cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Gonadal Suppressive and Cross‐Sex Hormone Therapy for Gender Dysphoria in Adolescents and Adults

Individuals with gender dysphoria experience distress associated with incongruence between their biologic sex and their identified gender. Gender dysphoric natal males receive treatment with antiandrogens and estrogens to become feminized (transsexual females), whereas natal females with gender dysphoria receive treatment with androgens to become masculinized (transsexual males). Because of the permanence associated with cross-sex hormone therapy (CSHT), adolescents diagnosed with gender dysphoria receive gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogs to suppress puberty. High rates of depression and suicide are linked to social marginalization and barriers to care. Behavior, emotional problems, depressive symptoms, and global functioning improve in adolescents receiving puberty suppression therapy. Gender dysphoria, psychological symptoms, quality of life, and sexual function improve in adults who receive CSHT. Within the first 6 months of CSHT, changes in transsexual females include breast growth, decreased testicular volume, and decreased spontaneous erections, and changes in transsexual males include cessation of menses, breast atrophy, clitoral enlargement, and voice deepening. Both transsexual females and males experience changes in body fat redistribution, muscle mass, and hair growth. Desired effects from CSHT can take between 3 and 5 years; however, effects that occur during puberty, such as voice deepening and skeletal structure changes, cannot be reversed with CSHT. Decreased sexual desire is a greater concern in transsexual females than in transsexual males, with testosterone concentrations linked to sexual desire in both. Regarding CSHT safety, bone mineral density is preserved with adequate hormone supplementation, but long-term fracture risk has not been studied. The transition away from high-dose traditional regimens is tied to a lower risk of venous thromboembolism and cardiovascular disease, but data quality is poor. Breast cancer has been reported in both transsexual males and females, but preliminary data suggest that CSHT does not increase the risk. Cancer screenings for individuals of both natal and transitioned sexes should occur as recommended. More long-term studies are needed to ensure that CSHT regimens with the best outcomes can continue to be prescribed for the transsexual population.
Gripping and Moro responses: differences between small-for-gestational age and normal weight term newborns

Abstract Small-for-gestational age and normal weight term newborns were compared on the grip and the Moro reflex. Responses were elicited by a rapid downward tilt of a board upon which the baby rested. Under the grip condition the baby held a bar with his left hand, while the baby's hands were free during the Moro condition. Two phases of the grip (finger flexion and relaxation time) and the Moro (arm extension and flexion) were measured. Small babies differed from normal weight term babies only on the second phase of each response. They took longer to relax their grips but showed weaker arm flexions during the Moro. Magnitude of Moro flexion was not related to grip amplitude, but was negatively correlated with grip relaxation time. Two explanations for these findings, related to the activity of the antagonist or of the agonist muscles involved in the two responses, were considered.
Application reference designs for distributed systems

This paper is based on the findings and conclusions of a client/server work group that was commissioned in 1991 to report IBM's technical strategy for client/server computing. Although there are countless variations for designing applications and interconnecting components in a distributed environment, there seems to be a finite number of variations that represent what a large majority of customers want to build. The intent of the work group was to explore the possibility of defining a set of application "reference designs," which would represent the distributed designs that customers are building today or want to build in the near future. This paper documents the customer scenarios, the reference designs that represent them, and the requirements that were generated for the underlying system software. The work group concluded that the reference designs described herein represent our best working assumption about "where customers are going" with distributed application designs. The discussion should give those who have not yet begun to exploit distributed systems a starting point and considerations for their design work.
Concurrent Treatment of Early Childhood OCD and ODD A Case Illustration

A total of 12% of young children with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) present with comorbid oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), yet empirically based treatment packages are designed for implementation with monodiagnostic cases. The current case illustrates treatment of both disorders using concurrent exposure with response prevention and behavioral parent training. A 6-year-old male child is presented with significant obsessions and compulsions. To accommodate his OCD, his parents set limits inconsistently and used consequences infrequently. In addition, the child often was aggressive and defied adults. Treatment focused on training the child’s mother to differentiate anxiety-related behavior from oppositional behavior. The mother was also trained to conduct exposure and response prevention for compulsive behaviors and to increase positive parental attention, use a token economy for compliance, and implement time-out for aggressive behavior.
Geochemical applications of electrodelessly discharged oxygen (low temperature ashing)

Abstract By application of a radio-frequency discharge, oxygen gas at low pressure may be raised to excited electronic states or dissociated into oxygen atoms. The properties and some potential applications of discharged oxygen are described. Special reference is given to problems of sample preparation for elemental analysis, analysis of carbonaceous material, and microscopy using this low temperature technique.
Forest Plans and ad hoc scientist groups in the 1990s: Coping with the Forest Service viability clause

