cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Role of MCP-1 on inflammatory processes and metabolic dysfunction following high-fat feedings in the FVB/N strain.

Monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) is known to be an important chemokine for macrophage recruitment. Thus, targeting MCP-1 may prevent the perturbations associated with macrophage-induced inflammation in adipose tissue. However, inconsistencies in the available animal literature have questioned the role of this chemokine in this process. The purpose of this study was to examine the role of MCP-1 on obesity-related pathologies. Wild-type and MCP-1-deficient mice on an friend virus B NIH (FVB/N) background were assigned to either low-fat diet or high-fat diet (HFD) treatment for a period of 16 weeks. Body weight and body composition were measured weekly and monthly, respectively. Fasting blood glucose and insulin, and glucose tolerance were measured at 16 weeks. Macrophages, T-cell markers, inflammatory mediators and markers of fibrosis were examined in the adipose tissue at the time of killing the mice. As expected, HFD increased adiposity (body weight, fat mass, fat percent and adipocyte size), metabolic dysfunction (impaired glucose metabolism and insulin resistance) macrophage number (CD11b+F480+ cells, and gene expression of EMR1 and CD11c), T-cell markers (gene expression of CD4 and CD8), inflammatory mediators (pNFκB and pJNK, and mRNA expression of MCP-1, CCL5, C-X-C motif chemokine-14, tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6)) and fibrosis (expression of IL-10, IL-13, TGF-β and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP2); P<0.05). However, contrary to our hypothesis, MCP-1 deficiency exacerbated many of these responses resulting in a further increase in adiposity (body weight, fat mass, fat percent and adipocyte size), metabolic dysregulation, macrophage markers (EMR1), inflammatory cell infiltration and fibrosis (formation of type I and III collagens, mRNA expression of IL-10 and MMP2; P<0.05). These data suggest that MCP-1 may be a necessary component of the inflammatory response required for adipose tissue protection, remodeling and healthy expansion in the FVB/N strain in response to HFD feedings.
A prospective evaluation of open face masks for head and neck radiation therapy

Abstract Purpose Head and neck (HN) radiation therapy patients are typically immobilized with closed thermoplastic masks that cover the face and may cause discomfort. In this work, we examine the use of open masks for HN radiation therapy. Methods and materials Fifty HN patients were prospectively randomized into 2 groups (25 closed masks, 25 open masks). The open-mask group was monitored with surface imaging to evaluate intrafraction motion. Both groups underwent daily volumetric imaging. All daily images were rigidly registered to their respective planning images to evaluate spinal canal and mandible position as a check for interfraction posture change. Posture changes were determined by the amount the spinal canal and mandible contours from the planning images had to be expanded to cover the structures on each daily image set. The vector length (VL) of the intrafraction linear translations, spine, and mandible positions for each open-mask patient were checked for correlation with fraction number using the Pearson r value. All patients were given a weekly survey ranking anxiety and claustrophobia from 0 to 10 (0 = no issue, 10=extreme issue). Results The mean VL for all open-mask patients was 0.9 ± 0.5 mm (1 standard deviation). Only 1 patient showed significant correlation between VL and fraction number. The mean contour expansions to cover the spine and mandible were 1.5 ± 0.9 mm and 1.8 ± 1.3 mm for the closed-mask group, and 1.6 ± 0.8 mm and 1.8 ± 1.1 mm for the open-mask group. Both groups showed similar behavior relative to fraction number. The mean anxiety and claustrophobia scores were 1.63 and 1.44 for the closed-mask group, and 0.81 and 0.63 for the open-mask group. The groups were not significantly different. Conclusions Open masks provide comparable immobilization and posture preservation to closed masks for HN radiation therapy.
Colorado Plebeius Saepiolus

For some time I have been puzzled for the name to be applied to the Colorado strains of this widespread species. It has generally been called saepiolus saepiolus Bdv. At first glance the Colorado material seems to be close enough to the Californian strains to warrant such designations. However, as early as Mead's contribution to the Wheeler Survey (Vol. 5, Zoology, p. 784), it was noted that the Colorado material is darker on the underside than the Californian. With large series of material from California and Colorado before me, another and much more striking difference is at once apparent. The females of the Californian strains are reddish brown, those of the Colorado strains are blue or dull brown broadly marked with blue across the basal halves of the wings. When Mr. dos Passos described gertschi , I had hoped that that name could be applied to the Colorado material. It cannot be. gertschi is a diminutive race. It differs in many minor ways from the Colorado strains as will be made evident. The material before me from the Jemez Mountains in New Mexico and all of the ranges in Colorado seems reasonably homogeneous. This is replaced in Wyoming and southern Montana by a strain that is very close to true saepiolus. Farther north in the Rockies the strains are close to Edward's amica. The Colorado-New Mexico strains I name whitmeri in memory of Richard Whitmer of Alberquerque, N.M., an ardent collector of alpine material, who was killed by a fall in the Sandia Mts., N.M. in 1936.
Taxonomic and phylogenetic divergence among five Scutellospora species based on comparative developmental sequences

