cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Low testosterone levels and the risk of metabolic syndrome in men

The implications of low testosterone levels in aging men is an area of active investigation. Epidemiologic studies initially outlined the association between low testosterone and components of the metabolic syndrome in cross-sectional analyses. Prospective and mechanistic studies have been conducted in an attempt to improve the understanding of the role of sex steroids in insulin resistance, obesity, lipoprotein abnormalities and cardiovascular risk. The data are difficult to interpret because of problems with total testosterone measurement since most testosterone circulates are bound to sex hormone-binding globulin. Many factors regulate sex hormone-binding globulin and, thus, indirectly testosterone. Studies of normal aging, models of hypogonadism including Klinefelter’s syndrome and men undergoing surgical or medical castration after prostate cancer provide new insights into the role of both testosterone and estradiol in the development or maintenance of the metabolic syndrome.
TOWARDS A THEORY OF SYSTEMIC PROBLEM SOLVING: PROSPECTS AND PARADOXES

ABSTRACT This paper represents an exercise in Conceptual Modeling. It attempts to construct a series of plausible performance measures for a systemic model of problem solving. The paper clarifies the differences between systemic and nonsystemic problems. A set of problems is systemic if and only if the solution to every problem is dependent on the solution to all of the other problems in the set. In the same vein, a systemic measure of problem solving performance is a multiplicative function of performance on each of the “separate” phases of the total problem solving process. As a result, good performance on any one phase is not enough to make up for poor performance on other phases. One of the main purposes of the paper is to set the stage for future quantitative inquiries into the dynamics of problem solving. A primary intent is to illustrate the difficulties inherent in (a) the nature of problem solving and scientific method themselves and (b) the mathematical or quantitative representation of them.
Metabolism and relative carcinogenic potency of chloroethylenes: a quantum chemical structure-activity study.

Abstract Properties of six chloroethylenes which could serve as indicators of their relative metabolic behavior and carcinogenic activity have been calculated using Modified Neglect of Diatomic Overlap (MNDO), a semiempirical, all valence electron, molecular orbital method. Possible pathways of transformation of parent compounds to acylchlorides, chloroaldehydes and epoxides — their putative ultimate carcinogens — were considered, and heats of formation and relative stabilities of intermediates were calculated. Our results indicate that carbonyl compounds could be formed with and without the intermediacy of epoxides, suggesting the possibility of more than one pathway in activation of parent compounds. Electronic properties of carbonyl products and epoxide carbocations, putative ultimate carcinogens which could serve as indicators of their relative electrophilicities, were also calculated. The results obtained indicated that the relative extent of metabolism to carbonyl products, rather than their electrophilicity, is a determinant of the relative carcinogenic activity of the parent compound. Of the various thermodynamic criteria investigated, four were found to be indicators of both relative metabolic behavior and carcinogenic activity.
MBE growth of artificially-layered magnetic-metal structures on semiconductors and insulators

Abstract This review considers recent developments in MBE growth of artificially-layered magnetic-metal structures on both semiconductors and insulating substrates. It is seen that the ability to seed specific orientations of such structures and to probe their structural and chemical properties with a variety of in situ probes is a key advantage of MBE over more conventional deposition techniques. In particular, interface formation can be probed during growth. This is helpful in developing a realistic picture of interfaces in such structures and in relating magnetic properties to interface structural and chemical properties. Furthermore, the growth of epitaxial structures permits the detailed characterization of atomic and interface structure with X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy.
Parent psychopathology and family functioning among childhood firesetters.

The purpose of this study was to identify parent and family characteristics related to juvenile firesetting and antisocial behavior among severely disturbed children. Hospitalized children (ages 6–12) identified as firesetters (n=27) and nonfiresetters (n=27) were compared in terms of parental psychopathology, dyadic adjustment, and family environment. To separate the impact of conduct disorder in contributing to group differences, diagnosis and firesetting status were separated in the data analyses. The results indicated that parents of firesetters showed significantly greater dysfunction in terms of psychiatric symptoms, and higher levels of depression, and reported lower levels of affectional expresssion, consensus, and overall adjustment in their dyadic relationships. The findings suggest that among a clinical sample, specific parent and marital characteristics delineate firesetters. The contribution of parental and marital influences to antisocial behavior more generally and the need to focus specifically on firesetting in relation to these variables are discussed.
Application power profiling on IBM Blue Gene/Q

The power consumption of state of the art supercomputers, because of their complexity and unpredictable workloads, is extremely difficult to estimate. Accurate and precise results, as are now possible with the latest generation of supercomputers, are therefore a welcome addition to the landscape. Only recently have end users been afforded the ability to access the power consumption of their applications. However, just because it's possible for end users to obtain this data does not mean it's a trivial task. This emergence of new data is therefore not only understudied, but also not fully understood. In this paper, we provide detailed power consumption analysis of microbenchmarks running on Argonne's latest generation of IBM Blue Gene supercomputers, Mira, a Blue Gene/Q system. The analysis is done utilizing our power monitoring library, MonEQ, built on the IBM provided Environmental Monitoring (EMON) API. We describe the importance of sub-second polling of various power domains and the implications they present. To this end, previously well understood applications will now have new facets of potential analysis.
1112 VENTRICULITIS IN GROUP B STREPTOCOCCAL (GBS) MENINGITIS

