cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Change in motor function and adverse health outcomes in older African-Americans.

Abstract Objective We tested whether declining motor function accelerates with age in older African-Americans. Methods Eleven motor performances were assessed annually in 513 older African-Americans. Results During follow-up of 5 years, linear mixed-effect models showed that motor function declined by about 0.03 units/year (Estimate, − 0.026, p Conclusions The rate of declining motor function accelerates with increasing age and its rate of decline predicts adverse health outcomes in older African-Americans.
Principles and practices of nucleic acid hybridization.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses that nucleic acid hybrid formation has been used as a research tool for approximately one decade. It has been a decade of remarkable progress toward understanding mechanisms of gene expression. Probably no other single procedure has contributed more to this success than has hybridization. However, the procedure is still usually used as a crude assay for genetic relatedness, used less often for precise quantitative estimations. Its value as a technique has become even greater with studies that are undertaken to determine the variables that contribute to final yield of hybrid. Hybridization has continued to be of great value for some time. The additional complexity of the genomes of higher organisms gives added complexity to interpretations of hybridizations with their nucleic acids. An indirect approach that is provided if small segments of eukaryotic chromosomes can be pursed, this is now possible for bacterial genes. The chapter concludes that the problems will have to be solved by more rigorous analyses and by refinements in the techniques. This will be necessary unless a chemical method more useful than hybridization is developed to study nucleic acid specificity.
Ultraviolet observations of interacting binary Be stars

Initial results from the analysis of a series of timed, high resolution IUE observations of HR 2142, phi Per, CX Dra, KX An, AU Mon, and TT Hya are presented. The data base for HR 2142 also includes Copernicus U1 and U2 observations. Variable absorption lines, indicative of mass flow in the system, are observed in all objects except phi Per. Evidence was also found of mass outflow in the form of winds and/or discrete components. Variable N V absorption was observed in CX Dra and AU Mon and emission features in KX And and phi Per (C IV only). U1 data reveals the presence of complex structure in the gas stream in HR 2142. These observations are compared with those of Be stars which are not thought to be interacting binaries.
Activation of a Guanosine Triphosphate-specific Protein Kinase by Adenosine 3':5'-Monophosphate-dependent Protein Kinase in Fat Cells of the Rat

Abstract A GTP-specific protein kinase, present in fat cells isolated from rat adipose tissue, catalyzes the transfer of 32P from [γ-32P]GTP to histones. In crude 100,000 x g soluble extracts of fat cells, the activity of the enzyme is dependent on the addition of both adenosine 3':5'-monophosphate (cyclic AMP) and ATP. This dependency is due to activation of the enzyme by cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase which uses ATP as specific nucleotide substrate. This latter kinase is separated from the GTP-specific protein kinase by chromatography on histone-Sepharose. Cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase purified from beef skeletal muscle also activates the fat cell GTP-protein kinase.
Complex character of senS, a novel gene regulating expression of extracellular-protein genes of Bacillus subtilis.

The senS gene of Bacillus subtilis, which in high copy number stimulates the expression of several extracellular-protein genes, has been cloned, genetically mapped, and sequenced. The gene codes for a highly charged basic protein containing 65 amino acid residues. The gene is characterized by the presence of a transcription terminator (attenuator) located between the promoter and open reading frame, a strong ribosome-binding site, and a strong transcription terminator at the 39 end of this monocistronic gene. The amino acid sequence of SenS showed partial homology with the N-terminal core binding domain region of bacterial RNA polymerase sigma factors and a helix-turn-helix motif found in DNA-binding proteins. The gene can be deleted without any effect on growth or sporulation. Images
Attitudes of Older Korean Americans Toward Mental Health Services

Given the increasing evidence that older ethnic minorities underuse mental health services, the present study assessed determinants of attitudes toward mental health services with a sample of older Korean Americans (N=472). Adapting Andersen's behavioral health model, predisposing factors (age, sex, marital status, education, length of residence in the United States), mental health needs (anxiety, suicidal ideation, depressive symptoms), and enabling factors (personal experiences and beliefs) were considered as potential predictors. Shorter residence in the United States and higher levels of depressive symptoms were associated with more-negative attitudes toward mental health services. Culture-influenced personal beliefs (knowledge about mental illness and stigmatism) were found to play a substantial role in shaping individuals' attitudes toward mental health services. Findings call attention to the need to investigate how culture influences the response to mental health needs and to develop community education and outreach programs to close the gaps between mental health needs and service utilization in older ethnic minority populations.
Extremely red Kuiper-belt objects in near-circular orbits beyond 40 AU