Morphological characters synthesized from differentiation of mycorrhizae and spores were de- fined developmentally and their stability examined among eight organisms of five Scutellospora species (Glomales, Zygomycetes). Morphology and architec? ture of fungal hyphae at entry points in Sudan-grass roots were similar to that observed in other Scutellos? pora species. Surface topology of extraradical auxiliary cell were similar among the taxa studied, and inter- mediate between that of Gigaspora and other Scutel? lospora species. Spore differentiation was partitioned into four discrete stages: differentiation of layers in the spore wall (stages 1 and 2), subsequent formation of a bilayered flexible inner wall (stage 3), and lastly, the synthesis of a germination shield (stage 4). Spore growth (expansion) was coupled only with stages 1 and 2. Stages of differentiation could be homologized among taxa because of their division and stability in ontogenesis. Stage 3 was shared by all five Scutellospora species, thus uniting them, together with S. castanea, in a monophyletic group. Species-level divergence in this group was expressed only in properties of spore wall layers. Stages 1-3 were homologous with the first three of five stages in differentiation of S. heterogama spores. These shared stages suggest a pattern of Haecklian recapitulation in the evolution of flexible inner walls and both a historical and a contempora- neous link between all flexible inner walls and ger? mination events. Thus, developmentally defined mor? phological characters provide a causal linkage between the taxonomic hierarchy and a hierarchy in evolution of spore subcellular structure and also suggest causal relationships between form and function.
A nonlinear reactivity method with application to accident-tolerant fuels

Abstract A nonlinear reactivity model with thermal-hydraulic feedback is presented for analysis of PWR fuel with various cladding materials. The simplified, batch-wise neutronic model requires batch reactivities and migration areas as predetermined functions of burnup, temperature (fuel and coolant), and any design parameters having neutronic significance (e.g., enrichment or cladding composition). Here, such functions are found by using symbolic regression, a unique approach that finds both a functional form and any model coefficients simultaneously. Core thermal-hydraulics are modeled using single-channel, axially-averaged values. The models were implemented in an open-source, Python-based tool, used here to the analyze fuel with Zr-based cladding having outer, protective layers of either FeCrAl or SiC, two materials proposed for use in next-generation, accident-tolerant fuel.
Ontogenetic scaling of fore limb and hind limb joint posture and limb bone cross-sectional geometry in vervets and baboons.

Objectives Previous studies suggest that the postures habitually adopted by an animal influence the mechanical loading of its long bones. Relatively extended limb postures in larger animals should preferentially reduce anteroposterior (A-P) relative to mediolateral (M-L) bending of the limb bones and therefore decrease A-P/M-L rigidity. We test this hypothesis by examining growth-related changes in limb bone structure in two primate taxa that differ in ontogenetic patterns of joint posture. Materials and Methods Knee and elbow angles of adult and immature vervets (Chlorocebus aethiops, n = 16) were compared to published data for baboons (Papio hamadryas ursinus, n = 33, Patel et al., 2013). Ontogenetic changes in ratios of A-P/M-L bending rigidity in the femur and humerus were compared in skeletal samples (C. aethiops, n = 28; P. cynocephalus, n = 39). Size changes were assessed with linear regression, and age group differences tested with ANOVA. Results Only the knee of baboons shows significant postural change, becoming more extended with age and mass. A-P/M-L bending rigidity of the femur decreases during ontogeny in immature and adult female baboons only. Trends in the humerus are less marked. Adult male baboons have higher A-P/M-L bending rigidity of the femur than females. Conclusions The hypothesized relationship between more extended joints and reduced A-P/M-L bending rigidity is supported by our results for immature and adult female baboon hind limbs, and the lack of significant age changes in either parameter in forelimbs and vervets. Adult males of both species depart from general ontogenetic trends, possibly due to socially mediated behavioral differences between sexes. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Virus Structure and Classification

Viruses have several common characteristics: they are small, have DNA or RNA genomes, and are obligate intracellular parasites. The virus capsid functions to protect the nucleic acid from the environment, and some viruses surround their capsid with a membrane envelope. Most viruses have icosahedral or helical capsid structure, although a few have complex virion architecture. An icosahedron is a geometric shape with 20 sides, each composed of an equilateral triangle, and icosahedral viruses increase the number of structural units in each face to expand capsid size. The classification of viruses is very useful, and the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses is the official body that classifies viruses into order, family, genus, and species taxa. There are currently seven orders of viruses.
Effects Produced in Receiving Countries by Pre-1939 Immigration

Because of limitations of space and materials more attention is given in this paper to the theoretical formulation of problems than to their empirical analysis and resolution.
Palladium-Catalyzed Suzuki–Miyaura Cross-Coupling of Amides via Site-Selective N–C Bond Cleavage by Cooperative Catalysis