Ventriculitis is a well known feature of gram negative meningitis but has not been documented as a serious complication of gram positive central nervous system infections. This report describes five patients with GBS meningitis and ventriculitis. In each case ventriculitis was shown either by ventricular cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pleocytosis, positive GBS counter immuno-electrophoresis, or positive culture for GBS. The lumbar CSF was sterile with no pleocytosis in two of the five patients despite concomitant abnormal ventricular fluid. Computerized axial tomography was of great value diagnostically and in management of increasing head size in these patients. Four of the five infants presented after one month of age and all had marked hy-drocephalus. Three of the five infants were initially thought to have uncomplicated hydrocephalus and only after diagnostic ventricular puncture was ventriculitis and/or meningitis suspected. All five patients had significant intellectual and motor neurological sequelae subsequent to their infection. Ventriculitis appears to be a common and significant complication of GBS meningitis. Ventriculitis caused by GBS may resemble uncomplicated hydrocephalus in its presentation, emphasizing the need to examine all CSF carefully before shunting procedures are pursued.
Structural analysis of non-native states of proteins by NMR methods.

Abstract Established NMR methods are increasingly being applied to the non-native states of proteins. For small denatured proteins, full assignment of proton, 15N and 13C resonances is often straightforward. Sensitive methods exist for detecting fractionally populated α helices and β strands, but defining transient interactions among side chains is proving more problematic. The non-native states of several small proteins are being intensively investigated to address a number of questions about protein folding.
Interacting effects of increased tannin levels on leaf-mining insects

Tannin-rich extracts were painted on leaves of Q. emoryi (Fagaceae) that contained first instar larvae of a leaf miner, Cameraria sp. (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae, Agrifoliella group), to test the role of tannins in increasing parasitism, while controlling for changes in protein content and physical damage. Miners from leaves that were treated with tannins had higher rates of parasitism by hymenopterans, but decreased mortality from other causes. The negative and positive effects of tannins balanced since overall larval survivorship was equivalent for leaf miners on tannin-enriched and control leaves. The tannin-rich extract also affected larval development because pupal weight was decreased for leaf miners in treated leaves. Tannins can have both adverse and beneficial effects on these phytophagous insects. Resume Effets indirects de l'augmentation de la teneur en tanin sur des insectes mineurs de feuilles Des extraits riches en tanins ont ete etales sur des feuilles de Quercus emoryi contenant des chenilles de ler stade de Cameraria sp., pour controler l'influence du tanin dans l'accroissement du parasitisme sans modifier la teneur en proteines ni provoquer de dommages physiques. Les mineuses de feuilles traitees avaient des taux plus eleves de parasitisme par les hymenopteres, mais une diminution des autres causes de mortalite. Les effets negatifs et positifs des tanins se sont equilibres, puisque la survie des mineuses etait la meme pour les feuilles traitees que pour les temoins. Les extraits riches en tanin ont agi sur le developpement larvaire puisque le poids des chrysalides des mineuses de feuilles traitees etait plus faible. Les tanins peuvent ainsi avoir des effets nuisibles et benefiques sur ces insectes phytophages.
Wing morph development and reproduction of the ectoparasitoid Melittobia digitata: nutritional and hormonal effects

Manipulation studies of the temporal availability of nutrients during parasitoid larval development (high-quality host vs. host deprivation) demonstrated that parasitoid access to nutrition affected the wing morph development of Melittobia digitata Dahms (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), but not the parasitoid's ovarian development. Around 70% of programmed short wing morph larvae (SWM) that had been host-deprived at 120 h after host parasitization shifted their development and emerged as long wing morphs (LWM). A reversion in morph development of programmed LWM was also found when the larvae were offered new hosts after up to 120 h of development, and both programmed SWM or LWM larvae that differentiated as SWMs had a similar egg load. Although precocene treatment of programmed SWM induced 30% of LWM development, morph development of programmed LWM remained unaltered if treated with methoprene, a juvenile hormone analogue (JHA), indicating that the morph development of M. digitata does not appear to be under juvenile hormone control. However, both precocene and JHA affected the ovarian development of the emerging female. We hypothesize that specific nutrients from the host hemolymph, or changes in the host internal composition at the parasitoid larval sensitive stage (120-123 h) induce changes in pathways that control parasitoid metabolism and nutrient allocation decisions during the cell growth and development of imaginal discs.
The role of prostaglandins in the regulation of gastric mucosal blood flow