Kuiper-belt objects (KBOs) are an ancient reservoir of comets beyond Neptune's orbit1,2. Some of these objects were recently found to have the reddest optical colours in the Solar System3, but the number of objects for which accurate colours were available was too small for any correlation to be discerned between colour and physical or dynamical properties, which might shed light on the origin of these objects. Here we report that all nine of the KBOs in our survey on near-circular (low-eccentricity) orbits with perihelion distances larger than 40 AU have extremely red surfaces, thereby connecting an observable property with a dynamical class. Of the objects with orbital eccentricities greater than 0.1, about half are also very red, while the rest have colours similar to the Sun, meaning that reflected sunlight is not strongly modified by the objects' surface properties. In addition, of the 13 ‘classical’ KBOs (those with semimajor axis a ≈ 45 AU and eccentricity e < 0.15), the ten that are very red are in orbits with small angles of inclination to the ecliptic, whereas the three with solar colours are all in high-inclination orbits. We suggest that these three ‘grey’ classical KBOs may be part of a dynamical group that is separate from the ‘red’ classical KBOs.
Regulatory Change: Redefining Educational Standards

During an environment of change in the health-care professions, the North Carolina Board of Nursing undertook a major revision of the educational standards that govern their approval of pre-licensure nursing programs. The change process involved a long, arduous, multifaceted approach and was supported by available evidence and stakeholder input. Revised standards reached through consensus and compromise are now a part of the administrative rules providing guidance to the Board and nursing programs in the state. This article reflects the process and effect of these revisions.
α‐Phenylcinnamic Acid

α-phenylcinnamic acid product: α-phenylcinnamic acid Keywords: condensation, carbonyl-active methylene condensations; benzaldehyde; acrylonitrile, toxicity
Unusual computed tomography findings in hepatic amyloidosis

Abstract An unusual pattern of delayed enhancement in a patient with a focal hepatic defect due to amyloidosis is presented. Without the aid of region-of-interest density measurements, the lesion was not appreciated on unenhanced computed tomography scans
The Voluntary Sector Leads the Way in Delivering Health Care to the Homeless Ill

This article calls attention to the needs of the homeless ill and the role of voluntary organizations in leading the way in providing quality health care for all homeless people. It describes and a...
The looming crisis in federal records management

Abstract Federal records management faces many challenges today. Too few records, both in the traditional formats and the newer electronic ones, are being appraised or transferred to the National Archives when required. Although the National Archives and Records Administration has several major initiatives underway to remedy the problem, additonal actions must be taken as well.
Consultant Learning: A Model for Student-Directed Learning in Management Education

This article describes a teaching methodology called consultant learning,anew method of structuring courses in management and other business disciplines in a way that empowers students and places them in control of their own learning process. The consultant learning approach turns the classroom into a laboratory for the free enterprise system, using price as the allocation mechanism for grades earned. Students determine their own grades by earning consulting fees by completing projects. The amount of consulting fees earned determines each student’s grade.
SEQUENCES OF INTEREST: Human Placental 17β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase is Homologous to NodG Protein of Rhizobium meliloti

The amino acid sequence of human placental 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β-OH-steroid dehydrogenase) was found to be similar to that of the NodG protein of Rhizobium meliloti. The computer-based comparison score is 11.5 SD higher than that obtained with 2500 comparisons of randomized sequences of these proteins. The probability of getting such a score by chance is 6 × 10−31. 17β-OH-steroid dehydrogenase is also similar to Klebsiella aerogenes ribitol dehydrogenase and Escherichia coli glucitol-6-phosphate dehydrogenase. We propose that the steroid recognition site on 17β-OH-steroid dehydrogenase evolved from an ancestral recognition site for polyols such as ribitol and glucitol-6-phosphate.
Effects of α‐tocopherol, phenobarbital, and butylated hydroxyanisole during promotion of diethylnitrosamine‐initiated rat hepatocarcinogenesis

Abstract The promotion‐suppressing ability of two antioxidants was measured to determine the role of oxidative stress in hepatocarcinogenesis. Four‐day‐old female F344/N rats were dosed with diethylnitrosamine (10 mg/kg). After weaning, they were fed semipurified diets with and without 500 ppm α‐tocopherol, or the same two diets containing 500 ppm phenobarbital, or 5,000 ppm butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) for 3 or 11 months. By 11 months, phenobarbital‐fed groups had eaten 30% more than other groups did (p < 0.05), suggesting a role for increased caloric intake in phenobarbital promotion. Phenobarbital and BHA significantly reduced body weights and increased liver weights compared with control rats. After three months, a‐tocopherol significantly suppressed mean volume of placental glutathione S‐transferase (PGST)‐positive altered hepatic foci (AHF), regardless of xenobiotic treatment. Phenobarbital increased and BHA decreased the numbers of AHF compared with those of the control group. After 11 months, me...
TGF-β1 inhibition of transin/stromelysin gene expression is mediated through a fos binding sequence

Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) inhibits the growth factor and oncogene induction of transin/stromelysin, a secreted matrix-degrading metalloprotease. We demonstrate that a 10 bp element in the transin promoter is required for the TGF-beta 1 inhibitory effects and that this sequence is conserved in the promoter regions of several other TGF-beta 1-inhibited genes. The TGF-beta 1 inhibitory element (TIE) specifically binds a nuclear protein complex from TGF-beta 1-stimulated rat fibroblasts. Interestingly, this complex contained the c-fos proto-oncogene product, Fos, and induction of Fos expression was required for the inhibitory effect of TGF-beta 1 on transin gene expression. These results suggest that TGF-beta 1 inhibition of gene expression is mediated by the binding of a Fos-containing protein complex to the TIE promoter sequences.
Age, Sex, and the Versatility of Delinquent Involvements

An analysis of the self-reported delinquent involvements of 763 male and female adolescents revealed that although the males generally had engaged in the 24 activities with a greater frequency than the females, the patterns of involvement were quite similar for both sexes. An intercorrelational analysis of the activities indicated that participation in the activities was more a generalized than a specialized phenomenon; the behaviors showed a tendency to be more generalized among the females than among the males; generalization-specialization was not found to be related to age.
Processing of pressureless-sintered SiC whisker-reinforced Al2O3 composites

Silicon carbide whisker-reinforced Al2O3 Composites were prepared using a processing scheme in which the constituents were dispersed in nonaqueous media, then colloid-pressed and pressureless-sintered under an inert atmosphere. Novel oligomeric and polymeric dispersants were used to sterically stabilize the SiC whiskers in the presence of the Al2O3 powder. The sintering studies indicated that in the absence of a suitable sintering aid, the whiskers significantly inhibited densification of the Al2O3 matrix. Doped composites containing yttrium isopmpoxide as a sintering aid were pressureless-sintered to final densities 95% of theoretical.
The flexible genome.

A principal assumption underlying contemporary genetic analysis is that the normal function of a gene can be inferred directly from its mutant phenotype. The interactivity among genes that is now being revealed calls this assumption into question and indicates that there might be considerable flexibility in the capacity of the genome to respond to diverse conditions. The reservoir for much of this flexibility resides in the nonspecificity and malleability of gene action.
CBP/p300-Interacting Protein CITED1 Modulates Parathyroid Hormone Regulation of Osteoblastic Differentiation

PTH regulates osteoblastic differentiation and activity and exerts different overall skeletal effects in vivo, depending on the schedule and dose of administration. In clonal Wt9 murine osteoblastic cells, mRNA and protein levels of CITED1 transcriptional coactivator were strongly up-regulated by human (h) PTH(1–34). Stimulation of CITED1 mRNA by PTH was transient, peaking at 4 h, concentration dependent, and blocked by actinomycin D but not cycloheximide. The stimulation was mimicked by forskolin, phorbol ester, and the cAMP-selective PTH analog [G1,R19] hPTH (1–28) and inhibited completely by the protein kinase A inhibitor, H89 and partially by phorbol ester-induced protein kinase C depletion. Increased CITED1 expression was not maintained during persistent (24 h) PTH exposure. Cultured primary calvarial osteoblasts from neonatal homozygous or hemizygous CITED1-knockout (KO) mice achieved 2-fold greater mineralized nodule formation in comparison with wild type (WT) osteoblasts. This effect was blocked by restoration of CITED1 expression via adenoviral gene transfer. Intermittent administration of hPTH(1–34) (10 nm, for 4 h every 48 h) for 3–6 wk increased mineralization up to 2-fold over basal levels in both WT and CITED1 KO mouse calvarial cell cultures. Whereas the cAMP-selective [G1,R19]hPTH(1–28) analog [at 100 nm, equivalent to 10 nm hPTH(1–34)] did not stimulate mineralization in WT cultures, it was twice as effective as hPTH(1–34) in CITED1 KO cultures. Thus, CITED1 negatively regulates osteoblastic differentiation in vitro and inhibits the cAMP-dependent stimulation of differentiation by intermittent PTH. We conclude also that PTH receptor signaling pathways independent of cAMP restrain osteoblastic differentiation, an effect normally obscured in the presence of CITED1 but revealed in its absence.
Development of a Prediction Model for Hospital Closure Using Financial Accounting Data

Numerous research studies have examined the use of financial accounting data in the prediction of corporate bankruptcy. Partly due to a lack of available data, however, little work has been done in developing a closure prediction model specifically for hospitals. Using cost reports from the Health Care Financing Administration and a sample of 71 closed hospitals and a matched sample of 71 open hospitals, the current study examines the relationship between 21 financial accounting ratios and hospital closure. Univariate logit results indicate that hospital closure is significantly related to 17 of the 21 ratios one year prior to closure. Results are also presented using a multivariate model, and for the relationships two years prior to closure. The current study provides information helpful to users in identifying financial variables which may be important indicators of hospital closure.
Application of a plane-stratified emission model to predict the effects of vegetation in passive microwave radiometry

