cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Irregular cardiac rhythm with combined rheumatic mitral stenosis and aortic stenosis.

An electrocardiogram in a 56-year-old man revealed coarse atrial fibrillation with a controlled ventricular response, a single ventricular premature complex, left ventricular hypertrophy, and digitalis effect (Figure). The fibrillatory waves are large and superficially resemble atrial flutter, but unlike flutter waves, the waves are not uniform in voltage or timing. Coarse atrial fibrillatory waves, i.e., those with an amplitude >1 mm (0.1 mV), are more often associated with rheumatic valvular disease (1), congenital heart disease (2), or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, whereas fine fibrillatory waves are more often associated with atherosclerotic cardiac disease (1). Although any atrial fibrillation is a marker for left atrial enlargement, coarse atrial fibrillation appears to be a more specific marker (1, 3). Figure. Electrocardiogram in a 56-year-old man. See text for explication. This patient had longstanding rheumatic heart disease with more severe mitral stenosis than regurgitation and significant aortic stenosis and regurgitation. The mitral disease was the major cause of his left atrial enlargement and atrial fibrillation. The aortic valve disease was the main reason for his left ventricular hypertrophy, manifested in the electrocardiogram by RV5 > 26 mm (2.6 mV), RV6 > 20 mm, SV1 ≥ 30 mm, SV1 + RV5 or RV6 > 35 mm, and SV2 + RV5 or RV6 > 45 mm (4). The repolarization changes in leads V4 to V6 could be due to left ventricular hypertrophy, but the essentially isoelectric J points, rounded sagging of the ST segments, and small but upright T waves also suggest the effects of digoxin, a drug he was taking. Because of symptomatic congestive heart failure, the patient underwent mitral and aortic valve replacement. He had an uneventful postoperative course.
Human Health Benefits from Fish Consumption vs. Risks from Inhalation Exposures Associated with Contaminated Sediment Remediation: Dredging of the Hudson River.

Background: Billions of dollars are spent on environmental dredging (ED) to remediate contaminated sediments, with one goal being reduced human health risks. However, ED may increase health risks i...
Influence of program staff on quality of relationships in a community-based youth mentoring program

In many mentoring programs, mentor-youth pairs have the latitude to engage in a wide range of activities together across varying community settings. Within this context, program staff are tasked with supporting development of high-quality relationships between mentors and youth. To date, however, this role of program staff has been largely overlooked in research. The current study investigates potential contributions of program staff to mentoring relationships in the Big Brothers Big Sisters community-based mentoring program over their first 15 months of relationship development with a sample of 450 mentor-youth pairs that were supported by 76 program staff across 10 agencies. Two-level analyses (mentoring relationships nested within program staff) examined characteristics and approaches of program staff as prospective predictors of several facets of mentoring relationship quality as reported by youth: closeness, help with coping, youth-centeredness, growth orientation, and attachment. Staff-reported work engagement and emphasis on adherence to program guidelines as well as supervisor-rated staff competence predicted more favorable mentoring relationship quality. By contrast, a nondirective approach to supporting mentors, as reported by staff, predicted lower relationship quality. These findings suggest that further investigation of program staff influences on mentoring relationship development could be fruitful and ultimately provide a basis for enhancing program effectiveness.
Attitudinal Barriers and Strategies for Overcoming Them

Women and disabled persons are both stigmatized by today's culture. In the general population, 58 percent of females are in the labor force; among blind or visually impaired persons, only 29 percen...
Endoscopic endonasal approaches to the craniovertebral junction: The Otolaryngologist's perspective.

Abstract Objective To review indications and techniques for the endoscopic endonasal approach to the craniovertebral junction (CVJ), analyze postoperative outcomes, and discuss important technical considerations. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on all patients undergoing endonasal endoscopic approaches to the CVJ from May 2007 to June 2017. Demographic information, presenting symptoms, imaging results, treatment course, postoperative functional status, and follow-up were recorded. Results There was a total of 30 patients in this series, with a mean follow-up of 11.7 months. The average age was 33.6 years (range, 5–75 years), with 18 females and 12 males. The majority of patients (n = 22, 73.3%) had Chiari malformation type 1 with basilar invagination and symptomatic cervicomedullary compression as the indication for surgery. Intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak (CSF) was noted in 3 cases of odontoid resection and a single case of skull base resection. There were no postoperative CSF leaks. Overall, 81% of patients resumed regular diet by post-operative day 2 (range, 0–8 days). Severe postoperative dysphagia occurred in two cases with one requiring gastrostomy tube placement and another utilizing total parenteral nutrition for support prior to eventual gastrostomy. On average, patients were extubated by postoperative day 0.93 (range 0–3 days), with 85% extubated by postoperative day 1. A tracheotomy was required in one patient. Conclusion The endonasal endoscopic approach is a valuable technique for access to the CVJ with minimal disruption of respiratory and alimentary function.
Shortages of Staff in Nursing Homes During the COVID-19 Pandemic: What are the Driving Factors?