It has been postulated that endogenous gastric prostaglandin activity contributes to the maintenance of non-stimulated gastric mucosal blood flow. Prostacyclin and PGE2 increase mucosal blood flow in the non-stimulated canine stomach. Inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis by aspirin or indomethacin causes a reduction of 30% to 50% in nonstimulated gastric mucosal blood flow in dog and rat. These observations are consistent with the hypothesis that endogenous prostaglandin activity within the gastric mucosa contributes to the maintenance of its blood flow. Also it has been postulated that endogenous prostaglandins may, in part, mediate the vasodilation associated with stimulated gastric acid secretion. Exogenous prostacyclin and PGE2 inhibit stimulated acid secretion while increasing mucosal blood flow. Indomethacin and aspirin-inhibited endogenous prostaglandin synthesis has been reported to increase stimulated acid secretion and reduce mucosal blood flow in anesthetized rat and dog. In gastric secretory fluid, prostaglandins have been detected during gastrin stimulated by some investigators and a dose response relationship between rate of secretion and fluid prostaglandin output has been observed. These observations may, in part, contribute to the regulation of mucosal blood flow during stimulated acid secretion. Further studies, directly measuring specific endogenous prostaglandin and their metabolic products within the gastric mucosa during stimulated and inhibited acid secretion will be necessary to prove or disprove this hypothesis.
The Socioeconomic Impact of the African Market Women Trade in Rural Kenya

This study examines the socioeconomic contributions of Kenya's rural market women traders to national development and livelihood, in the context of the role of women in global society. In Kenya, multifaceted female roles often overlap -but they always constitute indispensable services in the sustenance of life among both urban dwellers and peasants in the countryside. The active economic participation of rural market women traders has been an integral part of Kenyan socioeconomic life and development over the past 40 years, largely undocumented in research literature. During this time, population has increased fivefoldfrom 4.3 million in 1947 to an estimated 20 million in 1988 (Kenya, 1970, 1981; United Kingdom, 1946, 1949). Agricultural food production has failed to keep pace with the dramatic growth of population, which averages 2.7% per year for Africa (Ayari, 1983) and close to 4% for Kenya the highest growth rate in the world (Kenya, 1981). Between 1970 and 1980, the decrease in traditional agricultural self-sufficiency rapidly accelerated. "The decline in per capita food production had reached 15% per year by 1980. Africa's deteriorating food situation threatens the very survival of African nations, because agriculture provides the livelihood of most of the people in Africa. The food crisis in Africa is the world's greatest economic
Encapsulation and inheritance in object-oriented programming languages

Object-oriented programming is a practical and useful programming methodology that encourages modular design and software reuse. Most object-oriented programming languages support data abstraction by preventing an object from being manipulated except via its defined external operations. In most languages, however, the introduction of inheritance severely compromises the benefits of this encapsulation. Furthermore, the use of inheritance itself is globally visible in most languages, so that changes to the inheritance hierarchy cannot be made safely. This paper examines the relationship between inheritance and encapsulation and develops requirements for full support of encapsulation with inheritance.
Police Attitudes and Performance The Impact of Residency

Residency laws are a recurrent controversy in local government. While many of the argu ments are economic, proponents of residency requirements also expect resident employees to have more positive ...
A cost semantics for self-adjusting computation

Self-adjusting computation is an evaluation model in which programs can respond efficiently to small changes to their input data by using a change-propagation mechanism that updates computation by re-building only the parts affected by changes. Previous work has proposed language techniques for self-adjusting computation and showed the approach to be effective in a number of application areas. However, due to the complex semantics of change propagation and the indirect nature of previously proposed language techniques, it remains difficult to reason about the efficiency of self-adjusting programs and change propagation.In this paper, we propose a cost semantics for self-adjusting computation that enables reasoning about its effectiveness. As our source language, we consider a direct-style λ-calculus with first-class mutable references and develop a notion of trace distance for source programs. To facilitate asymptotic analysis, we propose techniques for composing and generalizing concrete distances via trace contexts (traces with holes). We then show how to translate the source language into a self-adjusting target language such that the translation (1) preserves the extensional semantics of the source programs and the cost of from-scratch runs, and (2) ensures that change propagation between two evaluations takes time bounded by their relative distance. We consider several examples and analyze their effectiveness by considering upper and lower bounds.
Genetic analysis of three lactate dehydrogenase isozyme systems in trout: Evidence for linkage of genes coding subunits A and B

Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) isozymes of two genera within the family Salmonidae (Salvelinus and Salmo) were examined by acrylamide and starch gel electrophoresis. Those species examined contain three isozyme series involving five different kinds of subunits. The A-B series, believed to be homologous to LDH 1–5 in the majority of vertebrates, is found in nearly all tissues. Polymorphism for subunit B was discovered in Salvelinus fontinalis in which two kinds, B and B', are present within a number of inbred strains. Various crosses and backcrosses involving S. fontinalis and Salvelinus namaycush demonstrate that subunits A and B are each coded by different autosomal genes (LA and LB). A limited amount of test-cross data indicates linkage of these genes. Partial genetic analysis indicates that a second series of several LDH isozymes, largely restricted to the retina, involves a third subunit, C, in combination with B and to a lesser extent with A. A variant form of subunit C was found in Salmo trutta. Comparison of patterns of S. fontinalis and S. trutta and their hybrid seems to indicate that two additional subunits are involved in a third series of five isozymes found in the skeletal muscle of each species examined.
The impact of delamination on stress-induced and contamination-related failure in surface mount ICs