Abstract The National Forest Management Act (NFMA) of 1976 requires U.S. National Forests to develop Forest Plans every 15 years to guide their actions on the forest. The 1982 NFMA implementation regulations require the Forest Plans to provide for “species viability.” Throughout the 1980s, plans were written to meet this charge. In the Pacific Northwest, many plans were subsequently challenged on their ability to provide for species viability; ad hoc science groups were then commissioned to assess the plans relative to the viability standard. The ad hoc groups universally concluded that the plans provided inadequate species protection, and recommended major management changes based primarily on decreases in timber production. The Northwest Forest Plan and the Interior Columbia Basin Ecosystem Management Plan were both developed, in part, from ad hoc science teams' recommendations. Through interviews and an examination of numerous Forest Plans, we explore how two such divergent outcomes could result from the same set of planning regulations. Four propositions are discussed: (1) The planners and ad hoc science groups characterized risk differently. (2) The ad hoc science groups raised the bar relative to what was needed to ensure protection. (3) The agency was not able to introduce change into its own organization. (4) Changing social values and increased appeals to the court system forced a change in the agency's priorities.
P-selectin and TNF inhibition reduce venous thrombosis inflammation.

Venous thrombosis induces a detrimental inflammatory response in the vein wall. The cytokine tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF) and the adhesion molecules, selectins, have been found to be important in mediating inflammatory cell stimulation and leukocyte–endothelial cell adhesion, respectively. This study assesses the role of TNF and P-selectin in the inflammatory events associated with venous thrombosis. Rats were passively immunized with neutralizing anti-TNF serum alone, anti-TNF plus anti-P-selectin antibody, anti-P-selectin antibody alone, control serum, or control anti-P-selectin antibody. Antibodies or control sera were given prior to occlusion and at Days 2 and 4 postocclusion. Rats were sacrificed at Days 1–6 and Day 13 after occlusion for inferior vena caval (IVC) wall histopathology and TNF analysis. Differences in the extent of inflammatory cell infiltrate into the vein wall were found on Days 2, 6, and 13. TNF levels were elevated in the vein wall of the three groups not given anti-TNF antibody. The levels of TNF at Day 6 positively correlated with both total inflammatory cell (r= 0.53,P< 0.05) and neutrophil presence (r= 0.72,P< 0.01). The lowest IVC wall neutrophil and total inflammatory cell count at Days 2 and 6 and the lowest neutrophil count at Day 13 were found in the anti-TNF plus anti-P-selectin antibody group. Monocyte influx was also inhibited at Day 13 in this group. These results suggest a role for combined neutralization of TNF and P-selectin in the attenuation of inflammation induced by venous thrombosis.
Mechanisms of ventilatory periodicities.

The study of ventilatory periodicities is relevant to the problem of obstructive sleep apnea. Apneas occur at the nadirs of periodicities during sleep. Periodicities can be caused by chemical instability, related to unstable action of the closed loop feedback system for the chemical regulation of breathing. Such instability occurs when overall loop gain is greater than or equal to unity and the phase lag around the loop is 180°. Periodic breathing during hypoxia and in patients with congestive heart failure is likely to be explained by this mechanism. Periodic breathing can also be the result of state instability. Here ventilation declines at sleep onset and the resultant changes in blood gases trigger an arousal, i.e., sudden transition to a lighter stage of sleep. With arousal, ventilation increases. Thus, periodic breathing is secondary to these changes in sleep state. These processes, chemical instability and state instability, can interact and produce complex patterns of oscillation in ventilation.
Evaluation of the Economic, Energy, and Environmental Characteristics of a Combined Heat, Power, and Hydrogen System

A combined heat, power, and hydrogen (HPH) system consists of a hydrogen production and distribution system that provides hydrogen fuel for vehicles and for fuel cell heat and power systems that meet the energy needs of nearby buildings. This paper describes the analysis of a proposed HPH system that serves a laboratory and the vehicle fleet of an adjacent industrial facility. In the proposed system, hydrogen from a natural gas fuel processor is compressed, stored, and used to fuel fleet vehicles. The hydrogen is also supplied to a building fuel cell system that provides both electricity and hot water for space heating and water heating during peak electrical demand periods. The analysis is based on historical data for vehicle mileage and electricity use, estimates of hot water use for the laboratory, and local utility rates. This data is used in conjunction with a model of system performance and an operating strategy based on the net marginal value of hydrogen for each resource (heat, power, and hydrogen vehicle refueling) to determine the economic and environmental impact of the HPH system. Results show that if the primary goal is vehicle refueling, adding a stationary fuel cell system to create a combined HPH system makes small fleet sizes economical and increases the economic value of the refueling station at all fleet sizes. If the primary goal is to provide building heat and power, adding a vehicle refueling capability increases the economic value provided the fleet size is relatively large. The results also confirm that for the current utility rates at the proposed site, the stationary system should be operated in a peak shaving mode with relatively few operating hours. Finally, the results indicate that application of the HPH system leads to reductions in primary energy use and reductions in emissions of carbon dioxide and oxides of nitrogen in both stationary and vehicular applications. Sulfur dioxide emissions are reduced for stationary applications but increased for vehicular applications. Overall, the HPH system represents a promising approach to facilitate the introduction of both fuel cells and a hydrogen infrastructure.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
The Application of Discriminant Function Analysis to Correlated Samples