Abstract. This paper reports the application to vegetation canopies of a coherent model for the propagation of electromagnetic radiation through a stratified medium. The resulting multi-layer vegetation model is plausibly realistic in that it recognises the dielectric permittivity of the vegetation matter, the mixing of the dielectric permittivities for vegetation and air within the canopy and, in simplified terms, the overall vertical distribution of dielectric permittivity and temperature through the canopy. Any sharp changes in the dielectric profile of the canopy resulted in interference effects manifested as oscillations in the microwave brightness temperature as a function of canopy height or look angle. However, when Gaussian broadening of the top and bottom of the canopy (reflecting the natural variability between plants) was included within the model, these oscillations were eliminated. The model parameters required to specify the dielectric profile within the canopy, particularly the parameters that quantify the dielectric mixing between vegetation and air in the canopy, are not usually available in typical field experiments. Thus, the feasibility of specifying these parameters using an advanced single-criterion, multiple-parameter optimisation technique was investigated by automatically minimizing the difference between the modelled and measured brightness temperatures. The results imply that the mixing parameters can be so determined but only if other parameters that specify vegetation dry matter and water content are measured independently. The new model was then applied to investigate the sensitivity of microwave emission to specific vegetation parameters. Keywords: passive microwave, soil moisture, vegetation, SMOS, retrieval
Numerical Validations for a Set of Collisionless Rocket Plume Solutions

This paper presents some validation results for a set of improved, complete, gaskinetic solutions for a rarefied jet expanding into vacuum. A classical rocket plume model with a cosine relation and direct simulation Monte Carlo results are used to validate this set of analytical solutions. For the analytical and direct simulation Monte Carlo results, there is excellent agreement for flows with large Knudsen numbers. To reduce the computation cost, a set of simplified analytical solutions is introduced as well. A cosine-law plume model has improved performance at low Knudsen numbers. However, for more rarefied high-speed rocket plume flows, such as those fired from electric propulsion devices, the newly developed model has relatively better performance. The new analytical solutions further provide velocity, temperature, and pressure results.
An Adaptive Tabu Search Method for Optimizing Procurement Plans under Correlated Demands

In this paper we develop an adaptive Tabu search method to facilitate retailers in deciding procurement plans while facing correlated demands. The Tabu search method examines mul-tiple candidate moves in a single iteration, and randomly accepts one of the candidate moves based the solution quality and an adaptive probability measure. We vary the acceptance probability so that Tabu search is able to switch between intensification and diversification. The Tabu search method is compared against a Hillclimbing-based construction method, and computational results demonstrate that Tabu search performed significantly better than the construction heuristics.
Reproducing kernel particle methods for structural dynamics

This paper explores a Reproducing Kernel Particle Method (RKPM) which incorporates several attractive features. The emphasis is away from classical mesh generated elements in favour of a mesh free system which only requires a set of nodes or particles in space. Using a Gaussian function or a cubic spline function, flexible window functions are implemented to provide refinement in the solution process. It also creates the ability to analyse a specific frequency range in dynamic problems reducing the computer time required. This advantage is achieved through an increase in the critical time step when the frequency range is low and a large window is used. The stability of the window function as well as the critical time step formula are investigated to provide insight into RKPMs. The predictions of the theories are confirmed through numerical experiments by performing reconstructions of given functions and solving elastic and elastic–plastic one-dimensional (1-D) bar problems for both small and large deformation as well as three 2-D large deformation non-linear elastic problems. Numerical and theoretical results show the proposed reproducing kernel interpolation functions satisfy the consistency conditions and the critical time step prediction; furthermore, the RKPM provides better stability than Smooth Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) methods. In contrast with what has been reported in SPH literature, we do not find any tensile instability with RKPMs.
Nonauditory Effects of Noise on Behavior and Health

This article presents an overview of research and theory on the nonauditory effects of noise on human behavior and health. Laboratory and naturalistic research on the effects of noise on human performance, interpersonal behavior, annoyance, cognitive development, and mental and physical health are reviewed. The review includes studies of children as well as adults, and the discussion emphasizes the relevance of this research for predicting the effect of noise in community and industrial settings. Noise effects are viewed as determined by variations in psychological characteristics of a situation as well as the physical parameters of the sound. Predictability and controllability of a noise, its meaning for the respondent and its degree of interference with auditory communication are factors that mediate the effects of noise across a variety of outcome measures.
An Algorithm for Corona Solutions on H∞ (D)

We give an algorithm to find corona solutions in H ∞ (D) for polynomial input data.
Arylphorin from the corn earworm, Heliothis zea