Palladium-catalyzed Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling of primary benzamides enabled by a merger of site-selective N,N-di-Boc-activation and cooperative catalysis via N–C bond cleavage for the synthesis of biaryl ketones is reported. We present the synergistic combination of Lewis base and palladium catalysis as a concept to activate inert amide N–C bonds. The mild reaction conditions provide a direct route to structurally diverse ketones. The reaction tolerates a wide range of electrophilic functional groups. Considering the fundamental importance of primary amides as pharmaceutical and synthetic intermediates, the strategy has a potential for developing a diverse array of valuable amide N–C bond functionalization reactions by the synergistic merger of Lewis base and organometallic catalysis.
Thermal and Electrical Characterizations of Ultra-Thin Flexible 3YSZ Ceramic for Electronic Packaging Applications

Abstract This paper presents thermal and electrical characterizations of an ultra-thin flexible 3YSZ (3 mol% Yttria Stabilized Zirconia) ceramic substrate to explore its potential for electronic packaging applications. The thicknesses of the ultra-thin 3YSZ substrates were 20 μm and 40 μm. The flexible thin ceramic substrate can provide not only better modulus for higher robustness in manufacturing, especially in Z-axis direction of modules, but also low thermal resistance for high density 2D (two dimensional) / 3D (three dimensional) power module packaging applications. To better understand the thermal and electrical properties of the ultra-thin flexible ceramic, different measurements were employed. Thermal conductivity was measured at different temperatures by 3-omega method, the results were verified by thermo-reflectance measurement at room temperature. Relative permittivity was measured from 100 Hz to 10 MHz, with dielectric losses determined by dielectric spectroscopy. The dielectric breakdown of t...
The multivariate climatic and anthropogenic elasticity of streamflow in the Eastern United States

Abstract Study region Eastern United States excluding Florida. Study focus We used elasticity to assess the sensitivity of mean and drought flows to changes in climate, land use and land cover (LULC), and water use across a broad region. Three multivariate regression analyses were used for elasticity estimation: nonparametric (NP), double-logarithm (DL), and variable transformation (VT). We demonstrate the importance of using multivariate analysis for elasticity estimation and show that the reliability of elasticity estimates depends critically upon model goodness-of-fit. VT analysis was found to provide more reliable estimates than other analyses across the Eastern U.S., except the Northeast where slight multicollinearity existed in the VT but was absent in the NP models. New hydrological insights for the region Changes in climate, LULC, and water use all significantly affected mean and drought flows. The interactions of these factors moderated the effect of precipitation on mean flow for regions where anthropogenic influences cannot be ignored. Human-induced land use changes were found to have a greater influence on drought flow than mean flow. Increased water use significantly reduced mean flow in the Northeast, where urbanization was more prevalent. Although the effect of water use on drought flow was found to be greater than its effect on mean flow, the variations of most water use effect estimates were too large to be concluded as significant.
Constrained Asset Prices

We develop a model of asset pricing in which buyers are either unable or unwilling to buy an asset at a price substantially above its price in recent transactions. This constraint could result from legal restrictions on appraisals, behavioral preferences, or agency problems. The model features momentum, differential pricing for identical assets, buyers' and sellers' markets, and associations between price appreciation, volume, and liquidity. We apply the model to the market for residential real estate, in which a bank's willingness to lend for a home purchase is limited by the appraisal, which is, in turn, generated by recent transaction prices of similar properties. We confirm all six predictions of the model, none of which hold in the stock market, which is not subject to this constraint.
Characterization of the selective reduction of NO by NH3

Abstract The selective reduction of NO by NH 3 addition has been studied in a lean-burning oil-fired laboratory combustion tunnel as a function of equivalence ratio, NH 3 injection temperature, concentration of NH 3 added, and the source of NO. The operating conditions of the combustor are described in detail to permit comparison of the results with other systems. A method for directly measuring the mixing characteristics of the ammonia injection apparatus is described. Ammonia was measured with a variety of techniques, and breakthrough was found to depend strongly on the NH 3 addition temperature. Emphasis was placed on the detection of nitrogenous species in the reduction process, with an upper limit of 5 ppm determined for the total concentration of nitrogenous species other than N 2 , NO, and NH 3 .
Correlation of SPARC expression and primary tumor site response(PTSR) and relapse to nab-paclitaxel vs docetaxel-based induction chemotherapy (IC) in patients(Pts) with HNSCC.

e17079 Background: SPARC may facilitate uptake of albumin-bound drugs (nab-pac). In 1 study, SPARC+ HNSCC responded more robustly to nab-pac. We hypothesized that SPARC expression would predict bet...
Substructuring of Viscoelastic Subcomponents with Interface Reduction

The Craig-Bampton approach for component mode synthesis in structural dynamics has been widely used to reduce the order of large, detailed finite element models made from linear elastic materials. This methodology separates the full order model into smaller subcomponents and reduces the equations of motion with a truncated set of fixed-interface modes and static constraint modes. A drawback of this approach is that the model has one constraint mode for every interface degree-of-freedom, which may result in a large and prohibitively costly superelement. Previous work has addressed this issue via characteristic constraint modes, which reduces the number of interface degrees-of-freedom by performing a secondary modal analysis on the interface partition. The current work extends the Craig-Bampton approach with interface reduction to include subcomponents with linear viscoelastic materials modeled using a Prony series. For substructures containing materials such as foams or polymers, the viscoelastic constitutive law more accurately represents the material energy dissipation compared to traditional viscous or modal damping. The new approach will be demonstrated on the assembly of two composite plates with fixed boundary conditions along one edge.
Isolation, characterization, and biological effects of the first human retroviruses: the human T-lymphotropic retrovirus family.