A method of applying the discriminant function to correlated samples was discussed for the researcher interested in utilizing multivariate statistics to pre-post data. By finding the linear combination that maximizes differences in the groups, the t-statistic can be computed for correlated samples.
Selective inhibition of elastolytic and proteolytic properties of elastase

Abstract The elastolytic and proteolytic (fibrin, casein, and hemoglobin) properties of elastase, purified by CM-cellulose chromatography and electrophoretically homogeneous at pH's 9.0 and 4.5, could be selectively inhibited. Soybean trypsin inhibitor and kallikrein inactivator substantially suppressed proteolytic activity of the enzyme, but were without influence on its elastolytic properties. Conversely, elastolysis was substantially suppressed by high molar salt concentration, whereas proteolysis was not influenced thereby. These results suggest either the presence of several enzymes with similar chromatographic and electrophorctic properties, or else that elastase has more than one active center, one directed against as yet unspecified regions or linkages of elastin, the other having broad and more classical proteolytic properties.
Medicaid Beneficiaries and Health Reform

Abstract: Some health reform proposals include reductions in Medicaid benefits in favor of a more basic health plan that would cover a broader range of Americans, including the uninsured. This stud...
A niche for structured flowcharts (abstract only)

The research investigated the preferences for graphical methods, such as structured flowcharts, and for verbal methods, such as pseudocode, when learning short, relatively complex algorithms. The research summarizes the data from six replications using 193 students and 16 data structures classes. A preference for flowcharts was hypothesized under eight conditions. All eight conditions produced large differences which were statistically significant. The preferences for flowcharts ranged from 75.1% to 89.1%. Probabilities associated with these eight significant conditions ranged from p ≤ .0000001 × 10-23 to p ≤ .0000001 × 10-5. No statistically significant preferences were found for pseudocode. The results indicate that graphical methods should be strongly considered when teaching relatively complex algorithms. More specifically, the results indicate that data structures students strongly prefer a structured flowchart presentation in books and in lectures. The students also prefer to view a structured flowchart version of an algorithm before viewing a pseudocode version when given the opportunity to use both algorithmic learning techniques. Including two other recent studies on structured flowchart preference, there are now eight full-and-partial replications which have produced nearly identical findings. The students found the data structures algorithms easier to comprehend when structured flowcharts were used. The results of these eight replications support the use of structured flowcharts in the instruction of short, relatively complex algorithms. The research does not support the use of structured flowcharts in any other context.
Postglacial Emergence of the Gulf of Maine

Sonic subbottom profiles reveal that glacial deposits off the Kennebec River, all shallower than 65 m, show an erosional topography with a relief of up to 30 m. At greater depths, in the area between Cape Small and Damariscove Island, these deposits are flat surfaced. A possible berm is present at the transition from dissected to undissected deposits, and the entire area is covered by a veneer of recent sediments. The erosional topography is thought to have formed subaerially during a postglacial period of emergence. A curve has been constructed for the isostatic change of the Gulf of Maine area during the past 13,000 yr. Crustal rebound commenced at a rate of 19 cm per yr, exceeding the rate of eustatic sea-level rise, so that by 12,300 yr B.P. the sea had retreated to the present coastline. Maximal emergence was reached about 8,500 yr B.P. when the crustal subsidence commenced; this settling is still continuing.
An International Marine-Atmospheric 222 Rn Measurement Intercomparison in Bermuda Part I: NIST Calibration and Methodology for Standardized Sample Additions

As part of an international 222Rn measurement intercomparison conducted at Bermuda in October 1991, NIST provided standardized sample additions of known, but undisclosed ("blind") 222Rn concentrations that could be related to U.S. national standards. The standardized sample additions were obtained with a calibrated 226Ra source and a specially-designed manifold used to obtain well-known dilution factors from simultaneous flow-rate measurements. The additions were introduced over sampling periods of several hours (typically 4 h) into a common streamline on a sampling tower used by the participating laboratories for their measurements. The standardized 222Rn activity concentrations for the intercomparison ranged from approximately 2.5 Bq · m-3 to 35 Bq · m-3 (of which the lower end of this range approached concentration levels for ambient Bermudian air) and had overall uncertainties, approximating a 3 standard deviation uncertainty interval, of about 6 % to 13 %. This paper describes the calibration and methodology for the standardized sample additions.
Storage and relative surplus at the Mississippian site of Moundville