Abstract A protein reported to bind certain insecticides (Haunerland and Bowers, 1986a; Archs Insect Biochem. Physiol. 3 , 87–96) was isolated from larval hemolymph of the corn earworm, Heliothis zea , and identified as arylphorin, the major larval storage protein. Arylphorin is a hexameric protein with a molecular weight of ≈450,000. It consists of six apparently identical subunits of the M r 76,000. The protein is glycosylated, containing approx. 2.5% carbohydrate (2.0% mannose, 0.5% glucosamine). Its isoelectric point was determined to be 6.0. The amino acid composition is very similar to arylphorins from other lepidopteran species, particularly in the characteristic high content of aromatic amino acids (22%). Antibodies raised against Manduca sexta arylphorin crossreact with H. zea arylphorin. The purified protein binds radiolabeled dieldrin in a pH independent manner. This and the hydrophobic nature of arylphorin (average hydrophobicity 1342 kcal/residue) suggest that hydrophobic interactions are mainly responsible for the binding of xenobiotics.
The Re-emergence of the Minimal Running Shoe

Synopsis The running shoe has gone through significant changes since its inception. The purpose of this paper is to review these changes, the majority of which have occurred over the past 50 years. Running footwear began as very minimal, then evolved to become highly cushioned and supportive. However, over the past 5 years, there has been a reversal of this trend, with runners seeking more minimal shoes that allow their feet more natural motion. This abrupt shift toward footwear without cushioning and support has led to reports of injuries associated with minimal footwear. In response to this, the running footwear industry shifted again toward the development of lightweight, partial minimal shoes that offer some support and cushioning. In this paper, studies comparing the mechanics between running in minimal, partial minimal, and traditional shoes are reviewed. The implications for injuries in all 3 conditions are examined. The use of minimal footwear in other populations besides runners is discussed. Fin...
Bone marrow spawns brain killers

The reduction in blood flow to the brain that causes a stroke triggers a deadly cascade of events that can lead to brain death. Studies in mice show that activation of an adenosine receptor on neutrophils invading the brain from the blood contribute to the damage ( pages 1081–1087 ).
Using a Windbreak to Improve the Thermal Performance of a Flat Plate Solar Collector: A Feasibility Study

During the past few decades, a wide range of studies have been performed to improve the performance of flat plate solar collectors by either reducing the heat loss from a collector or by increasing the amount of solar radiation absorbed by the absorber plate. Examples of these studies include adding transparent honeycomb to fill the air gap between the glazing and absorber plate to reduce convective heat loss, replacing the air in the gap by other gases such as Argon, Krypton, Xenon and Carbon Dioxide, or adding a chemical coating such as Copper Oxide to increase absorbtance and reduce the emittance of the absorber plate. While these methods improve the collector’s efficiency, they focus primarily on limiting the natural convection that occurs in the collector cavity, or on improving the optical properties of the absorber or glazing. None of these studies have addressed the problem of heat loss due to forced convection to the surrounding ambient air in any detail. Yet, research has shown that forced convection will contribute significantly to the heat loss from a collector. Windbreaks have traditionally been used to direct wind to protect farmland, and to direct wind drifts and sand dunes. Windbreaks also have been shown to provide protection for homes from winter winds which result in reduced heating costs for buildings. While windbreaks have been traditionally used for large scale applications, there is reason to believe that similar benefits can be expected for scaled down applications such as adding a windbreak along side of a flat-plate solar collector. In this paper, we examine the feasibility of using a windbreak to provide a flat plate solar collector protection from the wind in order to improve its performance. A series of experiments were performed wherein the thermal performance of two flat-plate collectors — one without a windbreaker and one with a windbreaker — were measured. The results of these experiments are reported in this paper and the need for further studies to explore different windbreak configurations is discussed.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
The electroantennogram (EAG) as an assay for the reception of odours by the gypsy moth

Abstract The electroantennogram (EAG), an overall electrical response of the insect antenna to an adequate stimulus, has been used as a testing method for the reception of odours. Synthetic sex lures for the male gypsy moth Porthetria dispar (10-acetoxy-cis-7-hexadecen-1-ol and 12-acetoxy-cis-9-octadecen-1-ol) were assayed electrophysiologically and behaviourally, and their effectiveness was compared with that of a natural sex pheromone extract derived from female gypsy moths, and with sexually neutral compounds.
The Tumor Suppressor Protein Fhit A NOVEL INTERACTION WITH TUBULIN