The origins of viral oncology date back to the beginning of this Century with the report by Ellermann and Bang (1908) on induction of leukemias in chickens using cell-free filtrates of tissues from leukemic birds. Shortly thereafter, Rous (1911) obtained similar results using a chicken sarcoma system and, in addition, isolated the first retrovirus. Subsequent progress in identification of tumor viruses was slow, however. In the 1930s, evidence for the role of viruses in rabbit fibroma, rabbit papilloma, mouse mammary Carcinoma, and frog kidney Carcinoma was reported (see Gross 1983 for a review). Yet it was not until the 1950s, beginning with the report of transmission of mouse leukemia by cell-free filtrates (Gross 1951), that oncogenic viruses came into their own. There followed the discovery of numerous viral agents, both DNA- and RNA- containing, which were capable of infecting diverse animal species. While we will be concerned here with retroviruses, it is appropriate to mention at least the oncogenic DNA viruses which have been linked to human malignancies before focusing in detail on the RNA tumor viruses. Among DNA viruses with associated human neoplasias are the Epstein-Barr virus and Burkitt’s lymphoma and nasopharyngeal carcinoma; hepatitis B virus and hepatocellular carcinoma; herpes simplex type II virus and cervical carcinoma; and papilloma virus and carcinomas of the cervix and bowels. These associations are well known, although in each case it has not yet been shown that the virus is the sole etiological agent of the disease. What remains to be elucidated for the oncogenic DNA viruses are the cofactors which interact with the virus and/or infected hosts and apparently influence the viral-induced disease toward either a relatively benign or else a malignant course.
Dynamics of the Plasma Sheath

The motion of the interface separating the sheath boundary layer and quasi-neutral plasma is formulated in the terms of level set motion. The equations for the motion are derived and given as a system of partial differential equations. When restricted to the case of planar, cylindrical, and spherical symmetries, these equations become ordinary differential equations.
Development and Security: Genealogy and Typology of an Evolving International Policy Area

This chapter presents a broad overview of the evolving paradigms of thinking and action at the intersection between development and security. This chapter will focus primarily on the major rich countries and the institutions they control, such as the World Bank and the OECD. It is these rich countries, after all, that provide the overwhelming majority of the development assistance and defines the practical terms on which it is given. Recipient countries surely do have a capacity to subvert donor agendas, but they do not set it.
A Modification of Think Pair Share to Make it More Learner-Centered by Using Student-Generated Questions

Think Pair Share is a learning activity first introduced by Lyman (Lyman 1981) for use in Specieal Education settings. Since then, it has grown in popularity and is used in a wide variety of higher...
Tobacco Marketing and Subsequent Use of Cigarettes, E-Cigarettes, and Hookah in Adolescents

Introduction Tobacco marketing has expanded from cigarettes to other tobacco products through many promotional channels. Marketing exposure is associated with use of that tobacco product. However, it is unclear if marketing for one product leads to subsequent use of other tobacco products. Methods This prospective cohort study assessed self-reported marketing exposure for six tobacco products across five marketing channels in 11th and 12th grade students in 2014. Approximately 16 months later, a follow-up survey was conducted online (N = 1553) to assess initiation of cigarettes, electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), and hookah. Results Adolescent never-smokers with frequent exposure to cigarette marketing on the Internet and in stores are more than two times as likely to begin smoking as young adults (Internet OR = 2.98 [95% CI = 1.56 to 5.66]; stores OR = 2.83 [95% CI = 1.23 to 6.50]). Never users of e-cigarettes were significantly more likely to initiate use, if exposed to Internet, store, and outdoor e-cigarette marketing. Never users of hookah were more likely to use hookah after seeing it marketed in stores. Youth exposed to marketing of e-cigarettes, hookah, cigars, smokeless tobacco, and pipe tobacco in stores were two to three times more likely to begin smoking cigarettes even though the marketed products were not cigarettes. Conclusions Adolescent exposure to marketing of tobacco products is associated with initiation of those products as young adults. Exposure to marketing for non-cigarette tobacco products is associated with subsequent cigarette smoking, even when the promoted products are not cigarettes. Future research and interventions should consider the influence of marketing from multiple tobacco products on adolescent tobacco use. Implications Adolescents grow up in a rich media environment with exposure to tobacco marketing in both their homes (eg, through the Internet and television) and their communities (eg, stores and billboards). This prospective study provides evidence that adolescents exposed to tobacco marketing for multiple tobacco products are more likely to subsequently begin using those products and to begin smoking cigarettes even when the marketing they recall is for different tobacco products. Adolescent exposure to tobacco marketing can increase likelihood of cigarette smoking, e-cigarette, and hookah use with potential lifelong health effects.
The Molecular Biology of Adenoviruses