A temperature-cycle evaluation is reported of a large-die 132-pin plastic quad flat pack process which includes a comparison of the performances of three mold compounds, two lead frame finishes, and two die surface conditions with and without a polyimide die overcoat. The effect of contamination and moisture exposure on bond pad integrity in 68-pin leaded chip carriers damaged during solder reflow was also examined. >
Monosodium Glutamate: Lack of Effects on Brain and Reproductive Function in Rats

Monosodium glutamate was injected subcutaneously in infant rats of both sexes. The lateral preoptic and arcuate nuclei and median eminence were examined by light and electron microscopy for possible monosodium glutamate effects. As adults, treated animals showed no adverse monosodium glutamate effects on the reproductive system and neural morphology.
Gamification and the Internet: Experts Expect Game Layers to Expand in the Future, with Positive and Negative Results

Abstract Objective: This analysis of the opinions of 1,021 Internet stakeholders was aimed at gauging current opinions about the potential future of game mechanics online. Subjects and Methods: Nearly 5,000 people who are engaged in some way in Internet-related leadership or interests were invited to read a pair of opposing 2020 gamification scenarios and offer their written views on the likely future of gamification online by 2020. The result is not projectable to any population other than these respondents. Results and Conclusions: A slight majority of 53 percent agreed with a proposed scenario that game mechanics will become a part of everyday life for most Internet users by 2020; a great majority of respondents said game elements will play a vital role in specific realms such as health and education by then. Some respondents said people will be resistant if game layers are built into too many aspects of people's daily lives. Some shared concerns that game-design approaches can be used to manipulate pe...
Defending conversation and responsibility: reply to Dana Nelkin and Holly Smith

In this paper, I defend the central arguments of my book Conversation and Responsibility in response to two critics, Dana Nelkin and Holly Smith.
Adjusting to recent onset of rheumatoid arthritis: a qualitative study

The purpose of this study was to examine men’s and women’s experiences living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Using semi-structured, in-depth telephone interviews, nine women and seven men who were...
Review of Waste Energy Resource in Vehicle Engine Exhaust

Energy recovery from vehicle engine exhaust has attracted considerable interest recently. Key parameters associated with the engine exhaust, including temperature, mass flow rate, maximum extractable energy, and optimum location for energy extraction all factor strongly into the materials research and device design for waste heat recovery. This review paper compiles available data in literature on the vehicle engine exhaust resources for several different vehicles, and under various operational conditions. Three vehicles types, namely, mid-size sedans, light duty trucks, and heavy duty trucks, have been considered, and the driving cycles including Federal Test Procedure (FTP) series, Highway Fuel Economy Test (HFET) and New European Driving cycle (NEDC) are considered in this review. The results show the average temperatures at highway driving cycle and city driving cycle remain in the ∼500–650°C and ∼200–400 °C range, respectively. The mass flow rate varies significantly with vehicle size. The available thermal power calculated based on the collected data is 3–10 kW.© 2012 ASME
Residential Mobility and Adolescent Violence

Using two waves of data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, this study examines the impact of recent residential mobility on adolescent violence. A unique focus of our analysis is an examination of the ability of various mechanisms, including parent-child relationships, psychological distress, experiences of victimization, and peer networks, to account for the relationship between residential mobility and violent behavior. We pay particular attention to the ability of adolescent friendship networks, including both their structural characteristics (e.g., size, density, and centrality) and their behavioral composition (e.g., friends' participation in deviant activities) to transmit the detrimental effects of residential mobility. We find that residentially-mobile adolescents exhibit higher rates of violent behavior compared to non-mobile adolescents. Although most of the impact of residential mobility on adolescent violence remains unexplained by the potential mediators, friends' involvement in deviance is by far the most important of the mechanisms that we consider.
PROP taster status interacts with the built environment to influence children's food acceptance and body weight status.

Objectives: Eating behaviors and obesity are complex phenotypes influenced by genes and the environment, but few studies have investigated the interaction of these two variables. The purpose of this study was to use a gene-environment interaction model to test for differences in children's food acceptance and body weights. Design and Methods: Inherited ability to taste 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP) was assessed as a marker of oral taste responsiveness. Food environment was classified as “healthy” or “unhealthy” based on proximity to outlets that sell fruits/vegetables and fast foods using Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The cohort consisted of 120 children, ages 4-6 years, recruited from New York City over 2005-2010. Home address and other demographic variables were reported by parents and PROP status, food acceptance, and anthropometrics were assessed in the laboratory. Based on a screening test, children were classified as PROP tasters or non-tasters. Hierarchical linear models analysis of variance was performed to examine differences in food acceptance and body mass index (BMI) z-scores as a function of PROP status, the food environment (“healthy” vs. “unhealthy”), and their interaction. Results and Conclusion: Results showed an interaction between taster status and the food environment on BMI z-score and food acceptance. Non-taster children living in healthy food environments had greater acceptance of vegetables than taster children living in healthy food environments (P ≤ 0.005). Moreover, non-tasters from unhealthy food environments had higher BMI z-scores than all other groups (P ≤ 0.005). Incorporating genetic markers of taste into studies that assess the built environment may improve the ability of these measures to predict risk for obesity and eating behaviors. Obesity (2012)
Sympathetic nervous system and PC12 pheochromocytoma-derived factors suppress stimulation of lymphocytes.