Abstract FHIT (fragilehistidine triad) is a candidate human tumor suppressor gene located at chromosome 3p14.2, a location that encompasses the FRA3B chromosomal fragile site. Aberrant transcripts have been detected in a variety of primary tumors, and homozygous deletions in the FHIT locus have been detected in different tumor cell lines. The gene product Fhit in vitro possesses the ability to hydrolyze diadenosine 5′,5′′′-P1,P3-triphosphate (Ap3A). The mechanism of action of Fhit as a tumor suppressor is unknown. Because the tubulin-microtubule system plays an important role in cell division and cell proliferation, we investigated the interaction between wild-type Fhit or mutant Fhit (H96N) and tubulin in vitro. The mutant form of Fhit (H96N) lacks Ap3A hydrolase activity but retains tumor suppressor activity. We found that both wild-type and mutated forms of Fhit bind to tubulin strongly and specifically with K d values of 1.4 and 2.1 μm, respectively. Neither wild-type nor mutant Fhit cause nucleation or formation of microtubules, but in the presence of microtubule-associated proteins, both wild-type and mutant Fhit promote assembly to a greater extent than do microtubule-associated proteins alone, and the microtubules formed appear normal by electron microscopy. Our results suggest the possibility that Fhit may exert its tumor suppressor activity by interacting with microtubules and also indicate that the interaction between Fhit and tubulin is not related to the Ap3A hydrolase activity of Fhit.
Maturation antigen of the mouse sperm flagellum. I: Analysis of its secretion, association with sperm, and function

We report here recent findings on the sperm maturation antigen SMA4, which is secreted by holocrine cells of the distal caput epididymis and binds to the flagellar surface of mouse sperm during epididymal transit. Washed sperm from the caput and corpus epididymides of mice were examined by immunofluorescence and SDS-PAGE using wheat germ agglutinin, which binds specifically to SMA4 as a primary probe. Results indicate that sperm first exhibit WGA reactivity on their flagellae in the region of the distal caput, and that the appearance of WGA receptors is due to the binding of a 54-Kd glycoprotein (SMA4) to the cell surface. Extracts of epididymis containing SMA4 were tested for their ability to bind to the surfaces of caput and corpus sperm. Caput sperm surfaces bound SMA4 in a temperature-independent manner, and binding occurred in the presence of enzyme inhibitors, suggesting a nonenzymatic process. Biochemical studies revealed that SMA4 contains disulfide bonds which stabilize it on the sperm surface and restrict its mobility. Terminal carbohydrate residues of the molecule are sialic acids. The addition of SMA4 to caput sperm flagellae prevented tail-to-tail agglutination, normally seen when caput sperm are diluted into saline; and SMA4 was able to disperse clumps of agglutinated caput sperm. The data suggest that a primary function of SMA4 is to prevent tail-to-tail agglutination of sperm during storage in the epididymis.
Use of spectral data to assess wheat response to soil water

Abstract A field study at Cd. Obregon, Mexico, on the effect of a soil water deficit on two spring wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars, Pavon and Ciano, was conducted. Spectral measurements were made on the treatments with a multispectral radiometer (8 wavebands) which can measure the spectral reflectance in the visible, near infrared, middle infrared and thermal. These spectral data were used to assess leaf area and light interception of the various treatments and to interpret grain yield components in terms of the canopy attributes.
Sub-millisecond dynamic optical path setup in DWDM multi-mode switching networks

DWDM multi-mode switching network provides a unified approach to DWDM-based communications by allowing electronic packet switching (EPS), optical burst switching (OBS) and optical circuit switching (OCS) to be carried in the same network, and on the same router platform. In this paper, we present a sub-millisecond dynamic optical path setup scheme for the multi-mode switching router. More specifically, we devised a reconfigurable asymmetric optical burst switching (RA-OBS) scheduling scheme which integrates burst scheduling in the OBS mode, connection setup/teardown in the OCS mode, and channel reconfiguration in the EPS mode in a seamless fashion. The proposed scheme allows wavelengths to be dynamically shared among three different switching modes in real-time. The performance of the proposed integrated scheduler has been verified using OBS-ns2 simulator as well as in a hardware testbed. In particular, we have implemented the proposed integrated multi-mode scheduler in FPGA hardware in an optical switching testbed, and have demonstrated application triggered real-time sub-millisecond optical path setup. Another key contribution is that the proposed approach brings out the practical value of optical burst switching, which has stayed mostly in the theoretical regime in the past decade. We show that a truly dynamic optical network can be built with off-the-shelf optical components.
Aperture-less terahertz near-field imaging

Terahertz based spectroscopy and imaging has become an active field of research in the past decade for a plethora of applications including security screening, biomedical imaging, chemical analysis, and investigation of carrier dynamics. Several advantages exist for the use of THz techniques since investigation of a sample can be performed without contact or ionization; however, fine detail is difficult to determine due to the diffraction limit of the radiation. The resolution limit of THz imaging and sensing can be overcome by the incorporation of near-field optical techniques; which can allow image resolution as fine as tens of nanometers at THz frequencies. With this expanded resolution capability, THz imaging can decipher micro- and nano-structural information which, when coupled with the non-contact features of these techniques, makes THz spectroscopy ideal for the analysis micro and nano-optical devices. In this study, we demonstrate the development and performance of an aperture-less near-field system which has been integrated to perform highly-spatially resolved Terahertz Time-Domain Spectroscopic (THz-TDS) imaging.
PERFORMANCE STUDY OF PORTLAND CEMENT CONCRETE PAVEMENT JOINT SEALANTS