Abstract Theories of the development of complex societies often equate the production of surpluses with centralized political economies. Most descriptions of economic intensification within Mississippian societies of Eastern North America have placed analytical explanation upon a shift from domestic autonomy to elite oversight early in the Mississippian period. This study examines storage locations, through examination of a newly recognized type of oversized ceramic storage technology, within the Moundville region. Data from this research are used to show that surplus production is not best explained using models of economic centralization. Rather, surplus production at early Moundville was organized by various distinct social groups storing and utilizing agricultural resources. Through time, some groups may have enjoyed greater success than others at producing surpluses. Evidence for storage is widely distributed, yet some differences in storage capacities are present. These spatial differences broadly mirror general patterns in the amount of labor invested in mound construction and the diachronic use of mounds across the site. These results allow us to consider the relationship between storage and relative surplus production, as well as the dynamic political-economic relations between distinct social groups through time in early complex agricultural societies.
Perils at mucosal front lines for HIV and SIV and their hosts

HIV-1 and simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV), as well as their hosts, face perils at mucosal front lines in early infection. At these sites, 'resting' CD4+ memory T cells fuel infection (because they are hosts for virus), depleting CD4+ memory T cells throughout the lymphoid tissues, particularly in the gut, and eliciting an immunosuppressive regulatory T-cell response that impairs host defence. But HIV-1 and SIV also risk elimination at the earliest stage of infection, at the mucosal point of entry, if founder populations of infected cells do not expand sufficiently to establish a self-propagating infection. Microbicides and vaccines could increase these viral vulnerabilities at mucosal front lines.
Student physical symptoms and the social climate of college living groups

Student physical symptoms were related to the social climates of university living groups. A Physical Symptom Risk Scale, a new subscale of the University Residence Environment Scale, which relates consistently to physical symptom complaints for male, female, and coed living groups, was developed. Living groups characterized by high student physical symptoms were perceived by students as low in involvement and support, high in competition, and low in student influence. The results indicate that certain types of social environments may be "high risk" settings in that they support and possibly facilitate complaints of physical symptoms. These settings may be amenable to early "environmental diagnosis," preventive counseling, and change-oriented social systems intervention.
Improved silicon nanocrystal PL quantum yield by SF 6 passivation

This paper demonstrates that an in-line SF6 etching process, which is known to produce high concentrations of free fluorine radicals, can be used to size the nanocrystals without creating a polymeric surface layer. As with the CF4 process, Si-NCs fabricated by this process luminesce well, with the luminescent peak wavelength determined by the particle size, which is controlled by the synthesis and etch processes.
Correction of a severe torsional malunion of the metacarpus in a calf by transverse osteotomy, transfixation pinning and casting.

A four-month-old Holstein heifer was presented for evaluation of an angular limb deviation. Upon initial presentation, the heifer was not clinically lame. An external rotation of 90° of the fetlock was observed in the left forelimb. Radiographs identified a healing closed spiral fracture of the third and fourth metacarpal bones, with a 90° external torsion. A mid-metacarpal bone transverse osteotomy was performed after insertion of transcortical pins in the distal and proximal part of the third and fourth metacarpal bones and in the distal radius. The reduction was performed in order to align both fetlock and carpal joints and a fiberglass cast was applied to complete the external fixation. A satisfactory outcome was associated with the treatment.
Bounding the computation time of forward-chaining rule-based systems

Abstract For real-time applications of expert systems, success depends on the computational efficiency of the implementation. In this study, we propose an analytical method for evaluating the processing time of forward-chaining rule-based systems. An upper bound based on this system model is developed. If the upper bound stays within the time available for planning the operational or control task, the expert system would be able to complete the rule-processing in time. To compute the upper bound, the worst case working memory element sets are obtained for each functional step of the matching procedure. The worst case time for rule selection in the conflict resolution step is also derived. The maximal number of firings for each rule is considered in order to arrive at a bound for total processing time. Numerical examples are presented which point out the importance of rule and data structures in the efficient implementation of rule-based systems.
Palliation of Inoperable Esophageal Carcinoma With the Wallstent Endoprosthesis

Abstract Background . Palliation of malignant dysphagia can be achieved by insertion of an endoprosthesis. Recently, metallic self-expanding prostheses have been introduced that offer the advantage of a lower complication rate over their plastic counterpart. Methods . Thirteen patients with dysphagia due to inoperable carcinoma of the esophagus were treated with coated Wallstent (Schneider (USA) Inc, Minneapolis, MN) endoprostheses, which were placed under fluoroscopic control. All patients were given general anesthesia during the procedure. Results . After successful insertion of all endoprostheses, the dysphagia of 12 of the patients improved while in the hospital. Average length of stay was 4.4 days. Two patients required a second stent because of migration or tumor overgrowth. Seven patients died with a mean survival of 54 days (range, 14 to 144 days), and 6 are alive a mean of 112 days (range, 32 to 263 days) after treatment. Conclusions . Coated Wallstent insertion is an effective, single treatment that quickly improves the patients' quality of life. Its effect on survival is yet to be established when used as a last resort in patients with inoperable esophageal carcinoma and poor general condition.
A diet containing n−3 and n−6 fatty acids favorably alters the renal phospholipids, eicosanoid synthesis and plasma lipids in nephrotic rats