Abstract We have reported previously that ablation of the sympathetic nervous system augments immune responses in mice and rats. In the present study we show that a factor present in the sympathetic cervical ganglia of newborn rats suppresses Con A-induced stimulation of splenic T lymphocytes significantly whether added prior to, throughout, or following exposure to Con A. We also show that rat PC 12 phenochromocytoma cells secrete a factor which has the same inhibitory effect on T cell proliferation as the sympathetic ganglia-derived factor.
Time of day for exercise on blood pressure reduction in dipping and nondipping hypertension.

Time of day (TOD) for exercise may influence blood pressure (BP) reduction in hypertension because of the diurnal variation of BP and the duration of BP reduction following a single bout of exercise. The purpose of this study was to observe the effects of TOD for exercise on ambulatory blood pressure reduction in dipping (n=5) and nondipping (n=9) hypertension (<10% drop in nighttime BP (BPnight)). Hypotheses: (1) evening exercise (PMex) would exhibit a greater BPnight reduction in Non-Dippers than Dippers, (2) morning exercise (AMex) would exhibit similar daytime BP (BPday) reduction in Dippers and Non-Dippers, (3) AMex would exhibit greater 24 h BP (BP24 h) reduction than PMex in Dippers, and (4) AMex and PMex would exhibit similar BP24 h reduction in Non-Dippers. BP responses to AMex (0600–0800 h; 30 min at 50% VO2peak) and PMex (1700–1900 h) were compared to each control day in a randomized design. Systolic (S) and diastolic (D) BP were averaged for BP24 h, BPday, and BPnight. A two-way ANOVA (dipping X time of exercise) using BP reduction with repeated measures were performed at P<0.05. Findings: (1) Non-Dippers respond to exercise despite of TOD for exercise, (2) PMex exhibited a greater SBPnight reduction in Non-Dippers than Dippers, (3) AMex exhibited similar SBPday reductions in Dippers and Non-Dippers, and (4) AMex and PMex exhibited similar SBP24 h reduction in Dippers and Non-Dippers. Dippers and Non-Dippers respond differently to TOD for exercise. The duration of the BP reduction persists up to 24 h after exercise.
Functional magnetic resonance cholangiography (fMRC) of the gallbladder and biliary tree with contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance cholangiography.

Purpose To determine the diagnostic performance of functional magnetic resonance cholangiography (fMRC) for the evaluation of anatomic and functional biliary disorders. Materials and Methods At 1.5 T, 39 MR examinations with conventional MRC and mangafodipir trisodium-enhanced fMRC were retrospectively reviewed by three observers who recorded anatomic (duct dilation, stricture, filling defects) and functional (cholecystitis, obstruction) abnormalities in three modes: MRC alone, fMRC alone, and MRC and fMRC images together (combined-MRC). Performance was determined by comparing findings with each mode to findings of invasive cholangiography (IC) and surgery. Results Among 75 biliary segments (correlated with IC), the sensitivity/specificity for diagnosing dilation (N = 41) with MRC was 95%/97%; with fMRC, 90%/100%; with combined-MRC, 100%/97%. For stricture (N = 7), the sensitivity/specificity of MRC was 86%/98%; of fMRC, 43%/100%; of combined-MRC, 86%/100%. For filling defects (N = 9), the sensitivity/specificity of MRC was 91%/98%; of fMRC, 82%/100%; of combined-MRC, 91%/100%. For diagnosing obstruction (N = 9), the sensitivity/specificity of MRC, fMRC, and combined-MRC were 89%/100%, 100%/100%, and 100%/100%, respectively. For surgically proven cholecystitis (N = 13), positive predictive values for diagnosing acute/chronic cholecystitis for MRC were 33%/40%; for fMRC, 100%/50%; for combined-MRC, 100%/50%. Conclusion Although single-shot fast spin echo (SSFSE)-MRC is valuable, the addition of fMRC increased diagnostic performance for functional biliary disorders. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2003;18:449–460. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The evolution of ribonucleotide reduction revisited

Ribonucleotide reductases (RNRs) catalyze the conversion of both purine and pyrimidine nucleotides to deoxynucleotides in all organisms and provide all the monomeric precursors essential for both DNA replication and repair. RNRs have been divided into three classes on the basis of their unique metallo-cofactors. The exquisitely controlled free radical chemistry used by all RNRs, and the commonality of the structures of the subunits where the nucleotide reduction process occurs, together provide compelling evidence for the importance of chemistry in the divergent evolution of RNRs from a common progenitor.
Catabolite repression-resistant mutations of the Bacillus subtilis alpha-amylase promoter affect transcription levels and are in an operator-like sequence