The objective of this research project is to determine the service lives of three different types of joint sealants—polyvinylchloride (PVC)-coal tar, rubberized asphalt, and silicone—and to recommend maintenance strategies to improve the performance of concrete pavements in Utah. The silicone material has been performing well for over 10 years. The PVC-coal tar material had failed in the test sections that are an average of 15 years old, and the rubberized asphalt material has aged beyond its expected service life in the test sections over 20 years old. Survival curves of the three sealants were developed with respect to their ages, and their performance correlated well with their ages. The conical spalling at the bottom of the joints increased after 10 years of service. Based on the limited field data, it is recommended that Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) should consider the use of a narrower joint width of 6 mm instead of the current 9-mm design, use silicone or rubberized asphalt material, and implement a maintenance plan with a 10-year cycle for recutting and resealing of the joints to 9 x 9 mm.
A ‘turn-on’ fluorescent sensor for the selective detection of cobalt and nickel ions in aqueous media

Abstract Two newly designed turn-on fluorescein-based chemosensors are highly sensitive and selective for Co2+ and Ni2+ in both absorption and emission modes, normally difficult to achieve with these paramagnetic ions. Binding to both ions is reversible, as indicated by the bleaching of the color when the metal is extracted with EDTA. Given the difficulty of designing enhanced fluorescent sensors for paramagnetic Co2+ and Ni2+ ions, the fluorescein compounds may inspire the further development of more sophisticated sensing constructs for the detection of these ions.
Robotic Radical Cystectomy: So Far, So Good—What Next?

This month’s issue of European Urology contains a set of four papers reflecting the proceedings of an ad hoc, private consensus conference on robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) [1–4], held in our hometown of Pasadena in southern California. These four papers review the literature covering various aspects of RARC and provide some technical insights and suggestions for best practices. In aggregate, although the literature already containsmeta-analyses and systematic reviews on this topic, this consensus is a welcome addition. The authors are commended for their initiative and industry in collating information onwhat has transpired to date. In the two systematic analyses [1,2], the authors conclude thatdespite its relativelyshort trackrecord,RARCisasgoodas the more established open radical cystectomy (ORC) procedure in terms of oncologic and perioperative outcomes and morbidity. RARC is superior in terms of less blood loss and lower transfusion rates, but it takes longer and costs more. The paper on technical recommendations has certain limitations [3]. Various technical issues are presented in a superficialmanner, and the overall presentation lacks clarity. A serious robotic surgeon hoping to embark on RARC will need to consult more detailed original papers. The authors’ statement that ‘‘over the past 10 yr, RARC has pushed accepted standards of open radical cystectomy’’ is unclear andseems likea stretch; amoreaccurate statementwouldbe that RARC can reliably duplicate open surgery from a technical perspective. The authors suggest that we routinely assess each elderly patient with bladder cancer for ‘‘preexisting cardiovascular/pulmonary disease that is compromised with positioning,’’ but howwewould do that remains unmentioned. Practically speaking, we have never required such a preoperative guarantee, in our experience.
The CRF1 receptor antagonist R121919 attenuates the neuroendocrine and behavioral effects of precipitated lorazepam withdrawal

Rationale Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) is the primary physiologic regulator of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and serves to globally coordinate the mammalian stress response. Hyperactivity of central nervous system CRF neurotransmission, acting primarily via the CRF1 receptor, has been strongly implicated in the pathophysiology of depression and anxiety. Furthermore, there is evidence of enhanced CRF transcription, release, and neuronal activity after the administration of and withdrawal from several drugs of abuse, including cannabis, cocaine, ethanol, and morphine. Treatment with CRF antagonists has been demonstrated to reduce the severity of certain drug withdrawal symptoms, implicating a specific role for activation of CRF neurons in mediating the anxiogenic and stress-like reactions observed after abrupt drug discontinuation.
Learning state space trajectories in recurrent neural networks

A number of procedures are described for finding delta E/ delta W/sub ij/ where E is an error functional of the temporal trajectory of the states of a continuous recurrent network and w/sub ij/ are the weights of that network. Computing these quantities allows one to perform gradient descent in the weights to minimize E, so these procedures form the kernels of connectionist learning algorithms. Simulations in which networks are taught to move through limit cycles are shown, along with some empirical perturbation sensitivity tests. The author describes a number of elaborations of the basic idea, including mutable time delays and teacher forcing. He includes a complexity analysis of the various learning procedures discussed and analyzed. Temporally continuous recurrent networks seems particularly suited for temporally continuous domains, such as signal processing, control, and speech. >
Filling the gaps in bariatric surgical research