The nephrotic syndrome was induced in rats by intravenous adriamycin (3 mg/kg). The rats were then divided into four groups which, for six weeks, were pair-fed diets containing beef tallow (BT), fish oil (FO), a source of n−3 fatty acids, evening primrose oil (EPO), a source of n−6 fatty acids, or a combination of evening primrose oil and fish oil, 75∶25 (EPO:FO). The fat content of the diets was 15%. Significant incorporation of the fatty acids into kidney phospholipids was demonstrated. Diets containing FO, EPO and EPO:FO lowered plasma triglycerides and total cholesterol levels as compared with diets containing BT. Only EPO:FO raised high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels, as compared with BT. The combination EPO:FO prevented the tenfold suppression of aortic 6-keto-PGF1α caused by FO. These changes in plasma lipids and eicosanoid production are potentially antiatherogenic and may prevent glomerular sclerosis. The combination of EPO and FO, containing n−6 and n−3 fatty acids may offer advantages over either family of fatty acids in this model of nephrotic syndrome.
Do β3-adrenergic receptors play a role in guinea pig detrusor smooth muscle excitability and contractility?

In many species, β3-adrenergic receptors (β3-ARs) have been reported to play a primary role in pharmacologically induced detrusor smooth muscle (DSM) relaxation. However, their role in guinea pig D...
Numerical determination of the parity-condition parameter for lanchester-type equations of modern warfare

Abstract This paper presents a simple numerical procedure for determining the parity-condition parameter for deterministic Lanchester-type combat between two homogeneous forces. Deterministic differentialequation combat models are commonly used in parametric studies for computational reasons, since they give essentially the same results for the mean course of combat as do corresponding stochastic attrition models. The combat studied in this paper is modelled by Lanchester-type equations of modern warfare with time-dependent attrition-rate coefficients. Previous research has generalized Lanchester's classic “square law” to such variable-coefficient combat. It has shown that the prediction of battle outcome (in particular, force annihilation) without having to spend the time and effort of computing force-level trajectories depends on a single parameter, the so-called parity-condition parameter, which is “the enemy force equivalent of a friendly force of unit strength” and depends on only the attrition-rate coefficients. Unfortunately, previous research did not show generally how to determine this parameter. We present general theoretical considerations for its numerical noniterative determination. This general theory is applied to an important class of attrition-rate coefficients (offset power-rate coefficients). Our results allow one to study such variable-coefficient combat models almost as easily and thoroughly as Lanchester's classic constant-coefficient model.
Amphetamine administration into the ventral striatum facilitates behavioral interaction with unconditioned visual signals in rats.

Background Administration of psychomotor stimulants like amphetamine facilitates behavior in the presence of incentive distal stimuli, which have acquired the motivational properties of primary rewards through associative learning. This facilitation appears to be mediated by the mesolimbic dopamine system, which may also be involved in facilitating behavior in the presence of distal stimuli that have not been previously paired with primary rewards. However, it is unclear whether psychomotor stimulants facilitate behavioral interaction with unconditioned distal stimuli. Principal Findings We found that noncontingent administration of amphetamine into subregions of the rat ventral striatum, particularly in the vicinity of the medial olfactory tubercle, facilitates lever pressing followed by visual signals that had not been paired with primary rewards. Noncontingent administration of amphetamine failed to facilitate lever pressing when it was followed by either tones or delayed presentation or absence of visual signals, suggesting that visual signals are key for enhanced behavioral interaction. Systemic administration of amphetamine markedly increased locomotor activity, but did not necessarily increase lever pressing rewarded by visual signals, suggesting that lever pressing is not a byproduct of heightened locomotor activity. Lever pressing facilitated by amphetamine was reduced by co-administration of the dopamine receptor antagonists SCH 23390 (D1 selective) or sulpiride (D2 selective). Conclusions Our results suggest that amphetamine administration into the ventral striatum, particularly in the vicinity of the medial olfactory tubercle, activates dopaminergic mechanisms that strongly enhance behavioral interaction with unconditioned visual stimuli.
Tailored excitations for structural health monitoring via evolutionary programming

Dynamic interrogation of structures for the purposes of damage identification is an active area of research within the field of structural health monitoring with recent work focusing on the use of chaotic excitations and state-space analyses for improved damage detection. Inherent in this overall approach is the specific interaction between the chaotic input and the structure's eigenstate. The sensitivity to damage is theoretically enhanced by special tailoring of the input in terms of stability interaction with the structure. This work outlines the use of an evolutionary program to search the parameter space of a chaotic excitation for those parameters that are best suited to appropriately couple the excitation with the structure for enhanced damage detection. State-space damage identification metrics are used to detect damage in a computational model driven by excitations produced via the evolutionary program with non-optimized excitations used as comparison cases.
A Compositional Classification For Grain Assemblages In Fine-Grained Sediments and Sedimentary Rocks—Reply