Abstract Objectives During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, US nursing homes (NHs) have been under pressure to maintain staff levels with limited access to personal protection equipment (PPE). This study examines the prevalence and factors associated with shortages of NH staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. Design We obtained self-reported information on staff shortages, resident and staff exposure to COVID-19, and PPE availability from a survey conducted by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services in May 2020. Multivariate logistic regressions of staff shortages with state fixed-effects were conducted to examine the effect of COVID-19 factors in NHs. Setting and Participants 11,920 free-standing NHs. Measures The dependent variables were self-reported shortages of licensed nurse staff, nurse aides, clinical staff, and other ancillary staff. We controlled for NH characteristics from the most recent Nursing Home Compare and Certification and Survey Provider Enhanced Reporting, market characteristics from Area Health Resources File, and state Medicaid reimbursement calculated from Truven data. Results Of the 11,920 NHs, 15.9%, 18.4%, 2.5%, and 9.8% reported shortages of licensed nurse staff, nurse aides, clinical staff, and other staff, respectively. Georgia and Minnesota reported the highest rates of shortages in licensed nurse and nurse aides (both >25%). Multivariate regressions suggest that shortages in licensed nurses and nurse aides were more likely in NHs having any resident with COVID-19 (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.44, 1.60, respectively) and any staff with COVID-19 (AOR = 1.37, 1.34, respectively). Having 1-week supply of PPE was associated with lower probability of staff shortages. NHs with a higher proportion of Medicare residents were less likely to experience shortages. Conclusions/Implications Abundant staff shortages were reported by NHs and were mainly driven by COVID-19 factors. In the absence of appropriate staff, NHs may be unable to fulfill the requirement of infection control even under the risk of increased monetary penalties.
Discrete-Time Systems

A signal is defined as continuous within a time range if its amplitude is specified for all t in that range, except possibly at a finite number of discontinuities. If a continuous time variable is quantized, that is, if t is represented by a set of distinct values denoted by tk, where k takes on positive integer values exclusively, the signal is defined only at discrete-time instants, known as sampling instants. Signals which are defined only at discrete instants of time are called discrete-time, or just discrete signals and can be represented by a sequence or collection of numbers.
The Influence of Implicit Math Anxiety on Math Achievement.

Previous work has noted that math anxiety may have a profound effect on math performance; however extant research has relied on measures that explicitly assess math anxiety. This study examined the...
Changes in Waitlist Survival for Patients Bridged by VA-ECMO in the United States

Purpose Patients supported by VA-ECMO are prioritized for heart transplantation under the new United States donor allocation system, which is intended to decrease their waitlist mortality. The use of VA-ECMO as a bridge to transplant (BTT) has increased under the new system, which may lead to shifts in the characteristics of the VA-ECMO BTT population. We hypothesize that 1) the rate of waitlist death or delisting for VA-ECMO BTT is lower under the new allocation system and 2) this improvement is mediated by a shorter waitlist duration. Methods Using the United Network for Organ Sharing database, we analyzed all adult patients listed for heart transplant between 1/1/2014 and 6/12/2020 who were on VA-ECMO at listing. Waitlist entry after October 18, 2018 defined the new allocation system. We used Fine-Gray competing risk models to analyze the subdistribution relative hazard (sdRH) of death or delisting while accounting for the competing risk of successful transplant, with adjustment for baseline characteristics. Risk of death may increase with additional waitlist duration, so we compared separate models conditional on survival (without transplant) to days 7 and 14. Results VA-ECMO was present at listing in 238 patients in the old system and 163 in the new system, with comparable baseline characteristics. Under the old system, waitlist death or delisting occurred in 125 patients (53%), with 108 (45%) transplanted and median time to transplant 51 days (IQR 11 to 228). In the new system, death or delisting occurred in 29 patients (18%), with 125 (77%) transplants and median time to transplant 4 days (IQR 2 to 7). The adjusted risk of death or delisting decreased by 73% in the new system (sdRH 0.27, 95%CI 0.17-0.42, P Conclusion For patients bridged to heart transplant with VA-ECMO, the risk of waitlist death or delisting is significantly lower in the new allocation system. This improvement is mediated by a shorter time to transplant.
Reduced Order Methods for Prediction of Thermal-Acoustic Fatigue

The goal of this investigation is to assess the quality of high-cycle-fatigue life estimation via a reduced order method, for structures undergoing random nonlinear vibrations in a presence of thermal loading. Modal reduction is performed with several different suites of basis functions. After numerically solving the reduced order system equations of motion, the physical displacement time history is obtained by an inverse transformation and stresses are recovered. Stress ranges obtained through the rainflow counting procedure are used in a linear damage accumulation method to yield fatigue estimates. Fatigue life estimates obtained using various basis functions in the reduced order method are compared with those obtained from numerical simulation in physical degrees-of-freedom.
Cool: From Africa to the Americas

