Sex differences in variability across timescales in BALB/c mice.

BackgroundFemales are markedly underinvestigated in the biological and behavioral sciences due to the presumption that cyclic hormonal changes across the ovulatory cycle introduce excess variability to measures of interest in comparison to males. However, recent analyses indicate that male and female mice and rats exhibit comparable variability across numerous physiological and behavioral measures, even when the stage of the estrous cycle is not considered. Hormonal changes across the ovulatory cycle likely contribute cyclic, intra-individual variability in females, but the source(s) of male variability has, to our knowledge, not been investigated. It is unclear whether male variability, like that of females, is temporally structured and, therefore, quantifiable and predictable. Finally, whether males and females exhibit variability on similar time scales has not been explored.MethodsThese questions were addressed by collecting chronic, high temporal resolution locomotor activity (LA) and core body temperature (CBT) data from male and female BALB/c mice.ResultsContrary to expectation, males are more variable than females over the course of the day (diel variability) and exhibit higher intra-individual daily range than females in both LA and CBT. Between mice of a given sex, variability is comparable for LA but the inter-individual daily range in CBT is greater for males. To identify potential rhythmic processes contributing to these sex differences, we employed wavelet transformations across a range of periodicities (1-39 h).ConclusionsAlthough variability in circadian power is comparable between the sexes for both LA and CBT, infradian variability is greater in females and ultradian variability is greater in males. Thus, exclusion of female mice from studies because of estrous cycle variability may increase variance in investigations where only male measures are collected over a span of several hours and limit generalization of findings from males to females

Revision of Madagascar's Dwarf Lemurs (Cheirogaleidae:Cheirogaleus): Designation of Species, Candidate Species Status and Geographic Boundaries Based on Molecular and Morphological Data

The genus Cheirogaleus, the dwarf lemurs, is a radiation of strepsirrhine primates endemic to the island of Madagascar. The dwarf lemurs are taxonomically grouped in the family Cheirogaleidae (Infraorder: Lemuriformes) along with the genera Microcebus, Mirza, Allocebus, and Phaner. The taxonomic history of the genus Cheirogaleus has been controversial since its inception due to a paucity of evidence in support of some proposed species. In this study, we addressed this issue by expanding the geographic breadth of samples by 91 individuals and built upon existing mitochondrial (cytb and COII) and nuclear (FIBA and vWF) DNA datasets to better resolve the phylogeny of Cheirogaleus. The mitochondrial gene fragments D-loop and PAST as well as the CFTR-PAIRB nuclear loci were also sequenced. In agreement with previous genetic studies, numerous deep divergences were resolved in the C. major, C. minor and C. medius lineages. Four of these lineages were segregated as new species, seven were identified as confirmed candidate species, and four were designated as unconfirmed candidate species based on comparative mitochondrial DNA sequence data gleaned from the literature or this study. Additionally, C. thomasi was resurrected. Given the widespread distribution of the genus Cheirogaleus throughout Madagascar, the methodology employed in this study combined all available lines of evidence to standardize investigative procedures in a genus with limited access to type material and a lack of comprehensive sampling across its total distribution. Our results highlighted lineages that likely represent new species and identified localities that may harbor an as-yet undescribed cryptic species diversity pending further field and laboratory work.We are most grateful to the Ahmanson Foundation, the Theodore F. and Claire M. Hubbard Family Foundation, the Primate Action Fund / Conservation International, the Margot Marsh Biodiversity Foundation, and the National Geographic Society, for financial assistance

Autonomous Lunar Solar Array (ALSA) 2018: Big Idea Challenge Interns

NASA has aimed its sights towards sending humans back to the moon to develop and test technologies needed for future deep space exploration. Permanent power generation structures will play a key role in establishing habitat and in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) structures. Our group, part of the NASA Big Idea Challenge, came up with a concept for a solar array large enough to power a habitat, ISRU activities, and rover exploration in permanently shadowed lunar craters at the lunar poles

Junior High School Pupils' Perceptions of Air

The study examined Junior High School (JHS) pupils' ideas of the concept air. The study compared the ideas that pupils from endowed schools have about air with those of their counterparts from un-endowed schools. The study also sought to find out the misconceptions pupils have about air and the implications these have on teaching and learning of science at the basic level. The instrument used consisted of a test and an interview schedule developed from topics dealing with the concept of air. The test consisted of multiple-choice items and an essay. Four hundred and sixty-four (464) JHS pupils made up of 235 from endowed and 229 from un-endowed schools were randomly sampled for the study. A t-test (for independent samples) performed on the mean performances of the groups established a significant difference between pupils from endowed and un-endowed schools in favour of pupils from endowed schools. The interview revealed that JHS pupils express themselves better orally than in written form when examined. The interview also established the fact that pupils from endowed schools had better understanding of the nature of air than their counterparts. A number of recommendations were made. Teachers should identify pupils' pre-conceptions on topics to be taught and design appropriate strategies to effect conceptual change. Remedial interventions such as the Science, Technology and Mathematics Education (STME) clinics for JHS pupils should be intensified and expanded to improve the performance of these pupils in the sciences. African Journal of Educational Studies in Mathematics and Sciences Vol. 3 2005: pp. 53-6

An iterative method for robust solutions to nonlinear Volterra integral equations: Stability, convergence, and practical applications

The paper introduces an iterative method for solving nonlinear Volterra integral equations and analyzes its convergence, stability, and application through examples. It expresses the general nonlinear Volterra integral equation as a series and decomposes the nonlinear operator to derive a recursive formula for the proposed iterative method. The method ensures absolute and uniform convergence, with stability analysis conducted to ensure bounded errors in the presence of perturbations. Convergence analysis utilizes the Lipschitz condition, demonstrating the uniform convergence of the solution series. Illustrative examples, including power nonlinearity and trigonometric functions, validate the stability and convergence of the method. Through graphical representations, convergence analyses for specific integral equations demonstrate the method’s effectiveness and applicability in solving diverse nonlinear integral equations. Overall, the paper contributes a robust iterative method with insights into its stability and convergence properties, supported by practical examples

The Attitudes and Behaviors of Native American Patients with Diabetes and Their Relationship to Seeking Health Care

Diabetes Mellitus is a major health problem for Native Americans. There has been an increase in the prevalence rate of Type 2 diabetes among this population. The increase in Type 2 diabetes has been attributed to major lifestyle changes such as decreased physical activity and a diet high in fats. The number of diagnosed patients with diabetes has almost doubled over a ten-year period on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation. The purpose of this study was to assess the attitudes and behaviors of Native American patients with diabetes and their relationship to patients\u27 seeking health care services. The variables studied were attitudes and behaviors. The theoretical model chosen for the study was Nola Pender\u27s Health Promotion Model. The study took place in one of the communities of the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation. A convenience sample of 19 was obtained. Criteria for inclusion in the study were as follows; the participants had to be 1B years and older, live in the community and been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes for over 1 year. The Diabetes Attitudes and Behavior Questionnaire was used to collect data during monthly commodities day and community meetings. The questionnaire has three components; demography, attitudes and self-reported health behaviors. Results of the study showed the participants to have a positive attitude toward diabetes self-care. It also showed these participants to be actively seeking health care and education for their diabetes. Data from this study provided valuable information for improving services to the diabetic population of one community on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation. Assessing the attitudes and behaviors of Native American patients with diabetes needs to be a part of the nurse\u27s assessment. The information can be used to help develop a plan of care and establish realistic goals. With the increasing prevalence of Type 2 diabetes in Native American communities and the nation, a diabetes course should be included in the nursing curriculum. More research is needed in assessing the attitudes and behaviors of Native American patients with diabetes