Abstract The amyR1 locus controls the regulated transcription of amyE , the structural gene encoding alpha-amylase in Bacillus subtilis . Transcription of amyE is activated in early stationary phase cells, and can be repressed by rapidly metabolized carbon sources such as glucose. Transcription of amyE initiates in vitro from a promoter recognized by the major vegetative form of RNA polymerase, E σ 43 . S 1 nuclease mapping of in-vivo amylase transcripts suggests that this promoter is also used in vivo . Two independently isolated cis -acting mutations, gra-5 and gra-10 , which abolish glucose-mediated repression of amylase synthesis without altering temporal activation, were determined by DNA sequencing to result from a G · C to A · T transition at a position located five base-pairs downstream from the start site of transcription. While this is the first example of a site involved in catabolite repression of gene expression in a Gram-positive micro-organism, the region surrounding the gra mutations shows considerable homology to certain cis -acting regulatory loci in Escherichia coli , suggesting that such sequences have been evolutionarily conserved.
Normal Urinary Albumin Excretion in Recently Diagnosed Type 1 Diabetic Patients

The urinary excretion of albumin and retinol binding protein were measured in 51 recently diagnosed Type 1 diabetic patients and 48 control subjects, matched for age and sex. The diabetic patients, admitted consecutively to the Steno Memorial Hospital, were all studied 3 to 6 months after the onset of diabetes. Urinary albumin excretion (median and 95% confidence interval) was similar in the diabetic patients and normal control subjects (8 (6-11) vs 8 (6-11) mg 24-h-1, NS). Four diabetic patients had urinary albumin excretion in the microalbuminuric range of 30-300 mg 24-h-1. There was no significant difference between the two groups in urinary excretion of retinol binding protein. The distribution among the individuals of both urinary proteins was positively skewed and similar in the two groups. In conclusion, no significant differences in the urinary excretion of albumin and retinol binding protein were found between recently diagnosed Type 1 diabetic patients and normal subjects.
Tests of the parallelism of several regression surfaces based on rank-order estimates

Abstract We study a class of Wald-type tests for testing the parallelism of several regression surfaces. The tests, based on a quadratic form in rank-order estimates of regression parameters, are asymptotically distribution-free. These tests are compared with the classical normal theory test and the general likelihood ratio test as well as aligned rank-order tests for the same problem; the asymptotic relative efficiencies are givend, and the asymptotic (Wald) optimality is discussed.
The structure of directionally solidified two-phase Sn-Cd peritectic alloys

The structure of Sn-Cd two-phase peritectic alloys directionally solidified at various values ofG/υ (temperature gradient in the liquid divided by growth rate) is reported. The minimum value of G/υ as a function of composition required for the solidification of two-phase peritectic alloys with a planar liquid-solid interface is estimated using a simple constitutional supercooling stability criterion. At a value ofG/υ just below this minimum value, these alloys solidify with a nonplanar interface consisting of cells of α (the high temperature phase) and intercellularβ (the low temperature phase). This produces a coarse rod-like microstructure consisting of rods of α phase imbedded in aβ matrix. At a value ofG/υ above this minimum value, these alloys solidify with a planar interface which alternately deposits bands of α andβ transverse to the growth direction. No coupled growth of α andβ at a planar interface is observed in Sn-Cd two-phase peritectic alloys as was expected. To understand this, an analysis of coupled (eutectic-like) growth of two-phase peritectic alloys is presented and contrasted with the results of the Jackson-Hunt theory of lamellar eutectic growth. This calculation indicates that the coupled growth of two-phase peritectic alloys is unlikely on theoretical grounds.
Electro-optic polarization converter with programmable spectral output in lithium niobate

Abstract An electro-optic polarization converter with programmable spectral output produced on lithium niobate at the 1530 nm wavelength regime is reported. Programmability is achieved by applying spatially periodic weighted voltages on interdigital electrode sets to independently adjust the coupling coefficients, and is controlled electronically via a personal computer interface. The operation of a device with 16 electrode sets as a programmable tunable wavelength filter is demonstrated. The number of selectable channels depends on the number of electrode sets. A 3-dB bandwidth ∼1 nm and a tuning range of 10 nm are measured. Nearest side lobes ⩾18 dB below the main peak are realized with apodization.
Application of a nested loop system for the flow injection analysis of trace aqueous peroxides

The novel concept of a nested loop valve system wherein one injection valve is inserted within the loop of another has some unique benefits. This is demonstrated for part-per-billion level differential flow injection analysis of aqueous H/sub 2/O/sub 2/ and organic peroxides. 15 references, 3 figures.
Trends in Predicted Risk for Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Using the Pooled Cohort Risk Equations Among US Adults From 1999 to 2012

Risk assessment has become an important tool to assess an individual’s future risk for cardiovascular disease. Recently, the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) released a report that presented updated risk equations, the Pooled Cohort Risk Equations, for cardiovascular disease.1 Race and ethnicity-specific estimates were novel to the new risk equations. Because changes over time in predicted cardiovascular risk using these new risk equations have not been examined, our objectives were to (1) examine the trend in predicted 10-year cardiovascular risk using the new ACC/AHA Pooled Cohort Risk Equations and (2) estimate the potential for risk reduction by optimizing levels of cardiovascular risk factors.
Spiritual well-being of people with psychiatric disabilities: the role of religious attendance, social network size and sense of control.