The adenoviruses were discovered in 1953–54 by two independent groups studying respiratory diseases (1, 2). W. Rowe and his collegues at the National Institute of Health in Bethesda, MD, USA, developed an experimental method for culturing adenoids that were removed from children. Cells derived from such cultured tissues subsequently liberated a viral agent which then destroyed these cells. The agent was called “the adenoid degenerating agent” or AD agent (1). At about the same time M. Hilleman and his research group at Merck Sharp and Dohme isolated a virus from the throat washings of military recruits (2). This virus replicated in and killed human HeLa cells in culture and was called “the respiratory illness agent” or RI agent (2). The RI agent and the AD agent were rapidly shown to be related to each other and the name adenoviruses was adopted to describe this group of viruses. Employing immunological reagents to classify viral antigens a large number of related adenoviruses, with a common group specific antigen, were detected in humans (3), monkies (4), dogs (5), mice (6), cattle (7), and birds (8). The adenovirus group now has over 90 members (9) with more than 40 distinct isolates of human origin (3). These viruses all share a common group specific antigen which is the exon virion subunit or virion surface capsid. Individual viruses are identified by a type specific antigen on the virion fiber protein which is responsible for absorption of viruses to cells.
Characterization of retinal regeneration in adult zebrafish following multiple rounds of phototoxic lesion.

Muller glia in the zebrafish retina respond to retinal damage by re-entering the cell cycle, which generates large numbers of retinal progenitors that ultimately replace the lost neurons. In this study we compared the regenerative outcomes of adult zebrafish exposed to one round of phototoxic treatment with adult zebrafish exposed to six consecutive rounds of phototoxic treatment. We observed that Muller glia continued to re-enter the cell cycle to produce clusters of retinal progenitors in zebrafish exposed to multiple rounds of phototoxic light. Some abnormalities were noted, however. First, we found that retinas exposed to multiple rounds of damage exhibited a greater loss of photoreceptors at 36 hours of light damage than retinas that were exposed to their first round of light damage. In addition, we found that Muller glia appeared to have an increase in the acute gliotic response in retinas exposed to multiple rounds of light treatment. This was evidenced by cellular hypertrophy, changes in GFAP cellular localization, and transient increases in stat3 and gfap expression. Finally, following the sixth round of phototoxic lesion, we observed a significant increase in mis-localized HuC/D-positive amacrine and ganglion cells in the inner plexiform layer and outer retina, and a decreased number of regenerated blue cone photoreceptors. These data add to recent findings that retinal regeneration in adult zebrafish occurs concomitant with Muller glia reactivity and can result in the generation of aberrant neurons. These data are also the first to demonstrate that Muller glia appear to modify their phenotype in response to multiple rounds of phototoxic lesion, exhibiting an increase in acute gliosis while maintaining a remarkable capacity for long-term regeneration of photoreceptors.
Spontaneous and Non-Spontaneous 3D Facial Expression Recognition Using a Statistical Model with Global and Local Constraints

In this paper, we propose a novel method for 3D facial expression recognition based on a statistical shape model with global and local constraints. We show that the combination of the global shape of the face, along with local shape index-based information can be used to recognize a range of expressions. These expressions include happiness, sadness, surprise, embarrassment, fear, nervousness, anger, disgust, and pain. We give insights into which features are important for facial expression recognition through statistical analysis. We also show that our proposed method outperforms the current state-of-the-art methods on spontaneous and non-spontaneous facial data.
Composition, structure, and semiconducting properties of Mg x Zr2−x N2 thin films

Synthesis and characterization of Mg x Zr2−x N2 (0.5 ≤ x ≤ 1.8) thin films deposited by reactive magnetron co-sputtering in nitrogen plasma is reported. Composition measurements show that nitrides with low oxygen content (less than 1%) can be formed up to x = 1.0, at which point an increase in oxygen content is observed. Up to composition of x = 1.6 the Mg x Zr2−x N2 thin films form in a rocksalt-derived crystal structure, as revealed by X-ray diffraction measurements. At x > 1.6 the films rapidly oxidize. The lattice constant of the stoichiometric MgZrN2 composition is a = 4.537 A, and only small changes in lattice parameter are observed with changing composition. Electrical conductivity decreases by several orders of magnitude with increasing Mg-content. The conductivity of Mg-rich (x ≥ 1) films increases with increasing measurement temperature, indicating semiconducting character of Mg-rich Mg x Zr2−x N2. Optical absorption measurements of these Mg-rich samples show a clear absorption onset at 1.8 eV, also indicative of semiconducting behavior.
Incorporating Parameter Estimability Into Model Selection