The aesthetic of cool is the most enduring Africanism in the Americas. Art historian and jazz scholar Robert Farris Thompson articulates this concept in Flash of the Spirit: African and Afro-American Art and Philosophy (1984), documenting at least thirty-five West and Central African terms for cool. Cool can be manifested through internal characteristics such as calm and composure, or through external demonstrations of power or glamour, for instance. Donnell Alexander, in his essay, Are Black People Cooler than White People? explains that cool is all about trying to make a dollar out of 15 cents. Alexander argues that when African Americans were still literally on the plantation they devised a coping strategy called cool, an elusive mellowing strategy designed to master time and space. Building on these two scholars, I argue that African cool empowered African Americans to fight for and gain the rights of citizenship. Cool is thus THE enduring Africanism. This paper, one part of the larger project, attempts to move beyond deterministic and essentialist understandings of cool to a practical theory that encompasses identity, agency and empowerment  that can be traced from West Africa to the Americas.
Mechanism of action of benzodiazepines on GABAA receptors

Wild-type and mutant alpha1beta2gamma2 GABA(A) receptors were expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes and examined using the two-electrode voltage clamp. Dose-response relationships for GABA were compared in the absence and presence of 1 microM diazepam (DZP) or methyl-6,7-dimethoxy-4-ethyl-beta-carboline-3-carboxylate (DMCM). The dose-current relationships yielded EC(50)'s (concentration for half-maximal activation) of 41.0+/-3.0, 21.7+/-2.7, and 118.3+/-6.8 microM for GABA, GABA plus DZP, and GABA plus DMCM, respectively.DZP- and DMCM-mediated modulation were examined in GABA(A) receptors in which the beta-subunit carries the L259S mutation. This mutation has been shown to produce spontaneous opening and impart a leftward shift in the dose-response relationship. In this case, neither DZP nor DMCM produced a significant alteration in the GABA dose-response relationship with GABA EC(50)'s of 0.078+/-0.005, 0.12+/-0.03, and 0.14+/-0.004 microM for GABA, GABA plus 1 microM DZP, and GABA plus 1 microM DMCM.DZP- and DMCM-mediated modulations were examined in GABA(A) receptors in which the alpha-subunit carries the L263S mutation. This mutation also produced spontaneous opening and a leftward shift of the GABA dose-response relation, but to a lesser extent than that of betaL259S. In this case, the leftward and rightward shifts for DZP and DMCM were still present with EC(50)'s=0.24+/-0.03, 0.14+/-0.02, and 1.2+/-0.04 microM for GABA, GABA plus 1 microM DZP, and GABA plus 1 microM DMCM, respectively.Oocytes expressing ultrahigh levels of wild-type GABA(A) receptors exhibited currents in response to 1 muM DZP alone, whereas DMCM decreased the baseline current. The DZP-mediated activation currents were determined in wild-type receptors as well as receptors in which the GABA binding site was mutated (beta2Y205S). The EC(50)'s for DZP-mediated activation were 72.0+/-2.0 and 115+/-6.2 nM, respectively, similar to the EC(50) for DZP-mediated enhancement of the wild-type GABA-activated current (64.8+/-3.7 nM). Our results support a mechanism in which DZP increases the apparent affinity of the receptor, not by altering the affinity of the closed state, but rather by shifting the equilibrium towards the high-affinity open state.
Maintenance of functional equivalence during paralogous Hox gene evolution

Biological diversity is driven mainly by gene duplication followed by mutation and selection. This divergence in either regulatory or protein-coding sequences can result in quite different biological functions for even closely related genes. This concept is exemplified by the mammalian Hox gene complex, a group of 39 genes which are located on 4 linkage groups, dispersed on 4 chromosomes1,2,3,4. The evolution of this complex began with amplification in cis of a primordial Hox gene to produce 13 members, followed by duplications in trans of much of the entire unit. As a consequence, Hox genes that occupy the same relative position along the 5′ to 3′ chromosomal coordinate (trans-paralogous genes) share more similarity in sequence and expression pattern than do adjacent Hox genes on the same chromosome. Studies in mice indicate that although individual family members may have unique biological roles, they also share overlapping functions with their paralogues5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12. Here we show that the proteins encoded by the paralogous genes, Hoxa3 and Hoxd3, can carry out identical biological functions, and that the different roles attributed to these genes are the result of quantitative modulations in gene expression.
Surface critical phenomena in systems with a bulk phase transition

Following a discussion-of the local critical behavior near isolated defects, these lectures review the critical properties of magnetic systems at free surfaces near the bulk critical temperature. Both continuous and discontinuous bulk transitions are considered. Some recent work on semi-infinite magnetic systems with smoothly inhomogeneous short-range interactions is described. A brief introduction to the wetting or interface-pinning transition is given.
Low seminal plasma folate concentrations are associated with low sperm density and count in male smokers and nonsmokers.

Abstract Objective: To measure folate levels in seminal plasma from smokers and nonsmokers and to evaluate relationships between seminal plasma folate levels and both folate nutriture and semen quality measures. Design: Observational study. Setting: United States Department of Agriculture, Western Human Nutrition Research Center, Presidio of San Francisco, San Francisco, California. Patient(s): Healthy male smokers (n=24) and nonsmokers (n=24). Main Outcome Measure(s): Blood levels of plasma folate and homocysteine, seminal plasma total, non-methyl- and 5-methyltetrahydrofolate concentrations, and total sperm count and density. Results: Total seminal plasma folate concentrations were on average 1.5 times higher than blood plasma folate concentrations in all men. Seminal plasma folates contained 5-methyltetrahyrdofolate (74% of total) and non-methyltetrahydrofolates (26% of total); all samples had less than four glutamyl residues. Total and 5-methyltetrahydrofolate concentrations correlated significantly with blood plasma folate and homocysteine concentrations. Seminal plasma non-methyltetrahydrofolate levels correlated significantly with sperm density and total sperm count. Seminal plasma of smokers contained a proportionally lower concentration of non-methyltetrahydrofolates compared with nonsmokers. Conclusion(s): Seminal plasma total folate and 5-methyltetrahydrofolate concentrations reflect folate nutriture. The non-methyltetrahydrofolate fraction of seminal plasma may be important for male reproductive function.
Gender difference in the acute influence of a 2-hour run on arterial stiffness in trained runners.

