations in GSK3 and mood disorders. Evidence is reviewed that depression may be associated with impaired inhibitory control of GSK3, and mania by hyper-stimulation of GSK3. Taken together, these studies provide substantial support for the hypothesis that inhibition of GSK3 activity is therapeutic for mood disorders. Future research should identify the causes of dysregulated GSK3 in mood disorders and the actions of GSK3 that contribute to these diseases.