We investigate a class of information criteria based on the informational complexity criterion (ICC), which penalizes model fit based on the degree of dependency among parameters. In addition to existing forms of ICC, we develop a new complexity measure that uses the coefficient of variation matrix, a measure of parameter estimability, and a novel compound criterion that accounts for both the number of parameters and their informational complexity. We compared the performance of ICC and these variants to more traditionally used information criteria (i.e., AIC, AICc, BIC) in three different simulation experiments: simple linear models, nonlinear population abundance growth models, and nonlinear plant biomass growth models. Criterion performance was evaluated using the frequency of selecting the generating model, the frequency of selecting the model with the best predictive ability, and the frequency of selecting the model with the minimum Kullback-Leibler divergence. We found that the relative performance of each criterion depended on the model set, process variance, and sample size used. However, one of the compound criteria performed best on average across all conditions at identifying both the model used to generate the data and at identifying the best predictive model. This result is an important step forward in developing information criterion that select parsimonious models with interpretable and tranferrable parameters.
Temperature-Dependent Biomarkers of Estrogenic Exposure in a Piscivore Freshwater Fish.

The biological effects of endocrine-active compounds and increasing water temperatures as a result of climate change have been studied extensively and independently, but there is a dearth of research to examine the combined effect of these factors on exposed organisms. Recent data suggest that estrogenic exposure and rising ambient temperatures independently impact predator–prey relationships. However, establishing these connections in natural settings is complex. These obstacles can be circumvented if biomarkers of estrogenic exposure in resident fish can predict changes in predator–prey relationships. To test the effects of estrone and temperature, the piscivore bluegill sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus) was exposed for 30 days to estrone at concentrations (90 ± 17.6 ng/L [mean ± standard deviation] and 414 ± 146 ng/L) previously shown to reduce prey-capture success. Exposures were conducted at four temperatures (15 °C, 18 °C, 21 °C, 24 °C) to simulate breeding season ambient temperatures across the natural range of this species. A suite of morphological and physiological biomarkers previously linked to estrogenic exposures were examined. Biomarkers of estrone exposure were more commonly and severely impacted in male fish than in female fish. Notably, the gonadosomatic index was lower and gonads were less mature in exposed males. Additionally, temperature modulated the effects of estrone similarly in males and females with fish exposed at higher temperatures typically exhibiting a decreased morphological index. This study provides evidence that alterations in hepatic function and gonadal function may cause shifts in metabolism and energy allocation that may lead to declining prey capture performance.
Indications for Rituximab Use in an Integrated Health Care Delivery System.

BACKGROUND: Rituximab is a top-selling biologic that was first approved by the FDA in 1997 for a non-Hodgkin lymphoma orphan indication. It has since been approved for additional orphan indications...
Toward a Positive and Dynamic Theory of Leadership Development

In this chapter, we draw from the literature on positive organizational scholarship to inform and extend current theories and research on leadership development in organizational settings. Specifically, we highlight the value of a strengths-based approach to leadership development, draw attention to the emergence of positive cycles of leadership development, and emphasize the role of high-quality relationships and connections in facilitating leadership development. Our hope is that these theoretical insights provide the basis for new theory on cultivating extraordinary leadership capacity in organizations and stimulate future research on the positive and dynamic processes involved in leadership development.
A SOCIEDADE DA INFORMAÇÃO: A BARBÁRIE EM TEMPOS DE FACEBOOK

Estamos passando por muitas mudancas influenciadas pelos avancos tecnologicos e cientificos. Com isso, surge uma sociedade marcada pelo acesso a informacao em versao instantânea, por meio dos smartphones, ipads, tablets, dentre outros instrumentos tecnologicos. O objetivo deste trabalho e realizar uma pesquisa exploratoria em torno da questao da sociedade da informacao, analisando, com a tecnica do grupo focal, dois grupos na rede social facebook constituidos um por professores e outro por estudantes da educacao basica da regiao metropolitana de Porto Alegre/RS. Trata-se de investigar como esses grupos focais estao percebendo os enfrentamentos e as barreiras tecnologicas que a sociedade inaugura no mundo. Com base nas experiencias e nos dados coletados por meio da interacao dos sujeitos participantes no grupo online, constatamos nesse ensaio que o grupo de professores ve a rede social como um instrumento que potencializa a aprendizagem e os aproxima dos estudantes, mas que inspira cuidados com o que e publicado. Ja o grupo de estudantes esta descobrindo outras funcionalidades para esse espaco que antes parecia servir apenas para conversar e para postar imagens, sem reflexao coletiva sobre estas.
Introduction to the Special Issue: Scripting Fat Television

In this introduction to the special issue on Scripting Fat Television, the author highlights the important role television plays in contemporary culture and denotes the importance of expanding crit...
Solving Asset Pricing Models When the Price-Dividend Function is Analytic