Abstract A tripartite compositional classification is proposed for sediments and sedimentary rocks that have grain assemblages with greater than 50 percent of a weight or volume of particles smaller than 62.5 µm (4 Phi). Tarl (terrigenous–argillaceous) contains a grain assemblage dominated by more than 75 percent of particles of extrabasinal derivation, including grains derived from continental weathering and also volcanogenic debris. Carl (calcareous–argillaceous) contains less than 75 percent of particles of extrabasinal derivation debris and among its intrabasinal grains contains a preponderance of biogenic carbonate particles including carbonate aggregates. Sarl (siliceous–argillaceous) contains less than 75 percent of particles of extrabasinal derivation and contains a preponderance of biogenic siliceous particles over carbonate grains. These three classes of fine-grained particulate sediments and rocks effectively separate materials that have distinct depositional settings and systematic contrasts in organic-matter content and minor grain types. In the subsurface the grain assemblages that define these classes follow contrasting and predictable diagenetic pathways that have significant implications for the evolution of bulk rock properties, and thus, assigning a fine-grained rock to one of these classes is an important first step for predicting its economic and engineering qualities. For purposes of description these three class names can be joined to modifier terms denoting rock texture, more precise compositional divisions, specific grain types of notable importance, and diagenetic features.
Developing nitrogen fertilizer recommendations for corn using an active sensor

Producers often overapply N fertilizer to corn (Zea mays L.) because of the uncertainty in predicting the economic optimum nitrogen rate (EONR). Remote sensing represents a potential opportunity to reduce this uncertainty with an in-season assessment of crop N status. This study examines the relationship between EONR and reflectance from a ground-based sensor, and considers its potential for developing sidedress N recommendations for corn. Four fields with unique cropping histories were planted to corn during each of 2 yr. Three preplant whole plot treatments (control, 56 kg N ha -1 as NH 4 NO 3 , and manure) were used to create a range ofN availability. Split plot treatments included seven sidedress rates (0, 22,45, 90, 135, 180, and 280 kg N ha -1 ) and one preplant rate (280 kg N ha -1 ) as NH 4 NO 3 . The EONR for the sidedress N rates was determined for each whole plot treatment at each site. A ground-based active sensor was used at the sixth- to seventh-leaf growth stage (V6-V7) to collect reflectance data at 590 and 880 nm, which were then used to calculate the Green Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (GNDVI). The EONRs for sidedress N application for the 24 preplant treatment-site combinations ranged from 0 to 202 kg N ha -1 . The EONR was strongly related to relative GNDVI (r 2 = 0.84) for the control and manure preplant treatments; but unrelated when NH 4 NO 3 was applied at planting (r 2 = 0.20). Developing sidedress N recommendations for corn using an active sensor could be an effective N management tool in Pennsylvania.
PARAVERTEBRAL SYMPATHETIC BLOCK WITH ALCOHOL FOR THE RELIEF OF CARDIAC PAIN: REPORT OF FORTY-FIVE CASES

There are certain persons who suffer so intensely from frequent paroxysms of cardiac pain that life becomes burdensome. They do not form a large group, but their plight is pitiable. Glyceryl trinitrate affords momentary relief, but they are not helped for any length of time by prolonged rest or by any of the usual medicinal remedies. In the preponderant majority, coronary sclerosis is at the basis of the trouble; a smaller number have aortic insufficiency resulting from either rheumatic fever or syphilis; to a few with no demonstrable anatomic lesions is applied, for want of a better term, the diagnosis "coronary spasm." In all these conditions the available evidence indicates that anoxemia of the heart muscle due to coronary insufficiency is the major factor concerned in causing the pain. Various surgical procedures have been suggested and tried in the effort to bring relief. Among them may be mentioned cervical sympathectomy,
Metamotivational and contextual effects on performance, self-efficacy, and shifts in affective states.

Abstract Objectives To examine reversal theory's (RT) postulations that telic–paratelic dominance is associated with respective arousal interpretations and shifts under different environmental conditions. Design and procedure Two studies were carried out with the same 40 students. They were categorized into telic, paratelic, and non-dominance metamotivational orientation. In study 1, participants performed dart-throwing from two distances: short (1.37 m) and long (3.37 m). In study 2, performance feedback (win, lose, win/lose) was manipulated using a competitive task. Two players, of whom one was a confederate, competed while standing side by side separated by a white curtain, which prevented visual contact with the opponent. Feedback was provided by the researcher. Arousal, pleasantness, and self-efficacy measures where administered during four trial blocks during task engagement. Results Throwing darts from the short throwing distance was associated with more pleasant feelings for telic than paratelic players, even though paratelic players were more self-efficacious and exhibited better performance. High-paratelic dominance and non-dominance players reported greater self-efficacy perceptions throughout the trials of the long throwing distance condition, suggesting that metamotivational dominance might affect efficacy beliefs during motor activities. Under variable (win/lose) and negative (lose) feedback paratelic-dominant players demonstrated better dart accuracy performance, reported more pleasant feelings, and higher efficacy perceptions than telic-dominant players. Overall, the study only partially confirmed the RT postulations. Conclusions State of the mind and affect shift during task engagement are evident in performers, and must be studied within different environmental contexts and conditions. Further studies are needed to explore the ‘shifts' thresholds’ (i.e., under what conditions people shift their state of mind) associated with contextual–metamotivational dominance interactions.
α-Actinin-4 Is Essential for Maintaining the Spreading, Motility and Contractility of Fibroblasts