Arterial stiffness scores over a 5-h period following a 2-h run were measured in trained males (N = 8, age 39.3 ± 2.3 y) and females (N = 8, 35.8 ± 2.8 y). Subjects reported for two lab sessions (randomized, crossover design) from 7:30 am to 4:15 pm, separated by 1–2 weeks, and either rested or ran for 2 h on a treadmill at 75% VO2max from 9:15 to 11:15 am. Augmentation index standardized to a heart rate of 75 bpm (AIx75), and carotid to femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV), were measured by applanation tonometry. Significant interaction effects were measured for AIx75 (P = 0.039) and PWV (P = 0.020), and compared with the rest condition, female runners experienced decreased AIx75 from 11:45 am to 3:15 pm, and in PWV at 11:45 am and 12:15 pm, in contrast to no change in the male runners. These data support a notable gender difference in arterial stiffness following a 2-h bout of running.
Studies on the Ovarian Follicle Cells of Drosophila

Studies are described of the ultrastructure of the follicle cells which invest the oocyte of Drosophila melanogaster at the time of vitelline membrane formation. Of particular interest are organelles made up of endoplasmic reticulum organized into a husk of concentric lamellae which surround lipidal droplets. These epithelial bodies are seen only at the time the vitelline membrane is being formed, and it is assumed therefore that the lipidal material of the epithelial body may be utilized somehow in the fabrication of the vitelline membrane. Cytochemical studies have shown this membrane to contain at least 5 classes of compounds; a protein, two lipids (which may be distinguished by differences in their resistance to extraction by various solvents), and 2 polysaccharides (1 neutral and 1 acidic). Studies were made of vitelline membrane formation in the ovaries of flies homozygous for either of 2 recessive, female-sterile genes (tiny and female sterile). In the case of the ty mutation vitelline membrane material is sometimes secreted between follicle and nurse cells, while in the mutant fes vitelline membrane is observed in rare instances to be secreted between follicle cells and an adjacent layer of tumour cells. In the latter case the vitelline membrane shows altered cytochemical properties. The fact that vitelline membrane can be secreted by follicle cells not adjacent to an oocyte demonstrates that it is the follicle cell rather than the oocyte that plays the major role in the secretion of the precursor material of the vitelline membrane. Subsequently the follicle cells secrete the egg-shell, or chorion, which is subdivided into a dense, compartmented, inner endochorion, and a pale, outer exochorion. A description is given of the ultrastructure of the follicle cells during the secretion of the endochorion and the exochorion. The endochorion contains a protein, a polysaccharide, and a lipid, all of which may be distinguished cytochemically from the vitelline membrane compounds. The exochorion contains large amounts of acidic mucopolysaccharides. Specialized follicle cells form the micropylar apparatus and the chorionic appendages. The formation of the chorion and chorionic appendages is discussed in the light of information gained from abnormalities of the chorions and chorionic appendages seen in ty and fs 2.1 oocytes. Subsequent to the time the egg leaves the ovariole a layer of waterproofing wax is secreted between the vitelline membrane and the chorion.
SU‐FF‐T‐316: Modifications to the “three‐Source Model” for the Calculation of Head Scatter Factors for Small Field Sizes

Purpose: The three‐source model proposed by Yang et al.1 when applied to Siemens PRIMUS 6 MV beam over‐estimated head scatter by 10–200% for field sizes less than 2 cm × 2 cm and elongated narrow beams. This necessitated the development of a modified approach Method and Materials: The complete theoretical background for the three‐source model can be found in the published literature1 in which the total energy fluence at the point of calculation can be divided into three components. The primary component Cp has been chosen around 90% in the model. A modified approach is proposed to the three‐source model with the primary source component Cp having growth function that grows exponentially with radius of the beam in the Sp plane. The primary source function was integrated in the Sp plane using the formula, Cp = Cp 3*( exp (− r s * Cp 2) ; rs < r3 where Cp2,Cp3 and r3 are fitting coefficients. Results: The measured head scatter factors for smaller field sizes including the rectangular fields where the exchanged collimator jaw positions have been compared with both three‐source model and modified three‐source model for Siemens PRIMUS 6 MV beam. It was observed that the accuracy of the modified model is improved and is within 10% of the measurements for small field sizes.Conclusion: In routine IMRT treatments, about 10–15% of the segmented fields use small or elongated fields. The modified approach to the three‐source model improves the accuracy of the head scatter factors calculation significantly for field sizes below 2 cm × 2cm.
Response of extrapyramidal and limbic neurotensin systems to phencyclidine treatment