We construct a new method to solve for asset pricing models when the price-dividend function is analytic. Our method is to assume the price-dividend function is analytic and then to derive a set of conditions that proves the price-dividend function is analytic. We describe the general method and then solve for two specific asset-pricing models within the paper. We then use the solution to the asset pricing equations to price an European call option, the S&P 500 index option, to show the applicability of the methodology. While we apply this methodology to asset pricing, its application is more general and can be applied to any Euler equation when the policy function is analytic. In order to make the methodology operational, we describe how one can use these methods without proving analyticity for the particular case the researcher may be interested in. The user will be able to input the intertemporal marginal rate of substitution, and solve for the price-dividend function and have well defined measures that the solution is accurate.
Effects of gunfire location information and guidance on improving survival in virtual mass shooting events

Abstract Mass shooting events threaten people's safety with growing frequency and casualties. However, occupants may have difficulties behaving properly for survival because of a lack of information. Although gunfire locations and emergency guidance can be provided to occupants by technological advances, the effects of providing such information and guidance are unclear because occupants' survival-related behaviors are complicated and might be influenced by social cues and other factors. In this paper, the effects of providing the information and guidance on occupants' survivability are studied in a virtual reality experiment, and it is found that participants were more likely to survive if information about a shooter's gunfire location was provided than not. To obtain generalizable findings, participants' behavior of looking for the shooter is identified by examining their visual information, and results show that providing the information could shorten the time length of looking at the shooter. However, it remains to be determined how participants utilized the information about shooter's positions to select a safe route. This was addressed by testing different hypotheses through contrasting the goodness of fit for each hypothesized model. The results suggest that participants tend to predict the shooter's movement with the information they perceived. Furthermore, it is revealed that social influences affected participants who might follow others and collide with them, and such influences were weakened by providing information. These results suggest that providing gunfire locations can indeed improve occupants' survivability, comparing to the case with no information provided.
Expanding the Application of Appreciative Inquiry Based on Its Principles of Human Systems

This review serves to examine The Power of Appreciative Inquiry: A Practical Guide to Positive Change by Diana Whitney and Amanda Trosten Bloom (2010). It will introduce the topic of Appreciative Inquiry, giving supporting information from the book, and discuss its adaptability. The authors discuss Appreciative Inquiry as a positive approach to change, introduces the 4D cycle associated with it, and uses it to explain how Appreciative Inquiry is carried out in many capacities at the organizational level. Furthermore, this review includes a look into the basic premise of Appreciative Inquiry and how this premise alone affords this Appreciative Inquiry process to be used outside of the business and organizational realm, particularly with families and individuals.
Extended X-Ray Absorption Fine Structure Analysis Applied to Composite Materials

Extended X-Ray Absorption Fine Structure (EXAFS) is a spectroscopic technique which allows the determination of the atomic structure of materials. EXAFS can be used to determine nearest neighbor identity, coordination number, interatomic distance and degree of disorder, and therefore is particularly useful for investigation of the atomistic structure of composite interfaces. Using EXAFS and related techniques, the structure of an interface can be investigated in a non-destructive manner. After a brief description of the EXAFS technique, its utility will be demonstrated through a study of vanadium barriers at aluminum-graphite interfaces. It is found that the vanadium reacts strongly, forming vanadium oxide and carbide, while little unreacted metallic vanadium remains.
CUDA-Lite: Reducing GPU Programming Complexity

The computer industry has transitioned into multi-core and many-core parallel systems. The CUDA programming environment from NVIDIA is an attempt to make programming many-core GPUs more accessible to programmers. However, there are still many burdens placed upon the programmer to maximize performance when using CUDA. One such burden is dealing with the complex memory hierarchy. Efficient and correct usage of the various memories is essential, making a difference of 2-17x in performance. Currently, the task of determining the appropriate memory to use and the coding of data transfer between memories is still left to the programmer. We believe that this task can be better performed by automated tools. We present CUDA-lite, an enhancement to CUDA, as one such tool. We leverage programmer knowledge via annotations to perform transformations and show preliminary results that indicate auto-generated code can have performance comparable to hand coding.
Crossing the embryonic midline: molecular mechanisms regulating axon responsiveness at an intermediate target

In bilaterally symmetric animals, the precise assembly of neural circuitry at the midline is essential for coordination of the left and right sides of the body. Commissural axons must first be directed across the midline and then be prevented from re-crossing in order to ensure proper midline connectivity. Here, we review the attractants and repellents that direct axonal navigation at the ventral midline and the receptors on commissural neurons through which they signal. In addition, we discuss the mechanisms that commissural axons use to switch their responsiveness to midline-derived cues, so that they are initially responsive to midline attractants and subsequently responsive to midline repellents.
A Healthy Anniversary? Exploring Narratives of Health in Media Coverage of the 1968 and 2008 Olympic Games