Background: a-Actinins cross-link actin filaments, with this cross-linking activity regulating the formation of focal adhesions, intracellular tension, and cell migration. Most non-muscle cells such as fibroblasts express two isoforms, a-actinin-1 (ACTN1) and a-actinin-4 (ACTN4). The high homology between these two isoforms would suggest redundancy of their function, but recent studies have suggested different regulatory roles. Interestingly, ACTN4 is phosphorylated upon growth factor stimulation, and this loosens its interaction with actin. Methodology/Principal Findings: Using molecular, biochemical and cellular techniques, we probed the cellular functions of ACTN4 in fibroblasts. Knockdown of ACTN4 expression in murine lung fibroblasts significantly impaired cell migration, spreading, adhesion, and proliferation. Surprisingly, knockdown of ACTN4 enhanced cellular compaction and contraction force, and increased cellular and nuclear cross-sectional area. These results, except the increased contractility, are consistent with a putative role of ACTN4 in cytokinesis. For the transcellular tension, knockdown of ACTN4 significantly increased the expression of myosin light chain 2, a element of the contractility machinery. Re-expression of wild type human ACTN4 in ACTN4 knockdown murine lung fibroblasts reverted cell spreading, cellular and nuclear cross-sectional area, and contractility back towards baseline, demonstrating that the defect was due to absence of ACTN4. Significance: These results suggest that ACTN4 is essential for maintaining normal spreading, motility, cellular and nuclear cross-sectional area, and contractility of murine lung fibroblasts by maintaining the balance between transcellular contractility and cell-substratum adhesion.
Mitral Valve Arcade With Concomitant Anomalous Left Coronary Artery From the Pulmonary Artery

The presence of congenital mitral valve arcade with concomitant anomalous coronary artery arising from the pulmonary artery (ALCAPA) is exceedingly rare. We describe a case of a 5-month-old female patient with both ALCAPA and severe mitral regurgitation secondary to mitral valve arcade.
Suppression of tumorigenicity, but not invasion, in glioblastoma/HeLa cell hybrids

Somatic cell hybrids between SNB-19 human glioblastoma cells and human D98OR HeLa parental cells were produced and analyzed for their ability to form tumors in nude mice and to invade reconstituted extracellular matrix (Matrigel). Whereas both the SNB-19 and D98OR HeLa parental cells form tumors, four of six hybrid lines did not form tumors, even after periods up to six months, suggesting that each cell type can complement the tumorigenicity of the other. SNB-19 cells showed high rates of Matrigel invasion at all cell densities examined, whereas D98OR HeLa cells showed lower rates of invasion that were further reduced at high cell density. All six hybrid cell lines displayed a combination of these properties: at low cell density, the hybrids showed high rates of invasion, similar to the SNB-19 cells, but the invasion rate diminished at higher cell densities, similar to the D98OR HeLa cells. Taken together, these results provide new experimental evidence that several distinct genetic changes are involved in generating the tumorigenic and invasive phenotype of glioblastoma cells. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Tillage and Rotation Interactions for Corn and Soybean Grain Yield as Affected by Precipitation and Air Temperature

Reduced tillage, including no-till, and crop rotation are common practices for corn (Zea mays L.) and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] production in the Midwest. Benefits of no-till vary with latitude and cropping system. This study was conducted to evaluate the influence of seasonal temperature and precipitation on the effects of primary tillage (plow, disk, chisel, subsoil, ridge-till, and no-till) and rotated and continuous corn and soybean production under rainfed conditions over 16 yr in southeastern Nebraska. Corn and soybean produced less grain with greater summer temperatures. Corn yield increased with less spring and more summer rainfall. Tillage and rotation practices affected corn grain yield; but only rotation affected soybean yield. Corn produced less grain with no-till than with plow. The tillage × year interaction was significant for both crops; the yield advantage for plow was less during seasons with warmer springs. Soybean grain yield was less responsive to favorable environments with the chisel than other tillage treatments. Grain yield was greater with rotation than continuous cropping for both corn (7.10 vs. 5.83 Mg ha -1 ) and soybean (2.57 vs. 2.35 Mg ha -1 ). The benefit of rotation in terms of grain yield was greatest for corn during years with cool springs. The benefit of rotation for soybean grain yield did not vary with weather conditions. Seasonal temperature and rainfall patterns influenced the effects of tillage and rotation on corn yield. In contrast, for soybean, only the pattern of temperature influenced the effect of tillage on yield.
Keyhole coherent diffraction imaging of an extended transparent sample using curved multilayer mirrors