Abstract Although phencyclidine (PCP) has several neurochemical effects, the most pharmacologically relevant are thought to be its ability to antagonize the activity of N -methyl- d -aspartate (NMDA)-type glutamate receptors and to increase extracellular dopamine concentrations. In order to elucidate the nature and consequence of PCP actions on glutamatergic and dopaminergic pathways, this study examined the response of extrapyramidal and limbic neurotensin systems to this drug. Multiple, but not single, doses of PCP caused increases in striatal neurotensin-like immunoreactivity content of 150–200% of control. These effects were blocked by the dopamine D 1 receptor antagonist, SCH 23390, suggesting they were caused by PCP-mediated enhanced dopamine activity at dopamine D 1 receptors. In contrast, MK-801 (dizocilpine), a selective NMDA receptor antagonist that acts at the same site as PCP, had no effect on neurotensin-like immunoreactivity content when given alone. In addition, coadministration of MK-801 with PCP did not alter the effect of PCP on striatal neurotensin-like immunoreactivity content. This lack of effect suggests that the actions of PCP on NMDA receptors was not involved in the neurotensin response. The PCP effect on neurotensin striatal pathways also appeared not to be associated with the dopamine D 2 or γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) systems: a possible role for the sigma receptor in this effect could not be eliminated. Administration of multiple doses of PCP also affected neurotensin-like immunoreactivity content in the nucleus accumbens (160% compared to control) and frontal cortex (40% compared to control), but not the substantia nigra. The neurotensin effects of PCP are compared to those of another psychotomimetic drug of abuse, methamphetamine.
An innovative approach to preparing nursing students for care of the elderly in the home

Abstract Nurse educators must prepare future nurses for the increasing number of elderly requiring care in community-based settings. This quasi-experimental study examined the outcomes of a geriatric home care simulation experience for senior community health nursing students ( n = 56). The experience included a home care visit to an elderly diabetic client using a high-fidelity human patient simulator as well as a geriatric home safety assessment exercise. Results indicated students were satisfied with the experience and that it had a positive impact on confidence, but no differences were found between groups in terms of learning. Additional analysis using Spearman’s rho found outcomes of satisfaction and self-confidence were significantly correlated ( r s = .378–.605) with simulation design, especially the provision of student support and a challenging problem to solve. Results provide nurse educators with evidence for developing geriatric simulation education experiences for preparing new graduates to care for the increasing number of elderly who desire to age in place.
Effect of ozonation on particulate matter in broiler houses.

The effects of ozonation on particulate matter were studied on a commercial broiler farm. The farm consisted of 4 identical tunnel-ventilated houses (12.8 x 152.4 m): 2 houses were treated with O 3 (maximum concentration 0.1 ppm) and the other 2 served as control units. The particle size distributions of total suspended particulate (TSP) samples from both control and treated houses were found to have very similar profiles with no statistical difference. The TSP concentrations were significantly higher in treated houses as compared with those in control houses, and the mean of the differences was 5.50 mg/m 3 . In both treated and control houses, there were substantial vertical TSP concentration gradients and the concentrations decreased with height. At broiler chicken height (0.28 m), TSP concentrations were 13 ± 3 mg/m 3 in control houses and 17 ± 2 mg/m 3 in treated houses. At human breathing height (1.55 m), TSP concentrations were 8 ± 4 mg/m 3 in control houses and 7 ± 2 mg/m 3 in treated houses. Particle phase NH 4 + concentrations were higher in treated houses (ranging from 0.59 to 42.01 mg/ m 3 with mean = 17.49 mg/m 3 ) than in control houses (ranging from 0.34 to 13.55 mg/m 3 with mean = 4.42 mg/m 3 ). The TSP samples from locations in the vicinity of the farm showed higher concentrations downwind than that upwind, but there were no significant differences observed among different ambient locations for TSP NH 4 + concentrations. The results from this study did not show that direct application of ozonation technique has beneficial effects for particulate matter control in broiler houses.
The influence of parental resources on the timing of the transition to marriage

Abstract This paper studies the relationship of parental resources to the marital transitions of children. It extends past research by explicitly distinguishing various dimensions of parental resources and by taking parental preferences directly into account. We test models in which parental resources have additive effects on the timing of marriage and models in which parental resources interact with parents' preferences for the timing of their children's marriages. The analysis shows that both parental financial resources and parental education influence children's marital behavior. Our analysis also demonstrates that parental preferences for their children's age at marriage do matter, but that this influence weakens as the children grow older. Finally, the analysis indicates that the effects of parent's financial resources interact with parent's preferences to affect the timing of their children's transitions to marriage.
Prostaglandin involvement in hypothalamic control of gonadotropin and prolactin release.

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) injected into the third ventricle of ovariectomized rats increased plasma luteinizing hormone dramatically and follicle stimulating hormone slightly. PGE1 elevated prolactin; PGF1α or PGF2α had no effect. PGE2 or PGE1 injected directly into the anterior pituitary were ineffective. These results suggest that specific prostaglandins act at the hypothalamus to control pituitary hormone release.
True transport: one or more sodium-dependent bile acid transporters?