Abstract. Researchers are increasingly examining the tenuous relationship between participation in high performance sport and health, and yet IOC-sanctioned and popular discourse around the Olympics remains replete with references to the supposed healthfulness of the Games. Using the 1968 Mexico City Games and the 2008 Bejing Games as bookends, this paper explores national and international media coverage of athletic performance in relation to health and well-being. Three central narratives emerged: (1) pain, perseverance, and the pervasiveness of the “culture of risk” in high performance sport; (2) the performance imperative in the face of the challenges and anxieties of the environment; and (3) the presence and emerging sophistication of sports sciences/scientists in determining health. Resume. Alors que les chercheurs examinent d’un oeil de plus en plus critique la relation tenue qui existe entre le sport de haute performance et la sante, les propos emanant du CIO et le discours populaire demeurent bondes de references au caractere bienfaiteur des Jeux pour la sante. Utilisant les Jeux de Mexico en 1968 et de Bejing en 2008, cet article explore la couverture mediatique nationale et internationale des performances athletiques en ce qui a trait a la sante et au bien-etre. Trois fils directeurs emergent: 1) la douleur, la perseverance et l’importance de la « culture du risque » dans le sport de haute performance; 2) l’imperatif de la performance devant les defis et les anxietes liees au milieu; et 3) la presence et la sophistication grandissante des sciences/scientifiques du sport.
η Carinae - A Massive Star In Its Death Throes?

The very name of η Carinae conjures up the spectre of unsolved problems and challenging physics in the minds of many stellar astrophysicists. High spatial resolution spectroscopy and imaging of η Car during the past few years have answered some questions, but new and even more puzzling ones have appeared. In this review we highlight some of the recent discoveries and the still outstanding questions - what causes its 5.5 year spectroscopic cycle, what is the origin of its famous “great eruption,” and what is the underlying source of its instability?
Plugged-In Jell-O: Taught or Caught?

In considering whether electronic serials should be "caught" informally or taught as a course or topics in various courses in the formal graduate professional program, the author compares the characteristics of print and electronic publications and the concomitant competencies reasonably required to deal with them; briefly examines the history of teaching serials; and then suggests modalities for instruction in electronic serials both for the future serialist and for the future librarian who will encounter them in the course of daily reader service.
Arborizing amniotic polyps in triploid conceptuses: a diagnostic anatomic lesion?

Abstract Characteristic structural abnormalities were found in an aborted human triploid/diploid conceptus and in 2 triploid human conceptuses. Arborizing amniotic polyps were present in each of the 3 specimens. The cell constitution of the polyps was found to be partially composed of mononuclear giant cells. There was hydatidiform degeneration of the chorionic villi in each specimen, and, in the triploid/diploid mosaic specimen and one of the triploid specimens, thick-walled chorionic cysts were present. No anomaly could be detected in either of the 2 triploid embryos which were recovered. Death and ultimate abortion of triploid embryos might result from abnormalities of the placenta and fetal membranes rather than from a lethal defect in the embryo proper.
Avian heart fructose 1,6-bisphosphatase-an embryonic enzyme.

Abstract Embryonic chick heart contains a specific FbPase that is similar to the FbPase in other vertebrate tissues. The adult chicken heart does not contain a specific FbPase. It is not known whether the enzyme is in an inactive form in the adult or whether the synthesis of the enzyme in the adult heart has ceased.
Supporting Teachers' Use of Technology in Science Instruction Through Professional Development: A Literature Review

Professional development is critical in supporting teachers’ use of technological tools in classrooms. This review of empirical research synthesizes the effective elements of professional development programs that support science teachers in learning about technology integration. Studies are examined that explore how professional development supports technology use within inquiry-based and traditional science instruction. Implications for future research are discussed in four areas: understanding and building on teachers’ beliefs about science and technology; supporting teacher learning by supporting teachers’ examination of students’ work; using technology to support teacher communities and social networks; and sustaining teachers’ learning beyond formal professional development programs.
The rise of renewable energy.

This article explores the use of renewable energy sources--including the use of solar cells, wind turbines, and biofuels--as an alternative to fossil fuels, which generate large quantities of carbon dioxide. Renewable energy sources are becoming popular again due to advances in technology, and could soon become large contributors to global energy. In order for this to happen, the article claims, the U.S. must significantly increase its research and development spending to hasten the transition. The article suggests that the U.S. levy a fee on carbon to reward clean energy sources over those that harm the environment. INSETS: PLUGGING HYBRIDS;THE LEAST BAD FOSSIL FUEL.
The universality of conversational postulates

Grice's analysis of conversational maxims and implicatures is examined in the light of Malagasy language and ways of speaking. A cultural contrast in primary assumptions is described. Grician analysis retains usefulness but within the perspective of a comparative typology in which locally valid systems may differ strikingly in what is marked and unmarked. An ethnographic base and ethnological comparison are required. The situation somewhat resembles the situation with regard to grammatical categories addressed by Boas (1911) and Sapir (1921). (Conversational postulates, ways of speaking; English (US), Malagasy (Madagascar)). (DH)