We use keyhole coherent diffraction imaging to gain ∼20x increase in flux and fully characterize the illumination, allowing us to image a semi-transparent sample in amplitude and phase. This capability is important for x-ray microscopes.
Caspase-3 cleaves and inactivates the glutamate transporter EAAT2

EAAT2 is a high affinity, Na+-dependent glutamate transporter with predominant astroglial localization. It accounts for the clearance of the bulk of glutamate released at central nervous system synapses and therefore has a crucial role in shaping glutamatergic neurotransmission and limiting excitotoxicity. Caspase-3 activation and impairment in expression and activity of EAAT2 are two distinct molecular mechanisms occurring in human amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and in the transgenic rodent model of the disease. Excitotoxicity caused by down-regulation of EAAT2 is thought to be a contributing factor to motor neuron death in ALS. In this study, we report the novel evidence that caspase-3 cleaves EAAT2 at a unique site located in the cytosolic C-terminal domain of the transporter, a finding that links excitotoxicity and activation of caspase-3 as converging mechanisms in the pathogenesis of ALS. Caspase-3 cleavage of EAAT2 leads to a drastic and selective inhibition of this transporter. Heterologous expression of mutant SOD1 proteins linked to the familial form of ALS leads to inhibition of EAAT2 through a mechanism that largely involves activation of caspase-3 and cleavage of the transporter. In addition, we found evidence in spinal cord homogenates of mutant SOD1 ALS mice of a truncated form of EAAT2, likely deriving from caspase-3-mediated proteolytic cleavage, which appeared concurrently to the loss of EAAT2 immunoreactivity and to increased expression of activated caspase-3. Taken together, our findings suggest that caspase-3 cleavage of EAAT2 is one mechanism responsible for the impairment of glutamate uptake in mutant SOD1-linked ALS.
C++ lambda expressions and closures

A style of programming that uses higher-order functions has become common in C++, following the introduction of the Standard Template Library (STL) into the standard library. In addition to their utility as arguments to STL algorithms, function parameters are useful as callbacks on GUI events, defining tasks to be executed in a thread, and so forth. C++'s mechanisms for defining functions or function objects are, however, rather verbose, and they often force the function's definition to be placed far from its use. As a result, C++ frustrates programmers in taking full advantage of its own standard libraries. The effective use of modern C++ libraries calls for a concise mechanism for defining small one-off functions in the language, a need that can be fulfilled with lambda expressions. This paper describes a design and implementation of language support for lambda expressions in C++. C++'s compilation model, where activation records are maintained in a stack, and the lack of automatic object lifetime management make safe lambda functions and closures challenging: if a closure outlives its scope of definition, references stored in a closure dangle. Our design is careful to balance between conciseness of syntax and explicit annotations to guarantee safety. The presented design is included in the draft specification of the forthcoming major revision of the ISO C++ standard, dubbed C++0x. In rewriting typical C++ programs to take advantage of lambda functions, we observed clear benefits, such as reduced code size and improved clarity.
Cyborg Babies: From Techno‐Sex to Techno‐Tots

Cyborg Babies: From Techno-Sex to Techno-Tots. ROBBIE DAVIS-FLOYD and JOSEPH DUMIT. eds. New York: Routledge, 1998. 358 pp., contributors, index.
The glume pit of andropogon barbinodis

Of 20 taxa inAndropogon, sectionAmphilophis, five regularly have a glandu lar pit in the first glume of the sessile spikelet, nine never have the pit, and in six the pit may be absent, present or variable in occurrence even on the same panicle. All five New World taxa with irregularly pitted glumes are highly poly ploid (2n = 120 or 2n = 180) and presumably derived through hybridization of pitted and non-pitted types. Plants ofAndropogon barbinodis with regularly or irregularly pitted glumes occur almost throughout the range of this species. Pitted types are most frequent in central Texas, whereA. edwardsianus with deep, regular pits and a relatively low chromosome number occupies a restricted range. The latter species is as sumed to have provided the pit character that is regularly or irregularly present in half of the New World taxa of this section ofAndropogon.
Ligand binding with OBPRM and user input

We present a framework for studying ligand binding which is based on techniques recently developed in the robotics motion planning community. We are interested in locating binding sites on the protein for ligand molecule. Our work investigates the performance of a fully automated motion planner, as well as the effects of supplementary user input collected using a haptic device. Our results applying an obstacle-based probabilistic roadmap motion planning algorithm (OBPRM) to some protein-ligand complexes are encouraging. The framework successfully identified potential building sites for all complexes studied. We find that user input helps the planner, and haptic device helps the user to understand the protein structure by enabling them to feel the difficult-to-visualize forces.