Sodium-dependent bile acid transport is a well-established function of the sinusoidal segment of the hepatocyte plasma membrane. Evidence has been provided previously by the authors for the existence of a putative sinusoidal plasma membrane sodium-dependent bile acid transporter with a mass of 49 kD. This protein has been partially characterized with a monoclonal antibody and by reconstitution in proteoliposomes. Further characterization is provided in the paper under discussion. The transporter was isolated from plasma membranes and from endoplasmic reticulum by immunoprecipitation with a monoclonal antibody. The protein was separated from antibody by means of HPLC and SDS-PAGE with electroelution. Amino acid analysis and NH2-terminal amino acid sequencing were performed. For both preparations, it was shown that the NH2-terminal amino acid sequence was identical, and the amino acid composition was similar to results obtained for the microsomal enzyme epoxide hydrolase. Purified mEH was immunoprecipitated with the monoclonal antibody which precipitated the plasma membrane protein. Isoelectric focusing established that the isoelectric points for epoxide hydrolase and the proteins isolated from the endoplasmic reticulum and plasma membranes were identical. The peptide maps prepared by subjecting the three proteins to enzymatic fragmentation with subtilisin were essentially identical. Because of the known contamination of plasma membrane fractions with endoplasmic reticulum and because of the high specific activity of epoxide hydrolase in endoplasmic reticulum, special attention was devoted to the question of the localization of the enzyme/transporter in plasma membrane. It was possible to show that virtually all of the immunoprecipitated protein obtained from intact cells derived from plasma membrane and that only a small fraction could be explained as having originated in endoplasmic reticulum. Finally, a hydrophobic plot of the amino acid sequence of epoxide hydrolase suggested that the protein contained four potential transmembrane domains. It could be concluded that a/the 49-kD sinusoidal plasma membrane sodium-dependent bile acid transporter protein was closely similar or identical to epoxide hydrolase. In view of the relatively small mass of the protein and its limited number of potential transmembrane domains, it appeared probable that the physiological membrane transporter consists of an assembly of 49-kD monomers or an assembly of heterologous proteins including the 49-kD protein.
Forage soybean yield and quality responses to plant density and row distance

We conducted a study to determine the effect of row distance and plant density on yield and quality components of 'Donegal', a soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] cultivar specifically developed for forage production in the northeastern United States. Dry matter yield ranged from 4.5 to 6.3 Mg ha -1 and 8.7 to 13.9 Mg ha -1 in 2000 and 2001, respectively. Yield in rows spaced 18 cm apart was significantly higher than in rows spaced 76 cm apart. Soybean plants started to lodge between 56 and 84 d after planting. At most sampling dates, the canopy was lower, and individual plants were shorter in 18- compared with 76-cm rows. Soybean attained the beginning seed (R55) stage before a killing frost in both years. At that stage, soybean averaged 155 g kg -1 crude protein (CP), 362 g kg -1 acid detergent fiber (ADF), and 469 g kg -1 neutral detergent fiber (NDF). Acid detergent fiber, NDF, and CP increased between beginning pod (R3) and R5.5 growth stages in 2000 and 2001. Forage quality in 2001 was lower at 76- compared with 18-cm rows. Plant densities between 234 650 and 555 750 plants ha -1 had no consistent effect on forage yield or quality. Donegal showed good potential as a forage crop in the northeastern United States.
Scheduling parallel I/O operations in multiple bus systems

Abstract The I/O subsystem was one of the first areas of computer system design to incorporate parallelism. However, enhancement of the parallelism of I/O systems has received little attention in parallel system design. There has been almost no study of the benefit of scheduling parallel I/O operations to increase the multiprocessor system performance. An I/O transfer typically requires a processor or memory, a channel, and an external memory device simultaneously. Parallel I/O thus requires scheduling multiple resources simultaneously, rather than a single resource serially. This paper presents an algorithm for optimal scheduling of batched parallel I/O requests for a common class of shared memory multiprocessors. The algorithm is essentially an optimal k-coloring of a bipartite graph with arbitrary edge weights, where the vertices represent processors and memories and the edges represent I/O transfers. The best previously known k-coloring algorithm has running time O(n5). We show a series of improvements to obtain an algorithm with a running time O(n3(log n + log K)), where n is the number of vertices and K is the maximum edge weight, i.e., the length of the longest I/O transfer. We conclude with an experimental study of the performance of the algorithms.
Exploring Perceptual and Motor Gestalt in Touchless Interactions with Distant Displays

Markerless motion-sensing promises to position touchless interactions successfully in various domains (e.g., entertainment or surgery) because they are deemed natural. This naturalness, however, depends upon the mechanics of touchless interaction that remains largely unexplored. My dissertation first aims to deconstruct the interaction mechanics of touchless, especially its device-less property, from an embodied perspective. Grounded in this analysis, I then plan to investigate how visual perception affects touchless interaction with distant, 2D displays. Preliminary findings suggest that Gestalt principles in visual perception and motor action affect the touchless user experience. User interface elements demonstrating perceptual-grouping principles, such as similarity of orientation decreased users' efficiency, while continuity of UI elements forming a perceptual whole increased users' effectiveness. Moreover, following the law of Pragnanz, users often gestured to minimize their energy expenditure. This work can inform the design of touchless UX by uncovering relations between perceptual and motor gestalt in touchless interactions.
The Effect of Corporate Merger Transactions on the Information Content of Earnings Announcements