The influence of psychiatric symptoms, religious attendance, social network size, and sense of control on spiritual well-being were investigated in a cross-sectional study using the Spirituality Index of Well-being. Forty-seven participants with psychiatric disabilities from six consumer-run organizations participated. A factor analysis result revealed two domains of spiritual well-being for people with psychiatric disabilities: self-perceptions regarding making sense of life (developing life purpose) and self-efficacy in obtaining life goals. Based on our regression analyses, religious attendance, expanding social network size, and having a sense of control over important areas of life may enhance spiritual well-being in spite of severity of psychiatric symptoms. Supporting mental health consumers who hope to be fully integrated into social and spiritual communities is important. Given the increased attention to consumers’ internal spiritual experiences in a recovery process, this study adds to knowledge about spirituality in the mental health field.
Effects of high but nontoxic dietary manganese and iron on their metabolism by calves.

Abstract Sixteen male Holstein calves were fed one of four diets for 18 days in an experiment consisting of 0 and 1000ppm supplemental manganese and 0 and 1000ppm added iron as manganese carbonate and ferrous carbonate. The control diet contained 55ppm manganese and 220ppm iron. All calves were dosed orally 48h prior to sacrifice with 500 μ Ci of manganese-54. Small intestinal iron was less in calves fed a high manganese diet, a possible interaction of these two elements at the absorption site. Feeding a high manganese diet tended to decrease iron (total) concentrations in liver and pancreas. When the high manganese diet was supplemented with additional iron, antagonistic effects of manganese on iron were eliminated. Neither iron nor manganese concentrations in tissues were affected by an increase of dietary iron. Manganese-54 content of tissue was reduced by the high manganese diet but was not affected by dietary iron. Total manganese and iron in feces fairly closely reflected dietary intake of each element with no evidence of interaction. Calves fed the high iron diet excreted less manganese-54 in their feces over 2 days. Total iron in blood serum was not affected significantly by the dietary treatments.
The interaction of sulfate and selenate (Se+6) effects on brine shrimp, Artemia SPP.

Abstract Sulfate has been shown to be antagonistic to selenate toxicity in aquatic organisms. Brine Shrimp, Artemia spp., flourish in evaporation ponds of the San Joaquin Valley which have selenium concentrations between 1 and 6,000 μg/l. The salinity is dominated by Na2SO4 rather than NaCl in these ponds. Brine shrimp raised in artificial seawater at 25°C exhibited a 96h LC50 of 0.006 mg/l selenate with sulfate levels at 0.05 mg/l. The LC50 for those in waters containing 14,000 mg/l sulfate was 81.97 mg/l selenate. Developmental assay results indicated that selenate had no effect on emergence or hatching of brine shrimp regardless of the sulfate concentration. However, selenate was lethal to nauplier larvae. Mortality was significantly reduced with increased sulfate concentration in the media.
Bradykinin B2 receptor antagonists: development and applications

La plupart des reponses physiologiques et physiopathologiques a la bradykinine sont induites par des recepteurs couples aux proteines G, appeles recepteurs B 2 . La decouverte d'antagonistes pour ces recepteurs a revolutionne la recherche dans le domaine des kinines. On discute de la chimie et de l'elaboration d'antagonistes pour les recepteurs B 2 . On presente des exemples d'utilisations dans la recherche biomedicale ainsi que des exemples d'applications potentielles en clinique.
Radio-carbon Dates and the Mayan Correlation Problem

IN two papers published in 1956 and I9601, Linton Satterthwaite, jun., presented his interpretation of radio carbon dates obtained from wood from Temples I and IV and Structure 10 at Tikal, Guatemala. He concluded that the Goodman–Thompson correlation of the Mayan and Christian calendars, or a variant thereof, should be accepted. In this communication, I propose to point out certain weaknesses in his basic assumptions, and to offer alternatives which, in my opinion, are as likely to be valid as his.
Tympanic membrane changes in central tympanic membrane perforations.