DESPITE PHENOMENAL GROWTH IN THE USE OF BARiatric surgical procedures, research on these interventions continues to be reported primarily through the case series of experienced practitioners and has focused only on selected outcomes. As a result, there is a gap between the proliferation of these procedures and the evidence base needed to understand key components of their use. This gap includes an assessment of the effectiveness of bariatric surgery in the population atlarge, the total impact of bariatric surgery on patients and the health care system, identification of which patients are best suited for which procedures, and the physiological mechanisms that promote weight loss after surgery. Understanding the circumstances that have limited research in bariatric surgery should help direct future investigators to the challenges that need to be addressed when studying this important and increasingly performed group of procedures.
The Vices of Technical Writing

Technical writing is a discipline with clear limitations in both language and ideology. These limits pose a special problem for the teacher, since he must keep his audience interested in a subject which does not permit a normal range of self-expression on either scientific or humanistic topics. A consequence of this classroom dilemma is that technical writing instructors tend to dwell at length upon the value of simple generalizations and also capitalize heavily upon the comic effects of bad writing. The vices of “easy generalities” and “easy comedy” must first be understood in order to be avoided.
Big Fish, Little Fish: Politics and Power in the Regulation of Florida's Marine Resources

This paper draws on interviews with 70 couples in commercial fishing families to examine the relative influence of objective scientific information as opposed to political and social considerations on the management and allocation of marine resources. Decisions about the regulation of commercial fishing are influenced by Florida's economic dependence on tourism and related development and competition for control of the state's costal resources. Class, power, and bureaucratic knowledge all have a part in the decisions that shape the regulation of Florida's inshore net fishing industry.
Distribution of androgen target cells in rat forebrain and pituitary after [3H]-dihydrotestosterone administration.

The distribution of androgen concentrating cells in male rat forebrain and pituitary was studied by autoradiography. One h after injection of a non-aromatizable androgen [3H]-dihydrotestosterone (17β-hydroxy-5α-androstan-3-one) (DHT), nuclear concentration of radioactivity is found in neurons at specific hypothalamic and extrahypothalamic sites as well as in certain anterior pituitary cells. In the forebrain radioactively labeled cells are found in certain nuclei of the septum, preoptic region, anterior and central hypothalamus, mammillary body, epithalamus, amygdala and hippocampus. Furthermore, nuclear labeling is observed in ventricular recess organs, including the pituitary, the pineal and the subfornical organ. Competition studies with unlabeled estrad-17β at a dose similar to the labeled DHT has no or little effect on the nuclear uptake of radioactivity in neurons, whereas a dose of estradiol-17β ten times higher than the dose of the labeled DHT reduces the nuclear uptake in certain neuronal groups by 20–25%. Unlabeled DHT inhibits nuclear uptake of radioactivity. The autoradiographic results suggest that DHT is one of the major active metabolites responsible for the central action of testosterone.
How to build a holographic television system

The ultimate three-dimensional television viewing experience will be autostereoscopic (requiring no glasses), provide smooth parallax rather than just two views, and support other real-world perceptual cues to depth such as visual accommodation (focusing). Holography meets these requirements, but it is often felt that the scene-acquisition, bandwidth, and display pixel count requirements for holographic television will prove insurmountable. We describe the characteristics of a “true” holographic television display, review the input, transmission, and output needs, and describe our experiments in creating an end-to-end holographic television system with costs in only the hundreds of dollars, based upon a combination of various current consumer-electronics technologies and a novel light-modulator chip.
Management-changing errors in the recall of radiologic results - a pilot study.

Aim To evaluate the occurrence of alterations to diagnostic information from radiological studies, which are altered by person-to-person communication and/or faulty recall, and whether they affect patient management Materials and methods A structured telephone survey was conducted at a large tertiary care medical centre of house staff managing inpatients who had undergone chest, abdominal, or pelvic computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and remained in the hospital at least 2 days later. Fifty-six physicians were surveyed regarding 98 patient cases. Each physician was asked how he or she first became aware of the results of the study. Each was then asked to recall the substance of radiological interpretation and to compare it with the radiology report. Each was then asked to assess the level of difference between the interpretations and whether management was affected. Results were correlated with the route by which interviewees became aware of the report, the report length, and whether the managing service was medical or surgical. Results In nearly 15% (14/98) of cases, differences between the recalled and official results were such that patient management could have been (11.2%) or had already been affected (3.1%). There was no significant correlation between errors and either the route of report communication or the report length. Conclusion There was a substantial rate of error in the recall and/or transmission of diagnostic radiological information, which was sufficiently severe to affect patient management.
On the minimum grain size obtainable by high-pressure torsion

Abstract Recently, a dislocation model that quantitatively relates the minimum grain size obtainable by ball milling, dmin, to several physical parameters, such as the activation energy for self-diffusion and the stacking fault energy, in a nanocrystalline (nc) material was developed. In this paper, it is shown that the predictions of the model are consistent with the characteristics of the minimum grain size, dmin, obtainable in FCC and BCC metals by high-pressure torsion. Such a consistency indicates that the dislocation model for ball milling is quantitatively applicable to the description of other severe plastic deformation (SPD) processes.