. This study develops and tests the proposition that corporate merger transactions give rise to changes in the association between firm accounting earnings and security returns. A model of the effect of merger transactions on stock price responses to information releases suggests that the earnings response coefficient of a postmerger entity is a weighted average of the earnings response coefficients of the combining firms, with the weights depending on relative earnings variability of the combining firms. Empirical results, based on a sample of 90 mergers completed over a 12-year period, are consistent with the model. Resume. L'auteur elabore et verifie une proposition selon laquelle les operations de fusion donnent lieu a des changements dans la relation entre les benefices comptables de l'entreprise et le rendement de ses titres. Selon le modele de l'incidence des operations de fusion sur la reaction du cours des valeurs mobilieres a la communication d'information, le coefficient de reaction des benefices d'une entite resultant d'une fusion est la moyenne ponderee des coefficients de reaction des benefices des entreprises qui fusionnent, les ponderations dependant de la variabilite relative des benefices des entreprises constituantes. Les resultats empiriques, fondes sur un echantillon de 90 fusions s'echelonnant sur une periode de plus de 12 ans, confirment la validite du modele.
Extraction of leachable metals and recovery of alumina from utility coal ash

Abstract The classification of coal ash as a “special waste” by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) stimulated questions concerning the environmental impact of the disposal of this voluminous byproduct of coal-fired power plants. Both industry and Government face possible expensive disposal problems because of the large volume of coal ash produced annually. The extraction of metals from coal ash was investigated as part of a Bureau of Mines program to convert waste materials from a disposal problem to potential secondary resources. The objectives of this study were to produce a more environmentally acceptable waste and offset waste disposal costs with recovered metal values. The research was conducted in two steps: determination of parameters affecting extraction of aluminum from coal ash, and development of extraction-recovery procedures. The major parameter affecting the extraction of metals from coal ash was the calcium content of the fly or bottom ash. Other parameters, such as furnace type and operating temperature, had lesser effects on metal extraction. Two procedures were studied for metal extraction: an acid leach for high-calcium ashes and a lime sinter-acid leach for low-calcium ashes. The first procedure removed about 757 of the metals in high-calcium ash, and the second removed about 907 of the metals in low-calcium ash. An alumina product was recovered that, with sufficient washing, meets “Hall Cell” specifications. The leach residues pass the EPA EP toxicity test and are classified as nonhazardous wastes.
Multiparticle reactions with spatial anisotropy.

We study the effect of anisotropic diffusion on the one-dimensional annihilation reaction kA\ensuremath{\rightarrow}inert with partial reaction probabilities when hard-core particles meet in groups of k nearest neighbors. Based on scaling arguments, mean-field approaches, and random-walk considerations, we argue that the spatial anisotropy introduces no appreciable changes as compared to the isotropic case. Our conjectures are supported by numerical simulations for slow reaction rates, for k=2 and 4.
Effect of inhibitors on acid phosphatase activity in the haemolymph of the large milkweed bug, Oncopeltus fasciatus (Hemiptera:Lygaeidae).

Abstract 1. 1. Cyanide and azide showed increases in inhibition during the latter part of the fifth stadium after juvenile hormone (Law-Williams) application. 2. 2. Azide showed greater inhibition in the adults than in the fifth instars except for the JH-treated fifth female which showed approximately the same amount of inhibition as the adult female.
Elevated matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity contributes to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced gastric injury

Abstract Background: The pathogenesis of tissue injury from sepsis remains elusive. We have previously demonstrated that LPS induces gastric MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity. However, the role of matrix metalloproteinases in LPS induced gastric injury is unknown. We hypothesized that elevated MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity contributes to LPS induced gastric injury. Methods: Rats were given intraperitoneal saline or MMP-2/MMP-9 inhibitor IP (150 mg/dose) 24hrs prior to and the morning of experimentation followed by saline or LPS (20 mg/kg IP). After 5h, rats were sacrificed and gastric mucosa harvested for gelatin and in situ zymography to determine MMP activity (n ≥ 4/group; ANOVA) while gastric injury was assessed by f-actin analysis. Using similar treatment groups, gastric injury was assessed by computerized planimetry after the administration of the dilute luminal irritant 5mM acidified taurocholate (ATC) (n ≥ 6/group; ANOVA). Results: MMP-2 and MMP-9 inhibition decreased gastric gelatinase activity secondary to LPS administration, while preserving f-actin cytoskeletal structure. (Data not shown) MMP inhibition significantly decreased gastric injury secondary to LPS and 5mM ATC as determined by computerized planimetry (Figure 1). Conclusions: MMP-2 and MMP-9 inhibition ameliorated LPS induced gastric injury. This is the first study to report that MMP activity contributes to LPS induced gastric injury. Further studies are warranted to determine the role of metalloproteinases in gastric barrier function. Download : Download high-res image (113KB) Download : Download full-size image
Empiric Regularities in the Frequency-Distribution of Chemical Manufacturers and Chemical Distributors by Product-Diversity in the U. S. A., 1949