Abstract Purpose The objective of this study was to evaluate the histopathological changes in central tympanic membrane perforations caused by chronic otitis media without cholesteatoma. Materials and methods Twenty-nine temporal bones from 25 patients (13 male patients and 12 female patients) with central tympanic membrane perforations—18 chronic otitis media with perforation and 11 chronic otitis media with perforation caused by ventilation tubes—and 30 aged-matched normal temporal bones were included in this study. A scale was used to evaluate the extension of the migration of stratified squamous epithelium in the inner surface of the tympanic membrane. The thickness of tympanic membranes was measured halfway between the annular ligament and the perforation and compared with that of the normal bones. The presence of tympanosclerosis and papillary projections of squamous epithelium was also noted. Results The extension of the migration of stratified squamous epithelium in the inner surface of the tympanic membrane was observed in 11 of the 29 perforations (38%). The thickness of tympanic membranes was significantly different between the perforation groups and the control group. Of the 29 tympanic membranes, 13 (44%) had tympanosclerosis and 8 (28%) revealed papillary projections of squamous epithelium. Conclusions Our study shows that a central tympanic perforation should not merely be considered as a simple defect. Most of the tympanic membranes showed one or more signs of sequelae or persistent abnormalities such as tympanosclerosis, papillary projections, thickening, and ingrowth without significant differences between the 2 central perforation groups.
Reservoirs with spatially varying properties: estimation of volume from late transient pressure data

The transient pressure in a reservoir of arbitrary shape and spatially varying properties is expressed in terms of the eigenvalues and eigenfunctions of the region. Although these eigenvalues and eigenfunctions cannot be obtained analytically, except in homogeneous reservoirs of regular shape, the structure of the solution allows the estimation of the pore volume in the general case using data in the pseudosteady or the late-transient period. A least-squares analysis of late transient data is presented which yields, in addition to the pore volume, the first eigenvalue, which can often be related to reservoir properties. Numerical examples are given using simulated data from a rectangular 4 x 1 reservoir with constant permeability and with spatially varying permeability.
The Mechanism of Nucleosome Spacing by a Dimeric Chromatin Remodeling Enzyme

Transcriptional regulation and cellular differentiation involve changes in the structure, composition and post-translational modification state of chromatin, the material that packages the eukaryotic genome. Changes to chromatin structure require the action of chromatin remodeling enzymes, protein complexes that use the energy of ATP hydrolysis to move, disassemble or deposit nucleosomes. Despite their central importance to chromatin biology, the mechanism by which chromatin remodelers break histone-DNA contacts and reposition nucleosomes remains largely unknown. Our work focuses on ACF, a human chromatin remodeler that establishes even spacing between adjacent nucleosomes. ACF spaces nucleosomes by sensing the length of linker DNA flanking each nucleosome and preferentially moving toward the side with longer DNA. Recently, we have shown that two copies of ACF bind each nucleosome, one on either side, suggesting a model in which the two motors take turns translocating in one direction or the other. These findings raise two unanswered questions: 1) How is the core DNA translocase activity of ACF regulated in response to linker DNA? and 2) How do two copies of ACF coordinate their activities to allow directional movement of a single nucleosome? To address these questions we have studied SNF2h, the motor subunit of ACF, using biochemical, spectroscopic and structural approaches. We have identified a conformational change in the linker DNA-binding domain of SNF2h that is coupled to its catalytic cycle. Moreover, we have used protein engineering and targeted mutagenesis to probe the communication between two motors bound to the same nucleosome. We will present our latest progress toward understanding how the two motor subunits respond to linker DNA and coordinate their actions to enable nucleosome spacing.
Correlation between ischemic metabolism and postischemic cardiac function

Abstract Five methods of myocardial protection were compared in their ability to preserve left ventricular function after 90 min of global ischemia. A new concept, center of mass of the ventricular function curve, is introduced to allow mathematical and statistical comparison of left ventricular function curves. The combination of potassium cardioplegia and either moderate (28°C) or profound (11°C) hypothermia restored left ventricular function to 86–90% (28°C) and 95% (11°C) of its preischemic level. Hypothermia alone was ineffective in preventing severe deterioration of function. Hypothermia works by slowing metabolism and potassium ensures rapid electromechanical arrest. Since they work by different effector mechanisms, the effects of hypothermia and potassium cardioplegia are additive.
ON THE POSSIBLE ORIGIN OF THE LARGE SCALE COSMIC MAGNETIC FIELD

The possibility that the large scale cosmic magnetic field is directly generated at microgauss, equipartition levels during the reionization epoch by collisionless shocks that are forced to satisfy a downstream shear flow boundary condition is investigated through the development of two models—the accretion of an ionized plasma onto a weakly ionized cool galactic disk and onto a cool filament of the cosmic web. The dynamical structure and the physical parameters of the models are synthesized from recent cosmological simulations of the early reionization era after the formation of the first stars. The collisionless shock stands upstream of the disk and filament, and its dissipation is determined by ion inertial length Weibel turbulence. The downstream shear boundary condition is determined by the rotational neutral gas flow in the disk and the inward accretion flow along the filament. The shocked plasma is accelerated to the downstream shear flow velocity by the Weibel turbulence, and the relative shearing motion between the electrons and ions produces a strong, ion inertial scale current sheet that generates an equipartition strength, large scale downstream magnetic field, ~10–6 G for the disk and ~6 × 10–8 G for the filament. By assumption, hydrodynamic turbulence transports the shear-shock generated magnetic flux throughout the disk and filament volume.