(1950). Empiric Regularities in the Frequency-Distribution of Chemical Manufacturers and Chemical Distributors by Product-Diversity in the U. S. A., 1949. The Journal of Psychology: Vol. 30, No. 1, pp. 195-198.
Abstract 4205: Regulation of Hif-1α expression by NADPH oxidase 5 (Nox5) in human cancer cell lines

Proceedings: AACR 102nd Annual Meeting 2011‐‐ Apr 2‐6, 2011; Orlando, FL Reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced by NADPH oxidases (Noxs) participate in signaling cascades regulating proliferation. However, the relative contribution to tumor cell growth by the seven Nox homologues (Nox1-5 and Duox 1 and 2) remains unclear. Several studies have proposed that Nox5 plays a role in promoting cell proliferation in Hairy cell leukemia, Barrett's esophageal adenocarcinoma cells, and in prostate cancer; however, little is known about the signaling pathways mediated by Nox5. We explored the functional role of Nox5 in a variety of tumor cell lines, including the NCI-60 cell panel; real time RT-PCR revealed that several melanoma lines express Nox4 and Nox5, but no Nox1 mRNA; and that prostate cell lines express Nox5 mRNA. Of the Nox5- expressing NCI-60 human cancer cell lines, we studied UACC-257 melanoma and PC-3 prostate cancer cells. These lines were characterized for variations in their N-terminus Ca2+ binding domains; RT-PCR revealed that both cell lines expressed the Nox5α and Nox5γ forms. The functional role of Nox5 in UACC-257 and PC-3 cells was studied by generating stable Nox5-overexpressing clones, and by transiently silencing Nox5 that was expressed endogenously, as well as that in clones stably overexpressing Nox5. Redox-sensitive assays for both intra- and extracellular ROS production confirmed that Nox5 was functional and generated superoxide in UACC-257 and PC-3 clones overexpressing Nox5. Nox5 could be activated by the phorbol ester PMA and by the Ca2+ ionophore ionomycin in overexpressing clones. This enzymatic activity was Ca2+- and flavin dehydrogenase-dependent; the calcium chelator BAPTA-AM and the flavoprotein inhibitor DPI (200nM) significantly decreased Nox5-mediated ROS production. Overexpression of Nox5 in UACC-257 cells resulted in increased normoxic Hif-1α expression that was also Ca2+-, flavin dehydrogenase- and ROS-dependent. Silencing Nox5 by RNAi significantly inhibited both endogenous and PMA-stimulated ROS production, confirming that ROS production was Nox5-mediated. Knockdown of both endogenous and overexpressed Nox5 in both UACC-257 and PC-3 cells resulted in decreased Hif-1α expression. Studies to characterize the mechanisms by which Nox5 modulates cell proliferation through the HIF-1α pathway are ongoing. Our experiments suggest that Nox5 expression may play an important role in the generation of high local concentrations of ROS that could contribute to activation of Hif-1α and promote cell proliferation in human cancers. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4205. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-4205
SHEAR DUCTILITY OF REINFORCED LIGHTWEIGHT CONCRETE BEAMS OF NORMAL STRENGTH AND HIGH STRENGTH CONCRETE

Abstract An experimental investigation was conducted to study the ductility of shear-predominant (shear-critical) reinforced lightweight concrete beams of normal as well as high strength concrete. A total of 15 shear-critical reinforced concrete beams without and with shear (web) reinforcement were tested, in a ‘stiff’ testing facility, and complete load-mid span deflection curves including the post-peak portion were obtained. The experimental variables were the concrete compressive strength, shear span-depth ratio and the amount of shear reinforcement. Concrete strength (∝c) was varied between 30.5 MPa (4430 psi) and 89.3 MPa (12950 psi). The shear span-depth ratio ( a d ) was varied between 1 and 4 and the shear reinforcement ratio (γyW) was varied between 0 and 0.784%. For the range of variables tested, the results indicate that for beams with or without shear reinforcement, the shear ductility index (μ) decreases with an increase in the concrete strength. The effect is more pronounced for beams with a d of 3 as compared to beams with a d of 1. Normal strength concerete beams with a d of 3 exhibited a near plastic post-peak response, when the shear reinforcement provided was about five times that of the minimum amount required by Section 11.1.21 of the ACI 318-89 Code. Increasing the shear reinforcement ratio (γW) up to 0.51% has an insignificant effect on the shear ductility index of beams with a d of 1. However, for beams with a d of 2 and 3, the shear ductility index increases. For beams with a d of 3, increasing the shear reinforcement ratio from 0.51 to 0.65% increases the shear ductility index by 25%. Further increase in the shear reinforcement ratio does not increase the shear ductility index.
Hyperbola-like discounting, impulsivity, and the analysis of will

Ainslie's insightful treatment of dynamically inconsistent choice stands in contrast to traditional views in psychology, economics, and philosophy. We comment on the form of the discounting function and on new findings regarding choice between delayed rewards. Finally, we argue that the positive correlation between temporal and probability discounting is inconsistent with the view that impulsivity represents a unitary trait.